JAGUAR NEWS

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JAGUAR NEWS [01]

A MESSAGE FROM NIGEL CLARKE

February 2014 The e-newsletter about Jaguar People. For you.

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GLOBAL SUCCESS SPURS OUR OWN EFFORTS

As we head further into 2014, it should be readily apparent that things are looking rather rosy in the Jaguar Land Rover firmament.

Traditionally, unit sales are a barometer of the well-being of a car company but there’s much more to good health than volume alone. A mere five years ago, Jaguar Land Rover was struggling for market acceptance. Today, the struggle is to find enough plant capacity to feed the growing demand.

Most importantly, the massively enhanced market acceptance of both brands within the stable has been achieved across the globe at a time when the global economy is struggling. This growth has been particularly evident in markets that offer significant potential for ongoing growth such as China, Brazil and India not to mention powerhouses such as the USA and Germany.

All things being equal, increased volumes generate improved returns which lead directly to greater levels of investment and more employment opportunities for people across the globe as Jaguar Land Rover expands its manufacturing footprint.

There’s also more in the kitty to fund research and development which in turn leads to improved product that will provide an ever more attractive ownership prospect.

In our disparate sub-Sahara Africa market, we continue to make inroads into areas that critics said would be impossible for Jaguar Land Rover to penetrate, but those critics never anticipated the extent and depth of the product turnaround just as they didn’t anticipate the level of investment in manpower and resources that would be made out of our Pretoria-based headquarters.

It would be naïve though, to suggest that markets in sub-Sahara Africa are riding the same sales wave as many other global markets.

As we’ve indicated many times before, there is still much fine-tuning to be done but rest assured that the burgeoning success of Jaguar Land Rover in most other markets acts as a massive incentive for us to follow suit by creating the best possible environment to surprise and delight a growing customer base.

Nigel Clarke Operations Director Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa

PRAISE FROM MURFREESBORO

Murfreesboro is not, as you might have thought, a suburb of Dublin but a city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

So, it stands to reason that one of the County’s newspapers is called The Murfreesboro Post which recently had the pleasure of testing a Jaguar F-TYPE roadster.

Husband and wife team, Barbara and Bill Schaeffer were rather enamoured by their association with the sporting Jag so we thought we’d share just a few of their observations with you:

“We can’t think of any auto company that has made as massive a turnaround as Jaguar. The latest addition to the luxury line-up is the 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE, which we consider to be one of the best two seat roadsters on the market.”

“The driving excitement starts when you put your foot on the brake pedal, push the round copper coloured “start” button on the left side of the centre console and the sounds of the engine and exhaust system start to sing.”

“The F-TYPE transmission tuning is worthy of a Nobel Prize for quick intuitive shifts. On down-shifts, the transmission automatically blips the engine speed to match the cars speed for more precise smooth shifts.”

“The 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE made a beautiful addition to our garage…perhaps they’ll forget where they left it.”

JAGUAR’S NEW XJR EXCELS IN DESIGN, DYNAMICS AND COMFORT

JAGUAR NEWS [02]

ITALIAN RACING RED C-X17 SPORTS CROSSOVER CONCEPT AS DISPLAYED AT THE 2014 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW

JAGUAR NEWS [03]

JAGUAR AT THE DELHI AUTO EXPO

Jaguar showed its concept car, the C-X17, at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. First showcased in Frankfurt back in September last year, the C-X17 features a new light-weight architecture, which will be used in future Jaguar cars.

At 4718 mm in length, 1959 mm in width, and 1649 mm in height, the C-X17 has a ground clearance of 213 mm and a wheelbase of 2905 mm. It will be powered by new engines which will be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new engine facility. The C-X17 is based on the new iQ[Al] architecture, featuring a lightweight aluminium monocoque which assists the C-X17 achieve emissions below 100g of CO2 per kilometre.

Jaguar India also revealed the all new F-TYPE Coupe at the Delhi Auto Expo. A definitive sports car, which is a coupe version of the stunning Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible (already launched in India), the F-TYPE Coupe will be launched in India in two versions – the V6S and the V8S.

Apart from this, Jaguar India also revealed the all- new F Type Coupe at the Delhi Auto Expo. A definitive sports car, which is a coupe version of the stunning Jaguar F Type Convertible (already launched in India for Rs 1.37 crores), F Type Coupe might be launched soon after the Auto Expo, if not launched during the Expo.

Available in three trims, V6, V6 S and V8 S, India might not get all three variants as is the case with the convertible. Only the V6 S and V8 S will make way to India. The V6 S offers output 380 PS and 460 Nm torque, while range topping V8S receives a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 engine offers 495 hp and 625 Nm torque.

Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/jaguar-india-teases-c-x17-before-delhi-auto-expo-jlrae2014-12101221.html#tspm1RrAzcHqvXLq.99

JAGUAR NEWS [04]

To make a premium automobile, one follows a long-established recipe. Take one large saloon car, sizeable enough to accommodate styling that’s fluid, expansive and elegant. Add wood, leather and a healthy dash of techno trickery. Ensure that the bits below the bonnet throw out power to propel the above ensemble to speeds well in excess of common sense. And finally, ensure that the badge on said bonnet is suitably prestigious enough to generate just the right kind of subtle envy.

Jaguar’s XJ is the company’s flagship, and it fulfils all of the above criteria. Introduced back in 2009, it’s most notable for being the car that broke the mould, finally ending the firm’s four decade-long reliance on a graceful but rather tired design language. Instead of aping the past, the new car was bold, fluid and graceful, with more than a hint of attitude in the detailing. You either liked it, or you didn’t; the days of serene, graceful, dependable beauty had passed. Either way, it was still a brilliant car to drive and be driven in.

JAGUAR’S NEW XJR EXCELS IN DESIGN, DYNAMICS AND COMFORT

Over time the XJ has evolved, as every production car does, with each year seeing nips, tucks and other improvements. The very latest iteration is the XJR, the supercharged flagship of flagships that splices the comfortable accommodation with the company’s most explosive powertrain. Nestling under the XJR’s expansive bodywork is a supercharged V8 (still a potent combination of words), putting out 542bhp.

(Report by Jonathan Bell, WALLPAPER website)

JAGUAR NEWS [05]

NEW YORK SUBWAY F-TRAIN

(Jalopnik reporter)

A new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe is coming out soon, and Jaguar wanted to advertise it to New Yorkers. How’d they do it? They bombed the F-Train. With vinyl, I mean. Not bombs.

I only noticed this while waiting (forever) for an uptown train last night as a snowstorm descended on the city, delaying some traffic. Across the station, an F-Train pulled in, covered from end-to-end by the Jaguar F-TYPE.

Clever.

JAGUAR NEWS [06]

CAR UK REPORTS ON THE XJ 3.0 SUPERCHARGED

Even Jaguar, a master of building premium performance cars for decades, has had to accept that downsizing engines has become an inescapable fact of life. The trick, of course, is not to fight the change but to embrace it. And here’s the outcome.

The new XJ 3.0 V6 S/C is the first in the Jaguar line-up to get the all-new 3.0-litre, 335bhp V6 supercharged engine with stop/start, which has been developed from the V8. Also destined for XF and F-TYPE (which also gets a 378bhp version), it replaces the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the XJ, cutting CO2 emissions from 269g/km to 224g/km.

Has the supercharged XJ lost its purr?

In all of its many forms, the XJ has always been a blend of sporty dynamics and luxury, and the latest incarnation is probably the best example of that tradition yet. Jaguar has chosen to give the V6 a voice rather than opt for the near-silent approach that so many premium manufacturers favour these days, and even at idle the engine emits a satisfying purr.

Like the rest of the range, the V6 comes with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and the two work well together. Although giving away 40bhp to the outgoing V8, performance is still good thanks to a wide, flat torque curve. Response is instantaneous, building from a powerful, slugging mid range to a slingshot finish above 5000rpm. As the power floods in, the V6 soundtrack grows in magnitude, unobtrusive but mellifluous, compelling but never irksome, with just the merest hint of supercharger whine in the background.

What’s the XJ like behind the wheel?

The subtlety of the steering response, poise and balance of the XJ is impressive. It’s so easy to drive, so completely planted, so confidence inspiring and beautifully engineered. Suspension has been slightly tweaked to account for the lower weight of the V6 engine and continues to showcase Jaguar’s knack of combining a smooth, supple ride with outstanding body control.

The new package is topped off by a new 825W Meridian sound system which is standard on the two top models. But it’s the V6 engine that steals the limelight.

*Reference to model availability is for UK market

JAGUAR NEWS [07]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN AT ITS NEW ENGINE MANUFACTURING CENTRE

Wolverhampton, UK: Jaguar Land Rover has launched the first significant campaign to recruit 1,400 employees at its new state-of-the-art Engine Manufacturing Centre based at the i54 South Staffordshire business park near Wolverhampton. The first phase will see the creation of in the region of 600 manufacturing roles at the plant in the next four years.

Jaguar Land Rover is investing in its new Engine Manufacturing Centre bringing engine supply back to its production doorstep providing significant new resource to support continued innovation. These roles will be required to support the manufacture of Jaguar Land Rover’s new family of high technology, low emission engines. The team will be responsible for the assembly of engine components, operation of the plant’s world class manufacturing equipment, supporting tool changes and material line feed.

Trevor Leeks, the Engine Manufacturing Centre’s new Operations Director said, “Our new Engine Manufacturing Centre is a significant strand of Jaguar Land Rover’s global growth ambitions and it is critical that we have a world-class manufacturing team at the heart of our new plant.

• Jaguar Land Rover launches campaign to recruit world-class manufacturing team at its new Engine Manufacturing Centre• Phased campaign to recruit circa 600 people in the next four years• Working in close partnership with local councils, colleges and Jobcentre Plus, a bespoke skills development programme for the unemployed has been created

“We are entering the next phase of the programme with our small team moving onsite just last week. Today, we are starting to build our operational team for the future with the launch of our recruitment campaign.

“We are looking for dedicated, committed and passionate people to join the Jaguar Land Rover team at the Engine Manufacturing Centre.”

Jaguar Land Rover has worked in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council to create a tailored training programme for local unemployed people to develop the skills required at the plant.

The six-week training programme will cover topics such as enhanced literacy & numeracy skills, how to approach competency based interviews, team exercises and interview preparation. The programme will be managed and co-ordinated by JobCentre Plus across Wolverhampton and Staffordshire.

The Engine Manufacturing Centre’s team currently stands at around 100 people including 18 apprentices and 6 graduates. In addition to the manufacturing roles at the plant, there are also additional opportunities available in a range of engineering and supervisory roles.

JAGUAR NEWS [08]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER EYES EXPANSION IN CHINA

Jaguar Land Rover is looking to expand its presence in the lucrative Chinese market. The company, recently unveiled a new training academy in the Asian nation’s capital, Beijing.

The academy, the company’s second in China after Shanghai, will be used to train technicians, sales consultants and service representatives.

Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive, Ralf Speth, said the Beijing academy would allow the car maker to sell more vehicles, such as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander 2, to China’s growing middle classes.

He said: “China is the world’s largest automotive market and a key territory for Jaguar Land Rover.

“Our Chinese national sales company (NSC) was established in 2010 and, since that time, we have seen the expansion of our dealer network to support a series of exciting new products.

“It is therefore vital that we invest in the skills and training necessary to support our two great premium brands (Jaguar and Land Rover) and provide our discerning Chinese customers with unrivalled quality and customer experiences.”

The Beijing academy was visited by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his recent trade mission to China.A third Jaguar Land Rover academy in China is due to open soon in Guangzhou, near Hong Kong.

Bob Grace, president of Jaguar Land Rover’s Chinese division, said: “Jaguar Land Rover has been steadfastly committed to sustainably growing in and with China since entering the market.

“In line with the company’s strong, customer-first philosophy, our primary focus is to cater to the needs of our patrons in China through offering our latest products, equipped with cutting-edge technology, excellent customer service, unparalleled brand experiences and, in the future, locally produced vehicles.”

JAGUAR NEWS [09]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER UK TAKE TOP HONOURS IN THE 2014 BUSINESSCAR AWARDS

Jaguar has continued to develop the model’s strengths and the breadth of customer choice since its launch. This is underscored by the introduction of the XF Sportbrake and the engineering of powertrains that deliver lower emissions, which in turn attract highly competitive tax ratings for business customers. This quality is defined by the XF 2.2d, which delivers 163PS yet just 129g/km of CO2 and official combined cycle fuel economy of more than 57.7mpg.

The Range Rover Sport has secured the Large 4x4 of the Year award towards the end of what has been a remarkable first six months on sale for this second-generation model.

Jaguar and Land Rover are both winners in the 2014 BusinessCar Awards, recently announced.

For the Jaguar XF it is a remarkable third successive Executive Car of the Year title, reinforcing its excellent reputation among fleet operators and business motorists, the people whose informed opinions decide the annual awards.

Paul Barker, BusinessCar Editor, said: “The Jaguar XF is a car that’s constantly evolving to become more and more relevant to the fleet community, and that’s reflected in its hat-trick of BusinessCar Executive Car of the Year awards.

“The XF Sportbrake with lower emitting diesel engines and expanded, more appealing specifications all add up to a car that our readers have chosen as best in its segment against some serious competition.”

JAGUAR NEWS [10]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER UK TAKE TOP HONOURS IN THE 2014 BUSINESSCAR AWARDS (Continued)

Paul Barker remarked: “The Range Rover Sport has stepped up to become BusinessCar’s Large 4x4 of the Year for the first time and its impressive quality, driving experience and prestige are all factors in the car’s success.

“It combines all the class and appeal expected of a Range Rover into a package that is, with the new model, also showing impressive efficiency gains, getting under 200g/km.”

Both the 258PS and 292PS versions of the 3.0-litre TDV6 engine give the Range Rover Sport CO2 emissions below this threshold, performance that is supported by Land Rover’s successful deployment of its new Premium Lightweight Architecture for the vehicle’s all-aluminium construction.

Even greater efficiency is about to be achieved with the initial customer deliveries of Land Rover’s first hybrid power models. The new technology, using the 3.0 litre SDV6 diesel engine coupled with an electric motor, gives the new Range Rover Sport Hybrid exceptional performance with CO2 emissions of just 169g/km and (combined cycle) 44.1mpg fuel economy.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We’re very grateful to BusinessCar and the motorists and fleet professional across the country who have honoured the Jaguar XF and Range Rover Sport. It is reflective of our increasing focus on the fleet market in our product strategy.”

“Our development programmes for Jaguar and Land Rover models demonstrate that our use of advanced manufacturing and powertrain technologies is delivering luxury products with strong performance and customer appeal, combined with the lower emissions and fuel economy that today’s motorists – especially in the business arena – require.”

JAGUAR NEWS [11]

RECORD SALES IN MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA FOR JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Jaguar Land Rover posted 46% sales growth in the region last year, more than double its global performance, which rose 19%. The company put its accelerating growth down to the performance of two models it launched midway through 2013.

“2013 has been an outstanding year for us here in the Mena region, thanks in part to the successful launch of two new products – the Jaguar F-TYPE and the all-new Range Rover Sport,” said Justin Weaving, regional sales director for Jaguar Land Rover Mena. “These results are a clear demonstration of the overwhelming desire this region has for both our brands and our portfolio of luxury vehicles.”

Land Rover Mena sales were up a substantial 49% on 2012 with its new Range Rover, which is now the best-selling vehicle for the brand. The Range Rover Sport also delivered a strong performance across the region, with sales up 25%, driven by the popularity of the all-new model.

Jaguar Land Rover, bought by Tata Motors in 2008, racked up impressive sales across the group with Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery and Freelander all gaining at least 30% more sales after the introduction of its 14MY versions.

Jaguar also recorded robust sales with a sales increase of 30% over 2012. Sales of the flagship Jaguar XJ were up by 38% followed by the XF saloon with 19%.

“I am confident this performance will continue in 2014 as we see the full effect of our recently introduced 14MY line-up,” said Mr Weaving. “In 2014 we have hotly anticipated new products such as the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé and strategic actions to further strengthen our regional dealer network.”

JAGUAR NEWS [12]

CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE UK TREASURY VISITS JAGUAR LAND ROVER’S SOLIHULL SITE TO WITNESS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH AND INVESTMENT

Solihull: Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium vehicles, recently welcomed Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to showcase growth and expansion plans for its Solihull site.

Danny Alexander commented “On the day UK car production hit a six year high, it’s great to see the work Jaguar Land Rover are doing to invest in their manufacturing and R&D facilities in the UK are supporting the revival of the UK’s manufacturing industry and boosting the overall UK economy.”

Following a record breaking year for overall Jaguar Land Rover sales in 2013, the Solihull site, which has produced Land Rover vehicles for over 65 years, has ambitious plans for growth to meet customer demand. Last year, the company announced that 1,700 new jobs were to be created at the Solihull plant which currently employs 6,000 people across the 300 acre site. All new employees will undertake a structured training programme which includes working towards an NVQ II qualification in Business Improvement Techniques, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to expanding its skills base.

• Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, visits Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull site to see one of the largest manufacturing growth stories in a generation• In the last two years at the Solihull plant, there has been significant investment and growth in the site - 3,000 new jobs have been created. • Last year was a record breaking year for Jaguar Land Rover, selling 425,006 vehicles globally (an increase of 19%). This is thanks to a series of multi-award winning new vehicles in 2013 such as the all new Range Rover Sport which is manufactured in Solihull• Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s largest automotive apprenticeship provider is also looking for up to 150 new apprenticeship recruits to join the 500 strong group across its six UK sites.

Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive apprenticeship provider and the 2014 apprenticeship recruitment campaign is currently open for applicants until the 31st January. 150 new recruits will join the 500 apprentices currently undertaking the scheme across its six UK sites.

The award-winning apprenticeship programme provides students with a strong blend of real world experience and academic learning. Recruits will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class engineers in cutting edge manufacturing environments, developing vehicles for two iconic global motoring brands.

Jaguar Land Rover, named Responsible Business of the Year in 2013. This includes the installation of a state-of-the-art alumunium body shop which Danny Alexander visited as part of his tour of the plant.

In 2014, the site will introduce manufacturing facilities to support an all-new technically advanced aluminium vehicle architecture which will deliver an enhanced range of models for Jaguar Land Rover in new segments and markets around the world.

The first new model to utilise this innovative architecture will be an all-new mid-sized sports sedan from Jaguar which will be launched in 2015.

Mike Wright, Executive Director at Jaguar Land Rover concluded “We need to continue to invest in world-class manufacturing technology and source the best people to produce our award winning vehicles. The plans are further evidence of our commitment to advancing the capability of the UK automotive industry which benefits the wider supply chain and overall UK economy.”

JAGUAR NEWS [13]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER CREATES NEW ENGINE CENTRE

Jaguar Land Rover is investing more than GBP500m (US$821m) in a new engine manufacturing centre at Wolverhampton in the UK Midlands to bring power plant supply back to its production doorstep.

The centre will support the manufacture of Jaguar Land Rover’s new family of high technology, low emission engines and be responsible for the assembly of engine components, operation of the plant’s manufacturing equipment, supporting tool changes and material line feed.

Trevor Leeks, the centre’s operations director said he is now looking to recruit some 600 people over the next four years. Jaguar Land Rover has worked with local government authorities to create a tailored training programme for local unemployed people to develop the skills required at the plant.The six-week training programme will cover enhanced literacy and numeracy skills, how to approach competency based interviews, team exercises and interview preparation.

The engine manufacturing centre’s team currently stands at around 100 people including 18 apprentices and six graduates. In addition to the manufacturing roles at the plant, there are also additional opportunities available in a range of engineering and supervisory roles.

JAGUAR NEWS [14]

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS RECORD SALES IN 2013

Jaguar Land Rover reported that its 2013 sales were up 19 percent over the company’s 2012 figures.

The bulk of those sales were recorded by the Land Rover brand but Jaguar too logged impressive growth. Land Rover sales numbered 348,338 units in 2013, up 15 percent on the previous year, while Jaguar sales came in at 76,668 units, up a staggering 42 percent on the previous year.

Sales were up for Land Rover in every major region with annual sales records set in 42 markets, including the US, UK, Brazil and India. The Range Rover Evoque was the top seller but the latest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport also proved popular. All three models achieved record results in 2013.

Jaguar set annual sales records in 17 markets including Brazil, India, Russia and China. It also emerged as one of the fastest growing premium brands in the U.S., Germany and India in 2013. The XF and XJ both enjoyed record sales, while the new F-Type sportscar proved popular.

“2013 has proven to be a very positive year for Jaguar Land Rover thanks to continuing strong demand for vehicles across the range,” CEO Dr. Ralf Speth said in a statement. “Our unrelenting focus on design, technology, innovation and quality has seen Jaguar Land Rover reach global consumers in more markets than ever before thanks to its most desirable product line-up, enriched further in 2013 by the Jaguar F-TYPE and all-new Range Rover Sport.

JAGUAR NEWS [15]

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER PRAISES JAGUAR LAND ROVER INVESTMENT

Addressing the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, British Prime Minister David Cameron made specific mention of Jaguar Land Rover’s contribution to the favourable investment climate prevailing in Britain.

“I am proud that it is an Indian investment that is driving the success story of Jaguar Land Rover….Britain is open for investments from across the world,” said Mr Cameron who is regularly seen travelling in a Jaguar XJ model.