LUXURY car maker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is reportedly in talks with a Chinese car manufacturer aimed at opening a production plant in the People’s Republic.
The group, which builds the Freelander 2 and Evoque models at its Halewood plant, in Knowsley, employing 3,000 staff, is believed to be in negotiations with Cherry over a joint venture to build JLR models in China.
They are understood to have approached the Chinese authorities for regulatory approval to set up a partnership and a deal could be concluded by April, coinciding with Auto China, the Beijing motor show.
On November 9, LDP Business revealed JLR’s wish to manufacture vehicles within China which is now the company’s third biggest sales market, and its most profitable.
Freelander would probably be a likely candidate to be built in China, but JLR says any manufacturing operation would not impact on its Halewood capacity.
No-one from JLR was available for comment.
