JLR confirms production schedule for new Chinese factory
JAGUAR Land Rover has said it is on track to begin production at its new Chinese factory late next year.
Confirmation of the schedule came from chief executive Dr Ralf Speth as he unveiled the company’s display at the Shanghai Auto Show.
He said: “Our joint venture project with Chery Automobile will see us build vehicles in China, for China. We are on-track towards starting vehicle production in late 2014 and we are actively sourcing Chinese suppliers that are supporting the construction of our factory and developing our component supply chain.”
The new factory in Changshu will become JLR’s first ever, all-new manufacturing facility outside of the UK, although it currently re-assembles kits for Freelanders and Jaguar XFs at its plant in Pune.
The Shanghai show marks the Asian debut for the all-new Range Rover Sport, first unveiled by James Bond actor Daniel Craig at the New York Motor Show last month.
Jaguar is using the show to highlight its new two-seater sports car, the F-Type, the first models of which were released to UK dealers last week.
Dr Speth added: “Jaguar Land Rover is a strong, healthy and vibrant company with a truly global outlook. Europe is our largest sales region and China is now Jaguar Land Rover’s biggest single market.
“Our commitment to Chinese customers is a business imperative and we are creating products that meet their desires. We are investing heavily in research and development of ‘green’ technologies. Improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions with innovative advanced technologies, hybrid engines, as well as our world-leading lightweight aluminium engineering technology.”
In 2012 China became JLR’s largest global market selling nearly 72,000 vehicles, up 71%. This year, it has sustained growth momentum, with year-to-date sales of nearly 22,000 vehicles.
