The low sales has resulted in lower budgets to develop new models and being forced to use older powertrain technology. The company's new XF is a prime example - it uses a revised S-type chassis and diesel engines that are not as economical or powerful as those found in rival premium cars.
The savior could come in the unlikely form of Tata, the company made famous around the world for its $2,500 car but whose boss now believes that investment into Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) is the only way for the companies to compete with the best.
The new CEO of JLR is David Smith, who plans to move the brands upmarket by targeting consumers in emerging economies that are willing to spend more than £100,000 on their choice of transport. In an interview with the Financial Times, Smith said the brands could be taken “a lot further up the market,” and that “both Jaguar and Land Rover, through the Range Rover brand, should be able to produce very credible products to appeal to people in those markets.”
The £100,000 figure is a price that will put Jaguar in close contention with both Aston Martin and Bentley, both companies that have arguably more bankable brand names, but are limited by the platforms and engines available to them. By carving out specific niches, there’s no reason Jaguar couldn’t also have a piece of the pie.
Though he wasn’t willing to divulge details of new models in the pipeline, rumors about a new Jaguar F-type coupe have been rife, as well as plans for a super-sports sedan to compete with the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.
On the Land Rover side, it’s expected they will introduce a production version of their LRX concept in three and five door formats in the next two years, as well as a super-luxury version of the Range Rover Sport to compete with Porsche’s Cayenne, which has essentially cornered the market on luxury SUVs.
In the shorter term, Jaguar will introduce a high-performance version of its XF sedan in the form of the XF-R, and we’ll see a wagon version of it as well. Both the Range Rover Sport and the Jaguar XK Coupe/Cabrio are also due for mid-life facelifts as well.
The good news for JLR is that it already has a dealership structure in place that's able to deliver top-notch customer service, as evidenced by its number one ranking in the J.D. Power’s Customer Service Index Study. With the right products to match the great dealership experience, JLR could be well positioned for a Fiat-like revival.
Reader Comments
Mon Jul 21 2008 1:10 PM
Andrey says
well you have to hand it to Tata they know where to make investments, let's hope it will all be well and Jag will keep producing high end cars
Mon Jul 21 2008 1:33 PM
Tod says
.Tata has money from it 1.1 billion consumer base in India. Even if they only sold toilet paper they could afford Jaguar, with such a large customer base. Only way they can ever try to compete with the Germans, is if the invest heavy in Jaguar’s R&D in Europe not in 3rd world India.
Tue Jul 22 2008 11:55 PM
CitizenZ says
$100k for a Jag? The XK doesn't even command that. Do they think that Jaguar has prestige like a Porsche? Jaguar requires at least two model revisions before they could hope turn that company around. And it's not just the quality or performance of the car but the reputation. They are a brand that has a reputation of little substance. I can't imagine on what grounds they plan to compete on. Styling? maybe. Engineering? na! Performance? not likely.
Perhaps a high end Range Rover. But I think the Jag is toast.
Wed Jul 30 2008 4:51 PM
keleko says
well i understand that the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, however, Jag and Land Rover now have new owners. A reputation can be built, however much work it may take. I believe the XF is already a step in the right direction for Jag and they are just at the beginning of a long road to turn themselves around. But they'll do it.
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.