Ford steps up Tata Motors talks

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A company memo to workers at Ford's UK plants said that while discussions had been held with a number of interested parties, talks were being held at a detailed level with the Indian conglomerate.

"There is still a considerable amount of work to do and, while no final decisions have been made at this time, Ford will proceed with further substantive discussions with Tata Motors over the forthcoming weeks.

"These are complex commercial discussions and Ford believes it is in the interests of all parties concerned if the process continues to be conducted in a confidential manner.

"Therefore, Ford is not discussing the content of its ongoing dialogue with Tata Motors at this point in time other than to say any final decisions Ford makes will be in the best interests of Jaguar, Land Rover and Ford," said the message.

The bulletin, signed by Geoff Polites, chief executive officer of Jaguar and Land Rover, said the company's future for 2008 was "little clearer" but the firm's plan was unchanged.

Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said: "We need further and more detailed meetings and discussions with Ford and Tata which will focus on the job security of our members in the Jaguar, Land Rover and Ford plants in the UK.

"There are also crucial issues around wages, terms and conditions and pensions to address before any final decision is considered."

The US car giant put the two brands up for sale last year to shore up flagging profits after posting its biggest loss in its 103-year history.

Ford has said it hoped to conclude a deal by early this year.