Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a landmark decision to commence assembly of the iconic Range Rover models in India, marking the first time the process will be undertaken outside the United Kingdom. The assembly will take place at the Pune plant, a facility shared with Tata Motors, which owns JLR.
Previously, Range Rover models were exclusively manufactured at JLR’s UK plant and then exported globally. With local assembly, the prices of Range Rovers in India are expected to drop significantly by 18-22%, bringing the cost range to between Rs 1.40 crore and Rs 2.60 crore, depending on the model. The Range Rover Sport, in particular, is slated for deliveries as early as August this year.
Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The manufacturing of Range Rover in India underscores the confidence JLR has in India. The Range Rover being manufactured right here is a super feeling and a very special moment. I feel proud.” He anticipates that this move will boost Tata Motors’ sales in India, confidently predicting a promising journey ahead.
JLR India Managing Director Rajan Amba highlighted the significance of this development, noting that it will make Range Rover and Range Rover Sport more accessible to a broader segment of Indian buyers. “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-year-long history,” Amba stated.
The decision to start local production in India reflects the country’s growing market for premium offerings. Amba explained that local assembly would leverage the duty structure, reducing prices by about 18 to 22 percent. JLR India reported a significant 81 percent increase in retail sales last fiscal year, reaching 4,436 units.
JLR has ambitious plans for India, with aims to double its business within the next three years by introducing innovative products and leveraging the Tata Group ecosystem. “The products remain very premium but more in a price range where we can capture that aspiration and desire to be affiliated to the brand,” Amba added. Local production is also expected to reduce the waiting period for the two SUVs over the next year.
With the inclusion of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, JLR India will now assemble six models at the Pune factory, including the Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar F-PACE, and Discovery Sport. JLR has also been testing an upcoming electric Range Rover, which is expected to launch later this year.
JLR Chief Commercial Officer Lennard Hoornik anticipates continued growth in India, presenting significant opportunities to localize products. Hoornik described the local manufacturing of Range Rovers as a strategic move to strengthen the brand’s position as the most desirable modern luxury SUV family.
Range Rover Managing Director Geraldine Ingham noted the surge in retail sales in India and emphasized that local manufacturing will help meet this growing demand. The Pune plant currently has an installed production capacity of around 10,000 units per annum, positioning it to handle the increased production volume.
