Jaguar Land Rover creates 1,100 new jobs in the UK

Luxury car company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to create 1,100 new jobs in the West Midlands.

The new workers will build the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake estate car and other models at its Castle Bromwich plant.

JLR has already hired 8,000 new workers in the last two years.

The government welcomed JLR's decision, which is also expected to support thousands of jobs with suppliers in the UK.

"This expansion is a clear demonstration of Jaguar Land Rover's continuing commitment and investment in the UK," said Business Secretary Vince Cable.

JLR reiterated its plan to bring some "40 significant product actions" to the market over a five-year period, with much of the innovation work in design, engineering and technology set to be done in the UK.

"We will continue to invest in new products, develop new technologies and enhance the skills of our employees," said chief executive Ralf Speth.

JLR is enjoying dramatic growth across the world, having recorded a 19% rise in sales during the first half of this year when compared with the same period in 2011.

Mr Speth said he was confident growth would be further boosted by the growth in the carmaker's model range.

"These new models will attract new customers to the brand as we look to expand our global reach and further enhance our position in the market."

The latest jobs announcement from JLR comes just weeks after the company announced plans to spend an additional £1m with UK suppliers of components for its popular Range Rover Evoque model.

A year earlier, the company awarded contracts worth £2bn to some 40 UK suppliers.

"The UK's North West region is fast becoming a major supply chain hub for the automotive industry," said Paul Dyer, managing director of DHL Supply Chain's automotive services in the UK and Ireland.