Jaguar Land Rover Inaugurates First Overseas Manufacturing Facility in China

Jaguar Land Rover today announced the opening of its inaugural overseas manufacturing facility in China. The Range Rover Evoque will be the first model to be built under the first Chinese-British automotive joint venture, with Chery Automobile Company Ltd.

Considering that the company sold more than 100,000 vehicles in China last fiscal year, Jaguar Land Rover's investment in China does not come as a surprise.

The plant inauguration follows the two-year construction of a factory, which is almost 400,000 square-metres. The plant is located in the Changshu Economic Development Zone north of Shanghai and is part of a RMB 10.9 billion joint venture investment plan.

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover, said, "The opening of this world-class facility is an important milestone for Jaguar Land Rover. Since its launch, one in five Range Rover Evoques have been sold in China. Our decision to manufacture the Range Rover Evoque in Changshu is a result of our commitment to bringing more Chinese vehicles to Chinese customers."

By 2016, the facility is expected to be building three Jaguar Land Rover models with total production capacity of 130,000 units a year. Chris Bryant, President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint, said: "The plant opening marks the completion of our start-up phase of which we are incredibly proud, and now we will continue to build with the same passion and pride, to realise our goal to be the premium automotive manufacturer inspiring excellence in China's automotive industry."