Range Rover set to unveil all-electric model
In a rapidly changing industry , Range Rover is adapting to the new demands of its customers with the arrival of an all-electric model. A good excuse to talk with Géraldine Ingham, Global Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover.
L'OFFICIEL: You have just unveiled the very first electric Range Rover, which will be available for pre-order in the coming months. Is this a promise of sustainability from Land Rover?
Géraldine Ingham: Absolutely. We are committed to becoming “zero carbon” by 2039, and every model in the company will have an electric version by 2030. We are delighted to be able to give our customers the choice, in fact 40,000 of them have already expressed an interest in going electric. I am passionate about this transition, and it is one of the reasons why I joined the company a year and a half ago.
L’O: Have you always been passionate about cars?
GI: Cars, I don't know, but the car industry itself, yes. Designing a car, deciding on its price, its positioning, marketing it, imagining its launch... All of that is very interesting, but seeing it on the street for the first time is really rewarding. That's what makes me very proud.
L'O: Have you noticed any changes recently in women's tastes in cars?
GI: Today, women buy their cars themselves, or they influence the choice of a car. Like men, they look for presence, status, comfort and safety. Aesthetics play a very important role, it is often the first reason for purchase.
L'O: Do you find common codes in the world of fashion?
GI: There are definitely parallels to be made. We don't sell a lot of cars: we make very desirable products, in limited editions, some of which are only released in 10 copies and become collector's items. This system can be reminiscent of that of the fashion industry. And then there is also the custom-made aspect, since our cars are customizable, as one would do for a haute couture dress.
L’O: What is your relationship with fashion in general?
GI: For me, it is created mainly through publications. I love looking at fashion photographs in magazines and those of the big French fashion houses. As a student, I did a summer internship at Chanel, in Paris, rue Cambon. I have very good memories of it.
L'O: Do you think that fashion trends can influence the design of a car, its color and materials?
GI: I think they can influence the way we market our cars, the marketing, the partnerships, the events that come out of it. The design of a Range Rover is quite particular, there is nothing superfluous. We call it “reductionist design” .
L’O: So, imagining a collaboration with a fashion house is not in your plans?
GI: Not yet, but it would be something very interesting to explore.
L’O: You are a woman in a very male-dominated automotive industry. Have you encountered any difficulties in your daily life?
GI: I have never felt anything negative about myself, and I don't have any terrible stories to tell you, but it is true that I have sometimes felt a little alone. Especially at the beginning of your career, when you find yourself giving your point of view in a meeting in front of twenty men. But fortunately, I have come across a few women in my career who have served as role models.
L'O: Were you taken seriously?
GI: Actually, I realized that age matters more than gender. When you start out, you're necessarily young, so whether you're a man or a woman, it doesn't matter, you seem less credible. As for behaviors toward women in general, they have changed a lot. Today, there is much more diversity than when I started my career, the industry is more welcoming.
L’O: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership positions in the automotive industry?
GI: You have to have self-confidence, work hard, and have the work ethic . Take risks, too, try to do different things. For any career, it's not easy. In the automotive industry, there are many different jobs, you have to try them to find your passion. Persistence, authenticity and empathy are also essential. Today, women are no longer forced to change their personality to succeed.
