Jaguar Still "Pondering" X-Type Future

Following recent UK dealer meetings, it has been revealed that at this late time Jaguar is still pondering the future of the X-Type, with nothing yet decided.

The X-Type is already discontinued in the US and other parts of the world, but is still on sale in the UK and Europe. The X-Type still has an active role in providing work for the Halewood factory in Merseyside, but Land Rover are in advanced stages with the design and build of the new LRX concept that could make production as early as 2010, the would take up production line capacity.

UK Jaguar dealers are still only selling small volumes of the X-Type and profit margins are slim on the model for dealers, but they admit that losing the X-Type would create a hole in the range, since Jaguar encouraged its dealer network to expand in 2001 for the extra volume the X-Type would bring, the dealers are at around the 100 mark, not far short of the number of Audi dealers at just over 130, but Audi dealers sell vastly more cars than Jaguar in the UK and have a much larger model line up.

Losing the X-Type permanently could mean Jaguar look to actively reduce the number of dealers it has in the UK, meaning the ones that remain would be able to sell more profitably. Other cars such as estate and coupe variants of the Jaguar XF may be introduced, alongside a possible 2 seat Porsche Boxster rivalling roadster, but these models would still retail around the £35k + point, and would not replace the sales volumes of a £20k car.

Latest Jaguar X-Type Deals

Jaguar UK, like every other major car manufacturer wants to sell as many cars as possible and we all know just how tough the new car market is at the moment. To help with this Jaguar has produced some dealer incentives on new Jaguar X-Type that give customers some extra discounts. Normally these are kept strictly secret, but a company insider has revealed them, and we are happy to tell you what they are, so that our UK customers have the best chance of getting a good deal.

It is important to remember that these extra offers do not apply to the Jaguar XF, the Jaguar XJ, the Jaguar XK, or the Jaguar XKR. We will be publishing these on our other Jaguar new sites, so keep your eyes peeled!

All of these offers are for new Jaguar X-Types only (not demos or pre registered cars) registered and delivered between 1st January and 31st March 2009.

Firstly, lets look at the extra cash discounts:

On the 'S' model either in 2.0 or 2.2 diesel form, there is an extra £750 available on top of usual dealer margins.
On the 'SE' model, again in 2.0 or 2.2 diesel, there is an extra £1,000 available on top of the dealer margin.
On the 'Sport Premium' models there is a complimentary upgrade form the SE model, which in real terms equates to a £1,500 extra discount on top of the dealer margin.
on the 2.0 litre and 2.2 litre diesel 'Sovereign' models there is an upgrade from the SE model available for only £1000, when previously it would be £2,500, effectively a £1,500 discount, and again on the 3.0 litre 'Sovereign' model theres a £1,500 discount above dealer margins.

There are also some very tasty finance options available, again only on brand new Jaguar X-Types registered in the UK between 1st January and 31st March 2009:

You have a choice of 0% interest free credit finance if you can put down a sizable 30% deposit on a 12-36 month Hire Purchase scheme, or 3.9% APR on the Jaguar Privilege PCP Scheme. Both of these will be subject to status and have the usual terms and conditions attached - we suggest you speak to your local approved Jaguar dealer for further information on this.

Now get down to your local UK Jaguar dealer and take advantage of these offers, just don't tell them where you got this information!!

Jaguar Announces 450 Job Losses

450 jobs to go at JLR

Jaguar announced on Wednesday that 300 permanent management positions and 150 salaried agency staff will go in the latest round of cuts. This is an effort to reduce costs in the current poor sales climate.

This is despite latest figures showing an increase in Jaguar Cars annual sales for 2008 from the SMMT, mainly from the new Jaguar XF. It is expected most of the cuts will be an the Land Rover side due to the disastrous figures it has posted (30% down), and caused by its lack of variety in a model range featuring purely 4x4's that have lost popularity due to the large size and weight, poor economy and environmental impact.

Jaguars corporate director Don Hume said "Our employees understand that Jaguar Land Rover functions as one company and that this move will help both companies’ positioning as we move forward"

It seems like Jaguar is suffering quite harshly from its ties to Land Rover, as Jaguar is expected to continue its strong sales having announced a range of new engines in the Jaguar XJ, the XF and the Jaguar XK range.