Jaguar and Land Rover sold to India's Tata Motors
Ford announced today what many people have been expecting for some time: They are selling off their British brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, to Indian automaker Tata Motors.
I remember when Ford first purchased Jaguar. The influx of cash from FoMoCo allowed Jag to solve many of the engineering problems that plagued their cars. At the time, Jaguar was still stamping body panels using machinery purchased second-hand just after World War II. The automotive world's concern was that the cars would become too Ford-ish. The results were a mixed bag -- I think the XJ managed to retain its Jaguar-ness, but the X-TYPE, essentially a gussied-up European-market Ford Mondeo, didn't fool anyone. (That said, I really did like the X-TYPE Sportwagon I reviewed.)
As for Land Rover, well, I never did keep up with them; I generally leave that sort of thing to About.com's SUVs site. But I did try to catch a ride (occaisionally on-road, usually off-road) in a Land Rover or Range Rover at least once a year, and it seems to me that things improved exponentially under Ford's stewardship -- today's Land Rovers still kick butt off-road, plus they're better looking and better built than ever.
So who is Tata Motors, anyway? They are India's largest automaker and builder of the Nano, which is projected to be the world's least expensive production car with an expected retail price of $2,500. Their plans for Jag and Land Rover? According to chairman Ratan Tata, "We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavor to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact." Let's hope that's how it plays out. -- Aaron Gold
Comments
It really is too bad that Ford had to sell. To say that Ford helped Jaguar and Land Rover understates the reality of the situation. Ford saved those companies from extinction. The world was on the edge of a true leap in automotive technology that Jag-Rover would have been incapable of making. Now Ford has to sell off two greatly improved companies just to maintain its central US operation; a worthy decision, but a sad one. It will be interesting to see what Tata can offer these storied firms. Ford offered money and technology. It guided them into the new millenium with new factories, greatly improved equipment, far better product, technical support, and production methods. It is doubtful that Tata could have done the same. Today, though, both companies can step out with Tata money and hopefully continue to improve their products on their own— And that is truly a Ford legacy. Thanks guys!
The TATA Nano would look great with a leaping cat on the front of it!
I never understood why Ford bought Jag and Rover to start with. They did save them but one has to wonder what did Ford gain.
I wish them well with Tara.
Regardless of who owns Jag…this is a beautiful machine that I truly wish I could afford.
I hope Jags and Rovers countinue to improve. Although I consider my 04′ Discovery the last “true” land rover (off road perf.) hopfully tata can imply some reliabilty standards that compete.
people dont understand with landrover and jags, if you take care of them well you wont have problems. (the country clubbing yuppies have problems because they change the oil ever 50k miles).
wow im so bumbed that Ford had to sell Land Rover. I really liked what they did with their vehicles. I was planning to buy one soon but am now hesitant. I know nothing about Tata the Indian company. Are they capable of keeping the Rover reputation or will they pumit and destroy the purpose of Rovers?