Tata Motors Pushing For Jaguar Makeover With New Models And More Sales

TALK OF A NEW entry-level model at Jaguar has been circulating for some time, but new reports this week suggest that Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant is eager to get new models out sooner rather than later.

Speaking with British magazine Autocar, Mr Kant said the luxury carmaker has been too slow to react to its competitors. 

"Our key advantages should be speed to market and agility, that should be the DNA of any small company," Mr Kant told Autocar.

Recent reports have claimed that Jaguar is considering a smaller coupe to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and the Audi A5. Mr Kant confirmed that there has been discussion about a new entry-level model.

"We’re having a debate about a small car. It has to happen if you want to keep the brand alive. We need an entry-level car."

Although Jaguar is expected to launch its new 'XE' sports car late next year, Kant and new Tata Motors boss Carl-Peter Forster are reviewing the brand's line-up in search of other opportunities.

Kant told Autocar that both Jaguar and Land Rover have the potential for growth - in sales numbers as well as in new models - but said that the company's mindset needs to be "less British". He said that with the UK accounting for only 25 percent of JLR's market, the carmaker needs to give more consideration to overseas requirements.