Jaguar purrs after 40% Middle East sales rise

A record 40 percent increase in sales in the Middle East has been posted by luxury car manufacturer Jaguar for the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year.

Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait and Morocco proved the best performing markets for Jaguar as it shifted 1,100 cars across the Middle East and North Africa during the half year period, it announced on Wednesday.

The new XF saloon was the most popular model, with initial stock selling out even before its arrival in the region’s showrooms.

Sales of the X-Type compact premium saloon were up by 12 percent and the XK sports car by 10 percent.

The Middle East was one of the most successful markets in the world for the XJ, the flagship saloon of the brand, where it maintained its strong performance.

Mark Eedle, regional sales and marketing manager for Jaguar Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are very pleased with our results in a region that is growing at a phenomenal rate and witnessing fierce competition.

“Two years ago we announced our revitalisation plan and returned our focus to luxury, performance and style - the key qualities that have always made Jaguar cars special.  The strong sales success and positive customer feedback is testament of the fact that we are on the right track.”

The Middle East is a lucrative market for premium car manufacturers, with BMW yesterday announcing a 21 percent rise in sales in the region for the first half of 2008 over the same period last year.

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