GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2011, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND REMEMBERING THE PAST

The Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland is unique in the auto industry for being a neutral territory for global automakers to highlight their newest models. As such, it is the natural site of many landmark launches over the years; including vehicles from Jaguar and Land Rover. Having just returned from Geneva, I am reminded that throughout the history of this show, the future of the automobile has always been close at hand, writes Gary Temple, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America.

Fifty years ago, Jaguar shook the automotive world with the debut of the ground breaking E‑Type at Geneva, kicking off the legend of an icon that still resonates today.

This glimpse into our company's past reminds us that future generations will immortalize our company by the vision we show today, and that our impact goes on long beyond the annual cycle of auto shows and launches. This year at Geneva, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated our history, while making strong statements about the vitality of the brands and the company going forward.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E‑Type last week, we returned to the Hotel du Parc Des Eaux‑Vives, the same place where we unveiled the E‑Type in 1961. A few select journalists had the chance to drive these historic vehicles on the same Geneva streets featured half a century ago.

When unveiled in 1961, the response was so great that an additional vehicle had to be delivered immediately from England to do demonstration drives for a growing crowd.

Norman Dewis, a young test driver for Jaguar at the time, was commissioned to drive a second Jaguar E‑Type non‑stop from Coventry England to Geneva Switzerland. A very youthful Mr. Dewis returned to Geneva this week to regale us in his remarkable feat, and to bring to life his drive of 50 years hence.

Alongside the original Jaguar E‑Type that was displayed at the 1961 iteration of the show, we presented several new Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles on the show floor:

• The Range Rover Evoque is an important new vehicle coming to market for Land Rover and represents the newest expression of our design and engineering capabilities. With high efficiency engines and lightweight construction, it combines capability and versatility, with
uncompromising design.

• The Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition is a Range Rover fitted with an ultra‑luxury interior to rival the greatest names in British motoring. This will be the brand's most exclusive vehicle we offer with only 500 destined for the world.

• The pinnacle of the performance line at Jaguar, the XKR‑S, is a new model in our XK lineup. As the latest expression of our performance intentions, it has the credentials to impress, with 550 horsepower and a 186 MPH top speed. U.S. pricing will start at $132,000.

From a personal standpoint, it was invigorating to see Jaguar Land Rover's unique history and high velocity future. In Geneva, Jaguar Land Rover's global leaders spoke to the state of the company; sharing that we are profitable today and investing in the future; which gives us all great confidence that our future is bright. Next stop will be the New York International Auto Show in April where we will tell our story from a unique New York point of view.