Jaguar Land Rover pay tribute to ‘remarkable’ Ratan Tata

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have paid tribute to leading businessman and former chair Ratan Tata who died yesterday.

Mr Tata (pictured), who was chair and owner of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest companies, died at the age of 86.

During his tenure as chairman of Tata Group, the conglomerate made several high-profile acquisitions including the purchase of automotive giant JLR from Ford in 2008 for £1.8bn.  

The group also bought tea firm Tetley for £331m in 2000.

In 2012, Mr Tata retired as chairman of the group and was appointed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, the group's holding company.

Adrian Mardell, JLR’s chief executive officer, led the tributes.

He said: “The entire JLR family is profoundly saddened by the death of Mr. Ratan Tata.

“His personal achievements and legacy are unequalled in society, and the mark he leaves on our business and brands is greater than that of any other individual.

“It was thanks to his singular vision that Tata acquired JLR in 2008, and we owe everything we have become since then to his unwavering support and dedication.

“Mr. Tata led us on an extraordinary journey. He inspired incredible new chapters in our history. Under his generous and trusting guidance, we have felt deeply proud to be part of the Tata story.

“On behalf of everyone at JLR, I would like to offer our sincerest thanks for his remarkable leadership.”