Apparently JLR's woes are because of China, yet this week they announced massive results... mmmm

Weak demand for sleek Jaguars in China battered the profits of its parent Tata Motors, showing that the company lacked agility in a market where the appetite for luxury has ebbed.

Tata's net profit for the fiscal fourth quarter, published late on Tuesday, fell a worse-than-expected 56 percent, and India's largest carmaker by revenue also held back dividends for the first time since 2002.

Most of the decline in profits reflected key unit Jaguar Land Rover's weakness in China, where automakers are under pressure to cut prices to counter slower economic growth -- a move some analysts say is unlikely to be reversed any time soon.

Analysts say Tata Motors needs to do the same to revive volumes, though the company has no plans yet to follow suit.

"It is quite clear we will see a certain slowdown in the [China] market and we read that many competitors are going to reduce prices," company CEO Ralf Speth told analysts Tuesday, adding that the company would not be among the first to cut prices.

Slumping sales

Sales of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in China, its biggest market, fell 20 percent in the first three months of 2015, when overall car sales in China grew 3.9 percent. That compares with Jaguar Land Rover's sales increase of 36 percent in the same quarter a year ago.

"Cutting prices will most likely bring back volumes. Whether or not they will do it is a matter of timing," said James Chao, Asia chief of IHS Automotive.

Given inventory accumulating on dealership lots, Jaguar Land Rover will need to cut its price tags eventually, whether directly or through discounts offered to dealers.

The luxury brand cut prices on some models in August, prompted by an anti-monopoly probe by the Chinese government, but its models are still more expensive than German rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The higher pricing worked in Jaguar Land Rover's favor when the Chinese economy was stronger and people were willing to pay the premium associated with imported cars, says Chao, but it is now hurting.

Made in China

Automakers have fought lower prices with increased local components and cheaper models. Jaguar Land Rover commenced sales of the locally produced Range Rover Evoque in February but its price is still not low enough.

The Evoque has a starting price of 448,000 yuan ($72,294). By contrast, the Audi Q5 starts at 358,000 yuan, while the Mercedes GLK retails for 378,000 yuan. The Q5 and GLG both are locally made.

Jaguar Land Rover hopes to revive sales with the new Jaguar XE, nicknamed baby Jag, in the crucial small luxury niche. The XE has a competitive price, but analysts note that it will lower profit margins.

Tata also faces challenges in the slow ramp-up of production at its Chinese assembly plant, a joint venture with local partner Chery Automobile Co. Troubles there have forced some analysts to downgrade their sales outlook for Jaguar Land Rover in China.

REPORT HERE

Jaguar launches a new better for value model, the XFR-Sport Black, a run out model maybe ?

The Jaguar XF range now offers better value for money than ever thanks to a host of enhanced trim packages and the addition of a brand new derivative: the R-Sport Black.

Featuring a comprehensive list of specification enhancements, including 20” Black Kalimnos alloy wheels and 770w Meridian Surround Sound system, the R-Sport Black offers an additional £8,770 worth of value over standard R-Sport models for just a £2,100 increase to its On-the-Road price.

The Jaguar XF is a firm favourite with car buyers, with sales increasing every year since launch. It recorded its best year of sales to date in 2014, and helped to drive Jaguar to its strongest full year performance in nearly a decade. 

Jaguar Land Rover Managing Director Jeremy Hicks said: “The XF combines style, luxury, comfort and the kind of sporty drive that only Jaguars deliver. That’s why it has always been popular with customers – and, thanks to the addition of R-Sport Black and our 2015 range enhancements, it now offers even better value for money.”

All models in the XF saloon and Sportbrake range now come with Winter Comfort Pack and Parking Pack as standard. That means all models get heated seats and windscreen plus front parking sensors and a rear camera. In addition, higher specification Portfolio, Diesel S Portfolio, XFR and XFR-S variants now all benefit from Blind Spot Monitor as standard, while most models in the range gain upgraded alloy wheels.

To streamline the range, SE, SE Business and Premium Luxury trim levels have been discontinued, as have the 3.0-litre V6 petrol and 240PS 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel engines. As a result, the range now starts with the generously specified Luxury trim.

Specification changes:

Luxury

As well as getting the Winter Comfort Pack and Parking Pack as standard, all Luxury models now also come with Gloss Dark Oak veneer. 200PS models also get upgraded from 17” Ursa alloys to new 18” Manra wheels – although cars with the 163PS engine retain the smaller wheels to keep their CO₂ emissions to 129g/km. The extra equipment represents an additional £1,870 worth of value, with just a small On-the-Road price increase of £600 on 200PS models and £500 on 163PS variants.

R-Sport

All R-Sport models now come with Winter Comfort Pack, Parking Pack and the 380w Meridian Audio system as standard. All versions also now come with the Gloss Dark Oak veneer. 200PS models get 19” Grey Aquila wheels instead of the 18” Lyra alloys. In total, R-Sport variants now benefit from £2,460 worth of extra value for a small On-the-Road price increase of £800 on the 200PS models and £700 on 163PS cars.

New R-Sport Black

Available exclusively with the 2.2-litre turbocharged 200PS diesel engine, the new R-Sport Black derivative features a range of equipment and aesthetic enhancements as standard. These include: 20” Black Kalimnos alloy wheels, Black Pack, 770w Meridian Surround Sound system, full bond-grain leather upholstery and 18way Sports seats with memory function. 

R-Sport Black models come with a choice of five no-cost paint colours: Kyanite Blue, Italian Racing Red, Glacier White, Ultimate Black and Stratus Grey - with the Kyanite Blue option limited to just 100 units. In total, these models benefit from £8,770 worth of added upgrades over R-Sport models for a price premium of just £2,100.

Portfolio

The price for luxurious Portfolio spec cars has been reduced by £3,500. Despite this, it now benefits from the addition of the Parking Pack, Blind Spot Monitor and 19” Artura wheels as standard equipment, while 20” Hydra and Silver Draco alloys have been added to the option list. Suedecloth headliner and metallic paint are no longer standard, plus Portfolio models now come with the 380w Meridian system.

Diesel S Portfolio

Diesel S Portfolio models retain Suedecloth headliner, metallic paint and the 770w Meridian Surround Sound system but now also benefit from the full Parking Aid Pack and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment. That’s an additional £960 worth of value with no On-the-Road price increase.

XFR

The ferocious XFR gets a host of new spec as standard, including: stainless steel pedals, Speed Pack, Rear View Camera, Blind Spot Monitor and Red Brake Calipers. The extra equipment represents £3,760 worth of added value with no On-the-Road price increase.

XFR-S

The range-topping XFR-S now comes as standard with Rear View Camera and Blind Spot Monitor. The On-the-Road price hasn’t increased but the extra equipment is worth £860.

2015 Jaguar XF UK prices

Trim level	Engine	Body style	OTR price
XF Luxury	2.2 i4 163PS	Saloon	£33,445
	2.2 i4 200PS	Saloon	£34,550
	2.2 i4 163PS	Sportbrake	£35,945
	2.2 i4 200PS	Sportbrake	£37,050
XF R-Sport	2.2 i4 163PS	Saloon	£34,695
	2.2 i4 200PS	Saloon	£36,250
	2.2 i4 163PS	Sportbrake	£37,195
	2.2 i4 200PS	Sportbrake	£38,750
XF R-Sport Black	2.2 i4 200PS	Saloon	£38,350
	2.2 i4 200PS	Sportbrake	£40,850
XF Portfolio	2.2 i4 163PS	Saloon	£37,195
	2.2 i4 200PS	Saloon	£38,700
	2.2 i4 163PS	Sportbrake	£39,695
	2.2 i4 200PS	Sportbrake	£41,200
XF Diesel S Portfolio	3.0 V6 275PS	Saloon	£49,515
	3.0 V6 275PS	Sportbrake	£51,995
XFR	5.0 V8 510PS	Saloon	£65,440
XFR-S	5.0 V8 550PS	Saloon	£79,995
	5.0 V8 550PS	Sportbrake	£82,495

USA RECALL 8 - 81 Jaguar XF models recalled for possible Power Assisted Steering Issues.

SUMMARY:

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 XF (XFR-S) vehicles manufactured July 2, 2013, to April 11, 2014. A component within the Power Assist Steering system (PAS) may collapse and restrict fluid flow within the PAS hose causing a loss of power steering.

CONSEQUENCE:

The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved PAS hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is J042.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

USA - Jaguar performance driving acadamy announces 2014-2015 schedule.

• Jaguar Performance Driving Academy provides drivers with skills needed to unleash the full potential of Jaguar performance models in a controlled track environment

• Academy courses available at Monticello Motor Club, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Sonoma Raceway

• All courses include vehicles, instructors and reception

• Complimentary Level One course available to qualifying Jaguar R vehicle owners as well as a purchase option for driving enthusiasts. Level Two and Three courses available for purchase.

It’s not often that drivers can unlock the full potential of a performance vehicle. To explore the performance capabilities of Jaguar cars, a host of new track courses will be offered by the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy. Jaguar vehicle owners and enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to experience the true power of the Jaguar XFR, XJR, XKR and the new F-TYPE R Coupe.

Under the guidance of highly experienced driving instructors, participants will explore the hidden potential of Jaguar vehicles while learning the skills and techniques necessary to safely experience performance driving.

Three course levels will be offered at the academy.

Level One includes autocross exercises, a handling oval and on-track lead-follow exercises to learn racing lines. Offered as a morning or afternoon session, Level One is complimentary to U.S. Jaguar vehicle owners who have purchased a select Jaguar performance model¹within the past 12 months. Levels One, Two and Three are also available for purchase by qualifying auto enthusiasts who wish to take part in this exhilarating track experience.

Available to participants that have previously completed Level One, Level Two is a full day session that provides participants with more time behind the wheel. Building on fundamentals learned, Level Two incorporates a skid pad, timed auto-cross, additional on-track lead-follow exercises and recorded video of the laps sent to participants via email.

New to the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy, Level Three is now available to participants that have completed both Level One and Two. Structured as an additional full day course, participants will work one-on-one with a driving instructor to perfect the driving skills previously learned. During this time, participants will also have the opportunity to compare laps to various driving instructors via track telemetry technology.

The Academy will be hosted at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL and Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA.

COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES:

• Monticello Motor Club, Monticello, NY:

o Level One: October 2 and 3; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: October 4

o Level Three: October 5

• Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL:

o Level One: December 10 and 12; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: December 11 and 13

o Level Three: December 14

• Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA:

o Level One: February 17 and 19; AM and PM sessions available

o Level Two: February 18 and 20

o Level Three: February 21

PROGRAM COSTS:

• Level One: Complimentary to U.S. Jaguar R, Supersport and Ultimate model owners who have purchased a new vehicle within 12 months. This course is also available for purchase for $895.00

• Level Two: Offered to all drivers for a fee of $1,895 (If Levels one and two are registered for and taken together the cost is $2,345)

• Level Three: Offered at $2,895 (If Levels two and three are registered for and taken together the cost is $3,495 plus the cost of Level one)

To learn more about the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy and applicable terms and conditions:http://www.jaguarusa.com/events/jaguar-performance-driving-academy/index.html

To learn more about Jaguar performance models please visit: http://www.jaguarusa.com/all-models/all-models/r-performance.html

¹XFR, XFR-S, XKR (Coupe or Convertible), XKR-S (Coupe or Convertible), XKR-S GT, XJR, XJ Supersport, XJL Supersport, XJL Ultimate or F-TYPE R Coupe

Jaguar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

• Jaguar to have an exciting presence at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (26-29 June)
• Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations to present first ever new product on Jaguar stand at famous motoring Festival
• The 60^th anniversary of the Le Mans-winning D-type to be celebrated
• Jaguar ex-Works driver Andy Wallace to be reunited with his Le Mans-winning XJR-9 LM
• F-TYPE R Coupé, and new Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake to speed up Goodwood Hill

Long-term supporter of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Jaguar, will be making some noise at next week’s event from 26-29 June with an exceptional line-up of its cars, both old and new.

Visitors to the Jaguar stand at the spectacular automotive show will be delighted to see the first new product from Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations - the new division of Jaguar Land Rover responsible for a range of special product and service programmes for Jaguar and Land Rover customers.

Chiming perfectly with Goodwood’s 2014 Festival theme of ‘Addicting to Winning’, Jaguar will have an extensive selection of its past, present and near-future models at the event, including victorious examples of the racing D-type, XJS TWR and XJR-9 tackling the famous 1.16-mile hillclimb.

Two of the Jaguar Heritage Trust’s significant D-types will be in action as this legendary Jaguar marks its 60^th anniversary.  The original 1954 D-type prototype will be demonstrated, as will the later 1956 ‘Long Nose’ model, to be driven by ex-Grand Prix racer Bruno Senna. Bruno recently covered over 1,000 miles in this car at the 2014 Mille Miglia, with co-driver and fellow Formula 1 star, Martin Brundle.

Other Jaguar Heritage competition racers in action at Goodwood will include the iconic ‘Group 44’ E-type, the Group-A XJS TWR and the 1988 Le Mans-winning XJR-9 LM, the latter being reunited with one of its victorious team drivers; Andy Wallace.  

Away from the competition cars, examples of Jaguar’s new production F-TYPE R Coupé and XFR-S Sportbrake will be publically seen in action at the Festival, with both set for high speed drives up the famous Goodwood Hill.