Jaguar Land Rover confirms Evoque to be produced in Brazil
VEHICLE producer Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that the Range Rover Evoque will join the Discovery Sport in production at its new local manufacturing facility in Brazil.
The first locally built Range Rover Evoque is expected to come off the production line at the plant in Itatiaia in early 2016.
The new factory, which will see a total investment of £240m by the end of 2020, will supplement UK production and have the capacity to build around 24,000 vehicles annually for the Brazilian market.
It will be JLR’s first wholly-owned manufacturing plant outside of the UK – the Chinese plant is a joint venture with Chery.
The company said that with the introduction of the new Evoque earlier this year, Land Rover had strengthened its fastest-selling model. The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new design features and technologies to reinforce its status as the market leader.
Terry Hill, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover Latin America, said: “Since its introduction, the Evoque has sold more than 20,000 vehicles in Brazil and we are delighted to confirm that the Range Rover Evoque will be built at our facility in Itatiaia.
“Brazil and the surrounding regions are very important to Jaguar Land Rover. The introduction of the Evoque to our factory in Itatiaia highlights our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market.”
As part of its on-going commitment to the Brazilian automotive industry, JLR will be sourcing a range of components from local suppliers, such as Benteler and IAC, as well as importing some parts from its global supply chain. In addition, JLR is investing in its technical assistance services to help suppliers support increased levels of localisation in the future.
JLR is the first British automotive company to invest in a manufacturing factory in Brazil. In the programme’s first phase, the new 60,000m² manufacturing facility will create employment for 400 people. With construction of the plant nearing completion, JLR is now installing the manufacturing equipment to support the start of production in early 2016.
The plant will also be home to the company’s first overseas Education Business Partnership Centre, which will open in mid-2016. It will provide a range of classroom activities to help local school children develop key skills and work awareness. Ultimately it is hoped it will inspire youngsters to pursue a career with the manufacturer.
