JLR is ready to revive the Freelander nameplate for a brand new line of electrical autos (EVs) for China, with plans for eventual international distribution.
The brand new EVs are set to be constructed on structure provided by Chery, with whom JLR has been partnered for the previous 12 years.
They’ll be constructed on the present Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) facility in Changshu, China alongside present fashions.
As a part of its three way partnership with JLR, Chery at the moment builds the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Vary Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Tempo, and long-wheelbase variations of Jaguar’s XF and XE sedans.
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Land Rover Discovery Sport
“The brand new mannequin of collaboration leverages absolutely each events’ complementary strengths – with Chery holding a number one automotive market place in China whereas JLR has unrivalled heritage and design energy – creating mutually useful prospects for the long run,” JLR says.
Bought below the Freelander model, the brand new fashions might be set other than Chery’s present lineup and JLR’s international ‘Home of Manufacturers‘ portfolio, which at the moment contains the Vary Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar manufacturers.
Notably, JLR will nonetheless launch electrical Land Rover fashions in different elements of the world utilizing the MLA and EMA modular platforms, whereas Jaguar will introduce a brand new line of luxurious EVs utilizing the JEA platform.
Freelander EVs will provide a “vary of mainstream electrical autos” and begin life as a China-only providing, although JLR says it’s “over time destined for international export”. There aren’t any particular particulars on markets or timelines.
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Exeed Sterra ET
JLR CEO Adrian Mardell mentioned the continued partnership demonstrated a dedication to worldwide markets and advancing expertise.
“Immediately we’re taking this vital strategic step for JLR, one which underlines our ongoing dedication to China and enhances our present enterprise in China,” he mentioned.
“We consider that working collectively to develop new fashions of collaboration for the world’s largest and fastest-growing electrical car market, mixed with the attraction of the Freelander model, guarantees a really thrilling future for CJLR.”
No technical specs have been revealed by the corporate, although Autocar reviews Freelander fashions will possible share their platform with vehicles from Chery’s premium Exeed model.
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Exeed RX
It reviews the M3X platform utilized by the Exeed and Chery manufacturers is being thought-about. That is at the moment used for combustion-powered and plug-in hybrid fashions just like the Exeed RX/Chery Omoda 9.
One other chance is the E0X platform, which is designed for electrical and range-extender (EREV) powertrains.
The latter incorporates an 800V electrical structure and helps front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive configurations. It underpins the brand new Exeed Sterra ES sedan and Sterra ET SUV.
EREVs are rising in recognition in China, with gross sales reaching 400,000 models final 12 months.
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2011 Land Rover Freelander
The unique Land Rover Freelander was provided for 2 generations between 1997 and 2015, with greater than 300,000 models offered globally over the course of its life.
The Freelander was solely provided with a three-door physique model in its first technology, which was changed in 2006. The three-door Freelander was ultimately succeeded by the Vary Rover Evoque in 2011.
5-door fashions had been changed by the Discovery Sport in 2015.
JLR isn’t the one Western firm working with a Chinese language model on new EVs. Volkswagen is doing the identical with Xpeng, as is Audi with SAIC Motor.
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