Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a £500 million investment in its Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK, to enhance the production of all-electric vehicles. This investment comes as the company aims to launch its first emission-free model at the site by late 2025, amidst a challenging global automotive market.
The Halewood facility, which currently manufactures hybrid and petrol models, is undergoing significant transformation, including the addition of new production lines for electric vehicles. This upgrade will incorporate advanced technologies such as 750 autonomous robots and cloud-based digital management systems.
JLR, owned by India's Tata Motors, is committed to a broader strategy that includes a total investment of £18 billion in its ReImagine program, aiming for an entirely electric vehicle lineup by 2030. The company is responding to global climate targets and increasing competition in the EV market, despite facing challenges like rising costs and economic slowdowns in key markets such as China.
Barbara Bergmeier, executive director of JLR's industrial operations, emphasized the significance of Halewood as the company’s first all-electric production facility, reflecting the ongoing shift in the automotive industry towards sustainable practices. The latest investment is part of a £250 million transformation effort at the site, which has been operational since the 1960s.
However, the automotive sector continues to navigate difficulties, including a recent decline in production figures and consumer hesitance regarding electric vehicle purchases. The UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a 25% drop in production of battery electric and hybrid vehicles last month, highlighting the ongoing volatility in global demand.