Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), a subsidiary of India’s automotive giant Tata Motors, has officially re-entered the South African passenger vehicle market, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion. The launch event at The Galleria, Sandton, Johannesburg, unveiled four dynamic models: Harrier, Curvv, Punch, and Tiago, all engineered to meet the diverse mobility needs of South African consumers.
Strategic Partnership with Motus Holdings
TMPV’s market re-entry is supported by a strategic partnership with Motus Holdings, South Africa’s leading automotive group. Leveraging Motus’ nationwide distribution, retail, and aftersales expertise, TMPV aims to provide a seamless ownership experience and expand its dealership network, currently comprising 40 outlets, with plans to increase to 60 by 2026.
Record Growth and Safety Leadership
Tata Motors has demonstrated exceptional growth in India, scaling from 170,000 units in 2020 to over 560,000 units in 2025, reflecting a 350% increase. TMPV emphasises safety, with all models earning 4- or 5-star ratings from globally recognised New Car Assessment Programmes, including Global NCAP (GNCAP) and Bharat NCAP (BNCAP).
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of TMPV, stated:
“Our return to South Africa marks a significant milestone. With Motus as our partner, we aim to bring vehicles engineered with cutting-edge technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design to consumers who value quality and innovation.”
Ockert Janse Van Rensburg, CEO of Motus Holdings, added:
“Partnering with Tata Motors allows us to combine decades of distribution and aftersales expertise with Tata’s engineering excellence, offering South African consumers a compelling new vehicle choice.”
Tata Motors’ South African Vehicle Lineup
Tata Harrier – A full-sized SUV featuring a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged engine (125 kW, 350 Nm), Level 2 ADAS with 20 safety features, six airbags, and a tech-rich cabin with a 10.25- or 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Car2Home connectivity.
Tata Curvv – A coupe-inspired SUV with a 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol engine (88 kW, 170 Nm), six-speed manual or seven-speed DCA automatic transmission, digital instrument cluster, mood lighting, and six airbags, blending sporty design with everyday usability.
Tata Punch – A compact SUV powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine (65 kW, 115 Nm), featuring ESP, dual airbags, 7- or 10.5-inch infotainment, wide-opening 90-degree doors, and drive modes for versatile urban and weekend driving.
Tata Tiago – A compact hatchback with a 1.2-litre Revotron engine (63 kW, 113 Nm), five-speed manual or AMT transmission, 7- or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument cluster, HD reverse camera, and dual airbags, ideal for city driving.
Commitment to Local Economy and Sustainable Mobility
Beyond vehicle sales, TMPV aims to invest in skills development, job creation, and training programmes for technicians, sales professionals, and aftersales teams. Strategic financial partnerships will offer competitive financing solutions, making high-quality vehicles more accessible to South African consumers.
TMPV also plans to expand its model lineup and introduce alternative energy powertrains, ensuring South African consumers have access to modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced vehicles. Vehicles built in India are known for their excellent build quality, dependability, and value for money, qualities TMPV intends to replicate in South Africa.
Looking Ahead
With bold ambitions and a customer-first approach, Tata Motors aims to establish a meaningful presence and become a leading passenger vehicle brand in the South African market, offering innovative mobility solutions tailored to local preferences.