By JAMES MUYANWA in Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA  –
ZAMBIA is among the target markets for the all-new 2015 Jaguar XE which has been unveiled to some journalists from Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.
The medium-sized car, which has been manufactured on aluminium-intensive basis, is the first Jaguar ever with the lowest fuel consumption.
This came to light last Thursday when the car was unveiled to some journalists, mainly business editors and reporters, from four SSA countries, in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to officials from the Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and SSA, Jaguar XE will be officially launched in South Africa in September 2015.
“This milestone in body engineering, a product of Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in high-volume production of aluminium vehicles, ensures that the Jaguar XE combines outstanding design with benchmark levels of ride and handling – …it launches locally in September.
“Lightweight construction is a core element of Jaguar’s DNA and Jaguar is at the cutting-edge of aluminium technology in the automotive industry. The XE is the latest model to use this aerospace-inspired technology,” said the official in statement to the media.
The weight saving as the result makes the XE the most fuel-efficient Jaguar yet.
With its two-litre turbo diesel engine, it boasts a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100 kilometre (KM) and carbon dioxide emissions of only 109 gramms per km.
After the regional launch in South Africa next month, national launches are expected to take place in other countries including Zambia.
For Zambia the launch of the Jaguar XE could help set the tone for the commissioning of the state-of-the-art-dealer facility in Lusaka, which is being established by Alliance Motors Jaguar Land Rover at a cost of US$4 million.
The facility which is expected to open in January 2016 will offer state-of-the-art vehicle sales showroom, servicing and parts area as well as other modern effects to the Zambia market.
Alliance Motors is the sole authorised distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover motor vehicles in the country.
Company general manager, Andre Bonthuys said recently that the establishment of the new dealership facility confirmed the mother company, Tata International’s belief in the two iconic British brands, Land Rover and Jaguar.
“The facility will offer state-of-the-art-vehicle sales showroom, service and parts to the Zambian market. All indications are that we will be opening in January 2016,” he had said.