Following the passing of Ratan Tata, an interview from 2009 with Elon Musk has resurfaced on social media, sparking reflection on the mutual admiration between the two visionary leaders. In the interview with Charlie Rose, Musk offered heartfelt praise for Tata’s ambition and innovation, particularly in reference to the Tata Nano, a low-cost car aimed at transforming affordable transportation in India.
The Tata Nano, launched in 2009 for ₹1 lakh (approximately $2,300), was intended to provide affordable vehicles to India’s masses. Rose, in his discussion with Musk, asked how Tata's project fit into the future of the automobile industry. Musk, who is now recognized as the world’s richest man, expressed admiration for Tata’s efforts, calling him a “gentleman and scholar.” While Musk commended Tata’s commitment to affordable cars, he also raised concerns about the Nano's long-term success, predicting future challenges due to rising fuel prices.
Musk’s cautious optimism, as it turned out, foreshadowed some of the issues the Nano would eventually face. Despite its innovative design and Tata's intention to create an accessible vehicle for India’s growing middle class, the Nano was ultimately labelled “cheap” rather than affordable. This branding misstep, along with other factors such as the rising cost of fuel and safety concerns, contributed to the car’s discontinuation in 2018.
Though the Nano did not achieve the commercial success Tata envisioned, the project remains a testament to Tata’s forward-thinking leadership and desire to improve lives. The resurfaced interview with Musk shows how even tech titans like him recognized Tata’s impact and innovation. In a business world often characterized by rivalry, Musk’s comments reflect genuine respect for Tata’s contributions to the automotive industry and his broader vision for India.