Freelander has returned as an independent brand produced in China as part of the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) joint venture, according to reports. The company already plans to sell more than 300,000 vehicles per year for three to five years, with half of them coming from international markets.
The new Freelander 8 has not yet been released to first-time buyers, but CJLR is already working on its global launch. Production of the rugged square SUV began on July 30 at the Changshu factory. At the initial stage, the company plans to produce from 5,000 to 8,000 vehicles per month.
The company's CEO, Wen Fei, said that Freelander will produce left-hand drive models for China, global versions, European-spec cars and right-hand drive models. According to him, the brand can make its own decisions without consulting with Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, which should simplify international expansion.
