India’s Tata Looks at Jaguar, Land Rover

(Akron/Tire Review) News reports confirm that Indian automaker Tata Motors is interested in acquiring iconic British auto companies Land Rover and Jaguar, which Ford Motor Co. has put up for sale.

Tata Chairman Ratan Tata told media that his company, a conglomerate active in the steel, software and automobile arenas, plans to place a bid for the two luxury brands, which Ford is auctioning. Several US equity firms have also expressed interest.

Most of Tata’s vehicle experience comes from making work trucks in India, and has only been producing passenger cars for about a decade. Most of its car activity has been in the low-end market, and the company has announced plans to offer an “ultra-cheap” car that would retail for about $2,400.