In the Indian industry, Ratan Tata is not only known as a successful businessman but also as a great leader and a visionary. His ideology and leadership skills have given Tata Group global recognition. A story related to Ratan Tata’s Ford teaches that “success is the best way of revenge”.
Moment of Humiliation for Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata along with his team went to the US in 1999 to meet Ford Chairman Bill Ford to sell his failed car business. In that meeting, Tata was reportedly humiliated by Ford, who said, “We are doing you a great favor by buying your car division.” However, times change quickly and nine years later. This time, Tata did not “humiliate” but “great Favor” in return.
Turning Point for Tata Motors
In 1999, Ford insulted Ratan Tata by saying, “You have a lack of knowledge, why did you start the passenger car division.” However, the Tata team decided not to sell its car business to Ford and returned to Mumbai. Tata worked on his car business and focused his attention on Tata Motors. Over time, the carmaker became a successful company all over the world.
In 2008, Ford, which was struggling to make a profit from its sales, approached Ratan Tata to sell its car business. However, Ratan Tata offered to buy the Jaguar and Land Rover series cars from Ford, which were their lowest-selling cars at the time.
Bill Ford’s Words: ‘You Are Doing Us a Great Favor’
In June 2008, Tata closed the $2.3 billion all-cash deal to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, with Bill Ford telling him, “You are doing us a great favor by buying JLR.” Ratan Tata was insulted by Ford but he responded with a ‘favor’ and his success.
Today, Ratan Tata has passed away, after which Indians have suffered a big shock. He was not only a successful businessman but also an extraordinary human being. As the news spread, tributes started pouring in from the industry and other sectors.
Paying tributes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the industrialist as “a kind soul and an extraordinary human being”.
Praising industrialist Gautam Adani, he said, “Giants like him never fade away.”
