Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) new Indian owner Tata Motors continues to invest in and makes plans for its newly acquired luxury division despite what has so far been a very poor return on investment.
JLR posted a $1.11 billion loss last year but that won't stop Tata from making big changes, the first of which is an initiative to reduce the weight of all new vehicles.
"JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight and reduction in CO2 emissions," said CEO Ratan Tata in his company's annual report. Weight is certainly something Land Rovers could lose, as some models are currently approaching the 6,000 lb mark.
Jaguar's new 2010 XJ not only makes use of aluminum body panels but an all aluminum frame and is the first of a new line of Jaguars to be launched by Tata. The lighter package requires a less powerful (and more fuel-efficient) engine, as well as smaller and less expensive brakes to stop.
Considering the massive weight of Ranger Rovers and the significant surface area that their sheet metal has to cover, an aluminum body would make a noticeable difference
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Report: All Future Jaguar Land Rover Models to Get Aluminum Bodies on AutoGuide.com
All Future Jaguar Land Rover Models to Get Aluminum Bodies
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