In a bid to tackle air pollution the UK government is set to announce new initiatives the headline one being the ban of new petrol and diesel engine cars from 2040. So what does this mean to Jaguar Land Rover and the future of car clubs such as us here at the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club?
There is no denying that air pollution needs tackling throughout the world and here in the UK our congested towns and motorways are testament to the need for action. The focus shifting from cleaner traditional engines to alternative re-usable energy fuels such as electric and hydrogen will no doubt already have been part of JLR's plans, but now they have a very clear mandate for how their offer will look in 23 years time.
There is no doubt that car companies run on a longer plan than most normal businesses, I last heard that JLR had a 50 year model plan. I don't doubt the validity of that claim either, the design and production logistics of introducing any new model takes years, so to have such a long term view must be crucial to the survival of car manufacturers.
What the announcement is expected to change for JLR we can only surmise as we are not privy to the thoughts and company planning but we could probably safely assume two things. First, a non-traditional engine future was always part of their long term plan, see the introduction of the I-Pace and entry into Formula-E. Second, this will not have come as a shock to the company. The investment that JLR (amongst others) have been pouring into the UK research and development, engine manufacturing plants, car assembly plants, the government would have consulted some major players before deciding on this timeline. Honda, BMW and JLR would have featured very strongly in the governments consultation process. The question is more, what do these companies have planned for us in 23 years time, exciting!
A few years ago the world was wowed with the launch of the CX-75 (remember that) and the technology involved was a clear signal that Jaguar wanted to produce cars of the future. Gas turbines and electric motors made this a concept well ahead of its time, with this announcement you get a feeling if they waited a few more years, there would be serious calls for production and JLR would be tempted.
What is clearly evident is that Jaguar Land Rover have been working along this assumption since they started to regenerate the company and secure its future. You would also question the massive investments JLR have been making in the infrastructure if they did not already have the alternative fuels question at the centre of their development.
It is fair to say, this announcement may grab the headlines especially with the general public, but as far as JLR are concerned, this is old news and only cements their plans for the future. To base the future on today's technology does not make any sense, look at the massive changes in the mobile phone market, the first iphone was released only 10 years ago in 2007. Set the market and let the companies develop the answer, I have absolute confidence that JLR would have been central to the governments decision and announcement, so they are confident they can not only deliver, but they can do it in typical Jaguar style.
What about the Club?
The immediate impact is very limited, other than we know that in 23 years time, Jaguars being bought will look very different and as a Club that caters for old and new Jaguars it just adds a new dimension to our offering. Although new cars from 2040 will not have a petrol or diesel engine there will still be a massive classic car and nearly new market for us to cater to.
Move ahead another 23 years to 2063 and yes the technical advice will change. If we are talking electric cars there if effectively only one moving engine part. Engine rebuilds will look very different!
The reduction of cars using petrol or diesel will also have an impact on the classic car industry, currently estimated at a worth of £8 billion to the UK economy. We do have 23 years to get this in place, we cant say it will come as a surprise. Can the small and medium sized businesses that supply tools and spares invest the money required to make the shift to the new future market? What will our role be in helping these companies, owners of the cars and the classic market in general? I know we will have a role to play, but what that will be will become more apparent as we get closer to the 2040 deadline and beyond.
What do you, the members think about this news?
This was always going to be a hot topic for a Car Club, especially one which is still involved in producing cars and will hopefully still be doing that in 2040. Well, you did not disappoint and your views came flooding in on this subject, so we thought it would be a good idea to share what you are thinking. Below is a selection of your comments.
Mr G Bills - via email
It seems strange as to how the club doesn't think that it's gushing praise of the supposed EV takeover will actually alienate many members,like myself for one,who actually like/prefer/choose to stay with internal combustion engines.Bearing in mind that it's the same fundamental choice now as it was at the dawn of the motor car when internal combustion rightly won out on that basis.
On that note surely the club's position would be expected to be that of using the next 20 years to campaign for the reversal of this dictatorial draconian plan in favour of the continuation of the freedom of choice of car users to use either format.Also bearing in mind that internal combustion isn't mutually exclusive with use of alternative cleaner fuels like hydrogen for example.
As for those of us who are ( luckily ) older and who'll rightly prefer to see out our driving days with the remaining 'classics' until that cut off date.Unfortunately,if the current situation is anything to go by,the manufacturer 'product support' regime in terms of parts supply doesn't seem very encouraging in that regard.Which can probably only get worse as manufacturers know that many of us won't want to make such a transition by choice and try to force us into their 'battery powered toys'.Having said that even the recent ranges of Jaguars which,would be,the relevant Jaguar 'classics' in 20 years time or less,wouldn't be high up on my shopping list anyway.Having long ago alienated myself with the end of traditional three box styling let alone not offering a manual transmission option,with no simple way to convert the things to manual either,as in the case of earlier types.Not to mention the retrograde move to no longer having a V12 option in the line up.On that note it will be interesting to see just how long I'll be able to keep my already 30 + year old V12 series 3 XJ on the road while wishing that I'd just been born around 10-15 years earlier.Thereby absolutely ensuring that I at least wouldn't be around to see this nightmare Demolition Man type PC utopia become reality.While shame on the club for seeming to be so keen to embrace it.
Yours Mr.G.Bills
Mark Oldreive - On Facebook
Won't happen unless technology makes a quantum leap.
Selfish attitude, will it bother me by then, unlikely. If I'm fortunate enough to be still driving and it does happen used car prices will rise.
G Searle - via voice across the office.
....give me petrol engines and classic Jaguars any day. I do like some of the more modern cars, but it wont be the same, I’m glad, at 66, I wont have to worry about it!
Philip Rickard - via Facebook
Electric motors can produce very high performance. The main issue is range but by 2040 battery technology will probably have advanced a great deal.
There is no suggestion that existing vehicles will be banned or that fuel will not be available. As in everything, the market will prevail.
Tim Bentinck (aka David Archer from the BBC Radio 4 series 'The Archers’) - Via comedy music video
I did say this was an emotive subject that has captured the minds of more than just Club members, even Archers stars seem to have a lot to say on this subject. It put a smile on our face anyway. Watch the Video to 'dRiVe mY cAR’ here.