Auto Special: Jaguar Land Rover aims for sustainable growth in China

Jaguar Land Rover China finished the first quarter of 2014 positively, with sales of more than 29,500 vehicles, marking a year-on-year growth of 36 percent.

Models with 3.0L engines and less made up about 98 percent of the sales, due to their fuel efficiency and enhanced performance.

In line with the healthy market development, Jaguar Land Rover is starting a new chapter of sustainable growth in China, with a focus on customer satisfaction.

"After our pivotal year in 2013 when China became both Jaguar and Land Rover's single largest global market, this year we are glad to see continued growth as even more Chinese consumers appreciate our British brands," said Bob Grace, regional president of Jaguar Land Rover Greater China.

"Moving forward, our customers remain at the heart of everything we do, as we target sustainable development in China. As we do so, we are also endeavoring to further our efforts to give back to the communities we operate in with our CSR programs," he said.

Making drivers feel 'Alive'

With customers attracted to its "Alive" brand, Jaguar grew a healthy 49 percent year-on-year, selling more than 6,100 units.

Sales of consistent bestsellers, like the Jaguar XJ and XF, were driven by the appeal of the 2.0L I4 turbocharged and 3.0L V6 supercharged engine variants, which offer added efficiency without sacrificing performance.

This year, the dynamically capable, performance-focused Jaguar, the F-TYPE, also gained traction in Chinese market, as an all-aluminum two-seater sports car engineered for high performance.

Determined to "never stop achieving", Jaguar plans to go even further in the market with new products and campaigns featuring new ambassador David Beckham who embodies the brand spirit.

Innovating premium SUVs

Land Rover strengthened its position as a world-leading premium SUV maker with its first quarter sales of more than 23,400 units, up 33 percent.

Popular models like the Freelander 2 and the Range Rover Evoque with the world's first 9-speed automatic transmission, continued to lead the line-up.

The success of the all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, which feature the lightweight all-aluminum monocoque body structure, prove that customers appreciate the benefits of advanced engineering and an enhanced driving experience.

As Land Rover celebrates 25 years of the Discovery, it will feature its Discovery Vision Concept Vehicle at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show.

Putting customers first

Leveraging its network of 248 authorized and 144 operational dealer partners throughout China, Jaguar Land Rover is committed to serving its customers as best it can.

As the automaker enters a period of sustained development in China, its "customer first" philosophy will continue to drive its foremost goal of delivering excellence, whether in products, services, or brand experiences.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn