Ratan Tata was more than a business tycoon. His contributions changed the face of industries in India, including the automobile sector.

Distinguished by his modest lifestyle and humility, he dedicated his life to improving the living standards for people across many sections of society through his innovative ideas and philanthropic initiatives.

In the automotive industry, he created history by giving the Indian middle class its dream car Nano at Rs 1 lakh.

However, his goal went beyond simply manufacturing cars and the transformation of Tata Motors, under his leadership, into a global powerhouse in the automotive industry has set an example for many in India.

The initiatives taken under his visionary leadership not only transformed Tata Motors but also generated employment in the auto sector and made the Indian middle class ample choices to own their cream car.

Ratan Tata had ambitious goals for Tata Sons when he became its chairman in 1991. He saw Tata Motors emerging as a more powerful player in the consumer car market in addition to commercial vehicles. His association with Tata Motors is a testament to his dedication to innovation, as evidenced by the Indica, the first car made in India, and the Nano, the ‘lakhtakia’ car.

Here’s a look at how Ratan Tata’s vision for Tata Motors transformed India’s auto sector:

Tata Indica

Launched in 1998, the Tata Indica is one of the most important achievements in Ratan Tata’s legacy in the auto industry. Indian consumers had very few options when it came to vehicles in the late 1990s, and many of them had to settle with severely modified foreign brands or foreign models.

When the Tata Indica was unveiled at the 1998 Auto Expo, it was the culmination of Ratan Tata’s ambitious goal— to give India its first indigenous car. His idea of the ideal Indian family car, complete with comfort, style and affordability, wasn’t just another vehicle.

At first, the car drew criticism and mixed reviews. Ratan Tata, however, remained steadfast in his goal despite initial difficulties. His tenacity paid off when Indica gained popularity. It was a remarkable milestone as a testament that India had acquired the capability and technology to build its own car.

With the release of the V2 Indica, many of the Indica’s shortcomings were resolved, and it quickly rose to the top of India’s auto industry, solidifying Tata Motors’ leadership in the passenger vehicle segment.

Tata Nano

Ratan Tata’s most remarkable achievement in the automotive industry was achieved in 2008. It was the introduction of the Tata Nano, the “the cheapest car in the world”.

Ratan Tata was inspired to create the Nano because he wanted to offer automobile ownership to the millions of Indians who relied on two-wheelers at an inexpensive price. He imagined an affordable, four-wheeler substitute that a typical Indian family could be able to afford and Tata Nano was his gift to the Indian middle class.

Given that the Nano was available for an incredible Rs 1 lakh, it made headlines throughout the world.

It was lauded as an example of Indian engineering ingenuity. A milestone in automotive history, the car was not a commercial success because of problems with perception and marketing. Its innovative design, cost and philosophy behind the vehicle were interpreted as an attempt to upend the Indian auto industry.

Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Acquisition

This was one of the turning points for Tata Motors under the iconic industrialist’s leadership. Tata Motors was known for producing inexpensive vehicles till the deal was materialised. However, Ratan Tata was confident about the acquisition.

JLR saw a tremendous metamorphosis under Tata’s direction and quickly became profitable again. Ratan Tata’s vision and willingness to take measured risks are evident in the resuscitation of Jaguar Land Rover. This acquisition represents one of the best instances of an Indian corporation successfully revitalising a long-standing Western brand.

Sustainable and Electric Mobility

Ratan Tata’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has continued to shape the company’s strategy in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Tata Motors has embraced the future of mobility with an emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles, even though he resigned as chairman in 2012.

Tata Motors established itself as a leader in India’s emerging electric vehicles industry with the introduction of several models. Ratan Tata’s emphasis on environmentally friendly substitutes is a reflection of his profound awareness of the necessity of long-term sustainability in the automotive industry.

Dedication to Innovation and Safety

Tata Motors prioritised safety, quality, and innovation in addition to automobile manufacturing, under the leadership of Ratan Tata. Under his leadership, efforts were made to ensure that cars were affordable for Indian consumers while meeting international safety regulations.

Under his leadership, Tata Motors pioneered the use of robotics and innovative materials in manufacturing. Tata’s focus on safety is evident in its vehicles, such as the Nexon, which was the first Indian car to get a 5-star safety certification from Global NCAP. This achievement highlights Tata’s dedication to providing Indian customers with dependable, safe cars.

The visionary industrialist died at the age of 86 in Mumbai on October 9. However, his rich legacy and contributions to India’s corporate world will keep on inspiring many generations of entrepreneurs.