Jaguar keeps up with the times by introducing its own green limo

Jaguar launch hybrid limo
Jaguar launch hybrid limo

Jaguar introduce hybrid limo

Not wanting to be outdone by the eco-friendly crowd, Jaguar have now unveiled their latest concept: a hybrid limousine. It is expected to come under the XJ series and will be fully equipped with a range extender engine as well as some yet to be revealed, green technology.

At the moment the green Jaguar limo is not for sale. The iconic car manufacturer is showcasing their latest idea in order to gauge public reaction and to see whether there is indeed a potential market for such a product. However it has been suggested that the hybrid Jag will go into full production once the costs of making the eco-friendly limo come down.

The hybrid Jaguar limo is expected to have a 145kw electrical motor which will power it for 30 miles, after this the 1.2 petrol engine will take over.

The electrical components and battery packs used in the prototype XJ green limo are very expensive and would therefore push the retail price through the roof. The official line form Jaguar regarding this is as follows: “The components aren’t at the right cost or quality yet you would expect of a Jaguar product, but the technology is there.” They go on to say that further research and testing is required before the green limo can go into full production.

Jaguar is said to have invested a hefty 7 figure sum into the development of the green limo, but this is only a fraction of the reported £800 million they have devoted to the expansion of environmentally friendly vehicles across the Jaguar range. However Jaguar are calling for government investment in the scheme if the U.K is to be seen to be, as they put it, “leading the world with low carbon technology”.

Jaguar targets chauffeurs as biggest potential customers

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Jaguar XJ the new car of choice for chauffeurs?

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 21st 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.

All-new Jaguar XJ for chauffeurs to appear at Drive ’09

The New Jaguar XJ
The New Jaguar XJ

The New Jaguar XJ

Jaguar Cars has confirmed the all-new XJ long-wheel base will be making its trade debut at Drive ’09.

As the new model has only just been seen by a lucky few, the chauffeur and private hire industries will be able to witness the ground-breaking big cat first hand at the event in September.

Officially on sale at the end of the year, the all-new XJ is the first car to feature the next-generation of Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminium body architecture. It has been said the all-new XJ will introduce the highest standards of personal luxury and specification, including a panoramic glass roof.

Ian Callum Director of Design, commented; “The car is very modern, and it certainly meets up the expectations of people who understand design with a capital D, I have no doubt about that whatsoever.

“With this car I really do feel that I’ve taken almost thirty years of learning and put it into something that is very complete for me; and that’s taken a lot of discipline, a lot of pushing; on my part, on my design teams part, and the engineers. But I think we’ve achieved something very special indeed.”

Information supplied by thechauffeur.com