What if Mercedes-Benz served as a greater source of inspiration for Tata vehicles than BharatBenz itself? This article examines unexpected design and engineering similarities, showing how Tata’s commercial vehicles might more closely resemble Mercedes’ heritage than previously thought.
Being a truck aficionado, I have been observing the model patterns over years and the familiarity is more than coincidence. Years ago, Mercedes trucks entered India collaborating with TELCO (Now Tata Motors) and the JV was called Tata Mercedes Benz Ltd in 1954. Though the partnership lasted only about 15 years, it left a lasting impression on the DNA and the lineage of their products to this day.
Source – Tata Motors
The L312 Mercedes truck was assembled at TELCO plant in 1954. They produced trucks till 1969 with the Mercedes logo. The first truck with the Tata logo rolled out only in 1969 when the collaboration ended.
After jointly producing long nose 312 series trucks with minimal changes for years, TATA motors went on to making their own version of Semi Forward control (SFC) or the short nose trucks. Typified by the medium-duty L322, this Semi forward design became the worldwide signature of robust and durable trucks from Mercedes-Benz, in hundreds of variants spanning all weight categories. This form of truck is so popular in India that you would still see them serving tough conditions in quarry & border roads organization (BRO)
Tata not only followed the model lineage, it also followed Mercedes nomenclature to define its model line-up. Semi Forward control was called SFC and straight-faced trucks (without nose were called LPT). Its noteworthy that none of the panels are straight lift off from the Mercedes trucks. However, they are heavily inspired by the form factor from the Mercedes trucks lineup. Ditto-what Mahindra Thar/MM540 is to a Jeep Wrangler & Force Gurkha is to Mercedes G wagon.
Source – TATA 1210 SA (Sand Application) SFC truck
Source -Respective owners Facebook [ Mercedes L322 ]
The semi forward control design with 4×4 was launched by Tata in 1978 seems to be heavily inspired by Mercedes L322 short bonnet forward control design. The SFC TATA is still in active production in various avatars.
Indian trucking hasn’t evolved as much as European markets. Courtesy lobbying and abysmally low payment potential of Indian customers and low freight, truck manufacturers couldn’t really keep up with international safety standards. Tata & others till date manufacture cabins what Europe must have left in their 70’s. Having said that, Tata is modernising & catching up. The Prima and the Ultra range of trucks are significantly different & modern. As we move on, Tata Signa range of trucks will be replacing traditional SFC and LP faced trucks eventually.
Source- Richard Stanier collection
Source- Truck Brochure kingdom
The iconic square lamps with classic round logo in the center. The styling around the lamps with black vents all around the headlamps are so similar. Believe it or not, this is a 1967 design by Mercedes Benz & we still see them around all over India.
If we keep the cabin safety aside a bit, I love the way these trucks look. I have special liking to both SFC and the LPT face; specially in the military avatars. They look so classic and purposeful. They are basic, yet rugged & hardy. These trucks move India, literally! Leaving you with some images for you to see the similarity, in case you haven’t noticed it already.
Source – Tata Motors
Source – scalecar.eu
In 1977 an improved TATA S series was launched with a more modern cabin. Very Mercedes-like styling of the NG series of Mercedes trucks.
While the LPT styling continued for a very long time, subsequent high-powered trucks got inspired by NG & SK series styling as seen below
Mercedes NG truck
TATA 6×6 Military truck
It didn’t stop there; I feel the ever-popular TATA 407 also got loosely inspired by Mercedes 608 styling as well. The short bonnet LCV was an instant hit in the Indian market when launched in 1986. I must admit, the TATA 407 looked, much better than the Mercedes 608 odd ball styling.
Source – Truck1.eu
Source – TATA motors
Did you also see the similarities? Leave a comment if you agree.
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