Jaguar XF Starts Production As Future Remains Uncertain

Luxury car manufacturer Jaguar has today released the first of its new XF models which will replace the legendary S-Type, in a symbolic statement that local communities hope will save hundreds of jobs over the coming years at the firm’s UK plants.

The XF model, designed as the next generation of luxury saloon for the company has begun its manufacturing process after the completion of what has been a troubled inception and design process, following speculation and bargaining for the Jaguar brand.

Parent company Ford has been open about its intentions to offload Jaguar and its sister brand Land Rover by the beginning of next year, and has already attracted substantial interest from internationally diverse potential suitors.

However the uncertainty over the company’s future has lead to run ins with leading employee union Unite, particularly in light of several factory closures and a lack of commitment as to the future growth and presence of the brand within domestic manufacturing markets.

The company, which employs around 10,000 across its three main UK-based operations, has been struggling for a number of years to compete with manufacturers from further afield. With the increased flow of trade through the European Union and the strong pound over the last decade or so, Jaguar has lost out to more cost effective brands, which has seen it lose significant employee numbers and ultimately send it out of favour with parent company Ford.

Union Unite has announced that it would favour the potential bid from Indian car giant Tata, in relation to its plans for the future development of the brand. However it is thought by industry analysts that such a move may prove damaging to the luxury brand associated with Jaguar. Nevertheless there remains the possibility of a number of additional suitors entering the fray as the competition for sale hots up over the coming few months.

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