Last month, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported total retail sales of 36,144 vehicles for July 2018; this figure was down 21.6% on July 2017, primarily reflecting “transitional issues” in certain markets.

Sales in China were down by 46.9%, reflecting continued market volatility in the first month of the duty change, as well as trade tensions.

Sales were also down in Europe (26.5%) and the UK (18.3%), impacted by the industry-wide issue of delays in WLTP certification of 2019 model year vehicles.

JLR (www.landrover.com) says it has made good progress, and all its vehicles are certified — or expected to be certified shortly. Retail sales were also down in North America (9.5%).

JLR expects sales growth for the full year with its strongest product line-up ever.

This includes the Range Rover Velar, the Jaguar E-PACE, the refreshed Range Rover and Range Rover Sport (with a plug-in hybrid electric option) and the Jaguar XEL long-wheelbase in China.

Sales of the electric Jaguar I-PACE have started with a strong order book (in excess of six months.)

Speaking in August, Felix Brautigam (JLR chief commercial officer), said: “We have had challenges to navigate in key markets this month; despite that, we have lots of reasons to be positive.

“After some short delays because of the transfer to WLTP emissions regulations we are now well-placed in the premium market.

“We anticipate that the impact of this transfer will be short-lived.

“We are also adapting to the impact of tariff changes in the Chinese market.

“While this could strengthen demand, the trade conflict with the USA has a negative effect on automotive buyers’ confidence and transaction prices in China.

“Also, the US car market has recently shown signs of softening. We remain positive and confident in our award-winning product line-up.”

JLR total retail sales for the first seven months of 2018 were 354,363 units, down 2.4% compared to the first seven months of 2017.