This refers to the editorial "End of the road" (June 1). It is sad that the Ambassador, the nation's staple carrier from the 1950s, is finally stabled. It had optimised automobile technology prevalent then to cater to the Indian family ethos of robust spaciousness. The lack of competition was evident as its boot door developed over time deeper curves due to unreplaced and ageing moulds and the ensuing gap was managed with thicker rubber beading. The customer had to take this in his stride. Its simple engine layout was friendly and an owner could attend to minor snags easily. Its spartan class of spares available in roadside repair shops gave added reassurance during long journeys.
The Maruti 800, equally down to earth, had retired months earlier. The new-era cars are so complicated that most users would only know their mechanic's phone number and little else about their car. With the passing of the Amby and Maruti 800, the car is no more a friend but a costly slave.
R Narayanan Ghaziabad
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