Jaguar announces 35% sales increase for 2008

These figures reflect Jaguar's strong global position, with total sales of more than 65,000 cars - an increase of 8% over 2007 and one of only a handful of automotive brands to report a year-on-year sales increase.

The strongest performing markets for Jaguar in the Middle East were the UAE, followed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Morocco. These results are due in part to the launch of Jaguar's new design direction and the runaway success of the all-new, award-winning Jaguar XF, which sold a total of 1,206 cars in the region, making up over half of Jaguar's total sales.

The Middle East was also one of the most successful markets for the XK sports car, with the UAE selling 78% more cars compared to 2007, followed closely by Oman and Lebanon. Combined sales of the Jaguar XJ and X-Type also remained steady, making up a third of overall Jaguar sales.

Robin Colgan, Managing Director for Middle East North Africa, said:

"Jaguar customers in this region look for luxury, individuality and performance in the cars they choose, and our strong sales in 2008 prove we have got it right with our current line-up. There's no doubt that 2009 will be challenging for the entire automotive industry, but we believe the new generation of intelligently designed, technically advanced Jaguars represent the very best luxury saloons and sports cars on the road today. Together with our importers and their very capable sales and service staff, I'm sure our product offerings will continue to address the challenges in the region in 2009."

Commenting on the company's performance, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's Managing Director said, "Our cars are sold in more than 60 countries around the world and we're proud of our success as a major exporter - our sales were up by more than 50% in Russia, 35% higher in the Middle East, and 25% better in China."

The latest Jaguar to hit the Middle East market is the Jaguar Limited Edition XKR, unveiled to media and importers at the Abu Dhabi Motor Show in December 2008. With only 30 units being sold exclusively within the Middle East, the XKR LE will appeal to the high performance sports car enthusiasts in the region.