Here Are Our Five Key Moments Of 2021

We’ve reached the final day of 2021 before heading into 2022 and it's been quite an eventful one. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rear its ugly head, a lot of things transpired which included the world slowly opening up in a pandemic era, the rise of a segment, as well as a major carmaker winding down its India innings. Here’s five key moments of 2021:

SUVs Rule The Roost

SUVs were already beginning to gain steam in the Indian automotive industry in recent years, but 2021 saw the limelight shine solely on them. We had new launches in pretty much every sub-category ranging from budget-friendly offerings, large people-movers to opulent beasts as well as electric vehicles. Since we were spoiled for choice this year, we picked 10 such launches that caught our eye.

The Rise Of EVs

We had governments introduce new incentives and schemes to push the adoption of electric vehicles and also had a slew of new models show up in India in different segments. Sure, most of the models launched were from premium luxury brands, but it is a positive sign for the growth of EVs in the country. Our detailed report covers everything you need to know about the new and updated electric vehicles launched this year.

End Of An Era

After a long innings in India since 1995, which also came with a long period of losses and a lack of growth in the Indian market, Ford dropped a bombshell by pulling the plug on vehicle manufacturing at their plants in Chennai and Sanand. This means that the carmaker’s current India lineup of Figo, Aspire, Freestyle, EcoSport and Endeavour will eventually cease to exist as dealer stocks run out, and no new products will be introduced for the mass market. That being said, Ford will offer niche iconic import models like the Mustang and the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV but at select dealerships only. 

The World Opens Up

While we are still in an ongoing pandemic, the world adapted and began opening up this year with restrictions slowly being lifted. That meant we finally got to explore the great outdoors again. We began with Honda’s 10th edition of the Drive to Discover fest where we embarked on a three-day road trip across the sky-high ghats of Chikmagalur, open highways to the coastline, and culminated at the traveller’s paradise, Goa.  

We also tested the Mahindra Thar’s off-road prowess right from tackling dunes in Rajasthan at Mahindra’s Royal Escape, to exploring Arunachal Pradesh’s unspoilt snow-clad dawn-lit peaks at the Trans Arunachal Drive. 2021 culminated with the fifth edition of Hyundai’s Great India Drive where we cruised through Agra as well as the picturesque mountain tops of Manali. 

India In The Motorsport Arena 

2021 had the Indian tricolor flying high both in the international and domestic motorsport arena. Jehan Daruvala flew the flag in Formula 2 with more wins in his second season, with Arjun Maini scoring a maiden podium in his rookie DTM season. Kyle Kumaran made Indian karting history at the Rotax-Max Grand Finals being the first Indian to score a podium finish in second place in the DD2 category. 

Back home, there was a landmark moment for Indian motorsport with the launch of the Formula Regional Indian Championship. This new FIA-certified championship is promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, and will have three categories, namely Formula Regional India F3, F4 Indian Championship, and the Indian Racing League. 

The best part is that the F3 and F4 series reward you with FIA superlicense points which are crucial to qualify for an FIA superlicense and be eligible to compete in Formula One. Racing action kicks off in 2022 and as things stand on paper, the Formula Regional Indian championship seems to have the potential to make a huge impact in creating long-term opportunities in Indian motorsport.