2003 record year for Jaguar and Land Rover in Middle East region

Jaguar reported substantial growth in the region and achieved a 24.4 per cent increase for 2003 in the Gulf. The UAE and Kuwait remain the strongest markets in the region in terms of sales volume, with the UAE in total marginally ahead of Kuwait. Significant increases have also been reported in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. The rich heritage and supreme luxury of the Jaguar brand continues to foster its appeal in the region, and the recent launch of the seventh generation flagship XJ model during the year resulted in regional sales growth for the model of a phenomenal 65 per cent.

British-based premium 4x4 manufacturer, Land Rover recorded an impressive 28.9 per cent increase in sales for 2003 in the Gulf Region, with the unprecedented demand across the Gulf for the luxurious flagship Range Rover model contributing 50 per cent to the final sales figures. The Middle East is now the third largest market in the world for Range Rover.

Commenting on the annual results Andy Gawthorpe, Managing Director of Jaguar and Land Rover Middle East and Africa, said: "We are proud of this solid performance for 2003, in a year of both economic and political challenges. These figures reflect the growing recognition in the region of the exceptional style, luxury, comfort and performance offered by both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands."

Dubai continues to be the biggest GCC market for Land Rover, posting a 28.6 per cent increase on sales, followed by Abu Dhabi at 33.5 % and Kuwait at
36.9 %

On a global level, the month of September witnessed the highest-ever sales for both Jaguar and Land Rover with Jaguar selling 15,613 cars worldwide compared to 12,429 in the previous year. This was the highest number of cars sold in a single month in the 83-year history of the company. Worldwide sales for Land Rover for the month of September reached 19,000, a 2 per cent increase over the previous year.

Land Rover's international sales performance also reached new heights in 2003, with over 165 000 cars sold around the globe, and consistent growth for Range Rover, Discovery and Freelander models.

Andy Gawthorpe confirmed that the upward sales trend for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands is expected to continue for the next 12 months in the Middle East region with a number of new model launches expected to drive the brands' continued success.

Jaguar will this year launch its face-lifted premium mid-sized sports saloon - the
S-TYPE, the design has been extensively re-worked and refined to give the vehicle a more athletic, contemporary look with cleaner, tauter, more muscular lines and enhanced performance. Transformed by subtle and sophisticated changes, the S-TYPE retains its highly individual look and remains true to the Jaguar brand.

Also making its debut in 2004 in the Middle East, following the phenomenal success of the XJ launch last year, is the XJ long wheel base model that will offer additional comfort and space.

Following its excellent reception at the recent Middle East Motor Show in Dubai, the all-new 2004 Freelander is being launched across the Middle East region this month. The first premium compact 4x4 vehicle to arrive in the Middle East, and with significant design and styling enhancements to both the interior and exterior, this new Freelander looks remarkably similar to the flagship Range Rover model.

So too, does the all new Discovery model which has undergone a totally new vehicle design, and will be launched into the market later this year.

Also scheduled for launch in 2004 is the 05 Model Year Range Rover which enjoys a range of exciting technological product additions to ensure that it remains at the forefront of technology and innovation. The majority of the new changes have been made to the information and entertainment programmes, being referred to as the "Infotainment System".

"Both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands are enjoying a strong position in the market and our great product line-ups are ensuring steady growth across the board. This, together with the support and commitment of our importers, will ensure ongoing success and increased market share throughout the Middle East region," added Gawthorpe.