Jaguar Land Rover, under Tata Motors ownership, is set to commence production of its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models in India. This milestone marks the first time in their illustrious 54-year history that these iconic vehicles will be manufactured outside of the UK.
Till now, the two models were exclusively manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant in the UK and subsequently exported to approximately 121 markets worldwide, including India.
Through increased localization efforts, the prestigious British marque intends to improve the pricing of the two products, aiming to reach a broader customer base in India. With local production, the prices of the two models are anticipated to decrease by approximately 18-22%.
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran commended Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata for integrating the JLR brand into the Tata family 15 years ago.
“It’s just a super feeling that the Range Rover will be manufactured right here in India. It’s a very, very special moment, and I feel proud,” he expressed. Chandrasekaran highlighted the anticipation of increased sales in the country moving forward, expressing confidence in the journey ahead. He emphasized that manufacturing in India should signal the company’s confidence in this market, paving the way for a promising future.
In an interaction with PTI, JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba said the local production ction is a big step for the company to make the two models accessible to a wider set of customers in the country. “For the first time in the history of the company, the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will also now be produced in India….this is a huge announcement for us as these are our flagship cars and have only been produced in Solihull in their 54 years long history,” Amba said.
He noted that the step is also an indication of the kind of market India is developing when it comes to premium products. “This (local assembly) will allow us to take the benefit of the duty structure and to bring the price down of the two models by about 18 to 22 per cent,” Amba said.
The dip in prices will help in making the models affordable and enhance sales, he added. JLR India reported an 81 per cent increase in retail sales last fiscal in India at 4,436 units.