Vivaro UK plant: The “crown jewels”?

The latest issue of Autocar describes the Vauxhall Van Plant in Luton, UK, which makes the Vivaro, as the “crown jewel of the motor industry”.

If this is so, then the magazine will have great difficulty in finding superlatives to describe Jaguar’s XE facility at Solihull which, for the first time in the UK, has the distinction of making aluminium body-in-white in large numbers, something that has never been achieved at Luton, which processes steel components. Added to which, JaguarLandRover stamps its own aluminium body pressings, including body sides. The Luton van plant has not stamped aluminium in its entire life! The distinguishing feature of aluminium being that it requires an extremely clean working environment, especially in the press shop.

Jaguar in danger of over-hyping XE

Jaguar is in grave danger of over-hyping its new XE passenger car with its latest pronouncement even before the car has been judged by the public.

“A smooth, supple ride, exceptionally sharp steering, quiet, luxurious cabin and seamless connectivity – the new Jaguar XE delivers in all respects and is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the art technologies designed to make every journey an even more enjoyable experience,” is the beginning of the company’s latest pronouncement.

JLR to edge beyond £1 billion quarterly profits

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc (JLR) achieved profit before tax of nearly £1 billion for the first quarter of its 2014/2015 financial year.

The company’s strong sales volumes have resulted in revenues for the period of £5.353 billion.

With an actual profit before tax increased to £924m for the quarter, this reflects the growth in volumes and revenue as well as strong product and geographic mix. 

For Hotfire read Ingenium

Hotfire, JaguarLandRover’s new engine range to be made in Wolverhampton, UK, and revealed at long last, is to be called Ingenium and will power the company’s new all-aluminium Jaguar XE saloon.

Speaking at the Geneva Auto Show Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive officer, JaguarLandRover, confirmed: "We announced just a few weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Centre would produce a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be used in our all-new mid-sized Jaguar sports sedan. That car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year."