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Arden -Overview-History

Our heart beats for one of the world's noblest carsand for the delight in giving the Jaguar or Range Rover an even more exclusive touch.
As a young child Jochen Arden had a particular love for English cars. He had succumbed to the understatement, the inspiring technology and the unmistakable design. So in 1972, at the age of 20, he laid the foundation stone for the company of today. In 1981 Jochen Arden Automobils took over the Jaguar dealership that was to become one of the largest in Europe within just a few short years.
It was as early as 1982 when Arden presented the first Jaguar conversion based on the classic V12 limousine. In the years that followed, a stream of new and innovative models appeared at regular intervals. As time passed, the dedication, commitment and skill of Jochen Arden and his team was recognised by a number of commendations from Jaguar.
An examination of the last 30 years of the Arden story underscores the depth and breadth of experience available within the Arden company:
1972





















1.12.1972: Official permit to operate aretail business at Zelem Castle with a start-up capital of €9,000, Kranenburg-Mehr
1976
Foundation of Arden Automobile GmbH and relocation to new business premises in Kalkerer Straße 21, Kleve
1978
Opening of a branch in Emmericher Straße 272, Kleve
1980
Acquisition of former Daimler-Benz site, Kalkerer Straße 94-96, Kleve
1981
Planning and conversion of showrooms and repair shop in Kalkerer Straße 94-96, Kleve
1982
Opening of new business premises Signing of Jaguar dealer contract Presentation of first modified Jaguar XJ V12 saloon car
1983
In January delivery of first Arden Jaguar AJ 1 Presentation of Arden Jaguar XJ S V12 Contract signed with Duncan Hamilton England
1984
Presentation of Arden XJ V12 at Essen Motor-Show In North America the Beverly Hills Motoring Company of Los Angeles takes over the Arden programme
1985
Foundation of Arden Automobilbau GmbH Presentation of Arden XJS Roadster AJ2 at IAA Award of KBA manufacturer no. 770 and recognition as car manufacturer by the Federal Office for Motor Vehicles
1986
Foundation of Arden Japan Ltd. Co-operation deal between Arden Automobilbau and Jaguar Germany
1987
Development of an AJ6-based turboengine Presentation of the AJ 3 Station Car at IAA in Frankfurt Deal with Aurora Group, Foundation of Arden Taiwan Ltd.
1988
Presentation of Arden AJ 5 Biturbo, with 242 KW (330 PS), at the Geneva Auto Salon.
1989
Participation in the Birmingham Motor Show Foundation of Arden Automobilbau AG, Switzerland Presentation of Arden AJ 6 2+2 coupés at IAA in Frankfurt.
1990
TParticipation in Tokyo Motor Show Development and presentation of the first anti-lock braking system for Jaguar XJ Acquisition of a new business premises in Krefeld-Oppum, planning and start of construction
1991
Presentation of Arden AJ 5, 3.2 K with compressor charging Completion and relocation to new business premises in Krefeld
1992
Foundation of Arden Jaguar Racing Winner of the European Jaguar Quality Club 1992
1993
Foundation of Arden Car and Ship Charter GmbH Winner of the European Jaguar Quality Club 1993 Winner of the GT European Championships with drivers E. Piro and J. Arden for Arden Jaguar
1994
Continuation of successful racing season with first places in Hockenheim, Zandvoort and Mugello. Development and presentation of an airbag system for Jaguar XJ Updating of the exclusive tuning agreement with Jaguar Germany Conversion of Jaguar XJ-S convertible into 2+2 with full back seat commissioned by Jaguar Germany.
1995
Deal signed with ROVER Group Presentation of Arden AJ 9 (3.2 litres 260 PS) and AJ 10 (4.0 litres 310 PS)
1996
Deal signed with general importer in Italy Winner of First Class Sales Competition of Jaguar Deutschland GmbH Presentation of complete processing programme for the new Jaguar XJ saloon car.
1997
Certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 and 9002 Design and construction of a special Range Rover series withnavigation systems and TV/video systems commissioned by Rover Group Germany Winner of the First Class Sales Competition of Jaguar Deutschland GmbH Presentation of complete processing programme for Jaguar XK 8 sportscars.
1998
Co-operation deal with MBB Security Cars Presentation of first armoured Range Rover at Security ' 98 in Essen Presentation of Arden XK-A supercharged V8 engine tuned to 423 PS Winner of First Class Sales Competition of Jaguar Deutschland GmbH
1999
Presentation of Arden A-Type and Arden S-Type at IAA in Frankfurt Restructuring of operative business of the entire Arden Group and new contract with Jaguar Germany for technical information, guarantee handling and distribution structure.
2000
Presentation of 4.4 litre supercharged V8 engine with 462 PS Acquisition of Zelem Castle for overnight guests and for presentations of exclusive Arden cars 1st place for Arden Jaguar S-Type elected Car 2000 by readers
2001
Presentation of Arden XK-A Lightweight Arden is re certified according to DIN EN ISO 9002
2002
Foundation of Arden Engineering GmbH for improvement of serial motor technology Expansion of world-wide distribution structures to 22 countries with partners inHong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, North America, the entire EU and eastern Europe Presentation of the new Arden Range Rover with 4.8 litre 350 bhp engine upgrade and manifold possibilities to create your personal interior.
2003
The Arden S-Type R with 480 bhp tops the performance peak of the S-Type range At the IAA in Frankfurt Arden presents an abundant modification programme for interior upgrading of the new XJ limousine Renewed certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 and 9002
2004
The Arden A-Type Lightweight RS, a racer which is still road legal and constructed around the shell of a Jaguar XK R Coupé conquers international circles The youngest descendant of the Arden Engineering prossesses 540 bhp. Due to a weight loss of 300 kg he realises impressing driving performance.
2005
Presentation of the new Arden range Rover Sport at the 61 st IAA in frankfurt with the new 4.5 Litre Engine (480 PS)
Because of the increasing interest for exclusive Arden cars and parts, Jochen Arden decided to finish his Jaguar dealership in 1999.His aspired goal was reached with a great lead before all other Jaguar dealers and so this period found a glorious end.

At the same time agreements with Jaguar Germany about the upcoming cooperation and the warranty-handling were concluded. Since summer of 1999 Jochen Arden an his team spend all their time with the individual processing of Jaguars - accompanied by best wishes from Jaguar Germany. Arden makes dreams come true by taking production models and endowing them with superior performance and ultimate quality. Cars that stand serenely aloof fromthe monotony of the crowd through their classic, sporty design and interiorrefinements of exclusive wood and leather. Arden continues to bring automobilepleasure to new heights. Whether by introducing the Arden A-Type or by furtherdeveloping the Jaguar Majestic Specification. Such innovations are onlypossible through continous engineering and development. Only in this way is itpossible to create trends ahead of their time.

An important part of Jochen Arden's work is interior refinements. If you wantto personalise your Jaguar or Range Rover, Arden is the adress for you. Our owncarpentry shop and upholstery department leave no desires unfilled.

Modern car construction and engineering would be unthinkable without science and technology. Every engine, every gearbox,every braking system that leaves Arden is the result of years of R & D. Toeliminate all faults, however tiny, all the parts are tested in our own carsbefore they go into production. Performance, durability, suitability foreveryday driving situations are just some of the many aspects revealed in ourlong-term trials.

Jochen Arden's fascination for motor racing is seen here, too. It is here thatthe successful motors for the Arden Jaguar Team are developed. Ideas, solutionsand knowledge that all benefit the customer.Arden Engineering is also highly involved in environmental protection.Catalytic converters ensure that every engine complies with the strict USvehicle emission standards.

 

 

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