Tata to (finally) announce Jaguar, Land Rover purchase March 5 or 6

In what looks to be a merciful end to the world's longest foregone conclusion, Tata Motors will reportedly announce its purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover on either March 5 or 6. The announcement is expected after the first press day of the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, so as not to steal the limelight from Ford's new model and concept introductions. The press conference comes just in time for the first XF sedans to go on sale in the U.S. and Europe, so Ford's hard work and investment on the newest cat will benefit the brand's new owners. Tata is also expected to continue to utilize Ford powerplants in its new acquisitions, which will keep the Bridgend and Dagenham engine plants busy.

We'd thought the previous sale of Aston Martin had been drawn out, but the Jaguar and Land Rover clearance sale has lasted over a year, with talks of a Jaguar sale dating back to the '90s. Now, after a year of wondering what would happen to Ford's two British marques, we can move on to the next thing. You know, like whether Tata's going to turn around and quickly unload Jaguar.

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