While billionaires across the globe flaunt fleets of Ferraris and Rolls-Royces, the “Czar of Indian IT” prefers vehicles that champion value over vanity. Here’s a look at the cars that define his legendary frugality.
When you think of a multi-billionaire’s car collection, your mind probably conjures images of sprawling garages, gleaming chrome, and the roar of a V12 engine. You might picture the latest Lamborghini, a vintage Aston Martin, or a custom-built Rolls-Royce.
Now, take that image, crumple it up, and toss it in the bin. We’re about to dive into the garage of Azim Premji, a man with a net worth in the billions, whose automobile choices are a masterclass in simplicity and practicality.
The founder of Wipro and one of India’s most generous philanthropists, Azim Premji has built a legendary reputation for his frugal lifestyle. He famously monitors the number of tissues used in Wipro offices and prefers to fly economy. It should come as no surprise, then, that his car collection is less of a “collection” and more of a practical selection of reliable vehicles.
Let’s take a look at the cars that have chauffeured this iconic business leader.
The Philosophy: Reliability Over Roar
For Azim Premji, a car is not a status symbol. It’s a tool—a means to get from Point A to Point B safely, reliably, and efficiently. His choices reflect a deep-seated belief in value for money, a principle that not only guided his business empire but also his personal life. He invests in engineering and longevity, not brand cachet and head-turning aesthetics.
The Cars: A Fleet of Common Sense
While information about his current daily driver is kept private, here are the vehicles that have been most famously associated with him over the years.
1. The Trusty Toyota Corolla
Perhaps the most famous car associated with Mr. Premji is his humble Toyota Corolla. For years, this was his go-to vehicle. The Corolla is globally renowned for three things: reliability, low maintenance costs, and excellent fuel efficiency.
- Why it makes sense: Choosing a Corolla is the ultimate statement of practicality. It’s a car for the masses, chosen by a man of immense means. It signals that his priorities lie far beyond material possessions. It’s a dependable workhorse that simply gets the job done, day in and day out—much like the ethos he instilled at Wipro.
2. The Sturdy Ford Escort
Going further back, one of the most enduring stories about Azim Premji’s frugality involves his Ford Escort. It’s reported that he used this car for many years, long after he could have afforded any luxury vehicle on the planet. This second-hand sedan was his faithful companion, a testament to his principle of using an asset to its fullest potential before replacing it.
3. A Touch of German Engineering: The Mercedes-Benz
According to several reports, Azim Premji eventually upgraded to a Mercedes-Benz. However, true to his nature, it wasn’t a flashy, top-of-the-line S-Class Maybach. It was a modest, pre-owned Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
- The Practical Splurge: Even when opting for a luxury brand known for its safety and comfort, he chose a second-hand model. An E-Class is a robust, safe, and comfortable executive sedan, but buying it used is a classic Premji move—enjoying superior engineering without bearing the brunt of first-owner depreciation.
What’s NOT in the Garage?
What truly defines the Azim Premji car collection is what it lacks.
- No Supercars: You won’t find a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Bugatti.
- No Ultra-Luxury Limos: There are no reports of him owning a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Bentley Mulsanne.
- No Fleet of Exotics: His garage is not a museum of expensive toys.
The absence of these vehicles is a deliberate choice. The money saved by not splurging on extravagant cars is channeled towards a much greater cause.
The Real Investment: Philanthropy
Azim Premji’s humble lifestyle has a powerful purpose. He has pledged the majority of his wealth to philanthropy, committing over $21 billion to the Azim Premji Foundation, which works to improve education in India.
Every rupee saved by driving a Corolla instead of a Rolls-Royce is a rupee that can be used to educate a child, train a teacher, or build a better future for the country. His car collection isn’t just a statement of personal preference; it’s a reflection of his priorities.
In a world obsessed with opulence, Azim Premji’s garage is a powerful reminder that the true measure of wealth isn’t what you own, but what you give back. His legacy isn’t written in chrome and horsepower, but in the millions of lives he has transformed.