Tata Motors Ltd expands presence in ASEAN: Appoints Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. as Phl distributor

MANILA, Philippines - Tata Motors Ltd, India’s largest automobile company with consolidated revenues of US$34.7 billion in 2012-13, has appointed Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (TAJ) as its Philippine distributor for Tata passenger and commercial vehicles. The distribution agreement, which was officially signed last October 31, 2013, is especially timely as the industry expects more robust growth in the coming year.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. Chairman & President David Coyukiat, concurrently President and CEO of Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation noted, “We are thrilled to bring to the Philippine market a range of tough and reliable vehicles from India’s largest and most trusted automobile company. Tata Motors’ name resonates worldwide. Their presence in the market will provide a chance for our consumers to choose from its wide product line-up the ideal vehicle for private and commercial use.”

TAJ is aggressively working out details of its launch program and setting up Tata’s network coverage.  Nicky Mariano, General Manager of Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. commented, “We are pleased with this development and are currently working out the details for the brand launch in the 2nd quarter of 2014. Our dealer network will be set up in time for the launch, and will quickly expand to key cities around Philippines—Tata wants to be everywhere its target market is.”  Mariano added, “We are excited and have begun our search for highly qualified dealers who share our vision and values. We want highly motivated teams who will aggressively pursue and ensure Tata’s success in the local market.”

The Tata-TAJ partnership will bring new investment and employment opportunities to the country. It will likewise bring Tata’s renowned technology and engineering expertise, raising standards in the marketplace by making available Tata’s durability-tested and fuel-efficient diesel and petrol engines.

Some of the models expected to be introduced to the Philippine market are the Manza and Vista sedans as well as the Xenon pickup. Prices will be announced upon launch.

Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and South Africa. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising two iconic British brands. With over 7.5 million Tata vehicles plying India’s cities and countryside, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck and bus manufacturer. The company’s commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, South Asia and South America.

Tata Motors is a part of The Tata Group, which comprises over 100 operating companies in seven business sectors: Communications and information Technology, Engineering, Materials, Services, Energy, Consumer Products and Chemicals. The group has operations in more than 80 countries across six continents; its companies export products and services to 85 countries. The total revenue of Tata companies reached a staggering $100.09 billion in 2011-12, with 58 percent of this coming from business outside India. Tata companies employ over 450,000 people worldwide. The Tata name has an enviable 140-year heritage, earning the trust and respect of India for the brand’s unwavering adherence to strong values and business ethics.