Tata launches Jaguar Land Rover in India

Tata Motors launched its ultra-premium UK-based vehicle brands Jaguar and Land Rover in the Indian market on June 28. Jaguar will offer its acclaimed XF and XFR saloon models, which have sold strongly across the world, as well as its stylish XKR coupe. Meanwhile, Land Rover will offer its entire range of sport utility vehicles, including the Discovery, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, which offer excellent off-road performance combined with luxurious interiors. Jaguar plans to concentrate on selling top-end versions of its models such as the XFR and XKR which do not compete directly with the main Mercedes and BMW models. This is because it will be importing cars fully built into the country and paying much higher duties, compared to its German rivals which assemble cars in India. Also, the aluminium construction of some of Jaguar’s models makes it difficult for them to be assembled from CKD kits. Pricing for the JLR models ranges from Rs 63 lakh to Rs 1 crore, depending on the engine and trim level selected. Tata Motors, which bought both companies from Ford last year, is the exclusive importer for JLR vehicles in India and has opened a brand-new flagship showroom in the Worli district of Mumbai to sell Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. According to Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors, “We are extremely pleased and proud to introduce the Jaguar Land Rover brands in the Indian market and give the discerning Indian customer direct access to these prestigious brands, accompanied by a parts and service network. We hope that they will delight customers in India just as they have done in markets the world over.” Speaking at the launch David Smith, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to have officially opened our first showroom in India. It is an exciting time to be entering the Indian market, a country with increasing affluence and an economy which is still growing. We believe that the Indian market holds significant growth potential in the long term, and we hope to tap the demand for premium vehicles from discerning customers.”