Former Ford Group owned Jaguar and Land Rover are developing a series of hybrid models that will go on sale in Europe within the next five years. British magazine Autocar is reporting that the two carmakers that are now part of the Indian Tata Motors Group are developing two hybrid systems based around two new engines, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel version of the current 2.7 V6 and the all-new 5.0-liter V8 petrol unit that’s expected sometime next year.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) announced today that it has accepted the application of the former Ford owned Jaguar - Land Rover to become a member of ACEA. Their membership will start in July 2008. The current ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo.

“We welcome Jaguar Land Rover in our midst and are convinced the company will make a valuable contribution to the work of our association”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA. “We are looking forward to working in close partnership with the European automobile manufacturers concerning regulatory and other issues confronting our industry”, said David Smith, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover. “As the UK’s largest automotive employer, joining the European automotive association was an important step.”