Following a strong March sales result, Jaguar and Land Rover retailers across England and Wales reopen today, nearly 100 days after the last national lockdown was announced.
Having operated virtually throughout lockdown, Jaguar Land Rover has achieved 5.3% of UK registrations in that last 12 months, an increase of 0.2% on the same period last year, which equates to 23.7% of market share in its competitive segments – all from behind closed doors. Now, customers nationwide can fully experience new Jaguar and Land Rover models in the metal for the first time.
COVID-safe procedures remain in place for full customer confidence including floor markings to aid social distancing, extra ventilation and sanitisation throughout and staggered appointment times to reduce the number of visitors in the showroom at any one time. Test drives will be unaccompanied and documentation will be exchanged digitally where possible to reduce contact points.
Jaguar and Land Rover’s lockdown ‘Click and Collect’ service for new vehicle handovers remains in place so customers can be confident that the same strict cleaning and sanitising procedures are in place ahead of handover.
In the past few months Jaguar has significantly updated the E-PACE and F-PACE with the introduction of new plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid variants, along with updated interior, exterior and technology. Likewise, the Jaguar XF has received a fresh new look inside and out for 2021 with mild-hybrid engines and a range of advanced technologies, including the acclaimed Pivi Pro infotainment system.
Land Rover has also updated its Discovery seven-seat SUV with enhanced design, Pivi Pro and a range of efficient mild-hybrid powertrains. Customers have not had chance to see the refreshed ranges until now, so presenting these new models to customers marks a significant and exciting moment for retailers.
The essential introduction of Jaguar Land Rover’s digital sales model kept customers moving throughout each of the UK’s national lockdowns but test-drives and first-person experiences remain an integral part of the customer journey. AutoTrader data shows that, of the consumers in England and Wales looking to buy a car after mid-April surveyed, 55% want to buy in person at a showroom and 25% would like to reserve the vehicle online and visit their preferred showroom to complete the purchase.
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said; “With showrooms across England and Wales re-opening, there is a huge sense of excitement and potential in our outlook. We have learnt a lot in the last 12 months about how our customers want to buy cars, be it digitally, in person or as a blend of both. Now, with an enhanced portfolio with brand new models, and the inevitable demand has built since showrooms closed, we’re ready to showcase these wonderful vehicles and provide tailored experiences for our customers.
“Special thanks to our teams who have been working during lockdown to prepare for the safe reopening of showrooms, this is an important step in the strengthening of Jaguar and Land Rover, and the UK car industry as a whole.”
With 198 Jaguar and Land Rover retailer showrooms across the UK, customers can book their visit and/or test drive immediately – Jaguar customers can also benefit from an extended test drive option from early April until the end of June, designed to give customers optimum time behind the wheel.
