JLR India Aims to Double its Business in The Next 3 Years

After a strong performance in India in the financial year 2024-25, Jaguar Land Rover's Chief Commercial Officer Leonard Hoornik expects the country to double its business in the next three years. Speaking to the media at the brand's Gaydon UK headquarters, Hoornik said he sees it as entirely possible given the 'strong products and strong team' in place in India.

Last year JLR saw 40% growth to 6,183 units, putting the brand in third spot.

Hoornik said he sees the need to extend the brand's reach in India and thus also wants to double its retailers. Currently, JLR has just over 20 touchpoints in India, far lower than rivals like Mercedes Benz India and Audi India.

Also enabling this growth is the local assembly that the brand has begun. Last year JLR announced the local assembly of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Its models have since seen sales go up 2.5 times, says Hoornik.

The Defender, currently imported, is also likely to be made in India. "Given the success of the model we are looking at it (local production) but we are not in any rush," says Hoornik.

Despite the targets for growth, the company did not state its market share ambitions. Rather, Hoornik says, "Not only market share but we want a fair share of wallet too. With our special editions we see a lot of interest in our top-end special editions."

Last year, the brand launched the Range Rover SV Ranthambore Edition inspired by the character of the tiger in its natural habitat. The special edition features a sleek, deep black exterior that shimmers with a rich red hue, which is reminiscent of a tiger's stripe. The interior tastefully combines Caraway and light Perlino semi-aniline leather, with light linear wenge veneers, chrome jewelry finishes, and white ceramic dials. JLR made 12 units available and the company says all were sold within the first week.

Thus there are more special editions planned, like the Himalayas-based one. The brand also plans to enhance its bespoke services offerings, and given the local assembly, this is something that will get easier.