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| The Jaguar XJ diesel named as Britain's greenest luxury car |
Jaguar's XJ 2.7 Diesel has been named the greenest luxury car on Britain's roads in the Environmental Transport Association's 2007 Car Buyers Guide. The award, presented by television presenter Janet Ellis at the RIBS in London recognises Jaguar's commitment to delivering CO2 and fuel consumption advantages to customers with the development of its industry-leading diesel engines and application of advanced lightweight aluminium vehicle architectures.
The ETA guide lists 2,500 new cars and provides a star-based ranking system that gives consumers an overview of any vehicle's performance against the following categories; power, carbon dioxide emissions, fuel consumption, noise and safety. The XJ beat off strong competition from the Mercedes-Benz S320 and BMW 7 Series to claim this award - following in the footsteps of its stable mate, the X-TYPE, which won the category in 2006.
Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK, Geoff Cousins said: We fully recognise our responsibility to the environment and are committed to playing our role in developing technology solutions in cars, fuels and infrastructure to address climate change - this award shows we are heading in the right direction.
This is the latest in a long line of awards for Jaguar's flagship model, which last year further demonstrated its fuel economy credentials by covering 1000.2 miles on a single tank of fuel - the average fuel consumption hitting 53.5mpg* which equates to 139g/km of CO2.
The all-aluminium XJ, face-lifted for 2008, boasts an all-new distinctive design and features a host of state-of the art-technologies including the sound-deadening 'Vibramount'. Supplied by Avon this technology was nominated for an innovation award at the Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence) Awards in New York. 'Vibramount' has helped the XJ Diesel gain its reputation for world-class smoothness and quietness by countering engine movements to eliminate vibration and noise. Refinement has been improved whilst allowing ride and handling to be optimised.
In the UK, the Jaguar XJ boasts just over 20% share of the large luxury segment and sales in 2006 were up 25% over the previous year. This serves to demonstrate that the XJ is a car that continues to exceed expectations and attract customers who simply love to drive. It was recently voted Luxury Car of the Year in the Business Car Awards. |
| Jaguar Cars announces the new Jaguar XF |
Jaguar Cars today announces that a new sports saloon, the Jaguar XF, will make its public debut next autumn. Positioned in the luxury mid-size segment, the new Jaguar XF will replace the S-TYPE saloon in the Jaguar model line-up.
Designed and developed at Jaguar's Product Development Centre at Whitley in Coventry, UK, the new Jaguar XF will be built at Jaguar's Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, UK.
The Jaguar XF is a new sports saloon that will challenge people to think again about Jaguar as daring and different, commented Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars. Our new XK sports car has been very well-received and is enjoying great success. We are now moving on to the next stage of Jaguar's exciting new design era - and if you like the new XK, just wait until you see the new Jaguar XF!
Customer deliveries of the new Jaguar XF will commence in spring 2008, dependent on market.
No images or further details of the new Jaguar XF are being released at this time. Keep checking back to car-news.co.uk for as soon as details are released we will show online.
The Jaguar S-TYPE, which is replaced by the new Jaguar XF, made its public debut in 1998 prior to going on sale in 1999. Since launch, globally circa 270,000 S-TYPEs have been sold. |
| Jaguar leads in traffic safety |
Jaguar has received the 2006 World Traffic Safety Symposium's Traffic Safety Achievement Award in the Automaker Category for the new XK's Pedestrian Impact Safety System.
To reward major advancements in traffic safety, the World Traffic Safety Symposium recognises organisations and individuals that are creating a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. Each year, nominations are submitted for the Symposium's Achievement Awards and winners are selected by the Symposium's Advisory Committee, which is comprised of auto safety experts from government agencies, educational institutions, private foundations and individuals with a passion for the advancement of traffic safety.
Chris Sams, spokesperson for the World Traffic Safety Symposium said: Jaguar deserves this honour for its commitment to pedestrian safety and for its innovation and technical excellence. The judges were particularly impressed by the far-reaching, comprehensive nature of the Jaguar system.
This recognition is due in large part to the 2006 XK's Pyrotechnic Deployable bonnet system - an all-new, industry-leading safety feature which was created to meet Phase One of the new European safety legislation.
On behalf of the Jaguar XK Pedestrian Safety team, Jonathan Mabey commented, The whole team is extremely proud to be recognised for the Jaguar Pyrotechnic Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet system on the new XK.
The new European standards for pedestrian safety are designed to help mitigate the severity of injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision. In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian impact, the deployable bonnet on the new XK automatically 'pops' up a few inches, to increase space between the engine and the bonnet. This helps to isolate the pedestrian from hard points in the engine compartment - and takes place in less than a tenth of the time it takes to blink an eye. An advanced sensing system is mounted in the front bumper to help discriminate between a pedestrian collision and any other possible front-end collisions. |
| Jaguar XJ travels more than 1,000 miles on one tankof fuel |
A Jaguar XJ saloon has travelled the length of the UK on just one tank of fuel - and then went on to top 1,000 miles in total.
The luxury XJ TDVi completed the trip from John O'Groat's to Land's End - a distance of 840 miles - with average fuel consumption of 53.5mpg*. Having reached Land's End, the driver headed back to Jaguar's Midlands HQ without refuelling and reached a total of 1000.2 miles before the tank ran dry.
The outstanding achievement is testament to the XJ's inherent technological strengths, which include advanced aluminium body construction and a state-of-the-art, twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine.
The XJ TDVi was standard and was even complete with satellite-navigation, CD auto-changer, Premium Sound and rear DVD screens.
The XJ TDVi Diesel boasts an average fuel consumption figure of 35mpg (8.1l/100km) combined cycle, 26.0mpg (10.8l/100km) Urban and 43.7mpg (6.5l/100km) Extra Urban and produces just 214g/km CO2, which is outstanding for a car offering the space, comfort and performance of the award-winning XJ. This also equals 29% in the Benefit In Kind tax category which means the XJ 2.7 TDVi has the lowest company car tax bill of any car in the luxury sector.
The XJ 2.7 TDVi has an insurance group of 15E, giving it a best-in-class rating ahead of the 18E rated Mercedes S 320 CDi and a two group improvement over the BMW and Audi equivalent models.
Geoff Cousins, UK MD, said: We were always optimistic that the XJ Diesel could do this, but the figures we achieved were beyond our best expectations and show that the XJ 2.7 TDVi is a truly economical luxury car. Following the recent questions about the UK Government offering its ministers the choice of a Jaguar XJ Diesel, this proves how the XJ really is one of the most environmentally friendly cars in its class.
The XJ 2.7 TDVi costs from £43,995 on-the-road - petrol engines are also available.
*Readings from the Jaguar on-board computer.
After setting off from John O'Groat's with the XJ's 18.7 gallon (85-litre) tank full, the team of five rotated driving duties between them every 60-90mins and the XJ was always carrying a passenger for safety.
XJ costs from £42,040
Petrol engines are also available |
| Jaguar launches 'Jaguarwatch' on the new XK |
Jaguar has secured an industry lead with its new state-of-the-art 'JaguarWatch' Stolen Vehicle Tracking Device, available initially on the new XK, which went on sale on last month.
In an era of security conscious motoring, Jaguar's lead in achieving Thatcham Category 5 accreditation for JaguarWatch is also an industry 'first' for supplying a pan-European stolen vehicle tracking device. JaguarWatch comprises state-of-the-art hardware installed in the vehicle, and a pan-European monitoring and response service. Technical features include remote immobilisation (under Police supervision) and very low quiescent current.
Statistics show that whilst vehicle-related crime has been falling steadily, it still accounts for about a fifth of all crime. Overall vehicle theft rates have also fallen, but the proportion of cars that have been stolen and not recovered is on the increase.
Cars stolen by opportunist thieves such as joyriders are usually found abandoned, but cars stolen by 'professional' thieves for parts or to sell on, are less likely to be recovered. Latest figures suggest more than 50% of stolen cars are not recovered.*
Category 5 is the latest Thatcham standard, developed by Thatcham in conjunction with the Police and insurers, to combat car crime, particularly key theft which is fast becoming the most common means of car theft in the UK.
Currently, only Category 5 accredited systems meet the stringent requirements of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)** Policy On Police Response to Security Systems. JaguarWatch also complies with the advice of The Home Office Scientific
Development Branch (HOSDB). As such a Category 5 system such as JaguarWatch helps the police to respond more immediately to a theft.
JaguarWatch provides an innovative solution to these legislative requirements whilst ensuring that technical integration into the vehicle is fully approved by Jaguar Engineers.
Thatcham's Director of Research, Andrew Miller said: The fitment of JaguarWatch on the new XK is an excellent endorsement of Thatcham's Category 5 standard. Jaguar are to be applauded as another example of a vehicle manufacturer taking positive steps to help reduce vehicle crime.
Geoff Cousins, Jaguar's UK Managing Director continued: JaguarWatch is a leading security technology that goes hand-in-hand with the advanced sports car that the Jaguar XK is and sits alongside a beautifully crafted luxury interior, aluminium technology and scintillating, dynamic performance. JaguarWatch further underlines Jaguar's commitment to security and technological development on our cars and although the XK only went on sale in March, in the UK alone we currently have over 2,500 advanced orders.
JaguarWatch is available in two versions:
The Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) version is Thatcham Category 5 approved and ACPO secured-by-design accredited. 2. The non-ADR version is intended for customers who are looking for a traditional after-theft tracking device and who do not require a complete Category 5 solution. It is identical to the ADR version in all physical respects with the exception of driver recognition (i.e. no driver recognition tags and no driver recognition module within the ECU).
The all-inclusive price of a fitted system is £1,401.75 which includes 3-year subscription for pan-European cover and roaming SIM card (including roaming across UK domestic networks).
JaguarWatch is the only stolen vehicle tracking system approved by Jaguar for fitment to Jaguar Cars. It is available immediately for the new XK, and will be introduced to the remaining Jaguar product line up over the next two months.
Recently Jaguar also became the first manufacturer to utilise the Pyrotechnic Deployable Bonnet, fitted on the new XK and another technological first for Jaguar. |
| Refinement and rarity will drive Jaguar XK sales |
Refinement and rarity will drive the success of the new Jaguar XK coupe and convertible sports cars, according to Jaguar's managing director Bibiana Boerio.
Since first details of the new XK were released in August 2005, Jaguar has amassed an order bank of 1,500 in the UK and it is steadily rising as part of 4,000 worldwide, Boerio said at the new sportster's UK press launch last week.
Since 1999 the global market for premium sports cars has doubled and it is now close to 100,000 orders annually. The US is expected to take 40pc of XK sales, twice as many as the UK.
Jaguar has been told by customers they want an everyday sporting model with good looks, occasional rear seats and a useful boot and which is practically equipped and comfortable yet can deliver a driver-focussed experience.
Bibiana Boerio said that the company had made a strategic decision last year to improve unit profitability and while this had seen a decline in registrations, particularly in the US, it did lead to improved profitability and meant its models acquired a greater rarity value as well.
We believe there is something beneficial in being exclusive and this car will provide that.
We are also looking at other small markets, such as China, where the profitability is two or three times better than in, say the US.
The arrival of the XK will be very good for our strategic plan.
Ms Boerio added that part of the strategic thinking meant focussing on models which were in greatest demand and this would be reflected in everything from the top end X-Type to the new XK series. The XK will go on UK sale in March, the US in April and also begin rolling out in Europe about the same time.
Although reluctant to forecast likely XK sales, she said it was her belief they would be more modest than the current series was, but the profitability would be greater.
The latest XK is powered by a 300bhp 4.2 V8 built in Ford Bridgend engine plant and it has been given a more sporty sound as engineers developed a bark-box which collects sounds from the inlet tracts and feeds them along a tube to the front bulkhead where they resonate while special valves in the exhaust give the emitted vibrations a deeper note as well.
Sensual pleasure underscores the development of the new XK which has been designed to provide a classic flowing shape over a finely honed chassis and well equipped, luxurious full leather, wood or aluminium trimmed 2+2 cabin.
The convertible features a multi-layered fully electric roof with glass rear window which opens or closes in around 18 seconds.
With its 4.2 engine and six-speed box operated by a lever or wheel paddles, the XK hits 60mph in around 6 seconds and covers the important 50-70mph interval in just over 3.0 seconds while running to an electronically limited 155mph. The coupe weighs 1595KG and the convertible is 1635KG thanks to its aluminium body and that gives it a combined consumption figure of 25mpg.
It is bigger inside than the current car and standard equipment
includes keyless entry and start, cruise control, bi-xenon lights, touch-screen Bluetooth compatible info-centre, sat nav, six-disc MP3 player, electronic parking brake and rear parking sensors.
The new series is being simultaneously launched as a coupe and convertible at £58,995 and £64,955 respectively |
| Jaguar XJ wins first award of 2006 |
The Jaguar XJ has already collected its first award of 2006, topping the Luxury Car category at the Fleet Excellence Awards, voted for by readers of Fleet Week and Fleet Management magazines.
The Jaguar XJ oozes feel-good factor, and the new 2.7 V6 especially makes good business sense, said Guy Bird, editor of Fleet Management magazine, commenting on the award.
Since its introduction, the XJ's sophisticated styling and lightweight all-aluminium construction have proved a real success in the UK, consistently commanding around half of all petrol sector sales and almost a third of sales in the entire premium F-sector. Now, with the new XJ 2.7 TDVi costing from £43,995 on-the-road, Jaguar's luxury flagship adds an even stronger reason for customers to choose the Jaguar XJ.
How does a 35mpg combined fuel economy sound? Or a BIK figure that saves £50 a month over the equivalent BMW, or £59 over a diesel Mercedes S-Class. Beyond the diesel there's the entry-level 3.0 V6, and 3.5 and 4.2 V8 petrols which are sure to have accounted for many of the votes from chairmen and MDs alike, Bird added.
The opinions garnered from the combined readership of Fleet Management and sister title Fleet Week, 32,000 in total, amply cover the whole UK fleet industry. These decision makers are collectively responsible for the purchase of a million-plus vehicles every year, well over half of all new cars sold in Britain. In short, their views matter.
Robert Aitken, Corporate Operations Manager, Jaguar UK, welcomed the award: Jaguar is delighted that the XJ has been voted best luxury car by readers of Fleet Week and Fleet Management. With its revolutionary lightweight aluminium construction, XJ's 3.0, 3.5 and 4.2 litre petrol derivatives have been delivering class leading performance and handling characteristics ever since the launch of the new XJ.
The introduction of the XJ TDVi Diesel derivative last year means that Jaguar is now able to compete head on with other luxury brands in this extremely competitive sector. With its lowest BIK tax rates, coupled with best-in-class levels of noise reduction and refinement, the XJ TDVi is a deserving winner and we look forward to its first full year in the market place.
The XJ also contributed to Jaguar ending the year on a high with its best ever December, driven mainly by strong demand for its new diesels in XJ and X-TYPE. |
| Jaguar announces new XK Coupe and convertible pricing |
Jaguar announced pricing for the new XK today following the official unveiling of the convertible model at the Detroit Motorshow. Customers can now place an order for the new model with prices starting from £58,955 for the coupe and £64,955 for the convertible.
The launch of the new XK marks the beginning of an exciting era for Jaguar in terms of design and engineering, and reinforces the marque's reputation for building beautiful, fast cars that are as rewarding to drive as they are gorgeous to look at.
All new XK models offer drivers exceptionally high levels of standard specification with further opportunities to personalise a car by adding features from the extensive portfolio of optional equipment.
Standard equipment in the UK includes a 300 bhp 4.2 litre V8 engine, a 6 speed automatic gearbox with paddle gearshift, 7 touch screen satellite navigation, keyless start, 10 way adjustable heated seats with driver & passenger memory, bluetooth telephone connectivity, 18 Venus alloy wheels, dual zone automatic air conditioning, metallic paint, cruise control with Active Speed Limiter (ASL), electronic park brake, in-dash 6 CD autochanger, rain sensing wipers, Reverse Park Assist, Trac Dynamic Stability Control, Antilock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Complementing the competitive pricing structure, the affordability of the new XK is further enhanced with class-leading insurance ratings of 19E for the coupe and 20E for the convertible.
With the new XK, we have developed the most advanced Jaguar sports car ever - lighter, faster and better equipped than the model it replaces, delivering a balance of superb performance, driving dynamics and Jaguar sophistication, said Phil Popham, managing director, Jaguar UK.
The new XK takes the Jaguar sports car line to another level, regaining its status at the forefront of the desirability stakes. In looks it pays homage to the legendary Jaguars of the past but there has never been a more fitting representation of how Jaguar's sports cars offer cutting-edge technology to match their unparalleled appearance.
Jaguar UK also launches today a new brand communications campaign developed in conjunction with its newly appointed advertising agency, Euro RSCG Fuel. The new campaign reflects the latest brand positioning and exciting new advertising direction that Jaguar will now be adopting.
This marketing and communications strategy will present Jaguar in a way unlike anything seen before within the automotive sector and moves the brand into a new area not currently occupied by any other car manufacturer.
Jaguar has been making beautiful fast cars for decades and will continue to do so. The 'Gorgeous' campaign perfectly captures our trademarks of style, power, luxury and performance, commented Jaguar Cars' Managing Director Bibiana Boerio. This is an important moment for the company as we move into a new era with a marketing direction that will stand out from anything that anyone has ever done before.
We will use this approach globally across all areas of our marketing strategy, reflecting the fact that Jaguar customers worldwide are well-travelled and share similar views, interests and expectations.
Starting this month, the Jaguar 'Gorgeous' campaign will be progressively rolled-out across Europe, with advertising in television, print and electronic media. The first executions of the new campaign will appear tonight on UK national television (22.30 on Channel 4), with a 6 week burst of brand advertising alongside an additional print campaign for the Jaguar Diesel vehicles.
This is more than simply an advertising campaign, stated Bibiana Boerio. It is a communications direction that will become integral to Jaguar's long-term future. |
| First production Jaguar XK rolls off in Birmingham |
Christmas came early today at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich Manufacturing Centre with the arrival of the first new Jaguar XK sports car to drive off the end of the production line. Hundreds of Jaguar employees celebrated this seminal event that heralds another era of Jaguar sporting luxury.
The first production car, a Liquid Silver 4.2 V8 XK Coupe with Charcoal interior and all burr walnut facia, was handed over by John Naughton, Plant Director, to John Maries, Executive Director, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. The car will be kept in the Trust's collection alongside the first and last E-TYPE's and many other iconic models from Jaguar's memorable past.
The global public debut of the NEW XK coupe took place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005 and the XK Convertible is due to make its public debut at the NAIAS Detroit Motor Show in January 2006. Even before going on sale the XK has already been awarded the Engineering and Technology Award at the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards. It was recognised for an all-new industry-leading feature - the pedestrian deployable bonnet.
The all-new XK Coupe and Convertible models will be available from early 2006.
Bibiana Boerio, Jaguar's Managing Director said: Today is a very special day, the first Job#1 XK sports car at Castle Bromwich; it is an exciting time for all our employees, customers and dealers. The launch of a new Jaguar sports car creates momentum, excitement and a buzz that marks an historic step in the company's revitalisation plans.
There has been a tremendous response from all around the world to the launch of the XK; we are now starting to take official customer orders for this exciting Jaguar sports car before the official on sale date in early spring.
Production of the award-winning NEW XK sports car takes place in a completely new state of the art manufacturing centre where the aluminium bodies for the XK and the XJ range are stamped, assembled and painted, alongside the S-TYPE.
The creation of a new Jaguar sports car with an aluminium-intensive body structure represents a significant manufacturing accomplishment. A new, dedicated aluminium assembly facility at the Castle Bromwich plant alongside some of the most advanced lean manufacturing techniques in the car industry are major aspects of the XK manufacturing story. John Naughton Castle Bromwich Plant Director, Jaguar Cars.
A new, dedicated aluminium pressing facility and a comprehensively redeveloped body assembly facility were constructed three years ago at Castle Bromwich to produce the XJ. As Jaguar's first aluminium-intensive body structure in volume production, the XJ's lightweight vehicle design represented a major step forward, not least for the intensive use of aluminium in a conventional vehicle architecture. This year Jaguar further invested into its Midlands site with an ambitious consolidation of the site. This included some of the following fascinating facts;
- In excess of 120 contracting companies and approximately 2,500 contractors were employed by Jaguar to transform the Castle Bromwich site for the arrival of the NEW XK and accommodate the XJ assembly transferred from Browns Lane in the summer.
- Approximately 1,400 tonnes of new steel was erected to construct these structures, refurbish F Block for XJ and introduce XK into Castle Bromwich.
- 14,000 sq metres of roof have been replaced on F Block and A1/A2 where the XK and XJ are assembled.
- A network of fire mains and valve sets was laid a metre below ground around the site from the northwest to the southeast corners, covering a length of 2 kilometres. An additional 58,000 sq metres of production building will be sprinklered as a result - equivalent to nine football pitches.
- A new 80,000-litre fuel farm was installed on the south road, to support XK production.
- 7,000 cubic metres of soil will have been excavated and distributed or removed from site weighing 12,500 tonnes - equivalent to a cross channel ferry.
- 5,000 cubic metres of concrete will have been poured weighing 12,000 tonnes and requiring over 500 concrete deliveries.
At a glance:
- The first new all-aluminium XK rolls off the track at Castle Bromwich today (Tuesday 20 December) at approx 11.30 a.m.
- The most technically and technologically advanced Jaguar ever, it is the first of a new generation of cars that will deliver the best of everything Jaguar.
- Advanced aluminium body structure technology delivers incredibly stiff and strong lightweight vehicle architecture (lighter than predecessor and key rivals, at 1595kg kerb weight).
- Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies - such as keyless entry, push button start and active lighting - enhance driver enjoyment.
- The Castle Bromwich plant currently employs 2500 hourly and salaried staff. The XJ and S-TYPE models are also produced at Castle Bromwich as well as the new XK sports car.
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| Commitment to women in the workplace |
Jaguar and Land Rover were this week named as winners of the first Women in Science Engineering and Technology (SET) Award at the Working Families Employer of the Year Awards in London. The prestigious accolade presented by Meg Munn MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women and Equality, recognises industry-leading practices in relation to gender equality in the workplace.
The judges' decision to make this award, the first of its kind, to Jaguar and Land Rover, was based on the company's proactive plans to recruit, retain and reward women in the challenging world of automotive engineering and for its 'excellent understanding and communication' of the business case for gender diversity.
Maria Antoniou, Human Resources Director at Jaguar and Land Rover, said: At Jaguar and Land Rover, we want to build an environment that allows everyone to fulfil their potential, and is flexible enough to accommodate employees' different circumstances. This allows every employee to contribute to our business success. Part of this has been the development of a culture that accepts there is a need to balance work with home life. It makes good business sense to have a happy and healthy workforce. It's not just morally right to promote work-life balance and diversity; it's a commercial necessity!
This view was shared by Jaguar and Land Rover Engineer, Angela Hopewell, who applied to work part-time on return from maternity leave. She commented: I didn't have to go looking for the policies to work part-time (at Jaguar and Land Rover), they were just there.
Diversity and work-life balance have long been central to the companies' business strategy to create a fair and supportive business ethos with behaviours that acknowledge the rich mix of people that make up the business. This desire to build a diverse working environment, which values and respects people's differences, drove the development of detailed and comprehensive policies aimed at enabling employees to adopt self-help strategies to reduce any strain on their personal / home life as a result of demands of work.
Karen Sadler, Business Development Manager of the award sponsor, the UK Resource Centre (UKRC) and member of the judging panel, said: Jaguar and Land Rover have shown huge commitment to the women's agenda at a time when the car industry is in economically challenging times, by investing in nurseries and offering a year's maternity leave on full pay, as well as a range of flexible working options. It has excellent anti-bullying and harassment policies and makes creative use of job-sharing, even on the production line. All this has resulted in 99% retention of women returning from maternity leave. A truly deserving winner. |
| Flash Interface system set to be standard fit on new Jaguar XK |
Alpine's first ever application of Macromedia Flash, the state of the art graphics system that powers some of the world's most exciting multimedia presentations, will make its production debut on their touch screen for the Jaguar XK. From this single screen, audio, navigation, climate control, telephone and vehicle settings can all be adjusted making it a critical design component in the driving experience, now fully enhanced with screen graphics reminiscent of a quality website.
This is our most advanced human machine interface to date, says Alpine's sales and marketing director, Dave Sheen. It opens up significant opportunities for car designers to employ a flexible, creative user interface that's still intuitive.
Forming an integral part of the car interior, the touch screen is located in the centre of the instrument panel to provide a convenient and simple interface of all the key features of the vehicle's infotainment system. The central position allows passenger and driver equal access to the system commands and latest LCD means the viewing angles, anti-reflection and glare properties are at the leading edge of the technology. The use of the touch screen and its radical GUI (Graphical User Interface) has introduced much cleaner lines to the dashboard, reducing button count and making selections less bewildering.
We expect to see more applications, continues Sheen. Customers want something simple, quick and a pleasure to use; this technology is the way forward.
About Alpine
Since 1978, Alpine has been at the forefront of in-car entertainment development, producing some of the world's most advanced audio systems, on-board navigation and multimedia applications. As a result of focusing exclusively on high-fidelity in-car systems, Alpine has been nominated No.1 for customer satisfaction in the US for five consecutive years and is specified as original equipment in some of the world's most prestigious marques |
| Jaguar 'World First' safety acknowledged |
The all-new Jaguar XK was awarded the Engineering and Technology Award at the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in London on 6 December.
The Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise outstanding innovation or achievement and each year the judges make one Technology Award for road-based or vehicle based innovation that is considered to have significant merit. This year Jaguar has been recognised for its outstanding safety innovation in the new XK sports car. This is an all-new, industry-leading feature - the pedestrian deployable bonnet.
Jonathan Mabey and Bill McLundie, on behalf of the Jaguar XK Pedestrian Safety team, received the award at the Savoy Hotel from His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent.
We are extremely proud to receive this award on behalf of the hardworking engineering team who were involved in the Jaguar Pyrotechnic Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet and the new XK, said Jonathan Mabey after receiving the award.
Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers to meet Phase One of new European safety legislation using an active deployable bonnet system. The new standards are designed to help mitigate the severity of injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision with a car. Legislation in the European market requires manufacturers to commit to a two-phase introduction of a range of active and passive safety improvements on all new cars to improve the protection of pedestrians in the case of an accident.
In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian impact, the deployable bonnet on the new XK automatically 'pops' up a few inches, to increase space between the engine and the bonnet. This helps to isolate the pedestrian from hard points in the engine compartment - and takes place in less than a tenth of the time it takes to blink an eye. An advanced sensing system is mounted in the front bumper to help discriminate between a pedestrian collision and any other possible front-end collisions.
The all-new aluminium Jaguar XK will be launched early in 2006 and will allow Jaguar to emerge as a world leader in Lightweight Vehicle Technology while retaining its reputation for beautifully designed and crafted cars. |
| Life support from Jaguar |
Jaguar today announces the introduction of the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase - its first ever armoured passenger vehicle. This luxury saloon car now has capabilities far and beyond the needs of day to day transportation with added security, without compromising the ability of the car. Advertised prices will start from £199,000 OTR.
This luxurious British product offers protection from firearms and blast attack, robbery, kidnap and car jacking, and will become the car of choice for heads of state, high profile business people, diplomats and celebrities throughout the world.
From the exterior the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually identical to the standard XJ bringing absolute discretion to owners. However appearances can be deceptive, as the new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is heavily armoured, featuring significant modifications like bullet-resistant laminated glazing, underbody protection, steel-armouring and run flat tyres.
Though the Armoured XJ closely resembles the road going XJ, its chassis has been extensively adapted to compensate for additional weight and a potentially more aggressive driving style with reinforced springs and dampers. This ensures that it is just as agile and safe to drive as the production version as well as being lighter than its armoured competitors.
A fully retuned variable assisted steering system (VAPS) with an increased pressure flow power steering pump realigns the increased mass of the armoured vehicle to the steering effort inputs of the driver.
The car is also fitted with opposed 6 piston Alcon mono-block brake callipers to the front of the vehicle and 4 piston Alcon mono-block callipers to the rear, along with performance friction material brake pads and larger ventilated brake discs to substantially increase braking performance. Original air suspension has been replaced with passive suspension to account for the additional mass. The vehicle is equipped with specially strengthened and
tuned Bilstein B46 dampers and bespoke Eibach springs manufactured from special ultra strength silicon alloy - a combination tuned to optimise the balance between ride, comfort and body control.
Designed to provide maximum protection to driver and passengers alike, the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase features many security attributes to make each journey a safe one.
Bullet resistant borosilicate glazing is designed to withstand a comprehensive range of hand guns and assault rifles. The armoured body shell is reinforced with ballistic resistant steel and underfloor protection is provided by high-tech Kevlar fibre material.
The Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase offers protection against high velocity assault rifle rounds and also side blast with the overall design preventing any penetration of the passenger cell by shrapnel or blast fragments.
As much as Jaguar is recognised for its design and engineering of luxury cars, Centigon is synonymous the world over for vehicle armouring expertise. The Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase has been developed through a process of complete integration of Jaguar's and Centigon's design and engineering operations, backed up by extensive prototype testing and Jaguar's stringent quality control and sign off standards.
The vehicle has undergone extensive ballistic and blast testing by the independent test agency QinetiQ and has been accredited to European standard EN 1063 levels BR5 & BR6. As the first ever fully engineered and warranted armoured vehicle from Jaguar Cars, prospective customers have the assurance of full factory support during purchase and throughout the vehicle's life. Jaguar's new Global After Sales Support programme offers a high level of support in the most remote territories. Four scheduled visits per year by a dedicated Jaguar technician ensure complete customer satisfaction, and reassurance that their vehicle is maintained to the very highest possible standard.
Tyres with run flat capability allow the driver to travel safely up to 30 miles (50 kilometres) at speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h), when punctured or deflated. Security features include a tamper proof exhaust, intercom system, self sealing fuel tank, cabin with its own oxygen supply and a titanium armoured roof.
Nick Youdan, Global Armoured Vehicle Sales Manager, commented: Dealing with real security risks in our everyday lives is becoming more commonplace. The new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase has been designed to combine the design and engineering of a luxury car with the technology and security features for the most demanding business needs. Everything is in place to make each journey a safe one, and with a V8 engine providing powerful acceleration, and tyres with run flat capability as standard, getting out of trouble fast will never be an issue.
Owners of the armoured XJ are offered tailored armoured driver training programmes, helping them to understand the differences in vehicle handling characteristics that such a high level of protection brings with it.
Jaguar prides itself on offering bespoke customer service both to the product specifications and to aftersales support. |
| Big Cat up for auction |
The car will be auctioned at BEN's Annual Ball on 14th December at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane.
Unique to this special car, and with permission from the family, the signature of Sir William Lyons had been expertly let into the burr walnut dashboard to highlight not only this momentous landmark for Jaguar but also BEN's Centenary Year.
This is the first time Jaguar has completed such an enhancement in such a delicate material. The results are spectacular and, in addition, the two front kick plates have been specially engraved to reflect the strong relationship between Jaguar and BEN. Remembering the founding father is a fitting tribute to Browns Lane and the role it has, and will continue to play in Jaguar's future.
The XJ Model is a true design icon. With its instantly recognizable shape, its potent 4.2 litre V8 normally aspirated engine and body made of space age aluminium, it is a technical masterpiece. Coupled with the outstanding craftsmanship, elegant detail and superior products used in its interior furnishings. The Jaguar XJ is both sophisticated and sensuous while delivering an agile and sporting driving experience.
The auction will be conducted by BCA in order to raise funds for BEN. Bids from people unable to attend the auction are welcome and all prospective bidders are required to register in advance by contacting Andy Holland at BEN on 01344 294722 or email andy.holland@ben.org.uk
This unique vehicle is now available to view at RA Creamer Jaguar, Holland Street, Kensington, by prior appointment, with Michael Quinn on 0207 937 1275.
BEN is the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Fund provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.
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