The company commenced production of Indica in January, 1999. While it produced the 1,00,000th car in March 2001 and the 5,00,000th car in February 2005, the progression from the 9,00,000th car to the millionth car was achieved in just 7 months.

Addressing workers of the car plant here, Chairman Ratan Tata said the journey to the momentous occasion was punctuated by many hurdles and difficulties. “We have proved our critics wrong who doubted our ability and competence to produce a passenger car, in a departure from the traditional mould of truck manufacturing.

Now, we have a reason to be satisfied with the rolling out of the one millionth car of Indica platform in less than a decade,” he said.

Robust business

He said the team of people involved with the journey to this milestone should feel satisfied today of having created a robust car business for the company.

Starting with the Indica, the company launched the Indigo in 2002, Indigo Marina in 2004, and Indigo XL in 2007.

The plant started with a capacity of 1,50,000 units a year, which was subsequently expanded to 2,25,000 units in 2006. As part of the celebration of the one-millionth milestone, the company announced several initiatives, including free service check-ups, free service camps, discounts on accessories and value-added services for existing customers. A contest for free upgrades for lucky customers is coupled with special retail offers for new customers.

In addition, special retail offers and finance schemes for employees of vendors, financiers, dealerships are also planned, the company said. “We have broken a new ground but still have to travel some distance to make our product matching world standards,” Mr Tata said.

Successful brands

The Indica, Indigo, and Indigo Marina, apart from being successful brands in India, have made a mark in several overseas markets in Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East and South America, he added. Tata Motors is considered India’s largest automobile company with revenues of Rs 32,426 crore in 2006-2007.

The company, is also termed as the world’s fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and second largest heavy bus manufacturer.

Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars and engines and also have an agreement to build a pick-up vehicle in Argentina.

Critics proved wrong: Tata

“We have proved our critics wrong who doubted our ability and competence to produce a passenger car, in a departure from the traditional mould of truck manufacturing. Now, we have a reason to be satisfied with the rolling out of the one millionth car of Indica platform in less than a decade,”