British automakers Jaguar-Land Rover was taken over by Tata Motors in June 2008. Previously Jaguar and Land Rover brands were previously owned by Ford. Ford still supplies engines for Jaguar and Land Rover cars. Now, Tata Motors and JLR are coming up with a joint engine development programme with an aim to set up manufacturing facilities both in the UK and India. It will also help to optimize the synergetic strengths between JLR and Tata Motors in India.
The company might decide to locally assemble the Land Rover Discovery in the country, which will help them to reduce the price of the SUV due to savings in custom duty. Currently the company assembles the Freelander 2 at its assembly plant in Pune with the completely knocked down (CKD) kits shipped from the Halewood manufacturing unit in Liverpool, UK.
“Assembly operations in India have commenced for the Land Rover Freelander. Assembly of other Land Rover products are also under consideration. The company is also considering various options for assembly and localisation of selected products in China, which has become an important market for the company.” Ratan Tata said.
Also see – Tata Motors begins assembly at JLR Pune plant
