Tata Motors officially commenced Range Rover Evoque production at its brand-new manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu.

While the first vehicle to roll off the line was the Range Rover Evoque. Located in the Ranipet district (about 90 km from Chennai), the Panapakkam facility is a marvel of modern industrial execution. Most automotive plants take years to move from blueprint to reality, but Tata Motors and the Tamil Nadu government pulled this off in a record-breaking 16 months.

In a symbolic opening of the center, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin personally drove the first locally assembled Range Rover Evoque off the production line. He was accompanied in the vehicle by N. Chandrasekaran, He described the inauguration as a “golden day” for the Tata Group. He noted that this plant officially adds India to the global industrial map for Jaguar Land Rover, alongside the UK, China, Brazil, and Austria.

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Key Logistics of the Plant:

• Total Investment: Approximately ₹9,000 Crores ($1.1 Billion USD).

• Location: A sprawling 470-acre greenfield site in the SIPCOT industrial complex.

• Annual Capacity: Scalable to 250,000 units (with potential for 300,000) over the next five to seven years.

• Workforce: Expected to generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.

It is a 100% renewable-energy-powered facility. It is designed to be water-positive and adheres to the strictest global environmental standards, proving that you can build luxury SUVs without leaving a soot-covered footprint.

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India’s first fully locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque rolled out today from Tamil Nadu.

CM MK Stalin inaugurated the Tata–JLR facility in Panapakkam this morning and drove the first unit off the line.

– ₹9,000 crore greenfield plant
– ~5,000 direct jobs
– 100%… pic.twitter.com/ckrGatks8m

— Bharat Briefing (@BharatBriefing_) February 9, 2026

Why a Dedicated JLR Plant in Tamil Nadu?

Why would Tata Motors invest billions in a dedicated plant when they already have assembly lines in Pune?

A. Centralizing the Luxury Footprint

Previously, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) models were assembled in Pune alongside mass-market Tata vehicles. By moving to a dedicated site in Tamil Nadu, Tata is centralizing JLR’s Indian operations. This dedicated environment allows for higher quality control, specialized craftsmanship, and a logistics hub that is specifically tuned for premium vehicles.

B. The “Make in India”

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, made it clear: this plant isn’t just for Indian buyers. With this facility, India is officially added to the global industrial map for JLR, joining the ranks of the UK, China, and Brazil. To export high-end, Indian-assembled Range Rovers to international markets, utilizing India’s cost-efficiency and skilled labor to compete on a global scale.

C. Strategic Proximity to Major Ports

Tamil Nadu is the “Detroit of India” for a reason. Panapakkam’s proximity to Chennai and Ennore ports is a logistical masterstroke. It makes importing high-tech components (CKD kits) and exporting finished SUVs significantly cheaper and faster.

Also Read:https://newstoq.com/2026-mg-majestor-india-launch/

The “Lakshya” Program

Tata didn’t just build a plant; they built an academy. The facility is operated by technicians drawn from across Tamil Nadu under the Lakshya “Earn while you learn” initiative.

This program is a highlight of Tata’s motive:

• Education: Polytechnic graduates are recruited and sponsored for a B.Tech degree while working.

• Training: Technicians underwent five months of intensive training at JLR’s global facilities to ensure the Indian-made Range Rover Evoque meets the exact same standards as those made in Solihull, UK.

• Diversity: Tata has signaled a strong focus on increasing the share of women employees across all levels of the shop floor.

The Range Rover Evoque might be the face of this announcement, but the Panapakkam plant is the muscle. Tata Motors isn’t just trying to sell more cars in India; they are trying to prove that India can lead the world in high-tech, sustainable manufacturing. By investing ₹9,000 crore, Tata has turned a plot of land in Ranipet into a cornerstone of the global luxury market. It’s a bold, logical move that strengthens the bond between Indian ingenuity and British heritage.