With a portfolio that covers a comprehensive range of cars, trucks, buses, defence vehicles and more, Tata Motors Limited is recognized as one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world today. Commencing operations in 1954 with Commercial Vehicles (CVs) in India, the company's marque can now be found both on and off-road around the globe. Here's how Tata Motors went from being an Indian company to the globally recognized brand that we know today.
Having a presence in over 46 countries around the globe, Tata Motors is without a doubt among the top 10 CV makers in the world today. The company started creating ripples with the launch of Tata 407 Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in 1986. The truck became popular not only in India but also in several other countries around the world, thanks to its reliability. Here are some of the most important milestones that the CV sector of Tata Motors achieved in countries abroad:
1991 - Tata Motors entered into a Joint Venture (JV) with Nitol Motors to set up NITA Company Ltd., the first assembly set up of the company outside India. In the years to come, Tata Motors grew its assembly operations in different forms across Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Ukraine, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria & Tunisia.
1993 - Tata Motors sets up a JV with Cummins Engine Inc. The tie-up enables Tata to introduce powerful diesel engines with far lesser carbon emissions.
2004 - Tata Motors rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in this year, marking the listing of the company on the bourse. The company also acquires South Korean truck manufacturer Daewoo in this year. Together, they unveil the Tata World Truck range for sale in South Korea, South Africa, SAARC nations and the Middle East.
2006 - Tata Motors joins hands with the Brazil-based Marcopolo S.A and launched the Tata Marcopolo Bus in the following years
2008 - Tata Motors sets up Tata Motors Thailand, its first national sales company in markets around the globe
2009 - Tata Motors acquires the Spanish bus and coach manufacturer Hispano Carrocera. Starbus and Globus range of buses, manufactured by this new venture, rolled out in the coming years.
2011 - Tata Motors Indonesia was established as a fully owned subsidiary of Tata Motors
2012 - Tata Motors launches its next generation platform of heavy trucks, Tata Prima, in the markets around the world
2014 - Tata Motors launches its new platform for light trucks and buses, Tata Ultra, in the international markets
2015 - Tata Motors launches SkillPro - a unique skill development programme that trains aspiring youth, transforms them into skilled technical professionals and makes them employment ready
As of today, the commercial vehicles wing of Tata Motors can be seen in over 46 countries of Africa, ASEAN & Far East, Latin America, SAARC and the Middle East.
Tata Motors began manufacturing Passenger Vehicles (PVs) in India in 1991. Just like its CV division, the PVs segment made its foray into nations around the world in the following years. Apart from India, the company's new as well as legacy cars are also available in many countries through exclusive dealerships. Variants of Tata vehicles like the Indica, Indigo, Vista, Manza, Aria, Bolt, Safari Storme, Tiago, GenX Nano, Sumo, Tigor, Zest, Nexon and Hexa can be purchased in various countries of Africa, APAC and Latin America, while those of Jaguar and Land Rover are available in Europe. Featured below are some of the most important milestones of the PV sector of Tata Motors that the company achieved in other regions (excluding India):
APAC Region - Tata Motors PVs make their entry in Nepal in 2003, followed by commencement of operations in Sri Lanka in 2004, Indonesia in 2011, Bangladesh in 2012, Myanmar in 2013, and Philippines in 2014
Africa - PVs of Tata Motors make their foray into Africa with South Africa in 2004, Tanzania in 2005, Ghana in 2006, followed by Algeria in 2014
Latin America - Tata Motors' PVs sector begins its operations in Latin America by venturing into Uruguay in 2014 and Bolivia in 2015
Europe - Tata Motors enters the European market after the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Co. in 2008
Tata Motors' mission "to be passionate in anticipating and providing the best vehicles and experiences that excite customers globally" has enabled it to make its presence felt around the globe. Thanks to its commitment to excellence, the company has set its sights on expanding its CV and PV operations in several other countries around the world.
