tiresandparts.net9The general perception is that Jaguar models are quite expensive. When it comes to the total cost of ownership, how do Jaguar cars fare when compared to other luxury brands?From insurance, servicing and depreciation values to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – all Jaguar vehicles adhere to stringent targets to ensure the competitiveness of our cars, which gives our customers the peace of mind to know that they have made a smart financial decision in choosing a Jaguar. We offer a comprehensive five year warranty coverage and service and maintenance coverage to all clients. That helps dramatically to reduce, and even eliminate servicing payments - offering us a competitive edge. Our retail price points across each nameplate are designed to offer customers the product specifications and features that suit customer demand, preferences and lifestyles at competitive prices. We also provide a number of purchasing options personalized to meet consumer preferences. Tactical offers at present have five percent VAT paid, plus five percent cash back as well as a years’ worth of free insurance.The residual values of Jaguar vehicles are positive supported by the warranty and servicing inclusion offers and competitive prices. Our franchise retailers provide best in-class offers on approved pre-owned vehicles which when combined with financial services, help optimize the cost of change and appreciate the value of second hand Jaguars. Customers can also benefit from our financial deals that provide interest-free loans for two to five years to help consumers defer payments for the respective periods, therefore lowering the cost of ownership.We also cover the developments in the parts business. The issue of fake and genuine parts is a major concern in this region. What measures has JLR taken to ensure that customers in the Middle East have access to genuine parts at reasonable prices?Jaguar Land Rover takes brand protection very seriously and aims to continually diminish the counterfeit parts market in MENA, and across the globe. We have a global brand protection team who act upon tips and leads with regards to counterfeit parts. Matters related to non-genuine parts are actively handled by the brand Protection team in the UK office, once identified and escalated within the retailer network. For instance, a container of Land Rover parts was shipped to a MENA port, which was identified as being counterfeit and subsequently destroyed. We have also been made aware of a company using a look-a-like logo which we have initiated action against. You will appreciate the subject is highly confidential and while we may not publicly broadcast our activities I can assure you we are active in protecting our brand. We also continue to improve our menu pricing to ensure JLR parts are competitively rated, and take measures to ensure our annual labour rate reviews are up to standard. We have menu pricing structure across our network which maintains a consistency combined with MSRP. We also have our distribution center located here in Dubai for efficient cost-effective supply.Which are the most popular models in the Middle East market and why?Since its arrival in the Middle East in 1948, the Land Rover brand has gone on to become one of the region’s most beloved brands, and has continually evolved over time to keep delivering new and interesting products to this market. By embracing new technological advancements, with enhanced off-road capabilities, models such as the classic Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar have continued to dominate the SUV segment. Owing to their unique premium positioning, positive consumer perception, breadth of capability and cost of ownership - the Range Rover brand has proven to be a capable all-rounder even in the toughest conditions. In the luxury segment, we are also noticing a growing shift from sedans to compact SUVs - a trend which is global and is reflected heavily across region. We are having notable success in our compact SUV sales, with Jaguar F-PACE and E-PACE topping the lists in the Jaguar family.You have worked for JLR in diverse markets like China, UK and South Africa. What learnings have you brought from your stints in these markets to your experience here in the Middle East?Each market I have worked in has provided an incredible learning curve. During my time in China, as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Service Operations for Jaguar Land Rover, I was part of a team that transformed our operation from selling less than 20,000 vehicles a year with 34 dealers in 2010 to selling 103,000 vehicles through 220 dealers in 2013/14. Taking lessons from the value of a collaborative marketing, sales, and service structure, I have succeeded in driving growth in the Middle Eastern market since arriving here. What are your most recent expansion plans for this market?Together with our on-going product launches and calibrated investment plans to lift our services in the Middle East, we are currently laying the foundations for sustainable growth in the region. Revealing the iconic Defender and the second-generation Range Rover Evoque, introducing cleaner, smarter, more desirable cars, and electrifying our facilities to enhance the customer experience are all integral to our expansion plans in the near future. We are also excited to introduce the award winning I-PACE SUV in the second half of 2019, which has helped Jaguar to create a new benchmark in the world of luxury electric vehicles, thus paving the way for an electrified future for the brand.
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