Jaguar Land Rover launches Special Operations division

Jaguar Land Rover has opened a new business division to work on products that focuses on meeting expectations of the most discerning and enthusiastic car customers. To be called Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, the department will be headed by John Edwards and will produce High specification vehicles showcasing the brands’ high performance derivatives, ultra luxury products and limited run collector editions.

The Special Operations division will also work on bespoke commissions, extended choice of colour, trim specifications and accessories, vehicle recreations, servicing and restorations of heritage products including creation and provision of heritage vehicle parts and a new portfolio of branded goods engaging both current and potential customers.

Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive, Dr. Ralf Speth, commented: "The creation of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations demonstrates our continued commitment to placing customers at the heart of everything we do. This investment in exciting and desirable products will reinforce the global reputation of both Jaguar and Land Rover brands."

John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations said: "As a business, we are completely focused on enhancing and personalising the relationship our most discerning and enthusiastic customers have with our brands. By creating a Special Operations division we can harness the very best talent and expertise Jaguar Land Rover has - to deliver exceptional products and services our customers will love for life."

Paul Newsome, recently recruited from Williams Advanced Engineering, will be the Director of Special Vehicle Operations to lead a team of expert designers and engineers. This team will create flagship vehicles ranging from high luxury to extreme performance. The company will also be investing in a new Technical Centre, located in the West Midlands area of the UK dedicated for delivery for the delivery of these cars. To be the base for 150 Jaguar Land Rover specialists, the new Technical Centre will feature a customer commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalisation, Formula 1-inspired flexible workshops and a fully automated paint facility.

A new heritage vehicle workshop will also be created at Browns Lane in Coventry and will be the production site for the six recently announced lightweight E-Type recreations. The new E-Type cars will be hand-built in-house to the exact specifications of their original 1960s forebears including the 3.8-litre straight-six engine. Servicing and restoration services will also be included in the facility later. The new heritage business will be open from August 1st.