From India’s first indigenous car to the most loved electric SUV, Tata Motors has always led the way. It built the country’s first home-grown SUV, rolled out the first heavy-duty truck made on Indian soil, and redefined city transport with the iconic ‘Chota Hathi’. Tata Motors Ltd is a true icon of Indian innovation!
From trucks to luxury rides like Jaguar and Land Rover, it has driven India’s auto dreams for decades.
As of May 7th, 2025, Tata Motors Ltd is the third-largest company in the Nifty Auto Index with a market cap of ₹2,51,307 crore. From its beginnings as a locomotive manufacturer to becoming a global automobile brand, the company has achieved several major milestones.
Today, let’s explore the history of Tata Motors its global presence and discover the latest revenue of Tata Motors in India.
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Tata Motors History Through the Years: Icons, Innovations & Impact
Most of us know Tata Motors for its cars, but did you know it began with building locomotives?
The journey is nothing short of incredible!
1945–1960: The Beginning of Tata Motors India
Tata Motors was established in 1945 as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Initially, the company focused on producing locomotives to support India’s industrial sector. In 1954, TELCO entered the automobile space through a joint venture with Daimler-Benz to manufacture commercial vehicles in India. This partnership gave Tata Motors its first recognition in the Indian auto sector.
1961–1980: Strengthening Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing
In 1961, Tata Motors exported its first commercial vehicle to Sri Lanka, marking its international debut. Over the next two decades, the company focused on producing durable commercial trucks and buses for Indian roads.
In 1966, Tata Motors set up its Research and Development (R&D) centre in Pune. The company introduced the Tata brand in 1969 under TELCO. By 1977, it was producing thousands of trucks and buses every year, becoming a trusted name in the Indian transport sector.
1981–2000: Expansion into Passenger Vehicles
In the early 1980s, Tata Motors expanded beyond commercial vehicles. The company introduced the Tata 407 in 1986, India’s first light commercial vehicle, which saw massive success. This was followed by several notable launches in the passenger vehicle space:
- In 1991, Tata launched the Tata Sierra, India’s first indigenously developed SUV.
- In 1992, it released the Tata Estate.
- In 1994, Tata Sumo was introduced and became a popular multi-utility vehicle.
- In 1998, Tata Indica was launched as India’s first fully homegrown passenger car.
These innovations placed Tata Motors among the most important companies in India’s auto industry and caught the attention of investors. During this time, Tata Motors share gained popularity as a long-term investment choice.
2001–2010: Rebranding and Global Acquisitions
In 2003, the company was officially renamed Tata Motors Ltd. It also got listed on the New York Stock Exchange, gaining international investor attention.
In 2004, Tata Motors acquired the commercial vehicle unit of Daewoo in South Korea. The most important move came in 2008 when Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) from Ford Motors. This acquisition elevated the company to a global level, making Tata Motors the owner of two of the world’s most iconic luxury automobile brands.
Another important launch was the Tata Nano in 2009, which was introduced as the world’s most affordable car, priced at ₹1 lakh.
The Tata Motors share price saw several ups and downs during this period due to rapid expansion, global integration, and large investments.
2011–2020: Focus on Innovation and Electric Mobility
In the 2010s, Tata Motors started focusing on technology, safety, and alternative fuel options. The company worked with the Indian defence sector, manufacturing combat vehicles and armoured trucks.
Some key developments during this decade include:
- Launch of the Tata Prima Truck Racing Championship in 2014.
- Collaboration with Lionel Messi in 2015 as the global brand ambassador.
- Restructuring and streamlining of the passenger vehicle business.
- Appointment of Natarajan Chandrasekaran as Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017, making him the Tata Motors owner at the group level.
In 2019, Tata Motors entered the electric vehicle (EV) space with the launch of the Tata Nexon EV.
2021–2024: Leading India’s EV Revolution
In 2021, Tata Motors secured a $1 billion investment from TPG Rise Climate to expand its EV production. This helped the company set up Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, which now leads India’s electric car market.
The Tata Motors revenue for FY 2023–24 stood at ₹4.38 lakh crore, reflecting a 26 percent year-on-year growth. The company’s robust performance and growing EV market share have contributed to its increasing popularity among investors and analysts.
Funds like the Tata Auto Index Fund have also benefited from Tata Motors’ rising stock value and strong fundamentals.
About Tata Motors Ltd
From Building Trucks in India to Owning Jaguar in the UK. The Tata Motors History Must Surprise You!
Tata Motors is a leading Indian multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in 1945 as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Ltd. (TELCO), it is a subsidiary of the Tata Group.
The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses, and electric vehicles (EVs).
What comes to your mind when you think of Tata Motors? Maybe the sturdy Tata Ace or the sleek Nexon EV? But Tata Motors also owns the world-famous Jaguar and Land Rover brands!
Yes, the same company that started with making buses and trucks in India now builds luxury cars in the UK, EVs for the future, and even defence vehicles! From Indian roads to global highways, Tata Motors has driven a long, inspiring journey.
Their global footprint spreads across multiple continents, delivering value-driven solutions in markets across SAARC, ASEAN, MENA, and Sub-Saharan Africa. With a strong legacy, they continue to innovate, transforming the transportation landscape and setting new industry benchmarks.
It is India’s very own global car giant!
It has 9,400+ Touchpoints, 125 Countries, 7 Assembly facilities, 3 Design labs*, 25 Manufacturing facilities and 9 R&D centres
Tata Motors Businesses– Passenger, Electric, Luxury, Commercial Vehicles
Tata Share Price History
The Tata share price has seen significant movement over the years. Here’s a brief look at the Tata Motors share price history:
| Year | Tata Motors Share Price (approx.) |
| 2000 | ₹52 |
| 2010 | ₹2100 (adjusted after splits) |
| 2024 | ₹880+ |
Tata Motors reported total sales of 72,753 units in April 2025.
The company achieved global wholesales of 366,177 units in Q4 FY25.
Q3 FY25 EBIT margin was 9%, up from 8.8% in Q3 FY24
Corporate Responsibility at Tata Motors
Tata Motors Ltd believes in building a better, greener future while running a successful business. Here’s how the company fulfills its responsibility towards society and the planet:
- Sustainability Strategy
- Through programs like the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative, Tata Motors ensures ethical practices from suppliers to dealers.
- The company actively contributes to all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its products, operations, and community projects.
Conclusion
Tata Motors Ltd has grown from a locomotive manufacturer in 1945 to a global automobile leader by 2025. It is not only the owner of world-class brands like Jaguar and Land Rover but also a leader in India’s electric vehicle revolution.
Tata Motors Ltd- FAQs
Tata Motors Ltd is a leading Indian multinational automotive company, part of the Tata Group. It manufactures cars, trucks, buses, and electric vehicles, with a significant presence in India and across 125+ nations.
As of May 9th, 2025, the current Tata Motors share price is ₹683.
Tata Motors stock can be a good investment for long-term investors interested in the automotive sector. As of May 9th, 2025, it stands as the third largest company in Nifty Auto index by market cap.
Tata Motors was established in 1945 as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Initially focused on manufacturing locomotives, it later expanded to include automobiles, trucks, and passenger vehicles.
Tata Motors reported revenue of approximately ₹3.5 lakh crore for the financial year 2024. The company generates revenue from its various business segments, including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and electric mobility.
You can find Tata Motors’ share price history on the official websites of BSE and NSE.
No, Tata Motors does not own Mercedes-Benz. Although they had a joint venture in the past, Tata Motors sold its stake in Mercedes-Benz India in the early 2000s.
Source: Screener.in
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