The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops

The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops

      A classic nameplate is making a comeback as a contemporary hybrid specifically for China, developed through a local partnership and targeting a new generation of drivers.

      

       7 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Brad Anderson

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      JLR has announced that a new Freelander SUV will soon debut as a model exclusive to China.

      The revived nameplate will launch under JLR’s new joint venture with Chery.

      This plug-in hybrid will be based on Chery’s T1X platform, which is also utilized by Jaecoo and Omoda.

      Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed the arrival of an all-new Freelander SUV tailored for the Chinese market, set to debut in the coming months. This marks the inaugural model from the newly formed Freelander brand.

      

      The announcement regarding the revival of this compact SUV initially emerged in mid-2024, when the British automaker revealed it would be manufactured in collaboration with Chery.

      Plug-In Pragmatism

      What can we anticipate from this new model? It is expected to utilize Chery’s existing T1X platform, which is currently featured in various vehicles under the Jaecoo, Omoda, and Chery brands. While many recent SUV launches in China have focused on electric vehicles, the debut model of the Freelander is anticipated to be a plug-in hybrid.

      

      Read: Land Rover Reintroduces Freelander Name As Independent Brand For China

      According to JLR China president Qing Pan, the new model will “resonate with the original essence of Freelander but be updated to appeal to discerning, tech-savvy consumers in China.”

      Familiar Shape Or Fresh Identity?

      Land Rover has hinted at the new spinoff’s nameplate several times but has yet to reveal the SUV itself.

      It is still too early to determine the new Freelander's design. As reported previously, it is set to emerge as a sub-brand within Land Rover’s lineup, with design teams from both Chery and JLR collaborating to establish its visual identity.

      If the British brand aims for it to resemble a true Land Rover, it would be wise to ensure it bears a clear resemblance to existing models. Alternatively, if it chooses to follow a strategy similar to AUDI’s in China, it could adopt a design that significantly differs from JLR models available in Western markets.

      Production of the new Freelander is set to take place at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) facility in Changshu. This plant currently manufactures the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, but production of these models will conclude at the end of this year, according to Autocar.

      JLR indicated that the new Freelander will be “initially” available in China, suggesting potential availability in other regions following its local launch.

      The company also confirmed that the new Freelander will be distributed through its network of dedicated dealerships managed by Chery.

      

      Land Rover first launched the original Freelander in 1997, followed by a second generation in 2006, which was produced until 2015. The introduction of a successor could be pivotal for the brand.

      JLR Production Resumes

      In addition to reaffirming that the new Freelander's development is ongoing, JLR announced that its production has returned to pre-cyberattack levels, which had temporarily halted operations for several weeks. The company reported a 24 percent decline in revenue for the second quarter, totaling £4.9 billion, and a 16 percent decrease for the first half of the year, amounting to £11.5 billion.

      

      

      Sources: Autocar

The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops

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The Freelander is returning as an independent brand and will be launching shortly | Carscoops

A timeless nameplate makes a comeback as a contemporary hybrid for China, created through a domestic collaboration and targeted at a new generation of motorists.