JLR Starts Local Production of Defender 110 in Pune; Prices Drop by Up to ₹34 Lakh

Jaguar Land Rover has started manufacturing the Defender 110 in Pune, India, reducing prices by up to ₹34 lakh and aiming to boost sales by 20%.

JLR Starts Local Production of Defender 110 in Pune; Prices Drop by Up to ₹34 Lakh

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India has begun local production of the Defender 110 at its manufacturing facility in Pune, marking a significant step in the company's expansion of its manufacturing operations in India. The move is expected to reduce prices by up to ₹34 lakh for the top-end variant and potentially increase sales volumes by as much as 20%.

India Becomes the First Market Outside Europe to Produce Defender

With the start of production in Pune, India has become the first market outside Europe to manufacture the Defender. The development highlights JLR's growing commitment to the Indian automotive market and its confidence in local manufacturing capabilities.

However, production will continue at JLR's facility in Nitra, Slovakia, which remains the global centre of excellence for the Defender range. The Slovakian plant will continue manufacturing other models, including the Defender OCTA, Defender 90 and Defender 130, along with global variants.

Defender Prices Drop by Up to ₹34 Lakh

Local manufacturing is expected to make the Defender 110 more accessible to Indian buyers by reducing its price. According to the company, the price of the fully equipped top-end version will fall by up to ₹34 lakh.

The reduction could strengthen the SUV's position in India's luxury vehicle segment and attract customers who were previously deterred by its higher price. JLR expects the more competitive pricing to support a sales volume increase of up to 20%.

Defender Records More Than 9,000 Sales in India

The Defender has emerged as JLR India's highest-selling model, with more than 9,000 units sold in the country over the past three and a half years.

Rajan Amba, Managing Director of JLR India, said Indian customers had embraced the vehicle for its capability, versatility and distinctive character. He noted that the Defender had evolved beyond being just an SUV and had become a cultural icon.

Amba added that the decision to manufacture the vehicle in Pune reflects the company's ambitions for India and its confidence in the capabilities of its local team and partners.

Engine Options and Available Variant

The locally manufactured Defender 110 will be offered in multiple engine configurations in India. These include:

• 2.0-litre petrol engine

• 3.0-litre petrol engine

• 3.0-litre diesel engine

The engines will be available in the X-Dynamic HSE derivative, according to the company.

The range of powertrain options will give customers a choice based on their driving requirements and preferences, while retaining the Defender's focus on capability and rugged performance.

JLR Highlights India's Growing Luxury SUV Market

Lennard Hoornik, Chief Commercial Officer at JLR, said demand for adventure-oriented vehicles and modern luxury was growing in India. He described localising the Defender as an important milestone in the company's Reimagine strategy.

According to Hoornik, manufacturing the SUV in Pune will allow JLR to respond more quickly to customer demand while preserving the vehicle's rugged engineering and distinctive design.

The move also reinforces JLR's commitment to serving Indian customers through greater local manufacturing and improved market responsiveness.

What Local Production Means for JLR India

The start of Defender 110 production in Pune represents an important development for JLR's India operations. Lower prices could help expand the SUV's customer base, while domestic manufacturing may enable the company to respond more efficiently to market demand.

With more than 9,000 units already sold in India, the Defender has established a strong presence in the luxury SUV market. JLR will now look to build on that demand through local production, more competitive pricing and its continued focus on the vehicle's performance, versatility and premium appeal.

Conclusion

Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to manufacture the Defender 110 in Pune marks a significant milestone for the company’s India operations. With prices reduced by up to ₹34 lakh, the SUV could attract more buyers and strengthen JLR’s position in the luxury vehicle segment. Supported by strong domestic demand and multiple engine options, local production is expected to improve market responsiveness and help the company achieve its targeted sales growth.