On Saturday, 28 August 2021, Jaguar Land Rover, Gold Sponsor of the British Business Group in Lao PDR (BBGL), carried out the launch of their Jaguar I-Pace All Electric Car with multiple events at the Vientiane Convention Centre to comply with the Lao PDR Government’s COVID-19 restrictions including mask-wearing and social distancing. 

The fully electric Jaguar I-PACE is a new and unique concept in the automotive business, especially for two exquisite brands: Jaguar and Land Rover.

The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Dr Sinava Souphanouvong; U K Ambassador to Laos, Mr John Pearson; General Manager of Jaguar Land Rover Laos, Mr Biju Narayanan; and Automotive Managing Director of the RMA group, Mr Wayne MacIntosh; along with government officials and members of the business community.

In terms of performance, I-PACE is a Jaguar above all else – a true driver’s car, with its powerful electric motor. As for the design, the exterior, featuring an elegant, highly aerodynamic design, the I-PACE has been created to provide efficiency by slicing cleanly through the air for maximum range and stability.

For the interior, the I-PACE seamlessly integrates technology and abundant space. The nature of the electric power train offers additional space, providing more freedom to maximise the comfort provided by I-PACE’s interior. In-car technology, the new one-touch infotainment system, Pivi Pro, delivers all key infotainment at a glance.

Following entertaining performances by a solo Lao male singer and dance troupe, BBGL Board Member and RMA  Managing Director (Automotive) Wayne McIntosh gave a welcoming speech followed by Biju Narayan, General Manager of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) who spoke about the leading role of JLR in bringing electric cars to Lao PDR. 

Chairman, John Cockcroft, represented the British Business Group at the event.  Ms. Sommana Chantharaty and Ms. Keo Oudone Southammavong, respectively co-owners of BBGL Company Members Lao Development Hub and Consulting and Ban Keo Hats and Handicrafts, were also present to support the occasion. 

Individual Member, and soon to be Company Member, Dean Robertson, CEO of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) was also in attendance, with APA being the first company in Laos to introduce its bespoke Jaguar Land Rover Electric Vehicle Insurance Policy in the Laos market.