On this day, the renowned business magnate Ratan Tata celebrates his 86th birthday. Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval Tata and Sooni Tata, he has made significant contributions to the business world
After nine years, Ratan Tata, of the Tata Group, avenged the insult from Ford Chairman. Today marks his 86th birthday.
Ratan Tata initiated the production of a fully assembled car in India, named Tata Indica. Following derogatory remarks from the Ford Chairman about Ratan Tata, he responded after a nine-year interval, prompting a change in the Ford Chairman’s stance.
Renowned for his philanthropic endeavours at both national and international levels, the industrialist, entrepreneur, and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons is highly recognized.
On this 28th of December, we celebrate the 86th birthday of Ratan Tata, the distinguished Indian industrialist and honorary chairman of Tata Sons. Beyond his successful business ventures, Ratan Tata is recognized as a motivational speaker. His approach to business is rooted in the principles of philanthropy and humanity. Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval Tata and Suni Tata, he belongs to the prestigious Tata family. Commencing his career in the Tata Group at the age of 25, Ratan Tata has left an indelible mark on the business world.
Ratan Tata introduced the first fully manufactured car in India
Ratan Tata initiated the manufacturing of the first fully assembled car in India, known as Tata Indica. Unveiled for the first time at the Auto Expo and Geneva International Motor Show in 1998, this car was entirely produced in India. The Indica marked a significant milestone as the first indigenous car offering both petrol and diesel engine options. Under Ratan Tata’s guidance, the Tata Group made a global impact by acquiring Corus, an Anglo-Dutch steelmaker, and the renowned British luxury brands Land Rover and Jaguar. Additionally, Ratan Tata achieved global recognition for introducing the world’s most affordable car, the Tata Nano.
When the Chairman of Ford Company disrespected Ratan Tata
Upon the initial launch of the Indigo in the 90s, the sales fell short of expectations, prompting Tata Group to consider selling the struggling passenger car division of Tata Motors. Ratan Tata, in pursuit of this decision, engaged in a conversation with Bill Ford, the chairman of Ford Motors. During their exchange, Bill Ford ridiculed Tata, questioning his decision to start the passenger car division and suggesting that selling it would be a favour. Despite being deeply hurt by Ford’s words, Ratan Tata chose not to express his emotions. Instead, he deferred the decision to sell the passenger car division and sought his own form of retribution later on.
This marks the manner in which Ratan Tata sought retribution for the insult, nearly a decade later
Following the postponement of the deal with Ford, Ratan Tata returned home and redirected his focus towards elevating Tata Motors’ car division to unprecedented heights. Nearly nine years after the encounter with the head of Ford, Tata Motors’ cars had achieved global recognition and secured a position among the world’s best-selling vehicles. Meanwhile, the fortunes of Ford Company were dwindling.
Assuming the responsibility of rescuing the struggling Ford Company, Ratan Tata sought to exact revenge for the insult he endured nine years earlier. In an effort to aid Ford, facing its own challenges, Ratan Tata proposed purchasing its esteemed brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. Instead of conducting negotiations in the United States, he invited Ford’s chairman to India for the deal.
Ford Chairman praised Ratan Tata
In seeking retribution for the insult, Ratan Tata, without uttering a word, orchestrated circumstances that compelled the Ford Chairman to alter his stance. When accepting Ratan Tata’s offer in Mumbai, Bill Ford, the Chairman of Ford, found himself expressing sentiments similar to those he had used to insult Ratan Tata in the past. At that moment, he extended gratitude to Ratan Tata, acknowledging, “You are doing us a significant favour by acquiring the Jaguar and Land Rover series.”
feature picture source: @Ravi Desai