New Land Rover Defender discovers a protective 'CAMOUFLAGE'; unveiled as 'iCar' V27 instead.
In a significant development, Land Rover has announced the revival of the Freelander brand, transforming it into a range of electric vehicles. The new electric Freelander models will be a joint venture between Land Rover and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile, initially targeted for the Chinese stock market.
The Land Rover Freelander, once replaced by the Land Rover Discovery Sport, is making a comeback with an electric twist. This revival is part of a broader strategy by Land Rover, which has split into 'Brands' since the Freelander was last produced.
The Freelander electric models will be built in China in partnership with Chery, who have already made their mark in the Chinese stock market and are now setting their sights on the UK. Although Chery as a brand is not yet in the UK market, their Tiggo model is on the horizon.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed a joint venture with Chery Automobile in China, a move that has been anticipated for over a year. This partnership is expected to bring about a range of electric vehicles, with the Land Rover Freelander electric models being the first fruits of this collaboration.
Meanwhile, JLR's Chinese partner company, iCaur, is planning to launch in the UK this year. The iCaur brand, a subsidiary of Chery, is set to reveal their new V27 4x4 in Dubai, marking their entry into the UK stock market. The V27, a range-extender SUV remarkably similar to the Land Rover Defender, comes with a range-extender petrol engine and charges either a 22kWh or 33kWh battery.
The prices of the V27 in China are expected to start from £20k, but will likely be more in the UK. The first UK offering from iCaur is expected to be the V23, a small, electric SUV. Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that the iCaur V23 model will be marketed as the first offering under their iCaur brand in the United Kingdom this year.
Interestingly, the new Defender from Land Rover, which is a world car, might be based on a design leaked from China's Patent Office. This suggests a closer collaboration between Land Rover and Chery than previously thought.
As the UK automotive market becomes increasingly electrified, the partnership between Land Rover and Chery is set to bring about a new era of electric vehicles. With the Land Rover Freelander's return and the arrival of the iCaur brand, the UK is set to welcome a host of new electric models in the coming months.
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