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Auto Blog
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Freelander Is Back, But Not Quite How You Remember It
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Freelander name is returning, but not as a Land Rover. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its Chinese partner of 12 years, Chery, are reviving the badge as a standalone electric vehicle brand under their CJLR joint venture. The idea is to combine Chery's strength in the Chinese market with JLR's design expertise and iconic British heritage. Initially focused on China, the new Freelander brand is expected to go global in the years ahead. Made In China, Designed By The British Source: Jaguar Land Rover The Freelander lineup will be made up of electric vehicles built on Chery's existing EV architecture, with production taking place at CJLR's facility in Changshu. In an interview with Autocar, JLR China boss Qing Pan explained that the first model will be built on a 'flexible' in-house platform and styled by JLR's design team. The debut model, set to arrive in late 2026, will be a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV with a coupe-like silhouette. It will use Chery's T1X platform, the same one found in Omoda and Jaecoo models. JLR CEO Adrian Mardell called the move an 'important strategic step' that reaffirms the company's commitment to the Chinese market. A New Brand For The Entire World Source: Chery Freelander will operate independently from JLR and be sold by Chery-run dealerships. Though the launch is focused on China, the long-term goal includes global exports. If CJLR were to release Freelander across the globe from the get-go, it might steal too many sales from their upcoming luxury EVs like the electric successors to the Evoque. Chery Group Chairman Yin Tongyue described the partnership as 'an innovative collaboration model that epitomizes our growth path for the future.' A Familiar Name With a Bold New Mission Source: Land Rover The original Land Rover Freelander was a compact, somewhat off-road-capable luxury vehicle that emerged in the 1990s. Now, the name returns not as a model, but as a brand built from the ground up by two global players. The name returns with an entirely different ethos: building great bang-for-your-buck electrified SUVs for the entire world. Admittedly, it's not the Freelander you remember, but let's hope it avoids the same brand identity crisis that hit the Mustang Mach-E. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tata's JLR slashes FY26 EBIT margin guidance to 5–6% on higher EV investment, product transition
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK-based luxury carmaker owned by Tata Motors , has significantly lowered its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin guidance for FY26 to 5–6%, from the previously stated 10%, as it gears up for a year of high capital investment, model changeovers, and an accelerated push toward electrification. The revised outlook was shared as part of the company's Investor Day presentation on June 16, where top executives outlined their medium-term roadmap and strategic priorities. CEO Adrian Mardell described FY26 as a 'year of transformation,' driven by planned launches of new-generation vehicles and the start of production of key electric models. These developments, he said, will exert pressure on margins and cash flows in the short term but are essential to setting the business up for sustainable growth. The lower margin forecast is attributed to several overlapping factors—elevated capital expenditure, working capital outflows linked to model changeovers, and upfront costs related to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing readiness across plants. The company expects capex to rise to £3.5 billion in FY26, compared to £3.2 billion in FY25. This spike will fund tooling, product development, and upgrades to manufacturing sites, including the Halewood plant, which is being converted into JLR's first all-electric facility. With its multi-architecture strategy encompassing MLA, EMA and the new JEA platforms, JLR is betting on a flexible approach to transition its portfolio. The first pure-electric Range Rover is expected to roll out in 2025, while an all-new electric Jaguar GT, built on the bespoke JEA architecture, will follow in 2026. Jaguar will become an electric-only brand by then, focusing on high-performance, low-roof GTs priced upwards of £100,000. Even as FY26 is expected to be a transition year, the company reiterated confidence in its long-term targets. By FY27, JLR aims to achieve EBIT margins of over 10%, free cash flows of more than £2 billion, and revenue per unit above £80,000, up from around £71,000 in FY25. The management views the current investment phase as a necessary step to unlock this future value. CFO Richard Molyneux said that despite the near-term margin compression, the business model is designed to generate operating leverage once the new models ramp up and premiumisation gathers pace. JLR's four-brand strategy—spanning Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar—remains central to its premium positioning. The company is focused on developing unique identities, customer experiences, and design languages for each brand while continuing to drive average transaction values through special editions and bespoke offerings. Products like the Range Rover SV and Defender 130 have helped JLR increase pricing power, a trend the company expects to continue. Operationally, JLR ended FY25 on a strong note. Wholesales excluding the China JV grew by 25% to 401,000 units, while EBIT margins improved to 8.5% from 4.9% in the previous year. Net debt declined to £0.7 billion, and the company is on track to become net debt-free by the end of FY25. Liquidity stood at £5.3 billion, providing a buffer for the high-spend year ahead. While the FY26 guidance reset has tempered short-term investor expectations, analysts say JLR's strategic direction remains sound. The coming year will test the company's ability to execute on its product, EV, and brand strategies under tighter margins, but the broader narrative of transformation and premium-led growth remains intact.
Economic Times
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Tata's JLR slashes FY26 EBIT margin guidance to 5–6% on higher EV investment, product transition
Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, anticipates lower profit margins in fiscal year 2026. This is due to significant investments in electric vehicles and model upgrades. The company is converting its Halewood plant for EV production. JLR expects higher capital expenditure. Despite short-term challenges, JLR aims for improved margins and cash flow by fiscal year 2027. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK-based luxury carmaker owned by Tata Motors , has significantly lowered its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin guidance for FY26 to 5–6%, from the previously stated 10%, as it gears up for a year of high capital investment, model changeovers, and an accelerated push toward electrification. The revised outlook was shared as part of the company's Investor Day presentation on June 16, where top executives outlined their medium-term roadmap and strategic Adrian Mardell described FY26 as a 'year of transformation,' driven by planned launches of new-generation vehicles and the start of production of key electric models. These developments, he said, will exert pressure on margins and cash flows in the short term but are essential to setting the business up for sustainable growth. The lower margin forecast is attributed to several overlapping factors—elevated capital expenditure, working capital outflows linked to model changeovers, and upfront costs related to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing readiness across company expects capex to rise to £3.5 billion in FY26, compared to £3.2 billion in FY25. This spike will fund tooling, product development, and upgrades to manufacturing sites, including the Halewood plant, which is being converted into JLR's first all-electric facility. With its multi-architecture strategy encompassing MLA, EMA and the new JEA platforms, JLR is betting on a flexible approach to transition its first pure-electric Range Rover is expected to roll out in 2025, while an all-new electric Jaguar GT, built on the bespoke JEA architecture, will follow in 2026. Jaguar will become an electric-only brand by then, focusing on high-performance, low-roof GTs priced upwards of £100, as FY26 is expected to be a transition year, the company reiterated confidence in its long-term targets. By FY27, JLR aims to achieve EBIT margins of over 10%, free cash flows of more than £2 billion, and revenue per unit above £80,000, up from around £71,000 in FY25. The management views the current investment phase as a necessary step to unlock this future value. CFO Richard Molyneux said that despite the near-term margin compression, the business model is designed to generate operating leverage once the new models ramp up and premiumisation gathers four-brand strategy—spanning Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar—remains central to its premium positioning. The company is focused on developing unique identities, customer experiences, and design languages for each brand while continuing to drive average transaction values through special editions and bespoke offerings. Products like the Range Rover SV and Defender 130 have helped JLR increase pricing power, a trend the company expects to JLR ended FY25 on a strong note. Wholesales excluding the China JV grew by 25% to 401,000 units, while EBIT margins improved to 8.5% from 4.9% in the previous year. Net debt declined to £0.7 billion, and the company is on track to become net debt-free by the end of FY25. Liquidity stood at £5.3 billion, providing a buffer for the high-spend year the FY26 guidance reset has tempered short-term investor expectations, analysts say JLR's strategic direction remains sound. The coming year will test the company's ability to execute on its product, EV, and brand strategies under tighter margins, but the broader narrative of transformation and premium-led growth remains intact.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tata's JLR slashes FY26 EBIT margin guidance to 5–6% on higher EV investment, product transition
Mumbai: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the UK-based luxury carmaker owned by Tata Motors , has significantly lowered its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin guidance for FY26 to 5–6%, from the previously stated 10%, as it gears up for a year of high capital investment, model changeovers, and an accelerated push toward electrification. The revised outlook was shared as part of the company's Investor Day presentation on June 16, where top executives outlined their medium-term roadmap and strategic priorities. CEO Adrian Mardell described FY26 as a 'year of transformation,' driven by planned launches of new-generation vehicles and the start of production of key electric models. These developments, he said, will exert pressure on margins and cash flows in the short term but are essential to setting the business up for sustainable growth. The lower margin forecast is attributed to several overlapping factors—elevated capital expenditure, working capital outflows linked to model changeovers, and upfront costs related to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing readiness across plants. Also Read: Tata Motors shares fall 5% after JLR projects flat cashflow and lower FY26 margins by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The company expects capex to rise to £3.5 billion in FY26, compared to £3.2 billion in FY25. This spike will fund tooling, product development, and upgrades to manufacturing sites, including the Halewood plant, which is being converted into JLR's first all-electric facility. With its multi-architecture strategy encompassing MLA, EMA and the new JEA platforms, JLR is betting on a flexible approach to transition its portfolio. The first pure-electric Range Rover is expected to roll out in 2025, while an all-new electric Jaguar GT, built on the bespoke JEA architecture, will follow in 2026. Jaguar will become an electric-only brand by then, focusing on high-performance, low-roof GTs priced upwards of £100,000. Live Events Even as FY26 is expected to be a transition year, the company reiterated confidence in its long-term targets. By FY27, JLR aims to achieve EBIT margins of over 10%, free cash flows of more than £2 billion, and revenue per unit above £80,000, up from around £71,000 in FY25. The management views the current investment phase as a necessary step to unlock this future value. CFO Richard Molyneux said that despite the near-term margin compression, the business model is designed to generate operating leverage once the new models ramp up and premiumisation gathers pace. JLR's four-brand strategy—spanning Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar—remains central to its premium positioning. The company is focused on developing unique identities, customer experiences, and design languages for each brand while continuing to drive average transaction values through special editions and bespoke offerings. Products like the Range Rover SV and Defender 130 have helped JLR increase pricing power, a trend the company expects to continue. Operationally, JLR ended FY25 on a strong note. Wholesales excluding the China JV grew by 25% to 401,000 units, while EBIT margins improved to 8.5% from 4.9% in the previous year. Net debt declined to £0.7 billion, and the company is on track to become net debt-free by the end of FY25. Liquidity stood at £5.3 billion, providing a buffer for the high-spend year ahead. While the FY26 guidance reset has tempered short-term investor expectations, analysts say JLR's strategic direction remains sound. The coming year will test the company's ability to execute on its product, EV, and brand strategies under tighter margins, but the broader narrative of transformation and premium-led growth remains intact.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Jaguar's Europe Sales Stall As Shift To Electric-Only Lineup Begins
For a brand with the prestige of Jaguar, its new vehicle registrations in Europe for April 2025 make for truly painful reading. Just 49 - yes, forty-nine - new Jaguars were registered across the pond throughout April, representing a decline of 97.5%; a year ago, 1,961 Jaguar models were registered in the same month in Europe, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. These sales include those from Jaguar's home market, the UK. Without the benefit of context, it appears to be one of the most unfathomable declines from a major brand in recent automotive history. However, this drastic drop in sales in a key region doesn't necessarily spell the end for Jaguar. This is the general state of mind at Jaguar as it embarks on a path to release a fully electric lineup of vehicles, while also pushing deeper into the ultra-luxury segment. Jaguar has elected not to gently transition into an all-EV lineup. Instead, the vast majority of Jag's gas-fed models have been discontinued, including the XF sedan (which ceased production midway through 2024). At around the same time, the XE sedan and F-Type sports car were discontinued. Without cars to sell, it figures that sales will fall off a cliff. Adrian Mardell, Jaguar CEO, previously stated that the brand's range of current models resulted in "close to zero profitability," according to Automotive News. This explains why culling nearly the whole lineup wasn't as drastic as it seems. By accepting this dramatic decline in sales, Jaguar can fully focus on its next chapter, and what a chapter it looks to be. Jaguar was almost universally panned when it revealed its new brand identity late last year. Everything - from the font to the logo, colors, and themes - were derided, and all bore little resemblance to the brand's consistent look and feel up to that point. The initial rebrand had virtually no focus on cars, further alienating Jag loyalists, and phrases like "copy nothing" and "create exuberant" failed to strike a chord with gearheads in any meaningful way. Jaguar isn't oblivious to the backlash. According to a report by the The Telegraph last month, the British automaker is already hunting for a new advertising agency to replace Accenture Song. The latter is responsible for last year's campaign, but Jaguar seems to want to replace the agency sooner rather than later, despite a contract being in place until mid-2026. This was followed by the reveal of the Type 00 concept car, a first look at what we can expect from Jaguar's EV future. With flush surfaces and dramatic touches like a glassless rear tailgate, it looks nothing like any other Jaguar we've seen. Jaguar's first production car under the rebrand will be an electric four-door GT, set to be revealed in late 2025 before reaching showrooms next year. Targeting the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce with an imposing design and deluxe interior, it remains to be seen how far upmarket the Jaguar brand can go, and this will be the model to answer that question. While Jaguar alone undergoes an expected lull as part of its transformation, Jaguar Land Rover has posted £2.5 billion (around $3.39 billion) in profits for FY25, a record result. These promising numbers have, of course, been spearheaded by Land Rover, a brand that has a reliably consistent lineup at present. The stability of the Land Rover brand allows JLR to take its time with the Jaguar relaunch, even if that means selling shockingly few vehicles in the interim. All things considered, Jaguar's dismal European sales in April 2025 aren't as unnerving as they initially appear. Without cars to sell, sales will plummet, and Jaguar seems to have anticipated this. The brand has gone too far in a new direction to turn back now, and is betting on an exclusively EV future at a time when many automakers have reined in their plans to move to a fully electric lineup. The arrival of Jag's grand production EV in 2026 will confirm whether or not the gamble has paid off. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
