Originally Posted by xx3

I totally agree. The jag name and logo amazingly still command quite a bit of respect in today's modern world despite all of the faux-pas that Jaguar has done under Ford ownership.

My heart also goes out to Volvo & Saab, who were both bought by American car companies and then strangled to death by the restriction of resources. (Although Volvo of late has been a lot more fortunate then Saab).

Land Rover was on a good track under BMW ownership. The 2003 Range Rover was great start, but unfortunately BMW ended up washing its hands clean of Land Rover as it couldn't afford it during the Rover debacle, mainly because of the huge money strain that Land Rover put on the BMW groups finances. Major $$ had to be poured out for defective part and vehicle replacements for the Discovery and Freelander - the lower end of the Land Rover line-up.

Although ford has re-done the discovery and freelander and added the Range Rover Sport, I feel all of these vehicles lack a special something the BMW designed Range Rover had. The latter 3 having cluttered plasticky interiors that really aren't special. Nor has the new design direction been that great either (having never lived in europe, most americans don't realize how much the LR3's rear end looks like a french delivery van...). The Range Rover Sport looks cobbled together and isn't really that much to care about. The new LR2/Freelander brings a little promise, but not so much.

Ontop of all this, even the new Land Rover's have horrible reliability (on completely new platforms !). The LR3 is one of the most unreliable cars on the road today.

So, as much as I would like BMW to re-buy Land Rover, and get it back on track. The feasibility of this happening is slim. SUV sales are down, and Ford hasn't even gotten the reliability right with new platforms which would cost BMW $$ in parts/labor and vehicles.

Plus, I'm sure BMW does not want anything to do with Jaguar as it would probably end up being the same problem that Rover was (selling two brands that compete with each other).