Ford look to Merseyside to build new Freelander

Dec 19 2007

HALEWOOD is favourite to build two new versions of the New Freelander 2 car in the New Year.

It is understood that two concept models have already been created.

The news comes days after it was revealed the plant, with its 2,200-strong workforce, is in the running to produce a new Baby Land Rover.

The new Freelanders would be a seven-seater and a commercial vehicle.

Rather than a van, the commercial model will be based on the existing Freelander 2 but drivers will be able to remove rear seats and create a roomy rear space capable of carrying loads. Seats can then be re-inserted for conversion back to a car.

Staff at Halewood are believed to have already run the rule over the two new models to assess how it can fit into assembly schedules.

The plant currently makes the Freelander 2 and the Jaguar X-Type on the same production line.

Industry sources claim that the X-Type, which has failed to hit sales targets, could be discontinued after its planned lifecycle ends in 2009.

The ECHO revealed at the weekend that a baby Land Rover concept car will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show next month which Halewood is favourite to build, which could fill the capacity left after X-Type ceases.

Two more versions of the Freelander 2 would be able to run alongside these models.

Production would safeguard the 2,200 workers at the plant which is involved in the sale of the Jaguar Land Rover brands by parent company Ford.

Indian conglomerate Tata is believed to be in pole position in a beauty parade of three bidders, including fellow Indian car firm Mahindra and US private equity firm One Equity.

Tata is favoured by the unions after promising to keep production in the UK.

Dave Osborne, national secretary for the motor trade with Unite the union which represents most staff at Halewood, said: “We are aware that as part of the Jaguar Land Rover business plan there are going to be two new versions of a 4x4 vehicle.

“Halewood is a first class plant with a first class workforce, and if the decision is made it would be good news that we would welcome for the UK and north west manufacturing.”

Garston Labour MP Maria Eagle said: “It is no surprise that the Halewood factory is considered favourite for these new models.

“It is a great factory and if this is true it will hopefully help in securing a significant number of jobs.”

A Jaguar Land Rover spokesman said: “We have new products in the pipeline but until they have been approved I cannot comment. We never comment on future model programmes.”