Jaguar reports growth in sales despite global gloom

Jaguar finished 2008 with sales of more than 65,000 cars - an increase of eight per cent over 2007 and one of only a handful of automotive brands to report a year-on-year sales increase.

"Despite the challenging economic conditions, Jaguar made great progress last year," managing director Mike O'Driscoll said.

"We introduced the all-new, award-winning Jaguar XF - voted 'Car of the Year' by two major UK magazines, and winner of more than 30 commendations around the world - which has attracted a huge number of new customers to Jaguar.

"The XF underlines the progress we've made in developing sporting cars that capture the hearts of enthusiasts the world over. Our cars are sold in more than 60 countries and we're proud of our success as a major exporter - our sales were up by more than 50 per cent in Russia, 35 per cent higher in the Middle East, and 25 per cent better in China.

"We've started 2009 with the introduction of advanced new generation petrol and diesel engines that set new benchmarks in terms of power, economy and efficiency, including a new diesel for the XF that offers a marked improvement in CO2 and fuel economy performance.

"With Land Rover, Jaguar invests more than £400 million on research and development. At a corporate level, we've committed more than £800 million specifically to the research and development of new environmental technologies. Our investment in recent years has helped us bring cars to market that are bucking the downward trend."