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The excitement of the all-new Jaguar XF Long wheelbase (XFL) recently unveiled at the just-concluded Beijing Auto Show is still in the air as the car developed exclusively for Chinese customers joined other six models revealed at show which came to a close Wednesday.
With the addition of the third China-built vehicle and the first locally-manufactured Jaguar to its joint venture, Jaguar Land Rover said it is continuing to demonstrate its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and providing Chinese customers with an exciting range of vehicles.
Building on the success of the Jaguar, XFL has been developed with passenger comfort in mind. The wheelbase has been increased by 140mm to 3,100mm delivering exceptional legroom in the rear seats. It also debuts new cabin air ionisation technology, a Jaguar first, and four-zone climate control.
JLR Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ralf Speth, said in a statement obtained by AUTO REPORT AFRICA that “China continues to be an important market for Jaguar Land Rover and we are delighted to introduce our first locally-built Jaguar here at the Beijing Auto Show. “
Dr. Speth added: “At Jaguar Land Rover, we put our customers first and are committed to delivering experiences that they love for life. Designed exclusively for our discerning Chinese customers, the Jaguar XFL is bespoke to this market.”
According to the statement, the Jaguar XFL will be built in China’s first purpose-built aluminium body shop based at the state-of-the-art Chery Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility in Changshu with the inaugural sales of the China-made Jaguar XFL scheduled to begin in the second half of the year.
Alongside the Jaguar XFL, Jaguar Land Rover showcased six vehicles making their market debut alongside the Jaguar F-PACE and the locally-built Land Rover Discovery Sport.
For Jaguar, the F-TYPE SVR and the Jaguar Diamond Limited Edition were shown in China for the first time. The F-TYPE is the first Jaguar SVR and the fastest F-TYPE ever with a top speed of 200mph. It has been developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to be lighter, faster and more powerful while remaining tractable and usable day-to-day.
The Jaguar Diamond Limited Edition enhances the Jaguar XJ LWB with additional features developed exclusively by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operations. This will be available in China, South Korea and MENA only.
The Jaguar F-PACE is the ultimate practical sports car combining the F-TYPEs inspired design and driving dynamics with exceptional space and technology. The F-PACE goes on sale in China from May 2016.
For Land Rover, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Discovery Landmark Special Edition and Chery Jaguar Land Rover Evoque 2016 model year all made their China debuts at the show. The locally-built Land Rover Discovery Sport was also featured on the stand.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible with the refinement and luxury attributes of the Range Rover family.
The Range Rover SVAutobiography is the pinnacle of Range Rover’s luxury and refinement. This flagship model is the most powerful production Range Rover ever with a 550PS V8 supercharged engine.
The Discovery Landmark Special Edition builds on the generous specification of the HSE derivative with new interior and exterior features.
The Chery Jaguar Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2016 model year has British design and craftsmanship at its heart.
A versatile, all-terrain premium compact SUV, the Chery Jaguar Land Rover Discovery Sport is designed for families.
Jaguar Land Rover in China
Jaguar Land Rover first established a presence in China just over a decade ago and has a long-term commitment to its Chinese customers. It has more than 190 operational dealers and additional activities include six training academies as well as three Land Rover Experience Centres.
Jaguar Land Rover said it is committed to inspiring the future generation of Chinese automotive engineers. The Jaguar Land Rover apprentice training programme was created just five years ago and today 350 apprentices graduate from this programme each year.
The company has also developed a compelling CSR programme in China creating the Jaguar Land Rover Children and Dream Fund, working with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Jaguar Land Rover China has committed to invest RMB 50 million over three years in an initiative that supports and develops underprivileged young people.
