Jaguar Celebrates the XJ220's 20th Birthday

The XJ220 supercar is one of the most iconic Jaguar has ever produced, and to this day remains the automaker’s fastest production car.

Jaguar XJ220

It also once held the world record for the fastest production car with a top speed of 213 mph, before being toppled by the equally-iconic McLaren F1, and at one stage it was even the quickest production car to circle the Nurburgring, having managed an impressive lap time of 7:46.37 at its launch.

That may not seem all that impressive when a Chevy Corvette ZR1 or Nissan GT-R will do the same feat in less than 7:25, but what’s amazing is the fact that the Jaguar did it 20 years ago!

Jaguar is now celebrating two decades since the XJ220’s launch in 1992, although the car wasn’t actually unveiled to the public until the 1993 Autosport International Show. Nevertheless, the XJ220 remains a technological marvel to this day and has quite an interesting history behind it.

Originally conceived as a concept car, the XJ220 debuted at the 1988 British Motor Show. Designed by Keith Helfet, the car was signed off for production in December 1989 with motorsports firm TWR selected as the partner for the project.

Constructed using advanced aluminium honeycomb, the car was immensely strong and, despite its size, weighed less than 3,200 pounds. Power came from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 542 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, and all of this was channeled to the 18-inch rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox and an AP Racing twin-plate clutch.

The end result was a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds, and an unofficial top speed of 220 mph--hence the name “XJ220”.

Built by hand in an all-new factory in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, in the UK, prototype 001 was completed in 1990 while car 002 achieved 186 mph at Bruntingthorpe in September of the same year. The first customer car was completed in June 1992 with a retail price of £470,000 (approximately $741,682 at today’s exchange rate).

Production finally ceased in 1994, by which time 275 cars had been built.

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Source: Motor Authority

Range Rover Sport S is coming with 211 HP

Land Rover has recently announced that the Range Rover Sport S will be launched soon, and the model will be coming with 211 horsepower from a 3.0 liter diesel engine.

Range Rover Sport

According to the British manufacturer, the Range Rover Sport S will be launched soon and thanks to its diesel engine, the model will have improved fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions. Land Rover says that the Range Rover Sport S will be powered by a 3.0 liter diesel engine, which will generate a total output of 211 horsepower and it will have a peak torque of 520 Nm. Even if 211 HP isn’t quite a lot, the torque figure is impressive and the 520 Nm will be available from low rpms.

The Range Rover Sport S, with its new engine, is burning an average of 8.5 liters every 100 km and the CO2 emissions stand at 224 g/km. The 3.0 liter diesel unit is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which is sending power to an all-wheel drive system for which the Range Rover has become famous. The exterior design is basically unchanged, the only difference being the “S” badge. There’s no official word on its price tag yet, which will be announced close to its launch.

Source: INAUTONEWS

JLR tells banks about future plans to help UK suppliers get loans

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is taking the unusual step of giving banks detailed briefings about its expansion plans to ensure its UK suppliers receive a favourable hearing when seeking loans to buy new machinery.

JLR has issued more than £2bn-worth of supply contracts for the Range Rover Evoque to more than 40 companies in the UK

The initiative, led by operations director Alan Volkaerts, will see JLR set out the car components it expects to purchase to give banks reassurance that suppliers will be able to repay loans from the additional sales.

It has also emerged that Tata Capital, the corporate and consumer finance business operated by JLR's owners Tata Sons Limited, is evaluating building a presence in the UK market and may focus on backing advanced manufacturing companies.

Mr Volkaerts is due to brief 22 bankers operating in the Midlands within a fortnight about JLR's plans for expansion at its plant in Solihull and Wolverhampton, where a £400m engine plant is to be constructed.

The event has been organised by Paul Heaven from Blue Sky Corporate Finance as part of efforts by the Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership to improve finance for Midlands automotive suppliers.

"It is quite clear on their part what they want to achieve," said one person familiar with the bank briefing plans. "When the supplier goes into the bank and says we need to tool up, the bank and its bankers know about it.

He added: "It is something we should encourage more original equipment manufacturers [OEMs] to do. The OEMs being very clear about what their plans are will help suppliers secure finance."

JLR has issued more than £2bn-worth of supply contracts for the Range Rover Evoque to more than 40 companies in the UK. Under chief executive Ralf Speth and Tata chairman Ratan Tata, JLR is investing £1.5bn a year in new products and to drive production at its three Midland plants to 500,000 vehicles a year.

Tata Capital's plans are understood to be at an early stage but The Telegraph has learnt that its London office is in discussions with the Business Department about opportunities for its expansion into the UK.

Source: The Telegraph

Range Rover's Evoque surprisingly superb: MSN

2012 Range Rover Evoque

Hey, Land Rover isn’t following the rules!

You know, the rules for concept cars: a car maker rolls out a rakish design concept that sets hearts aflutter, then just as customers are prepared to rush into showrooms, checkbooks in hand, they pull a bait-and-switch by introducing a production model that is disappointingly prosaic by comparison.

Heads hanging, dejected customers trudge home without the cool concept car they had imagined themselves driving.

Well, Land Rover didn’t do this when it forged the Range Rover Evoque Coupe from the LRX concept vehicle that wowed auto show-goers who never anticipated they’d be in position to buy something just like it in short order.

Land Rover’s daring has earned the Evoque an avalanche of accolades, such as North American Truck of the Year, Motor Trend SUV of the Year, an Automobile magazine All-Star award, AutoWeek’s “Best of the Best,” Car Design of the Year, Scottish Truck of the Year, and so on.

Why? It isn’t every day that you can go to a dealer and buy a new car that swivels heads like you were driving with Scarlett Johansson standing through the sunroof with a wardrobe malfunction.

Sure, there are garish overreaches out there, like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. But they draw attention because of their unusual styling.

Of course, Range Rovers are already fashionable, so having a stylishly sporty compact head-turner will only accrue still more prestige to the brand, even though this new model has a lower price tag than the Range Rover Sport or the “real” Range Rover.

Land Rover’s heritage, of course, is of boxy off-roaders used to document endangered species in Africa for American television viewers, and of the later Range Rover, which is the unofficial vehicle of the horsey set. A line plotted from those two points does not arrive at the smoke-machine-and-strobe-lights fantasy that is the Evoque.

That’s fine. The Evoque isn’t meant for Land Rover devotees. It’s meant to bring in buyers who may want a little more elbow room or capability than they get in their current Mini Cooper or Audi TT. And a four-door variant might attract people currently driving a 3-series sedan or wagon. Maybe even the odd compact SUV owner who wants to upgrade in style but not in size.

The wheels are “only” 20 inches, but they look even bigger with the Evoque’s size and proportions. The squinty headlights are really high-intensity-discharge xenon lamps like on most premium cars, but bystanders would happily believe they are lasers.

The car I tested had the optional $650 white contrast roof. It’s probably striking on Evoques finished in bold primary colors, but it doesn’t contrast with the Stornoway Grey paint of our car. My wife thought it looked like the dealer had left the protective vinyl shrink wrap on the roof. I’d keep the cap and change the paint color to red.

Avoid scratching that paint by seeing everything around the Evoque with the five-camera surround view on the infotainment screen.

The dramatic styling is backed by a 240-hp turbocharged, 2.0-liter our-cylinder engine known elsewhere as a Ford Ecoboost.

As a sporty urban runabout, the Evoque excels, with taut, responsive handling unlike that of any previous Land Rover product. The Evoque uses magnetically adjustable shocks like those seen on Ferraris, Corvettes and Cadillacs to adjust between comfort and control on the fly.

Off road, well, it is still a Land Rover product, so break out your bush attire and head to the savanna to track endangered big cats. Or, with the Evoque’s adaptability, put on your best attire and head to Savannah, Ga., to sip seet tea on the veranda.

Here’s one aggravation though: The door hinges and seals seem unusually stiff, making it difficult to close the doors without slamming them. Maybe it’s the sealing needed for river fording that causes the problem, but if so I didn’t notice the issue with the full-fledged, $100,000 Range Rover I also tested recently.

With the coupe’s two doors at least the driver has control over closing half the car’s doors, leaving only one person to be reminded to slam the door. Even with large doors, the coupe still doesn’t have a wide enough opening to ease the difficult access to the unexpectedly spacious back seat.

The headroom in the rear of the Evoque is amazing, and other measures are also good, though legroom benefits from the low, unsupportive seat bottom that can leave back seaters feeling like they are perched on kids’ desks on back-to-school night.

The coupe packs style at the cost of some practicality, though the four-door version preserves a decent chunk of that style with a much bigger serving of utility. The Evoque seems positioned, with its turbo four-cylinder engine, to tout fuel efficiency as an advantage over competitors, but in a week of mixed driving I saw 18.5 mpg, a half-tick above the EPA city rating of 18 mpg and not in the same area code as the highway rating of 28 mpg.

Such may be the cost of the Evoque’s max-capability all-wheel-drive system, which is unmatched in the segment in off-road, bad-weather capability.

Ultimately, however, while extreme traction is Land Rover’s hallmark, the Evoque will win hearts with its dramatic styling and will probably keep them with its comfortable ride. The Evoque’s ability to wade into the valet line at the Ritz probably trumps its ability to wade into rivers.

There is no doubt that the Evoque is the most exciting entry in the premium compact crossover segment and may be the production model truest to its design concept since the Pontiac Solstice.

Vital statistics: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Coupe

Base price: $44,995 (including shipping)
Price as tested: $58,370
EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.
Pros: Incredible traffic-stopping styling, honest-to-goodness Land Rover off-road capability, surprising cabin space.
Cons: $58,000 sticker price, 18 mpg is not impressive for a four-cylinder compact crossover.
Verdict: Exclusive fun.
Standard equipment: 240-hp. 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive with adjustable Terrain Response System, panoramic sunroof.
Major options: 20-inch sparkle finish wheels, surround camera system, navigation with voice control, xenon headlights, 825-watt audio system.
Safety equipment: front and side air bags, air curtain, driver’s knee air bag, electronic stability control, roll stability control, hill descent control, traction control, anti-lock brakes.

Source: The Bottom Line on msnbc.com

Land Rover Defender Blaser Edition revealed in Germany

2012 Land Rover Defender Blaser Edition

The British based manufacturer Land Rover has recently presented to the public the Defender Blaser Edition in Germany.

After teaming up with Blaser, Land Rover Germany has revealed a special edition of the Defender, named the Blaser Edition, which will be limited to just 60 units. According to the automaker, the Land Rover Defender Blaser Edition is based on the Defender 110 SE double cab and the model is painted in Keswick Green, coming with a trailer hitch, electric winch, expedition roof rack, grille guard, snorkel air intake, rear spot light, custom fitted gun case as a main attraction, Blaser logos on the front doors and spare tire cover, black leather seats with green stitching and the Argali logo embroidered in the headrests.

Under the hood, the Land Rover Defender Blaser Edition is taking its power from the company’s latest Euro 5 compliant, the 2.2 liter turbo diesel (with particulate filter) engine, which is developing a total output of 122 horsepower and it has a peak torque of 360 Nm (266 lb-ft). Land Rover says that the Defender Blaser Edition will debut at the largest European trade fair for hunting and fishing in Dortmund, “Jagd & Hund” (Hunter & Dog) on the 31st of January. Prices for the Land Rover Defender Blaser Edition will start at 49,500 euros.

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Source: INAUTONEWS

Spy Shot: 2013 Range Rover spied doing Winter Testing

2013 Range Rover

The Range Rover may be one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market today, but it’s also one of the most capable in rough terrain or inclement weather. The upcoming fourth-gen model is expected to be just as rugged, especially on snow-filled roads.

That’s exactly where it was recently snapped, which means development and testing should be coming to a close. The current-gen Range Rover has been with us for about a decade now, but most of us agree that it has aged well, at least in the styling department. We don’t expect Land Rover to deviate much from the classic two-box design with sharp lines. Rumor has it borrowing styling cues from the Evoque, its new and sleek smaller brother, which has been widely praised for its good looks. Our photographer even managed to snap some interior shots where hints of the Evoque are definitely evident.

More importantly, big changes are expected underneath the sheet metal, including an intensive diet plan estimated to shave almost 1000 pounds from its current curb weight of 5697 pounds; generous use of aluminum will account for most weight savings. Currently powertrain choices will likely remain the same, including a couple of turbodiesels, and naturally-aspirated and supercharged gasoline V-8s. Also rumored is some sort of hybrid. Expect more details to emerge closer to its launch, which is expected to happen this fall.

Interior of 2013 Range Rover

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Source: Motor Trend

The Introduction of the Jaguar XF SE Business and Sport

Jaguar XF 2.2D

Jaguar have launched two new XF models the SE Business and Sport.

The Jaguar XF SE Business model (starting at £31,500) is paired to the recently announced 2.2 litre (163ps) diesel engine. It adds satellite navigation complete with a seven inch touchscreen and HDD mapping to the standard spec which includes intelligent start stop, a 400W sound system with DAB digital radio, leather and suedecloth seats and bi-Xenon headlights

The Jaguar XF Sport (starting at £34,950) features the 2.2 Diesel 190 PS engine. The sport model features the full aerodynamic pack debuted on the Diesel S. This includes a revised front bumper, a black grille element, side sill extensions, a subtle rear boot lid spoiler and a black rear valance.

The interior features half leather suedecloth seats, bond grain trim and dove contrast stitch as well as electric driver and passenger adjustment. Piano black trim with 'Sport' decals on the centre console are joined by stainless steel foot pedals. Practical additions include a heated front windscreen and front seats, a front parking aid plus a reversing camera and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Both the XF SE Business and Sport model can now be ordered now from your local Jaguar Dealer.

Source: Car Pages

Jaguar C-X16 Concept voted "Most Exciting Car to be Launched in 2012"

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Car

Readers of What Car? magazine have voted the Jaguar C-X16 Concept as the model they would most like to see launched this year.

The award for the ‘Most Exciting Car to be Launched in 2012′ was received by Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars and Ian Callum, Director of Design from Chas Hallett, Editor-in-Chief of the What Car? magazine.

In his acceptance speech, Adrian Hallmark said the reaction to the Jaguar C-X16 car had been outstanding and he was grateful for the recognition. “We’re proud that the readers of What Car? share our enthusiasm for the Concept by voting in such numbers,” he said. “I would like to personally thank the readers and recognise the efforts of Ian Callum and our engineers in creating such an inspiring and beautiful sports car.”

On the Jaguar website, Hallmark describes the car the “compelling vision for a 21st century Jaguar sports car. It embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future.”

The C-X16 Concept is made using and aluminium structure and is also equipped with a hybrid drivetrain which enables it to achieve 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 186mph. The combined fuel efficiency of the concept is around 41mpg (17.5kmpl) while emitting 165g/km of CO2.



The prototype supercharged all-alloy V6 engine is capable of producing 280kW and 332lb ft (450Nm) of torque. Supplementing this is an electric motor producing 70kW and 235Nm (equivalent to 95PS and 173lb ft), available to the driver at the push of a steering-wheel boost button.

The VW up! was awarded the Car of the Year award with judges describing the small car as ‘the right car for the time’.

Source: The Manufacturer

Tata Motors Group global wholesales at 114,920 vehicles (27% up) in December 2011

The Tata Motors Group global wholesales, including Jaguar Land Rover, were 114,920 nos., in December 2011, higher by 27% over December 2010. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 865,400 higher by 12% compared to the corresponding period in 2010-11.

Global sales of all commercial vehicles - Tata, Tata Daewoo and the Tata Hispano Carrocera range -- were 53,854 nos. in December 2011, a growth of 12%. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 425,264 nos., a growth of 17%.

Global sales of all passenger vehicles were at 61,066 nos. in December 2011, higher by 45%. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 440,136 nos., higher by 8%.



Global sales of Tata passenger vehicles and the distribution offtake in India of Fiat cars were at 30,085 nos., for the month, higher by 45% over December 2010. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are at 223,724 nos., lower by 3%.

Global sales of Jaguar Land Rover in December 2011 were at 30,981 vehicles, higher by 45% over December 2010. Jaguar sales for the month were 4,726 nos., higher by 9%, while Land Rover sales were 26,255 nos., higher by 54%. Cumulative sales of Jaguar Land Rover for the fiscal are 216,412 nos., higher by 22%. Cumulative sales of Jaguar are 39,921 nos., lower by 7%, while cumulative sales of Land Rover are 176,491 nos., higher by 31%.

Source: Tata Motors

Fiat-Tata JV to supply 100,000 diesel engines to Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s biggest car maker, will buy 100,000 diesel engines a year for the next three years from the joint venture company of Fiat and Tata Motors.

Fiat and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, Maruti’s parent, have reached an agreement for the supply of Fiat’s 1.3-litre, multi-jet, Bharat-IV diesel engine, to be produced under licence by Fiat India Automobiles (FIAL). FIAL is a 50:50 joint venture between Italy’s Fiat Group Automobile SpA and Tata Motors, India’s biggest vehicle manufacturer.

The JV company, based in Pune, owns the Rs 4,500-crore engine and transmission plant located at Ranjangaon, near Pune. The supplies will commence from this month till 2015.



“The engine will be installed on Suzuki-branded vehicles produced in India by Maruti Suzuki India for the local market. The production of the engines will start in the fourth week of January at FIAL’s Ranjangaon plant,” stated a release by Fiat India.

MSIL’s plan to buy the engines from an alien company is driven by excessive demand for its diesel models such as the Swift, DZire, SX4 and Ritz. The limited supply of engines forced Maruti to restrict the diesel offering to only four models. New models such as the multi-purpose Ertiga will have a diesel engine option. All of Maruti’s current line of diesel models use the same 1.3-litre multi-jet engine. These supply volumes from Fiat will be in addition to the same engine already licensed by Fiat and manufactured by Suzuki Powertrain India.

Source: Business Standard

Tata Motors asked to make more disclosures on Iranian exports by US stock market regulator SEC

Tata Motors, which manufactures both luxury cars as well as trucks, has been asked by US stock market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase the level of disclosures pertaining to its operations in certain countries in the Middle East and Africa, and specifically in Iran, two people with knowledge of the matter said on condition of anonymity.



The Department of Global Security Risk, a division of the SEC, has written to Tata Motors seeking details of the company's exports to Iran and also asked the company to make more disclosures about the operations of its affiliates through which it carries out business in the Iranian market, according to the people quoted above.

A spokesperson for Tata Motors confirmed that the SEC has asked the company for more information on its exports to the Middle East and Africa when contacted by ET NOW. A spokesperson for the SEC said in an emailed response, "SEC staff on a regular basis review company filings and ask questions related to whether company disclosures are sufficient".

Tata Motors, whose American Depository Receipts (ADR's) trade on the NYSE, has asked for time till next week to respond to the SEC.

Iran is amongst countries facing sanctions from the US government and many federal agencies are closely monitoring the operations of companies in their jurisdiction that do business in the Iranian market.

Amongst such agencies is The Office of Foreign Assets Control or OFAC. Banks that do business in the US market often seek clearances from OFAC if they are lending to clients that have operations in countries facing sanctions.

However, a senior executive at a US-based bank which lends money to Tata Motors said it has never had any problems receiving OFAC clearances when giving loans to the company for its overseas operations but said he wasn't surprised that the SEC was seeking such disclosures.

Lenders that financed telecom major Bharti for its acquisition of Zain Africa had to seek OFAC clearances because the company had operations in countries with unstable political regimes.



Tata Motors draws 20% of its exports from the Middle East market and much of its exports to Iran are routed through Tata Daewoo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. Exports accounted for 6.5% of the company's total revenues in financial year 2010-2011.

Recently many Indian oil refiners including private companies such as Essar Oil and state-run companies such as Indian Oil Corporation have also reduced their dependence on crude supplies from Iran under directions from the Indian government.

Source: Economic Times

New 161hp 2.2-Liter Diesel for Jaguar XF Goes on Sale

Jaguar XF 2.2D

The new diesel engine for the XF will offer the same excellent efficiency but greater value for money.

A new lower output derivative of the existing 187hp 2.2-liter engine, which recently crossed the US averaging 62.9mpg, is set to be launched with the aim of delivering even greater value than before. However sales will be limited to the UK and Europe.The XF 2.2D is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62mph in 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, while it can achieve 52.3mpg and emits 149g/km of CO2.

An extensive range of standard equipment includes suedecloth and leather seats, a centrally-mounted touch screen display, electronic climate control and an eight-speed gearbox with automatic Stop/Start.UK Jaguar dealers are already taking orders on the new XF, which starts at £29,950 OTR, and the first deliveries will start in March.So Jaguar tested the XF 2.2 diesel in the US, went nuts publicizing it, and then ultimately decide not to sell it stateside?

Source: Car Buzz

20,000 people apply for 1,000 Jaguar Land Rover posts

Tata Motors - Jaguar - Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover has received 20,000 job seekers' applications to fill 1,000 new posts at its plant in Solihull in the West Midlands.

The firm advertised for assembly line workers in October and November and said it had filled 500 posts to date.

Plant convener Bob Mason said the plant was setting up a third production shift for the first time in 60 years to produce a new car planned for April.

He said 100 new staff would undergo training each week until March.

The Indian car maker Tata bought Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 and said in April it planned to launch a new model at its plant in Solihull as part of the Range Rover collection.

'Local recruitment exhausted'

To do this it is recruiting assembly line workers to fill morning, afternoon and overnight shifts in a 24-hour period, rotating on a three-week pattern.

Its headquarters are based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. It also produces Land Rovers in Halewood in Merseyside and other Jaguar models at a plant in Castle Bromwich, near Birmingham.

Mr Mason said: "There are about 5,500 production workers at the site in Solihull. I think we have exhausted local recruitment now.



"There are about 150 jobs for skilled workers too, vehicle maintenance, electricians, diagnosticians.

"Some of the applicants have come from further afield from Bombardier, ex Peugeot workers and some have come from Aston Martin, we'll take them from anywhere."

Source: BBC UK

Tata Motors is planning new marketing strategies to push Nano sales

Tata Nano 2012

The company aims to undo the 'Nano is a poor man's car' perception in the Indian market.

At the 2012 Auto Expo, Tata Group chairman, Ratan Tata admitted that there had been quite a few blunders in the way the Tata Nano was marketed and distributed in the country. To make the necessary correction and to boost the sales of the small car, the company is now gearing up to introduce new marketing and distributing strategies in the Indian market. The new strategy aims at reaching out to multiple segments of target customers and to undo the perception that the Nano is a poor man's car.

"Quite a lot of marketing activity is in place now - reaching out to the target segments, network strategy, handling the customers at the dealerships, tie-ups with various financiers." said Mr R Ramakrishna, the company's vice-president. "Every single segment is falling in place now." Ramakrishna added.

According to the company, a typical Nano buyer is relatively scared to go to a full-fledged car showroom and therefore, the company is setting up exclusive showrooms to sell Nano cars in Tier-III and Tier-IV cities across the country. Apart from the existing showrooms, Tata Motors has so far set up around 105 exclusive Nano showrooms and 250 special kiosks. Altogether, the company now has around 750 sales points where the Nano is available.



Source: On Cars

2011: Record-setting sales for Jaguar Land Rover China

Jaguar Land Rover has expanded its lineup in China and introduced models tailored to local consumer tastes.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) China sales exceeded 42,000 units for the first time in 2011 as it equaled, then surpassed, its previous sales record in just the first nine months of the year.

The company has registered exponential growth in deliveries since first entering the China market, when only a few hundred vehicles were sold.

Surpassing its 2011 target for exports to China of 40,000 vehicles, the auto company also made a significant contribution to Sino-UK economic and trade cooperation.

Its final tally of 42,063 vehicles represents growth of 61 percent over 2010, outperforming the overall average in the China luxury auto sector.

Jaguar set a single-month high with 945 cars sold in December alone.

Land Rover delivered 36,087 vehicles last year, a 54 percent sales increase over 2010.

Commitment to China

"JLR China's strategy and investments have led to breakthrough growth and have established us as one of the leading luxury car manufacturers in this market," said Bob Grace, the company's president.

"Building on our momentum, we will continue to pursue strong and steady growth and fulfill our long-term commitment to China. In this endeavor, we will provide our customers with more value and strive to contribute to an even more prosperous and sustainable auto industry in China."

With vehicles specifically developed to meet Chinese consumer "wishes and needs," Grace highlighted the XJ 3.0 developed for the new generation Chinese business elites.

With cutting-edge designs and luxurious comfort, the model was responsible for almost half of Jaguar's sales, rising about fivefold over 2010.

With its first 12MY model off the production line already sent to its Chinese owner and performing nearly on par with the XJ in the market, the newly-launched XF model, equipped with a dramatically-new design and full upgrade options, further underscores the brand's dedication to Chinese customers.

The Range Rover Evoque won the award for most anticipated model of the year due to its higher engine efficiency, cutting-edge design and tailored features.

The smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Land Rover ever produced, it received more than 8,500 pre-orders in six months and won nearly 30 prestigious auto awards by the end of the year.

The Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition and Freelander Christmas/New Years Limited Edition stood out among other special edition products, demonstrating the company's engineering prowess and affirming it's a commitment to offer exclusive luxury specials for Chinese consumers.



Customer relations

JLR has expanded its infrastructure while exploring customer-friendly and innovative approaches in the market.

The auto manufacturer has now signed up 113 authorized dealers across the country, while new training academies, distribution channels and collaboration with leading auto companies have contributed to greater operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

As a trendsetter in the emerging markets, the company created unique marketing campaigns in projects like the "Evoque Effect" miniseries movies and Range Rover Evoque test drive, the biggest in Asia. Getting closer to its consumers and taking the lead in community-wide efforts are essential to JLR's global development.

Protecting the environment, fostering local talent and giving back to the community, JLR has leveraged its expertise and brought substantial resources to China.

The auto manufacturer's projects include a CO2 offset program whose contributions in China over the past year were valued at more than 24 million yuan.

JLR's first school-enterprise partnership in China - the Apprentice Training Program - has fostered development of highly skilled local auto industry talent. Partnering with other organizations, JLR offers care to disadvantaged groups through donations to cleft-lipped children and to AIDS prevention programs.

Source: China Daily

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake Rendered

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Ok, maybe not officially unveiled, but this is as close as you can get without seeing the real thing.

Jaguar has been teasing their new XF Sportbrake for what seems like forever now. We have seen plenty of pictures of the front of the new car, however its rear has been kept under wraps tighter than security at an Iranian plutonium enrichment facility.

Topical humor aside, Jaguar has tweeted another teaser image of the Sportsbrake, however the guys at Theophiluschin decided that it was about time we saw the new estate in full. They clearly depict the rear in this rendering, using the XF sedan as inspiration.

In addition to several styling cues, the Sportsbrake will also make use the XF sedan's powertrains.The new Jaguar XF Sportsbrake will be officially unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake Rendering

Jaguar XF Sportbrake Rendering

Source: Car Buzz

Tata Motors Gets SEC Inquiry on Exports to Africa, Middle East

Tata Motors Ltd., the Indian owner of Jaguar Land Rover, said it received an inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on some of its exports.

“The SEC wanted details of our exports to Africa and the Middle East,” Debasis Ray, a spokesman for Mumbai-based Tata Motors, said yesterday. Ray declined to name the countries that the SEC wanted information about and why the agency inquired about exports to those nations.



Tata Motors will respond to the SEC within 10 working days, the company said in a statement yesterday. It exported 58,044 vehicles, or 7.2 percent of total sales, during the year ended March 31, 2011, according to its website. The Indian company, which makes the Nano, the world’s cheapest car, doesn’t break down exports by geography.

SEC spokesman John Nester declined to comment.

Tata Motors American depositary receipts, each representing five shares, fell 1.1 percent to $19.76 at the close in New York trading.

Source: Bloomberg

The next generation Tata Manza could take design cues from Manza diesel hybrid concept!

At the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, Tata Motors showcased a diesel hybrid concept of the Manza sedan. So striking were the concept sedan’s looks that a few of our readers even remarked that Tata should begin putting the design team behind Tata’s concept cars to work for existing and future Tata production cars. That said, our sources working closely with Tata Motors new car development plans tell us that the next generation Manza could indeed borrow styling cues from the Manza diesel hybrid concept sedan showcased at the exposition.

Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid Concept - Front Look

The biggest and most prominent change on the Tata Manza Hybrid Concept was the front end. The rest of the car though retains the body shell of the Manza with the overall profile being very similar to the current production versions. The Manza Hybrid’s front end, a place where most of the action is, exhibits a sharp snout. The grille gets a sporty honeycomb effect while the headlamps are sharply raked units unlike the curved headlamps on the production model. Also, the traditional Tata smiling face is retained on the concept, making it look unmistakably Tata from the front.

Tata Manza Diesel Hybrid Concept at the 2012 Auto Expo

The style job continues to the rear as well where the Manza Hybrid concept gets smoked out tail lamps which feature a band new design along with new bumper styling. Viewed from the sides though, the Manza still retains some heavy and bulbous lines creeping in, as is the case with the existing version of the Manza. Despite this, if Tata Motors actually incorporate these styling elements in the next generation version of the Manza, the car could become one heck of a looker. All in the all, the Manza Hybrid concept looked quite ravishing with most show goers appreciating the design language that the car exhibited.

Source: ICB

Tata Nano to hit Bangladesh market next month

The Nano minicar of Indian Tata Motors will hit the Bangladesh market next month as its Bangladeshi distributor has confirmed an import deal to sell the vehicle here, the car seller said Saturday.



Chairman of Nitol Group, distributor of the Tata cars in Bangladesh, Abdul Matlub Ahmed said the first fleet of 200 Tata Nano cars will arrive in Bangladesh in February this year.

"We have confirmed the deal with Tata Motors Ltd. We will import 2,000 Nano cars per year for the Bangladesh market," said Mr Ahmed.

Managing Director of Tata Motors Ltd of India PM Telang said his company plans to export its less fuel-consuming Nano minicars to Bangladesh.

It will also export the car to Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar, said the Wall Street Journal Saturday quoting Mr Telang.

Abdul Matlub Ahmed said the retail price of a Nano car in Bangladesh market will be Tk 650,000.

The world's cheapest car Tata Nano was launched in March 2009 to sell it at 136,000 rupees in the Indian market.

Tata Motors later started to export the low-cost minicar to Nepal and Sri Lanka which is popular there, the Indian car-maker said.

Mr Matlub Ahmed said his target is the middle and lower middle-income groups of people of Bangladesh who will afford to buy the low-cost car.

He said: "I will market the maximum number of Nano outside Dhaka where a car is still a far cry for a family. The people of small towns will be my first target for selling the cars."

The Nitol Group chairman said he has a plan to boost the annual sales of Nano in the Bangladesh market from 2,000 units to 12,000 units within the next four years.

"I have a plan to convince the Tata Motors India to set a Nano manufacturing plant here in Bangladesh to meet the demand," he added.



He said: "The price will come down once we start assembling the car here. Tata has a plan to manufacture the car in Bangladesh if it becomes popular here."

"We anticipate that the Nano will be very popular because it is extremely fuel efficient. You can drive more than 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) with a litre of gasoline," said the chief of the Nitol Motors.

Mr Telang said his company is likely to take a decision in the next three or four months on setting up the second commercial vehicle assembly plant overseas.

Outside India, the Indian car-maker has an assembling unit in South Africa.

Source: The Financial Express BD

Tata Nano Diesel ain’t coming anytime soon, instead how about the Nano CNG

Tata Nano CNG

Bad news first. The Tata Nano Diesel might not see a commercial launch anytime too soon with word emerging from Tata Motors that the diesel variant is at least a year away from a launch. While this would come as a bummer to many a prospective owner of the  Tata Nano Diesel, there’s still some cheer left. Tata Motors has put together a CNG variant of the Nano, and with CNG being much cheaper than petrol could still be a very sensible option for folks who want a very frugal and eco-friendly form of four wheeled personal transport.

Currently though, the Nano CNG is more of a concept that showcases Tata Motors’ growing capability of delivering cars with alternate fuel technology. Even so, the concept could become a reality as it fits right within the strengths of the Tata Nano. Coming to think of it, the Nano is primarily a city car although the cute little runabout would do just as fine on the highways. In most Indian cities, CNG is quickly becoming accessible and hence, a car with CNG will not just be non polluting but also frugal and convenient to run in most big cities, prime potential market for the Nano.

Tata Nano CNG Concept - Technical Specification

Important Key Features of Tata Nano CNG:

• The Nano CNG concept will be a Bi-fuel Car that can run on both petrol as well as CNG.
• The CNG tank has been packaged in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on the luggage space of the Nano.
• The components for the CNG kit have been sourced from world class suppliers.
• The Nano CNG will have a CNG cut off system in case of even a slight leak.
• The Nano CNG will use the highly efficient controlled sequential gas injection kit.
• The Nano CNG’s driver will be able to seamlessly switch between petrol and CNG modes.

Source: ICB

The 2012 Tata Safari Storme and the Xenon could go automatic sometime in the future with the G85 6 speed automatic gearbox!

Tata G85 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox

Tata Motors showcased a very interesting concept at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, of that of a Tata Aria AT concept with the 6 speed automatic gearbox. This G85 6 speed automatic gearbox won’t just be restricted to the Tata Aria in the coming months but also could find various applications in other Tata SUVs. Primary among these are the Tata Safari Storme SUV and the Tata Xenon Pick Up truck, both models which have an export future.

The G85 gearbox that Tata showcased on the Aria can handle a peak torque of up to 450 Nm, a figure that none of Tata’s range of SUVs develop at the moment. Therefore, handling torque will never be an issue with this gearbox. This gearbox also comes with added features like a tiptronic mode that lets a driver shift gears manually, albeit without a clutch of course. Also, the gearbox is capable of handling three modes, comfort, economy and sport modes for sporty applications to maximize driving performance and pleasure.

The gearbox has six ratios and has options of 1 or 2 over drive gears depending upon the application. The 1st to fourth gears have a triple synchronizer while the fifth, sixth and reverse gears have a double synchronizer. This gearbox is developed by the transmission maker DANA for TATA Motors, Dana also developed drive shafts for commercial vehicles and specially for TATA world truck.

All in all, Tata Motors now has a 6 speed automatic gearbox that it can deploy on its SUV and crossover range. On whether the Indian versions of the Safari Storme, Xenon and Aria will get this 6 speed transmission is something only time will tell. For the export market though, Tata might be very keen to use this 6 speed automatic gearbox as all three SUVs, the Safari Storme, Aria and the Xenon will be/are already being exported to countries across the world.

Source: ICB

2012 AUTO EXPO - Tata Ultra unveiled!

Tata Ultra LCV Range unvieled

Tata Motors has unveiled their new range of Light Commercial Vehicles at the 2012 Auto Expo. The Tata Ultra is a more modern LCV, that has more contemporary features and looks and is essentially the new-generation Tata 407.

The Ultra LCV range will have variants between 5 and 14 tonnes that will be powered by new generation 3.0-litre engines that make 138 bhp and 5.0-litre engines that make 168 bhp. The engines are common-rail DiCOR 16 valve engines. The new ultra range is very modern looking and has a load cab body keeping in trend with contemporary CV design. The new ultra also has clear lens headlamps, new instrument cluster that indicates current mileage and full trip mileage. To make things easier for the driver, power steering as well as integrated headrests are also included. The steering is hydraulic and the steering wheel is adjustable for reach as well as rake, it is also collapsible. Cabin tilt is present too.

The Ultra range also is one of the first light commercial vehicles to come with radial tyres and disc brakes on all wheels.

Tata motors also unveiled an Ace EX with a new front fascia. This LCV comes with new headlamps, new grille and 13-inch tyres as compared to the 12-inchers on the old Ace. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox as opposed to the 4-speed unit in the old one. It gives a 1-1.5 kpl benefit as compared to the old model. It also has new seat fabric, a new insrument cluster, mobile charging point.

Tata Motors also displayed a diesel hybrid based on the Manza. It comes with a floating gear selector like in the Jaguar XF.



They also featured the LPT323 which is India's first 5-axle rigid truck. It can carry loads up to 25 tonnes which can is excellent for moving steel and construction equipment

Source: Business Standard Motoring