Frankfurt, Germany – Ford Motor Co. introduced its newest Jaguar, the first since the world’s third-largest automaker announced plans in July to sell the U.K. brand.
The 2009 XF debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a replacement for the S-Type unveiled nine years ago. The new model comes as Ford moves to shed the money-losing unit by late this year or early 2008. Ford hasn’t identified any bidders.
Any attention the XF draws may bolster the value of Jaguar by signaling the car’s ability to lure buyers from Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The new Jaguar goes on sale next year.
“It’s the kind of car that Jaguar has needed for about a decade and a half,” said Jim Hall, a Southfield, Mich.-based auto analyst for AutoPacific Inc. He said the model would help boost Jaguar sales in “both Europe and the United States.”
Chief executive Alan Mulally said in an Aug. 29 interview that the XF was “really important” because it will influence how much potential buyers may bid for Jaguar.
