Jaguar set to rev up Chinese sales

Jaguar Land Rover has pledged to increase its sales in China, the Government said on the sidelines of a visit by a senior Chinese politican yesterday.

The company, which is owned by India's Tata Motors, is set to sell about 40,000 Jaguar and Land Rover cars, worth more than £1bn, in the fast-growing Chinese market this year.

The announcement was made during a visit by the country's vice-premier, Li Keqiang, who arrived in the UK accompanied by delegation of business and political leaders.

In all, British and Chinese companies inked deals worth about £2.6bn, including a partnership between the privately-held chemicals firm Ineos and Petrochina.

Petrochina announced a framework deal that will see it join hands with Ineos to form refining joint ventures at the Lavera refinery in France and Grangemouth in Scotland.