Six Quick Questions - Geoff Polites, Jaguar Land Rover

1. You always said that running Jaguar would be your dream job. Do you still feel the same way now that you are in charge of the company?

"Yeah. This is a dream job. You've got two of the great brands in the world, Jaguar and Land Rover, and got a whole bunch of issues that mean you can make a difference if you get it right. It's not like it's rocking and rolling at the moment. There are things to do with both brands to make the company viable.

"The brands are really strong and we're having some good success. The challenge is leveraging that and building it for the future. We've come from the abyss with Land Rover, so it's making sustainable profits. Jaguar is at the bottom of the cycle so we've got to work it up.

"The UK is a new country and new people, and I love all that. I spent five years at Ford of Australia and they were perfect training for what I have to do here."

2. What are the biggest challenges for Jaguar and your other big brand, Land Rover?

"It is sustainability on Land Rover, to make sure the success right now is sustainable. And that involves work on the products, so they meet - and exceed - what customers want. We've got to work on costs. We've got to be mindful of the fuel economy debate. There are sigificant issues and it's all about the sustainability, versus falling back.

"For Jaguar, the big issue is that the company has not made money for some time. In any business, you shouldn't lose money. So it's about fixing that."

3. Do you still see yourself as a Ford person, or is it different with responsibility for the Jaguar Land Rover?

"I'm a vice-president of the Ford Motor Company, so I see myself with an obligation to the shareholders of Ford. Within that, my job is to fix this part of the business.

"I'm a very proud employee of the Ford Motor Company. So I keep on eye on what's best for Jaguar and Land Rover and one eye on what's best for Ford, and hopefully don't make any decisions that conflict."

4. What do you think, now, was your biggest achievement during your time in charge at Ford Australia?

"I think just being part of the team that did the groundwork to get Ford of Australia into the international stage.

"I think the recent announcements about product development programs and investment are a terrific credit to Tom Gorman and the team and build on all the things we did in the five years I was there. "I take a lot of pride in that, that they have been able to go on and carve themselves a niche."

5. What about your Sydney Swans and the Falcons in V8 Supercar racing? Do you keep tabs on what is happening at home?

"Oh yeah, absolutely. Obviously the internet is a wonderful communications device and I talk to my boys two or three times a week. So I basically know what's going on.

"The Swans have been very good to me so I've kept my ties to the club and when I was at home for the first few games of the season I sat with the coach. I talk to him when I can.

"Ross Stone sends me an email after every V8 Supercar event. So I think I'm actually pretty well informed, but you do miss the little bits. I've swapped a couple of emails with Craig Lowndes. The big- picture stuff is ok."

6. Will we ever see you working back in Australia?

"Not full-time. This is my last full-time job. I've committed here for three more years, at least, and that takes me to 61 and I think that will be enough of coming to work before dawn and going home after dark. But if there are opportunities that pop up in consultancy I will look at them.

"I owe it to my wife Linda to pay back what she has given me. The last seven months have not been easy, moving to the UK from Germany and with my health issues, so I have got to pay that back at some time."