In a statement Ford of Europe chairman Lewis Booth said: "Ford is committed to focused negotiations at a more detailed level with Tata Motors concerning the potential sale of the combined Jaguar Land Rover business.

"We will proceed with further substantive discussions with Tata Motors over the forthcoming weeks with a view to securing an agreement that is in the best interests of all parties concerned."

Unite, the UK's largest trade union, urged both Ford and Tata to put plant and job security at the heart of discussions over the future of Jaguar Land Rover. It warned that if assurances were not forthcoming it would not “support or accept” Ford's intention to sell or transfer the company. “There are crucial issues around wages, terms and conditions and pensions to address before any final decision is considered,” said Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary.