Jaguar’s new XJ will perform an important role for Coventry next month just weeks before it goes on sale.

The new luxury saloon – the flagship of the Jaguar fleet – will be the star of the city’s show at the MIPIM property show in Cannes.

A team of private sector developers, agents and other property professionals are part of a delegation which includes Coventry City Council to promote projects in the city to a worldwide audience.

The XJ, which returns just over 40 miles to the gallon and under the skin is a lightweight aluminium structure with 50 per cent recycled material making the car at least 150kg lighter than any of its competitors, goes on sale in April.

But it will be on public show outside the Majestic Hotel which is one of the main meeting places for the 30,000 delegates at MIPIM.

Les Ratcliffe, Jaguar’s manager of community relations, said it was the third year Jaguar had been able to support the city with a new model at the show.

He said: “We agreed to support the city at MIPIM three years ago when the XF was launching. If I am honest, we did not know that much about the show at that stage, but it just proved to be a perfect showcase for us as well as for the city.

“Coventry is highly regarded in development terms and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase on an international stage what the city has to offer.

“The car will be on a stand which proclaims that it was designed in Coventry and every delegate who visits the hotel will see this.

“It’s a great way to promote Jaguar, the new the XJ and the city to a truly international audience. We have had great feedback in previous years and as this XJ has had such positive reviews, we are hopeful of a similar response.”

Coventry’s partners include Friargate Coventry, Complex Development Projects, D&P Holt, Jaguar, Martineau, Oakmoor Estates, Shortland Horne, Stoford Developments,

Coun Ken Taylor, leader of Coventry City Council, said: “Jaguar has been an integral part of city life since it was founded by Sir Williams Lyons, throughout that time has been a great ambassador and we have worked with the company for many years.

“Jaguar’s support at MIPIM has really helped the city lift its profile and the new XJ should give us the biggest impact yet at what is a very key event for the city.”