JLR to build Chinese cars in the UK?

Jaguar Land Rover could soon be building Chinese-branded cars in the UK, following reports that it is close to agreeing a manufacturing deal with Chinese car maker Chery. The proposal would see Chery models produced at JLR’s British factories, using spare capacity and potentially marking the first time Chinese cars are built at scale in the UK.

According to Auto Express, the talks are taking place as part of wider UK-China trade discussions, with automotive manufacturing seen as a key area for cooperation. While the idea may feel surprising, Jaguar Land Rover and Chery already have a long-established relationship. The two companies formed a joint venture in China back in 2012, creating Chery Jaguar Land Rover, which manufactures Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles locally for the Chinese market. Models such as the Jaguar E-Pace and Land Rover Discovery Sport have been built there for years, giving both sides experience of working together.

The Chery Tiggo 9 is the latest car to hit our shores from the Chinese giant

Chery itself is one of China’s largest and oldest state-owned car manufacturers, founded in 1997. Over the past decade it has grown rapidly beyond its home market, with a strong focus on electrification, plug-in hybrids and value-focused platforms. In the UK, Chery operates through brands such as Omoda and Jaecoo, which have expanded quickly by offering competitively priced SUVs aimed directly at mainstream buyers. The Sun reports that thousands of these vehicles have already been sold since launch, underlining how quickly Chinese brands are gaining a foothold.

For Jaguar Land Rover, the potential deal could bring clear practical benefits. JLR has a long history as one of Britain’s most important car manufacturers, with roots stretching back to Jaguar’s origins in the 1920s and Land Rover’s post-war debut in 1948. Now owned by India’s Tata Motors, the company is in the middle of a major transition, reshaping Jaguar as an all-electric luxury brand while electrifying Land Rover’s range. That transition has not been without challenges, and recent production disruption, including stoppages caused by a cyberattack, has highlighted the importance of keeping UK plants running efficiently.

Building vehicles for another manufacturer could help improve factory utilisation, protect jobs and provide additional revenue at a time when global car demand is uneven and development costs are rising. From Chery’s perspective, UK production could reduce shipping costs, avoid potential trade barriers and improve supply resilience, while also adding credibility to its growing European presence.

More broadly, the reports point to a changing automotive landscape. Chinese manufacturers now lead in several key areas, particularly battery technology and cost-efficient EV production, while established Western brands bring manufacturing expertise, heritage and local infrastructure. Partnerships like this reflect a more pragmatic approach to survival and competitiveness in an industry under intense pressure.

Neither Jaguar Land Rover nor Chery has officially confirmed the details of the proposed agreement, but if it goes ahead it could represent a significant moment for British car manufacturing. Rather than signalling decline, it may point to a more collaborative future, where UK factories remain relevant by adapting to a rapidly evolving global market.

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About the Author

Jim Starling is the founder of DefinitelyNotAGuru, the UK’s honest car companion. With a mission to cut through the marketing fluff and technical jargon, Jim provides straightforward, unbiased advice to help everyday drivers navigate the world of car buying, leasing, and the transition to electric vehicles.

As an independent motoring journalist and a long-term EV owner himself - Jim brings real-world experience to his reviews. Whether he’s on the floor of the Brussels Motor Show or testing the latest family SUV on UK roads, his focus remains the same: providing 100% honest opinions that put the audience first.

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