Indian expansion

is to begin selling its range of saloon cars and sports utility vehicles to the Indian market later in 2009.

Tata Motors, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, will act as importer of models including Jaguar's XF and XKR models.

David Smith, chief executive officer 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 Jaguar Land Rover and will enable us to realise our competitive potential in this significant market.’

The newly-formed Premier Car Division, within Tata Motors's Passenger Car Business unit, will assume responsibility for the distribution of all Jaguars and Land Rovers in India and is also due to open the first showroom in Mumbai later this year.

Rohit Suri 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, said: ‘This is a natural move for both businesses and will allow Jaguar and Land Rover to establish a strong and deserved presence in India. We are very pleased to develop our relationship with Jaguar Land Rover in this way and to provide the opportunity for Indian customers to access their premium products for the first time.’