Background
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer that has produced some of the most iconic cars of the 20th century. It is a part of a much larger automotive group, Tata Motors, and is known for its stylish yet understated designs. Founded in 1922 by Sir William Lyons, the company has been producing cars since 1935, and since then has gone through a number of changes of ownership. Over the years, several companies have owned the company, including British Leyland, Ford, and now Tata Motors.
Today’s Ownership
Today, the Jaguar Car Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indian automotive group Tata Motors. Tata Motors is a subsidiary of the multi-billion dollar Indian conglomerate, Tata Group. Tata Group is a sprawling business empire that has interests in industries ranging from telecommunications to steel. Tata Motors is the largest automaker in India and produces a wide range of vehicles, from the Tata Nano to luxury SUVs. In 2008, Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover in a deal worth over $2.3 billion, making it the largest automotive acquisition ever.
Symbiotic Relationship
The relationship between Tata Motors and Jaguar has been described by some as a “marriage made in heaven”. Tata Motors is able to lever the luxury brand equity of Jaguar and the strong technological capabilities of Land Rover to strengthen its presence in the global automotive market. At the same time, Jaguar has been able to access the economies of scale and resources of Tata Motors to make the company more profitable and efficient. Since the acquisition, Jaguar has made many strategic changes to its business, such as introducing new models, expanding its manufacturing facilities and improving its services.
Impact on Company Culture
The acquisition by Tata Motors has had a positive effect on the company culture at Jaguar. The traditional British elements of the company’s culture have been retained and new elements of Indian culture have been embraced. These elements have included the introduction of Indian-inspired design features, the retention of existing staff despite the upheaval of the acquisition and the introduction of a new set of values which has seen the company focus on sustainability, customer service and innovation.
Positive Financial Impact
Since the acquisition, Jaguar has experienced a positive financial impact. In 2008, Jaguar had a net loss of £318 million, but in 2009, the company managed to turn a profit of £47 million. This was achieved by reducing costs, improving product quality, launching new products and expanding its global presence. Since then, the company has seen a steady growth in profits, as well as an increase in its market share.
Increased Brand Awareness
Tata Motors has worked hard to increase the global awareness of the Jaguar brand. Through marketing, partnerships and other initiatives such as the sponsorship of the Formula 1 team, Jaguar has been able to reach markets that it was previously unable to target. This increased brand awareness has helped to drive sales and position Jaguar as a luxury car manufacturer with global appeal.
Future Prospects
The future prospects for Jaguar look good. The company has managed to turn around its fortunes and is seeing increased sales and profits. With the backing of Tata Motors and the resources that it provides, there is every reason to believe that Jaguar will continue to be a successful car manufacturer and leader in the luxury car market.
Technology Advancements
Jaguar is leading the way with its technological advancements, such as its electric and hybrid products. The company is investing heavily in research and development and is working hard to make its vehicles more efficient and environmentally-friendly. It has also formed strategic partnerships with other automotive companies to create new and innovative technology.
Corporate Responsibility
Tata Motors has made corporate responsibility at Jaguar a top priority and is investing heavily in environmental and social projects. These include initiatives to reduce air pollution, improve fuel efficiency and reduce waste. In addition, the company is engaging with its local communities to create jobs and promote business opportunities.
Conclusion
The Jaguar Car Company is currently owned by the Indian automotive giant Tata Motors and there is no doubt that the acquisition has been beneficial to both companies. Jaguar has been able to leverage the resources and economies of scale of Tata Motors to turn the company around financially and improve its future prospects. Along with this, Tata Motors has made corporate responsibility a priority, which has seen the company invest in a range of environmental and social projects. With the mutual benefits that both companies are receiving, the future looks bright for Jaguar.
