Jaguar Pricing

Sir,

Perhaps I may be allowed to comment upon Mr. Carroll’s interesting letter in the January issue entitled “Jaguars Abroad”?

Firstly, the British Leyland Motor Corporation professes an aggressive and competitive pricing policy in all export markets and, therefore, export prices are not related to those in the domestic market, but to the identified competition in each market.

Secondly, it is true to say that an examination of almost all manufacturers’ pricing policies would show that domestic prices are significantly lower than export prices for similar vehicles.

Thirdly, whilst Mr. Carroll is correct in his comment that Jaguar retail prices in Germany approximate to BMW and Porsche prices, for reasons explained above, he is incorrect when he states that Porsche and BMW cars cost about the same in Britain as in Germany. In fact, and for example, a BMW 3.0 Si costs approximately £1,500 more in the ‘UK compared with Germany and a 3.0 CSi £2,400 more; a Porsche 911S coupe costs approx. £2,000 more. These prices are using a conversion rate of 6.41 DM = £1 (Financial Times 7-1-74). There may be specification differences between models as sold in each market but, nevertheless, these figures indicate that Mr. Carroll’s basic contention cannot be sustained.

Jaguar Cars, Coventry Andrew Whyte