Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has embarked on a two-year programme of new vehicle launches and massive industrial investments designed to transform the company’s financial fortunes and put it on a long-term, stable footing.
As well as three entirely new model lines – the new Defender family, the luxury Jaguar J-Pace SUV and a new Range Rover crossover – JLR engineers are replacing the XJ with an electric super-saloon next year and creating a new version of the evergreen Range Rover by 2022.
All of these new models will be built on JLR’s brand-new ‘flex’ MLA architecture, which offers mild- and plug-in hybrid drivetrains as well as a pure-electric option.
According to official company documents, there will also be an all-electric Range Rover model and an all-electric Discovery model before 2025. There are no plans for an all-electric Defender spin-off, though.
The internal-combustion models sold by all of Land Rover’s three so-called ‘brand pillars’ – Range Rover, Discovery and Defender – will be available in only mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms by 2025.
Autocar can also reveal the MLA-based models will have a new SOTA (software over the air) capability, with 14 ‘modules’ in the vehicle’s electrical architecture that are connected to the internet.
JLR says the new SOTA set-up will allow it to reduce warranty claims, avoid the need for some recalls, offer predictive servicing and even user-based insurance. Over-the-air feature upgrades for MLA models are also being planned, as well as “in-vehicle rewards and payments”. JLR is hoping to use data generated by real-world use of the new vehicles to inform future model development, too.
The first all-new JLR model is the Defender, which will arrive later this year and be made at the new Nitra plant in Slovakia. This is a challenging project for the British car maker because it is a new model, based on a new architecture and built in a new factory with a relatively new workforce. But as Autocar’s scoops have revealed, the new three-model Defender range has huge potential in the lucrative market for premium family SUVs.
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Daimler branded car due?.
A few months ago, a letter published in Autocar, suggested there may be a niche for an XE coupe, badged as a Daimler. A cut above the Jaguar spec'd/trimmed cars, with traditional fluted grille optional. Thoughts?.
Global race to electric cars
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/electric-stories-16722861
Tata Motors share price collapse
This hasn't been remarked upon much, but the share price of Tata Motors is at its lowest point in over 10 years. Currently $8.52, compared to $40.77 on 1st August 2016. Market cap of $5.5bn, down from over $26bn.
JLR represents most of the value of Tata Motors, so the price really reflects JLRs valuation.
Has it reached its lowest point, or is there worse to come?
It's difficult to tell, JLR
It's difficult to tell, JLR have delivered record sales in the US for July and seen increases in other markets, which is a good sign. There is also the upcoming launch of the new Defender, which should deliver a sales boost; but there are also so many unknowns in the mix!
selling more..
Was generally surprised to notice quite a few French and Italian registered F and E Paces in Italy and France this august. Noted more of these then the discovery sport or newer evoque's. Counted 4 Monacon plated I Paces against one solitary series 3 tesla in Monte Carlo.. again a surprise.. No doubt their selling more, hope it's enough.. I'm eyeing the new XJ with interest, 450/500 miles WTP will probably seal it.
paddyb wrote:
I honestly don’t think JLR have bottomed out yet - so yes I’m afraid the worst is probably yet to come - particularly as Tata Motors Home Indian market is tanking right now and they will struggle to service existing debt and with negative cash flow and a high investment burn rate it looks bad - the problem with JLR is that they don’t seem able to get vehicles out that hit the 100k plus volumes and I don’t see the new Defender doing that sort of volume either