Tour or no tour, people are getting the work done. Ford procedures manuals were everywhere on desks, yet Jaguar maintains its independence, fiercely. Even more surprising are Jaguar's plans to expand the engineering facility. Even if one excludes the new stand-alone design center, Coventry engineering will soon be significantly larger than it has been up until this point. The continuing challenge at Jaguar, like at so many other car companies, is getting the delicate balance of continuous change and maintenance of a powerful brand image which leverages past glory.
All companies have a defensive streak that defends the past.
Jaguar is no different. Research and facts have to drive the change process. If the customer wants it, a company has to find a way to do it, cost effectively. Market segments have to drive every business model for programs. The early, big decisions are risky, of course.