Aimed to set the increasing demand from the Indian consumers who have been buying them in a great number, JLR the parent company of the elite brand Range Rover has now begun manufacturing Range Rover and Range Rover sport in India.
It is a major decision on strategy since the magnificent luxury sports utility vehicles will be assembled away from their home plant in Solihull-UK. The production of these luxury vehicles within the region is believed to bring down the costs and shorten the delivery time thus these car models would become more affordable to the Indian customers.
Local Assembly: A Game Changer
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has initiated the local assembly of specific variants of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport at the Chakan plant in Pune, in collaboration with Tata Motors. This facility has previously handled the assembly of other JLR models, including the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque. The decision to assemble these flagship models locally underscores the skyrocketing demand in India, which has seen a 160 per cent increase during the current financial year.
| Model | Previous prices | New prices | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range Rover Sport 3.0 L Petrol Dynamic SE | Rs 1.69 crore | Rs 1.40 crore | Rs 29 lakh |
| Range Rover Sport 3.0 L Diesel Dynamic SE | Rs 1.69 crore | Rs 1.40 crore | Rs 29 lakh |
| Range Rover 3.0 L Petrol Autobiography LWB* | Rs 3.16 crore | Rs 2.60 crore | Rs 56 lakh |
| Range Rover 3.0 L Diesel HSE LWB* | Rs 2.81 crore | Rs 2.36 crore | Rs 45 lakh |
Price Reductions and Variants
The locally assembled Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will feature the same 3-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines found in their UK-built counterparts. These engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and come with all-wheel drive as standard. However, the 4.4-litre V8 turbo-petrol engine will not be localized for the Indian market.
| Model | Range Rover Petrol Autobiography LWB/ Range Rover Sport Petrol Dynamic SE | Range Rover Diesel Dynamic HSE LWB/ Range Rover Sport Diesel Dynamic SE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-litre turbo-petrol | 3-litre | |
| Power | 400 PS | 350 PS | |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 700 Nm |
The significant price reductions are one of the most appealing aspects of this move. For instance, the Range Rover Autobiography (petrol) and Dynamic HSE (diesel), both with a long wheelbase, will now be assembled in India. The Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE, available in both petrol and diesel variants, will also see local assembly. The price cuts are substantial, with the highest being Rs 56 lakh on the Autobiography variant. The ex-showroom prices are now:
Delivery Timeline
Deliveries for the locally assembled Range Rover models will commence immediately, while the Range Rover Sport will start reaching customers from August 16, 2024. This swift turnaround is expected to cater to the high demand and significantly reduce the waiting period for these luxury SUVs.
High Demand and Market Impact
The decision to localize assembly comes in response to a massive surge in demand for Range Rover SUVs in India. The current financial year has seen a 160 per cent increase in demand, prompting JLR to take this strategic step. By assembling these SUVs locally, JLR not only makes these luxury vehicles more affordable but also aims to cater to the burgeoning market more efficiently.
Since 2011, JLR has been assembling some of its vehicles in India, and the addition of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport to this list reinforces the company’s commitment to the Indian market. The Chakan plant has now assembled a total of 10 JLR models, including the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque.
Future Prospects and Upcoming Models
The current lineup of Land Rover Range Rover in India includes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, and Range Rover Evoque. Looking ahead, Range Rover is also developing a fully electric SUV, set to be unveiled by the end of 2024. An all-electric Range Rover Sport is also slated for launch in 2025, although these electric models will continue to be manufactured at the UK plant.
Conclusion
The local assembly of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport marks a significant milestone for JLR in India. With substantial price reductions and shorter waiting periods, these luxury SUVs are now more accessible to Indian buyers. This strategic move not only addresses the high demand but also solidifies JLR’s commitment to the Indian automotive market. As deliveries begin, Indian customers can now experience the unparalleled luxury and performance of these iconic vehicles, assembled locally to meet the growing demand.
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