Tata Motors said Jaguar Land Rover retail sales for the India fiscal year ended 31 March 2019 fell 5.8% year on year to 578,915 vehicles.
Continuing weakness in China and the run out of the first generation Range RoverEvoque more than offset effects of the launch of the electric I-Pace and first full year sales of the E-Pace, Range Rover Velar and updated Range Rover models.
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However, retail sales were up significantly in North America (up 8.1%), which enjoyed a record full fiscal year and ninth consecutive year of growth.
Volume was also up in the UK (8.4%) and in general overseas markets (2.4%).
China sales plunged 34.1% reflecting weaker market conditions.
JLR is addressing this by working with its local retailers to improve customer experience and create a sustainable model. Sales in Europe were lower (4.5%) because of diesel uncertainty as well as the regulatory changes due to WLTP.
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By GlobalDataJaguar retail sales rose 3.2% to a record 180,198 vehicles as E-Pace sales rose and the
I-Pace came up to speed.
Land Rover retails fell 9.3% to 398,717 vehicles reflecting the weaker China performance and run out of the first generation Evoque, offset by strong sales of the Velar and updated Range Rover lines.
Felix Brautigam, Jaguar Land Rover chief commercial officer, said: “Despite a challenging time for us and the automotive industry, we were able to deliver growth in three of our five regions.
“In North America, the UK and overseas we posted solid growth, achieving record sales and outpacing industry trends in many markets. Although the trading environment in Europe was weak due to uncertainty over diesel and the transition to WLTP regulations, our European teams also held their competitive position.
“Clearly we were disappointed by the lower sales in China. However, together with our retailers we decided not to push sales ‘at any cost’ to ensure that our brands remain desirable. Mid-term we remain optimistic about the region, particularly as we are starting to see results of our local turnaround strategy, with retails expected to stabilise in the next few months and grow thereafter.
“Jaguar is going from strength to strength, achieving its best ever full year of sales.
“Although we saw a dip at Land Rover due to China market performance and the phase out of older models, we are pleased with the sales of the newer vehicles and excited by the reception for the redesigned Evoque, with sales ramping up.
“Customer and media reviews are extremely positive and we look forward to its China launch at the Shanghai auto show.”
Total JLR retail sales for the fourth quarter were 158,916 vehicles, down 8% year on year, and sales in March 2019 were off 8.2% to 76,895.
