JLR's Special Vehicle Operation Unit Challenges Independent Customizers

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. says its Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) unit can give buyers more and better customization options than they can get from third-party companies.

Claiming the quality of work SVO does is “much better” that that of outside shops, Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern vows to put independent customizers “out of business.” In an interview with Autocar, he challenges such companies to design their own cars rather than simply adding a spoiler to an existing vehicle.

JLR’s SVO unit currently focuses on performance upgrades and slight visual modifications. Media reports say McGovern’s comments could signal the impending arrival of a wide range SVO-designed spoilers, wheels, interior components and other factory add-ons for the upcoming Velar crossover and other future Land Rover vehicles.