Who bought the Jaguar from Ford?
The compact answer: Tata Motors purchased Jaguar (along with Land Rover) from Ford in 2008 for about $2.3 billion, with the deal closing on June 2, 2008, and creating Jaguar Land Rover under Tata ownership.
Ford had owned Jaguar since 1989 as part of its Premier Automotive Group, and the sale to Tata marked a major shift in the global luxury car landscape. The deal, announced in early 2008, aimed to revive the two storied British brands under new investment and management, while Ford refocused its business strategy.
What happened and when
The sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors was announced in March 2008 and completed in June of the same year, fundamentally reorganizing ownership of the two brands. The transaction valued at about $2.3 billion transferred control from Ford to Tata, forming Jaguar Land Rover as a subsidiary under Tata.
Key dates and figures
- Buyer: Tata Motors (via Tata Motors Ltd.)
- Purchase price: approximately $2.3 billion
- Completion date: 2 June 2008
- Brands included: Jaguar and Land Rover, consolidated under Jaguar Land Rover Ltd.
- New owner: Tata Motors
The move marked a turning point for both brands, ending Ford's direct involvement with Jaguar and Land Rover and establishing Tata as the owner of two long‑standing premium automakers.
Impact on the brands
Under Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover entered a new phase of investment and product development. The arrangement allowed for shared platforms and global expansion, while preserving the brands' distinct British heritage within a larger corporate structure. Over the following decade, JLR launched a wave of models and modernized its lineup to compete in the premium SUV and sports sedan segments, alongside ongoing efforts in electrification.
Notable outcomes
- Strategic realignment: Jaguar and Land Rover operated under a single corporate umbrella as Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
- Investment boost: Tata committed capital to new platforms, engines, and model expansions to refresh the lineup.
- Brand positioning: Both brands retained premium positioning while expanding into new markets with modern designs and technology.
Conclusion: The Tata acquisition shifted the trajectory of both brands, enabling sustained investment and a refreshed product strategy within a global luxury framework.
Current status
As of 2025, Jaguar Land Rover remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. The brands continue to design, develop, and manufacture vehicles worldwide, with production and operations spanning the UK and international markets. The arrangement supports ongoing model updates and an emphasis on electrification and connectivity in the luxury segment.
Summary: Tata Motors bought Jaguar from Ford in 2008 for about $2.3 billion, ending Ford's involvement and placing Jaguar, via Jaguar Land Rover, under Tata ownership—a status that persists into the present day.
Why did Ford sell off Jaguar?
Ford sold Jaguar in 2008 to help fund its own turnaround plan amid severe financial difficulties and the looming global recession. The sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors was part of a larger strategy to streamline operations, exit non-core brands, and focus on its own core business. At the time, Ford was losing billions of dollars, and Jaguar was also experiencing significant financial losses under its ownership.
- Financial distress: The sale was largely driven by Ford's financial struggles. The company had lost billions in the years leading up to 2008 and was facing a severe financial crisis.
- Focus on core brands: The sale allowed Ford to concentrate on its own brand and implement its global turnaround plan.
- Financial losses from Jaguar: Despite the initial $2.5 billion purchase price in 1989, Jaguar had experienced cumulative losses under Ford's ownership, and the exchange rate and production costs in Britain were also creating strains.
- Strategic realignment: Ford had acquired Jaguar and Land Rover as part of its Premier Automotive Group, but by 2008, the strategy had shifted, and the company decided to sell these brands to focus on its core operations and profitability.
Who is the real owner of Jaguar?
Jaguar is owned by Tata Motors, an Indian multinational automotive manufacturer that is part of the Tata Group conglomerate. In 2008, Tata Motors purchased both Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, and they are now managed as the subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
- Parent Company: Tata Motors
- Parent Conglomerate: Tata Group
- Subsidiary: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)
Is Jaguar still owned by Ford?
No, Ford does not own Jaguar anymore; Ford sold both Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors in 2008. Today, Jaguar is a part of the Indian multinational conglomerate Tata Motors, which owns them through its subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover.
- Ford's ownership: Ford owned Jaguar from 1989 until 2008. During this time, Ford was part of the Premier Automotive Group (PAG) which included other luxury brands like Aston Martin.
- Tata's acquisition: In 2008, Tata Motors purchased both Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford for $2.3 billion.
- Current ownership: Jaguar Land Rover is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, with Jaguar operating as one of its key brands.
Is Range Rover still owned by Ford?
No, Ford does not own Range Rover; Tata Motors acquired Land Rover (which includes Range Rover) from Ford in 2008. Ford previously owned the brand from 2000 to 2008, along with Jaguar.
- Ford's ownership: Ford purchased the Land Rover division in 2000. During its time as owner, Ford sold the Jaguar and Land Rover brands to the Indian company Tata Motors in 2008.
- Tata's ownership: Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford and has owned the brands ever since, forming the company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
