JLR confirms new UK engine plant

Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed plans to invest GBP 355 million pounds (Rs 2,688 crore) in a new engine facility near Wolverhampton, UK.

The new facility will manufacture a range of low-emission four-cylinder JLR petrol and diesel engines. The new facility is expected to create 750 jobs for skilled engineers in the UK. . JLR's engines are currently supplied by Ford.

“As we invest 1.5 billion pounds (Rs 11,274 crore) a year for the next five years on new product developments, expanding our engine range will help us realise our full global potential,” said Dr Ralf Speth, CEO, JLR.

JLR’s global sales grew 31 percent to 21,242 units in Jan-August 20011 owing to strong demand in China and sales of the Land Rover. However, sales of Jaguar declined by 10 percent for the year. According to analysts, strong focus on emerging markets such as China and the recently launched Range Rover Evoque will drive sales for the company.

JLR is looking to benefit from sales of the Evoque, the new Jaguar XF, the XF, the Land Rover Discovery, Defender and Range Rover.