Seoul, South Korea: On behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, world renowned Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum today opened the press conference at the Seoul Motorshow.
Ian is making his first visit to Korea, which he describes as a dynamic and beautiful place. His visit is in recognition of the growing importance of the Korean market for Jaguar Land Rover. Ian will be introducing the market debut of Jaguar's first all‑new sports car in over 50 years, the F‑TYPE. Commenting on the F‑TYPE, Ian said: "This is our first two‑seater Jaguar sports car since the wonderful E‑Type. It showcases the best of British design, engineering and technological innovation. We now have our strongest range of products on the road for several decades.
"The F‑TYPE is the car for now. It is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar. It follows the ethos and design philosophy of exciting visual architecture and has beautiful lines and purity of surface"
The Seoul Motor Show saw the debut of two models from Jaguar: the F‑TYPE and the XJ Ultimate. Also displayed was the Jaguar E‑Type and from Land Rover the All‑New Range Rover.
The all‑new Range Rover ‑ the world's first SUV with a lightweight all‑aluminium monocoque body structure ‑ was presented to the growing market by Land Rover's Design Studio Director, Dave Saddington.
David McIntyre, MD South Korea said: "This is a very exciting Seoul Motor Show for our two brands; we have our latest products here on display. These products offer the highest levels of performance, luxury, and quality. But most importantly, they each have the type of highly distinct British design, exterior and interior, which make Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles so desirable."
Ian Callum's visit to Korea follows the release of a successful teaser video, which gave momentum in the lead up to the show and introduced him to the market. To view the video click here.
Jaguar Land Rover is performing strongly in the wider Asia Pacific region, with sales up 38% YoY, and plans to expand its presence in the region. South Korea is an important market for Jaguar Land Rover with February sales up 40% calendar YTD. The importance of Asia Pacific to Jaguar Land Rover is clear in its decision to open a dedicated sales office in the region, later this year.
Ends.
Notes to editors:
- South Korea is a growing market for Jaguar Land Rover with sales increasing by 34 % in 2012.
- Jaguar Land Rover will invest circa £2.75bn in its products and facilities in the financial year to March 2014.
- Jaguar Land Rover employs 25,000 people globally and sells vehicles in more than 170 countries around the world.
- Jaguar Land Rover has recruited almost 9,000 people in the last two years.
- Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for sustainable growth and profitability.
- In 2012, Jaguar Land Rover sold 357,773 vehicles, up 30%, proof of the positive customer response to our latest products.
- 12 months to 31 March 2012, Jaguar Land Rover generated PBT of £1.5bn with revenues of £13.5bn
For more information, please contact:
Ken McConomy, Head of Corporate Relations
M: +44 (0)7714 725 236 E: kmcconom@jaguarlandrover.com
Olivia Brook, Senior Communications Officer,
International
M: + 44 (0)7887 451616 E: obrook@jaguarlandrover.com
Kelly Mundee, Communications Officer
M: +44 (0)7880 182287 E: kmundee@jaguarlandrover.com