JLR to Build Second SUV Model in Austria and China

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. says it will make its upcoming Jaguar E-Pace compact crossover in Austria and China because its British factories are already running at or near full capacity.

The company formally introduced the E-Pace earlier today in London by having a stunt driver perform a first-ever 270° aerial barrel roll in the five-seater (click HERE for the video). The £28,500 ($36,900) E-Pace is joining Jaguar’s first crossover model, the F-Pace introduced earlier this year, next spring.

Heavily loaded with electronics, the car offers styling cues borrowed from its larger brother and the XF sport sedan. An all-wheel-drive system delivers power through a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. European customers can choose from three diesel and two gasoline engines offering between 148 and 246 hp. The E-Pace is expected to reach the U.S. market in early 2018.

JLR has hired contract Austrian assembler Magna Steyr to make the E-Pace along with the company’s all-electric I-Pace next spring. JLR’s venture with Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. also will begin making the new car at a factory in Changshu in 2018.

Manufacturing chief Wolfgang Stadler declares that the U.K. remains the “heart and soul of our manufacturing, design and engineering capabilities” in spite of the overseas production plan. JLR also is erecting a £1 billion ($1.3 billion) factory in Slovakia to make next-generation Land Rover SUVs.