Jaguar to end XK production after 18 years

Jaguar will this summer cease production of the XK 2+2 GT car after 18 years at the top of the Coventry firm’s model range.

The decision to stop making the XK comes after the hugely successful launch of the F-Type – which, say analysts, has led to a big fall in XK sales as thousands of buyers queues up to buy the F-Type.

Jaguar XK review (2009 onwards)

Jaguar XKR-S Coupe review (2011 onwards)

Some estimate Jaguar could triple its sports car volumes with the F-Type over the XK.

A spokesman for Jaguar said: “e can confirm that the Jaguar XK will cease production during Summer 2014. This decision forms part of our wider strategic vision and product planning cycle.”

The first car to be created by current Jaguar star designer Ian Callum, the current second generation XK marked the first step in Jaguar’s turnaround from the retro-tainted days of the late 1990s and early 2000s into the modern, creative firm it is today.

The all-aluminium sports car has been a success for the firm, too. “The Jaguar XK has been the company’s sporting GT flagship vehicle since its introduction in 2006 and has sold more than 54,000 cars globally.”

The firm is not planning a direct replacement for the XK, preferring instead to concentrate on other models in its range such as the crucial new Jaguar XE baby saloon.

Jaguar is, however, not ruling out a return to the 2+2 GT car space in the future. If it were to return, though, any such car would have to be positioned significantly more upmarket than the current model – indeed, it would arguably have to become a rival to Aston Martin.

The strength of the F-Type makes this future strategy a real possibility.

For now, Jaguar will be concentrating on sending the current-shape XK out with a bang: it has recently announced a great-value series of special edition models that now, it seems, are effectively runout cars.

If you can’t wait for a Jaguar F-Type Coupe, the Jaguar XK Signature is, at £54,950, a stunningly good value alternative…

By motoringresearch.com