PRESS RELEASE
Jaguar Announces 'Robb Report' Award for XK8 at L.A. Auto Show
Jaguar XK8 Anointed `Robb Report' Car of The Year For 1997
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3 -- "Robb Report," the consumer magazine
which ranks as the world's leading authority on the luxury lifestyle, has
named the new Jaguar XK8 the "Robb Report" Car of the Year for 1997.
The Jaguar XK8 is the fourth annual winner of the prestigious award
bestowed by "Robb Report" upon the luxury car which best exemplifies the
aspirations and desires of the "Robb Report" reader. "Robb Report" presented
the award -- an exquisite crystal trophy from Geary's of Beverly Hills -- to
Jaguar officials today at the 1997 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
"Robb Report's" feature on its Car of the Year Award for 1997 will appear
in its February issue, on newsstands January 23.
"The XK8 is one of the outstanding automobiles for 1997, and a perfect
match to the lifestyle of our audience," states Daniel J. Phillips, associate
publisher for "Robb Report." "It exemplifies the passion for luxury and style
that our readers enjoy every day. We are pleased to present Jaguar with our
annual Car of the Year Award and wish them the very best in 1997."
In fact, the Jaguar XK8 was the runaway winner of "Robb Report's" Car of
the Year Award, chosen from a group of eight luxury cars which also included
the Mercedes-Benz E420 Sport, BMW 5401 Sport, Audi A8 4.2 Quattro, Mercedes-
Benz SLK230, Ford Expedition, BMW Z3 and Infiniti Q45.
"Robb Report" assembled a selection panel of well-known journalists to
judge this year's finalists and determine a winner. The panel consisted of
Paul Dean, noted automotive columnist for the Los Angeles Times and a regular
contributor to "Robb Report;" Dennis Adler, automotive writer, photographer
and "Robb Report" contributing editor; Steven Castle, editor of "Robb Report,"
Phillips, one of the nation's top experts on the luxury market; and Ken Gross,
internationally-known automotive journalist and a regular contributor to the
magazine.
The 1997 Jaguar XK8 offers power, design and countless amenities to appeal
to the affluent lifestyle of "Robb Report's" audience. This two-plus-two
luxury sports car, which is the first new sports model in 21 years from
Jaguar, features an all-new 290-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-8 engine which can
propel drivers to a top speed of 155 mph. The interior features Jaguar's
traditional elegance, reflected in the expansive use of fine wood veneers and
premium Connolly leather. The XK8 is available in both coupe and convertible
versions from Jaguar, which based its eye-catching design on the legendary E-
type.
In accepting the "Robb Report" Car of the Year Award, Michael H. Dale,
president of Jaguar Cars North America, said, "We are delighted that the XK8
has been selected as "Robb Report's" Car of the Year. The "Robb Report" has a
sophisticated, discerning readership and it is especially gratifying to be
presented to them at the head of such a fine list of competitors. The
enthusiastic response of both critics and customers to XK8 continues to be a
thrill for everyone at Jaguar."
In 1996, the "Robb Report" Car of the Year Award went to the Mercedes-Benz
E320. The BMW 740i earned the honor in 1995, and the Mercedes-Benz C280
won in 1994. These past winners capitalized on the "Robb Report" award by
promoting it as part of their marketing efforts.
Jaguar is creating a special display case for this year's "Robb Report"
Car of the Year Award and will feature it at the nation's major auto shows in
1997. The company is also considering ways to promote the award as part of
its XK8 advertising and marketing campaigns in 1997.
As the world's leading consumer magazine for the affluent lifestyle,
"Robb Report" offers monthly features, an array of luxury lifestyle subjects
including automobiles, aircraft, jewelry, design, electronics, art and exotic
vacation destinations around the world.
According to its subscriber surveys, "Robb Report's" reader income
demographics rank as the highest among any consumer magazine in the country.
The average income of a "Robb Report" reader is $755,000, with an average net
worth of $3.7 million. A total of 78 percent of the country's billionaires
are avid readers of the "Robb Report", as are 63 percent of billionaires
worldwide.
For more information on "Robb Report", call 800-229-7622. For additional
details on the 1997 Jaguar XK8, contact Jaguar Cars North America at
201-818-8500.
CONTACT: Aileen Stein of JMPR, 818-992-4353 Photo available via NewsCom, 305-448-8411 or http://www.newscom.com
