China – The first model to roll off the line was a Range Rover Evoque branded under the joint venture. Constructed over a period of two years, the 360,000 sq.m plant has an annual production capacity of 130,000 units.
The Changshu plant of Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive (CJLR) accommodates welding, coating, assembly and R&D workshops, plus auxiliary facilities. It has the capability to manufacture all-aluminium bodies.
Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) commented: “Since the release of Range Rover Evoque, one fifth of its global sales have been from China. Choosing the Changshu manufacturing base to manufacture the star model… embodies that we are constantly honouring our commitments to Chinese consumers and bringing them more localised luxury vehicles.”
Zhu Guohua, CJLR executive vice-president, added: “The plant's inauguration is not only a significant milestone of the joint venture, but also represents a new chapter of China's high-end auto manufacturing.”