Indian Hotels Company, the country's largest hotels chain, is looking at entering into sales and marketing alliances with global hospitality majors.

Speaking at the annual general meeting, Ratan Tata, the chairman, said, "We will look at sales and reservation alliances with different companies in different regions."

However, there will be no co-branding exercise and the Taj group will continue to manage and operate its hotels.

Tata said that Taj is a strong brand and will be able to face competition from international hotel brands.

On the Oberoi-Hilton tie-up, Tata said, "It's too early to tell whether it will have any impact. Personally, I don't think it will impact in any significant way."

Currently, the group's St James Court property has a tie-up with Crowne Plaza for sales and marketing.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors will be introducing customised cars under Indigo and Safari brands for the Taj customers.

The cars will have facilities such as mini refrigerators and leather seat covers, among others.

The Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, the flagship property of the Taj group, is likely to be renamed as Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.

As part of its plans to foray into the value for money hotel, the first hotel in Bangalore will be launched by March 2004.

The company is expanding its spa's facilities to 16 properties in the next three years.

It is also looking at tapping new Asian markets, such as China, Russia, and other south-east Asian countries and US.