Jalopnik: Tata Motors

Commenter Of The Day: Reversal Of Fortune Edition

Matthew DeBord — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:15:00 EDT

Try this on for size: Between the wars, at its pinnacle in the 20th century, Britain exerted dominion over almost half a billion people. Yes, yes, it would all go completely to crap in less than 50 years and leave us associating the UK with the likes of the Spice Girls, Simon Cowell and Amy Winehouse. Imperialists all, in their own ways, but not exactly the same thing. Anyway, the sheer global vastness of the Pax Britannica is not something that exits collectively memory all that quickly, even as the land of King Arthur and Winston Churchill sheds assets like they were going out of style. We hinted at this development in our Question Of The Day, which focused on increasingly mighty Tata Motors and the matter of whom they should next acquire, after Jaguar and Land Rover. Which of course brings us to the realignment of power and influence that's currently afoot, and to our COTD.

We bestow the the honors on Maymar, who in reply to commenter estern, delivered this memorable quip:

They should go after Holden, too, start buying out companies from all of the UK and the colonies. The sun will never set on the Indian Empire!

Who needs former masters to become servants, when you can just buy up all their stuff?

Ford Officially Selling Jaguar, Land Rover To Tata For $2.3 Billion, Song And Dance

Ray Wert — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:31:00 EDT

While many decided yesterday to report "officially" that Ford was shaking Jaguar and Land Rover free to the Indian subcontinent for $2.6 billion we knew it was prudent to wait and report it as merely rumor because that number just didn't sound right. That's because here at Jalopnik, we "get" the US auto industry and we knew that when an 'merican automaker (German automakers too — that's right Daimler, we're looking straight at you) spends billions of dollars to bring a brand back to solvency, you expect a sale price to in no way reflect that. Ford didn't disappoint. You see, the sale's actually for $2.3 billion — $300-some-odd million less than yesterday's "whisper number." But wait, there's more. In addition to the cash transaction with Tata Motors, they'll also inject a hot $600 million capital infusion into the pension plans of the two brands. You know, because they haven't already sent enough money into the black hole that was Ford's PAG. Full press release after the jump.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO SELL JAGUAR LAND ROVER TO TATA MOTORS

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Jaguar Land Rover operations to Tata Motors.

The transaction is the culmination of Ford's decision last August to explore strategic options for the Jaguar Land Rover business, as the company accelerates its focus on its core Ford brand and "One Ford" global transformation.

The sale is expected to close by the end of the next quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The total amount to be paid in cash by Tata Motors for Jaguar Land Rover upon closing will be approximately US $2.3 billion. At closing, Ford will then contribute up to approximately US $600 million to the Jaguar Land Rover pension plans.

"Jaguar and Land Rover are terrific brands," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "We are confident that they are leaving our fold with the products, plan and team to continue to thrive under Tata's stewardship. Now, it is time for Ford to concentrate on integrating the Ford brand globally, as we implement our plan to create a strong Ford Motor Company that delivers profitable growth for all."

"This is a good agreement. It provides the Jaguar Land Rover management team and employees with the assurances needed to maintain their focus on delivering the best results for the business," said Lewis Booth, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company, who has responsibility for Ford of Europe, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover. "I am confident that, under its new owner, Jaguar Land Rover will continue to build upon the significant improvements and product successes it has achieved in recent years."

As part of the transaction, Ford will continue to supply Jaguar Land Rover for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components, in addition to a variety of technologies, such as environmental and platform technologies. Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, including research and development, plus information technology, accounting and other services.

In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company will provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period, which can vary by market, of up to 12 months.

The parties believe these arrangements will support Jaguar Land Rover's current product plans, while providing Jaguar Land Rover freedom to develop its own stand-alone capabilities in the future that will best serve its premium manufacturer requirements.

The parties do not anticipate any significant changes to Jaguar Land Rover employees' terms of employment on completion.

Speaking about today's agreement, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, commented: "We are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar and Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business. We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavor to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact. We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business."

Jaguar Land Rover's employees, trade unions and the UK Government have been kept informed of developments as the sale process progressed and have indicated their support for the agreement.

Speaking on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, Geoff Polites, chief executive officer, said: "Jaguar Land Rover's management team is very pleased that Ford and Tata Motors have come to an agreement today. Our team has been consulted extensively on the deal content and feels confident that it provides for the business needs of both our brands going forward.

"We have also had the opportunity to meet senior executives from Tata Motors and the Tata group," Polites continued. "They have expressed confidence in the team that has delivered significant improvements in Jaguar Land Rover's business performance. We feel confident that we can forge a strong working relationship with our new parent company, and we look forward to a bright and successful future for Jaguar Land Rover."

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 230,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Safe Harbor

Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated. We cannot be certain that any expectation, forecast or assumption made by management in preparing these forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projection will be realized. More detailed information about these and other factors that could affect future results is contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CNBC Asia Reporting Tata, Ford To Close Deal For Jaguar, Land Rover Shortly

Ray Wert — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:51:14 EDT

The version of "America's Business Channel" spiced with a taste of Asia is reporting Tata's close to finalizing a deal with Ford for Jaguar and Land Rover we've been reporting on for what seems like forever. A Tata Group spokesman said discussions were still going on and the company had no guidance to give reporters on the deal, but a variety of sources are now claiming signatures could be put on paper as early as tomorrow on a deal we're hearing to be less than $2.65 billion. Ratan Tata, the founder and CEO of Tata Motors, is reportedly so excited, he's tried to shake a set of Jaguars. Hmm, that isn't quite as funny.

Could The Jaguar E-Type Be Making A Return?

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Despite the ongoing shenanigans between Ford and TATA over the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover, there are whispers emerging about the possible revival of the venerable Jaguar E-Type. Australia's Courier Mail is reporting Jag honchos are considering the revival of what many consider the most beautiful production car to have ever been built. This news has us torn. While we absolutely love the E-Type, so much so that it holds a position in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, we think on Jags history of reviving legendary marques and wonder if this is this a good idea.

There's something magical about old Jaguars, E-Types especially, which are capable of making you completely lose your ability to process rational thought. They are beautiful without compromise, with exotic and sometimes maddening engineering. You just can't help but stare at an E-Type. With the revival of the S-type and all but tragedy of platform prostitution, and the original lackluster design of the E-Type mimicking XK8, can the designers pen really be trusted to reinterpret the old XKE? It is a tantalizing prospect, but if it comes to pass, the suspense will probably kill us.

Build Your Own Tata Nano

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST

As Jalopnik's Tata Nano day draws to a close, it's worth noting the lag on the Nano mini-site has dropped and you can go right to the corporate site to check out the content there. Even though the site is as lean and mean as the car it's promoting, it has a fair amount of interesting content (US, German, Japanese Automakers take note). The site has everything; a ~~pimp~~ build your own Nano feature, a blog, notes about the development, wallpapers, forums... heck, it's very possible that Tata understands the whims of the web far better than the global automakers do. We've taken the liberty of prepimping some Nano's for you, and the snazzy wallpapers are down in the gallery. [Tatapeoplescar.com]

First Video of Tata Nano - 2008: A Nano Odyssey

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST

If the 2008 Tata Nano is as dramatic as its unveil would have you believe, it will soon be learning how to use tools and build space stations. We covered the unveiling of the Tata Nano earlier, but this shaky video is the first we've seen of the little car that could as it bowed at the 2008 Delhi Auto Show. We're loving the soundtrack if you couldn't tell. Such grandeur, so much power and yet, so delicate. After that it's Mr. Ratan Tata himself doing some talking and then the audio breaks up a bit. An appropriately epic start to an epic shift in the industry.

Huffing and Puffing: Tata Electric Car To Run on Compressed Air?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:15:00 EST

After 14 years worth of research, design and testing, former Formula 1 driver Guy Negre has done what I did back in 7th grade — make an air-powered car. Okay, my air car was a little less complex than this design, but it got third place in the shop class race off and had flames on its tiny, 8-inch long chassis. Now, Indian manufacturer, Tata Motors, yes, the same company that just brought you the cheap-ass Nano a few hours ago, is backing a car powered by compressed air.

The car — which we'll keep calling it as it currently lacks a name — is capable of traveling upwards of 125 miles on three dollars worth of compressed air thanks to mostly air- and fuel-driven motor and brake power recovery system. Prices are very reasonable as well with the first fleet being estimated at only $7,000 each. The very conceptual-looking design pictured here is nothing to drop your trousers about, though. [a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/01/air_car_is_here.php">Treehugger]

The $2500 Tata Nano, Unveiled in India

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:41:15 EST

After months of rumors and tantalizing leaks — and as we first told you earlier this week — Indian automaker Tata Motors has finally unveiled the Tata Nano — its already legendary $2,500 (1-lakh)car. As expected, the car that Tata claims will change the face of not only the Indian car market, but the global auto industry will be a four door, five seat hatch, powered by a 30 HP Bosch 624 cc four stroke engine mounted out back and mated to a CVT. That makes the Nano the first time a 2-cylinder gasoline engine will be used in a car with a single balancer shaft. The Nano's also expected to get 54 US miles per gallon. Yes, but will it blend? Full press release after the jump with all the details. By the way — are we the only ones happy to see a Tata Nano sporting what looks like a bra above? Also — how long do we think it'll take before Apple files a lawsuit over the name? Update: We've got video of the unveil posted HERE

Tata Motors unveils the People's Car
A comfortable, safe, all-weather car, high on fuel efficiency & low on emissions

Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, today unveiled the Tata 'NANO', the People's Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development, which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People's Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People's Car will be launched in India later in 2008.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said, "I observed families riding on two-wheelers - the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors' engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People's Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People's Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility."

Stylish, comfortable
The People's Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.

Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.

When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual's preferences.

Fuel-efficient engine
The People's Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.

Meets all safety requirements
The People's Car's safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.

Environment-friendly
The People's Car's tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
(For more information: www.tatapeoplescar.com )

About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with revenues of US $ 7.2 billion in 2006-2007. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, it is the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets; Tata Motors also has an agreement with Fiat Auto to build a pick-up vehicle at Córdoba, Argentina. The company already distributes Fiat branded cars in India. Tata Motors' international footprint includes Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. in South Korea; Hispano Carrocera, a bus and coach manufacturer of Spain in which the company has a 21% stake; a joint venture with Marcopolo, the Brazil-based body-builder of buses and coaches; and a joint venture with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company of Thailand to manufacture and market pick-up vehicles in Thailand. Tata Motors has research centres in India, the U.K., and in its subsidiary and associate companies in South Korea and Spain.

(For free broadcast-standard and streaming quality video content about Tata Motors, please log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/tatamotors. You can preview and request broadcast-standard video which will be delivered digitally or by tape. Registration and video is free to the media.)

- Ends -

Photo Credit: Getty Images

$2500 Tatas To Be Shown Thursday

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

Tata Motors will finally be showing off the long awaited $2500 automobile on Thursday. We've been throwing digital column space at it since August and now we'll get to see the new people's car. So what can we expect from a car that would make Henry Ford proud? Well, to borrow a phrase, everything you need, nothing you don't. The ass-engined Indian slot car is rumored to be a four door hatch with seating for five and a rounded jellybean shape. Expect power nothing and maybe a Bosch supplied 600-ish cc motor attached to a CVT. Also to be expected - YouTube videos of Indians doing choreographed auto fighting with them as soon as they hit the market.[Internation Herald Tribune]

It's Official, Ford Confirms It Is Trying To Sell Jaguar Land Rover To Tata

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST

Confirming what we already knew about the Ford Jaguar Tata Land Rover Deal, Ford announced that it was in talks with Tata considering the sale of those brands. The statement came from Lewis Booth, Chairman of Ford of Europe and the Premier Automotive Group (Land Rover/Jaguar/Volvo), which will soon only include Volvo. So is that like negotiating your own demotion? Full statement below the jump.

STATEMENT: POTENTIAL SALE OF JAGUAR LAND ROVER

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 3, 2008 - The following statement is attributable to Lewis Booth, executive vice president - Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group (Chairman - Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Ford of Europe):

"Ford is committed to focused negotiations at a more detailed level with Tata Motors concerning the potential sale of the combined Jaguar Land Rover business."

"There is still a considerable amount of work to do, and while no final decision has been made, we will proceed with further substantive discussions with Tata Motors over the forthcoming weeks with a view to securing an agreement that is in the best interests of all parties concerned." [Source: Ford]

Car Car Car! India Comes to Michigan

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

It appears that this whole Tata Motors and Ford deal has been something India has been planning for a long time. At first, the video above just seems like a funny Indian music video dedicated to cars. But then you start to notice something not quite right at about the 2:30 mark. Those are American cars! That's the "big fist" from Detroit, (You mean Joe Louis' fist, right? — Ed.) and the Henry Ford Museum (You mean THE Henry Ford Museum, right? — Ed.) and the Detroit Auto Show and... FoMoCo HQ! They've been planning it all along. And the dry humping in font of that Hyatt (You mean the Dearborn Hyatt....sigh...why do I even bother? — Ed.) sign is just them gloating. I for one welcome our new Indian overlords and look forward to dancing with them at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Car Car Car!

Tata Could Win Bid For Jaguar and Land Rover Today... Or Much Much Later

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

Though there are reports that Tata will announce winning the bid for Jaguar and Land Rover today, we tend to believe those that say the company is merely going to get "preferred-bidder status," meaning that Tata will get the bid unless negotiations falter. Also, it's kind of a big story so unless Ford is trying to bury the news we'd think they'd announce the deal in the new year.

Granted, in India the winter break isn't exactly as big of a deal. But the Brits are certainly inclined towards taking a holiday. This whole thing has sort of amused us. India is finally taking its last step towards independence by purchasing Land Rover, which was the company on the frontlines of Britain's empire in its waning days. Oh, and nuclear weapons. That was another way to declare independence. But this is less scary. [Indo-Asian News Service via NDTV]

Get Ready To Show Us Your $2,500 Tatas

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:45:00 EST

As if we couldn't get more excited about the Delhi Auto Show, the $2,500 Tata will be on display for the first time. The car will have four doors, a rear-mounted engine and probably not much in the way of safety features (they'll save all of those for Jaguar). The automaker will also offer a version with more features, such as a roof and steering wheel.

Responding to criticism from some that the 250,000 to 500,000 cars they plan to sell each year will clog up roads and pollute the environment, CEO Ratan Tata has said the car will be the least polluting vehicle on the road (less polluting than a bike?). There are many questions still unanswered, including how long it'll take to stick a Hayabusa mill in one.

Rover, Jaguar Expected To Be Bought By Indian Automaker Tata Motors

tingwall — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

It looks like Ford's premium brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, will end up in the hands of a company rabidly trying to both seal a deal to boost national pride as well as to develop and promote a $2,500 car. Ford Motor Co. is expected to announce this week that Tata Motors is the preferred bidder for the two companies. A final deal is anticipated in early 2008, with Tata expected to pay around $2 billion to acquire both companies. Now there's just one final question: should the $2,500 car be a Rover or a Jag? [Reuters]

Tata Motors Promises $2500 Car To Rupee-Pinching Indians

Murilee Martin — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EDT

In a move likely to send jillions of Hindustan Ambassadors edging that much closer to the cruel jaws of The Crusher, Tata Motors of India has announced its plans to build a "1-Lakh Car" for the masses (a Lakh is 100,000 rupees, roughly equivalent to 2,500 US dollars). Other than announcing the price, Tata is playing its cards close to its chest about the details, but we can assume that such features as air conditioning, airbags, and maybe even brakes, will not be available. We'd still rather have a 700,000-mile Amby, thank you.[Washington Post]