Having been associated with Daimler since 1960, Jaguar has always been proud that its most luxurious flagship models have been designated 'Daimler.'  During 1996 the motor industry celebrated the centenary of motoring and Jaguar was delighted to mark a family birthday by producing a special commemorative 'Daimler Century' model to celebrate the centenary of the Daimler Motor Company of Coventry: the oldest surviving British car marque.  The limited edition model (only 100 were built) bore the Daimler hallmark fluted radiator grille.  Based on the Daimler Double Six long wheelbase model, the Century was distinguished by chromed Turbine alloy wheels, chrome body side moldings and gold-on-black Century badging.  The interior featured supple Autolux leather, with the famous Daimler crested 'D' woven into each headrest.  A special Century script was inlaid on the passenger side of the Burl Walnut dashboard, the theme continuing with a Daimler Century logo set into each of the sumptuous lambswool footwell rugs. 

The Last XJS Rolls Off the Line
The year also saw the last XJS roll off the production line on April 4, to be superseded by the new XK8 coupe and convertible models, which made their debut at the Geneva and New York Auto Shows early in the year to critical acclaim.  The powerful, flowing lines of XK8 evoke the great Jaguar sports car legends - the XK120, the C, D and E-types and more recently, the XJ220.  XK8 is Jaguar's first new sports car for a generation, representing the latest step in Jaguar's long term product strategy.  Building on Jaguar's heritage, XK8 delivers a unique blend of style, luxury, refinement and craftsmanship, while setting new standards in the sports car market for dynamic performance, advanced technology, quality and reliability.

The New XK8 Coupe and Convertible
Jaguar engineers created a completely new body design and a new interior incorporating major feature and functional improvements.  Advances in performance and economy over XJS provide best-in-class levels of performance feel and powertrain refinement.  The XK8 also maintains Jaguar's reputation for best-in-class ride and handling balance with new suspension, steering and braking systems. State-of-the-art multiplexed electronics support the comprehensive feature specification and provide world-class reliability.  The engineering process for XK8 drew heavily from industry best practice, to deliver the new car in just 30 months from program approval.

At the heart of the XK8 is an all-new, AJ-V8 engine.  Designed and developed at Whitley, the 4.0-litre, 290-hp, 32-valve, quad cam V8 sets new standards of refined power for the Jaguar marque: high performance, smooth power delivery and exceptional refinement.  The AJ-V8 engine is manufactured in a dedicated Jaguar facility located within the Ford Engine Plant in Bridgend, South Wales.  The Jaguar facility comprises a linked flow-line of computer numerically controlled machines with automated loading and assembly.  Final engine dress and assembly into cars is undertaken at Browns Lane.  The AJ-V8, only the fourth Jaguar series production engine in the company's history, is coupled with Jaguar's first five-speed automatic transmission, which matches perfectly the engine's power and torque.

"Best in Show" at Geneva Auto Show
The vehicle dynamics systems of the new XK8 are designed to enhance the legendary Jaguar driving experience.  The model features a new braking system, electronically controlled variable ratio, speed proportional power steering and new twin wishbone front suspension. The rear suspension is a development of that fitted to the high performance Jaguar XJR sports sedan.  From the time of its unveiling at the Geneva Show, when it won a "Best in Show" accolade, the XK8 has attracted awards and plaudits from around the world for its styling, beauty, performance, handling and sex appeal.  At the same time, the strategies employed in building XK8 have resulted in awards for the Jaguar teams involved in manufacturing the new model.  The company won the Manufacturing Industry Achievement Awards "Manufacturer of the Year" award in 1996, and the "Manufacturing Excellence Awards" in 1997.  Advanced technology features added since XK launch provide major enhancements in driving comfort and convenience. For 2000 model year Jaguar's new Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) employs radar technology to keep a set distance from the vehicle in front, while Jaguar's DVD-based navigation system delivers highly accurate and virtually instantaneous positional information.
 
Jaguar Celebrates 75 Years
The company celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding in 1997. The last V12 engined sedan was completed in April and the final in-line six cylinder engined sedan in June.  By the mid 1990s the demand for V12 models had dwindled both in the USA and Europe.  The increasingly powerful AJ,16 six-cylinder engine range, particularly in supercharged form, was delivering similar levels of refinement, but with far superior fuel economy.  The outgoing six cylinder sedan, launched in 1994, had been the first model of Jaguar's new era, signalling the quality renaissance of the company. 

Jaguar's Quality Renaissance
The XJ Series had achieved unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction, equalling the best competitive standards.  It has been replaced by the new V8 XJ Series, which builds on this success and is the latest step in Jaguar's long term product strategy. 

Subtle refinement of the sedan's lithe, elegant exterior signals extensive changes beneath the skin. The Jaguar AJ-V8 32-valve, alloy engine, first introduced in the XK8 has now been introduced in the XJ Series sedan in three forms: 3.2- and 4.0-litre normally aspirated, and an ultra high performance supercharged 4.0 -litre, all mated to five speed automatic transmissions.  Over 30 percent of the body structure is new or modified for enhanced quality, durability and structural performance.  Torsional stiffness, a key determinant of bodyshell refinement is also improved, placing Jaguar among the leaders.  The softer shapes of the new bumpers and new front grille complement the sculpted surfaces of the sheet metal.  All exterior lamps incorporate the latest complex surface reflector technology, combining a 10 percent increase in headlamp output with a sparkling "jewel-like" appearance.

The interior of the V8 XJ Series is a contemporary evolution of Jaguar's styling signature, where traditional materials and expert craftsmanship are thoughtfully blended with high technology.  Occupant comfort, ergonomics and legroom are improved, while safety is enhanced through new front seat-mounted side airbags and front seat belt pre-tensioners.  The bodyshell has also been strengthened to meet the latest worldwide safety regulations.  The vehicle dynamics systems of the new V8 XJ Series are redesigned to enhance the legendary Jaguar driving experience.  Where possible, the chassis systems of the XK8 sports car were adapted to the requirements of the new V8 sedans.  The extensive changes include a new front suspension, the latest generation Teves Mk braking system, stability and Traction Control, variable ratio speed proportional power steering, drive-by-wire throttle management and retuned rear suspension.  The new on-centreline differential and two-piece propshaft reduce noise and vibration. 

Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS, introduced on XK8, is standard fitment on supercharged sedan models to provide a unique combination of sports handling and limousine comfort.  All models are fitted with Pirelli tires and alloy wheels.  The result is a fully optimized vehicle dynamics package of wheel, tire and suspension changes tailored for each individual model in the new V8 XJ Series range.  The new V8 XJ Series features the same advanced electronics design principles as XK8, to support the comprehensive feature specification, as well as providing world-class reliability.  The system incorporates multiplex harnessing, a Controller Area Network for all drivetrain functions and a Standard Corporate Protocol for body systems.  Multiplexing enables the vehicle's electronic modules to intercommunicate quickly and share information.  It also reduces the number and length of wires for improved reliability and packaging. The same principles as those used in the XK8 product development process were employed, delivering the new saloon range in just 28 months from programme approval.  A minimum of 80 percent by weight of each new Jaguar is recyclable. 

A Commitment to the Environment
Care for the environment is a major priority for Jaguar engineers and the new sedans and sports cars reflect the company's ongoing commitment to an environmentally benevolent strategy.  All XK8 and V8 XJ Series bodies are painted at Castle Bromwich, using waterborne paint systems, which cut basecoat solvent emissions by 85 percent.  By the end of 1997, Jaguar's three sites at Browns Lane, Whitley and Castle Bromwich had achieved the stringent QS9000 quality standard.  Furthermore, Jaguar had become the first Vehicle Operations company world-wide within Ford to achieve the coveted FTPM Checkpoint D, Ford's Total Productive Maintenance Award,  in recognition of the company's adherence to the philosophy of zero accidents, zero equipment downtime, zero rejects and zero waste. 
 
New Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Centre
Fittingly, in the year when the company celebrated its 75th anniversary, the development of a new facility for the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust was announced.  The new JDHT centre, situated at Browns Lane, was officially opened in September 1998, forming a world headquarters and museum for the Trust as well as a lasting memorial to Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons.  The Trust has the responsibility for preserving a unique collection of vehicles ranging from the oldest surviving Daimler, built in 1897, to the prototype of the XJ220.  The collection in the heritage centre traces the lineage of Jaguar and its associated marques back to the very start of the motor industry in the United Kingdom, with many of the cars on permanent display.  The centre has a gallery displaying the world's most comprehensive collection of art devoted to Jaguar and its products.  It also houses an archive of historic company records and a photographic collection of over 100,000 negatives and images.

The XK180 Concept at the 1998 Paris Motor Show
At the Paris Motor Show in October 1998 Jaguar unveiled a new vision of the classic roadster.  Fifty years after the company launched the XK engine and the XK120 sports car, the XK180 concept car was created to showcase the skills and talents of Jaguar designers, craftsmen and engineers. Inspired by the great Jaguar roadsters of the nineteen fifties and sixties, the Jaguar XK180 was hand-built in the company's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) workshops at Browns Lane.  Although not intended for production, the concept car was based on a shortened version of the supercharged XKR convertible.  The all-new bodywork, hand-made in Aluminium, followed a styling theme combining influences from past Jaguars with completely modern styling.  The AJ-V8 power unit was modified to produce 450 horsepower and the brakes, wheels and suspension were upgraded to match the engine's performance.

The XK180 was styled by Keith Helfet under the eye of Jaguar's late director of styling, Geoff Lawson.  Helfet's brief was to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the XK series and he drew influences from a range of XK-powered machines, most notably the D-Type.  The result combines echoes of past racing Jaguars, in the shape of its rounded nose and the headrests behind the seats, and such unique forms as the 'double-bubble' windscreen.  The detailed attention paid to the car's mechanical specification underscored Jaguar's philosophy that concept cars should not be just static showpieces but fully engineered vehicles.  Many of the engineering features incorporated into XK180 were road and track tested on a fully instrumented engineering prototype.

The S-TYPE Debuts at the Birmingham International Motor Show
Also in October 1998, Jaguar's most eagerly awaited new model for decades, the S-TYPE sports sedan, made its world debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show.  The S-TYPE, designed and developed at Jaguar's Engineering Centre at Whitley and built at the company's Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham went on sale in March 1999.  The S-TYPE was conceived as an all-new, more affordable, compact, luxury sports saloon to complement and extend Jaguar's existing range.  Positioned below the XJ Series sedan range in both size and price, the S-TYPE ably represents the company's core marque values of distinctive style, refined power, agile handling, supple ride and luxurious comfort.  While S-TYPE's instantly recognizable styling signature evokes the spirit of its acclaimed antecedents, the Mark 2 and original S-TYPE sedans, advanced technologies set new standards in terms of durability, quality, reliability, customer convenience and driving pleasure.

The S-TYPE comes with either a 30-litre V6 or a 4.0-litre V8 engine.  The high output 3.0-litre V6 engine, the company's first-ever production V6 engine, shares many design features with the larger V8, including combustion system, cooling system, cylinder head and valve gear was designed especially for S-TYPE.  The 4.0-litre V8 engine is similar to that fitted to the Jaguar XJ sedan and XK8 sports models, further refined for its S-TYPE application. These refined powerful engines are allied to a chassis which combines outstanding ride comfort with poised agile handling.  S-TYPE also features new five-speed manual (3.0 litre) and five-speed automatic (3.0 litre and 4.0 litre) transmissions along with a new double wishbone suspension providing traditional Jaguar refinement but with a distinctly dynamic character.  A number of innovative technologies are also employed in the S-TYPE including, for the first time on a production car, voice activated controls of all primary audio, phone and climate control functions, providing safe, hands-free operation.
 
Throughout S-TYPE's design and development, Jaguar employed a cross-functional team of highly qualified engineers with international design and manufacturing experience.  The flair and ingenuity of Jaguar engineers, so effectively executed on the XK8 sports car and V8 XJ Series sedan were applied to S-TYPE, particularly in the areas of powertrain, ride and handling, refinement, styling and interior ambience.  In addition, Jaguar engineers employed innovative design methodologies and simulation techniques to ensure the achievement of all functional and quality targets.  The development of Castle Bromwich to accommodate S-TYPE production represented one of the largest inner city investments in the UK in 50 years, and the largest brown-field site development in Europe.  The S-TYPE represents the first stage of a dramatic product-led expansion for Jaguar attracting a new generation of customers to the Jaguar marque.  

Jaguar Achieves ISO 14001 Certification
At the same time that S-TYPE made its debut; Jaguar celebrated achieving certification to ISO 14001, the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems, across all its operations.  The drive for ISO 14001 helped to establish a programme of progressive environmental performance improvements throughout the company.  The program encompassed existing initiatives such as energy and waste management, recycling and product design, while environmental awareness training programs were designed to emphasize individual employee responsibility for environmental aspects of their everyday work.  A new long term strategy began to emerge, which gave environmental issues equal standing to quality and safety in influencing market competitiveness and purchasing behaviour.  Jaguar wanted to enhance its reputation for quality products through an energetic approach to environmental management, involving all of its people.

Jaguar Begins to Sponsor Conservation Efforts
As part of the company's environmental strategy, in March 1999 Jaguar announced that it was to sponsor a unique conservation project at Chester Zoo in the North West of England.  A contribution of $3 million over a three year period would enable the zoo to build a state-of-the-art rainforest exhibit and breeding environment for the rare and endangered Jaguar cat - which for over 60 years has been the company's corporate symbol.  Chester Zoo, which attracts over 1 million visitors and over 70,000 students each year, plans to have the new conservation centre completed by 2001. 

Throughout 1999, Jaguar continued to work hard to reduce its environmental impacts, in the belief that continued participation in world luxury car markets is consistent with its responsibility to the environment and future generations. Jaguar's efforts were acknowledged in August 1999, when it was awarded with the National Crystal trophy in the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice.  The company was praised for having made enormous strides which embrace most areas of its operations, from the paint shop, through transportation and logistics, to packaging and energy conservation. 

Jaguar Chairman and CEO Nick Scheele Appointed Chairman, Ford of Europe
In April 1999 Nick Scheele, Chairman and Chief Executive, was appointed Chairman, Ford of Europe.  In his seven years with Jaguar he had helped transform the company's performance.  Under his leadership, Jaguar regained its rightful place as one of the top marques worldwide in terms of brand image, product quality and customer satisfaction.  At the same time as Nick Scheele's departure was announced, it was confirmed that Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, would become Group Vice President of Ford's newly formed Premier Automotive Group and Chairman of Jaguar Cars Ltd.  Dr. Reitzle brought his worldwide automotive experience in the premium segment and an appreciation of classic marques to this newly formed group of companies.  The Premier Automotive Group, consisting of the powerful brands Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lincoln and Volvo, was formed to bring specialist focus to each company in the group.  The main objectives of the group are to develop strategies to leverage and grow these premium brands whilst preserving the diversity of each company's vehicles in terms of customer appeal and cultural heritage.  Shortly after his own appointment Dr. Reitzle confirmed Jonathan Browning as the new Managing Director of Jaguar Cars. At the same time Dr. Reitzle confirmed Mike Beasley as Executive Director responsible for Manufacturing and Engineering.

Jaguar Enters the FIA Formula One World Championship
In October 1999 Jaguar announced its intention to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship. The announcement was made at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Dr. Reitzle.  The decision to enter Formula One came after Ford purchased the Stewart-Ford Formula One team in June of 1999 and the team was renamed Jaguar Racing. 
 
Jaguar's long and distinguished record in motor sport clearly pinpointed the company as a natural and logical challenger in Formula One.  Over a fifty year period Jaguar has won Le Mans seven times, the world sports car championship twice, as well as winning the Monte Carlo Rally and countless other events.  Trevor Crisp, Jaguar's Group Chief Engineer for power train engineering was appointed Managing Director of Cosworth Racing, heading up the Formula One engine development programme at the company, where Jaguar's racing engines will be designed, developed and built.

On the day Jaguar announced its arrival in Formula One, it also confirmed that Eddie Irvine would join the team for the 2000 season.  Irvine joined from Ferrari where he enjoyed his most successful Formula One season in 1999 with victories in the Australian, Austrian and German Grand Prix and second places in Monaco and Great Britain.  Jaguar Racing also confirmed that Johnny Herbert, who drove for the Stewart-Ford team in 1999, would partner Irvine for the 2000 season. Jaguar Racing held a launch for the new racing car, the Jaguar R1, at a ceremony in London, in January 2000.

The F-TYPE Concept Roadster
Also in January 2000, Jaguar's F-TYPE concept roadster was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Inspired by the XK180, Jaguar designers set out to create the ideal, compact Jaguar roadster, evoking the spirit of the legendary E-type. The F-TYPE concept is the most compact Jaguar sports car in more than forty years.  Design work commenced under the direction of the late Geoff Lawson, Jaguar's Director of Styling, who sadly died in June 1999.  The project was completed under the aegis of the new Director of Design, Ian Callum, who sees the F-TYPE concept as a tribute to Geoff Lawson.

Jaguar Announces Plans for a Smaller Sedan
In February 1998 Jaguar had announced plans for a new, smaller sedan, which will compete in the Premier C/D sector of the market. Codenamed X400, this new model would be built at Halewood on Merseyside, which became a fully operational Jaguar plant and launched as the X-TYPE in 2001.  By the time of the car's launch, Jaguar had progressed from a company with just two model lines, selling 50,000 cars a year in 1998, to a full-line, four model, premium vehicle manufacturer.

Ford's Halewood Plant Transforms to Support X-TYPE Production
The Halewood plant was built in 1962 and built its last Ford Escort in June 2000.  The plant underwent a massive transformation with the installation of new manufacturing facilities to support X-TYPE production.  Jaguar assumed management responsibility for the plant in October 1999.  In order to prepare for the new model a Jaguar transition team moved to the plant to begin the process of re-engineering the existing culture and processes in line with Jaguar's quality expectations. Centres of Excellence were set up in key areas right across the organisation to drive the quality operating principles and lean manufacturing techniques required to produce the new car.  Shopfloor workers were organised in smaller, leaner autonomous workgroups and encouraged to contribute their own ideas in order to improve the way they work.  Employees also underwent intensive training programmes learning the new "Halewood Values" in order to help create a productive working environment capable of producing one of the world's best luxury cars.

Looking Forward to the New Millennium
Jaguar entered the new millennium with record levels of sales and production, and with the broadest range of products in its history.  The entire organization underwent a massive transformation during the 1990s.  With an internationally strong brand image and exciting plans for the future, Jaguar is now one of the world's pre-eminent premium vehicle manufacturers.