We’re just getting started.
Just like each day, since 40 years.
For over 40 years, Popular Group has been a trusted name in the automotive industry and beyond. Our journey began as part of the esteemed Kuttukaran Group, and over the decades, we’ve established a legacy of excellence, dependability, and unwavering trust. Today, we stand as a forward-thinking firm with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs, our partners’ expectations, and the values that define us as we continually strive to grow and expand.
Our Commitment to Dependability
At the core of our ethos lies “Dependability.” It’s more than a virtue; it’s our promise. We have built our reputation on trust, transparency and quality, ensuring that every interaction with us reflects dependability. We are your dependable partner in growth, providing innovative solutions without compromise. With an unwavering commitment to quality, our operational efficiency eliminates ambiguity, ensuring predictability of outcomes.
Our Legacy
The Popular Group, as we know it today, was founded by Mr. Saju K Thomas in 2000. Our humble beginnings with Popular Bajaj, built on the experience of our Chairman and Managing Director, helped us understand the automotive industry better. With an unhindered focus on growth without compromising on quality, trust and reliability, Mr. Saju persevered to grow the Group through partnerships with some of the biggest automotive brands in the country.
What we have today, is the realisation of an entrepreneur, determined to transform the industry, keeping the three pillars of our promise to our customers intact. And this would not have been possible without the focused effort put in by every person who has worked with the Popular Group.
Mr. Saju K Thomas
“A business is only as good as the people who make it. Great business ideas can fail if people working with the business do not have a sense of ownership”
Mr. Saju K Thomas
Building on Our Legacy
Always a believer in the promise that future holds, Mr. Thomas introduced the next generation of entrepreneurs to the Popular Group. Mr. Thomas K Saju joined the Group in 2015 and Mr. George K Saju joined in 2019.
The experience of our long-standing leadership team and new perspectives brought by this new generation of entrepreneurs has accelerated our pace on the path of growth. Whether it is exploring new businesses, business models, employing new technology to help our people make better use of their skills or other aspects of the business, this new synergy has helped us deliver even better experience to our customers.
Our Story
PMV changes gears and launches a slew on new platforms and brands, expanding our outlook in the automotive space. LUXE Cars is launched to bring pre-owned luxury cars to those who love them.
We foray into the multi-brand four-wheeler after-sales service segment through DART.
A key expansion segment is tapped for digital transformation services, to bring the power of cloud to industry segments that can benefit immensely from DX services.
Our Uber operations and employee mobility solutions also come into play.
A new chapter in geographical diversification begins.
We expand beyond our time-tested territories of Kerala and Karnataka to Tamil Nadu through not one but two dealerships.
We establish Popular Bajaj at Chennai to serve the customers of Bajaj Auto in Chennai.
In the same year, we establish ‘Marina Harley Davidson’ the dealership for Harley Davidson Motorcycles in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
We continue to build on our 24-year long relationship with Bajaj Auto through dealerships for KTM & Kawasaki motorcycles at Allepey, Kochi.
This is also the year that we venture into the territory of construction equipment with the dealership for JCB India Ltd. for their earthmoving, construction, and industrial equipment in central and south Kerala as Popular JCB.
The Austrian motorcycling giant, KTM, enters India through a joint-venture with Bajaj Auto and we established the first dealership for the brand in Mysore, Karnataka.
At the same time, we also get into a partnership as dealers for Kawasaki motorcycles in Mysore, Karnataka. The brand had entered the India market in 2009,
A new beginning unfolds.
Mr. Saju K Thomas establishes “Popular Group” under the banner of ‘Popular Motor Corporation (PMC)’ in Bangalore.
The group begins with dealerships for Bajaj Auto at Cochin in Kerala & Bangalore in Karnataka.
The seasoned entrepreneur in Mr. Thomas dons the role of a new entrepreneur, 20 years after building a huge business.
The group takes great strides under the leadership of Mr. Thomas and establishes the dealership for TATA Commercial Vehicles under the banner of “Popular Mega Motors India Limited”.
By 2000, the Kuttukaran Group under the leadership of Mr. Saju K Thomas has grown in the automobile retail sector to a turnover of Rs. 300 crores and an employee strength of 2,600.
With a decade of delivering value to the brand and excellent customer service to customers of Bajaj, the group diversifies into the four-wheeler market with its first dealership for Toyota passenger cars under the firm “Motor World Limited,” popularly known as Nandi Toyota, in Bangalore. The dealership is also home to “Toyota U Trust” to offer certified used cars to our customers.
A relationship that was kindled in 1984 comes home in a big way in 1999.
Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd. (PVS) is formed with Mr. Thomas as the Managing Director. Mr. Thomas brings in a professional method of delivering customer experience with the “Popular Unlimited Car Care Package”. This approach was recognised by Maruti Udyog as a unique after-sales initiative.
In the years to follow, PVS becomes the largest dealer for Maruti vehicles in India, selling around 8000 vehicles and servicing 75,000 every year.
Mr. Saju K Thomas joins the family business at the “KUTTUKARAN” Group. The group had interests in automobile spare parts (Popular Automobiles), engineering equipment (Popular Mill Stores), engine rebuilding (Popular Garage), and automotive machine manufacturing unit (Kuttukaran Machine Tools) with a strong presence in South India, Delhi & Bombay.
PMV changes gears and launches a slew on new platforms and brands, expanding our outlook in the automotive space. LUXE Cars is launched to bring pre-owned luxury cars to those who love them.
We foray into the multi-brand four-wheeler after-sales service segment through DART.
A key expansion segment is tapped for digital transformation services, to bring the power of cloud to industry segments that can benefit immensely from DX services.
Our Uber operations and employee mobility solutions also come into play.
A new chapter in geographical diversification begins.
We expand beyond our time-tested territories of Kerala and Karnataka to Tamil Nadu through not one but two dealerships.
We establish Popular Bajaj at Chennai to serve the customers of Bajaj Auto in Chennai.
In the same year, we establish ‘Marina Harley Davidson’ the dealership for Harley Davidson Motorcycles in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
We continue to build on our 24-year long relationship with Bajaj Auto through dealerships for KTM & Kawasaki motorcycles at Allepey, Kochi.
This is also the year that we venture into the territory of construction equipment with the dealership for JCB India Ltd. for their earthmoving, construction, and industrial equipment in central and south Kerala as Popular JCB.
The Austrian motorcycling giant, KTM, enters India through a joint-venture with Bajaj Auto and we established the first dealership for the brand in Mysore, Karnataka.
At the same time, we also get into a partnership as dealers for Kawasaki motorcycles in Mysore, Karnataka. The brand had entered the India market in 2009,
A new beginning unfolds.
Mr. Saju K Thomas establishes “Popular Group” under the banner of ‘Popular Motor Corporation (PMC)’ in Bangalore.
The group begins with dealerships for Bajaj Auto at Cochin in Kerala & Bangalore in Karnataka.
The seasoned entrepreneur in Mr. Thomas dons the role of a new entrepreneur, 20 years after building a huge business.
The group takes great strides under the leadership of Mr. Thomas and establishes the dealership for TATA Commercial Vehicles under the banner of “Popular Mega Motors India Limited”.
By 2000, the Kuttukaran Group under the leadership of Mr. Saju K Thomas has grown in the automobile retail sector to a turnover of Rs. 300 crores and an employee strength of 2,600.
With a decade of delivering value to the brand and excellent customer service to customers of Bajaj, the group diversifies into the four-wheeler market with its first dealership for Toyota passenger cars under the firm “Motor World Limited,” popularly known as Nandi Toyota, in Bangalore. The dealership is also home to “Toyota U Trust” to offer certified used cars to our customers.
A relationship that was kindled in 1984 comes home in a big way in 1999.
Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd. (PVS) is formed with Mr. Thomas as the Managing Director. Mr. Thomas brings in a professional method of delivering customer experience with the “Popular Unlimited Car Care Package”. This approach was recognised by Maruti Udyog as a unique after-sales initiative.
In the years to follow, PVS becomes the largest dealer for Maruti vehicles in India, selling around 8000 vehicles and servicing 75,000 every year.
Mr. Saju K Thomas joins the family business at the “KUTTUKARAN” Group. The group had interests in automobile spare parts (Popular Automobiles), engineering equipment (Popular Mill Stores), engine rebuilding (Popular Garage), and automotive machine manufacturing unit (Kuttukaran Machine Tools) with a strong presence in South India, Delhi & Bombay.
Our Businesses
Popular Motor Corporation
Popular Motor Corporation (PMC) was established in 2002 as a registered Partnership firm under the jurisdiction of the Registrar of Firms in Karnataka, with Mr. Saju K. Thomas serving as the Managing Partner. Following a business separation from the Kuttukaran Group, Mr. Saju K. Thomas secured the Bajaj dealership from Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd. This dealership was subsequently transferred to PMC, encompassing operations in both Kerala and Karnataka.
In 2014, PMC achieved another milestone by securing the dealership for KTM Two-wheelers. Furthermore, during the same year, PMC was granted the prestigious JCB dealership, which encompassed the distribution of earthmoving, industrial, and construction equipment across nine districts in Central and South Kerala.
Motor World Private Limited - Nandi Toyota
Motor World Limited was originally incorporated as a limited company in 1999 under the leadership of Mr. K.P. Paul as the main promoter. In 2002, there was a change in directorship when Mr. K.P. Paul resigned, and Mr. Saju K. Thomas, Mrs. Sheila Saju (Mr. Saju K. Thomas’ wife), and Mrs. Elsy Thomas (the mother of Saju K. Thomas) assumed directorial roles within the company.
The company proudly holds the authorization as a dealer for Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, encompassing their comprehensive range of passenger cars. Commencing its business operations in January 2000, the company established a 3S facility located at Kudulu Gate, Hosur Road, Bangalore. Subsequently, it expanded its footprint with the addition of a 1S facility at Museum Road and another 3S facility at Kanakpura Road, Bangalore. In March 2012, the company underwent a transformation into a Private Limited Company while retaining its existing ownership structure. Following this transition, Elsy Thomas stepped down from the directorial board.
Today, the company operates three showrooms and boasts an impressive average monthly sales volume of 600 vehicles, capturing a substantial market share of 42%. Supporting its clientele, the company maintains six service centers, servicing approximately 375 vehicles daily. In addition to vehicle sales, the company also offers Toyota parts and accessories and retails Toyota certified used cars through Toyota U Trust, providing a comprehensive automotive solution to its valued customers.
Popular Motor World Private Limited - Popular Hyundai
As one of the distinguished Hyundai dealerships in the nation, Popular Hyundai operates across the picturesque state of Kerala, encompassing the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alapuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Calicut, and Malappuram.
Our primary objective at Popular Hyundai is to serve as a comprehensive solution for all your automotive needs. Whether you are in the market to buy, sell, or service your vehicle, require assistance with financing, insurance, or accessories, we aim to deliver the finest car ownership experience to every customer. We have diligently provided extensive information about our products and services to empower you in making the best choices to meet your specific requirements.
Our journey with Hyundai began in 2003 when Hyundai Motor India Ltd granted us the dealership rights for their products in the central Kerala districts, which include Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Alleppey. Initially, this dealership was awarded to Popular Motor Corporation, and in January 2004, we proudly inaugurated our first showroom and service center in Kottayam. Subsequently, we established a new entity named Popular Motor World Private Ltd., exclusively dedicated to managing the Hyundai dealership business.
In 2011, Hyundai Motor India Limited honored us with our sixth dealership, situated in Perinthalmanna within the Malappuram District, further expanding our presence. At present, we are privileged to operate seven Hyundai dealerships, making us the exclusive group with this distinction across India.
Popular Motor Ventures
Popular Motor Ventures (PMV) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Popular Group, building growth engines for the group in the extended market opportunities in the automotive space. Through PMV, the group is expanding into the entire value chain associated with the automobile market – pre-owned luxury cars, multi-brand automotive servicing solutions and establishing technology services and platforms firm based on data analytics for the industry, are a few such initiatives undertaken by PMV.
East-Coast Motors - Marina Harley-Davidson
Marina Harley-Davidson is a distinguished destination that celebrates the iconic Harley-Davidson brand and motorcycle culture. Our world-class showroom features the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles, each a testament to the brand’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. We are a registered partnership firm, operating under the provisions of the Partnership Act of 1932. Our primary focus is to oversee the dealership business on behalf of HD Motor Company India Private Limited, encompassing their comprehensive lineup of Harley Davidson Motorcycles in the state of Tamil Nadu.