JLR will resurrect the Freelander name for a new line of electric cars in China – and plans to ultimately export them worldwide
The new fashions will likely be constructed on structure provided by the corporate’s three way partnership associate Chery, which presently builds the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace and long-wheelbase variations of the XF and XE saloons.
The two corporations have been partnered for 12 years, and can now “strengthen” the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) product providing with a new range of bespoke electrified fashions constructed within the far-eastern metropolis of Changshu.
“The new model of collaboration leverages fully both parties’ complementary strengths,” JLR stated, “with Chery holding a leading automotive market position in China while JLR has unrivalled heritage and design strength – creating mutually beneficial prospects for the future.”
Sold beneath the Freelander model, these new fashions will likely be seen as “independent from both Chery’s existing portfolio and JLR’s modern luxury House of Brands”.
They are described as being designed and engineered for the “mainstream”, and whereas they are going to be bought solely in China initially, JLR says they are going to be exported globally “over time”, with out giving additional particulars on deliberate markets or timelines.
JLR CEO Adrian Mardell stated: “Today we’re taking this vital strategic step for JLR, one which underlines our ongoing dedication to China and enhances our current enterprise in China.
“We imagine that working collectively to develop new fashions of collaboration for the world’s largest and fastest-growing electric automobile market, mixed with the enchantment of the Freelander model, guarantees a really thrilling future for CJLR.”
Neither firm has given any technical particulars, however widespread stories in Chinese media say that the platforms will likely be shared particularly with Chery’s premium model Exeed.
One, they are saying, would be the M3X platform developed in partnership with Magna International. This construction – utilized by the Exeed RX and Chery Fulwin T10 SUVs – can accommodate each pure-combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains, however it’s anticipated Freelander cars will solely supply the latter.
Chery’s newest ‘Super Hybrid’ PHEV drivetrain combines a petroleum engine with a pair of electric motors within the gearbox – a set-up Chery refers to as a world-first – with a large-capacity battery supplying an EV-only range of as much as 99 miles.
The different structure is called E0X, and is engineered for battery-electric and range-extender drivetrains, with an 800V charging structure and the choice of front-, rear- or four-wheel drive.
Both architectures have a variable wheelbase and can be utilized for each crossovers and lower-slung fashions, however JLR has but to verify whether or not Freelander will stay an SUV-only model.