Range Rovers stand at the intersection of luxury and adventure, and their story is as impressive as the vehicles themselves. Ready to know the names behind these sensational cars? Here are ten facts about the makers of Range Rovers and the factories where these SUVs come to life.
Land Rover’s History
Land Rover was founded in 1948. In 1970, they launched the Range Rover, designed by Charles Spencer King. This created the first luxury SUV—off-road power and high-end design. The car set a new standard in the automotive world. By 2015, sales had exceeded 1.25 million units, and global sales have continued to grow.
Solihull’s Manufacturing Legacy
Since 1970, Solihull, England, has been the heart of Range Rover production. This factory combines advanced robotics with skilled craftsmanship, producing flagship models like the Range Rover Sport. Over 1,500 employees contribute daily, and the plant’s aluminum body shop is one of the largest in Europe.
Tata Motors’ Ownership Role
In March 2008, Tata Motors, part of the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, agreed to acquire Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford Motor Company for approximately $2.3 billion. The deal was finalized on June 2, and it marked a huge expansion of Tata Motors’ global presence. Since then, Jaguar Land Rover has been focusing on sustainable manufacturing.
Testing Across Extreme Conditions
The cars undergo rigorous testing in the world’s harshest conditions. From icy tundras to scorching deserts, these trials ensure reliability in any environment. When you drive one, you can trust it’s been built to handle anything with exceptional performance. Testing also includes water-wading depths up to 35.4 inches!
Assembly For China’s Market
JLR partnered with Chery Automobile in 2012 to assemble Range Rovers in China. This collaboration meets the growing demand for luxury SUVs in Asia. Local production enhances affordability and ensures that premium standards remain intact for Chinese buyers. The plant’s proximity to key markets shortens delivery times.
Special Vehicle Operations
Their SVO unit operates from a dedicated facility in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, located near Coventry, England. This is where Range Rover’s high-end customizations and limited-edition models have been created since 2014. Unlike the Whitley plant, which focuses on design and innovation, SVO is reserved entirely for customization and exclusivity.
Brazil’s Assembly Line
Range Rover expanded into South America with its factory in Itatiaia, Brazil, in 2016. This plant primarily produces the Discovery Sport and Evoque models for regional markets. The location was chosen to meet growing demand across South America while also benefiting from favorable trade agreements.
Slovakia’s Innovative Facility
The company’s plant in Nitra, Slovakia, is a significant investment in its global expansion strategy. The facility was constructed at a cost of £1 billion. This state-of-the-art plant exclusively produced the Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Defender models. They employ approximately 1,500 people, with 98% being Slovak nationals and 30% women.
Hybrid And Electric Technology
Did you know Range Rover was one of the first luxury SUVs to include hybrid and EV development? The Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid, introduced in 2018, became a part of JLR’s plan to meet global emissions regulations. More recently, the company has announced plans to go all-electric by 2030.
HQ Of Design And R&D
Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters for design and R&D is located at the Whitley plant in Coventry, England. The facility was expanded in 2015 to support the development of ultra-low-emission vehicles. In 2023, the unveiling of a £250 million Future Energy Lab further strengthened its role in advancing electric vehicle innovation.
