Saying goodbye can be tough, especially when it’s the end of an era. Jaguar recently bid farewell to its last combustion sedan, wagon, and sports car at the Castle Bromwich plant.
Ken McConomy, the head of JLR PR, shared a heartfelt message on Twitter as the final combustion vehicles rolled off the production line. These last three vehicles included an F-Type Convertible, an XE Sedan, and an XF Sportbrake, which are some of Jaguar’s finest models of the 21st century.
The Castle Bromwich plant has a long history dating back to the time of World War II. Originally part of the “Shadow Factory” network established in the 1930s, the plant played a crucial role in producing aircraft during the war effort. It was instrumental in building over half of the Spitfires that helped Britain secure victory. After the war, the plant transitioned into an automotive factory, eventually becoming part of Jaguar in 1977.
Over the years, the Castle Bromwich plant has manufactured various Jaguar models, including the S-Type, XJ, and XK, contributing significantly to Jaguar’s legacy. Now, the plant is undergoing retooling to produce body panels for future JLR models as the company shifts its focus towards an electric future. This move aims to cater to a new type of clientele and propel Jaguar into the upscale market segment.
While it’s sad to see the end of combustion vehicles at Castle Bromwich, Jaguar’s journey towards electrification is just beginning. The F-Pace and E-Pace will continue to be produced for the time being, with the F-Pace being the sole model manufactured in the UK until new electric models come into play.
Jaguar’s future lineup will include exciting electric vehicles, including a $125,000 electric GT model built on the Jaguar Electrified Architecture (JEA). With a projected range of around 430 miles, this electric GT aims to rival luxury brands like Porsche while delivering Jaguar’s signature performance and luxury experience.
Alongside the electric GT, Jaguar will introduce two other electric models, streamlining its brand offerings and dealership network to match its electric-focused vision for the future.
