Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) posted a decline in retail volumes for the second straight month. The two brands, owned by Tata Motors, said that it had production problems as it transitions to new models and stock clearance in China – it’s biggest market.
JLR reported a fall in retail sales of 2% in October and November, of 33,512 units and 36,621 units respectively.
Land Rover volumes were down by 2% and Jaguar volume fell by 4% in November.
Volumes for Land Rover Range Rover Evoque fell by 4%, the Range Rover Sport declined by 9%, while the Freelander posted a decline of 14%, year-over-year.
In contrast, Audi and BMW posted retail volume growth of 11% and 8% respectively last month.
A report from Kotak Institutional Equities said:
“The company is also clearing dealer inventory in China for the Evoque model before its China JV production starts in 4QFY15”,
The Kotak report added:
“Jaguar volumes have been weak due to poor brand perception. The Jaguar XE launch in FY2016 will be critical to improve the brand’s perception. Product mix is also likely to decline on a q-o-q basis in 3QFY14 due to lower mix of Range Rover and Range Rover Sports,”
Jaguar released footage of in-car technology that removes blind spots
Jaguar recently released footage of new technology that virtually eliminates dangerous blind spots.
The new feature, called the 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen, offers drivers a 360-degree view of what’s happening outside the car through the use of screens embedded in the pillars supporting the roof in front of and next to the driver.
There is currently no news on when Jaguar will begin implementing the virtual windscreen in its production line.
Video: Jaguar Land Rover introduces the 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen