Jaguar Land Rover post increased Q1 sales figures.

• JAGUAR LAND ROVER DELIVERS ITS STRONGEST EVER MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY SALES PERFORMANCE
• LAND ROVER BEST EVER MONTH AND QUARTER
• JAGUAR STRONG SALES PERFORMANCE

With sales of 53,772 in March and 115,504 for the first quarter of 2013, Jaguar Land Rover has recorded its best ever monthly and quarterly global sales performance up 16% and 17% respectively versus the prior year.

Jaguar demonstrated strong growth with sales of 9,856 in March up 28% and sales for the quarter of 20,210 up 31%. Land Rover meanwhile delivered the best single month and quarter in its 65 year history with March sales of 43,916, up 14% and quarter one sales of 95,294, up 15% versus 2012.

Phil Popham, Group Sales Operations Director for Jaguar Land Rover said: "Jaguar Land Rover has had a record breaking start to the year reflecting the continued interest in our two great brands and our commitment to delivering desirable products that resonate with customers across the globe.

“Jaguar Land Rover is seeing continued year on year growth following the introduction of new models, engines and drivetrains with the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, new Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque amongst our top selling models.”

March Sales Highlights

Jaguar Land Rover had a record month in the UK with sales of 17,784, up 14% on the previous best set in March 2012. Jaguar sales in the UK were up 21% primarily reflecting a 25% increase in XF sales with the XF Sportbrake accounting for 23% of all UK Jaguar sales for the month. Land Rover delivered 14,268 sales – a new record month – up 12%, reflecting continued strong demand across the range with, Freelander up 45%, Range Rover up 43% and Range Rover Evoque up 9%.

China delivered its best ever month retailing 8,487 units collectively, up 22%. Jaguar sold a record 1,592 cars, up 91%, reflecting the new 2.0l turbo and 3.0l supercharged petrol engines in the XJ and XF. Land Rover continued its strong sales performance with 6,895 vehicles sold in the month, up 13%.

North America delivered its best March performance since 2006 with sales of 6,453, up 6%. Jaguar sold 1,554 vehicles, up 11%, primarily reflecting the XF which was up 34% for the month following the introduction of the 3.0l and 2.0l petrol engines and an all-wheel drive option. Land Rover set a March record selling 4,899 vehicles, up 5%, reflecting a new monthly sales record for the Evoque, up 47% and continued strong demand for Range Rover Sport.

Despite economic uncertainty, Jaguar Land Rover continued to see strong performances in Europe with sales up 11%. Both brands had record March sales in Austria and Germany. In Austria, Jaguar was up 50% and Land Rover was up 70%. In Germany, Jaguar and Land Rover were up 51% and 16% respectively. Jaguar Land Rover also experienced strong growth in Italy up 36% and Netherlands up 34%.

Strong sales were recorded in a number of other overseas and developing markets. Best ever month records were set in Brazil up 136%, Korea up 74%, India up 28% and Russia up 9%. Best March performances were recorded in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) up 60% and South Africa up 39%.

Jaguar’s top five markets in March 2013 are UK – 3,516, China Region – 1,592, North America – 1,554, Germany – 656 and MENA – 275.

Land Rover’s top five markets in March 2013 are UK – 14,268, China – 6,895, North America – 4,899, Russia –2,174 and Germany -1,912

Quarter One Sale Performance (January to March)

Jaguar Land Rover global retail sales for Q1 2013 are 115,504 up 17 % - a new record
Jaguar global retail sales for Q1 2013 are 20,210 up 31 %
Land Rover global retail sales for Q1 2013 are 95,294 up 15 %

Jaguar Top Five Markets for Quarter One:

UK – 4,989 up 25%
China Region – 4,143 up 98%
North America – 3,855 up 11%
Germany – 1,273 up 54%
MENA – 790 up 32%
Land Rover Top Five markets for Quarter One

UK – 20,714 up 17%
China Region – 17, 584 up 11%
North America – 13,758 up 17%
Germany – 4,543 up 19%
Russia – 4,500 up 4%
Jaguar Land Rover:

Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for sustainable growth and profitability.
In 2012, Jaguar Land Rover sold 357,773 vehicles, up 30%
Jaguar Land Rover will invest circa £2.75bn in its products and facilities in the financial year to March 2014.
One of the UK's largest exporters by value (£8.2bn in 2011) and generates in the region of 85% of its revenue from exports.
12 months to 31 March 2012, Jaguar Land Rover generated profit before tax of £1.5bn with revenues of £13.5bn