While Tata Motors insists that it is not a recall, they are asking owners of the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, to bring in their vehicles for a free upgrade in safety equipment. The upgrade is in response to reports of mysterious circumstances which led to six cars catching fire since the car was first introduced last year. Tata Motors Group CEO and managing director Carl-Peter Forster said, “The Nano car is a very reliable and safe vehicle. The company has undertaken a second check and found that the vehicle has a safe design. After a thorough investigation by a team of internal and international experts, it was found that the fire hazard problem was specific to the cars which had the incidents.”

The company has taken up several corrective measures. They will now offer a cover on the catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire, as well an add a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short circuits. For any Nano cars produced before January 2010, they will also be replacing the starter motor. The company will contact owners of the Nano and perform the upgrades free of charge.

In March of 2008, when Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, some feared the sale would alienate the typical Jaguar owner. Based on early sales figures, this just isn’t true.

The XJ model has been one of the best sellers for Jaguar since it was introduced in 1968. Over the years the car has undergone major redesigns, but never really strayed far from the original model. The new 2011 XJ model is said to have a “wow factor that has smitten those who thought the XJ model had become too old school.”

“We are trying to bring the word ‘sleek’ back to Jaguar styling,” said Ian Callum, chief designer.

  • The dashboard has been redesigned nine inches lower, giving the cabin a roomy feeling.
  • The new interior is one of the most elegant in the industry, with soft grain leather trimmed with choice wood or carbon fiber.
  • The mechanical components of the XJ is basically the same as its predecessor, but with key refinements.
  • The exterior still has the same luxurious Jaguar look, but with a thoroughly modern design.

It seems that the transition of Jaguar from Ford to Tata motors has been a smooth one. With the help of Ford, Jaguar continues to offer the luxury and design their customers expect.