Pratap Bose is a well-known Indian automotive designer recognized for his creative car designs. He grew up in Mumbai, where his love for cars began at an early age. This passion drove him to study Industrial Design at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, one of India's top design schools. To further enhance his skills, Bose attended the Royal College of Art in London, where he specialized in automotive design. His education and experiences have made him a leading figure in the automotive industry, known for bringing fresh and innovative ideas to car design.

Tata Motors was struggling to shake off its image as a commercial vehicle manufacturer. Despite the introduction of small cars like the Zest and Bolt and the successful SUV Safari Storme, the brand still felt outdated and was often associated with cab drivers.

Then, something remarkable happened. Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon, the first Indian car to secure a global NCAP rating of 5 stars. While its design was unconventional and initially met with skepticism, the Nexon's safety credentials and value proposition proved to be a winning combination. It quickly gained popularity and helped to reposition Tata Motors as a brand that prioritized safety and quality.

At the Auto Expo 2018, Tata Motors showcased another game-changer: the Harrier concept. With its bold, contemporary design and impressive proportions, the Harrier instantly turned heads and made existing SUVs like the Scorpio look outdated. What was even more surprising was the minimal design drop between the concept and the production model. The Harrier not only inherited the striking aesthetics of its concept but also boasted a premium feel that was borrowed from Tata's JLR platform.

These two models, the Nexon and Harrier, played a pivotal role in permanently shifting Tata Motors' brand image. They demonstrated the company's commitment to safety, quality, and design, attracting a wider range of customers.

Who was behind these brand identity transformation?

None other than Pratap Bose!

Mr Bose in Mahindra

After his successful tenure at Tata Motors, Pratap Bose joined Mahindra & Mahindra, bringing his expertise in design and innovation to the company. One of the first noticeable changes under his leadership was the introduction of a new, more contemporary logo for Mahindra.

Bose's influence was immediately felt in the design of new Mahindra models. The Scorpio N, a significant update to the popular Scorpio SUV, showcased a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Similarly, the XUV700, a flagship SUV, demonstrated Mahindra's growing ambition to offer premium products. These models not only enhanced the brand's image but also contributed to a significant increase in sales.

Bose's design philosophy also played a crucial role in shaping the Mahindra Thar Roxx. While Ram Kripa Ananathan, a key figure in the development of the original Thar, had left Mahindra some years ago, Bose oversaw the design of the Roxx variant. Building upon the existing Thar platform, Bose infused the Roxx with a more rugged and adventurous character.