Strong UK sales for Jaguar and Land Rover

British prestige brands Jaguar and Land Rover reported strong sales in March. Land Rover's sales were up 67 per cent to 11,300, the best ever recorded for a single month. Although the company hasn't introduced any all-new models recently, comprehensive and well-received mid-life updates for the Discovery and Range Rover Sport last year have helped maintain interest in its range.

Sister brand Jaguar's total sales only increased by a modest 1.1 per cent to 3056, but its underlying performance was much stronger as comparisons were affected by the discontinuation of the company's smallest model, the X-Type. Sales of the more expensive XF saloon and XK coupé were up 94.6 per cent and 36.3 per cent respectively, and the company can expect a further boost as deliveries of its new XJ saloon build up.

The improvements at Jaguar and Land Rover took place against the background of an improving overall market; according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, car sales in the UK in March 2010 were up 26 per cent over the very weak figure for the same month last year, at 397,383. However, the market may become more difficult from now on as the support provided by the government's "cash-for-bangers" scrappage scheme comes to an end.