Range Rover Evoque Production Begins at New Tata Motors Plant

Tata Motors starts Range Rover Evoque production at its new Panapakkam plant in Tamil Nadu

Tata Motors has officially started operations at its new manufacturing plant in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu. The company marked the opening of this greenfield facility by beginning production of the Range Rover Evoque.

This is an important milestone because it is the first Jaguar Land Rover vehicle to be manufactured at this location. The plant is located in the Ranipet district and is expected to play a major role in Tata Motors’ future vehicle production plans.

A Modern and Flexible Manufacturing Facility

The Panapakkam plant is designed as a future-ready manufacturing hub. It can support different types of vehicles, including those with petrol and diesel engines, hybrid systems, and electric powertrains.

This flexibility allows the facility to produce multiple models for both Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover. In the coming years, vehicles from this plant will be supplied not only to Indian customers but also to select international markets.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by M. K. Stalin, along with N. Chandrasekaran and senior leaders from Tata Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, and the Tamil Nadu government.

Strong Focus on Local Talent and Skill Development

One of the key highlights of the Panapakkam plant is its focus on building local talent. Tata Motors recruited shop-floor technicians from across Tamil Nadu through a state-wide selection process that targeted polytechnic graduates.

These technicians are part of Tata Motors’ Lakshya program, which follows an “earn while you learn” model. The program helps young professionals gain real-world manufacturing experience while building long-term technical skills.

Before joining the plant, selected employees underwent months of hands-on training at Jaguar Land Rover facilities. This training covered global manufacturing standards, quality systems, and modern production processes. Participants also have the opportunity to earn a company-sponsored B.Tech degree while continuing to work at the plant.

Investment, Production Capacity, and Job Creation

Tata Motors plans to increase production at the Panapakkam facility in multiple phases. Over the next five to seven years, the plant is expected to reach an annual production capacity of 250,000 vehicles.

The total investment in this project is close to Rs. 9,000 crore. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Sustainability at the Core of the Plant Design

Sustainability is a key part of the Panapakkam plant’s design. Tata Motors aims to run the facility on 100 percent renewable energy and achieve water-positive operations.

The plant also follows strict global environmental standards to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and minimize its impact on the surrounding environment. This aligns with Tata Motors’ broader commitment to responsible and sustainable manufacturing.

Expert Analysis: 

The start of Range Rover Evoque production in Tamil Nadu strengthens the manufacturing partnership between Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover. Producing a premium luxury SUV in India shows that local facilities can meet global quality and precision standards.

This move can help reduce production costs and improve supply efficiency for the Indian market. It also positions India as a more important manufacturing base within Jaguar Land Rover’s global network.

The plant’s future-ready design suggests that hybrid and electric luxury vehicles could be produced here in the coming years. This development supports India’s growing role in advanced automotive manufacturing and clean mobility.

The Panapakkam plant represents a major step forward for Tata Motors and the Indian automotive industry. With its focus on technology, skilled workforce development, sustainability, and global standards, the facility sets a strong foundation for future growth.

The production of the Range Rover Evoque is only the beginning. As capacity expands, this plant is expected to become a key contributor to premium vehicle manufacturing in India.