Our history

Visioning dreams,
shaping reality

Transforming continually

We are constantly challenging the standard, pushing boundaries and reinventing ourselves. Explore the milestones, achievements and defining moments of our rich legacy.

Milestones

Milestone

1986

The Tata 407 outperformed Indo-Jap competitors, including Eicher-Mitsubishi, CM Toyota, Swaraj Mazda and
Allwyn-Nissan.

Milestone

1991

We launched Tata Sierra, India’s first indigenous passenger vehicle.

Milestone

1995

In 1995, three of our trucks participated in the Geneva-Bombay rally, covering 8,000 miles without a breakdown.

Timeline

Our illustrious history

1945

Manufacturing of locomotives and other engineering products

1948

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

1954

Launched the first commercial vehicle, the TMB 312 truck

1964

The 1210 series of vehicles set out from Jamshedpur

1969

Telco begins to travel under the Tata brand

1975

Indian roads discover the Tata 1210 semi-forward model

1983

The manufacture of heavy commercial vehicles commences

1986

Tata LCV 407 from Telco

1989

The multi-utility Tata mobile

1991

Launch of Tata Sierra, the first indigenous passenger vehicle

1992

Launch of the Tata Estate

1994

Launch of Tata Sumo, a multi-utility vehicle

1995

Telco brings the three pointed star
to India

1998

Tata Safari, India's first sports utility vehicle launched

1998

Tata Indica, India's first fully indigenous passenger car launched

2002

Tata Indigo, India's first fully indigenous sedan, debuts with
class-leading features

2004

Launch of Tata NOVUS by
Tata Daewoo

2004

Launch of Tata Indigo Marina

2005

Launch of a wide range of fully built buses and coaches under the 'Globus' and 'Starbus' brands respectively

2005

Launch of Tata Ace, India's first
mini truck

2005

Launch of Tata TL 4x4, India's first sports utility truck

2007

Launch of Tata Magic, a comfortable and safe four-wheeler, developed on the Ace platform

2007

Launch of Tata Winger, India's only maxi-van

2008

Launch of Tata Indigo CS
(compact sedan), the world's first
sub four-metre sedan

2009

Launch of Tata Nano

2009

Launch of Tata Prima range of world standard trucks

2009

Launch of Jaguar Land Rover Range in India

2009

Launch of Tata Manza, the new generation Indigo

2010

Launch of Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive crossover

2011

Launch of Tata Venture

2011

Launch of Tata Magic Iris

2011

Launch of Tata Ace Zip

2012

Launch of Tata Safari Storme, the real SUV

2014

Launch of Tata Zest,
the compact sedan

2015

Launch of Tata Marcopolo's new Magna luxury coach

2015

Launch of Tata Bolt, India's first multidrive and sporty hatchback, with Revotron 1.2T petrol engine

2016

Launch of Tata Tiago

2017

Launch of Tata Xenon Yodha

2017

Launch of Tata Starbus Hybrid

2017

Launch of Tata Hexa

2017

Introduced TAMO, a new sub-brand

2017

Launch of Tata Tigor

2017

Launch of Tata AMT bus

2017

Launch of Tata Tiago AMT

2017

Launch of Tata Nexon

2017

Launch of Tata Tigor EV

2018

Launch of Tata Ace Gold

2018

Launch of Tata Nexon AMT

2018

Launch of Nex-Gen ULTRA range
of trucks

2018

Launch of Tata Harrier

2018

Tata Nexon sets the bar for safety in India

2018

Launch of all-new Winger 15S, especially designed for tours and travel

2019

Unveiled four global and one European premier at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show

2019

Introduced Ziptron, a cutting-edge EV technology brand

2019

Launch of Nexon EV, the new electric SUV

2019

Tata Motors launches Tata Altroz Voice BoT with Google

2020

Launch of the Signa 5525.S, India's highest GCW prime mover (tractor) in the 4×2 segment

2020

Tata Altroz secures 5-star adult safety rating from global NCAP

2020

Launch of Signa 4825.TK, India's largest tipper truck

2020

Launch of ZConnect, offering advanced connected car features for Nexon EV

2021

Launch of Ultra Sleek range

2021

Introduced 21 commercial vehicles in one day

2022

Launched the Ace EV

Stories from the archive

A legacy of firsts

First locomotive

In 1945, Tata Motors (previously known as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO)) embarked on its journey by manufacturing locomotives. During the same year, Tata Sons formally acquired the E.I. Railway Workshop and was assigned the responsibility of assembling 5,000 imported wagons on behalf of the Railway Board.

First indigenous heavy-duty truck

In 1954, an agreement with Daimler-Benz led to the rollout of the first Tata Mercedes-Benz truck. It introduced the world to the first-ever ‘heavy-duty truck’ to be made on Indian soil. A landmark partnership between two iconic brands sowed the seeds of automotive manufacturing in the country.

First home-grown sports utility vehicle

In 1991, a new landmark was achieved with the launch of Tata Sierra, India’s first home-grown sports utility vehicle (SUV), completely designed and manufactured locally. Through seamless cross-collaboration, multiple teams played a pivotal role in putting the country on the path of self-reliance, thus achieving a historic milestone in India’s automobile industry.

First Indian car

In 1998, Tata Motors presented India’s first indigenously developed passenger car, the Tata Indica, at the Geneva Motor Show. As the authentic ‘Indian car’, it quickly topped the Indian car market within two years. The achievement highlighted our prowess in innovation, design and localisation.

First mini truck

In 2005, Tata Ace, India's most popular mini truck, was launched, revolutionising intra-city and last mile distribution. Also known as the ‘Chota Hathi’ (small elephant), it offers four different powertrains and is the largest selling commercial vehicle brand in India, enabling millions of customers to become successful entrepreneurs.

First electric SUV

In 2020, Tata Motors introduced the ‘New Forever’ range of passenger vehicles. The Nexon EV, equipped with state-of-the-art Ziptron technology, seamless connectivity, long range and competitive pricing, emerged as India’s most popular EV, setting a new standard.

Our core and purpose

Our heartbeat is people, sustainability and nation-building. We nurture diverse talents, perspectives and passions. Constantly innovating to reduce our ecological footprint, we are dedicated to enabling India to progress and prosper. Actively engaged with communities, we drive initiatives that educate, empower and enrich lives.

People first.

In everything we do.

Empowering our diverse workforce through a respectful, inclusive culture fosters growth, learning and empathy. Their varied perspectives enable us to connect better with our customers' evolving aspirations.

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Shaping the world

we want to live in.

We accelerate new-age mobility adoption, driving India towards Net Zero emissions. From building safe vehicles to sustainable end-of-life dismantling, we champion inclusive progress and uphold high governance standards.

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Moving India forward.

Safer Smarter Greener

Energising, electrifying and exhilarating – we are designing a new era of mobility solutions that are more efficient, improve connectivity and enhance quality of life. Human-centric and hi-tech, we are creating a safer, smarter and greener India.

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Connecting our aspirations globally.

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