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Journalism of Courage
Two of Britain8217;s most luxurious and elegant auto brands,Jaguar and Land Rover,were launched at prices as rich as their features,although their Indian owner Tata Motors swallowed a Rs 2,500 crore loss on account of them.
Tata will sell the Jaguar,which had its origins in a motorcycle sidecar company,XF and XKR series for between Rs 63 lakh and Rs 92 lakh,while Land Rover8217;s Discovery and Range Rover would be priced between Rs 63 lakh and Rs 89 lakh.
8220;It8217;s quite a memorable day in the history and heritage of Tata Motors8230; JLR has been well received and well established in India in the past,but over the years this brand has been disconnected from India,8221; Tata group chief Ratan Tata told reporters here announcing the launch.
Tata Motors,the country8217;s largest automobile company,suffered a net loss of Rs 2,505.25 crore in 2008-09 mainly on account of JLR that it acquired in March 2008. The expensive JLR marquee suffered on account of the economic meltdown.
8220;We will measure the response to the brands here and at an appropriate time,we will expand the brand to other cities,which is yet to be determined,8221; Jaguar Managing Director Mike O8217; Driscoll said.
Asked how many units the company hopes to sell in India,Land Rover Managing Director Phil Popham said: 8220;These are premium niche brands,so we are looking at relatively small numbers. Our challenge is to establish the brands here.8221;
