Fresh investment from JLR as its pledges Special Operations division for the West Midlands
VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is to set up a Special Operations division based in the West Midlands to focus on meeting the increasingly high expectations of its customers.
Under the lead of John Edwards, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations will concentrate on issues such as vehicle specifications, special editions, colour options, heritage products and a range of supporting accessories.
The company said the new division would be based close to its existing facilities in the region. It will be accompanied by a new Technical Centre staffed by 150 specialists.
The new Technical Centre will have unique facilities featuring a customer-commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalisation, Formula 1-inspired flexible workshops and a fully automated paint facility.
In addition, a new heritage vehicle workshop will be created at Browns Lane in Coventry, the spiritual home of Jaguar. This will be the production site for the six recently announced lightweight E-Type recreations and will also allow the newly formed heritage team to expand its servicing and restoration services. The newly expanded heritage business will be open from August 1.
JLR chief executive, Dr Ralf Speth, said: “The creation of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations demonstrates our continued commitment to placing customers at the heart of everything we do. This investment in exciting and desirable products will reinforce the global reputation of both Jaguar and Land Rover brands.”
Edwards added: “As a business, we are completely focused on enhancing and personalising the relationship our most discerning and enthusiastic customers have with our brands.
“By creating a Special Operations division we can harness the very best talent and expertise Jaguar Land Rover has – to deliver exceptional products and services our customers will love for life.”
The Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations team of expert designers and engineers will be led by Paul Newsome, Director of Special Vehicle Operations, recently recruited from Williams Advanced Engineering. Working on present and future vehicle portfolios, the team will create halo vehicles ranging from high luxury to extreme performance.
The announcement comes as the company revealed a 20% sales hike in May, with 38,831 vehicles sold globally during the month. For the calendar year to date, JLR sales are up 14% at 200,778 vehicles.
Sales in the China Region were up 53%, North America up 19%, the UK up 15%, Asia Pacific up 11%, and Europe up 8%. Sales in overseas markets were in line with the prior year. The same trend is reflected in the first five months of the year with sales up 46% in the China Region, 15% in North America, 15% in Asia Pacific, 4% in Europe and 3% in the UK.
Commenting on the May performance Andy Goss, JLR Group Sales Operations Director said: “This has been another solid month for Jaguar Land Rover with continued strong demand for models across the range in our international markets. The continued success of F-Type convertible, coupled with the launch of coupe, has supported Jaguar sales momentum. For Land Rover, the Range Rover Sport and Evoque continue to deliver impressive sales performance.”
Jaguar sold 6,450 vehicles, up 4%. In the China Region they were up 37%, the UK up 7% and Asia Pacific up 3%. Sales in Europe and North America were lower year on year.
For the calendar year to date, Jaguar sold 35,992 vehicles, up 16% with sales in the China Region up 49%, North America up 16%, the UK up 10% and Asia Pacific up 7%. Europe sales were lower year on year and other overseas markets were up 7%.
Land Rover sold 32,381 vehicles, up 23% with strong performances across the range. In the China Region the brand was up 57%, North America up 29%, the UK up 17%, Asia Pacific up 14% and Europe up 13%. Other overseas markets were flat.
In the year to date, Land Rover has sold 164,786 vehicles up 13%. In the China Region they were up 45%, Asia Pacific up 17%, North America up 15%, Europe up 6% and the UK up 1%.
