Four crucial models that will make (or break) the British brand revealed, including new compact coup?®

Jaguar plans to beat Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz at their own game by launching a new offensive which will result in four new models by 2018, says JLR's new strategy boss.

Speaking to Autocar, Adrian Hallmark promised that Jaguar would break out of its also-ran status in the global premium car market when it launches its new compact saloon in 2015, and will ÔÇ£build the most advanced, most efficient, most refined car in that segment. Not almost as good as, but better than the best in the worldÔÇØ. He added: ÔÇ£It will look and drive like a Jaguar, be filled with the highest technology that anyone has ever brought to that segment, and have the most efficient engines and the most refined feel in its class.ÔÇØ

Codenamed X760, the new all-aluminium saloon will be joined by an estate and an SUV (smaller than the recently unveiled C-X17 concept). ItÔÇÖs thought that there are also outline plans for a coup?® variant and possibly a hatchback in the style of BMWÔÇÖs GT models.

According to a JLR executive quoted by automotive analysts in a recent Bernstein Research report, the new baby Jaguar project is the brandÔÇÖs last chance. ÔÇ£This is the only choice as Jaguar is not viable at 60,000 units [per year]. If the X760 fails, it will be probably be the end for the brand.ÔÇØ
However, all the signs are that the baby Jaguar project will not be a failure, especially as its financial viability will be propped up by the production of a new Range Rover Evoque XL, based on the same aluminium architecture as the Jaguar models. The Evoque XL will add much-needed volume and healthy profit margins.

The compact premium segment that Jaguar wants to break into is set to grow by another half a million sales by the end of the decade.

According to figures from London-based analyst ISI Auto, the global market for compact premium cars is currently dominated by the three German premium brands. Between them, the BMW 3-series family,Mercedes-Benz C-class and Audi A4 are expected to sell 1.15 million units next year, the majority of the total market segment sales of 1.3 million.

These figures show the huge uphill struggle that has faced Japanese premium brands Lexus and Infiniti, but they also provide hope for Jaguar. While Japanese brands and Cadillac could account for just 147,000 sales globally next year in this segment, JaguarÔÇÖs arrival in 2015 could finally shake it up.

If Jaguar could steal just five per cent of sales, it would hit 80,000 units for the new saloon and estate. In the medium term, Jaguar could also launch a compact coup?®, which could edge the road car family towards six-figure sales. Of course, X761, the Jaguar SUV ÔÇö which, in production form, will be sized to compete with the BMW X3 and X4 ÔÇö will add further volume. Bernstein analysts think that X761 should achieve sales of about 50,000 units per year. That would mean total production volumes of 130,000 for small Jaguars in the medium term. Adding the Evoque XL, at 80,000 units, would give the new Solihull production line healthy annual output of over 200,000 units.

The longer-term aims for the small Jaguar are enhanced by ISI Auto estimates, which suggest that the global compact premium market will increase by another 400,000 units by 2020 to 1.7 million units, a 30 per cent rise on the expected 2014 total. This sector is both ultra-competitive and dominated by three well established German rivals. However, Jaguar bosses think that they will hit their sales targets because of three major engineering advantages.

First, the compact Jaguar will be made entirely of aluminium, giving it a decisive lead in weight saving. Second, the rear-drive running gear has been designed from scratch to allow the Jaguar to be given extremely precise handling characteristics. Third, the Jaguars will be launched with a new range of JLR-designed, state-of-the-art, powerful and super-frugal engines.
The compact Jaguar could hardly be better prepared for breaking into the compact premium market. The only possible variable is the styling, but Jaguar design director Ian Callum and his team are pushing at an open door, considering the relative conservatism and familiarity of the current 3-series.

X760 is set to arrive in early 2015 (after appearing in showroom guise at the Paris show in September next year), which will be around the same time as the all-new C-class and shortly before the new A4.

The estate is expected in early 2016, followed a short time later by the SUV. If the X760 project goes well, a two-door coup?® version could be in showrooms in 2018, around the same time as the saloon will get a light refresh.

Senior JLR engineers have told Autocar that the compact Jaguar will have an emphasis on handling, following in the footsteps of the more focusedF-type and recent racier versions of the XF.
The combination of details such as aluminium suspension components and a very stiff aluminium structure (which is both riveted and bonded) provide, on paper, an ideal basis for a car that is more driver focused than the 3-series and more technically advanced than the A4. According to Kevin Stride, a Jaguar vehicle line director, the new Jaguar architecture has been engineered from scratch to allow not only the proportions and low-bonnet look desired by the design team but also double wishbone front suspension, which should help to deliver optimum steering precision.
Work on the new Jaguar architecture began in early 2010. ÔÇ£We started planning our future portfolio and which markets we wanted to go into, so we needed to know what architecture we needed,ÔÇØ said Stride.

ÔÇ£The most important thing was to grow the brand with genuinely appealing products ÔÇö authentic, genuine Jaguars.ÔÇØ Stride says it took ÔÇ£many, many hours to choose the way we went, but weÔÇÖre very confident [the new architecture] will deliver the ride, refinement, the luxury, plus the agility, the steering connection feel. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve been learning loads over the last few years with F-type, about what makes the right level of steering precision. So with the [platformÔÇÖs] front upright, for example, we know precisely the way in which you need to measure its stiffness to contribute to a steering feel that feels a bit like an F-type, even though there are probably 200 engineering measures from that point to when youÔÇÖre holding the wheel and more. ÔÇ£We selected a suspension architecture that, whichever the classes of cars that weÔÇÖre even thinking about, we know weÔÇÖll deliver an uncompromised product in that class. Not everybody has that luxury.ÔÇØ

The X760 project is in stark contrast to the previous two occasions on which Jaguar has tried to break into German-dominated markets. The 1998 S-type was based on a cheaply engineered, US-sourced Lincoln platform, which proved inadequate against the BMW 5-series, as did its retro styling.
The 2001 X-type was based on a beefed-up version of the original Mondeoplatform, but it also suffered conservative styling as well as a lack of diesel engines and, initially, alternative body styles.
However, this time Jaguar is coming at the compact premium market with a complete bespoke and freshly engineered car. It is surely JaguarÔÇÖs best and last chance to become a true global player.

Submitted by peddlarbob@gmail.com on Tue, 11/12/2013 - 10:47

Cannot answer that question directly William but here is a bit more of the same report.

Industry experts said the figures showed that the Jaguar brand was now making a more meaningful contribution to a business transformation initially built on Land Rover cars.

Last month, JLR disclosed that it had achieved record sales in September, with Jaguar selling 8,462 vehicles, up 35pc. While the F-type introduction had boosted Jaguar sales, the group stressed at the time that there had been ÔÇ£continued demandÔÇØ for all XF models and a ÔÇ£solid performanceÔÇØ from the XJ.

The F-type Coup?®, dubbed the most ÔÇ£dynamically capable, performance-focusedÔÇØ Jaguar is due to make its debut on November 19, the eve of the Los Angeles auto show.

China has been driving demand for Jaguar cars this year, with sales up 218pc in September and 122pc in the first nine months of 2012.

At Land Rover there had been particularly ÔÇ£impressive performancesÔÇØ, JLR said, over the same period from the Freelander and Range Rover Evoque models, with respective sales up 24pc and 14pc respectively.

Submitted by peddlarbob@gmail.com on Mon, 11/11/2013 - 11:14

Don't think The end of Jaguar is that close.

By Alistair Osborne, Business Editor

3:15PM GMT 08 Nov 2013

Jaguar Land Rover has powered to half-year profits of more than ?ú1bn for the first time, boosted by global demand for the new Jaguar F-Type and Range Rover Sport.

The UK-based car maker, owned by IndiaÔÇÖs Tata conglomerate, surprised analysts with a better than expected 42pc rise in profits to top ?ú1.08bn for the six months to September 30.

JLR said the figures reflected ÔÇ£strong demand for the new and refreshed Jaguar and Land Rover line upÔÇØ, lifted over the period by the ÔÇ£sales debut of the Jaguar F-type and Range Rover Sport and a strong Range Rover performanceÔÇØ.

Revenues jumped 26pc to ?ú8.71bn, with retail sales volumes rising 16pc year on year to 197,363 units.

The sales momentum accelerated in the second quarter when revenues leapt 40pc to ?ú4.61bn, with profits before tax reaching ?ú668m.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Fri, 11/08/2013 - 12:16

I'll jump in and add that Brad is on the mark. Ford tried the 'Everymen's car' approach with the X-Type. The strategy was, "we'll get 'em young young and keep 'em for life"; and they said as much. They sold a ton of those cars, but what did it get them? More lost money and debt. Lot's of reasons that didn't work. Not the least among them is the competition in the luxury car market today; plus the fickle nature of the car buying public. Gone are the days of owner loyalty. Growing up my Dad bought a new Oldsmobile roughly every three years. He never thought of going down to the Buick or Pontiac store, he liked Oldsmobile, didn't matter what "new feature" the others had. Top all that off with the fact technology has progressed to the point that nobody, really nobody, makes a "bad" car today, people just go buy the car with the latest "in" feature or the best incentive a the moment. Owner loyalty??? What's that?

Jaguar is not, and never will be a car for the masses. You can't have that, the mystique and the exclusivity all at once. It's sort of a "you can have any two at once, but not all three".

My two cents........

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Fri, 11/08/2013 - 07:28

We are on the same page.........LilL GTO, LIL GTO.........3 deuces and a 4 speed........
Maybe that's it Jag needs a jingle again...
In 1995 when they used Etta James and the new xj6 came out.......It was a homerun.
Those 95/96/97 jags were one of the best ever built .
Style and 150,000 miles each one I had and never blew up.
Yep we are on the same page....
GJOEY1314

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Fri, 11/08/2013 - 07:27

We are on the same page.........LilL GTO, LIL GTO.........3 deuces and a 4 speed........
Maybe that's it Jag needs a jingle again...
In 1995 when they used Etta James and the new xj6 came out.......It was a homerun.
Those 95/96/97 jags were one of the best ever built .
Style and 150,000 miles each one I had and never blew up.
Yep we are on the same page....
GJOEY1314

Submitted by bradpurvis@mac.com on Thu, 11/07/2013 - 21:47

Hey Joey, I had a '69 GTO vert back in the day. I think I'll run down to my local Pontiac dealer and....

Jaguar is not in the same class as Hyundai or Kia and personally, I would never buy one because I've looked at them and IMHO they are junk. I would buy a Ford Fiesta or a Honda or Toyota first. But back to the point.

Jaguar has never built a car for the everyman. They are in competition with the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi (and if you push it, Lexus, Infinity, Acura and Cadillac). You are right, they do not have the market range, yet, to compete across the board, but it's coming. The problem, as you well know, is they have been the illegitimate stepchild ever since they merged with British Leyland in 1968. Years of nationalization ruined the marque and they did not had a proper go at it again until 1984.

As we know, that independence was short lived, but Ford were able to make amazing strides improving quality and manufacturing as well as increasing models across the range. Rationalization across the Ford brands diminished the "Jaguar-ness" if you will and Ford's economic woes bled over to JLR. TATA; however, have given JLR the proper positioning and financing to actually have a future. They've had to start with what was online or in the pipeline, but that is about to change.

The new Jaguar small sedan is due in 2015 and I believe you will see their own SUV (C-X17) and "city car" in the not too distant future. Admittedly, they are starting on the back foot, but the plan and the implementation are very promising for the future.

Case in-point, I have not seen a Jaguar advertisement on TV in this country for years. Now hardly a day goes by when I don't see one and I don't watch a lot of TV.

Yes, I believe in and love the marque, but I also read and study the industry. I think JLR are in the best position they have ever been in since the heyday of the British Motor Industry. In some context that may not be saying much, but I think now, being semi-autonomous, they have a real chance.

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Tue, 11/05/2013 - 21:15

Brad , I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm, but as the executive from JLR said, this is it , if the new model does not take off. Its all over.
The numbers you quote sound great but if your banking on growth comparisons from 2012 to 2013, its like comparing 1978 to 1979 , who cares the numbers stink anyway.
In 1984 jaguar had an xj6 and an xjs, nothing else and sold 25,000 cars or so out of a factory that was an upgraded wwII hanger.
Come full circle to today and the BILLIONS pumped in to produce....1,550 cars per month or so. The numbers are horrible.
It hurts , I feel it, we bleed jag green blood, but every new model you quoted is 75,85, 95+ thousand dollars.
The new target market under 45 doesn't have that money or even a credit line anymore.
Kia and Hyundia have WONDERFUL looking cars at more than half the price. They also look good and fresh.
Not my cup of tea but the numbers don't lie, they sell 300,000 at a pop each? , not 15,000 per year.

In 2001, You were looking at an X TYPE at 36,000, an S TYPE AT 50,000 an xj at 65,000 and a xk8 above all that, throw in a station wagon and you had a great product line.
I think at that point jag was selling 140,000 units per year. With goals of 225,000 until the economy and product line collapsed.
I wish them well, but fuzzy math will not help this problem.
Jaguar for ever my friend, hope it lasts....
P.S. my first car was a 1969 Oldsmobile cutlass with 442 options. Great car, whats an oldsmobile?
GTJOEY1314

Submitted by bradpurvis@mac.com on Tue, 11/05/2013 - 15:24

Joe - It appears that your assumptions are incorrect (see below). For contrast, BMW sells less than 180 Z4's per month vs. Jaguar's immediate sale of over 350 cars in one month's time when availability is admittedly limited. I agree it would be nice to see the Sportbrake, but I don't see how you can say "dealers are dying" when their sales have more than doubled.

Jaguar Land Rover North America increases 52 percent in October

Jaguar continues industry-leading growth streak with 117 percent growth in October on new XF and XJ All Wheel Drive models and F-TYPE sales

Land Rover brand has its best October sales performance in its 26 year U.S. history, increasing 37 percent on strong Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque demand Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported October 2013 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,515 units, 117 percent up from 699 units in October 2012; Land Rover sales were 4,286 units, up 37 percent from 3,129 units in October 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America October U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,801 units, a 52 percent increase from 3,828 units in October 2012.

Year to date through October, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 19 percent, with Jaguar up 36 percent and Land Rover up 14 percent.

"The Jaguar Land Rover business in the United States is flourishing in the wake of multiple new product introductions for both brands and rising consumer demand," said Andy Goss, Group Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover. The Jaguar brand, led by our updated lineup of sedans and sports cars, continues its dramatic growth streak with a more than doubling of its monthly business. On the Land Rover, side we had our best October ever as the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque continued their consistent growth pace this year, and we are just starting to ramp up availability of the new Range Rover Sport."

U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS
Land Rover

Range Rover sales were 1,184 units, up 194 percent from 403 in its run out month in October, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover model is up 49 percent from 2012. In the 2013 J.D. Power 2013 U.S. APEAL Study, the Range Rover was the industry's highest scoring model.

Range Rover Evoque increased 49 percent to 959 units from 645 units in October, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover Evoque is up 33 percent.

The Land Rover LR2 and LR4 models are up 44 percent and 19 percent respectively for the month of October.

Year to date, Land Rover is up 14 percent from 2012.

Land Rover's 2014 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the supercharged 340-hp V6; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the 340-hp V6 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains.

Jaguar

For the month of October, the Jaguar XF was the Jaguar volume and growth leader with 611 units sold, up 120 percent from 278 sales in October 2012. Year to date, the XF is up 39 percent. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all wheel drive and V-6 options.

The Jaguar XJ sales were 454 units, up 75 percent from 260 in October, 2012. All Wheel Drive models now make up approximately half of all XJ sales.

The F-TYPE convertible sports car added 353 units this month. Year to date, Jaguar sales are 13,962, up 36 percent from 10,249 sales, with both XJ and XF sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and All Wheel Drive.

For MY14 the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup includes:
Instinctive All Wheel DriveÔäó - Available on both the XF and XJ
Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ
Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF
Eight Speed ZF?« Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models
Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models

The 2014 Jaguar line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear wheel or All Wheel Drive configuration, a 470-hp supercharged V8 or a 550-hp supercharged V8 in the XJR model. The Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by a 240-hp turbocharged four cylinder, a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear wheel or All Wheel Drive configurations, a 470-hp supercharged V8, a 510-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR, and a 550-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR-S. The XK coupe and convertible grand touring cars are powered by either a 385-hp V8 or a 510-hp supercharged V8 in the XKR. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2014 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged V8. The 2014 MY Jaguar F-TYPE convertible comes in three variants, 340-hp F-TYPE, 380-hp F-TYPE S and 495-hp F-TYPE V8 S

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 23:25

Edited on 2013-11-02 23:42:15
Hopefully they can do it, but in all honesty , it doesn't look good. IMO , The FTYPE was a bust. They missed the market segment under 50 by a mile. At Amelia Island and Pebble Beach, Mercedes was discussing new models , all starting at $29,999 .
The U.S has no xf wagon ?, why?
4 more years would take too long. The dealers are dying.
Wish I was more positive, but an XF, FTYPE and XJ, None under 60 grand to start is way off the mark.
Wish them well, but Im not a betting man.
GTJOEY1314
P.S. The SCION has sold ALOT of those ftype clones, ALOT, oh forgot they cost 26 grand on average.
Remember before we crush gtjoey and call him every name in the book, I still own over 15 jags to date, I love them, but there must be a reason why Penske and others closed their dealers.