Jaguar to capitalise on growing Chinese sales with XJ launch

JAGUAR is to launch its new XJ saloon in China at the same time as it does in the UK and United States – the first time the carmaker has attempted such simultaneous events.

The move is part of the company’s push into China and an indication it wants to build on its growing reputation in what is now, the world’s largest automotive market.

Latest figures show that Jaguar sales in China are up 68% in the first quarter of 2010 – its best ever sales performance in the country.

Although the sales equate to just 591 vehicles, it is an indication of the marque’s growing popularity and bears out what British academics said last week about an emerging middle class in China wanting suitable status symbols.

“We are very pleased to see this outstanding performance. At present, Jaguar’s business in China has leaped to fourth in global markets,” Christopher Brown, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chinese managing director told the country’s Global Times newspaper.

Mr Brown was speaking at the Beijing Auto Show, where the company has a prominent stand displaying its range of vehicles.

JLR, owned by India’s Tata Motors, currently has 37 dealerships in China but despite the rise in sales, it still lags behind main rivals BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Mercedes has reported a 77% rise in 2009 deliveries to the Chinese mainland – equivalent to 68,500 units, while in the same period, BMW saw its sales grow to 90,563 vehicles.
 
However, it could be this very exclusivity is the company’s trump card as it pushes the new luxury saloon, which is already winning plaudits and could be set to follow the example of the award-winning XF.

“We have great confidence in the Chinese market. For the coming 10 years – 45% of global growth will be here,” added Mr Brown.