Jaguar Reports October Sales Figures
4 November 1997
New Jaguar Sedans Hit 11-Year Sales Peak for October
MAHWAH, N.J., Nov. 4 -- In their first month on the market in
the United States, Jaguar's new V8-powered XJ Series recorded the highest
October sedan sales for the company since 1986 and the best any-month total
since December 1990.
"The response of the press and public to our 1998 XJ Series has been very
enthusiastic," said Michael H. Dale, president of Jaguar Cars North America.
"Sales are up, showroom traffic is strong and customers are telling us that
the comprehensive mechanical and interior redesign -- along with our
continuing quality improvements -- give them the kind of Jaguar they have
longed to own."
Dale continued: "Customers also are giving us high marks for holding
prices at 1997 levels despite all the upgrades to the series, including the
V8 engine, side air bags in the front seats and standard Automatic Stability
Control, which enhances traction."
Jaguar sedan sales reached 1,529 in October, a 25.9 percent improvement
over last year. Each of Jaguar's new sedans recorded year-over-year increases
with the exception of the supercharged XJR sport sedan, whose slow production
ramp-up limited supply. Jaguar expects to more than double sales of that
370-horsepower sedan in the first full calendar year. Press reports have
compared its performance to a Ferrari; Jaguar test drivers put its
zero-to-60 miles per hour time at 5.4 seconds and its top speed at an
electronically limited 155 miles per hour.
Sales of the XK8 coupe and convertible declined compared to October 1997,
which was the month the model was introduced as Jaguar's first new sports car
in 21 years. October 1998 sales of 590 XK8s, however, reflect a sales rate
that continues to run more than double that of its predecessor model, the XJS.
Year-to-date, XK8 sales are up 66.0 percent.
OCTOBER U.S. NEW-VEHICLE RETAIL SALES
XJ6/8 XJ6/8L VDP XJR XJ12 4-Door XJS
Cpe 12
Oct. 97 713 300 451 65 0 1,529 0
Oct. 96 522 130 444 101 17 1,214 0
change -- -- -- -- -- 25.9% --
continued:
XJS XJS XJS XK8 XK8 2-Door TOTAL
Cpe 6 Cnv 12 Cnv 6 Cpe Cnv
Oct. 97 0 0 0 75 515 590 2,119
Oct. 96 0 0 193 175 672 1,040 2,254
change -- -- -- -- -- -43.3% -6.0%
10 MONTH U.S. NEW-VEHICLE RETAIL SALES
XJ6/8 XJ6/8L VDP XJR XJ12 4-Door XJS
Cpe 12
1997 3,969 2,764 2,305 420 47 9,505 0
1996 6,019 139 3,773 439 328 10,698 1
change -- -- -- -- -- -11.2% --
continued:
XJS XJS XJS XK8 XK8 2-Door TOTAL
Cpe 6 Cnv 12 Cnv 6 Cpe Cnv
1997 0 4 44 887 5,046 5,981 15,486
1996 2 26 2,725 178 672 3,604 14,302
change -- -- -- -- -- 66.0% 8.3%
Notes: Amounts not adjusted for differing number of selling days, if
applicable.
VDP = Vanden Plas
SOURCE Jaguar cars of North America