Jaguar’s MLA platform is no longer being developed.
Jaguar and Land Rover are facing tough times. Global sales fell 24 percent in 2020. Jaguar’s 37% decline was the worst. Already, we reported on the new XJ sedan being axed, as well as a Jaguar Land Rover production reduction by 25 percent. We now have a better understanding of the changes, and it is quite worrying.
Adrian Mardell, JLR Chief Financial Officer, stated that development of Jaguar vehicles for the EV friendly MLA platform is finished. Automotive News . It was designed to carry everything, from fully-electric powertrains to internal combustion power. It was also the basis of the long-awaited XJ replacement. J-Pace SUV. Although there has been no official word about the J-Pace’s development, it is likely that the J-Pace will be canceled before it ever began.
The Land Rover’s EV SUV, the s ob-called Road Rover, is another casualty of JLR’s changes. It is interesting that the Jaguar MLA platform has been axed, but it will continue to be used for large Land Rover offerings. However, it won’t become an electric vehicle. This money is being used to fund a new Electrical Modular Architecture, which will be used to power pure EV systems. Although the platform will be able to carry hybrid powertrains it won’t only be designed for internal combustion power.
JLR is expected to write off $1.4 million of investments made in the MLA platform, and related vehicles, to make this possible. The automaker found it outdated and unable to meet company emission requirements. Jaguar’s biggest worry is JLR’s search for partners to help develop an electric platform for future Jaguars. This suggests that they don’t have anything in place to replace the MLA plan or they don’t have the money to do it. It doesn’t bode well for brands that pledge to be all electric by 2025.
Jaguar is rumored to be looking to increase its upscale status as a direct competitor for Bentley or Aston Martin. The overall goal seems to be a substantial reduction in both production and models. We can only say that JLR’s future, especially in regards to Jaguar, looks very uncertain.