The JLR-Chery JV in China, which assembles UK designed models for local sale, is to revive the Freelander nameplate.
Under a proposed new licensing agreement, the CJLR JV will produce a range of electric vehicles based on Chery’s EV architecture under the Freelander name.
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“The new model of collaboration leverages fully both parties’ complementary strengths with Chery holding a leading automotive market position in China while JLR has unrivalled heritage and design strength creating mutually beneficial prospects for the future,” a joint statement said.
“Freelander will become a brand reborn under licence from JLR.”
JLR CEO, Adrian Mardell, said: “We believe that working together to develop new models of collaboration for the world’s largest and fastest growing electric vehicle market, combined with the appeal of the Freelander brand, promises a very exciting future for CJLR.”
JLR built the Land Rover Freelander between 1997 and 2015 and it was replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2016.
The CJLR Freelander will offer “a range of mainstream electric vehicles, initially sold in China through a distinct network but over time destined for global export”.
The vehicles will be designed jointly by Chery and JLR and built at the JV’s existing factory in Changshu.
