Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to bail on the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in favor of India’s New Delhi exhibition has been widely criticized, but U.S. Rover owners shouldn’t be all that surprised. Let us not forget that Jaguar Land Rover is owned by Indian conglomerate Tata Motors.
Indian ownership aside, it makes a fair bit more sense for Jaguar Land Rover to display in India at this particular junction. India (and Asia in general) is one of the world’s fastest growing automotive markets supported by a population that is seeing drastic increases in net worth and expendable income. A strong case can be made for Jaguar Land Rover wanting to make an impression with its newest concept vehicles.
What’s more, Jaguar Land Rover is fresh off November’s LA Auto Show, where the company unveiled the controversial DC100 concept, as well as Jaguar’s new concept super car, the C-X16. Both vehicles received plenty of press (some good, some bad) and made the most of the publicity. It is doubtful that any automobile critic in this country is unfamiliar with the new offerings from Jaguar Land Rover.
Land Rover spokesman Stuart Schorr had the following comment:
"We decided to show them [the DC100 and C-X15] next in the Delhi Show in January as part of our effort to build our brands in this growing market. Therefore, without anything new to show in Detroit this year, we felt it most efficient to not participate in the show. Jaguar Land Rover recognizes the Detroit Show is a world class exhibition, but for 2012 we will not exhibit there."
Even if their absence is justified, Jaguar Land Rover will be sorely missed in Detroit. The company insures that representatives will be present at the event, despite the absence of a formal exhibit. This is good, considering the Range Rove Evoque is one of three finalists for North American Truck of the Year; an award that will be presented at the show in Detroit.
Someone needs to smile for the camera.
Get the ROVERLOG Newsletter Delivered to your inbox
Sign up and receive once every 2 weeks