Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has denied media reports it is considering reprieving one of its UK plants slated for closure.
UK press speculation has centred on whether JLR could keep one of its West Midlands sites at Castle Bromwich or Solihull open, but the possibility of a u-turn has been dismissed by the company.
“Stories said we are considering not closing – but that is not the case,” a JLR spokesman told just-auto.
“The announcement we made that we would be consolidating the two plants in the West Midlands will be still going ahead. The decision will be made by the middle of the year.”
JLR added there was a “gateway process” under way at the company, noting there were “a number of factors” to evaluate before any decision was taken.
JLR global sales rose 60% in February to 17,197 vehicles. Jaguar volume was up 55% to 3,292 and Land Rover up 62% to 13,905.
Tata Motors – parent of JLR – referred calls back to the UK – while a further statement from the UK operation is expected later today.