Tata Motors: History, Milestones and Shareholding Pattern

Tata Motors Limited, a prominent global automobile manufacturer, is part of the prestigious Tata Group. Known for its wide and diverse portfolio, Tata Motors produces cars, sports utility vehicles, trucks, buses, and defence vehicles, catering to markets across the world.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, South Africa, China, Brazil, Austria, and Slovakia, Tata Motors maintains a strong global presence through subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates, including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and Tata Daewoo in South Korea.

The company’s remarkable journey began in 1945 when it was established as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co. Ltd (TELCO). Initially focused on manufacturing locomotives, Tata Motors soon made its mark in the automotive industry by producing commercial vehicles. In this article, know the history of Tata Motors, its subsidiaries and current shareholders.

Tata Motors Company History

Tata Motors boasts a rich history dating back to 1945 when the company entered the automotive industry with the production of commercial vehicles. In 1954, Tata Motors formed a collaboration with Daimler-Benz to manufacture Mercedes-Benz vehicles in India.

A key milestone in Tata Motors’ journey occurred in 1983 with the launch of the Tata 407, a versatile commercial vehicle that quickly became popular among Indian businesses, solidifying the company’s role in the commercial vehicle market.

In 1991, Tata Motors made its debut in the passenger vehicle market with the Tata Sierra. Over the years, it introduced successful models like the Tata Indica and Tata Safari, continuing to innovate and expand its offerings.

A defining moment in this automobile manufacturer’s history came in 2008 when it acquired Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the prestigious British luxury car manufacturer. This acquisition propelled Tata Motors onto the global stage, establishing it as a prominent player in both the commercial and passenger vehicle markets.

Tata Motors History Timeline

• 1945: Established in Mumbai to manufacture diesel vehicles, excavators, and machinery.
• 1950-1954: Partnered with Krauss-Maffei for steam locomotives and Daimler-Benz for medium commercial vehicles. The first commercial vehicle, the TMB 312 truck, was launched in 1954.
• 1956: Set up a steel foundry with Belgian collaboration.
• 1960: Renamed as Tata Engineering & Locomotive Company Ltd.
• 1983: Started manufacturing heavy commercial vehicles.
• 1991: Launched Tata Sierra, India’s first indigenous SUV.
• 1994: Released Tata Sumo, a multi-utility vehicle.
• 1998: Unveiled Tata Indica, India’s first domestically developed car.
• 2002: Introduced the Tata Indigo, a fully indigenous sedan.
• 2005: Released Tata Ace, India’s first mini truck, alongside Globus and Starbus buses.
• 2009: Launched the Tata Nano and Jaguar Land Rover’s Range in India.
• 2014: Unveiled Tata Zest.
• 2015: Introduced Tata Bolt, India’s first multi-drive hatchback with Revotron engine.
• 2017: Launched Tata Nexon and Tigor EV.
• 2019: Introduced Ziptron EV technology and launched Nexon EV.
• 2020: Launched Signa 4825.TK, India’s largest tipper truck, and ZConnect for Nexon EV. In 2020, Tata Motors launched the ‘New Forever’ range of passenger vehicles, including the Nexon EV. With its advanced Ziptron technology, impressive connectivity, long-range, and competitive pricing, the Nexon EV quickly became India’s most popular electric vehicle, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
• 2021: Rolled out 21 commercial vehicles in a single day.

Tata Motors Limited Subsidiaries

During FY24, Tata Motors had 90 subsidiaries (15 direct and 75 indirect), 11 associate companies, 5 joint ventures, and 2 joint operations. Below are some notable subsidiaries:

• Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc: Acquired in 2008, JLR is a British luxury automaker famous for its premium SUVs and sedans. This acquisition has significantly boosted Tata Motors’ presence in the luxury automotive sector.
• Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEM): A key player in India’s electric mobility transformation, TPEM plans to invest $2 billion by 2026 to launch 10 new electric vehicles and develop a comprehensive ecosystem across the country.
• Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.: Dedicated to Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle segment, this subsidiary is responsible for the development, marketing, and distribution of cars and SUVs in India.
• Tata Motors Insurance Broking and Advisory Services Limited (TMIBASL): Providing expert insurance broking and consultancy services, TMIBASL caters to customers across India, with a specific focus on the automotive industry.
• TMF Holdings Limited (TMFHL): As a core investment company, TMFHL’s subsidiaries, Tata Motors Finance Limited (TMFL) and Tata Motors Finance Solutions Limited (TMFSL), operate as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), offering vehicle financing and related solutions.
• Tata Technologies: Specialising in engineering solutions, Tata Technologies leverages its extensive manufacturing knowledge to assist clients in developing safe, sustainable products that deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company Limited (TDCVCL): A leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in Korea, TDCVCL’s diverse range of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks are exported to over 90 countries worldwide.

Tata Motors Limited Shareholding Pattern

As per BSE, as of December 2024, the promoters or promoter group hold 42.58% of the company’s shares. 57.42% of the company’s shares are held by public shareholders.

Conclusion

Tata Motors has evolved into a global automotive leader, with a diverse portfolio that spans luxury, passenger, and commercial vehicles. Through strategic acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover and innovations in electric mobility, it continues to shape the future of the automotive industry.

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