Production of Evoque begins with 18,000 orders already placed
PRODUCTION of Range Rover’s brand new Evoque model has officially started. The first of the new vehicles was driven off the production line at Halewood and took part in a glittering ceremony fronted by television presenter George Lamb.
Jaguar Land Rover has high hopes for the new vehicle, which goes on sale in September, and it has already created a major buzz in the industry.
Demand is such that 18,000 orders have already been placed for the vehicle, which is the smallest produced by Land Rover and which the company is expecting to appeal to a whole new market.
Chief executive, Ralf Speth said: “The Evoque is an incredibly exciting vehicle that joins a product range which across both of our brands is the strongest we have ever had – and it fits in perfectly.
“The teams that have designed engineered and built the new Evoque, working together with our research and supplier partners, can be immensely proud of their achievement.
Worldwide interest in our new car has been exceptional, with 18,000 customer orders received from customers eager to be among the first to own the new Range Rover.”
Halewood will be doubling its workforce to more than 3,000 people in order to cope with increased production demands.
Around 75% of production is destined for export to more than 170 countries around the world, adding around £2bn to the UK economy. Moreover, 50% of the components used in the new Evoque are made in Britain, with contracts worth another £2bn awarded to more than 40 UK supplier businesses.
“It is a groundbreaking product, a Range Rover with concept car looks, lightweight technologies and the capability to deliver 50mpg fuel economy. At the same time it’s still a true Range Rover that’s agile, nimble, designed to survive in the urban jungle and capable of tackling the toughest climates and terrains thanks to Land Rover’s legendary all-wheel drive expertise,” added Dr Speth.
The launch of the Range Rover Evoque is one of 40 new product actions that JLR is planning over the next five years in the most ambitious market offensive in its history.
However, the move is necessary in order to support its increasing popularity and drive to become a major market player.
The company’s development programme is supported by an annual investment of £1.5bn, which is spread across new models, engines, technologies and vehicle lines.
Currently Jaguar Land Rover directly employs almost 19,000 people in the UK, and indirectly supports up to 140,000 further jobs through its supply chain, dealer network and associated business operations. Its success was reflected in after-tax profits of £1.043bn for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
The first Evoque to come off the line has been donated to the British Motor Industry Heritage trust.
