- Range Rover Evoque joins all‑new Discovery Sport in Itatiaia
- The first vehicle off the production line is expected in early 2016
Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro ‑ Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that the Range Rover Evoque will join the Discovery Sport in production at its new local manufacturing facility in Itatiaia, Brazil. The first locally built Range Rover Evoque is expected to come off the production line in early 2016.
The new factory, which will see a total investment of R$750m (£240m) by the end of 2020, will supplement UK production and have the capacity to build around 24,000 vehicles annually for the Brazilian market. It will be Jaguar Land Rover's first wholly‑owned manufacturing plant outside of the United Kingdom.
With the introduction of the 16MY Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover has strengthened its fastest‑selling model. The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new design features and technologies to reinforce its status as the market leader.
Terry Hill, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Latin America, commented: "Since its introduction, the Range Rover Evoque has sold more than 20,000 vehicles in Brazil and we are delighted to confirm that the Range Rover Evoque will be built at our facility in Itatiaia."
"Brazil and the surrounding regions are very important to Jaguar Land Rover. The introduction of the Range Rover Evoque to our factory in Itatiaia highlights our long‑term commitment to the Brazilian market."
Jaguar Land Rover is the first British automotive company to invest in a manufacturing factory in Brazil. In the programme's first phase, the new 60,000m² manufacturing facility in Itatiaia will create employment for 400 people. With construction of the plant nearing completion, Jaguar Land Rover is now installing the manufacturing equipment to support the start of production in early 2016.
Jaguar Land Rover's first overseas Education Business Partnership Centre will open in Itatiaia in mid‑2016 providing a range of classroom activities to help local school children develop key skills, work awareness and inspire them to pursue rewarding careers at Jaguar Land Rover in the future.
Jaguar Land Rover works closely with the local people living nearby its manufacturing facilities around the world and, during the construction phase of the programme in Brazil, Jaguar Land Rover forged strong links with the communities in both Itatiaia and nearby Resende.
Jaguar Land Rover has just launched the second cohort of the 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Workforce' training programme in Itatiaia. Of those who have successfully completed the first course, around 60% are now working for Jaguar Land Rover in Itatiaia. Working in conjunction with the Brazilian training provider SENAI, the programme offers work experience, training and employability qualifications for unemployed 17 ‑ 26 year olds to prepare them for employment in the automotive industry.
Jaguar Land Rover is involved in a range of other initiatives including Try Rugby, Music is the Winner and Reading History for Children.
As part of its on‑going commitment to the Brazilian automotive industry, Jaguar Land Rover will be sourcing a range of components from local suppliers, such as Benteler and IAC, as well as importing some parts from its global supply chain. In addition, Jaguar Land Rover is investing in its technical assistance services to help suppliers support increased levels of localisation in the future.
Jaguar Land Rover has had a presence in Brazil for more than 20 years. The Company is currently investing in its dealer network and has over 40 dealers throughout Brazil. In December 2014, the company laid its foundation stone of the local plant in Itatiaia, south of Rio de Janeiro State, ready for production to begin in early 2016.
ENDS