Jaguar can borrow Land Rover labor for XF launch

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]