What's everybody think of the new ownership?

[Big D Buell]

I've finally got to the point of purchasing a RR (hopefully a s/C 06-still looking)

What is the vibe of the Indian company that will be at the helm?
Will the dealers still be associated with the local ford dealership or will they want totally separate?

Just want everyones two cents

[Roverdude]

I'm optimistic in that I'm hoping TATA funnels money into Jag and LR and allows them to develop and evolve on their own. Ford was OK with it at first, and I don't have a beef with them sharing a few things among the premium auto group members (volvo switch gear, odds, ends, etc), but I could have seen ford forcing land rover to tart up and explorer and try to sell it for twice the price. If anything, I see tata using LR and JAG as a test bed for new technology.

[stolenheron]

it should be fine. just a slight change, every car company goes through their ups and downs. I have a feeling tata will put land rover on the rise.

[hermanpj]

i bet it will not affect the dealership structure. im trying to be optimistic about the acquisition, but my fear is that when Tata got into the IT business, they helped take the market into least cost IT services. A different sector of course, and obviously all companies are in business to make money, but based on that, I'd be surprised if i saw them spend a lot on R&D, launch many new LR or Jag cars, etc. Tata has the distinction of recently introducing the world's cheapest car - how well do they understand this new part of their portfolio? We'll see. With such low expectations, i guess anything beneficial they do for the LR brand will make me happier. Tata, if you are reading this, bring the Defender back to American shores at reasonable prices and we'll love you. :-) And could you resume making Range Rover Classic parts? Thanks.