The Jaguar XJ has been named
'Luxury Car of the Year' for the second consecutive year at the
Business Car Awards 2007. Voted solely by Business Car readers,
the Jaguar XJ was first choice over competition from BMW, Audi
and Lexus. Geoff Cousins, Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK
said: "We are delighted to win this award for the second year
running, particularly as it was voted for exclusively by
Business Car readers.
This recognition reinforces the
growing sales success of XJ in the UK market demonstrated by a
23% increase in 2006, compared with 2005. With the introduction
of the diesel engine in 2005, the XJ has become a much more
competitive vehicle in both the fleet and retail market."
Tristan Young, Editor-in-Chief at Business Car said: "Despite
the launch of a new Mercedes S-class in the past year, Jaguar’s
XJ still took the honours in this class. There may not be many
cars that qualify under the ‘luxury car’ heading, but that
doesn’t mean the competition isn’t tough. In fact, at this level
competition is arguably tougher than many other segments. For
luxury car buyers things have to be just about perfect and the
XJ has been voted most perfect."
.
.
In the UK, the Jaguar XJ boasts
just over 20% share of the large luxury segment and has
historically outsold all of its major competitors since launch
in 2002.
Additionally, with the recent
introduction of the 2.7 litre diesel engine into the XJ Long
Wheelbase, Jaguar has now become a strong competitor in the UK's
ever expanding chauffeur market. In fact, Jaguar will shortly be
launching a dedicated programme targeting chauffeuring companies
in the UK.
In London alone, over £36 million was
spent last year on chauffeur vehicles making it one of the strongest
sectors of the luxury car market. The petrol-powered XJ Long Wheelbase
costs significantly less than its nearest competitor, so with the
addition of Jaguar's economical diesel engine in the lightweight
aluminium XJ, it becomes an even more attractive proposition.
Jaguar dealers have also been praised by
corporate customers in the seventh annual Sewells Fleet Operator
Attitude Survey. The Jaguar dealer network was rated highest among
customers recording a 74% satisfaction rating against an industry
average of 67%. Jaguar dealers came out on top when considering initial
expression of interest, vehicle delivery and aftersales service.
Other notable awards for the Jaguar XJ
include 'Best Luxury Car' at the 2006 Fleet World Honours, 'Diesel Car
of the Year' at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2005 and 'Best Large
Executive Car' at the Auto Express Used Car Honours for 2006.
