Jaguar Designer Behind 'Woke' Rebrand Banned from Driving After Speeding Ticket
Gerry McGovern, who led controversial brand changes at Jaguar, received a six-month driving ban for exceeding the speed limit shortly after stepping down from his role.
Gerry McGovern, the designer credited with Jaguar's controversial rebranding efforts, has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding. The incident occurred just days after McGovern stepped down as Jaguar Land Rover's chief creative officer in December.
McGovern was clocked driving his Range Rover P615 SV at 25 mph in a 20 mph zone on Chelsea Embankment in London. The vehicle, valued at £160,000, is one he helped design. Magistrates in Willesden, north London, issued the driving ban last week. McGovern was also fined £220 and ordered to pay £218 in costs and a victim surcharge. He admitted to being the driver but failed to pay a fixed penalty notice or provide his license details, leading to his prosecution.
McGovern, 71, had a 21-year tenure at Jaguar Land Rover, overseeing the redesign of the Defender and the Range Rover line-up. He was also the primary creative force behind Jaguar's 2024 rebrand, known as 'Type 00'. This initiative featured an electric model concept with bold color options and an advertising campaign criticized by public figures such as Nigel Farage, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk.
His departure from the company followed the arrival of new chief executive PB Balaji in December. While Jaguar Land Rover initially denied McGovern's employment had been terminated, a statement in March confirmed his exit to establish a creative consultancy.
Earlier this month, Jaguar unveiled its new Type 01 electric grand tourer, a two-and-a-half-ton luxury car with a starting price around £120,000. The vehicle, which resembles the Type 00 concept, has received a divided reception. While some critics have called the design a "catastrophe," others, including Jeremy Clarkson, have noted its "presence."
