About the TATA brand

General Information

Tata Motorz Ltd. is the largest automaker in India, part of the Tata Group. The company was formerly known as TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company). Its head office is located in Mumbai. Tata Motors plants are situated in Jamshedpur, Pantnagar, Lucknow, and Pune. The enterprise produces passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as engines under the brand "Tata".

Company History

Tata Motors is a division of the Tata Group, founded by Jamsetji Tata and D. Baker. The company was established in 1945 as a locomotive manufacturer. In 1954, it entered the commercial transport market by starting cooperation with Daimler-Benz AG.

Commercial vehicle production began in 1960 when the first car, a copy of the Daimler Benz, was assembled in Pune. It took five years to prepare for the production of the first trucks. Because the country's road infrastructure was not adapted for trucks, the company switched to producing small commercial vehicles. The first such vehicle was the Tata 407, introduced in 1986.

In 1993, Tata Motors signed a contract with Cummins Engine Co. Inc. to manufacture powerful and environmentally friendly diesel engines. Later, an agreement was reached with Tata Holset Ltd. (UK) to use turbocharging technology in Cummins engines.

In 1998, the company entered the passenger car market with the Tata Indica. It was the first fully Indian passenger car. Thanks to its economical engine and aggressive marketing, it became one of the best-selling cars in Indian history. The success of the Indica led to the company's growth. In 2004, Tata Motors acquired the South Korean Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company.

In May 2005, the Tata Ace appeared — India's first mini-truck with a payload of less than one ton. It was exported to several countries in Europe, South America, and Africa.

In 2007, Tata Motors showcased several concepts and new modifications. Contracts were signed with local companies for vehicle assembly in various countries. At the Bologna Motor Show, an updated version of the Tata Xenon TL was presented, which was planned to be assembled in Thailand and Argentina. As part of the "Global Pick-Up" program, the Tata Sumo with a pickup body was shown. This model was intended for production in India, South Asia, Europe, South Africa, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. At the Geneva Motor Show, the new Tata Indigo and the Tata Elegante concept were demonstrated.

Tata Motors also signed an agreement with Fiat to use diesel engine technologies. Cooperation with Fiat and Iveco expanded to other areas, including the "Global Pick-Up" program.

In March 2008, Tata Motors purchased the British brands Jaguar and Land Rover, as well as Rover, Daimler, and Lanchester, from Ford Motor Company.

In early 2008, at the Delhi Auto Expo, the company presented the record-cheap Nano car — a five-seater with four doors, a 33-horsepower engine, and Euro-4 standard.

In 2009, Tata Motors showed versions of the passenger Tata Indica and commercial Tata Ace with electric motors powered by lithium batteries.