Jaguar XK

XKR boosts British show

There's good British Motor Show news for Jaguar fans - but it's not so great for VW watchers. Auto Express can exclusively reveal the stunning XKR will make its world debut at July's London event.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Designer Ian Callum revealed XK at Detroit - and will be at ExCeL with XKR

By Julie Sinclair

07th March 2006

However, German giant VW is boycotting the exhibition, as are its Audi and Skoda offshoots. Bosses told us it is "too expensive", saying they'd rather focus funds on generating sales via the Internet and dealer networks.

Organisers said they were still "in discussion" with VW. A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed: "The London show is cheaper than Birmingham. The expense involved with the NEC was a source of irritation, and central to our negotiations for the ExCeL arena [in Docklands] was the need to reduce costs for exhibitors and visitors." VW Group brands SEAT and Bentley won't tow the company line, as both are to attend. However, Skoda has bowed out for "budgetary reasons", while Audi said it would rather promote its line-up on its dedicated TV channel.

Back at Jaguar, the supercharged V8 XKR - spy shots of which we first published in issue 897 - will be another major draw. Debutants already include the new Vauxhall Corsa and Land Rover Freelander, and this makes VW's decision all the more disappointing. The British Motor Show runs from 20-30 July, with tickets £8 for adults and £5 for five to 16-year-olds.