Tata Nano Diesel

Tata Prima Diesel, Petrol

Tata Indicruz

Tata Dolphin

Tata Nano Hybrid

Tata Pixel

Tata Indica Vista Electric

Tata Megapixel

Tata Nano CNG

Tata Indica

Tata Indica V2 Turbo

Tata Indigo

Tata Indigo CS

Tata Indigo Marina

Tata Indigo XL

Tata Motors 

Tata Motors Limited is India's largest automobile company and considered the leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles. This automobile giant has released winning products in the top three vehicles segments, namely compact, mid-size and utility vehicle. As per Tata Motors company information, it is the fourth largest truck and third largest bus manufacturer in the world. Tata Motors employs over 25,000 employees, which are guided by the vision - “Best in the manner in which we operate, best in the products we deliver, and best in our value system and ethics."

Established in the year 1945, Tata Motors company cuts the length and breadth of India. The first model of Tata Motors was rolled out in the year 1954, with over 5.9 million vehicles plying on Indian roads today. The manufacturing units of this company are based in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Pantnagar (Uttarakhand), Sanand (Gujarat) and Dharwad (Karnataka). Moreover, its assembly units are also based in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand.

Despite the success in manufacturing commercial vehicles, Tata Motors diversified its portfolio and began to look at other products. Thereafter, the firm started manufacturing small cars and, in the year 1998, launched Tata Indica and Tata Safari. 

Tata Motors company forged a strategic alliance with Fiat in the year 2005, which directed it to build cars and powertains at Ranjangaon (Maharashtra). The dealership, sales, service and spare parts network of the company currently stands at 3500+ locations across the country. Tata Motors also distributed and marketed Fiat branded car in India under a 50:50 partnership.   

Tata Motors Limited is a dual-listed company, which is listed on Bombay Stock Exchange as well as New York Stock Exchange. In the year 2005, it was ranked among the top ten corporations in India, with annual revenue exceeding Rs. 32,000 crores. In 2010, Tata Motors company left Reliance behind to acquire the coveted title of “India's Most Valuable Brand” in an annual survey conducted by The Economic Times and Brand Finance.

Tata Motors History

Tata Motors is a multinational corporation, with its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Tata Motors company was established in the year 1945 and commenced operations by manufacturing locomotives. The first vehicle to come out of Tata Motors' stables was a commercial one. It was rolled out in the year 1954 in collaboration with Daimler-Benz, though this alliance met its end in the year 1969. In the year 1971, the company introduced DI engines, which were a great success at that time. 

Tata Motors started manufacturing heavy commercial vehicles in 1983, thus expanding its business manifolds. Followed by considerable success that it experienced, the company produced first hydraulic excavator in collaboration with Hitachi in the year 1985. Thereafter, it focussed on the production of its first light commercial vehicle 'Tata 407', which was followed by 'Tata 608'. In the year 1991, Tata Motors company launched its first indigenous passenger car, 'Tata Sierra'. During the same year, Tata Motors produced a giant crane called TAC 20 and sold its 1 millionth vehicle.

The company signed a joint venture with Cummins Engine Co. Inc. for the production of high horsepower and emission friendly diesel engines in the year 1993. Tata Motors again signed a joint venture with Daimler Benz in the year 1994 for the production of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in India. In 1994, Tata Motors also signed a joint venture with Tata Holset Ltd., UK for production of turbochargers that were to be used in Cummins engines.

In the year 1998, Tata Safari was launched, which was India's first sports utility vehicle. The same year saw the launch of Tata Indica, which delivered in terms of efficiency and fuel economy. 2000 was another eventful year for Tata Motors, as it saw the launch of CNG buses, Euro II / BS2 compliant diesel and petrol variants of Indica. Moreover, this company also revealed utility vehicles equipped with engines that complied with Euro II / BS2 norms.

In the year 2004, Tata Motors acquired Daewoo's truck manufacturing unit, which is now known as Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle in South Korea. During 2005, it acquired 21 per cent of Hispano Carrocera, a Spanish company, thus gaining its controlling rights. In the year 2007, Tata Motors company started a joint venture with Brazilian firm called Marcopolo and launched low floor buses in the Indian market. 

According to Tata Motors profile, the company acquired Jaguar Land Rover, which also includes brands like Daimler and Lanchester. In the year 2010, Tata Motors company acquired 80 per cent stake in Italy-based Trillix, a prominent designing and engineering firm. Tata Motors paid an amount of Euros 1.85 million in order to buyout the firm. Objective of the Indian automobile giant behind acquiring this R&D company was to enhance the styling and designing capabilities of its vehicles to global standards.

Tata Motors Founder

Tata Motors was founded by Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata in the year 1945. Born on 29 July 1904 in France, he was a pioneer businessman of India. He was awarded with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award in the year 1992 and the Legion Of Honour by the French Government in the year 1954. He was a pioneer of the Indian aviation sector and obtained the first pilot license issued in India on 10 February 1929. JRD Tata founded India's first commercial airline, Tata Airlines in the year 1932 which went on to become Air India, India's national airline.

Tata Motors Company in India 

 Tata Motors is an India based company which was started in the year 1945 by Mr. JRD Tata. Headquarters of the firm is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with production units spread across the globe. It was the first Indian engineering company (September 2004) to be listed in the New York Stock Exchange. Tata Motors company has employed over 4500 engineers and scientists at its research centre, which was established in the year 1966. Tata Motors company has based its R&D centres in Pune, Jamshedpur, Lucknow, Dharwad in India.

Tata Motors Manufacturing Facilities

Currently, manufacturing units of Tata Motors company are based in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and Sanand (Gujarat). Every stage of product evolution design, manufacturing, development, assembly and quality control, is carried out meticulously. 

Jamshedpur is the first unit of the Tata Motors profile in which it started manufacturing operations in 1945. This unit sprawls across a vast area of 822 acres and consists of four major divisions, namely truck factory, engine factory, cab and cowl factories. The engine factory is responsible for the in-house manufacture of Tata 697/497 naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, along with 6B series engines used by Tata Cummins. Forge division of Tata Motors company is engaged in manufacturing forgings like crankshafts, front axle beams and steering parts for the automobile plant.

The Pune units are located in Pimpri and Chinchwad, which are spread over 800 acres and 130 acres, respectively. These units of Tata Motors company were established in the year 1966 and boast of a Production Engineering Division. These are used for designing and manufacturing high-end press tools, fixtures, jigs, metal patterns, special tools and gauges. Moreover, these are instrumental for introducing new products and improving existing ones.

Tata Motors has also based one of its manufacturing units in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.  This unit was established in the year 1992 in order to cater to the demand for commercial vehicles in the Indian automobile market. It is strongly backed by an engineering research centre and service setup to cope up with the latest technologies and cater to the complexities of automobile manufacturing. The Lucknow unit specialises in manufacturing commercial vehicles and high capacity buses. This unit rolls out a range of modern buses, such as low floor buses, ultra low floor buses, CNG and RE buses.

The Pantnagar manufacturing unit of Tata Motors has been set up for producing Ace and Magic, a mini-truck and a passenger-carrier respectively. This production unit began commercial manufacturing operations in August, 2007. It is the fourth production unit of Tata Motors after Jamshedpur, Pune and Lucknow. This plant is spread in over 953 acres and has generated 7500 direct and indirect jobs. Tata Motors has invested over Rs. 1000 crores at this manufacturing unit.

Sanand (Gujarat) is the manufacturing unit of the Tata Nano, an affordable and environment friendly mode of transport. In the initial stage, the manufacturing capacity of the plant was 250,000 cars per year, though this amount eventually swelled to 350,000 cars per year. In order to further increase the capacity of this unit, the company has incorporated some provisions at this location. This unit came into operations in the month of November 2008 and is spread over 725 acres. Sanand unit is lined up with world class manufacturing practices and state-of-the art equipment, such as robotics and high speed production lines.

Tata Motors Vehicles Models

Current Car Models

Tata Motors company has launched many of its vehicle models in the Indian and international automobile markets with great success. It has covered many segments in the automobile sector, such as hatchback, sedans, pickups, crossovers, utility vehicles, and promotes brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Fiat.

Tata Motors company currently has four variants of Indica in India, namely Tata Indica V2,  Tata Indica eV2, Tata Indica eV2 XETA and Tata Indica eV2 XETA LPG. All variants have different engine configurations and features. Tata Indica V2, Tata Indica eV2 are both diesel variants, whereas Tata Indica eV2 XETA is a petrol variant. Tata Indica eV2 XETA LPG is incorporated with a bi-fuel engine – petrol and LPG. Indica V2 complies with BS3 emission norms, whereas all other variants adhere to BS4 norms. Tata Indica has capacious boot space of 220 litres and can five individuals comfortably. It has been incorporated with radial tubeless tyres which offer a smooth ride in all instances.

Another successful model launched by Tata Motors is Tata Vista, which is launched in four models. These models are called Tata Vista Qudrajet, Tata Vista Tdi, Tata Vista Safire 65 and Tata Vista Safire 90. All variants have different engine configurations and power generation capacities. Tata Vista Qudrajet and Tata Vista Tdi are the two diesel variants of this car, whereas Tata Vista Safire 65 and Tata Vista Safire 90 are the two petrol versions. All variants of Tata Vista are equipped with radial tubeless tyres and have seating capacity of five individuals.

The great success of Tata Motors was followed by the launch of Tata Nano, which is currently the world's cheapest car. It has been launched in three variants, viz. Tata Nano, Tata Nano CX and Tata Nano LX. All variants of Tata Nano include a 624 cc engine and belong to the A segment. Maximum power produced by the engine of Tata Nano is 34.5 bhp at 5250 rpm, whereas it produces a torque of 48 Nm at 3000 rpm. The car has seating capacity of four individuals and boot space of 130 litres. It is not equipped with power steering, but still has turning radius of four metres.

Tata Manza is a luxury sedan offered by Tata Motors in two variants - Tata Manza QuadraJet 90 and Tata Manza Safire 90. Again, both these models have different engine configurations and features. The engine of Tata Manza is assisted by a five speed manual transmission gearbox, which improves its efficiency and acceleration. Tata Manza is equipped with a power-assisted rack and pinion hydraulic steering. With power assistance, the car has a low turning circle radius of 5.1 metres. This car has seating capacity of five individuals and fuel tank capacity of 44 litres.

Indigo XL, launched in three variants, is another big hit from Tata Motors. Buyers can avail three variants - Tata Indigo XL CR4, Tata Indigo XL Bifuel and Tata Indigo XL Tdi.  Tata Indigo XL CR4 and Tata Indigo XL Tdi are both diesel variants, whereas Tata Indigo XL Bi-fuel runs on petrol and CNG. All the variants of Tata Indigo XL have different engine configurations and comfort features. Tata Indigo XL is known for its fuel efficiency and on road performance. The car has a boot space of 450 litres and fuel tank capacity of 42 litres.

Tata Indigo e-CS is a luxurious sedan, which is available in petrol as well as diesel versions. Configuration of both the engines is different; the diesel car boasts of displacement of 1396 cc, Common Rail CR4, 16 Valve, DOHC diesel engine, which produces maximum power of 67 bhp at 4000 rpm. Maximum torque produced by the engine is 140 Nm at fairly low 1800-3000 rpm. The petrol variant of Tata Indigo e-CS is incorporated with an 1193 cc, MPFI petrol engine, which delivers maximum power of 62 bhp at 5000 rpm. Maximum torque produced by the engine is 100 Nm at 2700 Nm.    

Xenon XT is a powerful vehicle, which was launched by Tata Motors in the pickup segment. It is launched in two variants - Xenon XT EX 4x2 and Xenon XT EX 4x4. Both models possess the same engine, with the only difference being in the drive system. The engine of Xenon XT has a displacement of 2179 cc, which produces maximum power of 136 bhp at 4000 rpm. Maximum torque produced by the engine of Xenon XT is 320 Nm at a fairly low 1750-2700 rpm. The wheel base of Xenon XT is 200 mm and turning circle radius is six metre.

Tata Aria is a crossover which was recently launched by Tata Motors. It has been launched in four models - Tata Aria Pure, Tata Aria Pleasure, Tata Aria Prestige and Tata Aria Pride. The engine configuration of all models is same, though they have different features and comfort levels. Tata Aria is assimilated with a 2179 cc, 2.2 L DICOR, BS IV compliant engine with dual mass flywheel. This engine of Tata Aria delivers power of 136 bhp at 4000 rpm and produces maximum torque at 320 Nm at a fairly low 1700-2700 rpm. The car boasts of fuel tank capacity of 60 litres, which is quite sufficient for a crossover. 

Sumo Victa is sports utility vehicle, which was launched by Tata Motors exclusively for the utility vehicles segment. It is available in four models, called Sumo Victa Di Turbo GX, Sumo Victa Di Turbo EX, Sumo Victa Di Turbo LX and Sumo Victa Di Turbo CX. All variants have same engine configuration but possess different features and comfort levels. This variant is incorporated with a 2956 cc, diesel Di Turbo charged engine, which produces maximum power of 66 bhp at 3000 rpm. The maximum torque delivered by the engine is 223 Nm at 1600- 2200 rpm.

Tata Grande is a utility vehicle, which is equipped with 2179 cc engine. This model of Tata Motors is available in four models, viz. Tata Grande GX, Tata Grande LX, Tata Grande EX and Tata Grande CX. All models are incorporated with the same engine but have varied comfort and convenience features. The 2.2 L, 16 valve, DOHC DICOR engine of Tata Grande delivers a maximum power of 116 bhp at 4000 rpm. Maximum torque delivered by the engine is 250 Nm at a low 1500-3000 rpm. The ground clearance of the vehicle is 180 mm and turning radius of 5.25 metre.    

Tata Safari is another sports utility vehicle launched by Tata Motors for the consumer segment. It is currently available in the market in four variants - Tata Safari LX, Tata Safari EX, Tata Safari GX and Tata Safari VX. All variants of Tata Safari are incorporated with the same 2179 cc diesel engine. This engine delivers maximum power of 136 bhp at 4000 rpm and produces torque of 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm. It has sufficient seating capacity for seven passengers and fuel tank capacity of 65 litres. This car, which is one of the most popular SUVs in Indian market, has turning radius of six metres.

Tata Venture , which is equipped with a powerful engine. This model is produced in three variants, namely Tata Venture CX, Tata Venture EX and Tata Venture GX. All variants have different engine configuration and features, thus catering to buyers of varying tastes. Tata Venture CX is incorporated with a 1405 cc engine, which produces maximum power of 47 bhp at 4500 rpm and torque produced by this engine is 135 Nm at 2500 rpm. Tata Venture EX is equipped with a 1405 cc engine, which delivers a maximum power of 67 bhp at 4500 rpm and 135 Nm torque at 2500 rpm. Engine of Tata Venture GX is similar to EX though the car has different features and comfort levels.

Discontinued Tata Cars

In India, Tata Sierra was launched in the year 1991 and discontinued in 1998. It was a three door multi utility vehicle which was built on Tata Estate platform. Another discontinued car of Tata Motors was Tata Estate, a station wagon. It was Tata's first attempt to build a car and was considered an advanced car at that time. It was incorporated with certain features which were not commonly available in several cars plying on Indian roads, which includes power windows, tachometer and power steering. 

Upcoming Tata Cars

Tata Motors is planning to launch few new vehicles, such as Tata Indica Vista Electric, Tata Nano Hybrid, Tata Merlin and Tata Pixel, in coming times. However, Tata Motors company has not revealed much information about these cars officially. 

Tata Motors Sales And Service Networks

Tata Motors in India has more than 250 dealerships in 195 cities spread across 27 states and 4 union territories of India. It has the 3rd largest sales and service network in India after Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The prime of focus of Tata Motors company is to expand its sales and service network across the country. In metropolitans, a wide network of service network has been established by this prominent automobile company. In Delhi, around 15 authorised service centres are present, whereas 7 service centres are located in Mumbai.   

Tata Motors Sales Performance

In the year 2010-2011, the Tata Motors accounted reserves and surplus for Rs. 3,998.70 crores. Consolidated revenue of Tata Motors company in the year 2010-2011 was Rs. 123,133 crores (USD 27 billion). The financial statements of Tata Motors reflected total assets (net) of Rs. 12,959.17 crores on March 31, 2011. Total revenues and net cash flow were amounting of Rs. 74,367.77 crores and Rs. 1,826.13 crores. The financial statements reflect the group’s share of profit of Rs. 31.95 crores for the year ended and group’s share of loss (net) of Rs. 16.30 crores up to March 31, 2011. These figures show stupendous growth and sales performance of Tata Motors. 

Tata Motors Used Car Market

Tata Motors company in India has expanded its family of customers by reselling cars of existing customers to potential buyers looking for second-hand cars. For carrying out this process, Tata Motors has established Tata Motors Assured, which has greatly assisted it extending its relationship with customers. These dealership centres offer three free services and warranty of one year or 20000 km, whichever is less. Tata Motors Assured centres are situated in each and every city of India and distribute a wide variety of Tata Motor cars.

Tata Motors Future Plans

Regarding the expansion of its product portfolio, Tata Motors recently introduced the 25MT GVW Tata Novus from Daewoo’s (South Korea) (TDCV) platform. Tata Motors plans to leverage upon the strong presence of TDCV in the heavy-tonnage range and introduce products in India in due course of time. This was mainly to cater to the international market and mark its presence in domestic market, where the road infrastructure is being improved under the National Highway Development Project.

Tata Motors profile reveals that it has global plans to reduce its domestic profile and improve international presence. The domestic commercial automobile vehicle market is highly cyclic in nature and prone to fluctuations in the domestic economy. Tata Motors company has high domestic exposure of ~94% in the MHCV segment and ~84% in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. Since the domestic commercial vehicle sales of the company are at the mercy of structural economic factors, it is increasingly looking in the international markets. The company plans to diversify into various markets across the world in both MHCV as well as LCV segments.

Tata Motors Trivia

Tata Nano is believed to be the world's cheapest car and, therefore, said to be the people's car. Price of the Tata Nano is about Rs. 1 lac (USD 2500). Another big hit from the stable of Tata Motors is Tata Indica. As per company information, Tata Indica delivers mileage of 25 kmpl, which is quiet efficient on the Indian roads, with no other automobile company claiming to offer such high fuel economy. As of 2009, Tata Motors is world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer. In 2010, Tata Motors company showed consolidated net profit of Rs. 9,274 crores, thus establishing itself as the most profitable automobile company in the country.