Is Land Rover Still a British Car Company?
Land Rover SUVs are prestigious and capable. Over the years they earned a reputation as a luxury vehicle. But Land Rover’s roots gave rise to SUVs that are ready for an off-road adventure or an overland journey. Popular classics like the Land Rover Defender made a name for the SUV manufacturer. But who owns Land Rover? Is it still a British car company?
Where does the Land Rover name come from?
Rover is the original brand name for these vehicles. According to the Land Rover Wikipedia page, the Rover company released a 4×4 off-roader called the Land Rover in 1948. The original Land Rover existed as a utilitarian farm truck designed for navigating tough dirt roads and farm chores. In 1951, King George VI granted the Land Rover a Royal Warrant. Then in 2001 it also earned a Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The model was recognized for its “outstanding contribution to international trade.”
In today’s market, the Land Rover SUV models are upscale luxury SUVs. They are generally very capable off-road. However, due to their luxury appeal, many of them never see much off-pavement travel.
After becoming its own brand Land Rover also became its own company for a time. The brand has, over the years, produced a broad range of 4×4 overland SUVs capable of pretty gnarly off-roading. But who owns the Land Rover SUV brand now?
Who owns Land Rover?
According to Wikipedia, the brand is considered British. However, Land Rover is part of a multinational automobile manufacturer. In addition, the manufacturer has been a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors since 2008. Then an official merger with Jaguar followed by a renaming.
“On 1 January 2013 the operations of Jaguar Cars Limited and Land Rover were merged as Jaguar Land Rover Limited and the parent was renamed to Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC.”
Wikipedia | Land Rover Jaguar
What about Jaguar?
Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC resulted from the joining of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. It’s now the holding company for Jaguar Land Rover Limited. This company, considered a British multinational automotive company, has headquarters in Whitley, Coventry, United Kingdom.
As mentioned above, Tata Motors of India holds Jaguar Land Rover as a subsidiary. Jaguar Land Rover Limited primarily designs, develops, manufactures, and sells cars and SUVs bearing the Jaguar and Land Rover marques. So technically yes, Land Rover SUVs are part of a British car company.
Are they good SUVs?
If you are looking for a maintenance-free commuter companion, a Land Rover SUV is probably not your best bet. To say whether or not they are good SUVs depends on what you want your SUV to do. Land Rovers off-road like pros. They also look great. Many people buy them based on looks and luxury alone. However, the brand does boast beastly 4×4 off-road tuning.
However, they can require some expensive maintenance. In addition, they generally get poor predicted reliability scores. For example, Consumer Reports shows just a 1 out of 5 for 2020 Range Rover reliability. Land Rover SUVs are expensive too. That same model, according to CR, costs up to $209,500.
While they evoke an image of traversing the wilderness, in reality Land Rovers are more likely to be seen roaming country-club parking lots. The top-end Range Rover can be an imposing alternative to a large luxury sedan, with a cushy ride and an opulent interior.
Consumer Reports
Overall they are good SUVs in terms of luxury. Additionally, they are capable and prestigious. It all depends on what you are looking for that decides whether a Land Rover SUV is right for you.
