For the first time since World War II, Jaguar will not sell new cars in the UK, as the iconic British brand halts production until 2026 to transition entirely to electric vehicles. The move marks a pause for Jaguar, a carmaker synonymous with British luxury and the choice of royals and political elites, including Queen Elizabeth II, who famously drove one in 2007.
Jaguar’s parent company, Tata Motors, has invested heavily in the all-electric overhaul. So far, it has poured £250 million (about $320 million) into preparing the Halewood plant in the UK, with plans to match this amount in coming years. “This transition will be challenging,” Jaguar’s managing director, Rawdon Glover, stated in September, adding, “It’s about elevating Jaguar to a new level, requiring loyal customers who share our long-term vision.”
The abrupt halt means Jaguar dealerships across the UK will not receive new models until the electric lineup launches. Jaguar fans in the U.S. and other regions face a similar drought, with only limited stocks of the 2024 models available until the new all-electric vehicles arrive. In the meantime, existing Jaguar owners can continue to receive repairs, servicing, and warranty work on their cars.
Jaguar’s decision follows the UK’s 10-point green industrial revolution plan, introduced in 2021 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which seeks to steer the automotive industry toward greener alternatives.
Jaguar unveiled its first all-electric model, the I-Pace SUV, in 2018 and has gradually expanded its hybrid offerings. However, all current models, including the I-Pace, will be phased out as Jaguar pivots fully to EV production.
With prices potentially reaching $400,000 for the high-end models Jaguar aims to produce, the brand is positioning itself among ultra-luxury competitors.
Read more on Why electric vehicle discounts doubles petrol, diesel cars in UK