SWOT brands (see opportunities below); Tata has not

SWOT brands (see opportunities below); Tata has not

SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths * The internationalisation strategy so far has been to keep local managers in new acquisitions, and to only transplant a couple of senior managers from India into the new market. The benefit is that Tata has been able to exchange expertise.

For example after the Daewoo acquisition the Indian company leaned work discipline and how to get the final product ‘right first time. ‘ * The company has a strategy in place for the next stage of its expansion.Not only is it focusing upon new products and acquisitions, but it also has a programme of intensive management development in place in order to establish its leaders for tomorrow. * The company has had a successful alliance with Italian mass producer Fiat since 2006. This has enhanced the product portfolio for Tata and Fiat in terms of production and knowledge exchange. For example, the Fiat Palio Style was launched by Tata in 2007, and the companies have an agreement to build a pick-up targeted at Central and South America.

* Excellent brand equity and image in Indian market. Sound global recognition in light trucks and buses. * Sound fundamentals in turbo diesel because of their joint venture with Cummins.

* Good presence in Indian markets * Ownership of heritage of British motor brands like Land Rover and Jaguar. * Strategic tie up with Benz. They follow premium segment marketing. * World class quality accreditation (ISO 9001; ISO 20000) Weaknesses * The company’s passenger car products are based upon 3rd and 4th generation platforms, which put Tata Motors Limited at a disadvantage with competing car manufacturers. Despite buying the Jaguar and Land Rover brands (see opportunities below); Tata has not got a foothold in the luxury car segment in its domestic, Indian market.

Is the brand associated with commercial vehicles and low-cost passenger cars to the extent that it has isolated itself from lucrative segments in a more aspiring India? * One weakness which is often not recognised is that in English the word ‘tat’ means rubbish. Would the brand sensitive British consumer ever buy into such a brand?Maybe not, but they would buy into Fiat, Jaguar and Land Rover (see opportunities and strengths). * Never done well in UK; USA and European markets. * Not yet prepared fundamentally to handle global markets of Land Rover and Jaguar. * Weak technical competencies.

* Perceived as Indianized. * Do not possess localization skills outside Indian markets. * Focus in more on cost thus car lacks advanced features. Opportunities * In the summer of 2008 Tata Motor’s announced that it had successfully purchased the Land Rover and Jaguar brands from Ford Motors for UK ? . 3 million.

Two of the World’s luxury car brand have been added to its portfolio of brands, and will undoubtedly off the company the chance to market vehicles in the luxury segments. * Tata Motors Limited acquired Daewoo Motor’s Commercial vehicle business in 2004 for around USD $16 million. * Nano is the cheapest car in the World – retailing at little more than a motorbike. Whilst the World is getting ready for greener alternatives to gas-guzzlers, is the Nano the answer in terms of concept or brand?Incidentally, the new Land Rover and Jaguar models will cost up to 85 times more than a standard Nano! * The new global track platform is about to be launched from its Korean (previously Daewoo) plant.

Again, at a time when the World is looking for environmentally friendly transport alternatives, is now the right time to move into this segment? The answer to this question (and the one above) is that new and emerging industrial nations such as India, South Korea and China will have a thirst for low-cost passenger and commercial vehicles. These are the opportunities.However the company has put in place a very proactive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee to address potential strategies that will make is operations more sustainable. * The range of Super Milo fuel efficient buses are powered by super-efficient, eco-friendly engines. The bus has optional organic clutch with booster assist and better air intakes that will reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.

* Introduce Asian variants of Jaguar and land Rover by promoting “Power Icon” Brand which will work well with Asian politicians. * Develop more joint ventures like Tata Mercedes-Benz. Threats Other competing car manufacturers have been in the passenger car business for 40, 50 or more years.

Therefore Tata Motors Limited has to catch up in terms of quality and lean production. * Sustainability and environmentalism could mean extra costs for this low-cost producer. This could impact its underpinning competitive advantage. Obviously, as Tata globalises and buys into other brands this problem could be alleviated.

* Since the company has focused upon the commercial and small vehicle segments, it has left itself open to competition from overseas companies for the emerging Indian luxury segments.For example ICICI bank and DaimlerChrysler have invested in a new Pune-based plant which will build 5000 new Mercedes-Benz per annum. Other players developing luxury cars targeted at the Indian market include Ford, Honda and Toyota. In fact the entire Indian market has become a target for other global competitors including Maruti Udyog, General Motors, Ford and others. * Rising prices in the global economy could pose a threat to Tata Motors Limited on a couple of fronts. The price of steel and aluminium is increasing putting pressure on the costs of production.Many of Tata’s products run on Diesel fuel which is becoming expensive globally and within its traditional home market.

* Many companies across the world are busy developing their own models of Economy cars they may launch in competition with Tata motors. * Must catch in terms of Quality and lean production. * Since company has focussed upon commercial and small vehicle segment it has left open to competition from overseas.

* Rising prices in global economy. * Price of steel and aluminium is increasing putting pressure on costs of production. * Diesel fuel is becoming expensive globally.