The list of '73 Biggest Brains in Business', compiled by business publication Conde Nast Portfolio, features Tata for his 2,500 dollar car--Nano, along with the likes of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Chief Executive of investment bank Goldman Sachs Lloyd Blankfein.

"Brilliance comes in many forms, whether it is founding a startup that kicks sand in Microsoft's face or creating an affordable car for the developing world. A small number of innovators influence the rest of the influencers in business," the magazine said in the accompanying report.

The list published in the latest issue of the magazine is further classified into five groups -- game changers, connectors, tastemakers, rebels and upstarts.

About Tata, the magazine said that he believes the future of the auto industry rests in the hands of people who do not yet drive.

Tata Group, which recently snapped up British luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover, has unveiled Tata Nano – the world's cheapest car.

"The model won't be sold in the US but has the potential to radically alter the market for manufacturers here. Tata-inspired followers are already revving up their engines: Nissan-Renault partnering with India's Bajaj Auto to develop a car by 2010 that will sell for less than 3,000 dollars.

"But except for Ford India, US companies can't produce a model this cheaply. Which means they risk being run over," the magazine noted.