Tata Motors: The Story Of Epic Journey

[THE XOVER]

Source:http://Tata Motors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The question which was recently nagging me for the last few days had perhaps no meaning, or a significant meaning- you never know.Why Tata are such a special Indian automotive company?Has it really made our nation proud?The quest for answer of theis question lead me to this thread, you believe it or not.Now lets get moving shall we and go through this epic journey in all its glories and plight.


Part 1 ---(1954-1969)

Part one of this story begins with Tata's(then Telcos') collaboration with Daimler Benz- The German Powerhouse,with the dawn of independence.This partnership launched its first truck way back in 1954 and continued to taste success till 1969 when Tata decided its time to play alone.Some of chief highlight of this partnership:

1/ Launched its first diesel truck in 1954.
2/ Jawahar Lal Nehru walks through Jamshedpur apprentice shop in 1958.
3/ In 1965 1,00,000 trucks are sold.


Part 2---Time to move Alone(1969-1991)

Part two of this story begins with confidence of JRD Tata when he decided to move alone in automotive industry,lets look at some of highlights of this era:

1/ 1969 - First Tata branded truck rolls out ,which marked end of an era and beginning of a new one.
2/ In 1977 Tata manufactured its first commercial vehicle at its plant in Pune.
3/ In 1986-Tata launches its first light commercial vehicle from Telco, the Tata 407.

Part 3 - Fly higher and higher(1991-present)

This is the most interesting part of the story.When Tata thought if we can be so successful in commercial sector , then why not enter into passenger automobile sector.

1. In 1991 the iconic Tata Sierra was launched.
2. In 1992 Tata launched Estate.
3. 1994--- Tata Sumo launched, and was sold 1 lac units in no time.
4. 1998--- Tata Indica and Tata Safari launched.Indica receives more than 1 lac bookings in a fortnight.
5. 2002 Tata Indigo launched.
6.2003 Telco changes into Tata Motors.
7. 2008 Tata displays Nano and launches Sumo grande, Vista and Indigo CS.
8. 2009 Tata launches Manza,Nano and Xenon.
9.2010-- Finally Tata launches Indias' first Cross-Over Tata Aria.
10. And in 2011 Tata started to export Manza.

So fellow TAI'ns what do you think about this wonderful journey,also please add if I have missed something, few pics of all these iconic vehicles would be cordially welcome,till then Sayonara.

THE X-OVER

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Xovy,dear why not complete the thread,where are the pics of the 'iconic' Tata 407,Tata Sumo,Tata Sierra and first Tata Mercedes truck etc etc??

 

[Mr.Boss]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Nice thread dear, TATA is the only OEM in India to have a wide range of products, right from entry level & world's cheapest car to HCVs. Please add some snaps to the initial post

1. In 1991 the iconic Tata Sierra was launched.
2. In 1992 Tata launched Estate.

Sierra and Estate were launched way before the market actually needed them. Even today the market is ready to accept Sierra with latest Dicor mill and better interiors.

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Part 4---- Bring the World to knees (Global Acquisitions)

1. Ever heard of Cielo guys, it was a wonderful car of its time,but I am sure you all remember the cute lill' Matiz.Well these products came from Korean giants of the time known as 'Daewoo Motors'.In 2004 this company went bankrupt and Tata tookover its truck division which marked the beginning of series of Global Acquisitions by Tata. Today this company is known as 'Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle'.We have seen Tata produce stunning trucks like "PRIMA" with the help of this takeover.

2.In 2005, Tata Motors acquired 21% of Aragonese 'Hispano Carrocera' giving it controlling rights of the company.

3. In 2007, Formed a joint venture with 'Marcopolo' of Brazil and introduced low-floor buses in the Indian Market.

4.In 2008, Tata Motors acquired British 'Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)', which includes the Daimler and Lanchester brand names.

5.In 2010, Tata Motors acquired 80% stake in Italy-based design and engineering company Trilix for a consideration of €1.85 million. The acquisition is in line with the company’s objective to enhance its styling/design capabilities to global standards.


Source:Tata Motors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Wait for THE XOVER to bring more next time, until them good-bye

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Now let me be quite elaborating and carry one:-

1945:
Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co. Ltd. was established to manufacture locomotives and other engineering products.

1948:
Steam road roller introduced in collaboration with Marshall Sons (UK).

1954:
Collaboration with Daimler Benz AG, West Germany, for manufacture of medium commercial vehicles. The first vehicle rolled out within 6 months of the contract.

1959:
Research and Development Centre set up at Jamshedpur.

1961:
Exports begin with the first truck being shipped to Ceylon, now Sri Lanka.

1966:
Setting up of the Engineering Research Centre at Pune to provide impetus to automobile Research and Development.

1971:
Introduction of DI engines.

1977:
First commercial vehicle manufactured in Pune.

1983:
Manufacture of Heavy Commercial Vehicle commences.

1985:
First hydraulic excavator produced with Hitachi collaboration.

1986:
Production of first light commercial vehicle, Tata 407, indigenously designed, followed by Tata 608.

1989:
Introduction of the Tatamobile 206 - 3rd LCV model.

1991:
Launch of the 1st indigenous passenger car Tata Sierra.
TAC 20 crane produced.
One millionth vehicle rolled out.

1992:
Launch of the Tata Estate.

1993:
Joint venture agreement signed with Cummins Engine Co. Inc. for the manufacture of high horsepower and emission friendly diesel engines.

1994:
Launch of Tata Sumo - the multi utility vehicle.
Launch of LPT 709 - a full forward control, light commercial vehicle.
Joint venture agreement signed with M/s Daimler - Benz / Mercedes - Benz for manufacture of Mercedes Benz passenger cars in India.
Joint venture agreement signed with Tata Holset Ltd., UK for manufacturing turbochargers to be used on Cummins engines.

1995:
Mercedes Benz car E220 launched.

1996:
Tata Sumo deluxe launched.

1997:
Tata Sierra Turbo launched.
100,000th Tata Sumo rolled out.

1998:
Tata Safari - India's first sports utility vehicle launched.
2 millionth vehicle rolled out.
Indica, India's first fully indigenous passenger car launched.

1999:
115,000 bookings for Indica registered against full payment within a week.
Commercial production of Indica commences in full swing.

2000:
First consignment of 160 Indicas shipped to Malta.
Indica with Bharat Stage 2 (Euro II) compliant diesel engine launched.
Utility vehicles with Bharat 2 (Euro II) compliant engine launched.
Indica 2000 (Euro II) with multi point fuel injection petrol engine launched.
Launch of CNG buses.
Launch of 1109 vehicle - Intermediate commercial vehicle.

2001:
Indica V2 launched - 2nd generation Indica.
100,000th Indica wheeled out.
Launch of CNG Indica.
Launch of the Tata Safari EX
Indica V2 becomes India's number one car in its segment.
Exits joint venture with Daimler Chrysler.

2002:[]
Unveiling of the Tata Sedan(INDIGO) at Auto Expo 2002.
Petrol version of Indica V2 launched.
Launch of the EX series in Commercial vehicles.
Launch of the Tata 207 DI.
2,00,000th Indica rolled out.
5,00,000th passenger vehicle rolled out.
Launch of the Tata Sumo'+' Series
Launch of the Tata Indigo.
Tata Engineering signed a product agreement with MG Rover of the UK.

2003:
Launch of the Tata Safari Limited Edition.
The Tata Indigo Station Wagon unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
On 29th July, J. R. D. Tata's birth anniversary, Tata Engineering becomes Tata Motors Limited.
3 millionth vehicle produced.
First CityRover rolled out
135 PS Tata Safari EXi Petrol launched
Tata SFC 407 EX Turbo launched

2004:
Tata Motors unveils new product range at Auto Expo '04.
New Tata Indica V2 launched
Tata Motors and Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. sign investment agreement
Indigo Advent unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
Tata Motors completes acquisition of Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company
Tata LPT 909 EX launched
Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. (TDCV) launches the heavy duty truck 'NOVUS' , in Korea
Sumo Victa launched
Indigo Marina launched
Tata Motors lists on the NYSE..the first Indian automobile company to do so..

2005:
Tata Motors rolls out the 500,000th Passenger Car from its Car Plant Facility in Pune
The Tata XOVER unveiled at the 75th Geneva Motor Show
Branded buses and coaches - Starbus and Globus - launched
Tata Motors acquires 21% stake in Hispano Carrocera SA, Spanish bus manufacturing Company
Tata Ace, India's first mini truck launched
Tata Motors wins JRD QV award for business excellence.
The power packed Safari Dicor is launched
Introduction of Indigo SX series - luxury variant of Tata Indigo
Tata Motors launches Indica V2 Turbo Diesel.
One millionth passenger car produced and sold
Inauguration of new factory at Jamshedpur for Novus
Tata TL 4X4, India's first Sports Utility Truck (SUT) is launched
Launch of Tata Novus
Launch of Novus range of medium trucks in Korea, by Tata Daewoo Commercial
Vehicle Co. (TDCV)

2006:
Tata Motors vehicle sales in India cross four million mark
Tata Motors unveils new long wheel base premium Indigo & X-over concept at Auto Expo 2006
Indica V2 Xeta launched
Passenger Vehicle sales in India cross one-million mark
Tata Motors and Marcopolo, Brazil, announce joint venture to manufacture fully built buses & coaches for India & markets abroad
Tata Motors first plant for small car to come up in West Bengal
Tata Motors extends CNG options on its hatchback and estate range
TDCV develops South Korea's first LNG-Powered Tractor- Trailer
Tata Motors and Fiat Group announce three additional cooperation agreements
Tata Motors introduces a new Indigo range

2007:
Construction of Small Car plant at Singur, West Bengal, begins on January 21
New 2007 Indica V2 range is launched
Tata Motors launches the longwheel base Indigo XL, India's first stretch limousine
Common rail diesel (DICOR) engine extended to Indigo sedan and estate range
Tata Motors and Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co. (Thonburi), announce formation of a joint venture company in Thailand to manufacture, assemble and market pickup trucks.
Roll out of 100,000th Ace
Tata-Fiat plant at Ranjangaon inaugurated
Launch of a new Upgraded range of its entry level utility vehicle offering, the Tata Spacio.
CRM-DMS initiative crosses the 1000th location milestone
Launch of Magic, a comfortable, safe, four-wheeler public transportation mode, developed on the Ace platform
Launch of Winger, India’s only maxi-van
Fiat Group and Tata Motors announce establishment of Joint Venture in India
Launch of the Sumo Victa Turbo DI, the new upgraded range of its entry-level utility vehicle, the Sumo Spacio
Tata Motors launches Indica V2 Turbo with dual airbags and ABS
Launch of new Safari DICOR 2.2 VTT range, powered by a new 2.2 L Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine.
Rollout of the one millionth passenger car off the Indica platform.

Here are some pics too,more to come later:-

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

2008:
Ace plant at Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) begins production.
Indica Vista – the new generation Indica, is launched.
Tata Motors' new plant for Nano to come up in Gujarat.
Latest common rail diesel offering- the Indica V2 DICOR, launched.
Indigo CS (Compact Sedan), world’s first sub four-metre sedan, launched.
Launch of the new Sumo -- Sumo Grande, which combines the looks of an SUV with the comforts of a family car.
Tata Motors unveils its People's Car, Nano, at the ninth Auto Expo.
Xenon, 1-tonne pick-up truck, launched in Thailand.
Tata Motors signs definitive agreement with Ford Motor Company to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover.
Tata Motors completes acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover.
Tata Motors introduces new Super Milo range of buses.
Tata Motors is Official Vehicle Provider to Youth Baton Relay for The III Commonwealth Youth Games Pune 2008.
Indica Vista – the second generation Indica, is launched.
Tata Motors launches passenger cars and the new pick-up in D.R. Congo.

2009:
Tata Motors begins distribution of Prima World truck
Tata Motors launches the next generation all-new Indigo MANZA
FREELANDER 2 launched in India
Tata Marcopolo Motors' Dharwad plant begins production.
Tata Motors launches Nano - The People's Car
Introduction of new world standard truck range.
Launch of premium luxury vehicles - Jaguar XF, XFR and XKR and Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover from Jaguar and Land Rover in India.

2010:
Tata Ace becomes India's first 1-lakh brand in goods commercial vehicles.
Appointment of Mr. Carl-Peter Forster as Managing Director of Tata Motors.
Jaguar Land Rover announces opening of its Dealership in New Delhi.
Tata Motors to construct heavy truck plant in Myanmar under Government of India's Line of Credit.
Tata Motors declared as the Commercial Vehicle Maker of the Year.
Tata Motors Passenger Car Division launches ‘Tata Motors Service Edge' for leading edge customer service.
Tata Motors displays Tata Nano EV at
the 80th Geneva Motor show.
Chief Minister of Punjab inaugurates Tata Motors supported State Institute of Automotive and Driving Skills.
Jaguar Land Rover announces Dr. Ralf Speth as Chief Executive Officer.
Tata Motors appoints Mr. Carl-Peter Forster as Group CEO. Tata Motors Group displays the widest range of products and environment-friendlytechnologies at Auto Expo 2010.
Tata Motors launches Magic Iris.
On 26th April 2010, Tata Motors sold its 4 millionth Commercial Vehicle.

2011:
Tata Motors unveils Assembly Plant in South Africa
Jaguar Land Rover inaugurates new vehicle assembly plant in Pune India
Jaguar celebrates 50 years of iconic E-Type
Jaguar c-x75 scoops Louis Vuitton award in Paris
Tata Pixel, new city car concept for Europe, displayed at the 81st Geneva Motor Show
Range Rover Evoque wins Car Design of The Year
Tata Motors introduces the new Tata Indica eV2, the most fuel efficient car in India with 25 kmpl mileage
Tata Motors launches the Tata Magic IRIS, a 3-4 seater 4-wheel passenger carrier for public transportation
Tata Motors launches the Tata Ace Zip, a 600-kg micro truck for deep-penetration goods movement
Jaguar Land Rover inaugurates new vehicle assembly plant in Pune India
Tata Nano begins international journey with Sri Lanka, as Tata Motors celebrates 50th year of its International Business.


TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Here are some more pics of the Tata vehicles:-

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Here is the complete product range of Tata:-

Passenger cars and utility vehicles:
Tata Aria
Tata Sierra (Discontinued)
Tata Estate (Discontinued)
Tata Sumo/Spacio
Tata Sumo Grande
Tata Safari
Tata Indica
Tata Vista
Tata Indigo
Tata Manza
Tata Indigo Marina
Tata Winger
Tata Magic
Tata Nano
Tata Xenon XT
Tata Aria
Tata Venture
Tata Iris

Concept vehicles
2000 Aria Roadster
2001 Aria Coupe
2002 Tata Indiva
2004 Tata Indigo Advent
2005 Tata Xover
2006 Tata Cliffrider
2007 Tata Elegante
2010 Tata Versa
2010 Tata Essota
2011 Tata Pixel

Commercial vehicles
Tata Ace
Tata Super Ace
Tata TL/Telcoline/207 DI Pickup Truck
Tata 407 Ex and Ex2
Tata 709 Ex
Tata 809 Ex and Ex2
Tata 909 Ex and Ex2
Tata 1109 (Intermediate truck)
Tata 1512 (Medium bus chassis)
Tata 1612/1616 (Heavy bus chassis)
Tata 1618 (Semi Low Floor bus chassis)
Tata 1623 (Rear Engined Low Floor bus chassis)
Tata 1518C (Medium truck)
Tata 1613/1615 (Medium truck)
Tata 2515/2516 (Medium truck)
Tata Starbus (Branded Buses for city, inter city, school bus and standard passenger transportation)
Tata Divo (Fully built luxury coach)
Tata CityRide (12 – 20 seater buses for intra-city use)
Tata 3015 (Heavy truck)
Tata 3118 (Heavy truck) (8×2)
Tata 3516 (Heavy truck)
Tata 4018 (Heavy truck)
Tata 4923 (Ultra-Heavy truck) (6×4)
Tata Novus (Heavy truck designed by Tata Daewoo)
Tata Prima (The World Truck designed by Tata Motors and Tata Daewoo)

Military vehicles:
Tata LSV (Light Specialist Vehicle)
Tata Mine Protected Vehicle (4×4)
Tata 2 Stretcher Ambulance
Tata 407 Troop Carrier, available in hard top, soft top, 4×4, and 4×2 versions
Tata LPTA 713 TC (4×4)
Tata LPT 709 E
Tata SD 1015 TC (4×4)
Tata LPTA 1615 TC (4×4)
Tata LPTA 1621 TC (6×6)
Tata LPTA 1615 TC (4×2)
Tata Winger Passenger Mini Bus

 

[mukeshus]

Re: The story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Well i never knew TATA was in collaboration with Mercedes in producing trucks, if they were partners now, we could have seen lot of mordern trucks.

Thanks for sharing info.

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

@ 350Z, TSIVipul

Thank you guys, I am really grateful.

@Mr. Boss, mukeshus

Thank you guys for your remarks.And Mukesh I am glad that you have known an unknown fact about Tata, after all that is exactly the purpose of this thread, to make people more aware about Indian automotve legacy.

PART 5 --- CLIMB THE SIERRA AND WRESTLE THE SUMO

In 1991, Tata were able to launch, India's first lifestyle SUV Tata Sierra with a load of segment first features like 'power steering', 'power windows','rear deffoger','power brakes' etc.This product was completely designed in India and later on formed the basis of DC design's "Aria Concept vehicle".The vehicle first came with 2.0 lt IDI motor which pumped out 68 ps power, later with inclusion of turbo this motor was able to churn out 90 ps power and reached a top speed of 160 kmph.Sierra was discontinued after the launch of Safari,but this SUV still has umpteen fan following who want Tata to launch it again.

In 1992 Tata launched people mover version of Sierra known as "Estate".The next MUV to come out of their portfolio was going to change the game like no other.In 1994 they launched "Tata Sumo" which was named after Mr Sumant Moolgaonkar, (Su-Mo) who was instrumental in a number of revolutionary changes in TELCO and bringing about significant progress.This UV single handedly destroyed Mahindra Armada which was the ruling UV of India then.Sumo sold 1,00,000 units in mearly 3 years after its launch.Today with various variants like Victa,Gold,Grande it is still going strong.

 

[abhiram]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Great Info thanks for sharing. I never knew these info before, Keep these cumming worth reading it.

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Great Info thanks for sharing. I never knew these info before, Keep these cumming worth reading it.

Thank you abhi,yes that's exactly the purpose of this thread,and yes wait for all the remaining parts which will follow soon.

 

[THE XOVER]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Part 6 ----- More Car per Car

Before bringing this interesting story, may I ask to you,"what are dreams?"Man's innate vision, or his unsatisfied fancies! Have dreams got any creative power,well in this case they had.Way back in 1995 the chairman of Tata Sons,Mr. Ratan Tata, had a dream.A dream to make an affordable small car of footprint of Zen, space of Amby and price of Maruti 800.And "Tata Indica" was the fruition of this dream.Some key highlights of the car were:

* Monocoque body,first for Tata.
* I.DE.A Italy design beautiful exteriors.
* Tata's first front wheel drive car, with transversely mounted engine.
* Was designed with modern aerodynamics in mind.

In January 1998 , Tata finally unveiled the car and entire nation went beserk.Is this a TATA car?Was the question on every one's mind, until 30th December 1998 when the car was launched.It received more than 1 lac booking just a week after launch, and remained a bestseller in its category for almost a decade.Now with the new gen Vista , TATA have taken Indica moniker to a whole new level, and the car is going still strong.Truely a car that makes us Indians proud.

ELEVATE......more to come,till then ,watch this space

THE X-OVER

 

[vijay]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

One word, awesome, thats some superb collection you got and shared.It takes efforts to collect this all and share.Thankyou for doing it and awaiting to come more.

 

[TSIVipul]

Re: The Story of Tata's Epic Journey from Trucks to Aria

Before bringing this interesting story, may I ask to you,"what are dreams?"Man's innate vision, or his unsatisfied fancies! Have dreams got any creative power,well in this case they had.Way back in 1995 the chairman of Tata Sons,Mr. Ratan Tata, had a dream.A dream to make an affordable small car of footprint of Zen, space of Amby and price of Maruti 800.And "Tata Indica" was the fruition of this dream.Some key highlights of the car were:

* Monocoque body,first for Tata.
* I.DE.A Italy design beautiful exteriors.
* Tata's first front wheel drive car, with transversely mounted engine.
* Was designed with modern aerodynamics in mind.

In January 1998 , Tata finally unveiled the car and entire nation went beserk.Is this a TATA car?Was the question on every one's mind, until 30th December 1998 when the car was launched.It received more than 1 lac booking just a week after launch, and remained a bestseller in its category for almost a decade.Now with the new gen Vista , TATA have taken Indica moniker to a whole new level, and the car is going still strong.Truely a car that makes us Indians proud.

This is what I was really searching for.no doubt the Indica was a revolutionizing car in the Indian auto industry.In fact it was the Indica that showed Indians that:-
Hatches can also run on diesel and
Hatches can also have a big and spacious cabin.
And why to forget that great FE Indica offered?