JLR confirmed a new Freelander SUV brand for China
Jaguar Land Rover announced a new SUV specifically designed for the Chinese market. This will be the first model under the Freelander brand.
What's known
The new Freelander SUV is created by JLR in collaboration with Chery as part of a long-term partnership. Production of the model will be established at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) plant in Changshu, where Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are currently produced.
The new brand is part of JLR's strategy to strengthen its position in China, which is the company's largest market in terms of sales. Freelander will be more affordable than Jaguar, Defender, and Range Rover. It will also have its own dealership network in China managed by Chery.
It is expected that the first Freelander vehicle will be a plug-in hybrid built on the Chery T1X platform, which is used in Jaecoo, Omoda, and Chery models.
JLR China President Qing Pan noted that the SUV will inherit the spirit of the original Freelander but will be adapted for modern and tech-savvy Chinese customers.
Design details have not yet been disclosed. It is not yet clear whether it will retain the traditional characteristics of Land Rover or acquire its own unique "Chinese" style.
The new Freelander lineup will be positioned below JLR's premium models — Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Defender, to avoid internal competition.
For now, the brand is intended only for the Chinese market, but it may be introduced in other countries.
Source: AutocarPro
