Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), part of Tata Motors, will begin assembling vehicles at its new plant in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, starting in early 2026. The plant will focus on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) operations and marks a key step in growing JLR’s local production in India. Initial models expected on the assembly line include the Range Rover Evoque and Velar, with an estimated production capacity of up to 30,000 units per year.
While details around model rollout and total capacity are still being finalized, Tata Motors’ Group CFO, PB Balaji, confirmed the start of CKD operations during a media briefing. “We’re beginning with CKD at the Chennai (Ranipet) plant for JLR,” he said, adding that over time, existing operations in Pune may shift to the new facility. Of the 470-acre site, 70 acres have been allocated for Phase 1 of the project, which will handle initial volumes of around 500 units per month, gradually increasing to 2,500–3,000 units.
The plant is being built with future expansion in mind. A second phase is planned after the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. This phase is expected to increase capacity significantly, with projections of up to 250,000 units annually. The additional capacity will primarily support electric vehicle production for both JLR and Tata Motors.
Mr Balaji also pointed out the plant’s long-term value for Tata Motors as a whole, saying it gives the company greater manufacturing flexibility. He noted that the site will play an important role as the company scales up output. He also mentioned the potential impact of a forthcoming Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK, which could allow earlier product launches and pilot testing before full-scale localization is in place.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is a leading British automotive company known for designing, manufacturing, and selling luxury vehicles. Headquartered in Whitley, Coventry, JLR is a subsidiary of Tata Motors, an Indian multinational automotive company. The company encompasses two iconic brands: Jaguar, which focuses on high-performance luxury cars, and Land Rover, renowned for its premium sport utility vehicles (SUVs). JLR has a global presence, exporting vehicles to over 100 countries, and is committed to innovation in electric mobility, sustainability, and cutting-edge automotive technology. Through its Reimagine strategy, the company is transitioning towards becoming a more environmentally responsible, modern luxury business.
