The journey started with a 'Khatara' truck, reached the 10 lakhth commercial vehicle!

The journey of Tata Motors is no less than an inspiration. This company, which started as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company in 1945, along with Daimler-Benz in 1954, laid a strong foundation for the commercial vehicle industry in the country. This journey, which started with the first indigenous heavy-duty truck, has today reached a historic milestone.

Moving forward on the path of innovation and expansion with time, the company has now rolled out its 10 lakhth commercial vehicle. This is an achievement which tells the story of its decades-long development and progress of India. Let us take a quick look at the story of Tata Motors' commercial vehicle business from its beginning till now.

Started in 1954

Tata Motors' commercial vehicle (CV) journey has been full of ups and downs. Established in 1945 as Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), the company initially focused on locomotives and engineering products. About 9 years after its establishment, in 1954, technical collaboration with Germany's Daimler-Benz changed its fortunes.

On October 15 of the same year, the first Tata Mercedes-Benz truck (TMB 312 model) was rolled out from the Jamshedpur plant. It was a 90-100 HP goods carrier chassis with 3-5 ton capacity, which became the epitome of heavy duty trucks on Indian roads. This was the first heavy-duty truck manufactured in India, which gave a new direction to the country's transport and logistics.

Became self-dependent in 1970!

The partnership with Daimler-Benz continued until 1969, after which vehicles were produced entirely under the Tata brand. The company gradually increased its capacity. Pune plant was established in the 1970s, where production of medium and heavy commercial vehicles started. The Tata 407 Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), launched in 1986, revolutionized the market. This multipurpose, economical and reliable truck proved to be a game-changer for small traders and transporters. Tata 407 took on Indo-Japanese competitors and gave the company a strong foothold in the LCV segment.

Tata Ace becomes a game changer

Tata Motors expanded in the 2000s. Tata Ace was launched in 2005, which was India's first mini truck. It proved to be perfect for small towns and last mile delivery and empowered small entrepreneurs. The company entered the international market. Acquired South Korea's Daewoo Commercial Vehicles in 2004. Also increased focus on green vehicles like electric and CNG. Today Tata Motors has a wide range of light, intermediate, medium and heavy trucks, buses, tippers and electric vehicles.

crossed a big milestone

The company wrote a new chapter in its long journey on 15 April 2026, when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rolled out the 10 lakhth commercial vehicle of Tata Motors from the Lucknow plant. Established in 1992, this 600-acre plant is a center for cargo, passenger, electric buses and green mobility solutions. This milestone reflects the company's 70+ years of hard work, innovation and contribution to India's economic progress.