Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Three years ago the retirement age for Tata's holding company was upped to 75. Although Ratan Tata is only 71, there is no obvious successor to take his place at the head of India's global conglomerate, so the search has begun for the leader of the next act.

Whoever that person is will take the conductor's baton and guide an orchestra of 98 companies and 357,000 workers. He or she will also need to deal with the twin anchors of Jaguar-Land Rover debt and Corus Steel debt, both of which were brought on by economic freefall after top-of-the-market acquisitions.

At this point it looks like the CEO spot will be taken by someone outside the Tata family for only the second time in the history of the company. And while Ratan Tata has said "It would certainly be easier if [my successor] were an Indian national," he is open to filling the position with a foreigner. The company has three years to conclude, with Tata expected to step down in 2012.

[Source: Times Online | Photo: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images]

Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ratan tataRatanTataretirementtatatata ceoTataCeoTue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once again, Tata chairman Ratan Tata has confirmed via the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper that his company intends to launch a hybrid version of the Nano. While it's impossible to know for sure, we'd imagine that starting off with the World's Least Expensive Automobile may very well equal the World's Least Expensive Hybrid.

We're also unsure what kind of hybrid system Tata is developing - we wouldn't expect to see a full hybrid system with an electric motor and battery pack large enough to power the vehicle for long periods of time, but we'd still hope for something more substantial than a simple stop/start micro system.

Previous reports indicate that a diesel engine is also in the works for the Nano, and we have high hopes that the inexpensive machine will make its way in somewhat modified form to the United States. Even with its current drivetrain, the gas-powered Nano delivers well over 50 U.S. miles per gallon, which would surely make for a welcome option here in America.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid nanohybrid tata nanoHybridNanoHybridTataNanonanonano hybridNanoHybridratan tataRatanTatatatatata nanotata nano hybridTataNanoTataNanoHybridMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

At roughly $2,500, the Tata Nano is the world's most affordable car - but that apparently hasn't stopped early customers from griping about some of the vehicle's shortcomings. Thankfully, those complaints aren't falling on deaf ears, either, as Tata Motors will reportedly make some subtle yet significant changes to the mini car within the next six months. One major complaint is the Nano's leisurely acceleration, which is to be expected in any vehicle with 33 horsepower. To remedy the situation, Tata Motors engineers will reportedly crank the engine's 5,000 RPM red line up to a more respectable 6,000 RPM, which should help add more pickup. Also under consideration is a five-speed manual gearbox, though the Indian market Nano will likely continue to with just four forward gears.

Autocar India is reporting that the Nano's electronically limited 65 mph speed limit will remain due to safety concerns, though Tata engineers say the low speed limit renders the fifth gear obsolete. That said, the the planned Euro Nano will only be available as a five speed. Another improvement that should make Nano owners happy is the reported addition of an actual tailgate. The current Nano is hatchless in the interest of lower cost, build complexity, and structural rigidity, and anyone who wants to add or subtract cargo has to do so by folding down the rear seat and going through the doors. Other changes include a new side mirror assembly that will make way for future of power mirrors and a "check strap" for limiting how far the door opens.

While those changes will definitely improve the Nano, we're hoping the mods don't come at the price of, well, a higher price. Either way, it's nice to see that Tata Motors appears to be taking the suggestions of its new customers seriously.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Tata Nano continues to take India by storm, and residents of the world's second most populous country appear to have gone over the deep end in an effort to secure their own personal "people's car." Australian website Drive is reporting that car buyers are paying a markup of up to 30% to purchase secondhand Nanos from the initial batch of buyers. The pent-up demand for the Nano stems in part from the fact that far more people signed up to purchase the econobox than Tata Motors has the factory capacity to build. To distribute the initial Nano allotment fairly, Tata instituted a lottery system to choose the first 100,000 customers eligible to buy the $2,500 city car.

One would think that the source of this heavy demand comes from families looking to secure a still inexpensive car, but a Mumbai car salesman seems to think it has more to do with an odd "fetish" for the car. Arif Fazulbhoy reportedly told Drive that the wealthy of India are paying over sticker to get their hands on the Nano because it has become a hot and trendy status symbol, adding "They tend to be very rich people who want the Nano for the snob value because it's new in the market." The Nano model fetching the highest premium on the open market is the XL, which has features like air conditioning and central locking.

While it's too bad that the "people's car" is being picked up mainly by India's elite, at least the lower middle class is reaping the profits from the quirky little vehicle's healthy demand. There will likely be more opportunity to profit from the Nano over the next couple years as well, as the initial allotment of 100,000 units could take until the end of 2010 to get delivered - and there are over 200,000 customers waiting in the queue.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Drive]

REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiaindian autosindian carindian carsIndianAutosIndianCarIndianCarsnanonano salesNanoSalesratan tataRatanTatatatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: 2012 Jaguar sports car to get Volt-like extended-range hybrid tech?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/rumormill-2012-jaguar-sports-car-to-get-volt-like-extended-rang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/rumormill-2012-jaguar-sports-car-to-get-volt-like-extended-rang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/rumormill-2012-jaguar-sports-car-to-get-volt-like-extended-rang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ratan Tata, Jaguar's owner, knows that the future of the company rests on "shiny and new" products. That's why the XE roadster was reportedly moved to the front of the line and given a 2011 release date. If the soothsayers at Motor Trend are correct, Tata also understands that cleaner engines are the future of the industry itself, because the XE could also bolster Jaguar's credentials by reportedly including the option of a Volt-like range-extending hybrid drivetrain.

The mooted gas-electric system is a conventional three-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. It is also being suggested by MT that the concept XE may be fitted with that powerplant, but it might not make it to the production version.

If it does come to market, however, the car probably won't have any natural competition at its price point given its green credentials, with the possible exception of the Fisker Karma S. Even if the extended-range hybrid rumor fails to materialize, the coupe is likely to get variants of the company's new 5.0-liter V8 engine range, which presently offers up to 510-horsepower in supercharged form...

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: 2012 Jaguar sports car to get Volt-like extended-range hybrid tech? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativeconcept carConceptCarconvertiblecoupegreenhybridjaguarjaguar xeJaguarXeratan tataRatanTataroadstersportstataMon, 15 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Could Tata Nano be sold in U.S. Fiat-Chrysler dealers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Tata Nano Europa - Click above for high-res gallery

Looks like Tata Motors is trying to get the Nano into U.S. dealerships by 2011. India's largest domestic automaker thinks "the world's cheapest car" could do well here, especially given our nation's economic conditions right now. The car will likely not be as cheap when it is re-engineered to meet U.S. crash and emissions standards, but it should still be inexpensive enough to attract quite a few buyers.

There remain a couple of big roadblocks, however. First of all, how do you re-engineer the car so quickly, and secondly, where do you sell it on these shores? Rumors of distribution through Jaguar/Land Rover dealers was quickly dispelled, so that's where Fiat-Chrysler may come in, argues New York Times correspondent Nick Kurczewski.

The logic proceeds as follows: Fiat and Tata already collaborate on several joint ventures. They share a huge factory in India. Tata sells Fiats in India. Tata gets to use Fiat diesel engines and Tata developed a pickup truck that will be sold as a Fiat as well. Adding Chrysler into the mix at least helps with distribution and possibly with engineering help for a speedy conversion to U.S. standards.

Kurczewski argues that the American market Nano could even revive the Autobianchi name for Fiat, as the Italian carmaker has expressed an interest in launching an entry-level brand below Fiat. A Fiat-Chrysler Nano would go a long way toward meeting the EPA's new 35 mpg standards, even after it's upgraded with air bags and possibly a more powerful three-cylinder engine to please American drivers.

[Source: New York Times]

Rumormill: Could Tata Nano be sold in U.S. Fiat-Chrysler dealers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We don't know how many times through the millennia one gentleman has told another, "Be careful with her - she's beautiful, but she's expensive." We would like to know if Alan Mullaly offered that warning to Ratan Tata (above) before the latter bought Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR). As with the Blue Oval before it, Tata Motors is about to throw billions at the English luxury marques and it is looking for help doing it.

Tata wanted the British government to guarantee a £340 million loan ($515M USD) Tata received from the European Investment Board. The government refused to underwrite the entire amount, and it was written that the government additionally wanted Tata to invest up to another £400M ($605M) in JLR (on top of the £900M ($1.36B) Tata pitched in last summer) and put £50M ($76B) on the table before it would underwrite anything. The government is also said to have wanted veto power on top executive choices and labor plans.

Those talks, unsurprisingly, went nowhere. Now Tata is looking to banks for £1 billion ($1.5B) in cash and underwriting help. Citigroup is has begun the search for lenders to provide the money by September, which everyone expects to come with heavy-duty interest rates. With the state of the market and Tata's other recent purchases, 2009 is shaping up as an expensive year for the Indian company.

[Source: Global Motors | Image: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty]

Tata looking to raise £1 billion to keep Jaguar, Land Rover going originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financesjaguarland roverLandRoverratan tataRatanTatatataukMon, 11 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ratan Tata: Jaguar/Land Rover needs £500 million from the UK government to prevent layoffs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ratan-tata-jaguar-land-rover-needs-500-million-from-the-uk-gov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ratan-tata-jaguar-land-rover-needs-500-million-from-the-uk-gov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ratan-tata-jaguar-land-rover-needs-500-million-from-the-uk-gov/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Land Rover LRX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ratan Tata bought Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) expecting to pick them up and help them fly. Instead, as with nearly every other car manufacturer, he's having to dig them out of a deepening hole. From last December through next month, 1,800 employees have either been laid off, released or asked to leave. According to Tata, if the UK government doesn't give JLR £500 million ($715 million USD) in loan guarantees, more people will have to go.

The government appears to be passing on the request, having already given Land Rover a £27 million ($38 million USD) loan to help it create the LRX. Even as the government is continuing to help JLR secure bank financing, the line on JLR's new request for loan guarantees is that "the primary responsibility for short-term financing or longer-term restructuring rests with the parent company." Hat tip to Leonard


Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ratan Tata: Jaguar/Land Rover needs £500 million from the UK government to prevent layoffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialsgovernmentjaguarland roverLandRoverloanloan guaranteeloan guaranteesLoanGuaranteeLoanGuaranteesloansratan tataRatanTatatataukFri, 27 Mar 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/officially-official-order-books-finally-open-on-2-000-tata-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/officially-official-order-books-finally-open-on-2-000-tata-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/officially-official-order-books-finally-open-on-2-000-tata-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Tata Nano

It's been a long time in the making, but the official launch of the Tata Nano has finally taken place. Billed as the World's Cheapest Car, the diminutive Nano will sell for just Rs. 1 lakh (about $2,000 U.S.) as it leaves the factory, though shipping, taxes and registration adds a considerable amount to that total. Still, there's a great deal of anticipation for the little car in its home market of India.

In base trim, the Tata Nano comes in just three colors without a radio or air conditioning, although higher-spec versions are available that include more color choices, along with such niceties as central locking, front power windows, fog lamps, a cup holder, and even a rear spoiler.

While it may be short on amenities, the real intent of the Nano is to get Indian families off their two-wheelers and inside the relative comfort and safety of a proper automobile. As such, the 33-horsepower, 623cc two-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox is reportedly powerful enough to get the Nano to Indian highway speeds, and the car meets all required safety and emissions requirements. It also comes standard with an 18-month/24,000 kilometer warranty.

Due to the huge demand expected for the car, the automaker has created a special process for reservations. A computer will randomly choose the first 100,000 customers that will have the opportunity to purchase a new Nano. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July, but in the meantime, Nano-intenders will soon be able to accessorize their life with appropriate accoutrements, including a Nano phone, wristwatch, and t-shirts. Official press release available after the jump. Thanks to all who sent this in!


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Tata Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano

Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapest carCheapestCarindiananoratan tataRatanTatatatatata motorstata nanotata nano orderstata nano productiontata-motorstata-nanoTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoOrdersTataNanoProductionworlds cheapest carWorldsCheapestCarMon, 23 Mar 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari F1 going racing with... Tata Motors?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ferrari-f1-going-racing-with-tata-motors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



An historic event will take place at the start of the 2009 Formula 1 season as Italian Ferrari grand prix cars will be emblazoned with the logos of an Indian automaker for the first time ever. Tata Motors, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has purchased rights to sponsor Ferrari's F1 racing efforts. Details of the duration and the dollar amount have yet to be revealed. This isn't the first time Tata has been involved with F1, however. A few years back, it was a sponsor of both Jordan and Williams' F1 efforts.

The partnership is not as left-field as it might initially seem, as Fiat (which owns the Prancing Horse) has a few joint ventures with the Indian automaker. Ferrari, being a very small manufacturer of roadgoing supercars, requires sponsorships such as this to continue racing in such expensive series as Formula 1. For Tata, placing its corporate logos on Ferrari race cars outwardly associates them with one of the most prestigious marques in the world, a move they doubtlessly see as key in their push to become a global automotive force.

[Source: Times of India]

Ferrari F1 going racing with... Tata Motors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XJR-9

Ratan Tata would like to see Jaguar return to Le Mans someday, and seeing as he owns the British marque's new parent company, he probably has a lot of say in the matter. Tata expressed his wishes at his company's annual meeting at the end of July, but jag aficionados shouldn't get their hopes up just yet. There's no timetable attached, and when asked for further clarification, a Tata rep told Endurance-Info.com that nothing has been finalized. Jaguar and Le Mans were synonymous in the 50s, when it won the race outright 5 times between 1951 and '57 with its C- and D-Type racers. It later returned to the top of the podium in 1988 and 1990 with the XJR-9LM and XJR-12, respectively. It would be great to see the cat return with a factory effort in one of the prototype classes.

[Sources: Business Standard, Endurance-Info]

Tata mulls Jaguar return to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarle mansLeMansratan tataRatanTatatataSat, 02 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata Nano may be branded a Fiat in overseas markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/tata-nano-may-be-branded-a-fiat-in-overseas-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view more images of the Tata Nano

Fiat and Tata already have a joint venture to distribute commercial vehicles. If they can do the big stuff, why not the little stuff? Tata and Fiat are looking at an agreement to sell the Tata Nano outside of India in markets where Fiat has a strong presence.

If the deal goes through, and once the car is upgraded to meet Western standards, Tata can take advantage of the Fiat name, marketing, and dealer network. Fiat would probably have a big seller on its hands -- and a slice of every one -- since the car is still expected to maintain a healthy price advantage even after it gets beefed up.

The Tata, however, is not expected to come to the U.S. as a Fiat. Ratan Tata said, ""We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence." Frankly, America isn't one of those places yet. With Tata making such a big splash over here with Jaguar, they probably wouldn't need Fiat to help the brand. Still, the thought of a Fiat 500 and a Nano snuggling in the corner of a dealership would be too cute to miss. Thanks for the tip, Yash!

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Economic Times via The Earth Times]



Tata Nano may be branded a Fiat in overseas markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingfiatjoint ventureJointVenturemarketingnanopartnershippartnershipsratan tataRatanTatatatatata nanotata nano europeTataNanoTataNanoEuropeThu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa to work with Jaguar on new vehicle platforms, dealerships?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/alfa-to-work-with-jaguar-on-new-vehicle-platforms-dealerships/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/alfa-to-work-with-jaguar-on-new-vehicle-platforms-dealerships/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/alfa-to-work-with-jaguar-on-new-vehicle-platforms-dealerships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Alfa Mi.To

Hot on the heels of the impending sale official sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata and news that Fiat is looking to start producing Alfa Romeo vehicles in the U.S. are reports that Fiat would be interested in partnering up with the new Jaguar ownership to share rear-wheel-drive platforms for their high-end Alfa models. Tata and Fiat already have close ties, as Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, is a member of Fiat's board and the two companies jointly produce engines and transmissions in India.

In addition to possible platform sharing between Jaguar and Alfa, Fiat is also interested in using the existing Jaguar and Land Rover dealer base in the U.S. as a way to ease Alfa's re-entry the American market. Anything that helps get Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. is fine by us, but there are surely issues with selling what could possibly be competing brands from the same dealer lots.

[Source: The Financial Times]

Alfa to work with Jaguar on new vehicle platforms, dealerships? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa-romeoAlfaRomeofiatjaguarland roverland-roverLandRoverratan tataratan-tataRatanTatatataTue, 25 Mar 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata World Takeover Part XVXVXIIIXVX: Indian automaker may buy stake in Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/tata-world-takeover-part-xxvxvxiiixvx-indian-automaker-may-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/tata-world-takeover-part-xxvxvxiiixvx-indian-automaker-may-buy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/tata-world-takeover-part-xxvxvxiiixvx-indian-automaker-may-buy/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's becoming increasingly apparent that India's largest automaker Tata cannot be stopped. On the verge of finalizing a deal to acquire Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, Tata is now rumored to be interested in buying a stake in one of the most beloved performance marques of all time: Ferrari. We stress that this is a rumor, because it stems from a quote given by Tata's chief Ratan Tata to Italy's L'Espresso in which he reportedly said that he's always dreamt of being a fighter pilot (takeover of Bob Lutz?) and participating in the shareholding of Ferrari.

The reason this rumor has some legs is that Tata already has an established relationship with Ferrari's parent company Fiat. It's on the board of Fiat and has some engine supply deals with the Italian automaker. Fiat owns an 85% stake in Ferrari with an option to purchase an additional 5%. Could Tata, the maker of the world's least expensive auto, one day have a stake in the company that builds some of the world's most expensive and exotic autos? We wouldn't bet against Tata at this point.

[Source: L'Espresso via Motor Authority, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Tata World Takeover Part XVXVXIIIXVX: Indian automaker may buy stake in Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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