# JLR to localize Defender, launch EVs in India

> JLR plans to assemble Defender in India and launch four EVs to compete with German luxury brands.
- Title: JLR to localize Defender, launch EVs in India · mint
- Summary: JLR plans to assemble Defender in India and launch four EVs to compete with German luxury brands. JLR will localize Defender production and introduce four…
- Keywords: jaguar land rover, defender, tata motors, evs, india, luxury cars, mercedes benz, bmw, news, JLR, localize, launch
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/companies/news/jaguar-land-rover-jlr-defender-ev-tata-motors-aassenger-vehicle-11793102429858.html
- Author: Nehal Chaliawala,Ayaan Kartik
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:27:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jaguar land rover, defender, tata motors, evs, india, luxury cars, mercedes benz, bmw, news
## JLR to localize Defender production
Jaguar Land Rover will begin assembling its best-selling Defender at a Pune-area plant within a fortnight.
## Defender assembly to cut prices by 20%
The move is expected to reduce the Defender's price by up to 20% to compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
## Rajan Amba on India market potential
Rajan Amba, JLR India's managing director, said India is a high-growth market with significant potential despite low current volumes.
## Defender trims assembly strategy
JLR will assemble the Defender's 110 trim using imported knocked-down kits while 90 and 130 trims remain as complete built units.
## JLR localization plan timeline
The company has been planning Defender localization for about a year and a half to benefit from lower import duties on CKD kits.
## JLR sales ranking in India
JLR sold just under 6,000 cars in India in 2025, overtaking Audi to become the country's third-largest luxury car brand.
## JLR to launch four EVs
JLR plans to introduce up to four electric vehicles including Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover GT and Jaguar Type 01.
## German EV sales in India
BMW sold nearly 2,400 electric cars in India between January and June 2026, with one in four cars being electric.
## JLR EV production strategy
JLR plans to import its upcoming EVs without immediate local manufacturing plans.
## Key takeaway

JLR will localize Defender production and introduce four EVs in India to counter rising German electric car sales.