Tatas may not get to ride JLR technologies

[dadu]

LONDON/MUMBAI: Tata Motors may not be able to tap the synergies arising out of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) technology for its existing products portfolio. Company officials say it could at best refine its existing product line-up or tap manufacturing and product processes for body design, suspension, improving NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in the vehicles. Analysts were hoping that the Tatas would gain across the board technology, especially in areas like environmental control systems that are becoming critical for all car makers.

While details are not yet clear, it appears that a number of separate agreements have been reached for every component and aspect of technology, a Ford spokesperson clarified that many specific technologies Ford will supply to JLR are for use specifically only for JLR.

One of the critical issues in sealing the commercial side agreements during the negotiations is that Ford has to continue to support JLR in terms of engine and component supply as well as R&D support in the foreseeable future. For the moment, say Tata sources, the JLR integration for technology and component aggregates will not happen.

Source: ET

[TeddyBear]

Why not? any company can license their IP technologies to others. Parent company can be licensed by paying the relevent charges. Like how Suzuki & GM licensed the MultiJets.

[sanjayatarizona]

There is still a lot that the TATA's could gain from this takeover, though it might not have an outright impact. Jag and LR are trying to stay afloat themselves, so that would be first priority.

[dadu]

Because some technologies might be patented by Ford and licensed only to JLR and that too for particular brands.

[sandeepmdas]

Originally Posted by dadu

Because some technologies might be patented by Ford and licensed only to JLR and that too for particular brands.

Exactly.When you read the ET article, the following are very obvious, let me rearrange:
"experts indicate that JLR components are specifically designed and cannot be used for Tata Motors line of products"
- the current linup cannot use these, no surprise there...
"For the moment, say Tata sources, the JLR integration for technology and component aggregates will not happen. "
- "for the moment" means probably in the next 2-3 years...
"Company officials say it could at best refine its existing product line-up or tap manufacturing and product processes for body design, suspension, improving NVH in the vehicles."
- what else we need? The powertrain.
"..Ford spokesperson clarified that many specific technologies Ford will supply to JLR are for use specifically only for JLR. "
- this means whatever components that Ford supply (read the powertrain) should be used within the JLR range only; They may not be used in any other Tatas (unless you obtain another license)
So simply put, you wont see a Ford engine in a Safari; that's all.

[srishiva]

The biggest challenge would be for JLR to meet the new environmental restrictions in Europe in the coming years.

Its more about the components that is being supplied by Ford which would not be available to TATA. But JLR would have a lot of expertise which could be used by TATA in the future.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Like sandeepmdas pointed out, Tata Motor will not get some technologies. What is being denied is technology from Ford; not from JLR. JLR management is now in Tatas' hands, and nothing prevents JLR from giving what it owns to the Tatas.

[1100D]

These riders are always to be appreciated for what they are, doesn't stop anyone from finding workarounds. I am sure they will find a loophole and send Engineers on a little "learning" thing both ways. Even without explicitly implementing technology solutions from JLR.

[sujaylahiri]

Just put that old Rover V8 into a Safari and feel the madness.