Report - Jaguar XE to be assembled in India from 2016

A 2015 Indian launch is ruled out.

Jaguar plans to start local assembly of its new XE sedan in India from the first quarter of 2016, reports LiveMint. The publication was told by sources that the car will be assembled from CKD kits shipped from the U.K., in a bid to price it competitively.

A spokesperson told the publication that he couldn't confirm if the XE will be assembled in India, but said that the car will not launch in India until 2016.

Jaguar assembles cars like the XF and XJ in India, and bringing the XE as a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) would push prices, possibly dangerously close to that of the entry-level XF.

Hence, it would be of better sense to launch the car with local assembly. The XE's rivals with the exception of the Volvo S60 are assembled in India, and some even feature a small percentage of local content (like the tyres, glass and paint).

Also read: Jaguar XE showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show

For the Indian market, the XE is likely to be available only with the 8-speed automatic transmission, unlike the European model which also gets the option of a 6-speed manual. For Europe, the XE will be offered with two diesel engines (160 bhp and 177 bhp) and three petrol motors (197 bhp, 236 bhp and 335 bhp).

Competitors: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C Class
Expected Price: INR 32-38 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2016 in India

[Source - LiveMint]