JLR Parks in Tata Garage

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technologies such as environmental and platform technologies. “Ford has committed to jointly working on supplies and we are very happy with the arrangement,” Kant said.

Tata and Ford have also decided that Ford Motor Credit Company, which normally does not offer credit to non-Ford brands, would provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period of up to 12 months, depending on market. “In the meantime, we will work out other financing arrangements,” Kant explained.

Tata Motors, always the front-runner in the deal— which also saw Indian rival Mahindra & Mahindra throw its hat into the ring when it was announced in August 2007--was chosen as a preferred bidder on January 3, 2008. Industry experts reckon that the Tata culture of managing change and human relations, apart from a global presence, saw it edge out competitors.

Alan Mulally, president & CEO of the Ford Motor Company, said, “Jaguar and Land Rover are terrific brands. We are confident that they are leaving our fold with the products, plan and team to continue to thrive under Tata's stewardship.”

The unions are clearly pleased with the deal as well. Roger Maddison, national officer of Unite, the largest union in the UK auto industry, said, "Today's deal is really good news for the UK automotive industry and the thousands of people who work for Land Rover Jaguar and its supply chain.”