Tata Motors’ history began in 1945 when Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company began manufacturing locomotives and engineering products. In 1948, Tata began production of steam road rollers, in collaboration with UK manufacturer, Marshall Sons. In 1954, the company entered into a 15-year collaborative agreement with Daimler Benz AG, Germany to manufacture medium-sized commercial vehicles. The company began producing hydraulic excavators in collaboration with Japan’s Hitachi in 1985, The first independently designed light commercial vehicle, the Tata 407 “pickup” was produced in 1986, followed by the Tata 608 light truck. Tata Engineering began manufacturing passenger cars in 1991 and entered into a joint agreement with Cummins Engine Co. to manufacture high horsepower and low-emission diesel engines for cars and trucks in 1993.