Jaguar Land Rover also said that the far more
profitable Land Rover brand will produce its first
all-electric model in 2024 as it, too, phases out
internal combustion engines.
“We have all the ingredients at our disposal to
reimagine the business and the experiences our
customers seek, to reimagine to benchmark of
luxury,” Bollore said.
The move was welcomed by British Transport
Secretary Grant Shapps as “a huge step for
British car manufacturing.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and
Traders, the British car industry’s lobby group,
said the announcement represents “an
injection of confidence” into the sector, which
has suffered over the past year during the
coronavirus pandemic.
“Its roadmap to a future that is built around
sustainability, with electrified and hydrogen
models as well as investment in connected
and digital technologies, aligns with
government ambition and increasing consumer
expectations,” said the SMMT’s chief executive,
Mike Hawes.
However, he said the U.K. will need to improve
its competitiveness in light of the “fierce” global
competition going on in the shift to electric
cars, not least from the likes of Tesla.
“Government must ensure advanced
manufacturing has its full support, with a policy
framework and plan for growth that reduces
costs, accelerates domestic battery production
and electrified supply chains, and incentivises
R&D and skills development,” he said.