Land Rover’s managing director has revealed that the 4x4 brand is ‘strongly in profit’.

Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director, told Reuters: "We haven't found the ceiling yet in some of the emerging markets. There are positive signs for this year."

In 2007, Land Rover's global sales increased nearly 18% to 226,395 vehicles, driven by a 96% increase in sales in Russia and a 143% increase in sales in China.

Land Rover made a profit of $1 billion (£540 million) in 2007. Jaguar reduced its losses to £54 million.

Popham also mentioned India as a potential growth market for Land Rover, which could be aided by its potential new owners, Indian manufacturer, Tata Motors.

Ford has confirmed that Tata is now the only bidder for Jaguar and Land Rover, and while a deal is still being thrashed out, it seems that the terms will include a five-year period during which Tata cannot close any of the Jaguar or Land Rover plants – safeguarding jobs at Halewood and Solihull for the mid-term.