Indian auto major, Tata motor's popular 407 (407, or Char Sau Saath) model has completed 25 years in the Indian Market.

The company had launched the 407 models in 1986 and has sold more than 500,000 units in the country. The 407 brand is still the leading player in the light commercial vehicle (3.5-7.5 tonne) category in the Indian market and has a market share of about 70 per cent.

The 407 has won several recognitions and awards in the last two and half decades. It allowed the company to compete in the LCV market and created substantial market share. The whole 407 brand has seen a lot of transformation and today the company offers 15-20 models on 407 platform.

The Indian market was dominated by Japanese players including Toyota, Mitsubishi and Mazda between 1984 and 1986, but this changed with the launch of the Tata vehicle. Bajaj, Mahindra and Standard were also present in the market segment at the time.

Ravi Pisharody, president, commercial vehicle business unit, Tata Motors, said, "There was a view that Tata Motors was late in entering the segment. The company worked overtime to create products that are suited for Indian requirements and road conditions."

He also said that company used local development and offered lower cost products and was able to create a market share in the country.