Despite the challenges, Jaguar's management is "entirely relaxed" about the situation. Speaking with the Financial Times, Jaguar design boss Ian Callum (the man behind the XF), said Tata has looked at the new model lines and the planned product cycle and is “being very respectful about what Jaguar are doing." Tata is in fact one of the biggest suppliers to Jaguar and Land Rover through the Anglo-Dutch steel group, Corus, which it took over last year.
Callum revealed that he’s pleased with the way things are going. The same couldn’t be said for the relationship Jaguar has with its current owner, Ford, and its past practices. The unsuccessful entry-level X-Type, for example, was essentially designed in Detroit by Ford and was forced upon reluctant designers and engineers at Jaguar’s UK design center.
Callum wasn’t willing to confirm if Tata is in fact the new owners of Jaguar and Land Rover, so we’ll have to wait until the sale is finalized at the end of next month for the official announcement.
Reader Comments
Mon Jan 28 2008 11:55 AM
Gus says
Relaxed? I doubt that, but what choice does he have if he wants to keep his job and put on a brave face?
Sat Feb 9 2008 4:55 AM
Edward says
How can someone who is about to lose his job be relaxed? Tata wants Jag/LR to produce Tata cars, not Jaguars. Unless Callum is willing to design Tatas at much less than half his current salary, he will have to be looking very soon for a new job. Where with the coming economic crisis I do not know. Nice seeing ya Ian!
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