Tata mulls closer Daimler ties

Frankfurt - Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Motors, which is part of the Tata Group, is mulling closer cooperation with German premium carmaker Daimler, German magazine Focus reported, citing no sources.

The report said Tata was looking for a new engine supplier for its Jaguar and Land Rover units, which it bought from Ford for $2.3 billion earlier this year.

The magazine report added that Tata had met Daimler managers in India and South Africa over the past weeks, discussing a possible cooperation.

Daimler confirmed that a meeting between Tata and Mercedes chief operating officer Rainer Schmueckle had taken place, but declined to give further details, Focus said.

Daimler was not immediately available for comment.

Tata also could not immediately be reached for comment.