Tata Engineering (Telco) has signed an agreement with Phoenix Venture Holdings (PVH), the owners of the MG Rover Group. Under the arrangement, PVH will distribute Telco’s Safari off-roader and Loadbeta pick-up trucks in the UK and Irish markets, helping the Indian company enhance its brand presence in these countries.

Telco had recently entered into an agreement with Rover, whereby the latter will sell the Indica in the UK market through the Rover badging. The company is planning to sell around one lakh Indicas over a five-year period.

Given the specialist nature of both utility products, the franchise would be managed by Phoenix Distribution Ltd, a newly-created subsidiary of PVH, according to a Tata Engineering release.

The vehicles would be distributed through a selection of MG Rover and former Tata dealerships, it said, adding the new arrangement would be implemented in next few months.

"The sale of Tata products through Phoenix Distribution with its reach and professional pedigree is another expression of Tata’s commitment to building long-term brand presence in the UK and Irish markets," according to Tata Engineering executive director (passenger cars) V Sumantran.

PVH Group chief executive Kevin Howe said: "We are delighted to cooperate with Tata on the sales of these vehicles. We will be able to assist Tatas with our experience and knowledge of these markets, and our understanding of what customers will expect from such products".

The company said new upgraded versions of these vehicles with contemporary features would further enhance value proposition.

The Loadbeta, otherwise known as the Telcoline, sports a 483DL TCIC engine and has a five-speed, overdrive-equipped gearbox. The Safari also has a similar engine.

Telco is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its international business operations whereby the global operations which was functioning as a separate unit will be embedded into the passenger car and commercial vehicle businesses.