Currently reading: Jaguar reveals crossover plans
New boss Adrian Hallmark says the firm needs a crossover to "stop being a saloon-based company"

Jaguar is considering giving the green light to a crossover SUV according to well placed sources inside the company.

New boss Adrian Hallmark is firmly behind the plan too. “We need a crossover and we need to stop being a saloon-based company,” he told Autocar at a private dinner last night.

Hallmark also revealed that four-wheel-drive saloons will need to be part of the company's future in order to boost its appeal on the east coast of the US and parts of Europe.

Read more on the forthcoming changes to the XF range

He also confirmed that an estate XF was imminent - the wagon will account for a fifth of the model’s sales - and said that lightweight cars are part of “our future DNA”. That’s likely to add fuel to rumours that the next-gen XF and sports cars will be made from aluminium.

Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth also revealed that Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant was the factory under threat from closure before the decision was made to save it earlier this year. Earlier reports had suggested that the Solihull plant was the most likely to go.

Chas Hallett

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supermanuel 14 December 2010

Re: Jaguar reveals crossover plans

Orangewheels wrote:
Jaguar want to emulate its sales figures, not its styling.

Yes- my issue is absolutely with the suggestion that the A3 is some kind of target. It doesn't need to be said that Jaguar would like to emulate the sales figures- of course it would. Not quite so sure I would like to see so many baby Jags pottering around as there are A3's. It ultimately diminishes the effect of whatever premium you think you are paying for.

Orangewheels wrote:
The A3 does a great job in this country as sitting in the exact position that people want - practical hatchback, using reliable technology, conservative safe but fairly good looking styling that won't date quickly, nice place to be inside, premium badge that says something about themselves, and makes them feel a bit special.

You've just summed up entirely what I find to be so unpleasant about the A3 and why any attempt by Jaguar to produce a sub X-Type car should be the opposite of the A3.

I'm quite capable of determining for myself that the A3 is raging success for Audi. That doesn't justify it as a model for Jaguar to emulate. There are better, more intelligent ways of introducing new models below the current Jag range.

Grunt 14 December 2010

Re: Jaguar reveals crossover plans

TStag wrote:
So BMW up's the anti again and launches the X6, a car with no offroad ability but lots of power on tap. So Range Rover are probably looking at the X6 thinking we really don't want to make a 4x4 that bad. But we want those sales.....answer.... make an even more mental sports SUV and then apply the car maker's performance badge of choice, Jaguar.
Spot on, TStag! That must be exactly what is going on. Clever too, if you ask me.

Orangewheels 14 December 2010

Re: Jaguar reveals crossover plans

supermanuel wrote:
I just have such an issue with people suggesting the A3 is some kind of desirable target to aim for...

Jaguar want to emulate its sales figures, not its styling. The A3 does a great job in this country as sitting in the exact position that people want - practical hatchback, using reliable technology, conservative safe but fairly good looking styling that won't date quickly, nice place to be inside, premium badge that says something about themselves, and makes them feel a bit special.