New XE To Be Jaguar’s First Made In China Model: Report

Jaguar has reportedly chosen the new XE sedan as its first Chinese-market model to built in the People's Republic. 

Speaking with industry paper Automotive News Europe, Jaguar's Ken Forbes reportedly confirmed the XE will be the first Jag to come from JLR’s factory in Changshu, alongside the Evoque and Discovery Sport. 

Some Evoques are already wearing the made-in-China tag, having begun production in October at the Chery plant which the Chinese carmaker shares with JLR.

The addition of an engine plant in Changshu next year could mean the XE becomes the first Jaguar to be produced without supply from the company's UK operations.

Jaguar is reportedly hoping its production debut in China will come with a local sales boost. The XE has been referred to as a ‘spearhead’ model for China, and the Jag brand currently represents only 20 percent of JLR’s Chinese sales.