Jaguar CEO Defends 12-Month Hiatus From New Car Sales Amid Electric Vehicle Transition

Jaguar's CEO, Rawdon Glover, defends the decision to stop selling new cars for a year to prepare for its transition to electric vehicles. The brand has ceased production of all petrol and diesel models, and its dealerships have closed order books. Jaguar will rely on its used car network during the 12-month "sunset period." The company is set to unveil a concept version of its first all-new electric vehicle next month.

In a bold move to reposition itself as a luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand, Jaguar, a subsidiary of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has announced the cessation of production and sales of all new petrol and diesel models. This decision marks the beginning of a 12-month "sunset period," during which Jaguar dealerships will rely solely on their used car network.

The British automaker has already phased out several models, including the XE and XF saloons, F-Type sports car, and E-Pace small SUV, in anticipation of this transition. Only the F-Pace, Jaguar's best-selling model, will be available for sale in the near future.

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar's managing director, confirmed that the brand will no longer be on sale for new vehicles in specific European markets by the end of 2024, with the UK to follow from the early part of 2025. This means that for the majority of next year, Jaguar dealerships will not have any new cars to sell.

In an interview with Autocar, Glover revealed that Jaguar's first EV to be produced under its "reimagined" focus will be a luxury four-door electric GT. The highly anticipated model is expected to have a powerful dual-motor powertrain, a range in excess of 435 miles, and a price tag of £100,000. Although the new GT will be unveiled in December 2025, it won't go on sale until 2026.

During this period, JLR plans to expand its range to include a Bentley Bentayga-rivalling SUV and a large four-door saloon. Both models are expected to be available in JLR showrooms in 2028.

Jaguar's decision to discontinue the production and sale of new petrol and diesel models is a part of its commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to electric power. The move follows similar actions by other automakers, such as General Motors and Ford, as the industry shifts towards a more sustainable future.

[1] https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/jaguar-dealers-will-have-no-new-cars-to-sell-in-2025-as-carmaker-readies-luxury-electric-gt-for-26/306287