Car workers union Unite has backed Indian firm Tata as its preferred choice if Jaguar Land Rover is sold.
Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, said last night the union’s shop stewards at Jaguar Land Rover had made clear that Tata would serve the best interests of the workers.
The workers said their preference would be to stay as part of Ford, but the US firm has indicated it plans to sell UK-based Jaguar and Land Rover and a deal could be done as early as spring 2008.
Mr Woodley said the stewards had made their decision based on the reports from the presentations made by all the shortlisted bidders from the union representatives who attended.
Based on serving the best interests of workers, the stewards decided Tata best fit the criteria.