- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Jaguar Land Rover CEO Retires
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Retires
Andrew Evans
August 01, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Teams bringing upgrades to F1 Hungarian GP to combat heat
LEGO’s new Speed Champions collection includes Bugatti Centodieci
Sony’s first car undergoing production trials in Ohio
Jay Leno drops in on car meet with his new Mustang GTD
FIA: Electric touring cars off the table for now
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Adrian Mardell is retiring from Jaguar Land Rover after a lengthy career spanning 35 years, including nearly three years as CEO during which the company achieved its highest profits in a decade. His exit coincides with Jaguar's significant shift towards electric vehicles, a move that has sparked considerable debate, while Land Rover also faces challenges that have delayed the launch of its all-electric Range Rover SUV.
Honda's collaboration with Sony has led to the production of the Afeela 1 at the automaker's facility in Ohio, marking a significant step in their joint venture. These production trials will inform the mass production process, which is anticipated to start next year, although pricing information for the vehicle remains undisclosed.
Volkswagen plans to retain the gasoline-powered Golf GTI well into the 2030s, despite the absence of a manual transmission and the company's shift towards electric models, as stated by CEO Thomas Schafer. While the current Mk8 GTI may continue alongside future electric versions, it is anticipated to incorporate some level of electrification, although details on the specific hybrid technology remain unspecified.
Toyota is set to expand its SUV lineup by consolidating electric vehicle production at its Georgetown, Kentucky facility, allowing for the introduction of the Grand Highlander and a new smaller electric three-row SUV. The company plans to rename its upcoming models to simplify its naming strategy, with the Highlander moniker likely reserved for the new electric variant expected to debut in early 2026.
Subaru is exploring the possibility of reviving the BRZ as an electric vehicle, with discussions ongoing between the company and Toyota regarding its development. The decision to proceed with an electric version will largely hinge on the market performance of Subaru's upcoming electric models, particularly the Uncharted.
The 1001hp Lamborghini Revuelto, has recently been affected by a recall concerning its distinctive scissor doors, which may close unexpectedly due to a defect in the supporting pins. This issue not only poses a risk of injury but can also hinder the ability to open the doors from inside, potentially trapping occupants in the vehicle.
Chevrolet has claimed victory in the ongoing Nurburgring rivalry by announcing that both the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X have outpaced the Ford Mustang GTD's lap time. In response, Ford's CEO acknowledged the achievement and hinted at plans to return to the track, where the Mustang GTD will need to improve its performance by nearly three seconds to reclaim the lead.
Tesla has introduced a ride-hailing service in the Bay Area through its 'Robotaxi' app, but it continues to rely on human drivers instead of fully autonomous technology. Despite promoting this service as an advancement in self-driving capabilities, the company has yet to secure the necessary permits for true autonomous operation in California, leading to concerns about its actual functionality compared to competitors like Waymo.
MOTORSPORT
Aston Martin, Racing Bulls, and Red Bull will be the only teams to implement updates for the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the pace of development for the 2025-spec vehicles slows ahead of the summer break. These modifications are tailored to the unique characteristics of the Hungaroring, with a focus on enhancing downforce and optimizing cooling systems to manage the anticipated heat during the race.
FIA Circuit Sport Deputy Director Stuart Murray states that there are no immediate plans to reintroduce a fully electric touring car championship, as the anticipated shift towards electrification in the industry has not advanced as expected. Instead, the FIA is collaborating with WSC to enhance the use of sustainable fuels in TCR categories, aiming for a complete transition to 100% sustainable fuel next season.
The two-pitstop requirement for the Monaco Grand Prix will remain in place for 2026, following its contentious implementation this season. Despite criticism regarding strategic manipulation among teams using second cars to hold up the field behind them to gain effectively free stops, the World Motor Sport Council has approved this rule, aiming to enhance unpredictability in a race known for its challenging overtaking conditions.
Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso did not participate in the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a muscular issue that arose after the Belgian Grand Prix. Felipe Drugovich stepped in as his replacement for the session, while the team allows additional recovery time for Alonso to return in the remaining sessions.
George Russell has expressed that he prioritizes having a competitive car over securing a long-term contract with Mercedes, emphasizing the importance of performance in determining his future. With Max Verstappen's recent commitment to Red Bull, the focus now shifts to Mercedes as it considers new deals for both Russell and rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the upcoming summer break.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed admiration for his crew's swift response to significant performance issues encountered during the Australian Grand Prix, particularly in high-speed scenarios. After identifying the car's shortcomings, the team implemented crucial updates ahead of subsequent races, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to improvement throughout the season.
Lewis Hamilton has offered support to Kimi Antonelli, encouraging him to reach out during a challenging phase of his inaugural Formula 1 season. Despite an impressive start that included a podium finish in Canada, Antonelli has struggled recently, failing to score points in his last three races, prompting Hamilton to remind him of the importance of resilience and the strength of his support network.
Max Verstappen acknowledges that McLaren's performance in Formula 1 extends beyond its effective tyre management, highlighting its exceptional medium-speed capabilities as a significant strength. While he recognizes the challenges Red Bull faces in competing with McLaren this season, he emphasizes the importance of learning from the current car to improve future performance.
Red Bull Racing has struggled with consistency in its second driver position, as Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted, has faced challenges in matching the performance of four-time champion Max Verstappen. Despite some progress, including reaching Q3 in Belgium, Tsunoda acknowledges the significant gap in performance and remains focused on his own development while navigating the complexities of a demanding car.
CURIOSITIES
Lego has launched its latest batch of Speed Champions sets, designed to replicate performance vehicles on a smaller scale and with less complexity than larger Technic kits. The latest collection features additions like the Bugatti Centodieci, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and a dual set of Lamborghini models, each accompanied by a themed minifigure.
Jay Leno recently received his new Ford Mustang GTD, delivered personally by Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, who discussed the vehicle on Leno's show before they took it for a spin. While cruising along the Angeles Crest Highway, Leno encountered a gathering of car enthusiasts, and surprised the attendees with the unscheduled appearance.
A YouTuber transformed a Dodge pickup by reversing its chassis layout, relocating essential components like the steering and brake systems to accommodate the unconventional design. After being stopped by local law enforcement right outside the shop, the vehicle was allowed to continue its journey as it fully complies with legal requirements such as lighting despite its unusual appearance.
Beginning August 8, Indiana will introduce a new black-and-white license plate featuring a streamlined design, available for various non-commercial vehicles. Anticipating strong interest, state officials note that similar plates in other regions have quickly sold out, reflecting a growing trend toward minimalist vehicle registration options.
The 1992 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy once owned by boxer George Foreman, who passed away in March 2025, is currently up for auction but has garnered limited interest, with bids only reaching $3,600 despite its celebrity provenance. Although the motorcycle features some custom modifications and has a low mileage of 2,500 miles, its auction listing without a reserve suggests it may sell for a surprisingly low price.
Dog-Owning Hybrid Owners are Ruining Their Batteries for a Dumb Reason That’s Not Really Their Fault
Hybrid vehicles rely on both electric and combustion drivetrains to function efficiently, but the longevity of their batteries can be compromised by common issues, particularly for dog owners. The placement of battery cooling vents in the rear seating area makes them susceptible to blockage from pet accessories and cargo, highlighting a design flaw that could lead to costly repairs if not properly addressed.
A dispute has arisen between a Kia dealership and a former customer, stemming from a controversial vehicle repossession that escalated into a peculiar legal battle. The customer discovered that the dealership's business name had lapsed, registered it for herself, and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the dealership and its parent company, claiming fraud and seeking to prevent them from using the name without her permission.
A functional but unrestored example of the 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 is available through an eBay auction, with the car having been part of a recent inheritance. Sporting the original body and original 289ci V8 engine, the car is described as being in “above average” condition, though would benefit from mechanical attention and restoration.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!