I like the X-type enough, but:1) Its not a Jag.2) Its not a Jag.3) Its not a Jag.4) Its not a Jag.5) Its not a Jag.Edmunds wrote:Baby Jag Will Have to Struggle to 2009, and May Not be Replaced
Date Posted 04-19-2005
COVENTRY, England — Jaguar isn't going to kill off the slow-selling X-Type just yet. But when the car runs out in 2009, it might not be replaced.
Mark Fields, executive vice president of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, said Jaguar is still working out what to do: "We have not started thinking about what to do with the next-generation X-type," he said. "We have some other fish to fry in terms of product planning."
In 2009, by which time the X-type will be eight years old, Jaguar might retire the X-Type badge and replace it with another nameplate. Other Jaguar insiders believe the company might exit the near-luxury segment altogether and position the brand further upscale, closer to Bentley territory, leaving Volvo as Ford's BMW-and-Audi rival.
The X-type was launched in Europe in spring 2001 and the U.S. in fall 2001. But the car has never come close to its stated goal of 100,000 annual global sales. Bolstered by diesel and wagon variants, European sales grew last year to 38,343 vehicles, but U.S. sales slumped to 21,543 compared with a peak year of 33,018 in 2002.
What this means to you: If you want an affordable Jag, the X-Type will probably be your only hope.
And its overpriced compared to the competition, worse when you factor in options. Since the X hit the market, Jag loyalty went from 87% to 40%.
