'Winter birth' for JLRs new baby ?

An artist's impression of the possible Freelander2 replacement

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has denied reports that the replacement for its Halewood-built Freelander2 model is already going down the plant’s production line in preparation for its unveiling later this year.

Senior industry sources told the ECHO that the “Baby Discovery”, codenamed the L550, was being worked on at the Knowsley site, but a spokesman refuted the claim, saying the plant was working flat out building Freelander2 and Range Rover Evoque models to keep pace with customer demand.

The ECHO exclusively revealed last October that Halewood had been awarded the successor to Freelander2, but JLR is reluctant to comment in case it affects sales of the current model.

However, it is understood that four models of the Baby Discovery have already been built at JLR’s Midlands headquarters where Halewood staff are now familiarising themselves with the new car.

The ECHO also understands that JLR managers are currently considering which major motor show they will reveal the Baby Discovery at, and under what name.

It is considered likely that Halewood’s new model will be unveiled later this year, after its 4,500 staff have returned from the plant’s summer holiday shutdown.

A JLR Halewood spokesman said: ”Halewood is at full capacity manufacturing both the Evoque and Freelander, the team are working 24 hours a day to keep up with global demand.

“Freelander sales rose 20% in 2013 and Evoque 15%.”

He added: “We do not comment on what might come next, as for now we have a lot of customer orders to fulfil with our award-winning vehicles at Jaguar Land Rover.”

Halewood workers are currently producing 15 different versions of the Freelander2 and Evoque models.

The award of the Baby Discovery by JLR to Halewood is part of the group’s pledge to unions that the plant will have a viable future until at least 2020.

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