Tata Motors Limited is India's largest automobile company.

It is the leader by far in commercial vehicles in each segment, and the second largest in the passenger vehicles market with winning products in the compact, midsize car and utility vehicle segments. The company is the world's fifth largest medium and heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, and the world's second largest medium and heavy bus manufacturer. Established under the parent company, Tata Group, in 1945, Tata Motors Limited has become Indias largest automobile company. It was the first Indian automobile company to list on the New York Stock Exchange. Tata Motors began manufacturing commercial vehicles in 1954 with a 15-year collaboration agreement with Daimler Benz of Germany. This partnership has led Tata Motors to not only become Indias largest automobile company but also Indias largest commercial vehicle manufacturer; the worlds top five manufactures of medium and heavy trucks and the worlds second largest medium and heavy bus manufacturer. Having just entered the passenger vehicles market segment in 1991, Tata Motors now ranks second in Indias passenger vehicle market. Tata has enjoyed the prestige of having developed Tata Ace, Indias first indigenous light commercial vehicle; Tata Safari, Indias first sports utility vehicle; Tata Indica, Indias first indigenously manufactured passenger car; and the Nano, the worlds least expensive car. 1945- Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co Ltd (TELCO) is set up as a locomotive maker at the end of World War II 1954- Company shift to making trucks in a joint venture with Germanys DaimlerBenz 1961- Exports begin with the first truck begins being shipped to Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) 1977- First commercial vehicle manufactured in Pune 1983- Manufacture of heavy commercial vehicles commences 1986- Production of first light commercial vehicle 1991- Launch of the first passenger car, the Tata Sierra. One millionth vehicle rolled out. 1994- Enters joint venture to make Mercedes Benz cars in India 1999-Beings production of Indias first fully indigenous passenger car, the Indica 2002-Ends joint venture with Daimler 2002-TELCO is renamed Tata Motors Ltd. 2003-Tata Motors Ltd. Announces plan to build worlds cheapest car for 100,000 rupees (1,250 pounds or 2,500 dollars) 2004- Acquires South Koreas Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange 2005- Buys 21 percent stake in Spanish bus maker Hispano Carrocera SA, launches mini-truck, the Ace 2006- Signs initial agreement with Fiat 2008- Unveils one-lakh (100,000 rupee) Peoples Car also know as the Nano. Acquires Jaguar and Land Rover.

Core Competencies Tata Motors has a competitive advantage simply because they are part of the larger Tata Group. Tata Group supplies Tata Motors with access to knowledge, resources, technology and companies operating in many different industries worldwide allowing innovation and easy availability to access other sources. Producing one of the most efficient and low cost vehicles on the market. Tata has higher bargaining power with suppliers because it is a local, not foreign, car manufacturer. Have grown organically & inorganically through acquisitions, mergers, and expansion Location in India has allowed them to understand not only the Indian market but also the dynamics of emerging and developing markets. This market understanding and knowledge allows Tata Motors to manufacture their products at lower costs, sell them to emerging markets while making profits as well as take advantage of the strong labor base in India. This location has been and will continue to be vital to Tatas success. In India, Tata can take advantage of the fact that manufacturing labor cost is only eight to nine percent of sales, compared to 30 to 35 percent of sales in developed countries. High emphasis on thorough research that provides the much-needed inspiration for the birth of new ideas, which in turn breathes new life into products. They employ approximately 1,400 scientists and development officers. Tata Motors has several research and development centers in India. The Research Center at Jamshedpur and the Engineering Research Center in Pune are among the finest in the country (Tata.com). They possess forums to develop and test durability, engine performance, emission, safety, design and style, noise, hydraulics, tracks, and instrumentation. Through these advanced research centers Tata has created sophisticated emission measurement systems and digital prototyping laboratories.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers stated, India, where some 1.4 million new cars are sold each year, is also a hugely attractive market for dozens of car companies and most of them cant risk ignoring what appears to now be a potent competitive advantage for Tata Motors. Indias car market is expected to touch 2.2 million units a year by 2010 (Livemint.com). Additionally, the India government has made protectionist polices and regulations that are extremely favorable to Tata.