Jaguar most likely for sale…who do you think might buy it?

[imageWIS]

Jaguar most likely for sale...who do you think might buy it?

Jon.

 

[JEdge]

From what i understand (or what CNBC told me) "most likely for sale" is a bit dramatic, although i could be wrong.

In the segment they were discussing Korean automakers looking to buy the prestigeous nameplate. I think it would generally be a good fit. It seems Hyundai is more organized and focused than Ford is (at least in the US) and i assume it is only a matter of time before the Koreans throw a luxury brand into their portfolio. Acquiring Jaguar would be a lot easier than starting from scratch. Only lately has Lexus been able to hang with the luxury manufacturers from German (i think the Lexus debut was in the early 90's).

 

[imageWIS]

I think Jag would be a good fit for VW AG, just look at how well Bentley and Lamborghini are doing.

Jon.

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

I think Jag would be a good fit for VW AG, just look at how well Bentley and Lamborghini are doing. Jon.
I agree. I also think that there would be a huge cultural clash if a Korean or a Chinese firm buys Jag. First, the luxury buyers will associate Jag with the inferior quality of a Korean or Chinese firm. Second, the cultural integration would be next to impossible. So, I don't think that's a good business strategy. On the other hand, Jag's customer profile doesn't directly clash with any brand VW AG owns (perhaps slightly with Audi, but not huge). Another candidate might be the Renault-Nissan consortium. They've shown themselves to be able to handle and grow two fairly distintive brands without much problems, so perhaps a similar arrangement with Jag won't be too difficult. Lastly, maybe a private equity consortium of sort will buy Jag and flip it in a few years. The brand can certainly use some straightening up. No pain, no gain, as they say.

 

[Huntsman]

I would like to.

Obviously, I'm not going to, but I'd like to.

 

[mussel]

Probably another Chinese auto maker.

 

[chrysalid]

british leyland

 

[LabelKing]

Lvmh.

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Lvmh.

They'll just start making products with the Jag logo all over them, a la Louis Vuitton style.

 

[chrysalid]

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

They'll just start making products with the Jag logo all over them, a la Louis Vuitton style.

and i believe that's a white zinfandel from the brothers gallo, mmmmm, delicious.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I've seen some very mediocre-looking Jaguar merchandise.

 

[briancl]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

I've seen some very mediocre-looking Jaguar merchandise.

I've seen some very mediocre Jaguar automobiles.

Their desirability has gone way, way down. They are straight up mediocre luxury. There are more luxurious (MB/Lexus/BMW), optioned+gadgety (Lexus/BMW), sporty (BMW/Audi), younger+cool (Audi/BMW/Infinity), and practical+reliable (Lexus/Acura) cars out there. Where does Jaguar even fit anymore? They've lost their identity.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by chrysalid

british leyland
LOL! We could have a retro Jag styled on these Leylands (those old lorries are practically indestructible)!

P.s. the Jaguar Monde...err X-Type is also very mediocre (I drove one for a few miles back home). Very smooth shifting but so-so as an all-around package.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

I've seen some very mediocre-looking Jaguar merchandise.

 

[UMass]

I have always viewed Jaguar as brand that lives in the past. They have nothing new or cutting edge to offer. I also do not view Jaguar as a premium brand. Ford purchased Jaguar and thought they could just live off the brand without offering anything new.
Whomever purchases Jaguar they need to revitalize and bring in new customers to the brand. The Chinese can not do that, they do not know how. Maybe VW can if they have the capitol.