The launch of the next-generation electric-only Jaguar XJ is set to be delayed until late next year because the British car maker is cutting back on non-essential spending, according to reports.
The Tesla Model S rival, which was recently spied testing in prototype form, had been due to be unveiled later this year, going on sale early in 2021. But The Sunday Times reports that the launch has now been delayed until October, to allow Jaguar Land Rover to focus production on its most profitable models.
The new XJ is due to be built at the firm’s Castle Bromwich factory, which also builds the XE and XF. The plant is due to reopen following an extended shutdown due to Covid-19 next month, with social distancing measures meaning that it will operate at a reduced output.
New Jaguar XJ: new spy shots show near-production body
Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by the Indian Tata Group, was in the middle of a major restructuring programme as part of moves to stem recent heavy losses, and like many car firms has been badly hit by the financial impact of Covid-19.
To combat that, The Sunday Times claims the firm is cutting back heavily on non-essential spending for the immediate future - but a spokesperson said the firm remained committed to eventually launching a new version of its range-topping model.
In a statement issued to Autocar, Jaguar said: "The Jaguar XJ has been our flagship model for 50 years. Over eight generations of production, it has been designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK and exported to more than 120 countries. The next-generation all-electric Jaguar XJ builds on the characteristics synonymous with its predecessors – beautiful design, intelligent performance and revered luxury. Our engineers continue to work on the next-generation all-electric Jaguar XJ.
"We remain committed to our long-term strategy and our product portfolio remains the same, but the unprecedented situation will inevitably have an impact on our immediate plans."
The paper also claims that Jaguar Land Rover bosses are still hoping to convince UK government ministers to launch a scrappage scheme to boost sales of new cars.
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Worrying
gussy51 wrote:
And the funding, billions, is going to come from whom ❓
My suggestion is they cut models
J Pace - in development already
Single smaller SUV - effectively replaces E Pace, F Pace, I Pace and indirectly the XE and XF.
So replacing 5 cars with 1. They have plug in hybrid tech ready to go, and this vehicle would fit on their new platform. The sportscar is more of a problem which is why I'm suggesting an XJ based grand tourer rather than a out and out sportscar to replace the f type.
And I also suggested removing duplication of Land Rover models.
People need to remember that JLR needs to cut back, but they are still able to make money on most in not all of the Range Rover models when people start buying again, and are moving to a single platform. So whilst I'm worried for Jaguar, Land Rover will survive for a period of time in some form or other
gussy51 wrote:
Makes sense.
Sign of serious trouble ahead for Jaguar
This is the sign of serious trouble ahead for Jaguar for which the electric XJ was supposed to be the brand relaunch and sounds like Tata have got the collywobbles now - the I-Pace only sold 2500 in the USA last year - so looks like the death spiral now
CharlieBrown wrote:
Tata have got the collywobbles!
They are presently making off with yet another U.K. government bung of millions, on top of all the others.
They are in no position to staunch the money bleed at JLR and if the government had any sense they would call them out for what they are; a company that is being kept alive by money other than their own money.
F-Pace facelift
What happened to the much trailed facelifts for the F-Pace and the XF? The F-Pace is Jaguar’s best seller. Surely the facelift was ready to go before the lockdown? It must be technically identical to the XE facelift, so if they don’t do it soon it’ll be out of date before it’s launched.