Freelander 8 production starts ahead of UAE debut

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Mass production begins in China as revived Freelander brand prepares Abu Dhabi launch in September 2026

Mass production of the Freelander 8 has officially begun in China, with the first vehicles rolling off the production line ahead of the brand’s global expansion and UAE debut later this year. The new model is being built at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility in Changshu, where international-market production is already underway. Test vehicles have also arrived in the Middle East as part of final validation ahead of launch.

UAE selected for first international launch

The United Arab Emirates will serve as the first market outside China for the revived Freelander brand.

The official Middle East debut is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in September 2026, positioning the UAE as a key gateway for Freelander’s broader international rollout.

Freelander has been reintroduced as a standalone premium all-terrain brand, combining Jaguar Land Rover’s design heritage with Chery’s new-energy vehicle technology and manufacturing expertise.

Regional testing underway

Freelander 8 prototypes are currently undergoing testing across the Middle East, including desert, coastal and urban environments.

The programme focuses on evaluating thermal performance, durability and all-terrain capability under extreme regional conditions, ensuring readiness before customer deliveries begin.

Advanced manufacturing facility

Production takes place at the Changshu plant, which has received more than $3.1 billion in total investment, alongside an additional $440 million allocated to new-energy vehicle and intelligent manufacturing upgrades.

The facility features over 1,100 robots, a fully automated body shop and digital quality-control systems that track each vehicle throughout the production process.

Every Freelander 8 undergoes battery sealing checks, driver-assistance system calibration and simulated heavy-rain testing before leaving the assembly line. The plant also incorporates water-recycling systems and lower-carbon production technologies.

Premium all-terrain positioning

The Freelander 8 is built around three core pillars: British Craftsmanship, Smart Confidence and All-Terrain Freedom.

The brand says the model blends premium design, advanced technology and off-road capability, targeting customers seeking a modern new-energy SUV with strong lifestyle appeal.

Launch timeline and next steps

Full UAE specifications, pricing, powertrain options and delivery timelines will be announced closer to the official Abu Dhabi launch in September 2026.

With production underway and regional testing in progress, the Freelander 8 is set to mark the beginning of the brand’s international expansion strategy.