New Jaguar sports car to be built in Birmingham

The newest Jaguar sports car will be built in Birmingham, it has been announced.

The F-type two-seater convertible will be built at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant.

The design will be unveiled later this year, the carmaker said at a press conference in New York.

Prototypes of the new luxury car are leaving the English plant as the company begins on-road testing.

Ian Hoban, Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director said: "The engineering development of the F-type has focused on delivering a heightened level of dynamic driving reward.

"We are excited about our progress to date and are looking forward to soon being able to demonstrate what we have achieved."

The car will go on sale in 2013.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "I am delighted that Jaguar's innovative new sports car will be made by the highly skilled workforce at Castle Bromwich in the Midlands. This news is further evidence of the company's growth and strength of the brand which remains a key part of the UK's positive automotive story.

"This announcement follows the recent good news of another 1,000 jobs at Jaguar Land Rover's Halewood plant."

PA