SMMT News

First production Range Rover Evoque drives off line at Halewood

05 July 2011 #SMMT News

The first showroom-ready Range Rover Evoque was driven off the line at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant yesterday, marking the start of production of the new model that will be exported to more than 170 countries around the world.

The Halewood facility is central to the success of the Evoque, with the workforce doubling to more than 3,000 employees in order to deliver the new model. In March, the company announced £2 billion of supply contracts for the Evoque, awarded to more than 40 companies in the UK. This investment in the supply chain has meant that 50% of the components in the new model are made in the UK.

“The Evoque is an incredibly exciting vehicle that joins a product range which across both of our brands is the strongest we have ever had – and it fits in perfectly,” commented Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer. “The teams that have designed engineered and built the new Evoque, working together with our research and supplier partners, can be immensely proud of their achievement. Worldwide interest in our new car has been exceptional, with 18,000 customer orders received from customers eager to be among the first to own the new Range Rover.”

The launch of the Range Rover Evoque is one of 40 new product actions that Jaguar Land Rover will carry out in the next five years, supported by annual investment of £1.5 billion in developing new models, engines, technologies and vehicle lines.

Currently, Jaguar Land Rover directly employs almost 19,000 people in the UK, and indirectly supports up to 140,000 further jobs through its supply chain, dealer network and associated business operations.

For more details about Jaguar Land Rover or other UK-based vehicle manufacturers download SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2011.

 

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