JLR - How many new models?!

[esvcg]

aizvara said:

Marquis Rex said:

The reason why the Germans business model has been succesful is because they're not short-term profit focused and look into nurturing high technology brands with a focus on engineering.
Jaguar currently focuses mainly on styling, although they're latest AJ133 is bloody good. About 13 years ago they were on the right path- with the AJV8 engine and the high Bhp/litre and high BMEP Jaguar V6, the development of the X600 sports car and X type R but this was all either cancelled or the projects were simply nickel and dimed.
They have some way to go to make the transition into a more long term engineering focused organisation or else they'll continue to focus on styling changes and short term profits.

Eh? JLR are building an engine plant in Wolverhampton now, aren't they? And they have a large R&D facility in the midlands, too.

esvcg said:

...I don't think they would waste it with a strategy which does not produce results... famous last words!

Are you implying that their current strategy is not working then? Or do you believe it is about to fail?

I'd say that record profits in general, and high sales of the Evoque specifically, speak for themselves.

I fail to see why creating a range of new models is a bad thing.

The evoke is a great product, but is still an expensive, fairly high end thing, with many expensive custom options, and I think this is a good direction. The evoke *just* gets away with being slightly above that 'naff' feeling to a high quality, well designed and aspirational motor.

I think a JLR product under 30-35K should NOT be allowed to happen in order to maintain that british high quality image, in fact prices should be raised 10% across the range, and options made more expensive.

However, creating too many variants, too quickly, will result in BL type inner brand competition - which is bad. Also what will happen with rapid growth is that the company will be unable to cope, and quality WILL suffer, hence undermining JLR.

Keep it simple - quality not quantity, and forget about chasing that bloody 3 series hang up.