Tata Motors, India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has undertaken a strategic restructuring of its truck and bus business to foster agility and ensure future-readiness. The reorganization involves the formation of new business units, each with a distinct focus and increased accountability.
This restructuring initiative aligns with Tata Motors’ overarching goal of reducing discounts, prioritizing retail sales (Vahan), and achieving double-digit profit margins, a shift from the previous emphasis on market share expansion.
In FY2023, Tata Motors reported wholesales of 413,539 units, representing a notable 16% year-on-year increase (FY2022: 356,972 units). Notably, domestic sales in the Indian market surged by 22% year on year, reaching 393,317 units.
Three-Fold Business Growth Strategy
The commercial vehicle (CV) business has been revamped into three comprehensive end-to-end business units: Trucks, Buses, and Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs), streamlining operations compared to the prior four business units.
Trucks: Tata Motors has merged its heavy truck vehicle divisions with light, intermediate, and medium commercial vehicle divisions to create a dedicated ‘Trucks’ unit. Led by Rajesh Kaul, this unit will take full ownership of sales, service, and key account management, enabling a more customer-centric approach.
Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs): The SCV business is reinforced with the establishment of a dedicated nationwide sales and service network. Shubhranshu Singh, the Chief Marketing Officer, will now oversee sales and marketing for the SCV business, working closely with Vinay Pathak, the SCV business leader.
Digital Business: A new digital business line, led by Bharat Bhushan, has been introduced to promote digital offerings, starting with Fleetedge. Anurag Mehrotra retains international business responsibilities, while R Ramakrishnan leads spares and non-vehicle business, and Prasad Phadke heads the strategy function. All these business and function heads will report to Girish Wagh, executive director, Tata Motors.
A Tata Motors spokesperson confirmed the restructuring and stated, “We have simplified the organization structure, created new lines of business, and further empowered each of the business lines. With these actions, the CV business is becoming more agile, customer-centric, and future-ready to tap the growth opportunities ahead with greater focus.”
Pursuing Cost Efficiencies
To address the challenges of input price pressures, weak cost economics, higher overheads, and manufacturing expenses, Tata Motors engaged McKinsey & Company in 2022 to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Over the past 18 months, Tata Motors has successfully reduced costs by over Rs 3,000 crore through measures such as minimizing discounts and trimming structural costs.
Girish Wagh, in various interactions with employees and dealers, emphasized the concerted effort required to restore market share and profitability. These strategic decisions have received strong support from N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Motors, who regularly monitors progress in weekly updates.