Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by Tata Motors, is taking a monumental step in the Indian automotive landscape. According to official announcements, JLR will begin local assembly at Tamil Nadu plant from 2026, marking a significant shift in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy in India. The new facility in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, is poised to become a cornerstone for both Tata Motors and JLR’s future product lineup.
From Pune to Ranipet: The Shift in Manufacturing Strategy
Currently, JLR assembles several of its luxury models at Tata’s existing plant in Pune. Starting in early 2026, Jaguar Land Rover will kick off local assembly operations at its newly developed greenfield facility in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, marking a strategic shift in its India manufacturing plans Group CFO PB Balaji confirmed this major development during a recent media interaction, indicating a gradual shift from Pune to Ranipet over the next few years.
🚗 What Models Will Be Assembled First?
The first models expected to roll out from the Tamil Nadu plant are the Range Rover Evoque and Velar, followed later by the Defender and Discovery. This move is part of JLR’s strategic push to increase local assembly of its high-demand models, which not only reduces costs but also ensures faster delivery timelines for Indian customers.
Investment and Capacity: Tata’s ₹9,000 Crore Bet
Tata Motors has committed a massive investment of around ₹9,000 crore to develop this state-of-the-art facility. Once fully operational, the plant will have a production capacity of 250,000 units per year. However, production will be scaled in phases, with full capacity expected within 5–7 years.
A Dedicated CKD Plant: What’s Special About Ranipet?
The Ranipet facility stands out as more than just a typical car manufacturing plant—it’s a cornerstone of JLR’s future-ready, innovation-driven production strategy in India It’s a greenfield manufacturing hub with dedicated infrastructure for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly of JLR models. This will allow the brand to import parts and assemble vehicles locally, reducing import duties and improving pricing competitiveness.
Boost to Employment and Local Economy
One of the key highlights of this initiative is its potential to generate over 5,000 employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. This aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader goal of becoming a global auto manufacturing hub and boosts the state’s industrial ecosystem.
The Ranipet plant won’t just serve luxury ICE models. It will also play a critical role in Tata’s electric future. Apart from JLR’s next-gen models, the plant is expected to manufacture vehicles from Tata’s upcoming Avinya EV series, making it a vital facility in Tata’s global electric mobility strategy.
Why Local Assembly Matters: A Strategic Move
Local assembly in India isn’t new for JLR—it has been assembling vehicles like the Evoque, Velar, and Discovery Sport since 2011. However, the move to Ranipet indicates a renewed focus on the Indian market, allowing JLR to offer globally competitive products at better price points, thanks to reduced logistics and taxation costs.
Final Thoughts: Tamil Nadu Plant to Power Future Growth
With JLR to begin local assembly at Tamil Nadu plant from 2026, this is more than just a logistical change—it’s a signal of confidence in India’s manufacturing capability. As Tata Motors continues to expand its footprint and electrify its lineup, the Ranipet plant will serve as a symbol of innovation, scale, and sustainable mobility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ranipet, Tamil Nadu |
| Start of Assembly | Early 2026 |
| Initial Models | Range Rover Evoque, Velar |
| Plant Type | Greenfield facility with CKD assembly |
| Total Investment | ₹9,000 Crore |
| Full Capacity | 2.5 Lakh Units per annum (in 5–7 years) |
| Employment Generation | 5,000+ jobs (direct and indirect) |
| EV Production | Tata Avinya series, future JLR electric cars |
| Current Local Assembly | Pune (to be gradually phased out) |