Local production by Chery Jaguar Land Rover this year

Highly automated assembly line at the Changshu plant of Chery Jaguar Land Rover to ensure that production can start in the fourth quarter of the year as scheduled.[Photo/China Daily]

Production of vehicles by Chery Jaguar Land Rover is set to start in the fourth quarter of the year as construction on a plant in Changshu, Jiangsu province is underway as scheduled.

The 50-50 joint venture Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Co Ltd is capitalized with 10.9 billion yuan ($1.75 billion) and headquartered in Changshu.

A research and development facility will also be established in the neighboring city of Shanghai.

According to the company, press and body shops at the Changshu plant started test runs this month.

The full plant covering some 80 hectares will be complete and ready for production in the fourth quarter of the year. Its annual production capacity is designed to be 130,000 units.

The company said with a globally advanced manufacturing facility, talented workers and the support of leading suppliers, the joint venture will bring Chinese consumers world-class Jaguar and Land Rover cars as well as its own-brand vehicles.

"We want to be the premium automotive manufacturer in China's premium car market, and to inspire excellence and exceed our customer's expectations," said Chris Bryant, president of Chery Jaguar Land Rover.

As one of the world's leading premium automakers, Jaguar Land Rover's sales in China have grown strongly in recent years.