Local Assembly of Defender 110 Expands in India

UPDATE - follow-up to Defender 110 now locally assembled in India: JLR has started local assembly for the Defender 110 in India through the completely knocked down route. This change applies specifically to the X-Dynamic HSE trim of the Defender 110. Buyers can get this trim with three engine choices, which include a 3-litre diesel, a 3-litre petrol, and a 2-litre petrol option. The vehicle was sold as a fully imported model before this shift.

Sales Impact

The Defender served as JLR India's best-selling model during the 2026 financial year. Sales data shows that the Defender, along with the Range Rover and Sport models, made up over 80 percent of the company's total sales in the country over the last fiscal year. Other models like select versions of the Range Rover, Sport, Velar, Evoque, and Discovery Sport are also assembled locally in India.

Context

Local assembly usually helps companies lower import taxes and reduce vehicle prices for buyers in the domestic market. Such moves are common for luxury auto brands aiming to boost sales volumes and compete more strongly in the country.