NOVEMBER SALES - CANADA - JLR - Huge gains give JLR best november for many years.

• Jaguar Land Rover Canada marked its best November sales month ever with  sales of 656 units
• Land Rover  recorded its best November sales month ever with an increase of 8 percent over 2013
• Jaguar sales, fuelled by a 156% increase in F-Type sales, resulted in the best November sales month since 2005

Jaguar Land Rover Canada today reported November 2014 sales: Jaguar sales were 105 units, up 3 percent from November 2013; Land Rover sales reached 551 units, up 8 percent from November 2013. Jaguar Land Rover Canada November sales for both brands were 656 units, an 8 percent increase from November 2013.

"Despite the early return of the "polar vortex", Jaguar Land Rover Canada achieved another record sales month," said Lindsay Duffield, President, Jaguar Land Rover Canada.  Customers love the new F-Type models as demonstrated by November's 156% increase year over year.  And winter conditions are perfect for all of our all-wheel drive Jaguar and Land Rover models."

BRAND HIGHLIGHTS:

Jaguar

In November, Jaguar sales increased 3 percent, resulting in  the best November sales total since 2005. The Jaguar F-TYPE was the Jaguar growth leader with a 156 percent increase compared with November 2013.

The 2016MY F-TYPE, featuring a new R Convertible model, as well as Instinctive All-Wheel Drive™ and a Manual transmission variant, were unveiled earlier this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show and go on sale in the spring of 2015.

The 2015 Jaguar line-up features:

• Instinctive All-Wheel Drive™ - Available on both the XF and XJ
• Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ
• Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models
• Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models

The 2015 Jaguar line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by a 340-hp supercharged V6 all-wheel-drive, a 470-hp supercharged V8 or a 550-hp supercharged V8 in the XJR model. The Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by a 240-hp turbocharged four cylinder, a 340-hp supercharged V6 in all-wheel-drive, a 510-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR, and a 550-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR-S. The XK coupe and convertible grand touring cars are powered by either a 510-hp supercharged V8 in the XKR and the 550-hp XKR-S coupe and convertible.  

The 2015 model year Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupe, with a 550hp 5-litre supercharged V8 engine, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 300 km/h.  The Coupe is also available in a 340-hp and 380-hp models. The Convertible comes in three variants, 340-hp F-TYPE, 380-hp F-TYPE S and 495-hp F-TYPE V8 S.

Land Rover

In November, Land Rover brand reached 551 units for the highest November sales ever.  Range Rover Sport sales were up 29 percent compared with November, 2013, based on exceptionally strong demand for this all new model, while the Land Rover LR4 achieved a 100 percent increase year-over-year.

Land Rover's 2015 model year line-up features six models: The 240-hp 2.0 litre powered LR2 and Range

Rover Evoque and the recently revealed Discovery Sport (on sale Spring 2015); the updated LR4 powered by a supercharged 340-hp V6; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the 340-hp V6 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 powertrains.

USA - Land Rover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, The best 4x4xFar.

• Land Rover Discovery Sport will make its U.S. debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.
• Land Rover will debut its 2015 model year line up at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Also, making its U.S. debut will be the new Discovery Sport, a versatile premium compact SUV that is the first member of the new Discovery vehicle family.

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2015 Discovery Sport will deliver a highly refined combination of performance, safety and efficiency thanks to a body shell of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, a 240hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A dynamic design with a compact footprint provides optional seven-passenger seating in a "5+2" configuration.

This U.S. debut marks another significant milestone in the product offensive for Jaguar Land Rover which will see the company deliver 50 significant product actions over the next five years. New Land Rover innovations debut in the Discovery Sport, including available Autonomous Emergency Braking³ and a new touchscreen infotainment system⁴. Pricing will begin at $37,995²_.

2015 Range Rover

Following the 2014 debut of the most luxurious Range Rover variants ever, the long-wheelbase model and the Autobiography Black, the Range Rover gains further enhancements for 2015. The long-wheelbase version is now also available in the HSE trim; in its introductory year, it was available only in Supercharged and Autobiography variants. 

The long-wheelbase Range Rover models have 7.3-inches more rear seat legroom than standard-wheelbase models and when equipped with the optional executive seating package, an increased seatback recline of 17 degrees. Pricing starts at $83,495².

2015 Range Rover Sport

The new-generation Range Rover Sport, which already established its performance credentials by setting a record for SUVs climbing Pikes Peak (12 min, 35.61 sec.), generates even more excitement for 2015 with the introduction of the ultra-performance Range Rover Sport SVR model. 

Created by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team, the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR is the highest-performance Land Rover vehicle ever, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and achieving an electronically limited top track speed of 162 mph². The SVO team also specially tuned the ZF® 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive chassis to give the Range Rover Sport SVR exceptional agility while also preserving all-terrain capability.

Developed alongside the new-generation Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport delivers exceptional on-road dynamics with genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The Range Rover Sport presents an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior, and the practical flexibility provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating for occasional use. Pricing starts at $63,525².

2015 Land Rover LR4

Land Rover, which last year re-powered the LR4 with a new supercharged V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, for 2015 has equipped this full-capability luxury SUV with available Land Rover InControl^®Apps and smartphone integration⁴. The new system brings the familiarity of compatible smartphone apps into the vehicle, with access from a connected phone through the standard touchscreen. 

The 2015 LR4 also adds the convenience of new standard side steps, and a choice of two different 4WD systems introduced for 2014 continues in the 2015 LR4. Pricing starts at $50,400².

2015 Land Rover LR2

The 2015 Land Rover LR2 will offer two special Value Edition packages and a special-value audio upgrade. Unique in the compact luxury SUV segment, the LR2 offers the brand's renowned off-road capability in a vehicle that provides outstanding on-road ride comfort and agility. 

The combination of full-time intelligent four-wheel drive and the renowned Land Rover Terrain Response^®control system gives the 240hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission the ability to take trails unsuitable for some luxury crossovers³. 

Standard amenities in all LR2 models include grained leather seating with an eight-way power driver's seat and six-way power front passenger seat, along with a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. Pricing starts at $36,660².

2015 Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque, which gained advanced new driveline technologies and driver assistance features for 2014, enters 2015 with available Reverse Traffic Detection on vehicles equipped with Blind Spot Monitor, and adding Perpendicular Park to vehicles with Advanced Park Assist³. The compact Range Rover Evoque stays true to the core brand values by providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and multi-terrain capability. 

Available in five-door and coupe versions, the Range Rover Evoque provides generous interior legroom and headroom, a practical trunk, plus highly capable off-road geometry and ground clearance. Pricing begins at $41,100² for the Five-door Range Rover Evoque and $45,100² for the Range Rover Evoque Coupe.

InControlApps^TM - the ultimate for in-car connectivity

Jaguar Land Rover has announced the first wave of third party apps for its innovative new smartphone integration platform - InControl Apps™ - which has been developed in conjunction with BOSCH SoftTec.

Jaguar Land Rover has worked closely with leading third party app developers to enable an initial suite of Android™ and iOS™ compatible applications that will greatly enhance the in-vehicle user experience for customers⁴.

¹ All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.

² Price shown is MSRP. Excludes $925 destination and handling charge, taxes, title, license, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.

³ These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc.  Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving.  Please consult owner's manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.

⁴Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.

USA - New Land Rover Experience opens in West Hollywood, The new Discovery Sport is its main attraction.

Land Rover Experience L.A. Opens In West Hollywood Offering An Urban All-Terrain Drive Course And Introduces The New Discovery Sport

- Land Rover Experience L.A. offers consumers a full brand immersion and urban all-terrain vehicle demonstration course* in West Hollywood, November 19-23

- Land Rover Discovery Sport makes first U.S. appearance prior to its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19

Land Rover revealed today its plans to open the Land Rover Experience L.A. on the central plaza of the Pacific Design Center, in the heart of West Hollywood, Calif at an opening reception taking place tomorrow, November 18.  The five day activation will give consumers an engaging immersion into the Land Rover brand including its Land Rover Adventures program, latest vehicles, brand partnerships and merchandise.

The Land Rover Experience L.A. will introduce the new Discovery Sport, a versatile premium compact SUV that is the first member of the new Discovery vehicle family, to a gathered crowd tomorrow evening prior to its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The auto show will open to the press on November 19-20 and to the public on Friday, November 21.

"Creating this unique experience in the L.A. area gives our current and future customers an opportunity to learn more about the Land Rover brand and test the all-terrain capability of our SUVs all without leaving the city," said Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America. 

"This Land Rover Experience also gives L.A. customers a chance to preview the newest Land Rover SUV, the Discovery Sport, months before it goes on sale next year."

The Discovery Sport offers a dynamic design with a compact footprint enabling optional seven-passenger seating in a "5+2" configuration. The 2015 Discovery Sport will deliver a highly refined combination of performance, safety and efficiency thanks to a body shell of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, a 240hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

This U.S. debut marks another significant milestone in the product offensive for Jaguar Land Rover which will see the company deliver 50 significant product actions over the next five years. New Land Rover innovations debut in the Discovery Sport, including available Autonomous Emergency Braking¹ and a new touchscreen infotainment system³. Pricing will begin at $37,995².

The Land Rover demonstration course will host vehicle obstacles intended to showcase the breadth of capability of its model line-up and the vehicles' arsenal of technology. 

The course obstacles are designed to highlight the latest Land Rover Terrain Response® system that optimizes the vehicles for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit specific terrain demands: general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl. 

Amongst a variety of challenging obstacles, the course will feature a rock crawling obstacle designed to showcase the vehicle's composure on rocky surfaces, in addition to showing the articulation benefits of Land Rover's suspension systems.

Guests will have an opportunity to drive the 2014 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover LR4 over the custom-built course with a professional Land Rover Driving Instructor as co-pilot.  The course will run 10am-6pm, from Wednesday, November 19 to Sunday, November 23, 2014. To register for Land Rover Experience L.A.

The consumer experience will include a showcase of the latest offerings of Land Rover branded merchandise and details of recently announced brand partnerships.  Information on the brand's Adventure driving programs that feature a range of driving events and expeditions in the latest Land Rover models will also be highlighted.  

Following a recently announced clothing collaboration with the British icon, Barbour, Land Rover will offer a collection of men's and women's outerwear for Autumn/Winter 2014. The partnership is the first time the two brands have officially collaborated, and this will be the first clothing collaboration for Land Rover. To highlight the collaboration, a giant replica of a pair of Union Jack Wellie Boots will adorn the central plaza. 

Vehicles on display during the event include a 2014 Range Rover that took part in the epic 1,100-mile Great Divide Expedition this past August.  A fleet of stock unmodified 2014 Range Rover vehicles traveled unpaved roads and 4x4 trails along a portion of the original Great Divide route to demonstrate Land Rover's continued leadership at providing off-road capability with exceptional luxury.

A Land Rover LR4 will be also be displayed highlighting the recently commissioned Land Rover adventure thriller The Vanishing Game, a new interactive, digital book written by internationally acclaimed British author William Boyd.  

This full-length, original online adventure thriller from the best-selling novelist follows protagonist Alec Dunbar on a suspenseful driving adventure from London to a remote part of Scotland.  Consumers can experience the story, which is brought to life through an interactive platform that invites readers to go beyond its words and fully experience the adventure in an innovative multi-media manner, on a custom Tumblr page at www.thevanishinggame.com. 

USA - Land Rover awarded twin awards at the 2015 ALG Residual Value Awards.

• Land Rover awarded for "Best Premium Brand"
• The 2015 Range Rover awarded "Best Premium Midsize Utility Vehicle"

Land Rover North America is proud to announce that the luxury automotive brand has been honored with two 2015 ALG Residual Value Awards for "Best Premium Brand" and "Best Midsize Utility Vehicle - 2 Row" for the 2015 Range Rover Sport. ALG is the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. This marks the ninth win in ten years for the Range Rover Sport.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Awards are given in 26 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all premium vehicles. This year's awards are based on 2015 model year vehicles.

"For Land Rover to be named Best Premium Brand by ALG in such a competitive segment is a real honor and testament to the quality, design and value we provide with each model in our family of vehicles, said Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America. "We're also thrilled to see the Range Rover Sport win its ninth award, proving to be our strongest residual value model, as well as the best-selling model for Land Rover here in the U.S."

The second-generation Range Rover Sport is the fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover vehicle ever. The Range Rover Sport delivers exceptional on-road dynamics with genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The technologically advanced Range Rover Sport presents an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior and the practical flexibility provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating for occasional use.

In 2013, Land Rover set a new full year sales record, up 15 percent on the prior year following an incredible performance from Range Rover Sport which was close to equaling its prior record set in 2007. For 2014 CYTD, the Land Rover brand sales are now up 6 percent.

"Land Rover's extremely strong brand stands for unparalleled capability paired with ultimate luxury. This brand equity helps maintain strategies like low incentives that help to bolster residual values year after year," said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. "In addition, the Range Rover Sport has had a remarkable run of Residual Value Awards, with nine in the past decade, it's one of the best examples of Land Rover's mix of luxury, style and capability over any terrain."

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts.

Jaguar Land Rover new plant in China, More details on interior set up.

Marking the commencement of production of the first ever Sino-British premium automotive joint venture, Chery Jaguar Land Rover officially opened its plant in Changshu, Jiangsu Province last month as it formally moved into full business operation.

The 50-50 joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover bore fruits two years after it took roots. At an investment of 10.9 billion yuan (US$1.77 billion), after 5 million man hours on construction and equipment installation, with almost 250,000 meters of piling and over 25,000 tons of steel, the plant has been established as one of the world's most advanced and efficient automobile manufacturing facilities, and the first full-scale manufacturing facility of Jaguar Land Rover outside the UK.

The factory covers a total space of 811,300 square meters and the buildings occupy 376,000 square meters or equivalent to 52 Wembley football pitches or 6 "Bird Nest" Stadiums. The plant is capable of producing 130,000 vehicles annually at its initial stage.

The plant inauguration came along with the official roll-off of the locally produced Range Rover Evoque. As the first member of the joint venture's product family, this popular premium SUV model is expected to hit the market early next year. By 2016, the plant will be producing three Jaguar Land Rover models.

"The plant opening marks the completion of our start-up phase of which we are incredibly proud, and now we will continue to build with the same passion and pride, to realize our goal to be the premium automotive manufacturer inspiring excellence in China's automotive industry," said Chris Bryant, President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover.

Equipped with state-of-the-art press, body, paint, trim and final workshops, a quality center and an engine plant, Chery Jaguar Land Rover aims to set a new benchmark of production efficiency and quality.

Two top-notch press lines, one as the fastest press line in the world, and the other as the fastest mechanical press line in China, enable the press shop to process both steel and aluminum materials at world-class rates. Boasting an automation rate of up to 85 percent, the body shop has 306 robots in place to undertake welding work to pursue higher quality and more stable automobile bodies. At the paint shop, an advanced dry Scrubber Spray system helps to recycle 95 percent of air, enabling 60 percent energy savings of the Spray Booth. And a sophisticated decking system applied in trim and final shop with a fully automatic marriage process includes the application of a dynamic strut movement and locating system, which is firstly created in China.

The plant's quality center put in use industry-leading three-coordinate chamber, Hydro-Pulse and environmental chamber, and world-class air tightness standards. Over the past two years, the company has been helping local suppliers develop their capabilities to meet its global quality standards. And it sent key workers from Changshu to UK for comprehensive training to make sure they fully understand the system and process required to deliver world-class quality products.

The quality of the products must be as good as that of those imported from the UK, the company said, which aims to take a steady pace to increase its manufacturing localization rate.

The company's research and development center, with over 290 experienced engineers already on board, are working closely with Jaguar Land Rover's team in UK to optimize product development, from product planning, project management, process, system and engineering applications, trial production, testing for finished vehicles, product localization design, improvement of emission and engine performance to new energy development.

"With the continuous support from our parent companies, the local government, our suppliers, dealers and all other business partners, we will continue to offer excellent world-class quality products and services to Chinese customers, enabling them to enjoy the unique premium automotive brand experience that they most desire," said Zhu Guohua, Deputy President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover.

JLR opens new engine plant in Wolverhampton UK, now the expansions can begin.

• Britain’s leading premium automotive manufacturer officially opens the doors to its new world-class Engine Manufacturing Centre.
• Jaguar Land Rover brings engine manufacturing in-house for the first time in a generation.
• The new £500m Engine Manufacturing Centre cements Jaguar Land Rover’s position as the UK’s leading automotive investor.
• Facility supports regional regeneration with 1,400 jobs created.

Jaguar Land Rover today marked a seminal moment in its history with the official opening of its new Engine Manufacturing Centre. The £500m facility, announced in September 2011, represents a significant step in Jaguar Land Rover’s strategic investment programme and will see engines being produced in-house for the first time in a generation.

Located near Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, the Engine Manufacturing Centre is home to the Ingenium engine family which will power a new generation of Jaguar Land Rover products designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK. This starts with the 2.0-litre diesel, which rolls off the production line early next year, destined for the new Jaguar XE.

Commenting on the opening Dr. Ralf Speth said: “The Engine Manufacturing Centre represents all that is great about British engineering.

“Jaguar Land Rover is a business driven by design, technology and innovation and this investment and level of job creation is yet further evidence of our commitment to advancing the capability of the UK automotive sector and its supply chain."

With a vision to set a new global benchmark for excellence in engine manufacturing, Jaguar Land Rover is drawing on the expertise of 2,000 powertrain engineers who have been inspired by the company’s 70-year heritage in the design and development of iconic engines. These engineers, together with the new 1,400 strong team at the Engine Manufacturing Centre, will deliver the next generation of highly efficient, ultra-low emission 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Jaguar Land Rover broke ground on the i54 Business Park site in June 2012. Today, the 100,000 square metre, state-of-the-art facility, houses an engine-testing centre alongside manufacturing and assembly halls, and meets the highest standards of sustainable production.

Awarded a rating of ‘excellent’ by BREEAM, for sustainable buildings, the facility is home to the largest rooftop solar panel installation in the UK, comprising no fewer than 21,000 individual panels. It is estimated that these panels will generate more than 30% of the plant’s energy requirements - providing the same amount of energy required to power 1,600 homes.

Commenting on the importance of the Engine Manufacturing Centre, Trevor Leeks, Operations Director at the site said: “I am proud to be leading the world-class team who will bring years of hard work to fruition as we execute the flawless launch of Jaguar Land Rover’s first in-house engines in a generation.

“Our new Engine Manufacturing Centre is an important step in advancing the competitiveness and capability of the UK automotive sector. The production of in-house engines will support the expansion of the UK supply chain providing critical mass for inward investment.”

Jaguar Land Rover will NOT cut back production in the UK, once China plant comes on stream.

Range Rover Evoque production in China will not reduce output at the UK factory where the SUV is also built, the plant’s operations director said.

The Evoque is the first local production model built in Jaguar Land Rover’s new 130,000-unit-a-year factory in Changshu, about 110km (70 miles) northwest of Shanghai.

The compact premium SUV's main production plant is in Halewood, northwest England, where it is produced alongside the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which likely will be the second model built at the Changshu factory.

Last year 180,000 Evoques and Freelanders were built at the Halewood factory, putting it at maximum capacity use, plant boss Richard Else said. Halewood has just began production of the Discovery Sport, which replaces the Freelander early next year.

Else said growth in China’s premium SUV market means there is enough work for both plants. “We don’t envisage any reduction of volume. China is very much about growth,” he told Automotive News Europe at a press event at the Halewood factory.

IHS Automotive forecasts that Chinese demand for premium SUVs will double to 1.2 million units by 2020, with 18 brands competing for market share.

JLR aims to capture 10 percent of the premium SUV market with the Land Rover brand, JLR’s China boss Bob Grace, said at the Changshu factory’s opening ceremony on Monday. The $1.8 billion plant is JLR’s first full-scale assembly facility outside the UK and has been built with joint venture partner Chery Automobile.

The Evoque is JLR’s best-selling vehicle in China, and the country has accounted for one in five of the SUV’s sales since its launch in 2011.

JLR sold 62,479 vehicles in China in the first half, representing almost one in four of the company’s global sales. The company expects to sell 120,000 cars this year in China, which is already its biggest market

Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralph Speth said on Monday that the carmaker plans to build three models in China by 2016, including a Jaguar.

Land Rover has struggled to keep pace with huge demand for its newest products. One recent fix was to include some Range Rover Sport production on the new Jaguar XE's assembly line in Solihull, central England.

Demand for the Evoque at its launch in 2011 was so great that Halewood moved to 24-hour working for the first time since it opened in 1962.

JLR has installed a new press line at Halewood at a cost of 45 million pounds (57 million euros) to speed up pressing of parts ahead of the launch of the Discovery Sport. Halewood makes 80 percent of pressed steel and aluminum parts for Jaguar Land Rover’s three UK factories.

JLR, owned by India’s Tata Motors, sold a record 425,006 vehicles in 2013, up 19 per cent on the year before.

JLR currently builds cars from kits in India, and has also announced plans to build a plant in Brazil with production scheduled for 2016. Speth said in September that the company was in talks to build a plant in Saudi Arabia.

JLR has not denied or confirmed media reports that it is in talks to build a plant in the United States.

Nick Gibbs

Jaguar Land Rover to expand into the USA with a new production facility ?

Jaguar Land Rover is in talks to build a factory in the United States, a British newspaper report said.

JLR did not confirm or deny the report. A spokesman told Automotive News Europe that the company "is looking at how it can expand its footprint globally and there are various options on the table."

The UK luxury automaker is talking with several southern U.S. states including South Carolina about financial support for a factory that would eventually produce 200,000 vehicles a year, the Sunday Times reported.

A U.S. plant would enable JLR to avoid import tariffs and smoothen the impact fluctuating currency rates, the paper said.

Jaguar Land Rover has been expanding its product lineup and global presence since Tata Motors bought the automaker from Ford Motor in 2008.

The company will open its first factory in China tomorrow. The plant in Changshu, northeast of Shanghai, is a joint venture partner with Chery Automobile and is the company’s first full-scale production facility outside of its UK base.

JLR will also open a factory in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2016.

 Nick Gibbs

Land Rover details what to expect on the Virgin Galactic space flight.

• New film provides breath-taking detail on space flights
• Detailed footage shows what budding astronauts will experience
• Land Rover is offering four friends the chance to win a space flight with Virgin Galactic

Land Rover has released exclusive new detail on what budding astronauts can expect to experience on a Virgin Galactic space flight.

The short film has been created as part of Land Rover's 'Galactic Discovery' competition, which offers four friends a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a trip to space. Worth over US$1million, the top prize will see the winners take a one-week trip to the US, where they will undergo three days of training and preparation at the Foster + Partners designed Spaceport America in New Mexico, before taking a Mach 3.5 ride to space in Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, experiencing out of seat weightlessness and life changing views of planet Earth.

Gabi Whitfield, Global PR director for Land Rover said: "We knew the appetite for space travel would be huge around the world but also that this is still an area most people know very little about. We wanted to give our competition entrants as much detail as possible on the prize, to get them really excited about this once-in-a-lifetime experience”

The film shows footage of the test flights undertaken by Virgin Galactic to date, alongside CGI animation of the zero gravity experience. The voiceover provides a step by step account of the planned Virgin Galactic space experience from arrival at Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space facility at Spaceport America, to the Mach 3.5 vertical rocket ride into the black sky of space and the return to Earth.

Narration comes from Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Operations, Mike Moses. He leads the team in all aspects of safe and successful space flight operations, including WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo vehicle processing, planning, training and flight crew operations. Mike came to VG after a distinguished career with NASA where amongst other things he chaired the Mission Management Team providing the ultimate space shuttle launch decision authority.

The film also shows Spaceport America in New Mexico, featuring the Norman Foster-designed Gateway to Space building which will become the home for Virgin Galactic space travel once commercial operations go live. This is the second film released in the last few weeks to showcase the facility, the other being the Land Rover Discovery Sport and competition launch film. Land Rover created this footage to bring the consumer one step closer to personal space travel, something anyone now has a chance to experience with Virgin Galactic through the incredible Galactic Discovery competition.

The exclusive ‘Winner Experience’ video can be seen here – www.landrover.com/gotospace