Defender may go American

JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) could develop a new US-focused Defender model using Stellantis underpinnings as it looks to expand its presence in North America – and reduce exposure to import tariffs.

The Indian-owned Tata subsidiary has confirmed it is exploring a collaboration with Stellantis to develop new Defender-branded products designed specifically for American buyers, though it has not confirmed which platform would be used, where the vehicle would be built, or whether it would be offered outside the United States.

The move follows a memorandum of understanding signed between JLR and Stellantis earlier this year and comes as JLR places greater emphasis on its Defender and Range Rover brands in North America.

JLR chief executive Pathamadai Balachandran (PB) Balaji said the company is targeting new high-potential segments for the Defender brand as part of a broader push to grow its US business.

“Apart from accelerating our existing offerings, we are also exploring new high-potential segments for our Defender brand, which will allow us to offer tailored luxury products and experiences for even more of our US clients,” he said.

“Our aspiration, in the coming years, is to grow our US business to the size of the entire JLR business as it exists today.”

The current Defender is produced in Slovakia and exported to the US, leaving it exposed to import tariffs.

A locally built model developed with Stellantis could help JLR reduce costs while giving it access to North American production capacity and potentially platform technology from Jeep or Ram.

Industry speculation suggests the new model could take several forms, including a more rugged, lower-cost Defender aimed at the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Ineos Grenadier, or a larger, more luxurious off-roader derived from Ram or Jeep architecture.

A pick-up version has also been suggested as a logical fit for the US market, where body-on-frame SUVs and light trucks remain strong sellers.

JLR has not confirmed whether the project would result in a direct replacement for any existing Defender variant or a new addition to the line-up.

The company has also said it will continue to develop hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains alongside battery-electric models, reflecting softer-than-expected EV demand in some key markets.

Separately, JLR is preparing a smaller Defender model, expected to use the company’s EMA platform and potentially wear the Defender Sport name. That model is expected to be offered with both hybrid and electric powertrains.

There is no word yet on whether any Stellantis-based Defender would be produced in right-hand drive or offered in Australia.

For now, the proposal appears focused squarely on the US, where JLR sees its greatest growth opportunity and where the Defender has become one of its most important nameplates.

If confirmed, the project would mark one of the most significant developments in the Defender story since the current-generation model was launched, and a notable shift for a nameplate long defined by its British engineering roots.