Tata Motors’ UK unit Jaguar Land Rover reported a 5.5% decline in its October retail volumes, largely in line with the performance seen in recent months.
However, the dip indicated a reversal from September, when it had posted largely flattish numbers and strong sales of 56,832 units. In October, the company has been able to sell only 41 ,866 vehicles.
Particularly affected were the sales of Jaguar.
These declined by 23% on year to 10,606 units during the month. This was more than the declines of 15% in September and 18% in August, a month which had seen a weaker performance on the overall level.
The company has benefited from a base effect, as its China sales had been hurt by the Sino-US trade war that started in July last year.
As such, the company has been posting double-digit growth in its China numbers since July this year, including a 17% jump in August and a 24% increase in September.
October too continued to show the same trend, with China sales up 16% on year.
Nevertheless, overall UK sales were down 18.7% for the month, also in line with the trend seen in recent months.
Sales were relatively flat (-0.3%) in North America and down in Europe (-7.9%) and Overseas (-10.8%).
Between the two brands, Land Rover retail sales were up 2.4% at 31,260 vehicles, while Jaguar retails were 10,606 vehicles, down 22.9% year-on-year.
“Sales of our latest models continued to grow, with the new Range Rover Evoque up 31.4%, the Jaguar I-PACE up 9.1 %, and the refreshed Land Rover Discovery Sport up 3.4% year-on-year. Sales of the Range Rover Sport also grew 7 .2%,” the company said.
Felix Brautigam, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Commercial Officer, said the automotive trading environment remained challenging globally.
He attributed the growth in China to the company’s work with the local retailer network.
“Land Rover year-on-year global growth continues, with the latest generation of our ever-popular luxury compact Range Rover Evoque now available in all regions. Sales of the comprehensively updated best-selling Land Rover Discovery Sport are ramping up well. The Range Rover Sport..also remains a key performer, with particularly strong sales in North America and China,” the company said.
It said it continues to see what it called a “strong response” to its flagship electric model, Jaguar I-PACE.
