Jaguar Land Rover Previews the 2012 New York International Auto Show

Jaguar Land Rover rolls into New York City next week looking to make a big splash in one of the world’s biggest markets, writes Stuart Schorr, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Jaguar Land Rover North America.

A strong and strengthening product line‑up and a balanced global sales footprint are driving JLR's growth and financial performance. On a global basis, JLR is delivering financially – third quarter earnings for 2011/12 fiscal year were £559 million profit before tax. 2010/11 full fiscal year earnings exceeded £1 billion (£1,043m profit after tax).

Locally, Jaguar and Land Rover sales continue to be strong. JLRNA sales in the United States were up 11 percent at the end of 2010, and through February, sales in the U.S. were up another 31 percent. These strong sales have kept the United States as the largest market after the U.K. for both Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

In New York, Land Rover is celebrating its 25th year of selling vehicles in the United States. The year was 1987 when Range Rover North America’s dealers retailed their first vehicles. In those 25 years, U.S. drivers have become the largest consumers of Range Rover vehicles from Land Rover. Not to mention that New York City is the single largest consumer market as well. Over four days in New York leading up to press day, we will celebrate this milestone with an unprecedented Land Rover off‑road "urban jungle" adventure in Chelsea.

At the New York International Auto Show, Land Rover will show a number of interesting products including its two newest concept vehicles, the Range Rover Evoque convertible concept and the DC100 expedition concept. Land Rover will also proudly show‑off its newly restored 1987 Range Rover.

On the Jaguar side, we will emphasize our performance cars as the U.S. is the largest premium sports car market in the world (ahead of Germany, U.K., Japan and China). The U.S. accounts for about one third of all world sales of the segment including the Jaguar XK line, the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and Porsche Boxster/Cayman. It is one half of the world market when you include the Chevrolet Corvette. Sales of the XK lineup in the U.S. have been very strong this year due to its new modern design and the buzz generated from the launch of the XKR‑S models.

For the Model Year 13 XK, we offer a new Portfolio Pack with unique exterior and interior treatments, to debut at the New York Show. We also continue with the  550‑hp Jaguar XKR‑S for MY13 (there will be 100 of each available). The 2012  XKR‑S debuted with an incredible response as it sold out immediately in the U.S. (100 coupes, 25 convertibles of each for MY12). Throughout the New York Show, Jaguar will celebrate its past, present and future of performance and sport cars. It's sure to be another great celebration for the brand.

Follow us here at Interactivelandrover.com & Interactivejaguar.com all week for news from Jaguar and Land Rover at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.