Jaguar XJ the new car of choice for chauffeurs?

Having just unveiled its latest innovative model the XJ, Jaguar has its sights firmly set on targeting the chauffeur car hire industry. The Managing Director of Jaguar, Geoff Cousins, believes this new model will be the first vehicle in some time that will be able to stand up and compete with the Mercedes S-Class which currently dominates the market.

In order to further entice chauffeurs into purchasing the new Jag, the luxury brand is launching a “chauffeur programme” in a direct bid to gain their business. The most appealing aspect of the Jaguar for potential chauffeur owners is, of course, the money issue. The Jaguar XJ is cheaper to run per mile when compared against the Mercedes, the 3.0 litre diesel engine offers excellent fuel consumption rates at 40.1 miles per gallon. Plus service intervals of 15,000 miles also help to keep running costs low.

Chief designer Ian Callum raises the important issue of style. Having a chauffeur driven vehicle is all about displaying a certain image of which elegance and style are vital. This is something Jaguar have very much taken onboard as Mr. Callum says “Style is the raison d’Etre for Jaguar. It was important to produce a modern Jaguar which fits into the 21^st century.”

Jaguar have certainly upped their game and look ripe to take over Mercedes’ reign as the chauffeur’s vehicle of choice. They’ve also invested in a high profile advertising campaign at Heathrow Airport which will create a buzz and no doubt, plenty of business for Jaguar. The new XJ is available to order now, with delivery expected in early 2010.