Is Jag next to fall?

02nd April 2007

Ford's Premier Automotive Group - which following the exit of Aston Martin comprises Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo - returned a loss of £166million last year.

Now the latest speculation suggests that Jag could be lined up for sale as early as the summer. It's been reported that the Transport and General Workers Union has written to it asking for clarification over the rumours, but has yet to receive a reply.

However, a Jaguar spokesperson poured cold water on the rumours. "There has been no talk of a sale, and the company is committed to expanding its business in the UK." Meanwhile, Jag has confirmed development of its S-Type replacement, which will look like the C-XF revealed at the Detroit Motor Show, is continuing flat-out. The model is on track to appear at September's Frankfurt expo. Work has also begun on the new XJ, and the firm is thought to be building a flagship XKR powered by a 5.0-litre V8 with up to 500bhp.