JLR SVO to build special one-off models at new HQ
Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations will build special one-off commissions at new purpose-built factory
Jaguar Land Rover is planning to offer bespoke customised vehicles based on its smaller models, after opening a purpose-built facility for its Special Vehicle Operations division.
The new 20,000m2 HQ, built at an industrial park on the former site of Peugeot’s factory in Ryton, includes a state-of-the-art paint shop that can match any colour or shade, a suite for customers to configure and commission vehicles, and a delivery suite that allows a full view of the manufacturing area. It is presently tasked with preparing SVAutobiography editions of the Range Rover and bespoke commissions of that vehicle and the Range Rover Sport. It also builds armoured vehicles for special customers.
However, the facility also has the capacity to produce fully customised versions of other models - and JLR’s Special Operations managing director John Edwards told Auto Express that this is likely to extend to the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar’s new F-Pace.
“We will bespoke any vehicle,” Edwards said. “Our initial focus has been on Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, and it has involved a lot of work in managing the supply base and getting the unique, individual parts. But ultimately the principle is that we’d do any car.
“We could even create an individual XE,” he added, “but whether you’d ever see that is a matter of debate. The thing to consider is that we’re looking at a minimum of £25,000 over list price. That’s a relatively small percentage on a top-end Range Rover - but a lot bigger on something like an XE.”
The existing Evoque is unlikely to get its own SVO model lines (SVR or SVAutobiography), because the current production process limits the amount of Evoques that could be produced at the new facility. However, Auto Express understands the flexibility needed to facilitate SVO models will be built in to the manufacturing plans for next generation of the car, which is due before the end of the decade.
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