Jaguar Land Rover and General Motors are among the automakers vying for a £900 million ($1.2 billion) UK military contract to supply thousands of new 4x4s.
The vehicles would replace the aging Land Rover fleet currently used by the British armed forces, including the navy, air force, and army.
>>> Subaru Forester Touring: $24K Entry Turbo in Japan, Not US
The UK plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, driving demand for new military trucks.
JLR Seeks Revival
JLR has not produced military vehicles for over a decade, but a major contract could boost its struggling sales.
Global JLR sales dropped roughly 17% last year to 324,000 vehicles, and profits slumped more than 99% through March.
JLR managing director Mark Cameron said the company would again supply UK-designed light logistics vehicles for defense and blue light sectors.
>>> Xiaomi YU7 GT Snatches Nürburgring SUV Record from Audi RS Q8
GM has partnered with BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to bid for the contract.
If successful, GM would export Chevrolet trucks from the US to the UK for modification to meet military requirements.
The initial allocation would cover about 3,000 vehicles, including armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicles.
Eventually, Chevy models could replace all 7,800 Land Rovers and Pinzgauers currently in service.
>>> Ram CEO Expects 'Keyboard Warriors' to Complain About Rumble Bee's Quad Cab
Ineos has also entered the bidding, partnering with defense firm SMT to offer a military version of the Grenadier.
