Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has officially commenced operations at its new manufacturing facility located at Panapakkam in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu, near Chennai. The start of production at this greenfield plant marks a significant milestone for Tata Motors and its luxury subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover, reinforcing India’s growing role in premium automotive manufacturing. The facility has begun operations with the local assembly of the Range Rover Evoque, making it the first model to roll out of the Chennai plant.
The facility was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, alongside N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons.
Overview of the Chennai Manufacturing Facility
The Panapakkam facility has been developed as a state of the art manufacturing unit capable of producing vehicles for both Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Jaguar Land Rover. Built as part of a phased development plan, the factory is designed to scale production gradually, with a long term annual capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles. The plant is expected to cater to both domestic demand and export requirements once production stabilises.
A strong focus has been placed on sustainability and advanced manufacturing practices. The facility incorporates environmentally responsible operations, including renewable energy usage and water positive processes. Tata Motors has also highlighted the role of skilled local manpower, with technicians drawn from across Tamil Nadu and trained under structured skill development programmes to meet global manufacturing standards.
JLR Manufacturing Plan and Future Expansion
The Chennai facility plays a key role in Tata Motors’ broader strategy to localise premium vehicle manufacturing in India. Production will be ramped up in stages over the coming years, aligning with demand and market expansion plans. The plant is also expected to support the production of next generation vehicles, including future electrified models.
With a planned investment of approximately ₹9,000 crore, the facility is projected to generate over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while also supporting the development of a strong local supplier ecosystem in the region.
JLR’s Locally Assembled Models in India
Jaguar Land Rover currently follows a mixed production strategy in India, combining local assembly with imports. Several models are now assembled locally using completely knocked down kits, allowing the brand to reduce costs and improve accessibility for Indian customers.
The locally assembled Jaguar Land Rover models in India include the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover Velar, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. These models benefit from lower import duties and improved availability. In contrast, the Land Rover Defender and the larger Land Rover Discovery continue to be offered in India as completely built units, reflecting their positioning and production requirements.
Range Rover Evoque – Design, Dimensions, and Features
The Range Rover Evoque is positioned as a compact luxury SUV that combines modern design with premium craftsmanship. It features a contemporary exterior design characterised by a sloping roofline, flush door handles, and signature Range Rover styling elements.
In terms of dimensions, the Range Rover Evoque measures 4,371 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, and 1,649 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,681 mm. The SUV offers seating for five occupants and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of comfort, technology, and safety features. Key highlights include a 3D Surround Camera system, Cabin Air Ionisation with a PM2.5 filter, Wireless Device Charging with a Phone Signal Booster, and the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which supports connected car technology and over the air updates.
Powering the Range Rover Evoque are 2.0 litre mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, both paired with automatic transmissions and an all wheel drive system. The 2.0 litre petrol engine produces 247 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque, delivering smooth performance and responsive acceleration. The 2.0 litre diesel engine generates 201 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, offering strong mid range performance and improved efficiency. In the Indian market, the Range Rover Evoque is currently priced at Rs 64.86 lakh ex showroom for both the diesel and petrol trim levels.