Chery Jaguar Land Rover Halts ICE Production, Launches New NEV Brand "Freelander"

Chery Jaguar Land Rover has officially ceased production of the last domestically manufactured Range Rover Evoque L, fully exiting traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle manufacturing. Moving forward, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover will adopt a new collaborative model to launch an independent brand in China—“FREELANDER”—dedicated exclusively to new energy vehicles (NEVs) eligible for green license plates. The brand name originates from the Land Rover model first introduced in 1997 and was elevated to an independent brand in 2024, with authorization from Jaguar Land Rover for use on its NEV products. Between 2026 and 2030, the Freelander brand plans to launch six new energy models, covering extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). All will be produced at Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s Changshu plant. The brand also intends to establish its own independent sales channels, targeting both domestic and international markets. The brand’s debut concept vehicle, the “Freelander 97,” is built on an 800V architecture and features a six-seat layout paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SA8397 automotive-grade chip, Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 4.1 intelligent driving system (including an 896-line LiDAR), a co-developed i-ATS intelligent all-terrain system, and CATL’s customized “Xiaoyao” all-terrain-specific battery. In terms of design, the Freelander 97 carries forward Land Rover’s rugged styling language, featuring a boxy silhouette, a raised bonnet, and flared wheel arches. Large blank surfaces at the front and rear emphasize the brand’s emblem, while square-shaped intelligent interactive headlights synchronize with the interior ambient lighting. The side profile incorporates contrasting colors and a sloping D-pillar. Inside, the cabin boasts a floating front display, a panoramic sky-spanning screen, and second-row ceiling-mounted screens, along with an innovative retractable semi-convertible rear window.