Tata-Land Rover to co-develop 2 SUVs

Rumours of a Freelander 2-based Tata SUV have been floating around since April this year and now Tata has allegedly given leave to co-develop two new SUVs along with Land Rover. Code-named internally as the Q501 and Q502 respectively, the co-developed SUVs should be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh to be competitive.

The SUVs will be based on the soon-to-be discontinued Freelander 2 platform though to keep costs low, over 50 per cent of parts used will be indiginised. At least one of the SUVs will come with 5-seater and 7-seater configurations while one of the new SUVs will replace the rapidly aging Safari Storme. The jointly-developed SUVs are being made for the Southeast Asia and the Middle East market specifically and should be available for launch in 2017. Tata hopes to sell around 80,000 units a year in all markets for both its new models.

Besides the underpinnings, it is possible that JLR’s new Ingenium family of engines may find a place in the new SUVs though for India, it is more likely that Tata will continue with its current range of engines. The British marque will also have a hand in the ride and handling prowess of the jointly developed SUVs.

Stay tuned for more information.