Tata Motors January Global Sales Rise 21% To 119,799 Units

Land Rover Freelander II SUVs on an assembly line at a plant in the western Indian state of Maharashtra

Global Wholesales Vehicles (including Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles):

Tata Motors Group's global wholesales including Jaguar Land Rover, were 119,799 units in January 2012 which is higher by 21% over January 2011. The cumulative sales for the fiscal are 985,260 greater by 13% compared to the corresponding period in 2010-11.

Global Sales of Passenger Vehicles:

The global sales of all passenger vehicles were at 66,785 units in January 2012, higher by 26%. While cumulative sales for the fiscal are 506,921 units, higher by 10%.

Global Sales of Tata Passenger Vehicles:

The global sales of Tata passenger vehicles and the distribution offtake in India of Fiat cars were at 37,492 units, for the month, higher by 14%, over January 2011. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are at 261,216 units.

Global Sales of Jaguar Land Rover Vehicles:

The global sales of Jaguar Land Rover in January 2012 were at 29,293 units, higher by 44% over January 2011, while cumulative sales of Jaguar Land Rover for the fiscal are 245,705 units, higher by 25%.

Global Sales of Jaguar Vehicles:

Jaguar sales for the month were 4,547 units, higher by 49%, while cumulative sales of Jaguar are 44,468 units, lower by 3%.

Global Sales of Land Rover Vehicles:

Land Rover sales for the month were 24,746 units, higher by 43%, while cumulative sales of Land Rover are 201,237 units, higher by 34%.

Source: Car Wale

Jaguar Land Rover reports sale of 42,000 units in China in 2011

The British premium marquee Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) owned by Indian auto major Tata Motors, has reportedly announced that the manufacturer sold 42,063 vehicles in China in 2011. The sales figure represents 61 percent growth for the manufacturer.

Jaguar Land Rover

According to reports, JLR's strong Chinese sales performance last year is in no small part due to the manufacturer's increased efforts to improve product localization. The reports quoted Bob Grace, director of the manufacturer's China Operations as saying that the manufacturer was committed on making even further strides in 2012. He added that JLR will expand its Chinese product line in the new year.

It was also reported that JLR set new sales records for every quarter of last year, and its total sales amount for the first three quarters of the year was already more than the amount sold in all of 2010. Among its two brands, Jaguar sales grew 123 percent from 2010, with 945 Jaguars sold in December alone. Meanwhile, sales of Land Rovers, boasted by the introduction of the new Range Rover Evoque continued to grow steadily with a total of 36,087 units sold in 2011, according to reports. Source: Wheels Unplugged

UK: 133 New Apprentices for Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover wants to recruit 133 apprentices to join the training program this year, more than the 114 from last year.

Jaguar Land Rover Logo

The apprentice program this year, which coincides with the National Apprentice week, searches for advanced and higher apprentices, and it will be launched on February 6th. This means 109 advanced and 24 higher apprentices that will work for the acquisition of a new series of NVQs and also a degree in a comprehensive training programme available for A-level-qualified candidates.

The 133 apprentices will be based in Halewood, Merseyside, in the West Midlands (Solihull, Castle Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Gaydon and Coventry), and also at the new engine plant the company develops on the Staffordshire-Wolverhampton border.

“JLR is committed to providing the highest quality practical and academic training to develop the future generation of engineering talent needed to drive our business forward,” said Des Thurlby, from JLR.

The advanced apprenticeships scheme starts with a year in college studying for an NVQ3 in a chosen trade pathway, an NVQ3 in a chosen trade pathway, a technical certificate and training in various skills (IT, numeracy and communication).

From here apprentices will fulfill functions in manufacturing and product development. Applications are accepted beginning with February 6th.

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

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

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

Tatas look at manufacturing JLR models in India

Bouyed by the response, Tata Motors today said that the company was looking at synergising functions with its UK-based subsidiary Jaguar-Land Rover and indicated at setting up a manufacturing facility for the two iconic brands in India.



"We started assembling models of Land Rover here... looking at manufacturing down the road. Economies and skills of India will be available and we do have access to technology in JLR today," Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors, said.

When asked whether Tata Motors is looking to acquire any other global brand, he said, "We have no plan to shop around, nor do we have any specific brands that we want to acquire."

The auto major is looking at manufacturing and not just assembling Land Rovers in India. "We are in discussions with Fiat for engine supply and other joint venture possibility ahead," Tata told reporters.

Acquisition of JLR in 2008 has put Tata Motors on the map of international market, he said, adding that 50-60 per cent revenues come from outside and the company has maintained its share in the Indian market.

To a query that whether the group would be listing the JLR subsidiary separately on bourses, Tata said no and also ruled out merging JLR brand with others.

Early last year, Jaguar Land Rover, the UK-based unit of Tata Motors Ltd, opened its first assembly plant in India at Pune to assemble sports utility vehicle Land Rover's Freelander 2 from completely knocked down kits shipped from the Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool, UK.

JLR sells imported XJ, XF and XK sedans from the Jaguar range in India and the Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover SUVs from Land Rover.



In 2008, Tata Motors had acquired Jaguar and Land Rover brands from Ford Motor Co for $ 2.3 billion.

Later, Tata Motors had annunced that initiatives have been taken on joint development programmes for engines, vehicles and platforms, which would leverage skills of the company - Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover - resulting in synergies in operations of the company and its subsidiary.

Source: Economic Times

Jaguar Land Rover Considering Plant in Brazil

Tata Motors Ltd.'s U.K.-based unit Jaguar Land Rover is considering building an assembly plant in Brazil as part of its plan to expand in emerging markets and sell its vehicles at competitive prices.



Ralf Speth, the luxury car maker's chief executive, also said the company is continuing to scout for a joint-venture partner in China to build an assembly plant and may spend as much as £100 million on the facility.

"Brazil and the rest of South America is a very interesting market. It is also an emerging market, growing very aggressively," Mr. Speth said. "We are thinking of a kind of a copy-paste facility of the Indian one in Brazil."

He said Jaguar Land Rover is looking for land in Brazil and may choose from any of the three industrial clusters in the country. The company is likely to initially assemble Land Rover vehicles in Brazil, he said.

Global car makers have in recent years aggressively shifted focus to emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil and Russia to partly offset lagging demand in their traditional strongholds of the U.S. and Europe.

Brazil recently imposed heavy taxes on imported cars, prompting car makers to look to shift to assembly operations there.

Jaguar Land Rover, which Tata Motors acquired from Ford Motor Co. in 2008 for $2.3 billion, last year opened a plant in west India's Pune city where it assembles the Land Rover Freelander sport-utility vehicle. It also imports and markets Jaguar's XJ, XK and XF sedans in India and Land Rover models such as the Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport.

Mr. Speth said the company is facing capacity constraints in the U.K., at least for two of its products -- Land Rover Evoque and Freelander -- and will look at options to raise it either in the U.K. or outside.

Global sales of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles grew 19% during April-November 2011 to 185,431 autos.



Jaguar and Land Rover have, between them, three plants in the U.K. - two at Castle Bromwich and Solihull in the West Midlands, and the third at Halewood in northwest England.

The company also plans to spend £355 million to build a plant at i54 South Staffordshire, a business park near Wolverhampton in the U.K.'s Midlands. The company will jointly develop engines in the plant with its parent.

The groundbreaking for the plant will likely happen in the next few months, Mr. Speth said.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

JLR sales to boost Tata Motors​’ overall performance

With JLR revenue comprising two-thirds of Tata Motors’ revenue and three-fourths of its net profit, optimism about its consolidated performance for the current year is understandable

With three months to the close of FY12, it looks certain that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sales will elevate the overall performance of Tata Motors Ltd for the year. In spite of a deepening slowdown across the globe, JLR sales from April to November rose 19% over the year-ago period. Land Rover sales alone grew by 28%, as new vehicles such as Evoque and Defender attracted robust demand.




Throughout FY12, JLR has surprised investors with good numbers every month, making the full-year sales estimates more plausible. According to Umesh Karne of Brics Securities Ltd: “To achieve the current year forecast of 275,393 vehicles, the required run rate for the remaining months is 22,321 units per month. This seems possible given the successful launch of Evoque and rising sales in emerging markets.” Going by geographies, China’s share in JLR sales for the September quarter shot up to 16% from about 9.7% a year ago. What’s more, Land Rover sales are beating industry averages too. IDBI Capital Market Services Ltd points out, “Tata Motors management has not seen any signs of slowdown in its fast-growing markets like China, Russia, Brazil, Middle East, etc., led by growing aspirations of owning a European car, strong brand pull and relatively immune premium segment. Even US has been holding up well...” Analysts forecast 8-10% sales growth for JLR in FY13 over 2012.

With JLR revenue comprising two-thirds of Tata Motors’ revenue and three-fourths of its net profit, optimism about its consolidated performance for the current year is understandable. All the more so when Tata Motors’ domestic passenger segment is expected to register a contraction in sales volume during fiscal 2012.

Fortunately, commercial vehicle sales in the stand-alone business continue to defy expectations of subdued sales due to macroeconomic headwinds.

In spite of surging sales numbers, Tata Motors stock has underperformed both the BSE Sensex and the BSE Auto Index, though the gap has narrowed since the September quarter results were announced. A key reason for underperformance is the 250 basis points (bps) year-on-year drop in stand-alone operating margins during the September quarter, which squeezed consolidated margins by about 123 bps to around 13%. Full year 2012 consolidated profitability is expected to contract, too. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.



Strong JLR sales, however, would cushion the Tata Motors stock from downward risks. But upward momentum is likely only when the slowdown in the domestic automotive market abates.

Source: Live Mint

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover to jointly unveil new platform in 2016

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover's proposed joint venture is set to see results as soon as 2016, when the joint venture is scheduled to unveil its new automobile platform, Economic Observer News reported today.

Although the proposed cooperation between Chery and Alfa Romeo three years ago did not come to fruition, the Chinese manufacturer is not deterred in its quest to find a European partner. News of the upcoming automobile platform implies that the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover joint venture is going smoothly.

There have been several reports that the JV would create a brand new business model, with all intellectual rights to the model belonging to the Chery name. FAW, SAIC, Dongfeng and GAC have all attempted similar business models in the past, with varying degrees of success. This is something which both parties have refused to comment on.

"Chery specifically needs experience with making luxury vehicles," an analyst (who wished to remain unnamed) who spent several years following the manufacturer's progress said. He added that without anything new to show, the venture will have a hard time gaining the National Development and Reform Commission's approval.

Source: Gasgoo - Global Auto Sources

JLR may develop Jaguar-based car with Chery logo

Jaguar Land Rover Plc (JLR) has agreed in principle with China's Chery Automobile to develop a luxury car based on its Jaguar models that may carry a Chery or a new marque in order to win Chinese government approval for a manufacturing venture, a Chinese newspaper reported on Wednesday.



Britain-based JLR, a subsidiary of India's Tata Motors Ltd, had previously explored cooperations with Chinese partners, including Great Wall Motor Co Ltd , but made little headway.

"The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) made it very clear that in order to get approval for the project to go ahead, the two sides must have substantial cooperation, not just adding new capacity," the 21st Century Business Herold said, citing an unnamed source.

The NDRC has the power to approve or block major foreign joint venture projects.

A proposed tie-up between Chery and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd to make Subaru vehicles in China hit regulatory snags because the deal was ruled to lack substance, according to the source.

The newspaper said a car co-developed by JLR and Chery would carry either a Chery logo or a joint venture logo and the two sides might also collaborate on green vehicles.

Chery and JLR executives could not immediately be reached for comment.

Source: Reuters

China to be No 2 market for Jaguar Land Rover after UK

China is set to become the second largest market for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) this fiscal year after the home market UK. For Tata Motors-owned JLR, China with its 87% growth in sales is the fastest growing market and is poised to surpass Europe and North America in terms of sales volume.



JLR sales in China nearly doubled to 10,869 units in the second quarter of the fiscal from 5,801 units in the corresponding period last fiscal. Meanwhile, Europe, the traditionally important market for JLR which passes through huge financial turmoil, showed a sluggish 5% growth by clocking 12,458 units and North America showed flat growth by selling 12,106 units.

According to the company's assessment, China is on course to become the second largest market for Land Rover and third largest for Jaguar in FY 2011-12.

Range Rover Evoque, the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover model by British off-road legend Land Rover officially hit the markets simultaneously in Beijing and Shanghai on Nov 8.

The Evoque coupe is priced from 638,000 yuan and a five-door version starts at 628,000 yuan.

With a 240 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a body made with lightweight materials, the Evoque is also "an excellent demonstration of the marque's commitment to environmental sustainability", said Christopher Brown, executive vice-president of Jaguar Land Rover China

In the first 10 months of 2011, Jaguar Land Rover sold 32,143 vehicles in China, up 60 percent from the same period in 2010.



JLR top management has been intensely trying to find a Chinese partner to start local manufacturing, which will substantially bring down the retail cost of its offerings and boost sales dramatically. "We have shortlisted a few potential local partners. Discussions are progressing," said Ralf Speth, MD & CEO, JLR.

Kenneth Gregor, CFO, JLR, said there is a strong demand for Jaguar XJ 3.0, which was introduced in China in March 2011. He expects Range Rover Evoque, which will roll out in China soon, to further boost JLR demand.

Source: Hindustan Times & China Daily

8,000 apply for 1,000 new Jaguar Land Rover jobs within seven days

Luxury car maker Jaguar Land Rover has received more than 8,000 applications for 1,000 jobs just a week after launching a recruitment campaign, it was revealed today.

Des Thurlby, human resources (HR) chief at JLR, said the firm is hiring in extra HR people just to handle the surge in applications.

The job creations at the firm's plant in Solihull, West Midlands, were seen as a huge boost to the local community when they were announced last Thursday.

One week later, JLR said it has received thousands of "quality" applications for the roles going.

JLR, owned by Indian company Tata, is creating the new jobs as part of its drive to boost production over the next five years.

Mr Thurlby said: "We are extremely pleased with both the quantity and the quality of applicants. We are even hiring people in HR to handle the hiring.

"We shall run a vigorous selection process and we encourage people to continue to apply via our website. All applicants will receive a response."

"Jaguar Land Rover is a very exciting place to be and despite what some may say, there is tremendous engineering talent in the UK and particularly in the West Midlands."



JLR employs almost 20,000 workers in the UK, including 5,000 in Solihull.

It is also planning to build a new engine plant near Wolverhampton that will create further jobs.

Source: Telegraph

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel Embarks On Cross-Country Tour of U.S.A.

Jaguar XF 2.2 D in USA

Well, there’s at least one diesel-powered Jaguar XF in the U.S. Jaguar revealed today that a 2012 XF 2.2 diesel was shipped to the New World from England, and is now embarking on a 2800-mile, cross-country road trip from New York City to Los Angeles.

While New York to L.A. in seven days is a lifetime compared to Alex Roy’s 31 hour and 4 minute journey in his E39 BMW M5 in 2006, independent drivers David and Alexander Madgwick are going for fuel economy, not speed. The ultimate goal of the Madgwicks’ trip is to prove just how economical the XF 2.2’s 2.2-liter 187-hp and 332 lb-ft of torque diesel four-pot really is. The XF 2.2 is rated at 52.3 combined mpg in Europe, or the American-equivalent of 43.5 combined mpg. Earlier this year, Jaguar drove a similarly stock XF 2.2 816 miles from Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich, United Kingdom factory, to Munich, Germany on one tank.

Since Jaguar’s already proven just how far the XF 2.2 can go, why bring it to the United States? Is there a chance that Jaguar could bring an XF diesel to the U.S.? When asked for comment, Jaguar told us the reasoning for bringing the XF 2.2 to the U.S. was twofold. First, Jaguar wanted to demonstrate its “advanced efficiency technologies.” The second reason? For the journey, “Everyone loves the scenery of [a]cross country U.S. drive. With great expanses, the [drive] across America endures as the quintessential road trip.”



Those interested in following the XF 2.2’s road trip across the U.S. can do so on either Jaguar’s Facebook or Twitter pages. As of this writing, the XF 2.2 is currently in New Jersey. So much for the scenery….

Source: Automobile Mag

Evoque sales target of 300 units in Malaysia in 2012

Land Rover Malaysia has set a target of selling at least 300 units of their new SUV Evoque in 2012.  Mr. Hazem Abd Rahman, Managing Director of Land Rover in Malaysia said that with pre booking orders of 250 units, deliveries should commence by end November.  At the launch of Evoque, Rahman said that the company was optimistic of its success.

He also hoped that with the newly launched sports utility vehicle market share of the company should go up from the current 13% to 25% by the end of next year. With plans of moving to a bigger location with modern facilities Land Rover is also planning on setting up two more branches in Malaysia one in Penang and the other at Johor Baharu.

With an investment of RM2 million set for each branch which will come up in the next two years Land Rover will have a total of five branches in the country. Evoque at a starting price of RM 353,888 will have three variants and two body styles specially designed for its Malaysian customers.

Source: Rush Lane

Jaguar Land Rover workers to get 6.1% pay rise

Jaguar Land Rover

More than 12,000 Jaguar Land Rover workers are to get a “double your money” pay rise of 6.1 per cent next month – because inflation has jumped to a 20-year high.

Thousands of hourly paid and staff employees across Solihull, Castle Bromwich, Gaydon, Whitley and elsewhere will qualify for the bumper pay rises after unions won an inflation-linked deal just a year ago.

The agreement was for a five per cent increase from November 1, 2010, and three per cent or the Retail Price Index plus 0.5 per cent from November 1 this year.

With the Government’s RPI measure at 5.6 per cent, its highest rate since June 1991, workers at the Midlands biggest manufacturer will now receive more than last year’s five per cent rise, itself hailed as an industry-leading deal.

Many hourly paid engineers on around £35,000 a year will now see their pay rise by over £2,000 a year when the new 12-month deal kicks in on November 1.

Roger Maddison, national officer for Unite, said: “Last year, we could have settled for three per cent for Year Two, and that would have been a popular deal. Three or four years ago, we had zero inflation and now it is nearly six per cent.

“If you are going to do a long-term deal, you have to make sure that you are protected against inflation.

“You could look at this as a positive sign – we managed to protect the workers at Jaguar Land Rover.

“But you have to remember that it is desperate times for those people who have not got inflation protection for their pay. I believe that everybody should have inflation-linked pay rises.”

The two-year pay deal unveiled a year ago was part of a package that saw JLR reverse plans to close either Castle Bromwich or Solihull and announce a £5 billion package of investment, with new models. The two-year offer was agreed following a 74 per cent vote in favour by workers.

A JLR employee bulletin at the time said: “The company’s offer of a two-year pay and conditions agreement provides much needed predictability and stability for the company and employees.”

According to the UK findings of Aon Hewitt’s 2011-2012 European salary increase survey, salaries rose 2.5 per cent in 2010, 3.1 per cent this year and were projected to increase 3.2 per cent in 2012.



* The number of cars made in the UK accelerated ahead last month, it has been announced.

A total of 136,051 cars were produced in September, a 7.5 per cent increase on the September 2010 total, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.

Source: Birmingham Post

Jaguar Land Rover's Chinese sales for first three quarters grow 60%

Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover China announced that its total sales in China from the beginning of the year to the end of the third quarter totaled 29,377 units, the Beijing News reported today. The figure is 60 percent higher than last year and has allowed Jaguar Land Rover to complete its yearly target far ahead of schedule.


Since the establishment of an independent Chinese sales company, the two brands have been seeing strong consistent growth in the country. Of the total orders so far this year, 25,557 were for Land Rover vehicles, while the remaining 3,820 units sold were Jaguars, representing year-on-year growth of 60 percent and 77 percent, respectively. New models performed especially strongly, with sales of the Range Rover Evoque (pictured) near 6,500. Jaguar Land Rover is also rapidly expanding its sales network in the country, with construction on its hundredth Chinese dealership in Henan's capital of Zhengzhou having officially started.

Source: Gasgoo Autonews

Jaguar XF and RR Evoque to be assembled in India by JLR

MUMBAI: Tata Motors-owned British marquee Jaguar Land Rover is revving up to assemble two more models in India, which will increase its competitiveness in the fast-growing domestic luxury automotive market.

JLR is looking to roll out locally-assembled Jaguar XF sedan and Range Rover Evoque SUV within 12-18 months, a vendor familiar with the matter told ET. The company's India spokesperson declined to comment.

The new offerings will beef up JLR's presence in the segment where German rivals BMW, Mercedes and Audi hold way. The company currently sells the SUV Freelander 2 assembled at its factory in Chikhale, Maharasthra while the rest of its portfolio comprises completely-built units or fully-imported vehicles.

Assembled cars attract a lower import duty of 10-30%, while imported vehicles are slapped a duty of more than 100%. JLR organised a meeting of vendors last week in Pune, the first time such a meet was held outside Britain, where 20 key vendors from India and 20-30 vendors from UK participated, along with the company's CKD head Mark Wallace, three vendors who were invited said. They added that Ian Harnett, JLR's director-purchasing said at this meet that the company will assemble more products and eye at least 20% market share in the next three years.

"JLR feels India and China will be the key growth drivers in the next five-10 years. Therefore, the company envisages a bigger assembly operation in India and joint venture partner in China to boost its overall growth," a key supplier said, requesting anonymity.



Experts say the Jaguar XF will take on the Mercedes Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, while the Range Rover Evoque will compete with the BMW X3 in terms of price, though it is as compact as the BMW X1.

The domestic luxury car market, roughly defined as comprising vehicles priced at more than 20 lakh, is estimated to be growing at 35%-40% annually, ranking India among the fastest-growing markets in the world. It is expected to clock sales of 23,000 units this fiscal.

BMW, which overtook Mercedes Benz in 2009, dominates the segment, with Audi emerging as an aggressive third player. In 2010, BMW raced ahead with 6,246 units, while Mercedes Benz clocked sales of 5,819 units and Audi trailed with 3,003 units sold. JLR sold 891 units in 2010-11, but it aims to more than double the figure this fiscal. According to vendors, the company plans to ramp up its outlets tenfold to 100 over the next five years.

The MD and chief executive of Mercedes Benz, Peter Honegg recently named JLR as their biggest competitor in the long run. JLR will need to sell at least 3,000 units a year to break even, says Mahantesh Sabarad, auto analyst with Fortune Broking. "With the assembly of models in India, the pricing will come down and it will boost volumes. And larger the volumes, the better the profitability," he said. Though the 2 litre-2.2 litre engines fitted in the Evoque are ideal for Indian conditions, the company will have to overcome stiff competition from the German rivals to appeal to the typical Indian buyer who is aged over 40, he said.

Source: Economic Times

Jaguar Land Rover global sales up 26% in Sep 2011

Jaguar Land Rover has recorded a 26 per cent increase in global retail sales to 30,153 vehicles for September 2011 with China delivering another record month with sales up 157 per cent for Jaguar and 85 per cent for Land Rover

China remains Jaguar Land Rover's third largest market with retails up 60 per cent for the year to September. This record performance has been driven by sales of the XJ following the introduction of the 3.0l engine and a continuing strong performance from all Land Rover models. This positive news comes as China is set to open its 100th authorised dealership in Zhengzhou.

The UK continues as Jaguar Land Rover's leading market with retail sales of 10,896 up 12 per cent collectively. Land Rover UK sales for the month were up 12 per cent thanks to the introduction of Evoque and a 97 per cent year on year increase for Range Rover.

Strong developing market performances were recorded in Russia with Land Rover up 16 per cent. India recorded a record September for Land Rover up 155 per cent. Land Rover also continued to demonstrate growth in Brazil where it recorded its strongest ever September with sales up 55 per cent.

Strong European market performances were delivered by a number of markets with sales collectively up 38 per cent. This is in large part due to the introduction of the Range Rover Evoque and the XF 2.2l diesel which accounted for 43 per cent of all European XF sales.



Highlights from Europe include; Land Rover sales in France were also up an impressive 115 per cent thanks to the Evoque. Germany delivered a strong monthly performance with sales of Land Rover up 11 per cent and the Netherlands retail sales are up 84 per cent for Land Rover.

European importers also delivered a strong September with sales up 49 per cent collectively. Markets particularly worthy of note include Switzerland up 52 per cent for Land Rover. Turkey also performed well with sales up 12 per cent for Land Rover.

USA; positive retails results are also reflected in North American market, up 10% overall, with Range Rover Sport sales up 38 per cent. Phil Popham, Group Sales Director for Jaguar Land Rover said, 'This has been our strongest September since 2007 when the industry was hit hard by the recession. Since that time we have introduced a host of new models and engines that has driven sales growth and attracted new consumers to our brands.'

He continued, 'This month our sales have been further bolstered by the award winning Range Rover Evoque and the 2.2l diesel XF- both of which went on sale in September in the UK and Europe and will roll out across other markets in the coming months. These new models add to what is already a very strong stable of products which are clearly capturing the imagination of consumers across the globe.'

Jaguar's top five markets for September 2011 are UK – 3,300, North America – 1,171, China – 559, Germany – 364 and Italy – 120.

Land Rover's top five markets for September 2011 are UK – 7,596, China – 3,510, North America – 2,976, Italy – 1,075 and Russia – 1,049

Source: Land Rover Owner International

Jaguar XJ is one Elle of a Car

DON'T you hate those people who win a fortune in the Lotto and then insist that they won't let it change their lives.

You know the ones. "Well, we might buy a new clothes dryer, I suppose," they say. "Maybe even upgrade the caravan. It's a lot of money but we won't let it change us."

Yeah, right. Me, on the other hand? I'd spend it. And I might just buy one of these.

The latest and greatest Jaguar to hit the market - the flagship XJ luxury sedan - with all the trimmings, thanks.

We've driven the reincarnated XJ once before, not long after its release last year - in "standard" form with its silky five-litre V8 engine and its sexy, sleek design.

But this one is the real Lotto-winner's version - with a supercharged V8 and every one of the optional extras you'd expect on the most expensive car produced by the grand British brand.

There was a time, not so very long back, when an XJ Jag - or pretty much any Jag, for that matter - would have been nowhere near my "money-is-no-object" list.

Jaguar was a company mired in the past, with three models (XJ, S-Type and lamentable X-Type) all bearing the same stodgy, old-fashioned Brit-centric styling.

The XJ, in particular, had doggedly retained virtually the same look since it first electrified the motoring world back in the mid-60s.

And even though it was technically up-to-date, and physically a lovely thing to drive, it looked and felt like one of those old clubs in London where the gentlemen drink Pimms and wear leather patches on their jacket sleeves.

So it's a good thing that Jaguar finally conceded defeat and brought its flagship model into the 21st century.
The result is one of the truly most impressive vehicles on the road today - one which competes not only technically, but visually and spiritually, with the very fierce rivals in this category - Mercedes-Benz's S-Class, BMW's 7 Series and Audi's mighty new A8. You can even throw in Porsche's polarising Panamera, for good measure.

And even though it's hard to go past any of these German juggernauts, the top-spec XJ model we've tested here is pretty close to the best machine I've driven.

The XJ completes an incredible turnaround for the grand old British brand - which, as it happens, isn't strictly British any more.

While the cars are still built in the shadows of Buck Palace, the company is owned by Tata - a giant corporation from India, of all places - which has a certain perverse irony to it, given the history of the two nations.

The Jaguar renaissance, led by Scottish design guru Ian Callum, began in earnest with the gorgeous XK coupe - one of the best looking cars we've ever driven; and gained momentum with the equally beguiling XF executive sedan, which has been an unqualified sales success in Australia and elsewhere.

But it wasn't until the XJ - Jaguar's true spiritual flagship - underwent the Callum treatment that Jaguar completed this amazing about-face.

Callum's philosophy is simple. He wants Jag drivers "to feel as if you are sitting in a sports car, even if it's a luxury car".

The XJ certainly achieves that in all forms - be it the entry-level turbo-diesel model or the mid-range standard V8 - but most emphatically in the form of the supercharged V8-powered Supersport model we've tested here.

The glorious powerplant pumps out 375 kilowatts - enough to hustle this big limo to the speed limit in roughly the time it once took Jag drivers to light their pipe and adjust their cravat.

From the outside, the big cat stands quite apart from its German rivals - BMW's new 7 Series, the Benz now-familiar S-Class and Audi's all-new A8 - plus Japan's Lexus LS600. The Jag's styling is bold and dynamic - not as flowing and crisp, perhaps, as the XF but still an imposing and eye-catching thing with its long bonnet, squared-off grille, sweeping flanks and the quirky plastic inserts covering the C-pillars.

Inside, it's bold and beautiful.

The dash curves around the occupants with a circle of carbon fibre lustrously trimmed in fine leather - the flowing lines broken by two centrally-placed, dome-like air vents. There's a little plaque with the signature of designer Callum on the centre of the dash. You know a bloke is proud of his work when he adds his signature - and Callum must certainly be proud of the XJ.

The instrument panel is the ultimate in high-tech - using a virtual LED display in place of any fixed instruments or dials. The speedo and tacho use a clever highlighting effect to illuminate only that information relevant to your current rate of progress. If you're doing 60, for instance, only the 40, 60 and 80km/h increments are illuminated - making it instantly easy to pick your speed.

The Jag's technology is user-friendly, though - as opposed to the gadget obsession of some rivals in this class. An 8-inch touch screen at the top of the centre console controls most cabin, audio, navigation and climate-control functions, supplemented by some classy knobs and switches.

The screen uses "dual view" technology - which allows the passenger to watch a DVD or TV while the driver sees a completely different display - the sat-nav guidance, for instance.

It's high-tech, but wonderfully easy to use. On a long trip, my son was able to quickly connect his iPhone to the Jag's phenomenal 1200-watt Bowers and Wilkins audio system, via Bluetooth rather than the usual connector cable, so we could hear his music choices through all 20 speakers. Thanks for that, Jaguar.

Music choices aside, the XJ is a supreme highway cruiser - it eats up the miles with a languid, loping style.

By selecting the Dynamic mode you can sharpen the suspension and transmission settings to squeeze more performance out of the XJ. The parking brake is also a push-button affair.

The gear knob, or JaguarDrive Control (a circular stainless steel knob which rises seductively from the centre console when you fire up the Jag), gives the big cat another point of difference from its rivals.

Adaptive cruise control - which uses radar to maintain a safe gap to the vehicle in front, plus a radar-based blind-spot monitoring system - are part of the safety package, along with a host of electronic stability and traction aids.

Of course, opting for the Supersport model, with its $354,000 pricetag (as opposed to about $200-grand for the entry-level XJ) has its benefits - a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds (rivalling a BMW M3). That's a seriously quick limo.

Because the XJ is constructed largely from aluminium, it's about 200kg lighter than most of its rivals - meaning it's not only more nimble and agile in its handling and braking, but also uses less fuel as a result.

Not that it's necessarily much more frugal than its rivals - the Lexus LS600hL hybrid is probably greener, for instance - and Benz, BMW and Audi all offer higher-spec diesel options.

But what this car does have is character, and lots of it. And not the old-fashioned "character" that used to typify the XJ.

Not everybody will love its exterior styling, perhaps, but it is striking, sleek and handsome. Inside, it's arguably the classiest, most impressive cockpit of any car on the market.

And I'd also argue it's the best drive of anything in this limo class - with the possible exception of Porsche's Panamera.

Above all, the Jag looks and feels special - and makes you feel that way when you drive it.

And when you've just won the Lotto, that's exactly how you should feel.

JAGUAR XJ SUPERSPORT

DETAILS: 

Four-door, five-seat full-sized luxury sedan with 5-litre supercharged V8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission.

TECH STUFF:
Supercharged 5-litre Gen III V8 produces 375kW power, 625Nm torque; 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed 250km/h (electronically limited). Six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift paddles.

FEATURES: 
Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control, ABS with cornering brake control, brakeforce distribution
and emergency brake assist; adaptive cruise control, radar blind-spot warning system; adjustable sports suspension; 1200-watt 20-speaker premium audio system; virtual instrument display, dual-view touch-screen central display for satellite navigation, DVD and TV, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, hard-disc drive; multi-zone climate control airconditioning; panoramic glass sunroof.

THIRST:
About 12L/100km.

VERDICT: 
There's nothing sexier than money and power - and this car represents both.

COST:
$354,800.

Source: Adelaide Now...