The Shanghai Auto Show marks the Asian debut for the all‑new Range Rover Sport on Saturday 20th April 2013. The Range Rover Sport is the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever.
Jaguar celebrated its unique sporting pedigree by showcasing the stunning all‑new Jaguar F‑TYPE together with the full Jaguar heritage bloodline of the C‑Type, D‑Type and E‑Type.
Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Land Rover, said: "Jaguar Land Rover is a strong, healthy and vibrant company with a truly global outlook. Europe is our largest sales region and China is now Jaguar Land Rover's biggest single market.
"Our commitment to Chinese customers is a business imperative and we are creating products that meet their desires. We are investing heavily in research and development of 'green' technologies. Improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions with innovative advanced technologies, hybrid engines, as well as our world‑leading lightweight aluminium engineering technology."
Bob Grace, President of Jaguar Land Rover China, said: "In 2012 China became Jaguar Land Rover's largest global market selling nearly 72,000 vehicles, up 71 per cent. This year, we have sustained our growth momentum, with year‑to‑date sales of nearly 22,000 vehicles.
"In addition to providing great new products, over the past three years we have been investing in our sales and aftersales infrastructure. We have worked with some of the strongest local dealer groups to develop an extensive dealer network in China with 163 authorized dealers, 116 of which are already in operation."
In March 2013 Jaguar Land Rover China delivered its best ever month retailing 8,487 units, up 22 per cent. Jaguar sold a record 1,592 cars, up 91 per cent and Land Rover continued its strong sales performance with 6,895 vehicles sold in the month, up 13 per cent.
To drive the Jaguar Land Rover business forward in China Jaguar Land Rover has a joint venture agreement with Chery Automobile and is building a new factory in Changshu. This will become Jaguar Land Rover's first ever, all‑new manufacturing facility outside of the UK.
Dr Speth added: "Our joint venture project with Chery Automobile will see us build vehicles in China, for China. We are on track towards starting vehicle production in late 2014 and we are actively sourcing Chinese suppliers that are supporting the construction of our factory and developing our component supply chain."
Ends
Notes to editors:
Land Rover at the Shanghai Autoshow:
- The Range Rover Sport ‑ the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever‑ will make its Asian debut following its global reveal in New York in March.
- The Sport's all‑new, aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of up to 420kg (like for like TDV6 engine) to bring agility and exceptional performance, with 15 per cent CO2 reduction and 24 per cent improved fuel economy.
- The car features a new suite of customer‑focused technologies and more flexible interior options.
Jaguar at the Shanghai Autoshow:
- Jaguar will showcase the full Jaguar heritage bloodline with the Jaguar C‑Type, D‑Type and E‑Type heritage vehicles and the new Jaguar F‑TYPE, the first two‑seater sports car from Jaguar since the E‑type was launched in 1961.
All Jaguar Land Rover images will be available to download at www.media.jaguarlandrover.com
All Jaguar Land Rover B‑Roll and film assets will be available to download at www.broadcast.jaguarlandrover.com
For further information please visit: http://newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com or contact:
Kay Francis, Director Global Corporate Communications
M: + 44 7867 537779 E: kfranci1@jaguarlandrover.com
Ken McConomy, Head of Corporate Relations
M: +44 7714 725 236
E: kmcconom@jaguarlandrover.com
Lisa Palmer, Senior Communications Officer
M: + 44 (0) 7557 540611 E: lpalmer1@jaguarlandrover.com
Nicola Rzeznik, Senior Communications Officer
M: +44 (0) 7736 912 266 E: nrzeznik@jaguarlandrover.com
