Jaguar’s 2008 Sales Increase

Jaguar’s 2008 Sales Increase

January 2009

Jaguar bucked the trend in 2008. It was one of only a small handful of automotive brands to increase its sales, both worldwide and in New Zealand.

Jaguar finished 2008 with sales of more than 65,000 cars globally – an increase of 8 percent over 2007. In New Zealand sales were up 7 percent from 140 in 2007 to 150 last year.

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Commenting on the company's performance, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's Managing Director, said: "Despite the challenging economic conditions, Jaguar made great progress last year. We introduced the all-new, award-winning Jaguar XF - voted 'Car of the Year' by two major UK magazines, and winner of more than 30 commendations around the world – which has attracted a huge number of new customers to Jaguar.”

It was the same in New Zealand, with the XF making almost half of the brand’s sales since its launch last May. The two most popular models were the 2.7 litre V6 turbo diesel and the naturally aspirated V8.

The XF has also picked up three major awards in New Zealand – NBR Car of the Year; NZ Company Vehicle magazine Executive Car of the Year and the NZ Autocar/AMI Luxury Car of the Year.

The turbo diesel models also made up half of New Zealand’s XJ and X-Type sales, while at the other end of the range, the XKR supercharged V8 coupe was the single most popular XK model.

"The XF underlines the progress we've made in developing exciting sporting cars that capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts the world over,” said Mr O’Driscoll. “Our cars are sold in more than 60 countries around the world. Our sales were up by more than 50% in Russia, 35% higher in the Middle East, and 25% better in China.”

“The good news continues in 2009,” said Wallis Dumper, Managing Director of Jaguar importer Motorcorp Distributors. “Jaguar has just announced the introduction of a new generation of diesel engines for the XF, with significantly more power and remarkably, greater fuel economy. Our beautiful fast cars just got a little bit faster.”

Along with Land Rover, Jaguar invests more than £400m on research and development. To date more than £800m has been spent on research and development of new environmental technologies. It is this investment that is helping Jaguar buck the downward trend.

"2009 is going to be challenging for many manufacturers but desirable cars will always sell and we are confident that Jaguar is the brand that kiwis will aspire to own.” said Mr. Dumper.

ENDS

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