Return of Jaguar's 'X-TYPE'?
1 November 2000
Jaguar Names New, Compact Sports Sedan The 'X-TYPE'
MAHWAH, N.J. - Jaguar's all-new, compact sports
sedan, which goes on sale next summer, will be called the Jaguar X-TYPE, the
company announced today. Previously known only by its engineering codename,
X400, the four door X-TYPE is Jaguar's first entrant in the highly
competitive, fast growing compact sedan segment, where it will compete with
the Mercedes C Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
A stylish, contemporary Jaguar with a performance spirit
For the first time on a Jaguar, all X-TYPE models feature all-wheel drive
as standard. This endows the X-TYPE with responsive and sporting driving
dynamics, making it a car for driving enthusiasts. Effortless, refined
performance comes from V6 engines in either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre form, both
derived from the AJ-V6 power train already successfully proven in the larger
Jaguar S-TYPE sedan.
The performance spirit of the new X-TYPE is also reflected in its stylish,
contemporary yet distinctive shape, unmistakably identifying it as a Jaguar,
and the richly crafted interior in which traditional materials blend with
technological innovation. The overall feeling of sporting luxury is
complemented by the practicality of the generously proportioned interior and
trunk space.
A new generation of Jaguar customers
The new X-TYPE will be positioned below Jaguar's S-TYPE sedan range in
both size and price. "The X-TYPE will attract a new generation of customers
to the Jaguar marque," says Mike O'Driscoll, president, Jaguar Cars North
America.
"The X-TYPE has an attitude and spirit that will appeal to a broad
spectrum of customers -- a younger, broader and more diverse group than ever
before," continued O'Driscoll. "Its unique style, technical sophistication,
driving dynamics and sheer individuality will set the X-TYPE apart."
X-TYPE to double Jaguar sales
The new X-TYPE establishes Jaguar as a four model line company,
accelerating Jaguar's transformation from a niche player into a major
competitor in the premium car segment. The smaller, more affordable X-TYPE
complements and extends Jaguar's existing range of XJ Series and S-TYPE sedans
and XK Series sports cars. Fuelled by the success of S-TYPE, Jaguar today is
selling at record levels around the globe. This year, Jaguar plans to sell
over 85,000 cars worldwide. When the new X-TYPE sedan range is in full
production, it is expected to more than double Jaguar's total sales.
On sale summer 2001
Designed and developed at Jaguar's Whitley Engineering Center in Coventry
(England), the new Jaguar X-TYPE will be produced at Jaguar's Halewood plant
on Merseyside (England). The new plant is currently in the throes of a
massive transformation, which embraces every aspect of the business. "Green
Blood" training for all employees is well under way, helping them to absorb
the Jaguar culture and working processes. A major plant redevelopment program
has already begun in preparation for the start of production in the first
quarter of next year. The new car goes on sale in the UK and the rest of
Europe in the middle of next year, with other market launches following
progressively during the second half of 2001.
Commenting on the new X-TYPE, Jonathan Browning, Managing Director said,
"As the smallest and most affordable model in the range, the X-TYPE challenges
existing perceptions about Jaguar. Designed to appeal to a new generation of
customers, the X-TYPE exemplifies Jaguar's new performance spirit, offering a
fresh, contemporary expression of Jaguar values in a compact, stylish sports
sedan. With all-wheel drive as standard, the X-TYPE is also a car for the
driving enthusiast."
Details of the new Jaguar X-TYPE will be revealed early next year.