Ratan Tata Death News Live Updates: Ratan Tata, a stalwart businessman not just in India but globally and more importantly a philanthropist of the highest calibre, passed away after succumbing to age-related health issues. He breathed his last at the age of 86 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday night. While he had contributions in many fields, automobiles were his first love– a major reason for the growth of Tata Motors.
The resurgence of Tata Motors, especially in the passenger vehicle space, is nothing short of a miracle. Therefore, Tata gained the respect of the global auto industry. As the Tata family prepares for his last rites, respects from all quarters of the Auto Inc pour in. Here’s a rundown of Ratan Tata’s legacy in the automobile industry.
Ratan Tata passes away highlights
“We are deeply distressed by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Naval Tata, a visionary and humanitarian leader whose legacy transcends business, embracing the spirit of serving the humankind. Ratan Tata has not only been an icon for the nation, but an inspiration for countless lives. His life has been a journey of pioneering contributions that has shaped the business landscape in the country, bringing Indian enterprises to the global stage.”
“Tata’s passion for innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with an extraordinary showcase of courage and compassion, will continue to fuel the aspirations of the nation. His management philosophy of running the Tata Group with the motto “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds” emphasized the importance of creating value not just for shareholders, but for all the sections of the society. As we remember him, his profound influence on industry and humanity will remain a guiding force for generations to come. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but his spirit will forever guide us.”
— Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India
Ratan Tata learnt to fly when he was in college in the US. During that time, he had a few harrowing experiences — he once lost the engine in the helicopter he was flying and in another incident, he lost the engine in a plane he was flying, forcing him to glide the plane to land.
“I’m at a loss with Ratan Tata Sir’s passing. His loss feels so personal because it is for me. He was my hero growing up, like for so many others. I consider myself blessed to have gotten the opportunity to know my personal hero deeply over the last decade. Meeting and interacting with him many times and each time, learning lessons for life. My relationship with Mr. Tata started in 2008. I was graduating from IIT Bombay and he was the guest speaker at our convocation. I was a young kid but his words that day stayed with me – to serve one’s country.”
” In 2015, I got the chance to meet Mr Tata and he decided to invest in Ola. But my interactions with him didn’t end there. They had just begun! Mr Tata was like no other business leader I have ever met. He took personal interest in my journey. And in every interaction there was grace, humility, curiosity and a world of learning for me. In 2016, I invited him to come to Bengaluru and address my whole company. I thought a person of his stature would politely decline but he actually took a full day out, flew to Bengaluru and spent the entire day with my team and company!”
— Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder, Ola Electric
The Tata Group owns Jaguar Land Rover, the British luxury brand. The deal was struck back in 2008 for $2.3 billion and Tata took over the business from Ford. What’s notable about this is that Tata wanted to sell its passenger vehicle business to Ford owing to poor sales. However, a decade later, top officials at Ford said that Tata was doing the US carmaker a favour by buying JLR.
One gamechanger in the Indian automotive industry was the launch of the Nexon. The Sub-4 metre SUV set the pace for other carmakers and is the only vehicle in the segment available in petrol, diesel, CNG, and all electric powertrains. The Nexon EV is also India‘s best-selling electric passenger vehicle.
The Manza was based on the Tata Indigo and was one of the first sedans in its class to offer a host of luxury features. The Manza was equipped with SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, a dash-integrated audio system, automatic climate control, leather upholstery and more. The Manza also had a luxury version called the Elan, which featured Italian leather upholstery.
We all know the Indica and most of us have been in one. Launched in 1998, the Tata Indica is one India‘s first indigenously developed passenger cars and the first in the segment to feature a diesel engine. The Indica was sold in many global markets under various names and the company garnered over 11,000 bookings within a week of its launch. The Indica saw many iterations over the years and also gave birth to another notable car from the era — The Tata Manza.
The Tata Sierra was light years ahead of its time. The three-door SUV featured a design that others cannot match even today. The Tata Sierra was based on the Telcoline pickup and was launched way back in 1991. The SUV is still desired by many in India and some have even tweaked around with the engine to gain more power. The Tata Sierra will make a comback in a modern form, but as an EV.
There is no doubt that Ratan Tata made significant contributions to the country and globally, and these include automobiles as well. One of the most notable automotive projects was the Tata Nano, the micro hatchback launched in 2008. Tata’s aim was for every two-wheeler rider in India to own a car and the Nano was the solution. The Nano was in production until 2018 and saw many variations along the way.
“Indian automobile industry is deeply saddened with the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a towering figure, who has played a stellar role in bringing the Indian auto industry to the global stage. A great humanist, visionary and leader, he championed innovations that are helping build a better tomorrow.”
— Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM
“As a global corporate luminary, Mr. Ratan Tata will forever be remembered for his transformative contribution towards modernization of Indian business landscape and deep compassion towards betterment of the society. His profound contribution and revolutionary thinking has inspired the automobile industry in India to think beyond conventional boundaries. Mr. Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide generations, reminding us that true leadership is defined not only by business acumen but by a selfless dedication to serve the betterment of humanity.”
— Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Moto
Ratan Tata Death News Live Updates: Last rites commence at 4 pm
The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Ratan Tata at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in South Mumbai. His mortal remains will be available for viewing from 10 AM to 4 PM. Following the viewing, a cremation ceremony will be held later in the day in Mumbai’s Worli area. At 4 PM, Ratan Tata’s remains will be transported to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium on Dr. E Moses Road for the final rites.
Get all updates from Ratan Tata’s last rites here.
Ratan Tata‘s contributions in the country’s auto industry is immense. This has been highlighted by the President of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) in its official statement to the press.
“It is with profound sorrow that we, at the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), mourn the passing of one of India’s most visionary and iconic business leaders, Mr. Ratan Tata. His immense contributions to the automotive industry, among many other sectors, have left an indelible mark on the growth and global stature of Indian industry.
Mr. Tata was not just a business leader; he was a beacon of integrity, innovation, and compassion. Under his able leadership, Tata Motors revolutionized the Indian automotive landscape, putting India on the world map of automotive excellence. His vision for sustainable and inclusive growth continues to inspire the industry.
The Indian automotive sector, particularly the auto component industry, has greatly benefitted from Mr. Tata’s commitment to quality, innovation, and self-reliance. He was a stalwart who believed in the potential of India’s manufacturing sector and encouraged the localization of automotive supply chains, which has become a cornerstone of our industry today. His advocacy for electric mobility and environmental sustainability resonates deeply with the industry’s current transformation.
On behalf of ACMA and the entire automotive fraternity, we extend our deepest condolences to the Tata family, and everyone touched by his leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in India and beyond.
Mr. Ratan Tata will forever be remembered as a pioneer, a visionary, and an unparalleled contributor to the progress of the Indian automotive sector,” said, Shradha Suri Marwah, President ACMA & CMD Subros.
Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of INSPACe – Dept of Space, Government of India, and Former MD & CEO, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited [Automotive and Farm Equipment Business], also paid respects for Ratan Tata on his social media handle. He said, “My heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His words in one of the Tata Motors AGM appreciating what Mahindra has achieved remain the proudest moment of my professional life.”
My heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His words in one of the Tata Motors AGM appreciating what Mahindra has achieved remain the proudest moment of my professional life.
— Pawan K Goenka (@GoenkaPk) October 10, 2024
Ratan Tata had a influence across all segments in the Indian automobile industry including two-wheelers. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, expressed his grief through an official statement.
“Mr Tata was a truly remarkable business leader, the likes of whom nations get only once in a century. His passion extended far beyond growing the Tata Group. It expanded to serving millions of people in India, through philanthropic work and to which he devoted as much time and energy as he did to the business. He was deeply grounded in values that placed the country before business interests, and whose vision was truly transformational for a country and its people.” said Srinivasan.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, was one of the first person to express his sorrow. The veteran industrialist and Tata rival, took to his X (formely Twitter) account to say, “I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.”
I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024
India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.
And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.
Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.… pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTs
Ratan Tata Death News Live Updates: Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM responds
President of Tata Motors Ltd., Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, and the recently appointed President of SIAM, Shailesh Chandra has expressed his grief through an official statement. “Indian Automobile Industry is deeply saddened with the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a towering figure, who has played a stellar role in bringing the Indian Auto industry to the global stage. A great humanist, visionary and leader, he championed innovations that are helping build a better tomorrow. RIP Sir” said, Chandra.
