Team-BHP
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https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/)
Quote:
Tata-owned Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) has taken an aggressive stance in the Indian market and is planning big-ticket rollouts.
Jaguar and Land Rover see India as a home market because of the Tata ownership and therefore just like in the UK, they are now aiming for market leadership across all segments of the luxury or premium car market in India.
JLR wants to be the number one premium player in India in the mid-term. In fact, the company's management views itself as 'having a responsibility' to overtake traditional rivals like BMW and Audi in India. JLR now views India as a second 'home market' after the UK where it is a market leader.
The company at present is evaluating the feasibility of manufacturing vehicles in India for the domestic market and exports to the entire region. This is mainly because the government's new completely knocked down (CKD) kits definition means assembling may not seem entirely profitable. But in the meanwhile, it is starting the production of the Freelander 2 at the Tata plant in Pune via the CKD route and the vehicles will roll out in May.
JLR will continue to invest approximately £1.5 billion per year for next few years on research & development and new products. The working capital needed will not come from Tata or through debt though.
India will play a big role in meeting JLR's larger ambition of going from niche luxury player to a more active participant in the global premium sweepstakes. All new products are taking India into consideration in the development phase, even the soon-to-be-launched Range Rover Evoque had its steering testing carried out in India.
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Source:
NDTV Profit.
It is going to be a tough challenge till they expand their product range and establish a proper production facility in India. However they have superior products and are segment leaders at least in U.K.
I wish them all the best and looking forward to this Indian company to overtake the German competition. :)
The biggest challenge as I see it here over this short run is to keep JLR brands separate from TATA. I mean, we have had enough of TATA experience which is nothing short of monotony. From Indica to Aria, plastics are cheapy, headlights, grille and the whole jelly bean concept remains.
Tata had access to the "then" latest technology for both CVD and PCD and look what we landed up with! Aria comes as too little, too late.
Coming to JLR, if the philosophy, vision AND the management control is independent, we may see some development. Else it goes down the Tata way and all that we see 7years down the line is Jaguar XJ Grande or something similar.
I am still confused how do they intend to support innovation with such small volumes. Access to technologies requirement looks way different for Tata PCD and JLR. While the Tata PCD can have a respectable market share copying the Koreans/Japanese and pushing cheap metal; JLR for sure will need everything that's latest and in line with the segment leaders.
Back to the topic;
I think the NDTV report's credibility is to be questioned. Ever since the ownership was transferred from Ford JLR has always maintained that they are not aiming for the volumes of the German trio and instead will focus on their own niche. This strategy has found them growing sales and stability. I do not see why the strategy in India will be any different.
The German companies have been pushing volumes in low spec cars with 4cyl diesels, the lower price and running costs have made them a hit as company cars, fleets and lease cos. This is not just the 3series, c class or the A4s but also seen in the basic versions of the 5, E and A6 as well.
On the other hand the cheapest model in the Jaguar range is the XF (E class, A6 segment) and that too it only comes with V6 or V8 options. They are only about to launch a 2.2 diesel variant in the updated XF later this year. Such a car might make sense in India otherwise I do not see a reason where a chauffeur driven car buyer will go for a V6 Jag over a cheaper E class or 5.
The Freelander and hopefully the RR Evoque (same platform) will be a more exciting proposition, but after the new CKD regulations one has to wait and watch how viable the prices are.
I believe the most exciting strategy will be the one for the Defenders replacement. Carl Foster has given strong hints that the next gen Defenders should be more competitively priced and therefore producing them outside the UK is a possibility. If made in India this can be a brilliant platform for future Tata and LR UVs.
JLR eyes top slot in India's premium car market
My mistake. The actual headline is as above. So JLR will be aiming for the top slot only in the luxury segment, in which they compete. Though they are going to expand their product base by introducing smaller variants and models.
Jaguar has already almost readied the 2.2 litre Diesel 4 cylinder XF variant which will be released around Sept. 2011. Till now XF has only 6 and 8 cylinder models whereas nearly 80% sales of E Class, 5 Series and A6 in U.k., comprises of cheaper 4 cylinder models. So the updated XF with the new smaller engine will greatly enhance the XF sales.
jaguar is also planning a smaller car as a X type replacement to be pitted against 3 series / A4 / C class and the hoping to release it around 2013-14.
Range Rover Evoque is almost ready and initial reviews of Evoque and 2.2L XF by British press have been fantastic.
All product development and quality control will remain in U.K., and India will have only a local assembly / production operation to save on taxes and costs. so hopefully JLR will remain JLR. But the biggest challenge for Tata's will be to provide Sales and Service setup worthy of JLR and totally separate from Tata Fiat operations. Without local assembly and proper A.S.S setup Tata's can't hope to compete with the German Trio.
The reason why I see some one buying a Jag ahead of a cheaper E-class or 5-series is probably because for one they are better looking and feeling cars, and 2nd is the reason sort of used in the article, they are sort of "home" boys here with the Tata ownership. With the Tata ownership, overnight they have gained a brand image that is on equal footing with that of BMW or Merc.
Though agreed with the kind of product portfolio they have, even in the UK, they are not likely to match either Merc or BMW overall. They just dont have a car to match the C-class or 3-series or the cheaper versions of the E-class and 5-series.
But I will say they do have a chance of matching up to the Mercs and the BMWs in the 50lakh plus category of vehicles.
MSN Cars U.K., has just reviewed the pre-production model of RR Evoque. Summary of review is given below:-
Quote:
" What - Range Rover Evoque 2.2 SD4 4WD auto
Where - Gaydon, UK
Date - April 2011
Price - £38,990 (Prestige auto)
Available - September 2011
Key rivals -BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60
Summary - Landmark new British car is perfect to look at, sublime inside, yet also surprisingly practical and easy to use. First impressions of the drive suggest yet more brilliance on the road, too: time to get the orders in, we suggest...
We like - Concept car looks, premium and welcoming interior, eye-opening practicality, economy, genuine Range Rover drive
We don't like - Even though it's not the finished production car we can find little to say here...
The MSN Cars verdict
We found the Range Rover Evoque among the most impressive, exciting and tantalising new cars we have driven in years. Our drive was brief, but our experience long enough to already award it five stars - that's how confident we are that it will be a real game-changer.
Come back in a few months for our view on the production model, and our definitive verdict on what, on first meeting, seems to be a game-changer."
Unquote.
Full review with photographs can be read at
Range Rover Evoque (2011 onwards) - *Car Reviews - MSN Cars UK
Such 5 star review that too on a pre-production model, is very rare. I am sure that Evoque will prove a big seller for JLR. Let us now hope that Tata introduce this car in India in 2012 itself around Rs. 40 lacs. This will establish JLR as a major player in India also.
The most important part of the Evoque is actually the 2.2L 4cyl diesel engine. Hope it finds its way into the XF soon, but in a higher state of tune of around 200-220hp.
But what will help properly increase volumes would be a new X-type.
OT: Is this new 2.2 diesel an improved version of the 2.2L DiCOR that Tata uses?? It seems to be the case since it is the exact same capacity of 2179cc.
Earlier TATA had indicated that the Freelander would become more affordable and would fall in the INR25lakh range by assembling CKDs here in India. But with the new duties, it doesnt seem like its going to see the light of day. I wish it would have happened though. It would have been great to see more of those vehicles on the roads. I for one would have preferred it over the CRV. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by julupani
(Post 2309108)
The most important part of the Evoque is actually the 2.2L 4cyl diesel engine. Hope it finds its way into the XF soon, but in a higher state of tune of around 200-220hp.
OT: Is this new 2.2 diesel an improved version of the 2.2L DiCOR that Tata uses?? It seems to be the case since it is the exact same capacity of 2179cc. |
The new 2.2 L diesel engine will be available in Evoque in 150 and 190 bhp tunes. it is also coming in XF in 190 bhp tune only.
This engine is basically a Ford engine, used in top-end Mondeos. It is also being used in Freelander. Please don't equate this with Tata Dicor engine. Not all 6' 2" men can be called Amitabh Bachhan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rowhun
(Post 2309218)
Earlier TATA had indicated that the Freelander would become more affordable and would fall in the INR25lakh range by assembling CKDs here in India. But with the new duties, it doesnt seem like its going to see the light of day. I wish it would have happened though. It would have been great to see more of those vehicles on the roads. I for one would have preferred it over the CRV. :) |
I think the Government has allowed built up engines and gear boxes as part of CKD kits, but has enhanced the import duty from 10% to 30% on the kits. So prices should go up by about 15%. Tata still can price the Freelander below 30 lacs and cause serious headache to competition.
Jags have a long way to go before they can turn the tables on Merc, BMW & Audi in India. Besides the absence of a small diesel in the present lineup is the higher brand perception that the other three brands have in India. Yes Jags are seen as vehicles meant to be collected, but three germans are seen as the vehicles for excutives on the top rug.
The LR Evoque does need to come to India as soon as it can but genuinely high market share can only come through local manufacturing and that can only be justified if a specfic model is intended for major exports. (given the local numbers) The new defination of CKD and the revised 30% duties applicable remove the option of a half baked solution.
JLR also need create a more visible sales and service network across India and this is not going to come up overnight. Today it still is not sufficently widely available.
I fully agree with ACM that Tatas need to start local assembly and increase the sales and service network, to reach anywhere near the volumes of T3.
However JLR is slowly getting it's act together by introducing new models which will substantially increase their volumes globally. They are on the verge of releasing XF 2.2L diesel engine which will compete with the likes of 520D and has been previewed well by British media. I reproduce below one such First Drive report.
Summary - Vital new 2.2D Jaguar XF is the first four-cylinder diesel offered by the popular British executive. At last, Jaguar has an entrant into the sector's biggest and most competitive sales area.
We like - Impressive refinement, performance, improved economy, wonderful eight-speed automatic, new economic advantages
We don't like - Low-50mpg rather than high-50mpg economy, CO2 not as low as competition, still 'a four-cylinder diesel' which Jaguar stalwarts may not like
First impressions
Finally, the Jaguar XF gets an entry-level four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This is the most important area within the executive car market in terms of sale - but, up to now, Jaguar hasn't been able to offer one. This means it's not been represented to, well, HALF the market.
Come the summer, this will be rectified. The Jaguar XF 2.2D sits beneath the current entry-level 3.0 V6D, opening up XF motoring to far more people. Audi and BMW, for instance, say three in every four A6 and 5 Series sales are 2.0-litre diesels: that's how important this new Jaguar is.
The 'i4D' engine is derived from that in the new Range Rover Evoque, and produces 190hp. It's been fully Jaguar-ised though, with enhancements throughout for, says Jaguar, class-leading refinement. It's paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The model's launch ties in with a mid-life facelift for the Jaguar XF, which has been on sale for four years now. Concealed on our prototype drive for now, this focuses on the front-end looks. Detail changes have been made elsewhere too, to keep things fresh.
Performance
Those worrying that the four-cylinder Jaguar XF will be a disappointment compared to V6 and V8 alternatives can rest easy. The feared clatter, drone and rattles are simply not present - even in the prototype test car MSN Cars drove, which is four whole steps away from final production.
The noise is, of course, not creamy and tuneful like a V6. But while anodyne, the note is little less objectionable than a modern direct-injection petrol. You won't listen to it for fun, but nor will you listen to it with annoyance.
Performance is good: 190hp provides 0-60mph acceleration in 8.0 seconds; an Audi A6 does it in 8.7 seconds, a BMW 520d in 8.1 seconds. A significant win for Jaguar there, then, and it feels the swift, agile diesel the stats suggest on paper, too.
It also delivers surge from low revs, in the characteristic modern diesel way, but without an unrefined 'rush'; it has a bigger-capacity feel than it actually is, and is particularly impressive at higher speeds. It certainly doesn't feel the weak younger brother of the V6.
The new eight-speed automatic is sublime. Intuitive, effective and ALWAYS in the right gear, it also swiftly shifts up and down with a satisfying 'Jaguar' feel. The sensations from the gearbox have been tuned to give a Jaguar profile, and it's deeply rewarding as a result.
Smartly, the gearbox gives overdrive ratios in both 7th and 8th, for motorway refinement and peaceful running. Eighth is arguably TOO tall for the UK, dropping the engine into a slight patch of low-rev drone. The auto almost foresees this, though, shifting to 7th the moment it becomes noticeable. It also downshifts fast for acceleration response.
The Jaguar XF 2.2D features 'Intelligent Start/Stop'. This helps it to start up faster when you lift the brake pedal, and also to cope better with in 'change of mind' situations. Normally, once the engine 'begins turning off', you must wait for it to fully shut down before restarting.
This is annoying when you spot a fresh gap at a roundabout that you want to dive for. It's eliminated in the XF, which can restart even if the engine is still shutting down. This not only improves comfort, but effectively makes it faster around town...
Ride and handling
The Jaguar XF characteristic is one of direct sportiness combined with heavyweight soothing luxury. The XF 2.2D enhances this, courtesy of an engine that is 40kg lighter. This makes the front end turn in even more smartly, for surprising (and roll-managed) handling from the big rear-drive saloon.
It's easy to drive: steering is very light and 'fingertippy', brakes are light and the controls are direct. But the balance and feedback from the XF nonetheless ensure it's satisfying to drive too. And, while the ride is initially more taut than you may expect, it deals with everything thrown at it admirably.
Interior
We're not allowed to talk about the facelifted interior yet - but we CAN talk about the general ambience. Jaguars are special and this is no exception, with a modern-British feel that's distinct from the Germans, and exceedingly appealing in its own right. Its standard equipment is still compelling, too.
The 2.2D engine does not hinder this. It remains hushed, and the stop-start is discreet enough to pass almost unnoticed (passengers thus won't be worried by it). Good refinement, the smooth-shifting auto and feeling of reassuring engine response all ensure the luxury-performance Jaguar feel remains intact.
Economy and safety
The Jaguar XF 2.2D is about improving economy and emissions. So, how does it fare? Well, 53.2mpg and 149g/km makes it the most fuel efficient Jaguar on sale, by far. The CO2 figure also dips below the 160g/km company car break off point, with ease. Your next business car CAN now be a Jaguar, then!
On the other hand, it's not as good as the competition. A BMW 520d emits 132g/km and averages 57.6mpg, an Audi A6 2.0 TDI 177 does 57.6mpg and 129g/km. As Jaguar's not chasing their sales volumes, though, this shouldn't be too much of a hindrance. More significantly, will the four-star Euro NCAP rating be improved by the facelift?
The MSN Cars verdict
The Jaguar XF 2.2D is a hugely important car for Jaguar that has the potential to double XF sales. It's been a long time coming, but the wait has been worth it. It's up with the class best in all but economy and emissions, and even here, the lack of ultimate 'best' may not hinder Jaguar.
See, bald stats say it's a 52mpg Jaguar XF that can now be chosen by the company drivers it was previous excluded from. With a lower entry price too, AND the 2012 facelift, Jaguar's created a compelling extension to the XF range that, we're sure, will significantly improve sales.
The full report can be viewed at
http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/artic...ntid=156993614
Another review by Autocar U.K. Can be seen at
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...D-auto/256162/
A loaded Range Rover Evoque 4WD Auto costs 28 Lakhs INR in UK.
If Tata actually starts manufacturing that in India, they can retail for an ex showroom of 24L
Lower models can be sold for 20-22L.
Now to manufacture this vehicle in India, Tata needs atleast 1000 cars/month sold.
At a price range of 22L its indeed feasible. I am sure lot of people will put down money on a range rover diesel engined 4WD manual transmission car!
The Evoque will be cheaper in the Uk taking into account local production and volumes. It wont be made in India as JLR will struggle to source components of the same quality especially the interiors and the volumes will be negligible. Also the Evoque uses the same assembly line as the UK made Freelander.
The only viable option is local assembly but this will not make sense unless the engines are locally assembled which will not happen again. JLR will not allow the 2.2 Dicor anywhere near the Evoque as this will dilute the Range Rover brand.
I think the best option will be to locally assemble the Freelander with the 2.2 Dicor and aim for the 18-20 price range.
TATA get us the Defender for 10-12 lakhs. And see the volumes. Please please please..
Quote:
Originally Posted by tsk1979
(Post 2320893)
A loaded Range Rover Evoque 4WD Auto costs 28 Lakhs INR in UK.
If Tata actually starts manufacturing that in India, they can retail for an ex showroom of 24L
Lower models can be sold for 20-22L.
Now to manufacture this vehicle in India, Tata needs atleast 1000 cars/month sold.
At a price range of 22L its indeed feasible. I am sure lot of people will put down money on a range rover diesel engined 4WD manual transmission car! |
Tatas need to learn from Mercedes, who put up an assembly line in 90s when there was hardly any demand of premium cars. They have to take a long term approach and start local assembly of multiple models. I am sure that the assembly operation will turn profitable by 2nd year itself, due to huge expected demand.
Jaguar XJ, XF, RR Evoque and Freelander will sell like hotcakes with the reduced prices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shortbread
(Post 2320960)
The only viable option is local assembly but this will not make sense unless the engines are locally assembled which will not happen again. JLR will not allow the 2.2 Dicor anywhere near the Evoque as this will dilute the Range Rover brand.
I think the best option will be to locally assemble the Freelander with the 2.2 Dicor and aim for the 18-20 price range. |
You contradict yourself. JLR and Dicor engine??? :Shockked:
Perish the thought man. When Audi, BMW & Merc can sustain local assembly operations, why can't Tatas? I think Indian market is ripe and waiting for JLR. It is up to Tatas now to take the plunge.
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