The new XJ has been subjected to a ‘cradle to grave’ environmental scrutiny which has resulted in the company receiving certification from the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency), Executive Agency of the UK Department for Transport and the UK's national approval authority for new road vehicles.

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental impact of the new lightweight XJ model which will also be used in the development of the next generation of more sustainable Jaguars.

Reflecting the company’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its products, the lifecycle assessment of the latest XJ was fully audited and approved by the VCA, making Jaguar one of the few vehicle manufacturers to have completed an officially recognised study of the environmental impact of a vehicle – from manufacturing, through a lifetime of customer use, to ultimate disposal and recycling.

The comprehensive study will enable Jaguar to identify new opportunities to improve the sustainability of its vehicles, including developing the aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium architecture which plays a central role in the outstanding performance and efficiency of the new XJ.

Lifecycle Study Follows Leading Environmental Management Standards

The VCA certification involved an audit of each aspect of the lifecycle assessment carried out on the new Jaguar XJ including product development, manufacturing processes and vehicle performance.

To give an accurate assessment of the environmental impact, the lifecycle study was based on the creation, use and disposal of a typical XJ vehicle over a specified lifetime (200,000km), including the materials used, material processing, assembly and transport during manufacturing.

Developing Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture

A key focus for future development will be the unique lightweight aluminium vehicle architecture which lies at the heart of the latest Jaguar XJ.

Based on aerospace technology, the aluminium body structure offers a number of major advantages compared to a conventional steel shell, including a substantial cut in the energy required for manufacturing and a significant reduction in weight.

The aluminium body in the new XJ uses up to 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. The XJ’s aluminium structure also saves around 150kg compared to an equivalent steel body, allowing the use of smaller, more fuel efficient engines with no compromise to performance. Equipped with the 3.0-litre AJ-V6D turbodiesel, the XJ delivers an impressive combined economy figure of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.