Going by its pace of growth in 2011-12, China could end up being Jaguar Land Rover's biggest market in the coming years.
Europe (excluding Russia) reported the largest numbers with 68,420 units, a growth of 27 per cent over 2010-11.
The UK (up three per cent) and North America (15 per cent) followed with 60,022 and 58,003 vehicles each. China was in the fourth place with 50,994 units but its growth was a scorching 76 per cent
. Now with JLR announcing its tie-up with Chery Automobile, experts believe numbers will grow at a furious pace especially when Europe is still wobbly, and the US is just beginning to show signs of a recovery.
However, during an informal interaction on Tuesday, JLR officials said it was difficult to predict which way the world was heading at this point of time.
Europe tops table
In terms of market share, Europe emerged as the leader for the Tata Motors-owned British brands in FY12 with 22 per cent, taking over from the UK whose share slipped to 19.6 per cent (24.1 per cent in FY11). North America was, likewise down to 19 (20.9) per cent while China jumped to 16.7 (12) per cent.
Asia-Pacific was flat at 4.2 per cent. In an interview with Business Line earlier this year, CEO of JLR, Dr Ralf Speth, said Europe was a big area of concern.
“I am very worried about 2012 and what is even more disconcerting is the unpredictable scenario. Just when we thought the worst was over post-Lehman, we are now up against this crisis,” he said.
Going forward, JLR is expected to focus on key growth regions such as India and Brazil in the coming years.
“With its robust ancillary supplier base, India will double up as the ideal sourcing point for JLR, especially when costs are going through the roof in the West,” sources said.
Plans for Brazil are on hold for the moment but it is only a matter of time before they are revived.