MUMBAI: Tata Motors has become the first Indian automaker to cross the one-million-sales mark, beating Chinese giants Changan and SAIC, to be the world’s 16th largest light vehicles company.
Tata Motors sold 1.049 million units in 2018 as against 0.986 million units sold in 2017. Light vehicle sales include cars, utility vehicles, vans and small pickup trucks of up to 3.5 tonnes.
According to JATO Dynamics, an automotive consultancy firm that covers 54 key markets making up for 90% of light vehicle sales, Tata Motors was the third fastest-growing brand among the top 20 automobile companies around the world.
Felipe Munoz, JATO’s global analyst said, “It was the 16th largest car maker last year, getting close to Subaru and outselling some Chinese brands, but is not enough to become a key player in the industry. JLR has done a very good job by enlarging its line-up, launching modern cars, new tech, and gaining a decent part of the premium market (5.5% market share). But the Tata brand needs to address more markets.”
Tata Motors MD Guenter Butschek said it is credit to strong connect Tata has built with its customers through products and value propositions. He said the company will continue to focus on filling gaps in its portfolio and aim to be a technological leader in the auto world.
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“There are still dark spots in this story. Growth was driven by the Tata brand, which sold 99% of its cars in India. JLR (-2%) struggled as they compete in the profitable but highly competitive premium segment,” Munoz said.
