Tata Bid for Jaguar and Land Rover to Aid Alfa Romeo?
Yesterday we reported on the $2.05 billion bid by Indian automaker Tata to acquire Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford. Strangely that takeover could have powerful ramifications for Alfa Romeo’s upcoming 169 luxury sedan.
Alfa Romeo, as most of our readers will remember, is owned by Italian parent company Fiat. Fiat was at one time interested in the Jaguar deal, because it highly coveted Jag’s rear-wheel-drive platforms and powertrains for its 169. Ultimately though, Fiat passed on the deal, choosing instead to council Tata with its bid. A move that is proving more crafty as events unfold.
(Click through the link to read on about Alfa's angle.)
Fast forward to the present, where Alfa may be set to get its RWD platform as a present of goodwill from Tata, if the recent bid goes through. Additionally, the use of Land Rover’s existing U.S. dealership network could help smooth the way for Alfa’s return to the American market. Bonus.
Now all Tata has to do is win the bid, and start handing out favors. We love it when a plan comes together.
+ Autoblog: Fiat chief: Alfa Romeo could benefit from Tata-Jaguar acquisition
Comments
Gianni
Rather ironic being that Ford was all set to buy Alfa in the late 80's when FIAT (and the Italian government) swept in and bought Alfa out from under Ford, so Ford bought Jaguar instead...
Bruce Armstrong
Alfa - LRover - Jaguar : A match made in consumer heaven!
Paul In Jersey
The prospect of three marques, none known for their reliability, combining forces to establish profitability in a lucrative market where the Japanese manufacturers have pretty much trained the consumers to expect nothing less than 100 percent reliablity.
Uh, r-i-i-i-i-i-g-h-t.
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