Land Rover Defender Local Production In India Under Evaluation

July 25, 2025

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Jaguar Land Rover is considering local assembly of the Defender SUV in India, as the brand continues to see growing success in the market. The luxury automaker has already begun locally assembling the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, which significantly boosted its sales figures. Encouraged by this, JLR is now exploring the potential of assembling its top-selling Defender model domestically.

Martin Limpert, Global Managing Director for Range Rover, indicated that the Defender’s strong performance in India naturally makes it a candidate for local production. However, several logistical and strategic hurdles must be addressed before any final decision is taken.

The Defender was JLR’s best-selling model in India for FY2025, contributing significantly to the company’s 40 percent year-on-year growth. JLR India retailed 6183 units during the fiscal year, achieving its highest-ever sales and securing third place in India’s luxury vehicle segment.

Despite these strong sales, initiating local production of the Defender faces key challenges. Currently, the SUV is built at JLR’s plant in Nitra, Slovakia, which does not yet support CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kit operations, a requirement for assembly in India. Modifying the Nitra facility to accommodate CKD shipments could be a lengthy and complex process.

Additionally, ongoing negotiations surrounding the proposed India-European Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could have implications for JLR’s production strategy. Depending on the outcomes, the cost-benefit dynamics of local assembly might shift, influencing the final call.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors and JLR are jointly setting up a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to begin operations with CKD assembly. Although the specific models have not been confirmed, the facility signals JLR’s broader push to expand its footprint in India. Currently, models like the Evoque, Velar, Discovery Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are assembled locally.

While the Defender’s local production seems like a logical next step given market demand, it remains a future possibility contingent on production capability upgrades and trade policy clarity.