Jaguar exceeds domestic sales target ahead the launch of new model

In a statement, Jaguar Cars Inc. said Philippine sales grew 40 percent year-on-year, placing the local distributor at the fifth spot in Asia Pacific in terms of sales volume, trailing Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The distributor however failed to provide actual figures.

The first-quarter results come ahead of the launch of the Jaguar XF.

“Advance orders for the XF now reached almost 7,000 units worldwide. Locally, we have been receiving a lot of inquiries with potential buyers eagerly anticipating getting their hands on the all-new XF,” said Marc Soong, Jaguar Cars executive director.

Soong said the four-door Jaguar XF fuses sports car styling and performance with the refinement, features and space of a luxury saloon.

The new model replaces the long-running Birmingham-built S-Type after more than nine years. Jaguar’s Product Development Center at Whitley, in Coventry, UK designed and developed the model.

The launch of the new model marks the carmaker’s 85th anniversary.

Earlier, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. said motor vehicle sales grew by double-digits in the first four months this year, defying the contraction seen in the US and other markets.

Leading domestic sales were pickup trucks, vans, and sports utility vehicles.
–Lailany P. Gomez