The IPL (Indian Premier League) started in 2008, and ever since, it has been more than just a cricket tournament, it’s full-on entertainment! The stadium buzz, sixes flying in the air, and last-over thrillers make every IPL season unforgettable.
But there’s one thing you must have noticed every season the official IPL Car. Whether it’s parked at the edge of the field, gifted to the “Super Striker of the Season,” or shining on screen during matches, the IPL car grabs massive attention. From Volkswagen to Tata Motors, several automakers have turned IPL into a prime marketing platform.
Let’s explore the amazing journey of the official IPL cars, why automakers sponsor IPL, and how it benefits their brand.
Table of Contents
Why Do Car Makers Sponsor the IPL?
1. Massive Audience Reach
The IPL is not just a tournament, it’s a global festival of cricket, watched by over 200 million viewers across all age groups every season.
- When a car becomes the official IPL car, it gets non-stop exposure across:
- Live TV broadcasts
- Stadium branding
- Digital platforms
- Association with top cricketers
Result: The car brand reaches millions of homes instantly boosting recognition and recall.
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2. Emotional Connection & Aspirational Value
In India, cricket is an emotion, and brands leverage this beautifully.
- When fans see their favorite cricketers around a car like Virat Kohli beside the Tata Nexon it builds a deep emotional bond.
- This transforms the car into an aspirational product.
- People think: “If my favorite player drives this car, I want it too!”
Brands smartly ride this emotional wave to expand their market presence.
3. Powerful Social Messaging
Brands have used IPL not just for ads, but for social impact.
For example, in IPL 2023, Tata Motors pledged:
“Every time the ball hits the Tiago EV on the field, ₹5 lakh will be donated for tree plantations.”
This campaign boosted Tata’s image as an eco-friendly and socially responsible brand. It proved that IPL is not just about winning matches, it’s about winning hearts and markets too.
How Are The Official IPL Car Awarded?
If you’ve watched IPL closely, you know that the best performers often receive a brand-new car during the grand finale.
- Special awards like “Super Striker of the Season” include an IPL car as the prize.
- This award goes to the player with the highest strike rate throughout the tournament.
- In IPL 2024, for instance, Jake Fraser-McGurk won a Tata Punch EV.
- The official IPL car handover happens during the closing ceremony, in front of a national audience.
Brand Benefit:
- Mass visibility on live TV
- Association with player excellence
- A powerful marketing moment that sticks in public memory
Read Also: Why the Discontinued Ford EcoSport is Still Ruling the Used SUV Market in 2025
Complete List of Official IPL Cars (2011–2025)
Let’s take a season-by-season look at the iconic IPL cars:
Volkswagen Vento – IPL 2011 & 2012
- The first-ever official IPL car
- Special IPL Editions with rear screens, navigation & branding
- Even the Polo got an IPL Edition with sporty features
Maruti Vitara Brezza – IPL 2016
- Maruti’s premium compact SUV with 90 PS power
- Known for its 4-star Global NCAP safety rating
Tata Nexon – IPL 2018
- Tata’s official entry into IPL sponsorship
- Sub-4 metre SUV with petrol & diesel options
- Later, the Nexon EV became a national hit
Tata Harrier – IPL 2019
- Bold design, 2.0L diesel engine, 170 PS power
- Launched initially with manual, later got automatic transmission
Tata Altroz – IPL 2020
- Stylish premium hatchback launched during COVID
- Sold 50,000+ units in its first year
Tata Safari – IPL 2021
- Flagship 3-row SUV
- Gold Edition launched with exclusive golden accents and white leather interiors
Tata Punch Kaziranga Edition – IPL 2022
- A tribute to Kaziranga National Park
- One unit auctioned for rhino conservation efforts
Tata Tiago EV – IPL 2023
- Every ball that hit the car earned ₹5 lakh donation for Karnataka tree plantations
- A true blend of EV awareness and environmental impact
Tata Punch EV – IPL 2024
- Car awarded to ‘Electric Striker of the Season’ – Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Also featured in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024
Tata Curvv – IPL 2025
- The most futuristic IPL car yet!
- SUV-coupe design with EV, petrol, and diesel options
- EV range of 500+ km
- Brand ambassador: Vicky Kaushal
- Tata Curvv the official IPL car winner is Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Conclusion: IPL Cars Are More Than Just Prizes
The official IPL Car is not just a trophy; it’s a symbol of performance, innovation, and brand power. From the first Volkswagen Vento to the latest Tata Curvv, every IPL season has introduced a car that became part of cricketing history.
Whether you’re a car lover, a cricket fanatic, or just a curious viewer, the next time you see a shiny car at an IPL match, know that it’s driving more than just wheels. It’s steering a powerful marketing engine.