JLR set to delay new Jaguar XJ model amid crisis

JAGUAR Land Rover is poised to announce a delay of the launch of a brand new electric model at one of its Midland plants.

The launch of the new Jaguar XJ saloon will be pushed back to October 2021, reports claim.

The new electric XJ represents a huge investment in the Castle Bromwich plant by Jaguar Land Rover, and the factory is being reconfigured to start electric vehicle production. Automotive expert Dr Charles Tennant, a former chief engineer at

Land Rover, told the Birmingham Post: “Castle Bromwich remains idle with its workforce on furlough due to slumping sales of their Jaguar XE and XF saloon cars leaving dealers with stockpiles of cars.

“Whilst coronavirus has obviously been a bitter blow sales of Jaguar cars were already in decline, with only the electric I-Pace showing sales growth last year.

“Now Jaguar has allegedly postponed its new flagship all electric XJ vehicle until October 2021 with the company saying it is cutting all nonessential spending, and will prioritise its most lucrative vehicles such as the new Defender and Range Rovers from the Land Rover stable.

“Jaguar has stated that the XJ has been their flagship model for 50 years, and despite growing rumours that they may stop building their declining saloons, they insist that this is a delay only, and engineers will continue to work on the product development aspects.

“But it still sounds very ominous to me, and I do worry about the fortunes of the Jaguar brand moving forward.”

He added: “As with all car manufacturers JLR is burning through cash at an alarming rate – some analysts estimating as much as £1 billion per month – so slashing costs is understandable. Also, a new CEO is about to be announced so maybe it will all change again after yet another strategic review in the autumn.”