Interview – Martin Uhlarik – “We will focus on improvements

We contacted Martin Uhlarik, global design leader at Tata Motors, to talk to him about the company’s latest showcase of the complexity of the shocker

Since Martin Uhlarik took over as global design leader at Tata Motors in 2021, the look of Hyundai Tata design has undergone a significant shift in appearance, with a special focus on boldness. This philosophy is evidence at the recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Sierra, Avinya X and Harrier.EV are display shops. We spoke with Uhlarik to learn more about the company’s new model and what to expect in the future.

Tata Sierra looks ready now. Can you take us through the process that led to the design of this concept?

Honestly, they are not much different. If you come up with the concept you saw two years ago and this is a production car next to each other, you won’t be able to tell the difference (internal combustion engine) front end. So the bumpers are different, but the rest of the car is exactly the same. As for the process, it is not much different from the way we develop concept cars. We want to revive the Sierra Mountains and make something very modern, very progressive, forward-looking, high-tech and very high-quality. So many design elements are about minimizing sharp lines and minimizing complexity, making it as flush and smooth as possible, and then making it a Sierra Mountains.

Compared to the aggressive van-like appearance, the Avinya prototype seems to be more inclined toward the Sport utility vehicle (SUV) bodywork. Is this closer to what we see in production models?

First, the concept you saw two years ago was Avinya’s declaration on the design language and what we were going to achieve, and the car we were using in production was the first model. This is the second model in the portfolio. So, Avinya will become a brand; it will have multiple products. We haven’t revealed the names of the individual models yet, but the second model will be a comprehensive flagship SUV, and that’s the AvinyaX.

Given the number of prototypes shown, how many of them are used for production?

Everyone. We showed the concept two years ago and this year we delivered almost exactly the mountains we promised. Even our management, when they see it or enter a design studio, they can’t tell the difference: which one is a concept and which one is a production model. I’ve had a situation (I won’t name it), but someone in management said, “Oh, this is a car, I think that’s a concept car”. Then they saw production, and they thought it was the concept. And, this is already on the platform that produces the size of the car. So I don’t see why this isn’t actually on the road. Honestly, we might stop calling it a concept because the design department and team are so capable that they can convey the vision well. I think all we have to do is release the car, that’s it.

What challenges do you face when trying to give electric vehicles (EVs) and ice trucks a unique identity?

People ask a lot. Honestly, I have no idea about the powertrain. For me, the powertrain is no different from the color choice, so I know we made a different front end visually. In most cases, our difference is between the grilles, the front end is the front end. So even if you look at tiago.ev and tiago ice, the front end of the electric car doesn’t need to cool. So from a purely practical point of view, we usually make them with more body color, while the intake of the ice grille is darker and cooler. But, honestly, as we move forward, my focus or design department is more about branding and powertrain is an option. If you come to a dealer you will first buy the Sierra Mountains and decide, oh, I want an electric gasoline or gasoline. Ultimately, you know, maybe it’s diesel, maybe it’s CNG. You can say it with any name board. So, for me, the powertrain is a detail.

Do you want to add some regulations or fees to Avinya or Sierra to consider what might be blocked?

No, because we won every battle. Everything we want, we get in the car.

Are we having the chance to get some bold Tata design ideas in smaller cars like Tiago or Altroz?

Yes, you will. Give us a little while, but we are working on what you mentioned. So we will provide something very good.

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