Chery Jaguar Land Rover
A 50:50 Chery Automobile–Jaguar Land Rover joint venture established to manufacture premium Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in mainland China.
Last updated October 12, 2026
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Overview
Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd. (CJLR) is an automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Changshu, China. It is a 50:50 joint venture between UK-headquartered Jaguar Land Rover — itself a subsidiary of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles of India — and Chinese automaker Chery. The venture was formed to allow production of Jaguar Cars and Land Rover vehicles in mainland China, and its first assembly plant is in Changshu, with production having commenced in October 2014. The joint venture was first reported to be under discussion in August 2010. In March 2012, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover announced plans to invest an initial US$2.78 billion in a new Mainland China-based joint venture to manufacture Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles and engines, as well as the establishment of a research and development centre and the creation of a new automobile marque. The establishment of the joint venture received the formal approval of the National Development and Reform Commission in November 2012, and construction of the first assembly plant began in Changshu in the same month. The plant was completed in 2014, with the first Range Rover Evoque produced in October 2014. CJLR has produced a range of Jaguar and Land Rover models for the Chinese market, including the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar XFL, Jaguar XEL, and Jaguar E-Pace. In June 2024, Jaguar Land Rover and Chery signed a letter of intent in electric vehicle cooperation. Under this arrangement, JLR will license the Freelander nameplate to Chery Jaguar Land Rover to produce EVs based on an Exeed EV platform called the E0X. Freelander as a brand will be separate from both JLR and Chery's brand portfolios. The vehicles will be sold in China, with later plans for global exports. As of January 2025, it is now confirmed that Chery will introduce the Freelander model to the UK. In May 2025, JLR revealed that Chery Jaguar Land Rover would cease to produce before the end of 2026 after the joint venture lost $18.7 million in the 2024 fiscal year. The production of the Jaguar XE, XF, and E-Pace would be ended in September 2025, and the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport would be ended by the end of 2026. The Freelander marque was formally unveiled at the April 2026 Beijing Auto China motor show with the Freelander 8, following the March 2026 publication of the Freelander 97 concept car.
History
Chery Jaguar Land Rover developed from talks between Chery Automobile and Jaguar Land Rover about local manufacturing in China. The discussions were first reported in August 2010, as foreign automakers sought greater production capacity in a rapidly expanding Chinese market and Chinese manufacturers pursued technology, premium-brand access, and industrial partnerships. In March 2012, the companies announced a planned 50:50 joint venture. The proposed initial investment was approximately US$2.78 billion and covered more than vehicle assembly. The partners also outlined engine manufacturing, a research and development center, and the possible creation of a new automotive marque. The arrangement was intended to support Jaguar and Land Rover's Chinese growth while giving Chery a deeper role in premium-vehicle manufacturing. The National Development and Reform Commission approved the venture in November 2012. Construction of the first factory in Changshu, Jiangsu, began that month. The plant was completed in 2014, with production starting in October with the Range Rover Evoque. CJLR then added further locally manufactured models from both Jaguar and Land Rover, including the Discovery Sport, Jaguar XE, XF, E-Pace, XEL, and XFL. The lineup combined SUVs and sedans designed to address China's demand for premium vehicles. The venture's strategy later had to respond to the automotive industry's move toward electrification and to stronger competition from both established luxury manufacturers and Chinese electric-vehicle companies. In June 2024, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover signed a letter of intent for electric-vehicle cooperation. The plan involved licensing the Freelander nameplate to CJLR and using Chery's Exeed E0X electric platform. Freelander was intended to operate as a distinct marque, separate from the existing Jaguar, Land Rover, and Chery brand portfolios. The initial commercial focus was China, with possible exports later. The reference material reports that a Freelander model was subsequently planned for introduction in the United Kingdom. It also describes a later Freelander 8 unveiling at the April 2026 Beijing Auto China motor show following publication of the Freelander 97 concept in March 2026. These dates are beyond the period covered by the core historical account and should be independently verified before being treated as established production milestones. In May 2025, Jaguar Land Rover reportedly announced a planned end to CJLR manufacturing before the close of 2026. The reported schedule called for Jaguar XE, XF, and E-Pace production to stop in September 2025, with Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport production ending by the end of 2026. The report also cited a loss of US$18.7 million for the 2024 fiscal year. The available source does not establish whether the corporate joint venture itself was legally dissolved, sold, or retained for another purpose after vehicle production ends. Accordingly, CJLR's overall present status remains unknown.
- 2025
Production wind-down reported
[1]A planned end to CJLR vehicle production before the end of 2026 was reported, with model-specific discontinuations scheduled from September 2025.
- 2024
Freelander electric-vehicle cooperation proposed
[1]The partners signed a letter of intent to develop Freelander-branded electric vehicles using a Chery electric platform.
- 2014
First vehicle produced
[1]The Changshu facility began production with the Range Rover Evoque.
- 2012
Joint venture announced
[1]The partners announced a proposed 50:50 venture with planned vehicle, engine, research, and development operations.
- 2012
Changshu plant construction begins
[1]Following regulatory approval, construction began on CJLR's first assembly plant in Changshu.
- 2010
Initial joint-venture discussions reported
[1]Chery Automobile and Jaguar Land Rover were reported to be discussing a Chinese manufacturing partnership.
Products and positioning
Premium and luxury vehicles manufactured for the Chinese market, with a later strategic move toward locally based electric vehicles.
Premium compact SUV · 2014
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque was the first vehicle produced at CJLR's Changshu plant. Its local manufacture marked the venture's operational launch in October 2014 and gave Jaguar Land Rover a locally assembled premium compact SUV for the Chinese market. The model remained part of the reported CJLR lineup until the planned production wind-down at the end of 2026.
Premium SUV
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport was one of CJLR's principal locally manufactured Land Rover products. It extended the Changshu plant's output beyond the Evoque and served customers seeking a practical premium SUV under the Land Rover brand. Production was reportedly scheduled to end by the close of 2026 as part of the joint venture's planned manufacturing wind-down.
Luxury sedan
Jaguar XEL
The Jaguar XEL was a China-oriented long-wheelbase Jaguar sedan manufactured by CJLR. Its extended rear cabin targeted the executive-sedan preferences of Chinese buyers and complemented the venture's SUV range with a locally produced premium passenger car.
Luxury sedan
Jaguar XFL
The Jaguar XFL was another locally manufactured Jaguar sedan in CJLR's Chinese lineup. As a larger executive model, it supported Jaguar's presence in China's premium sedan market alongside the XEL, while demonstrating the venture's ability to produce multiple Jaguar body styles.
Compact executive sedan
Jaguar XE
The Jaguar XE formed part of CJLR's locally assembled Jaguar sedan portfolio. It occupied the compact executive segment and was produced for the Chinese market. According to the reported 2025 production plan, XE manufacturing was scheduled to end in September 2025.
Executive sedan
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF was manufactured by CJLR as a larger premium sedan positioned above the XE. It served the executive-car segment in China and was included among the Jaguar models reportedly scheduled for discontinuation at the Changshu operation in September 2025.
Premium compact SUV
Jaguar E-Pace
The Jaguar E-Pace added a compact SUV to CJLR's Jaguar range, complementing the larger Land Rover products manufactured at Changshu. It was included in the reported September 2025 end-of-production schedule.
Premium electric vehicles
Freelander electric vehicles
The proposed Freelander line represents CJLR's planned transition toward electric vehicles. Under the 2024 letter of intent, Jaguar Land Rover would license the Freelander nameplate to the venture, while the vehicles would use an Exeed E0X-based platform supplied through Chery. The marque was intended to be distinct from Jaguar, Land Rover, and Chery brand portfolios, with China as the initial market and exports considered later.
Controversies
Brand decisions
2025
Planned end of CJLR vehicle productionStrategyBackground
The joint venture's manufacturing outlook was affected by reported financial pressure and changing demand in China's premium-vehicle market.
Action taken
Jaguar Land Rover reportedly planned to end CJLR production before the end of 2026, with Jaguar XE, XF, and E-Pace ending in September 2025 and the Evoque and Discovery Sport ending by the end of 2026.
Aftermath
The future legal and operational status of the joint venture after the production wind-down was not established in the available material.
Reported fiscal-year loss. US$18.7 million loss (2024 fiscal year)
2024
Freelander electric-vehicle cooperationProduct launchBackground
The partners faced an automotive market increasingly shaped by electric vehicles and strong Chinese competition.
Action taken
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover signed a letter of intent under which CJLR would use the Freelander nameplate for electric vehicles based on Chery's Exeed E0X platform.
Aftermath
The proposed marque was intended to launch first in China, with possible exports to other markets.
2012
Establishment of a 50:50 Chinese manufacturing ventureStrategyBackground
Jaguar Land Rover and Chery sought local production capacity and a stronger position in China's expanding premium-vehicle market.
Action taken
The companies announced a joint venture covering vehicle and engine manufacturing, research and development, and a proposed new marque.
Aftermath
Regulatory approval followed in November 2012, and the Changshu factory began construction.
Announced initial investment. US$2.78 billion (2012 announcement)
Recent events
- 2025
Planned wind-down of CJLR production[1]
Product generation · Other
Jaguar Land Rover reportedly disclosed plans for CJLR to cease production before the end of 2026. Jaguar XE, XF, and E-Pace production was scheduled to end in September 2025, while Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport production was scheduled to continue until the end of 2026.
- 2024
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover plan Freelander electric-vehicle cooperation[1]
Product launch
A letter of intent proposed licensing the Freelander nameplate to CJLR for electric vehicles using Chery's Exeed E0X platform, initially for China and potentially later for export markets.
- 2014
Changshu plant begins production with Range Rover Evoque[1]
Product launch · Product generation
CJLR commenced vehicle production at its first assembly plant in Changshu, beginning with the Range Rover Evoque.
- 2012
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover announce proposed Chinese joint venture[1]
M&A · Other
The two companies announced plans for a 50:50 mainland Chinese manufacturing venture with proposed vehicle, engine, research, and development activities.
- 2012
Chinese regulators approve the Chery Jaguar Land Rover venture[1]
Regulation · Other
The National Development and Reform Commission formally approved the joint venture, allowing construction of its Changshu manufacturing facility to proceed.
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