Premier Sigma History

After ceasing passenger-car production, Premier restarted operations in November 2004 with the Sigma: a small diesel-powered van based on a 1980s Mitsubishi Varica design licensed through China Motor in Taiwan. The vehicle was assembled from CKD kits at Premier's Chinchwad plant in Pune. Early production used a Hindustan-built 2.0-litre Isuzu diesel unit producing 58 hp, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, and the van was offered in five-to-nine-seat configurations.

By late 2009 the Sigma's engine was updated to a 1.5-litre IDI diesel (available with or without a turbocharger) or a CNG-powered 1.8-litre 4ZB1, both still manufactured by Hindustan. The Sigma gave Premier a foothold in the commercial and fleet segment and remained in production until Premier's bankruptcy filing in December 2018, making it the longest-running product in the company's post-2000 era.