Jaguar can borrow Land Rover labor for XF launch
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click above image for high-res gallery of 2009 Jaguar XF
As we've previously reported, initial demand for the Jaguar XF is high. The crew from Coventry needs its new luxury sedan to be a hit and would presumably like to sell as many possible when it hits showrooms next March, but the current capacity at its remaining plant in the British Midlands is limited by a number of factors, one of which is the size of its labor force. Luckily, Land Rover operates a plant in the vicinity. Both work forces are represented by the labor union Unite, which agreed to a "mobility of labor" provision in its contracts with both automakers. The provision allows for workers to move between each plant for up to 12 weeks at a time.
Jaguar hasn't yet decided whether or not it will borrow workers from Land Rover for the XF launch. It will likely make the decision only if it's deemed necessary to meet demand, though a representative for Land Rover claims that it's based on a number of factors and demand might not even affect the decision. In our estimation, Jaguar's going to sell the XF like cupcakes and should build as many as it can.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex 1:16PM (11/08/2007)
normally with a luxury car i would say keep the demand high by keeping supply slightly under that demand. think Buick Enclave. However considering how desperate for ANY share of the auto market Jaguar is, i'd say they should borrow the labor force to keep up.
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drewp 2:27PM (11/08/2007)
right, like buick has share to spare.
Carlos 3:00PM (11/08/2007)
hmm Autoblog - some pictures in the gallery are of a totally different car ??!?
This Jag looks terrible form the front - why did the designers butcher Jaguars signature look - now it looks like those European Rovers.
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RickCA 2:56PM (11/08/2007)
Carlos, I agree.. who are they kidding with that cheapo looking thing? Does anyone else think the wood trim looks fake and the dash looks like a spruced out Lincoln Town Car?.... I'm sorry, but this car is visually apauling in my opinion!
So to that point, who cares what plant builds it!?
Carlos 3:12PM (11/08/2007)
you missed one - picture 3 is still of the wrong car, unless the Jag has an ice chest compartment under the rear seats.
Can autoblog put up a comparison pic of this Jag and a Rover 45?
Steven 12:54PM (11/09/2007)
Carlos, you are right. The one picture is of the Dodge Journey's floor compartment. At one point they had a number of the Journey's picture in this gallery but have since removed them. They obviously didn't remove all of them.
mudzipper 12:15AM (11/09/2007)
the xf exterior looks like it was designed in china
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Hamud 3:10PM (11/08/2007)
Looking at the angle shown in the first pic seems really sexy. This car has started to grow on me.
If the demand is high just do what it takes to sell as much as possible.
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geo.stewart 5:51PM (11/08/2007)
EVERY article I read on this, the writers say that the pictures do not do the car any justice. Reasons:
-intricate lines/ shape do not help with directed lighting
- the paint color on all the models do not help.
I am looking forward to seeing one in person. Must be like Seinfeld's date, the 2-face : depending on the light.
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Bryan 9:24PM (11/08/2007)
I love it! And so must a lot of other people. I can't wait to see one!
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ebm14 9:11AM (11/09/2007)
I see too much Volvo in this design and not enough
British style to it.
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lgh64 3:01PM (11/09/2007)
I was very fortunate to be invited to a private showing of the XF in South Florida.
We were able to sit in the car, touch and feel, open and close anything we wanted to. The car is absolutely wonderful and does in fact look even better than in the pictures. The quality and detail of the fit and finish inside and out is superb.
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