Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 22) - Great Wall Motor's Company Secretary Xu Hui announced yesterday that he had not heard of reports linking his company with Tata Motors' Jaguar and Land Rover brands, 163.com reported yesterday. Mr. Xu also said that he was unaware of Jaguar senior executives having visited Great Wall's Motor's factories.
The denials come in the face of intense domestic and foreign media speculation of a proposed partnership between the Hebei-based manufacturer and Jaguar Land Rover. Debasis Ray, spokesman for parent company Tata Motors, was quoted as saying that Jaguar is indeed interest in producing automobiles in China and is currently in talks with its partners.
A high level source within Great Wall also said that their company was currently in discussions with Jaguar Land Rover over a potential partnership, and that senior executives had visited their factory earlier this month. Another source was quoted as saying that preliminary negotiations had already been completed between the two companies and were awaiting final decision. Company CEO Wei Jianjun had also met with Jaguar and Land Rover executives, the source mentioned.
Jaguar Land Rover is aware of the importance of the Chinese market, with Chief Financial Officer Ken Gregor confirming that the manufacturer's Chinese sales increased 95% to 26,114 vehicles last year.
Industry insiders believe that by linking up with a local developer, Jaguar Land Rover can strengthen its position in the Chinese market. Furthermore, Great Wall's independent research and development efforts would benefit substantially from such a partnership.
