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JLR revs up for China sales

The luxury car maker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is aiming to sell up to 100,000 cars in China, and is reported to be drawing up plans to expand its production plant at Halewood on Merseyside.

This could potentially create an extra 1,000 jobs at the factory, which has seen employment grow from 1,500 to 4,500 over the past three years, mainly due to the success of the Range Rover Evoque.

Motoring press reports have been speculating that a convertible version of the Evoque could be one of several new models to be made at Halewood. A potential strike by DHL staff, who deliver parts to the production lines in the factory, may prove to be major stumbling block. A spokesman for India-owned JLR spokesman said reports about potential job creation at Halewood were “speculation”, adding: ““We do not share details of our future investment and recruitment plans.” Should the manufacturer confirm expansion at Halewood, many more jobs are likely to be created in the supply chain, Last month US firm International Automotive Components said its North West manufacturing site, which lies next to Halewood, had increased its workforce from 90 to 450 in the last two years as production of the Evoque was ramped-up.

JLR chief Executive Dr Ralf Speth proposes to launch 40 models in the next five years and aims to double car sales to 750,000 by 2015.

Results for the first quarter which showed increased revenues and profits in the period April to June. Dr Speth said: “China is still growing and we hope to achieve an ambitious target of 100,000 cars this year.

“Our full range of new and upgraded products is exciting our customers. We remain committed to exceeding customer experiences in all areas of our business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .