The Freelander nameplate has returned as a Chinese-built joint venture brand, and it's already setting ambitious sales targets.
Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) plans to sell over 300,000 vehicles annually within three to five years.
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Half of those sales are expected to come from international markets.
Global Ambitions
The company is working to sell the Freelander 8 overseas, not just in China. It wants 150,000 units per year from foreign markets.
Production of the rugged, boxy SUV began on July 30 at CJLR's plant in Changshu. The company initially targets monthly sales of 5,000 to 8,000 units.
CEO Wen Fei said Freelander will build left-hand drive models for China, global left-hand drive vehicles, European-spec models, and right-hand drive versions.
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Freelander can make decisions independently of Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, so it doesn't need approval from its parent companies for expansion.
The Freelander 8 comes with a 60.33 kWh CATL battery pack and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as a range extender.
It features dual-chamber air suspension, a front mechanical differential lock, a virtual center differential, and a limited-slip differential at the rear.
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Over the next five years, Freelander plans to launch six new models, including battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders.
