Tata bought JLR as Ford bled cash — the deal critics called a disaster made Tata global

In 2007, Ford Motor Company was in deep financial trouble. The company had lost $12.6 billion in 2006. Ford had acquired Jaguar in 1989 for $2.5 billion and Land Rover in 2000 for $2.7 billion. Both brands had struggled under Ford's ownership. Ford had invested billions in new models and technology, but neither brand was profitable. Ford put both brands up for sale in 2007.

Tata Motors, an Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, bid $2.3 billion for both brands. The deal was announced in March 2008 and completed in June 2008. The reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Analysts called it a 'disaster waiting to happen.' Critics said Tata had no experience managing luxury brands, no global distribution network, and was buying two struggling British marques at the worst possible time — the global financial crisis was unfolding.

The early years were difficult. The financial crisis hit luxury car sales hard. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) lost money in 2008 and 2009. Critics seemed vindicated. But Tata invested in new models, expanded into China, and improved quality. The Range Rover Evoque, launched in 2011, was a breakthrough. JLR was profitable by 2010, and by 2012 it was generating more revenue than the rest of Tata Motors combined.

JLR became Tata Motors' crown jewel. By 2017, analysts valued JLR at over $20 billion — nearly 10 times what Tata paid. The acquisition that was called a 'disaster' transformed Tata Motors from an Indian truck maker into a global automotive group. A deal that critics said would destroy the company became the most successful acquisition in Indian corporate history.