Tata Not Developing SUV, Gives Go Signal for Jaguar XF Offshoot
Tata Motors Ltd. released its plans to have Jaguar in the upmarket veering away from plans of the previous owner, Ford Motor Co., to increase volume. Tata is inclined to produce a derivative of the XF but is not going for an SUV.
According to dealers who met with Tata top executives, Jaguar is lining up production of three new cars. This may include an XF sedan, which may come as a roadster and coupe, a sports car, and a luxury car. Details about the design or engineering of the vehicles were not revealed.
An SUV development was warded off by Jaguar since one will compete with the brand Land Rover which is also owned by Ratan Tata. The SUV also doesn’t fit the overall picture that the new owner has envisioned for Jaguar, to move up in the luxury car market place.
The roadster being developed by Jaguar will be positioned behind the line of XK that has a sticker of approximately $79000. The car will be shorter than the XK. It is primarily targeting the market of Porsche 911, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Porsche Boxter.
Dealers have seen the models of the XJ and have no comments but praises for the redesigned vehicle. The XJ is expected to head the Jaguar range in its thrust to regain footing on the upper end of the market.
There are also callings for the production of vehicles that can compete with the 3 Series of BMW. Jaguar’s X Type was the volume car but the company has stopped production last December of 2007.
Without the X Type, the Jaguar sales figures are down by 3%. They only sold 12575 units through this year compared to 2003 figures of over 46K units sold through October.