SMMT display

A 1899 Daimler and 2011 Jaguar XJ are currently on display at the headquarters of the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) in Westminster, with both cars equipped with Bosch automotive technology. The display is marking the 125th anniversary of Robert Bosch, who also worked with the first president of the SMMT, Frederik Simms.

Each car represents the earliest and latest model to use Bosch technology, with the 1899 Daimler Phaeton 12hp being fitted with a Bosch magneto. This classic car has been loaned from the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. In its day, the Daimler was seen as a very advanced vehicle (technically) with candle-powered headlamps, pneumatic tyres on the front wheels and solid rubber tyres on the rear.

The Jaguar XJ 3.0-litre diesel long wheelbase saloon has some of the latest innovative Bosch technology, with features such as its diesel engine management system, electronic stability program (ESP), plus a range of infotainment systems and a range of other sensors.

Jaguar XJ

The impressive new Jaguar XJ has just been awarded the title of Luxury Car of the Year 2010 at the Top Gear Magazine Awards. Editor at Large, Jason Barlow, described the Jaguar XJ as a,”Blast from the future” and added “rarely has a new car slackened so many jaws”.

The new Jaguar XJ is one of the most efficient cars in its class and Geoff Cousins, Managing Director of Jaguar UK, said,”The Jaguar XJ brought a bold new approach to the luxury car market in the UK with its distinctive design, generous accommodation, exceptional performance and strong economy credentials. We’re delighted that the Top Gear team-definitely one of the tougher judging panels anywhere in the motoring world- have recognised what makes the XJ so special with this award”.

New Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage has been voted by Scotland’s top motoring writers, plus a selection of other people drawn from the motoring industry. In all there were 11 category winners with the excellent Skoda Superb being voted best Family car, the Peugeot 5008 winning the MPV award and the Jaguar XJ winning best Luxury car. The Suzuki Swift won best Small category, the Audi R8 Spyder won the Drop Top award and the Sporting category went to SEAT’s Leon Cupra R.

Kia took the SUV category for the Sportage as well as the overall award and John Murdoch, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said,”We sampled some superb new cars during the past 12 months and our task of selecting the category winners was not an easy one. Despite tough times in the motoring industry, some truly excellent cars are still being launched and manufacturers are responding well to the many challenges they currently face. Kia are improving at an astonishing rate and they have shown that by producing the new Sportage. The newcomer impressed us with its stylish looks, sound packaging and blend of driving dynamics, safety and or course value for money”. Kia business car leasing on the Sportage is on the site now.

Jaguar and Land Rover

Jaguar and Land Rover has announced that they have signed up as “Official Supporter” of England’s 2018 Football World Cup bid. As an “Official Supplier”, they will be supplying four Range Rovers, one Discovery 4 and four Jaguar XJs to assist the bid team with the FIFA inspections later this month.

Andy Anson, England 2018 World Cup Bid Chief Executive said: “Jaguar and Land Rover are premium British brands that are ideally suited to support our FIFA World Cup bid. At England 2018, we are committed to proving we have the qualities required to stage the world’s biggest tournament and to have the support of brands that are so recognisable across the entire globe is tremendous news”.

Jaguar XJ

Independent experts EuroTax Glass’s, the car industry’s leading residual value “bible”, has forecasted that the new Jaguar XJ will have class-leading residual values in three years time.

Based on pricing in January here are their forecasts;

1. Audi A8 TD. Cost new is £53,290. Estimated residual value in 36 months with 60,000 miles is £18,600 (35%)
2. Mercedes-Benz S350CDi. Cost new is £56,263. Estimated residual value in 36 months with 60,000 miles is £21,400 (38%)
3. BMW 730d. Cost new is £53,300. Estimated residual value in 36 months with 60,000 miles is £19,950 (37%)
4. Jaguar XJ 3.0 d. Cost new is £53,775. Estimated residual value in 36 months with 60,000 miles is £20,600 (40%)

Jason King, Head of Market Intelligence for EurotaxGlass’s, said,”The exterior design of the new XJ is certainly stunning, bringing a bold, fresh approach to the luxury car segment. This bold design is sure to appeal to a wider and much younger audience, building on the fine work of the XF in helping the Jaguar brand redefine itself and appeal to a younger buyer”.

The residual value of a vehicle is the biggest factor affecting the contract hire rental you will be charged. While the forecast by Eurotax Glass’s Guide shows the Jaguar has the strongest residual value, this does not mean that the contract hire rental will be the best.

For example at present the BMW 730d SE Auto is being offered at £692.60+VAT  per month on the site, on a three year non-maintained contract hire rental (3+35 rentals), at 20,000 miles per annum (60,000 in total) . The least expensive Jaguar XJ 3.0-litre diesel on the same terms is £920.63+VAT. This is the attraction of contract hire, as it shows you the total life cost of a vehicle covering all the cost factors.

Suzuki GSX-R1000

BEN, the Automotive Industry Charity, is organising a charity ball this Wednesday with the following items kindly donated by BEN’s supporters.

- Two VIP Champions League tickets with hospitality donated by the Ford Motor Company.

- A signed Jason Plato racing suit from the 2008 British Touring Car Championship donated by Jason Plato and the Uniaprt Group.

- A sailing weekend for four people from Port Solent including tuition,onbard food and overnight stay, donated by BDM and Ontime Automotive Ltd.

- An original piece of artwork by Ian Cook, donated by Popbang Colour.

- A Fiat 500bydiesel 1.4 16V Sport donated by Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

- A Suzuki GSX-R1000 built especially for grand prix legend Kevin Schwantz donated by Suzuki GB plc.

- A Jaguar XJ 3.0-litre Diesel SWB Luxury donated by Jaguar Cars Limited.

To bid on any of these lots before the BEN ball you can call Kelly Neal on 01344 294720 or e-mail her at;

kelly.neal@ben.org.uk