New Range Rover heralds jobs bonanza for Midlands auto sector
THE global launch of Land Rover’s new flagship Range Rover today is expected to create a jobs bonanza in the Midlands automotive sector.
The industry is already bucking the trend of the manufacturing sector in general, boosted by strong demand across the globe.
Land Rover is creating around 1,000 new jobs and has installed new facilities at its Lode Lane plant in order to produce the new 4×4 and for each new job created there it is expected a further four will be created or sustained within the supply chain.
The Government has recognised the importance of the automotive supply and especially that connected with Jaguar Land Rover. It has already supplied £25m to the four Local Enterprise Partnership areas with a JLR operation – Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire and Liverpool – through its Regional Growth Fund. The money is ringfenced for use supporting firms in the JLR supply chain.
The Black Country is allocated the cash even though JLR’s new engine plant outside Wolverhampton is still a year away from being completed.
One of the supply firms already benefiting from the JLR upswing is Coleshill-based Sertec. The company – winner of TheBusinessDesk.com West Midlands Masters’ inaugural Manufacturer of the Year title – is a tier one supplier to the group.
It has secured new work for the Range Rover, helping to protect jobs, while it will be following JLR on its Chinese adventure by setting up a joint venture agreement in the country so it can continue to supply the vehicle manufacturer as it looks to penetrate the vital Asian markets.
The new Range Rover model is said to be lighter, stronger and complete with new levels of refinement and the Solihull firm is hoping it will underline the vehicle’s position as the world’s finest luxury SUV.
The fourth generation of the 40-year-old 4×4 features a revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure which is 39% lighter than its predecessor.
JLR said the lightweight aluminium platform had delivered significant improvements in performance and agility, along with a transformation in fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
In addition to the strong and rigid lightweight body, the vehicle features a redesigned front and rear plus completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension. Handling has also been upgraded.
