JAGUAR dealers are going on a massive spending spree to get ready for a new car which will double the size of their businesses. They are investing more than £35 million in a major showroom overhaul prior to the launch of the important new executive model which will challenge the BMW 5 Series.

But even though the midsize prestige car, codenamed X200, is not due until early 1999, Jaguar has ordered its network to have most of the work completed by next summer.Forty per cent of the network is either relocating or carrying out significant redevelopment. Most of those will be spending upwards of £250,000 and some will face an outlay of £1.5 million.

The Coventry company's 92 UK dealers are expected to sell 6,650 XJ saloons and 2,300 XK sports cars this year. The expansion plans have been revealed as Jaguar residual values hit record levels, according to latest CAP Monitor figures.