Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Dr Ralf Speth as its chief executive officer with overall responsibility for the company's operations.
Speth will report to Carl-Peter Forster, the recently appointed group chief executive officer of Tata Motors. Speth, 54, has worked in the European car industry for more than 22 years, including at BMW and Ford. His time at BMW included a spell as vice-president of Land Rover.
Ravi Kant, vice chairman, Tata Motors said "The introduction of Dr Ralf Speth into Jaguar Land Rover under the guidance of Carl-Peter Forster will considerably strengthen the management of the company and enhance the position and reputation of the two iconic brands in line with the long-term strategy of the company."
Jaguar Land Rover's chief executive David Smith left the company last month.
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Re: Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO
I agree too.
Couldn't have put it better either. Jaguar needs an X-Type, one which will make an attractive alternative to the A4 and 3 Series. I'd also like to see an alternative to the Z4 / TT from Jaguar too, all very possible!
If it's not possible, then JLR need me in charge... ;-)
Re: Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO
MattDB. Can't disagree with your views. It's also about time JLR stopped their retreat upmarket and made use of India to give us some decent utility products. And no, I don't mean a Vanden Plas Nano! Perhaps a new Defender and Defender 'Lite'. CPF will have some experience of this with Chevrolet. And I notice the new CEO is an ex-Production man. Bodes well.
Re: Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO
Against general opinion, Tata seem to be putting proper business sense into JLR and are making some tough decisions and employing the right people for the job.
No one ever gave Tata any credit when it took control of JLR and most thought they would asset strip the firm, but the reality is the opposite of this and JLR will end up with desirable product with contemporary styling and excellent engineering, plus if Tata were shrewd they would exploit JLR engineers and improve their home grown products as well to make them truly competitive.
And if JLR start offshore production, who cares. It never hurt BMW and Merc who have sold many African and American built 'German' cars here for years, and can still maintain an excellent image in all markets they sell in.