Land Rover Discovery production to LEAVE the UK for Slovakia

Land Rover Discovery production is to end in the UK as JLR move production of the Discovery to Slovakia to make room for new Range Rover models.

We always knew that the new Land Rover Discovery would be produced not just in the UK, but in Slovakia too. But now, rather surprisingly, JLR has announced it will end production of the Discovery in the UK and move it wholesale to Slovakia.

Jaguar Land Rover say the move is to make way for production of a new generation of Range Rover models – although giving no detail – and that it “remains committed to the UK”.

If JLR are being straight, and are investing in Solihull to create the next generation of electrified Range Rovers, this can be seen as good news, but there is no real detail of that. And the only properly electric car made by JLR – the Jaguar I-Pace – is already built abroad, at Magna Steyr in Austria.

JLR say the decision, which will result in job losses, is a tough one, but forms part of their long-term manufacturing strategy. But is that a manufacturing strategy which will see production of Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Jaguars disappearing abroad?

Despite the assurances, it’s not an announcement which exudes confidence in UK manufacturing.