Autoblog

Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A couple of developments on the recent Jaguar/Land Rover joint venture are being reported in Chinese media based on a report in China's Economic Daily News. The 130,000-capacity factory planned for Jiangsu is epected to mint its first vehicle in 2014, with numbers given for the breakdown so far as: 43,000 Land Rover Freelander 2s, 34,000 Range Rover Evoque models (called the Aurora in China) and, according to Google Translate, "the joint venture brand vehicles of 23,000 Jaguar sedan."

We're not sure if that really means 23,000 Jags will be made, since that would be a six-fold multiplier of Jaguar's 2011 sales in China. The quoted Land Rover production would only be doubling its sales tally from 2011, even though the brand's sales were up 105 percent in Q1 of this year. There will be a separate joint-venture brand created between JLR and Chery as well, so that could be a part of it. Futher on, the plan is for the plant to expand to a capacity of 250,000 units.

More interestingly, the locally-made engines will be JLR's 3.0-liter V6 alongside two Chery motors, a 1.6-liter TGDI turbo and a 2.0-liter TGDI, with plans to "gradually introduce" the Chery engines into the Land Rovers. JLR engineers are said to be moving to China to continue joint development of the TGDI motors, which has apparently been ongoing. Until those are ready, JLR will import its 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter motor.

The report in China's 163.com is also interesting for the regulatory and business context it provides on the joint venture, with government rules mandating the minimum amount of investment and the establishment of R&D centers. The tie-up is said to be a boon to Chery's fortunes in light of the assertion that Chery's "operating conditions are not ideal" and that getting the "core technology" for its own brands had "become the top priority of the project approval." Official approval of the JV is expected later this year.

Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A month ago, Jaguar Land Rover signed a joint-venture agreement with China's Chery Automobile Company. JLR's 12.1 billion yuan ($1.9 billion U.S.) investment, if approved, will pay for a plant in Changsu to build Jaguars, Land Rovers, engines and joint-venture models. The facility will also house a research and development center. Chery has submitted the paperwork to clear the deal with the Chinese government. The agreement must pass muster with the Ministry of Enviroment Protection, after which it will go to the National Development and Reform Commission.

When the agreement was first inked an Indian analyst said, "it will be some time before we see the results," a nod to the fact that government approvals can take a long time. Subaru is an instructive example, having signed an agreement with Chery a year ago. Sources said the deal was ready to be approved last November, but that was the last that has been heard of it - it's still waiting on the necessary signatures.

But JLR has the long view in mind: it sold 38,890 vehicles in China last year - all imported - a figure representing double-digit sales gains for both brands. The proposed factory will have a capacity of 130,000 units, providing a healthy buffer in case the bureaucracy sits on things.

Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Jaguar Land Rover poised for an IPO?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Jaguar, Land Rover, Earnings/Financials, Tata

When Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors for $2.5 billion, the auto industry was in rough shape. And it didn't help that the luxury combo pack didn't exactly have a lineup full of fresh rides.

Only four years have past since that historic sale, but the industry is in much better shape and new vehicles like the Land Rover Evoque and Jaguar XJ have seemingly done wonders for the luxury brands. In fact, Tata's investment may be in much better shape than most anyone would have thought. According to Bloomberg, analysts predict that an Initial Public Offering could show that the brands are worth a combined $14 billion.

That's a monumental return on investment, and there are plenty of reasons for the lofty estimate. Tata reportedly earned $2 billion off JLR in 2011, and sales are at all-time highs. The brands are also expecting major growth in China and Russia, and Tata has promised to double its investment in new products. Tata has also pledged 40 new or refreshed models in the next five years, which is likely more new metal than some full-line manufacturers would be willing to promise.

But while JLR is apparently worth an estimated $14 billion, it appears that Tata isn't quite ready to issue an IPO. Company spokesman Debasis Ray told Bloomberg in an email that Tata is planning to fund the brands through internal cash accruals.

Is Jaguar Land Rover poised for an IPO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

Jaguar Land Rover and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Company have filed paperwork to enter into a joint venture. Under the agreement, the two Tata Motors properties will manufacture both Jag and Land Rover vehicles and engines, as well as a new line of vehicles developed with Chery. The joint venture will also create a research and development lab and sell the products created by the partnership. Land Rover has had its eye on boosting sales the still-growing Chinese market for some time, and the move looks to be a smart first step in that direction. While overall vehicle demand has softened in China, wealthy buyers are still thirsty for status-symbol vehicles like those in the Jaguar and Land Rover portfolios.

Now that both companies have agreed upon the terms, the automakers must get approval from the Chinese government before the joint venture can become official.

Land Rover isn't the first company to jump into bed with Chery. As Automotive News reports, last year Subaru submitted a a deal with the Chinese company to regulators to produce vehicles in the People's Republic. So far, no announcement has been made on that venture's progress.

Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover, India, Tata, Off-Road

When Tata's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover began to appear inevitable, the question "Would you buy a Jaguar made in India?" was oft repeated. Yet it looks like Land Rover will be the first of the two brands to try to benefit from this kind of Anglo-Indian synergy: a report in Autocar states that the 2015 Land Rover Defender will be built at Tata's plant in Pune, India.

The Defender is a truly old school body-on-frame SUV that sells in small numbers compared to the rest of the Land Rover line. But it has benefitted from technology, some regulatory gymnastics and exemptions and, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, a warm place in people's hearts. If it's going to be around, though, LR would like to move more of them. Building the next generation model in Pune - with final assembly of some examples in England, a reverse of what's done now with products like the knockdown Freelander 2 (read: LR2) - could give the Defender's bottom line the boost it needs, as well as close proximity to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

It is expected that the next Tata Aria SUV will be close enough in dimensions and manufacturing to share the same facility with the the 2015 Defender. They will remain two distinct vehicles - the Defender will likely go on the T5 ladder chassis that underpins the Discovery/LR4 and Range Rover Sport, and is predicted to have the general features of the DC100 concept. The current Defender is slated to remain on sale until 2017, and will likely be built in Solihull, England until then.

Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata recalling all pre-2012 Nano models over bad starter

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Recalls, Safety, India

Tata Motors has issued a recall for all Nano models manufactured between July 2009 and October 2011. The company will replace the vehicles' starter motors free of charge. And while the Indian automaker has declined to say just how many vehicles will be affected by the recall, local news reports have said as many as 145,000 Nano vehicles will receive a new starter. Tata says the recall has been underway for some time, noting it has already replaced somewhere around 50,000 starters to date. The entire recall program is expected to cost Tata around $20.8 million at current conversion rates.

The automaker has released an updated version of the Nano called the Nano 2012. The revised model is not included in the recall.

Tata hasn't seen the sort of sales success the company had hoped for with the world's least expensive new car. From labor unrest to perception issues to a wave of fires and safety upgrades, the Nano has had a hard row to hoe since birth.

Tata recalling all pre-2012 Nano models over bad starter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Nano gets upgrades, looks to beat sluggish sales

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Etc., Hatchback, India

Tata is out to battle lukewarm demand for the company's Nano with a range of improvements to the world's least-expensive new vehicle. Engineers have upped the Nano's power and fuel efficiency while decreasing emissions at the same time. The vehicle's 624-cc engine now produces a whopping 37.5 horsepower, enough to help the machine tackle up to 30 percent road grades and reach a max speed of 65 mph. The company has also reworked the suspension on the Nano with a new anti-roll bar in the front as well as a redesigned steering mechanism.

More importantly, the Nano Standard now comes with power-assisted brakes. That nicety was only available on higher trims in the past. Inside, the Nano now wears new materials available in three colors: beige, black or gray, though buyers may now select from a range of 10 different exterior paints.

Tata is likely desperate to do something to improve the vehicle's sales. While the company originally projected that buyers would take home between 20,000 and 25,000 Nano vehicles a month, September only saw 1,200 units leave dealer lots. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Tata Nano gets upgrades, looks to beat sluggish sales

Tata Nano gets upgrades, looks to beat sluggish sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months

Eric Loveday — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Jaguar, Land Rover, UK, India, Tata

Tata Motors has announced that its group chief executive officer, Carl-Peter Forster, resigned with immediate effect, only 18 months after joining the company.

Tata, India's leading maker of trucks and buses, and owner of Jaguar and Land Rover, says Forster resigned due to "unavoidable personal circumstances," but will remain a non-executive member of Tata Motors' board. Forster stated:

I deeply regret that my personal circumstances make it difficult for me to continue to perform the challenging duties of managing the thriving global activities of the Tata Motors Group with its main activities in India and the UK and increasingly in additional overseas markets.

Forster's departure comes as Tata Motors continues its lengthy search for a successor to Ratan Tata, who is set to retire soon as chairman of the sprawling conglomerate. Forster joined Tata in February 2010 after leaving Opel, with his focus on turning around the then-struggling Jaguar-Land Rover division. Tata Motors is currently seeking Forster's replacement.

Continue reading Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months

Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata to double Nano production amidst sales uptick

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials, Tata

2011 Tata Nano CX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano has enjoyed an increase in sales in the last couple of months, reportedly sparking Tata Motors to double production of its budget-minded microcar this fiscal year. In March, the Indian automaker moved 8,707 examples, pulling to within spitting distance of its 9,000-unit sales record for July, 2010.

After a summer selling record numbers, the Nano's sales plummeted to just 589 in November, following numerous reports that alleged that the cars were mysteriously bursting into flames. After the mysterious fires, Tata offered free extended warranties on the cars, up to 90 percent financing on easy terms, and a comprehensive maintenance plan at just 99 rupees a month (about $2.25 U.S.).

The incentives seem to have struck a chord with buyers, and the Nano is right back where it was a year ago. Currently, Tata is building 9,000-10,000 cars a month at its Sanand, India plant, and had planned to increase that rate to 15,000 this fiscal year. In light of the sales spike, though, that number was bumped to 18,000 to 20,000 units a month.

Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin

Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: The Hindu Business Line]

Report: Tata to double Nano production amidst sales uptick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Land Rover confirms first production hybrid coming in 2013

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Land Rover, Electric

2011 Range Rover Range_e - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover models are high-end luxury SUVs with an ardent fan base. But while these pricey utes are popular, they're also quite thirsty at the pump, and between rising gas prices and increased legislative pressures regarding C02 emissions, the British automaker has undertaken an alternative fuel strategy that should begin paying off soon.

Land Rover Brand Director John Edwards tells Inside Line that the Tata Motors-owned automaker will start its production alt-fuel strategy with a gasoline hybrid under the hood of the Range Rover in 2013, followed by a range-extended hybrid in 2014. The Chevrolet Volt-like range extender will likely involve a larger battery pack and motor that do most of the work and a small gasoline engine that will charge the battery. This top-down approach means that bigger, more expensive Rovers will receive the hybrid tech first. The move will reportedly result in a greater impact on overall emissions, and lower-end models like the forthcoming Evoque may not receive battery assistance any time soon. Bigger models are typically more expensive, too, which means that the cost of the electric propulsion tech can be better hidden in the MSRP.

Also unlikely, according to IL, is a diesel-powered hybrid like the Range_e concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. While very efficient with a theoretical 85 miles per gallon and a 20 mile electric-only mode, the diesel engine coupled with all that battery tech would make the utility vehicles far too expensive.

Keep in mind that Tata Motors also owns Jaguar, so you can bet that any gas-electric technology used by Land Rover will also be used by the Leaping Cat.

We're pretty excited about the prospect of highly efficient Range Rovers, but this sort of technology has a way of taking longer to get to market than automakers initially forecast. Land Rover has a bit of time before 2013 happens, though, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Gallery: Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid: Geneva 2011

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Land Rover confirms first production hybrid coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata Pixel given European green light

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Tata, Diesel

2011 Tata Pixel Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors has reportedly approved the Tata Pixel, a microcar concept it showed off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, for production. The minute Pixel is advertised as the most efficiently-packaged four-seater in the world. It comes in at just under 10 feet long, and is nearly a foot shy of the Tata Nano's overall length.

Assuming the report from Autocar is accurate, the Pixel will take the place of the previously-proposed Nano Europa once the doors have been converted to traditionally-opening units and the gauges have been engineered.

The Pixel will be powered by the Nano's 60-horsepower, 1.2-liter diesel, which will be mounted under the back seats, turning a five-speed gearbox. No word yet on when Tata plans to have the car on sale, but it seems to be pushing through quickly.

Gallery: Tata Pixel Concept: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Tata Pixel given European green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Earnings/Financials, Tata

The lure of extracting hydrogen from water in a somewhat real-time fashion in sufficient quantities to power an automobile has so far been a complete dead-end pursuit. One of the biggest problems is that it takes more energy to release the hydrogen from its water-tight bonds than is actually returned by the resulting hydrogen.

But those basic laws of physics haven't stopped scientists with well-funded checkbooks from trying. The latest endeavor comes from Daniel Nocera of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is being funded by Indian businessman Ratan Tata, who, among other things, heads the global automaker that bears his name. At this time, the total grant comes in at $15 million.

As intriguing as all of this sounds, it bears mentioning that water-powered cars have repeatedly failed in their missions (see here) of offering nearly free fuel for all.

Take the story of the MDI's air car. In 2007, Tata signed a deal with MDI to bring the air-powered car to market and the companies said in early 2008 that the car would require nearly two years of work. We have heard little about it since then except a name change to FlowAir and a lot of skepticism that it would ever see the light of day at all. Will Tata's hydrogen bet fare any better? Thanks to Matteo and Roy B. for the tips!

[Sources: Sify News, ANSA.IT | Image: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade]

Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata to go on Motown hiring binge

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Tata

The state of Michigan has been especially hard-hit by the Great Recession, slow auto sales and the 2009 bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler, but there appears to be a bit of employment help on the way from an unlikely source. Drive reports that Tata Motors subsidiary Tata Technologies is looking to hire 400 workers at its Detroit-area technical center. Tata Technologies is a supplier for several auto companies in North America.

Tata is looking for designers, engineers and professionals with experience dealing with product lifecycle, and these aren't jobs that will be filled over some prolonged period of time. Tata plans to expand by January 3, 2011 to fill what communications director Dan Saad says "are a result of new automotive program work our engineering and our PLM/Consulting groups have won over the past months."

We're thinking that these jobs will come as welcome news to hundreds of families. And with many of those jobs being filled in time for the holidays, we can't think of much better timing.

[Source: Drive | Image: Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty]

Report: Tata to go on Motown hiring binge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nano fires prompt Tata to offer free safety upgrade, insists it's not a recall

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, India, Tata

Tata insists this move is not a recall, yet the Indian automaker is offering a free "safety upgrade" to the 70,000 folks who have purchased a Nano. This comes in response to a rash of Nano fires that were caused by various reasons. According to Tata, the vehicles that caught fire had individual problems not found on other currently-not-on-fire models. The burnt cars were investigated and the fingers were pointed at installed "foreign electrical equipment" or "foreign materal left on the exhaust system."

Owners of the Nano can bring their car in to the nearest Tata dealership, where service techs will install additional safety protection in the exhaust area and to the electrical system.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Nano fires prompt Tata to offer free safety upgrade, insists it's not a recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover to launch production in India

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, India

Land Rover Defender - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster has announced Land Rover production would begin in India in 2011 and Jaguar is looking for a partner to produce cars within China. Although Forster didn't announce which model would be built in the sub-continent, the T5 platform used for the current LR4 and Range Rover Sport seems a likely candidate. That same platform is expected to be used for a replacement model for the classic Defender which is expected to debut in 2012.

Because foreign automakers are required to work with local companies in China, Jaguar is in negotiations for a production deal in the economic powerhouse. China's luxury market is still growing and local production would undoubtedly make it easier for Jaguar to get a larger slice of the pie.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender

[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover to launch production in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BBC: Ratan Tata successor sought

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, India, Tata

Rumors of Ratan Tata's retirement from the international corporation he helms as CEO have been buzzing around the internet for over a year, but they've recently been lent a little credence. According to BBC News, Tata Group has assembled a five-person panel to find a suitable successor to the company's throne. It had previously been suggested that the 79-year-old Tata would retire by the end of 2012. The panel hopes to locate a new CEO by March of next year, providing a bit of overlap between the incoming and outgoing regimes. In the past, Tata Group has kept the boss's seat within the family, though there is some speculation that a few outsiders are favored for the post.

BBC News reports that other media outlets have pointed to Noel Tata, Ratan Tata's half brother and head of the Tata Group's international operations, as a strong candidate for the CEO position. Other possibilities include Arun Sarin, who once headed Vodofone, and Nusli Wadia, a textiles chairman. At this point, it remains unclear whether Ratan Tata will retain some influence over the corporation he helped save from financial doom post-retirement or if he'll leave the decision making to his successor. Either way, the next few months should be interesting for the company.

[Source: BBC News | Image: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade]

BBC: Ratan Tata successor sought originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Nano gets ill-advised haircut at the factory

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hatchback, India, Tata, Design/Style

There are certain vehicles that were born to be convertible. The Tata Nano is not among them. The plucky, inexpensive little transporter is somewhat lovable in hardtop guise with its round overall shape and ladybug proportions. The cheapest of cheap cars is just too cute to hate, but make the mistake of pulling back the top sheetmetal, and you've got a sight that can't be unseen. A photo of a drophead Nano has hit the web courtesy of Wheelosphere - a site dedicated to India's blooming automotive world.

Fortunately, for the moment at least, the world won't have to deal with these things in the wild. The cars are apparently kept to the grounds of Tata's Sanand plant and used to ferry visitors from one portion of the complex to the other. That's just as well, really, because the car's semi-monocoque construction probably doesn't take too well to having its roof cut off, and we suspect that structural rigidity is now something of an open question (*rimshot*). If you can peel your eyes away from the missing roof long enough to check out the rest of the Nano Cabriolet, you'll likely spot some sporty step bars and classy side graphics, too. Excellent.

[Source: Wheelosphere]

Tata Nano gets ill-advised haircut at the factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jaguar F-Type gets the greenlight

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Jaguar, Tata

Jaguar F-Type concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Jaguar is safely secured under the financial blanket of Tata Motors, the automaker is becoming more ambitious in its efforts to expand its model range. Tata has promised a yearly investment of £1 billion for the next five years, which means Jaguar will have the funding it needs to get new products cranked out. In talking with Auto Express, Jaguar Land Rover boss Carl-Peter Forster has reportedly confirmed that a few new models are in the pipeline, including the F-Type sports car, which we saw in concept form back in 2000 (pictured above).

This certainly isn't the first time that we've heard rumblings about F-Type production, and we've seen plenty of speculation about what the new sports car will look like. Rumors have suggested that the new sporty Jag will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 or Audi R8.

When will a finished F-Type be on the road? Your guess is as good as ours, but due to Jaguar having just refreshed its entire model range within the last few years, we'd assume that the ball is indeed rolling on this new sportster.

Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Concept

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: Jaguar F-Type gets the greenlight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, India, Tata

Earlier this year, there were reports of at least three Tata Nano runabouts channeling The Trammps and going up in Disco(unt) Infernos. Of the three Nanos that got the charbroil treatment, two of them were apparently due to a faulty switch. The third couldn't be explained, so Tata put together a team of 20 employees supplemented by a forensics expert to figure out what was going on.

Without explaining what happened, the team has reportedly "found no manufacturing defects," and according to PTI News, they say that the third incident is unrelated. Furthermore, all Nanos "absolutely safe." As you were, then. Still, in case current Nano owners want to be even more than absolutely safe, Tata will preemptively check any vehicle already in service.

[Source: PTI News]

Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ta ta, Tata: Tata Motors car head reportedly resigns

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Rajiv Dube, the mind behind Tata Motors' move into the passenger car world, has decided to part ways with the company after 27 years. Dube joined Tata way back in 1983, and neither he nor the company are saying exactly why the long-standing exec decided to move on. Our guess is that after 20 years, retirement was sounding plenty tasty. Cars like the Nano and Indica hatchback can all pledge their allegiance to Dube's market-minded approach to the automobile.

According to Automotive News, Dube's position will be filled internally. S. Krishnan will now helm the premier car division while Girish Wagh will take on both small-car and passenger-car operations.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ta ta, Tata: Tata Motors car head reportedly resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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