Whether SUV, saloon, or sports car, you can guarantee one thing from any modern Jaguar: it's going to drive really nicely. As Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Mike Cross was the man responsible for those dynamic attributes. His engineering nous has made him legendary throughout the industry over the decades; now, after 37 years with Jaguar, he's retiring.
Cross's last day will be February 28th, having joined Jaguar Rover Triumph as a student apprentice in 1978. His permanent Jaguar career began in 1984, and his remit expanded to include Land Rover from 2008. He leaves a current position of Vehicle Targets and Sign Off Director.
We could tell you plenty about Mike's modest, unassuming genius, how he could drive a car faster than you while also explaining exactly what was going on, but now really seems the time to hear from the man himself. Of his decades with Jaguar, he said: "As a Chief Engineer, I relished the responsibility of evaluating new products through the eyes of the Jaguar and Land Rover customers. This role allowed me to drive lots of cars and meet many people, like Richard Parry-Jones and Sir Jackie Stewart - both of whom I shall be forever grateful to as they became mentors and helped me to develop as a vehicle evaluator and development engineer." As for the question we'd all like answered - Cross's favourite Jaguar from his years there is the XFR. Good answer.
Cross's reputation extends far beyond journalists envious of his powersliding skill, too. Nick Collins, JLR's Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes, said: "Mike is that rarest combination of a modest, approachable leader and renowned industry legend. He has been instrumental in evaluating programmes from a customer perspective and guiding the development of our cars for both brands.
"His technical expertise and extraordinary road-feel have been crucial in refining the outstanding driving qualities of our world-class portfolio. We can credit Mike's creativity, talent and driving passion for the development of vehicles which are critically acclaimed in the media and consistently praised by our customers the world over.''
So, an important job role to fill - not least with the electric era looming - and an industry legend to replace as well. Tough ask. But Jaguar already has a replacement lined up, and it's hard to think of a better person for the role. Aston Martin's Matt Becker, formerly of Lotus, will join the Engineering Leadership Team. Responsible for the dynamics of some awesome Lotuses and a lot of the second-century Astons during his seven years at Gaydon, Becker's reputation is beyond reproach. As a person to ensure the Jaguars of a brave new electric world drive how they should, there can't be many better qualified.
Becker said of his new company: "I have looked with admiration at the work the team achieved on many vehicles over the recent past, appreciating the level of technical excellence and vehicle dynamics know-how that is required to make Land Rover and Jaguar products handle in the manner they do." Naturally, JLR are thrilled to have him onboard, and his first day is Monday - new pencil case at the ready. We look forward to seeing what the Becker-era JLR can produce - the bar has been set pretty high, after all.
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