Tata Motors and JLR Open Landmark Manufacturing Facility in Tamil Nadu: Local Production of Range Rover Evoque Commences
In a move that signals a new era for the Indian automotive landscape, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. (TMPV) and its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have officially commenced operations at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu. This milestone was marked by the rollout of the first vehicle from the assembly line: a locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque.
The inauguration of this greenfield plant represents a historic convergence of Indian engineering prowess and British luxury heritage, positioning Tamil Nadu as a global hub for high-end automotive manufacturing.
A Strategic Hub: The Panapakkam Facility
Located in the industrial heart of Ranipet, the Panapakkam plant is the result of a massive ₹9,000 crore investment by TMPV. Designed with a “sustainability-first” philosophy, the facility is engineered to operate entirely on renewable energy and aims to be water positive, setting a new benchmark for green manufacturing in the sector.
Key Specifications and Capacity
- Location: Panapakkam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
- Investment: Approximately INR 9,000 crores.
- Annual Capacity: Designed to reach 250,000 vehicles over the next 5–7 years through phased scaling.
- Workforce: Potential to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Manufacturing Scope: Production of next-generation vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), for both the TMPV and JLR brands.
Tata Motors’ new manufacturing facility at Panapakkam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu
Why This is a “Big Deal” for JLR and Tata Motors
For JLR, the local manufacture of the Range Rover Evoque in India is a strategic masterstroke. Traditionally, luxury vehicles of this caliber were imported or assembled from kits; however, this facility allows JLR to leverage Indian manufacturing efficiencies while maintaining the “modern luxury” and craftsmanship the brand is known for.
For Tata Motors, this facility is a testament to its evolution. By integrating JLR production into an Indian plant, Tata Motors is effectively bridging the gap between mass-market reliability and premium global standards. This synergy is expected to bolster the company’s long-term growth and its ambition to lead the global shift toward sustainable mobility.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, with Mr N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and other dignitaries at the inauguration of Tata Motors’ Panapakkam manufacturing facility in Ranipet.
The Rise of Tata Motors: Realizing Ratan Tata’s Dream
The commencement of operations in Tamil Nadu is more than just an industrial update; it is the continuation of a journey that began with the late Ratan Tata’s vision of making India a global automotive powerhouse.
In recent years, Tata Motors has executed a remarkable turnaround. Once a struggling player in the passenger vehicle segment, the company has climbed the ranks to become the Number 3 or Number 4 manufacturer in India by volume. This ascent has been driven by a “New Forever” range of SUVs and a dominant lead in the Indian EV market. The Panapakkam plant, with its focus on next-generation EVs and exports, is the next logical step in fulfilling the dream of an Indian company competing—and winning—on the world stage.
Leadership and Dignitaries at the Event
The facility was formally inaugurated on February 9, 2026, in the presence of high-ranking government officials and corporate leaders.
Prominent Guests Included:
- Thiru M.K. Stalin: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Mr. N. Chandrasekaran: Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.
- Eminent Ministers and Bureaucrats: Various public representatives and senior government officials from the state of Tamil Nadu.
- Senior Leadership: Executives from TMPV, JLR, and the broader Tata Group.
Official Quotes
Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: >
“Tata Group has long played a pivotal role in nation building and shares a deep, historic partnership with Tamil Nadu. With the commencement of operations at this new manufacturing facility and the rollout of the first Range Rover Evoque in Panapakkam, Ranipet, the state is proud to witness the expansion of world-class automotive manufacturing. Tamil Nadu welcomes this significant milestone and remains committed to supporting industries that create jobs, drive innovation, and reinforce our position as India’s leading hub for manufacturing and mobility.”
Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd: >
“The inauguration of our Panapakkam facility marks a significant milestone in the Tata Group’s journey to accelerate India’s leadership in sustainable and future-ready manufacturing. We are also proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Tamil Nadu, a state that continues to drive industrial excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. With this facility, we look forward to producing vehicles of exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and technology for customers in India and around the world.”
Impact on Indian Auto Enthusiasts and Global Markets
For Indian car enthusiasts, this facility promises more than just the local production of the Evoque. It signals shorter waiting periods and potentially more competitive positioning for luxury models. Furthermore, the plant’s dual focus on TMPV and JLR means that future Tata SUVs may benefit from the shared manufacturing technologies and quality control standards used for Land Rover vehicles.
The plant is also a major win for the “Make in India” initiative, with significant exports planned. Vehicles manufactured in Panapakkam will serve both the domestic Indian market and international requirements, showcasing Indian-made luxury to the world.
FAQs
Which was the first vehicle manufactured at the new Tamil Nadu plant? The first vehicle to roll out of the Panapakkam facility was the locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque from JLR.
What is the total investment for the new Tata Motors plant in Tamil Nadu? Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) intends to invest approximately INR 9,000 crores into this manufacturing facility.
What is the production capacity of the Panapakkam facility? The plant has a designed annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles, which will be reached in a phased manner over the next 5–7 years.
Does the plant produce Electric Vehicles (EVs)? Yes, the facility is designed for producing next-generation vehicles, specifically including EVs, for both the Tata Motors and JLR brands.
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