Jaguar Land Rover pledges long-term commitment to China
VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has pledged its long-term commitment to producing cars in China.
The pledge came as the company unveiled a new Jaguar at the Beijing Motor Show that is exclusive to the Chinese market.
The all-new Jaguar XF Long wheelbase (XFL) will be the first Jaguar produced at the firm’s Chinese plant in Changshu and the third model in total to be produced locally.
In a statement, the firm said: “With the addition of the third China-built vehicle and the first locally-manufactured Jaguar to its joint venture, Jaguar Land Rover continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and providing Chinese customers with an exciting range of vehicles.”
It said the Jaguar XFL had been developed with passenger comfort in mind. The wheelbase has been increased by 140mm to 3,100mm to deliver exceptional legroom in the rear seats. It also debuts new cabin air ionisation technology, a Jaguar first, and four-zone climate control.
Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “China continues to be an important market for Jaguar Land Rover and we are delighted to introduce our first locally-built Jaguar here at the Beijing Auto Show.
“At Jaguar Land Rover, we put our customers first and are committed to delivering experiences that they love for life. Designed exclusively for our discerning Chinese customers, the Jaguar XFL is bespoke to this market.”
Sales of the Jaguar XFL will begin in the second half of the year.
Alongside the Jaguar XFL, JLR is showcasing six vehicles making their market debut in China, including the new Jaguar F-Pace, which goes on sale in China from next month. Also on the stand will be the second locally-produced model, the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Jaguar is also displaying its new F-Type SVR sports car and the Jaguar Diamond Limited Edition. The F-Type is the first Jaguar SVR and the fastest F-Type ever with a top speed of 200mph. It has been developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations to be lighter, faster and more powerful than the normal car.
The Jaguar Diamond Limited Edition enhances the Jaguar XJ LWB with additional features developed exclusively by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operations. This will be available in China, South Korea and MENA only.
For Land Rover, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the Range Rover SV Autobiography, Discovery Landmark Special Edition and the latest Chery Jaguar Land Rover Evoque will all make their China debuts at the show.
JLR first established a presence in China just over a decade ago and has a network of more than 190 operational dealers and additional activities including six training academies as well as three Land Rover Experience Centres.
