Jag, Rover deal postponed till new year

In the event of winning the bid for Ford’s marque brands Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata Motors plans to bring them as completely knocked-down (CKD) units to India and re-export them, according to sources. “The plan is to bring the two brands as CKD kits and assemble them here for further export to overseas markets,” the sources said.

However, the much talked about deal does not seem to be a done one yet, as Ford plans to postpone the announcement to the New Year, according to reports. A Financial Times report said Ford might select a preferred bidder without making an official announcement to avoid alienating the other suitors, who it needs in case negotiations with the primary candidate fall through.

Ford is inclined towards Tata despite concerns that having an Indian owner would devalue the luxury car brand, the report added. Tata would have a period of exclusivity to hammer out a series of agreements, in case a final deal is not struck until early next year.