Land Rover has confirmed that it is to begin selling its range of premium sports utility vehicles in the Indian market later this year, having reached agreement with Tata Motors Limited to be the exclusive importer.
Land Rover's award-winning vehicles, including the Discovery 3 and Range Rover Vogue, are renowned around the world for their unique blend of refined luxury, quality and capability and will now become officially available in this rapidly expanding market.
David Smith, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said: "We are delighted to be formally entering the Indian market, an economy which is still growing appreciably, and able to offer our premium products to a whole new group of customers. It is an important strategic move for Land Rover and will enable us to realise our competitive potential in this significant market."
The newly-formed Premier Car Division, within Tata Motors Passenger Car Business unit, will assume responsibility for the distribution of all Land Rovers in India and is also due to open the first showroom at Ceejay House in Worli, Mumbai, in June this year. This flagship facility will aim to establish a benchmark experience in luxury car sales in India.
Rohit Suri, who has extensive premium automotive sector experience, has been appointed to head the new organisation and is leading plans to develop a dealer network through 2009 and 2010. Ravi Kant, Managing Director of Tata Motors, commented: "This is a natural move for both businesses and will allow Land Rover to establish a strong and deserved presence in India. We are very pleased to develop our relationship with Land Rover in this way and to provide the opportunity for Indian customers to access their premium products for the first time."
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