Re: Rumour: Tata Motors (passenger cars) to get a new partner, probably Chinese Quote:
I found the statement about directionless Tata Motors under Ratan Tata, a bit cheeky. Do we mean that Nano project and working towards service and QC issues is mutually exclusive? I would beg to differ.
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Totally agree here. If directionless means getting Pininfarina design Tata cars then I'm glad atleast someone in the Indian automotive scene is 'directionless'.
Having worked at BES of Tata CVBU Pune, though briefly, I can strongly opine that what RT tried doing to an indigenous auto giant is no less than commendable. I always desired to get into the PVBU somehow but couldn't.
However, are the cars Siera, Sumo, Safari, Indica and even the Estate not seen as desirable cars? What about the Hexa and Harrier? I find each to be a beautiful car in addition to the Tiago, Altroz and especially the Harrier. As they say Rome was not built in a day. The journey from Telco to Tata Motors is no less than exemplary. Who offered LSD in a 4X4 other than Xenon when it was launched? It has only been two decades approximately that Tatas have reached from making crude cars to fine cars like the Harrier. Behemoths like Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Fiat among others have not been able to push sales due to various factors, not necessarily related to leadership issues. On the other hand we have Tata Motors transforming from making vintage 1210 to Prima series and even get them racing on the Buddha circuit! Sales are low for Tata but in terms of products they are doing more than fine. Owning brands like JLR is not only a matter of legacy or pride, they cater to the much needed boost to core competency too. The results of which are not often immediate. The transformation to making cars in PVBU Pune is in itself a great feat for as big a company as Tata.
Getting the vendors do a 'project' like the Nano is a thing that only specialists could understand better. It was an extra ordinary feat that made Tata a world famous name.
Historically, very fine cars have failed in the world. Failed in the sense that the sales numbers were low. That doesn't mean the brand or the company didn't learn from it. In fact, learning is far more important than the sales numbers for strong fundamentals and values of a giant like Tata.
Not only are they making cars in India they are making cars in many countries now. Tried a thing with Daewoo, tried with Fiat, now maybe with some Chinese manufacturer, that's what companies do to improve themselves. Some decisions work some don't. Even Mahindra tried/still does with Ssangyong, South Korean, who doesn't? Toyotas, Suzukis and other established brands have a legacy that predates Tatas by a margin, given time Tata would also make a solid mark in world auto history, IMHO.
Tatas even sponsored Narain Karthikeyan. What for? If it's not about legacy then what is it about? The best car brands in the world have had times that made them totally out of market, but that didn't stop them from making great cars and make a come back. They never stopped learning and improving.
As he famously says, "I don't take right decisions. I take decisions and make them right".
Last edited by ajmat : 9th August 2020 at 16:38.
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