The firm has already invested £1.5billion in the Solihull plant to enable it to increase production, and it said its workforce there had almost doubled over the past three years to 9,450. Across the entire UK, Jaguar Land Rover currently employs 30,500 people.
The car, called the Jaguar F-PACE, will be based on its C-X17 sports crossover concept car, which was first launched at the Frankfurt motor show in 2013. The new model is due to go on sale in 2016.
For anyone that has a passion for Jaguar vehicles and would love to get involved in their production, the announcement is fantastic news.
Jaguar Land Rover chief executive, Dr Ralf Speth, said the announcement demonstrated its “commitment to the UK and the advancement of a high-tech, high-skilled, manufacturing-led economy”.
The luxury car firm, owned by India’s Tata Motors, said it had chosen the UK as the new model’s manufacturing base because it wanted its cars to be “crafted with that special British flair”.
The SUV is set to be both economic in terms of fuel economy and in terms of CO2.
Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said Jaguar Land Rover’s decision showed the UK’s car manufacturing sector was in good health.
For jobseekers with skills in production, the new jobs pose a great opportunity. The news also offers significant hope for the future of the industry in the UK, and of future jobs growth.
“The UK’s automotive industry is thriving with a new car rolling off the production line every 20 seconds, and increasing levels of investment that’s helping to secure local jobs,” said Mr. Cable.
If you’re keen to live in one of the most prosperous towns in the English Midlands (and aren’t afraid to be left with a Brummie twang at the end of it), then start preparing your CV!
