Range Rover Evoque: Tata Motors has officially commenced local assembly of the Range Rover Evoque in India, marking a major milestone for both the company and its luxury subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The Evoque is the first vehicle to roll out of Tata Motors’ new greenfield manufacturing facility at Panapakkam in Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, signalling the operational debut of a plant announced back in 2024.
Tata Motors Panapakkam Plant: Overview
The new Panapakkam facility is designed as a future-ready manufacturing hub, capable of supporting multiple vehicle platforms and powertrains.
Key highlights of the Panapakkam plant:
- Located in Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu
- Greenfield manufacturing facility announced in 2024
- Annual installed capacity: up to 2,50,000 vehicles
- Will manufacture vehicles for:
- Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles
- Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)
- Supports ICE, hybrid, and electric vehicles
- Investment commitment of approximately Rs 9,000 crore
- Expected to generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs
- Designed to scale production gradually over 5–7 years
The facility was formally inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the presence of Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and senior leadership from Tata Motors and JLR.
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Why the Range Rover Evoque?
The Range Rover Evoque was chosen as the first model for local assembly due to its strong brand appeal and strategic positioning in the luxury SUV segment.
Reasons Evoque leads production:
- Most accessible model in the Range Rover lineup
- Second most affordable vehicle in the JLR portfolio
- Strong demand in India’s premium SUV market
- Previously assembled at Tata Motors’ Pune plant
- Ideal candidate to shift production amid capacity limitations
With existing facilities nearing full utilisation, Tata Motors decided to relocate Evoque assembly to Panapakkam to better rationalise production.
Range Rover Evoque Design Highlights
The Evoque retains Range Rover’s signature styling, which blends elegance with a sporty and muscular stance.
Exterior design features:
- Floating roof design
- Sculpted bonnet
- Premium 3D front grille
- Slim LED headlamps and tail lamps
- Flush door handles
- Strong shoulder line and coupe-like silhouette
Despite being locally assembled, the Evoque maintains the same global design standards expected from a Range Rover product.
Range Rover Evoque Powertrain and Performance Options
The locally assembled Range Rover Evoque continues to be offered with mild-hybrid powertrains, balancing performance and efficiency.
Engine options include:
- Petrol mild-hybrid
- Power output: ~184 kW
- 0–100 km/h: ~7.6 seconds
- Top speed: ~230 km/h
- Diesel mild-hybrid
- Power output: ~150 kW
- 0–100 km/h: ~8.5 seconds
- Top speed: ~213 km/h
Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and deliver smooth performance suited for city driving and highway cruising.
All-Terrain Capability
True to its heritage, the Evoque offers impressive off-road capability despite its compact luxury SUV form.
Off-road and safety technologies include:
- Intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Torque vectoring by braking
- Terrain Response system
- All-Terrain Progress Control
- Hill Launch Assist
- Roll Stability Control
- Dynamic Stability Control
These features ensure confident handling across different road and terrain conditions.
Interior, Technology and Features
Inside, the Range Rover Evoque focuses on minimalist luxury combined with advanced technology.
Interior and tech highlights:
- Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials
- 11.4-inch curved Pivi Pro infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- Meridian premium sound system
- 3D surround-view camera with ClearSight Ground View
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The cabin offers a refined, driver-focused experience with strong emphasis on comfort and usability.
Workforce Development and Sustainability
The Panapakkam plant places strong emphasis on skill development and sustainability.
Notable initiatives:
- Shopfloor technicians recruited across Tamil Nadu
- Selection through statewide polytechnic evaluations
- Training under Tata Motors’ Lakshya “earn while you learn” programme
- Opportunity for employees to pursue company-sponsored engineering degrees
- Plant designed to operate on renewable energy
- Water-positive facility with global environmental standards
Pricing and Market Outlook
- Current ex-showroom price: ~Rs 64.86 lakh
- Local assembly could improve supply efficiency
- Pricing competitiveness will depend on Tata-JLR strategy
- Faces competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi
Final Verdict
The start of Range Rover Evoque local assembly in Tamil Nadu marks a major step in Tata Motors’ long-term manufacturing and electrification roadmap. With the Panapakkam plant set to become a cornerstone for next-generation vehicles, the Evoque’s production kickstarts a new chapter for luxury vehicle manufacturing in India.
