Ford ready to pump 500 mln stg into Jaguar-report

[pupp1]

Sat Mar 26, 2005 06:33 PM ET
Ford ready to pump 500 mln stg into Jaguar-report
LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. (F.N: Quote, profile, research) is preparing a 500 million pound ($934.6 million) capital injection for the unit's struggling Jaguar division, The Sunday Times newspaper reported, citing a senior Jaguar source. Earlier this month, Ford said it expected Jaguar, which has struggled to keep pace with larger rivals in the premium car sector, to report flat sales and a loss this year.
Full Article Here

[jinushaun]

Solution: New MODERN designs.

While the rest of the competition has updated and modernised their designs, Jaguar has been stuck in the past and holds onto a old image. Think Buick.

Ford did it successfully with Volvo and Aston Martin. Why can't Jag modernise their designs?

The X type looks like the XJ, and the new XJ is a clone of the old XJ. I like the S-Type, but some people are put off by its platform sharing with the 'lowly' Lincoln LS. On a related note, many people are put off by the X-Type's platform sharing with the Ford Mondeo. (Think FWD Cadillac CTS platform sharing with a Malibu)

[GM_Guy81]

I think the new XK8 is a refreshing design switch for jag. That said, I dont think styling is jaguars problem.

[jinushaun]

Originally Posted by GM_Guy81

I think the new XK8 is a refreshing design switch for jag. That said, I dont think styling is jaguars problem.

The new XK8 is Ford releasing their past design mistakes.

[ImajV]

THey should get rid of the X-type and dont replace it. No vehicles under 50K. That might limit sales, but its better for brand image.

[stewacide]

I REALLY don't think styling is Jaguar's problem.

Rather they just haven't been product-compatative with the Germans untill very recently (in terms of reliability, drivetrains, etc.), and people still aren't used to the idea of Jags' being high-tech wonders in the way the Germans always have been. Most people still think of Jags as unreliable and undated cars that sell on style and presteige alone. Perhapse more trendy styling would help improve the preception of Jaguar as behind the times (if anything with the new all-aluminum platform they've lept ahead of the Germans), but I don't see how it could make them look better and more appealing in itself...

[dreadnaught1181]

What ever they do, can't they finally get rid of that stupid J-gate shifter.

[Slack]

Originally Posted by dreadnaught1181

What ever they do, can't they finally get rid of that stupid J-gate shifter.

My sentiments exactly. I have always considered Jaguar a second class lux ca company. They have a rich history, but not much to offer today. I like the new XK-8, but I'm not sure it alone can save Jaguar.

[Cassie]

I think Jags although nice enough cars.. (my brother loves them...) have a very limited appeal. They need to grow the brand...but DONT make an SUV please!

[GM_Guy81]

Originally Posted by Cassie

I think Jags although nice enough cars.. (my brother loves them...) have a very limited appeal. They need to grow the brand...but DONT make an SUV please!

Hey, we said the same thing to Porsche, dont make an SUV. They didnt listen and they sell twice as many SUV's as they do cars. Go figure. Anyway, Jag having an SUV would be less of an abomination than porsche. It just has to be capable.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Cassie

I think Jags although nice enough cars.. (my brother loves them...) have a very limited appeal. They need to grow the brand...but DONT make an SUV please!

They have "limited appeal," because until relatively recently a "base" Jaguar was $56,000 MSRP. Not make people could afford that car. Furthermore, it was considered a historical/traditional and exclusive make.

I don't see the problem with the J-Gate at all.

They do beed to grow the brand, but the addition of a wagon and SUV is not the way to do it. Ford will just eat into the Land Rover sales with the Jaguar SUV.

[SVT2888]

What they need is sporty and agressive styling that is classy at the same time.

[syr74]

Originally Posted by dreadnaught1181

What ever they do, can't they finally get rid of that stupid J-gate shifter.

You have mny support on that one. In trying to keep the Jaguar heritage "intact" some odd decisions have been made IMHO. Take a look at the X-Type.

Nobody seemed to mind that Jaguar had never built an awd car, never mind that this awd car was fwd based! Nobody at Ford/Jag seemed to mind the loss of about a billion years of inline-6 heritage replaced by a Ford sourced V-6. Nope, the things that made a Jaguar a Jaguar were a cramped cabin relative to the cars overall size and the ridiculous J-Gate.

How about Jaguar building cars that are all drop-dead gorgeous, comfy, and fast for the money like they used to back in the day. The XJ8 is almost there but could use a V-12, and a new S Type on this chassis cannot get here soon enough.

But what Jaguar really needs is a X-Type replacement that offers sedan, coupe, and sports car offerings all of which are spectacular looking and put BMW's new 3 flat on the trailer. Perhaps sooner or later Ford will figure out that this would generate some serious NEW interest in the brand.

[saturnsteve]

Originally Posted by GM_Guy81

I think the new XK8 is a refreshing design switch for jag. That said, I dont think styling is jaguars problem.

The new XK8 is a lot better looking than the one that is here now!

[AndrewGS]

The new XJ is an awesome car, and it's looks are timeless. It's what they changed under the skin that makes it a better car than the old one. I'd love a black XJ Super V8.