Ratan Tata And The Legendary Cars That Shaped India

It’s his birthday today! The man who transformed the Indian automotive industry and various other sectors. Ratan Tata, the man who has been behind the growth of India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ Tata Motors. On his birthday, let’s take a look at the cars from Tata Motors that have shaped the industry since the inception of Telco Motors.

1. Tata Sierra | The Legendary SUV

   

   The first car from Tata in the private vehicle portfolio was, Sierra. Tata Sierra was a true SUV based on Telcoline Pickup truck that has been a legend that everyone has heard of. And the ones who are not familiar with the name did get the privilege to see the legendary SUV in an electrified concept at the Auto Expo last year.

   Check out the 10 Best Cars in India Worthy of a Full Restoration | From Amby to Sierra

   The hatchbacks such as Maruti 800 and Alto were rolling on the roads. The SUV segment was still not present in our country. The roads were dull and there was no thrill. This is when Tata decided to bring in India’s first SUV to the game. And the rest is history. To know more about the Tata Sierra click here.

2. Tata Indica | No one had to suffer from a small car again

   

   India’s first indigenous passenger car, Indica was born at the time when the Indian market was flooded with boxy hatchbacks such as Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai Santro and many others. December 30, 1998, the date when no one had to suffer from a small car again with a tagline, ‘More Car per Car’.

   Interesting read: Tracing The History Of Tata Indica In India

   The hatch was spacious inside and was really affordable. Tata Indica also was the first hatchback in its segment to get a diesel powertrain under the hood. This also made Tat Indica a go-to choice for Taxi fleet owners. This is what made it so popular amongst the customers that Indica gained more than 1,15,000 orders within a week of launch.

3. Tata Safari | The SUV Icon

   

   It was the year 1998 and Tata Motors already had two offerings in the chunky utility car segment, Tata Sierra and Tata Sumo which were considered somewhat of a legend themselves.

   Through the ages: Tata Safari History | The Evolution of an SUV Icon

   It was around this time when Tata Motors brought in another contender and the trio went on to coin the popular term, Si-Su-Sa, ‘Si’ being the Sierra, ‘Su’ being the Sumo and new ‘Sa’ is the all-new Safari. Safari is the true 4WD, a fact that none can deny! Where the Sierra and Sumo were known for commercial uses, Tata Safari was marketed as the family SUV.

4. Tata Sumo | The Legendary People’s Mover

   

   There is an interesting story behind the name of this SUV. Ever heard of it? It has been one of the most favoured MPV when it came to the urban as well as rural areas. The first generation of the Tata Sumo came in the year 1994.

   Tracing the history: Tata Sumo: The SUV You Know, Its Origins You Don’t

   Before Sumo, the market was filled with the Jeep from Mahindra (inspired by Willy’s Jeep). Tata used the Sumo to capture a major chunk of the segment using the Tata Sumo. In the first three years of its launch, 100,000 units were sold.

5. Tata Nano | India’s Cheapest Car

   

   The man of promises. Ratan Tata made a promise to introduce a car in the market at a price of ₹1,00,000. And he kept his promise by launching the Tata Nano. “Today’s story started some years ago when I observed families riding on two-wheelers.

   Let’s talk about Tata Nano | The ill-fated Budget Car of India

   The father driving a scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife sitting behind him holding a baby. I asked myself whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family,”. Ratan Tata said while launching the Tata Nano in New Delhi.

   Download The GoMechanic App Now!

   

6. Tata Nexon | India’s First Safest Car

   

   And the car that made Indians realize the importance of safety. Tata Nexon is the first car in India to score a 5-star rating at the Global NCAP crash testing thus showcasing Tata’s commitment to making Indian roads safer. Loaded with safety features and powerful engine options, Tata Nexon has become one of the most sought after compact SUVs in the market.

   GoMechanic News: Tata Nexon Hybrid Spotted Testing In India?

7. Tata Nexon EV | First Made In India Electric car
   

   

   In a dynamic world where technology is advancing at a brisk rate, Tata Nexon EV was the first passenger car to get an electric powertrain. Launched in 2020, Nexon EV has got a tremendously positive response.

   The two EVs Tata Tigor EV vs Nexon EV | What’s The Difference?

   A green powertrain coupled with safety makes a win-win situation for those buying this electric car. Being electric doesn’t rob the car, as it gets all the necessary features including India’s love, sunroof (technically a moonroof)

8. Tata Punch | Indian’s Safest Affordable SUV
   

   

   The latest car from Tata’s stable to hit the Indian market is the Punch. Tata Punch is not the first car to enter the segment but it certainly is the most successful. If you are not aware, Tata Punch comes under the less-known micro SUV segment.

   Interesting Read: Tata Punch; It Came, It Saw, It Conquered

   Being in the affordable car range, the carmaker did not compromise on the Punch’s safety. After testing at the Global NCAP, Tata Punch is the safest vehicle in the Indian market after Mahindra XUV700. This is where engineers at Tata Motors made India and Sir Ratan Tata proud.

And these are the cars from Tata Motors that shaped the Indian automotive industry. Tata Motors has been diligently towards becoming a pinnacle in the industry, all thanks to the leadership of Ratan Tata. What do you think about Tata Motors? Do let us know in the comments section below.