To gain an edge over its competitors in the Indian luxury auto market, Tata Motors is planning to assemble its two models, the Jaguar XF sedan and the Range Rover Evoque SUV in India.
A vendor familiar with the matter told the Economic Times that the company was planning to roll-out the locally assembled Jaguar XF sedan and the Range Rover Evoque SUV by late 2012 or early 2013.
Except for the Freelander 2, whose CKD (Complete knock down) assembly Tata Motors stated in India few months back, all other offerings from Tata Motors’ stable consists of completely built units or fully imported vehicles. While assembled cars have a lower import duty of 10-30%, the imported vehicles are charged with an import duty of over 100%.
According to a key supplier (anonymous), as Jaguar Land Rover feels India and China will be the key growth drivers in the next 5-10 years, the company wants to boost its overall growth by increasing its assembly operations in India and by entering into joint venture partnership in China.