GENEVA SHOW: I'll listen, says new Tata Motors boss (and curry fan) Forster
Author: headlineauto | 2 March 2010
New Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster has asked for 100 days on the job before making any formal announcements about his strategy for the British brands he oversees.
But while giving away few specifics on his vision for the future of Jaguar and Land Rover, the new man at the top was keen to convey a very upbeat message at a pre-Geneva show press dinner last night.
"Basically it's about listening to the team that exists already," said Forster. "They've done a great job on new products already and we have to develop that."
Quizzed on the future of Jaguar, Forster admitted there were some positioning issues "such as the lack of small four-cylinder diesel engine in the XF" but said these could be "easily fixed."
"People will inevitably draw comparisons with BMW and Audi," he said of Jaguar, "but we're a very different, much lower-volume proposition. We don't need to compete head-on in every segment."
Forster will work closely with JLR owners Tata as the Indian conglomerate continues to build into a globally recognised brand.
He'll spend about 12 days a month in the UK and a significant portion of his time in India.
Good job too. Forster said he's a big curry fan and is more worried about the catering in Jaguar's West Midlands home base than he is about the diet in Mumbai.
Sectors: Vehicle manufacturers
Companies: Tata, Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Audi
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There are currently 4 comments on this article
I believe Dr Ralf Speth is the CEO for Jaguar and Land Rover, and Mr Forster is the CEO for Tata Motors? Let's have a little accuracy please. Sadly, I suspect Mr Forster is wise to favour the Mumbai canteen than those at JLR.
steve_y said at 8:10 am, March 3, 2010
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