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Jaguar die-hards scoffed at the X-type when it came out, seeing it as the automaker's attempt to woo drivers with a Cadillac bank account to the high-end brand. Like any automaker's foray into cheaper waters, the volume helped the bottom line for Jaguar, but slumming it may have done damage to the brand. Those die-hards may be in luck -- it seems that the automaker is considering axeing the X-type from its lineup.

Jaguar introduced the X-type in 2001 to attract the typical BMW 3-series owner, but stuffy styling, a Ford platform and quality issues held the model back from breaking the 100,000 unit/year barrier. Despite the drawbacks, the model accounts for as much as 60 percent of Jaguar's sales depending upon the market. As Jaguar plans its future, it may axe the X-type, despite the model's impact upon the automaker's financial success.

The move comes as Jaguar aims to move back upscale to a lower volume, higher profit situation, which it may be pursuing in order to be more attractive to would-be investors should Ford decide to put Jaguar on the bloc k. Instead of the X-type, Jaguar dealers will rely upon the XF, the S-type's replacement, for its sales. More comparable to a 5-series or Mercedes E-class sedan, the XF as the entry level vehicle should move Jaguar back up the ladder perception-wise. Other new models, such as the XK, will also be important as Jaguar seeks to come back from its slump.

[Source: The Age]