Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly considering using platforms from Chinese automaker Chery to underpin its future electric vehicles, as part of the British brand’s strategy to thrive in the electrified era.
Chinese media suggests that Jaguar Land Rover is looking at hybrid and battery-electric platforms from Chery’s Exeed brand. By leveraging Chery’s technology, Jaguar Land Rover aims to accelerate the development and launch of its upcoming electric vehicles.
Although a Chery spokesperson denied any finalized deal with Jaguar Land Rover regarding the use of its platforms, Chery’s chairman, Yin Tongyue, mentioned that two luxury European brands have shown interest in utilizing their platform, without disclosing the specific brands.
Jaguar Land Rover and Chery have a longstanding partnership in China, operating a joint venture since 2012. Together, they manufacture models such as the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Jaguar XFL.
With a goal to transition into an all-electric brand by 2030, Jaguar Land Rover reorganized itself last year into independent brands for Range Rover, Discovery, Defender, and Jaguar. It remains uncertain whether future JLR models using Exeed’s platforms will be available outside of China or exclusively in the local market.
A potential platform-sharing agreement between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery mirrors similar partnerships between European and Chinese automakers. Volkswagen, for instance, is investing $700 million to acquire a 4.99% stake in Xpeng to co-develop two new EVs for the Chinese market. Likewise, Stellantis is investing $1.5 billion in Leapmotor to secure a 20% stake.
