Walchand Hirachand Doshi was an Indian industrialist and the founder of the Walchand group. He established India's first modern shipyard, first aircraft factory and first car factory; he also established construction companies, sugarcane plantations, sugar factories, confectioneries, engineering companies and many other businesses.

Premier Ltd was an Indian automotive manufacturer company, based in Mumbai. The company was owned by the Walchand Group and was established by Walchand Hirachand as Premier Automobiles Ltd (PAL) in 1944 with the encouragement and support of Sir. M. Visvesvaraya. The company was founded in 1903 as Walchand-Phatak Co. Later on, the name was changed to TATA Constructions. Further, after the exit of TATA's name was again changed to Premier which was engaged in work of contract & construction business. In October 1947, Premier Ltd manufactured the first Indian made trucks and cars rolled out onto the streets of independent India. Premier is well-known for its Premier Padmini which ruled the Indian car market and its popularity peaked during 1970s and 80s.