Ford's premium brand Jaguar is not for sale, the head of Ford's European business said yesterday, dismissing talk the carmaker might part with the loss-making brand.

"No. There are no truths in those persistent rumours," Lewis Booth said when asked if Jaguar were for sale. Market talk has circulated of late that French carmaker Renault could be interested.

"We are continuing to invest heavily in Jaguar," Booth said, adding it would remain a part of the group's portfolio.