The British luxury car landscape is at a time of transition, and part of that change involves the storied car brands, Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR). Further, JLR is caught up in a new strategy that could see a reorganizing of sub-brands, like Range Rover. However, both of the storied British juggernauts share ownership under India’s Tata Motors. 

Which British car brands are under Indian ownership?

Tata Motors, one of India’s largest multinational automobile companies, owns British luxury car brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. As a result, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery are all under the Tata ownership umbrella. 

Like Stellantis and General Motors, Tata Motors owns and operates many brands and sub-brands. For instance, Daewoo, the South Korean manufacturing company, is a subsidiary of Tata. Moreover, Tata Motor Cars produce vehicles under its own brand name for the Indian markets and regional markets in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. 

In addition to the British luxury car brand, Daewoo, and Tata Motor Cars, the Indian company owns Tata Hispano, a Spain-based company. Hispano produces buses and coaches. 

How long has Tata Motors owned Jaguar?

Tata acquired Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. At the time, Jaguar had just launched its X150-generation XK along with its lineup of luxury sedans. Land Rover offered just four posh SUVs for the American market, the LR2, LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport. 

Since then, Tata has continued to own the British luxury car brands, despite an upcoming shift in strategy. However, Car and Driver reports that a spokesperson from JLR says the strategy will not include abandoning the Land Rover nameplate, despite rumors. “We are not losing the Land Rover name; its spirit is—and will continue to be—a crucial part of our DNA,” JLR said in a statement. 

Who makes Land Rover cars?

Land Rover produces its luxury SUVs in the United Kingdom. However, the storied British marque has plants that cater to specific models and regional markets. 

• Solihull, UK: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
• Halewood, UK: Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque
• Nitra, Slovakia: Discovery, Defender
• Itatiatia, Brazil: Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque
• Changshu, China: Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque
• Pune, India: Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque 

Which car brand owned Jaguar and Land Rover before Tata?

Before the Indian car company Tata acquired Jaguar and Land Rover, Ford Motor Company owned the historic British luxury car brands. Ford acquired Jaguar in 1990 after securing ownership of Aston Martin in 1987. 10 years later, Ford also acquired Land Rover.

However, Ford sold both marques in 2008, around the same time as the US automotive industry crisis. During the crisis, the American “Big Three,” Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, and General Motors, were in danger of shutdown. As a result, Ford couldn’t hold onto some of its luxurious subsidiaries, like Jaguar or Aston Martin.