FREELANDER, the British premium intelligent all-terrain vehicle brand, has reached a significant milestone with the start of mass production of the FREELANDER 8 at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility in Changshu, China. The production line, known as the FREELANDER Super Factory, has rolled out its first series-production vehicles for the Chinese market, while manufacturing for international markets has also commenced.
The company has also confirmed that test vehicles have been shipped to the Middle East, where they are undergoing local road testing ahead of the brand’s official market debut in Abu Dhabi this September. This marks an important step in FREELANDER’s transition from product development to commercial production as it prepares for its global rollout.
Speaking at the production milestone event, Chery Group Chairman Yin Tongyue emphasized the importance of international markets in the brand’s long-term growth strategy. He reaffirmed FREELANDER’s commitment to expanding its global footprint by bringing its latest premium SUV offerings to customers worldwide.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from several leading Middle Eastern media organizations, who toured the Changshu manufacturing facility to gain a closer look at FREELANDER’s production processes, engineering expertise, and advanced manufacturing technologies. During the visit, the media experienced the brand’s focus on premium design, intelligent mobility solutions, and high-quality manufacturing standards, highlighting these strengths as FREELANDER prepares to enter the Middle Eastern market.
The FREELANDER Super Factory combines Jaguar Land Rover’s premium design heritage with Chery’s advanced new energy vehicle technologies to support the next generation of intelligent mobility. Supported by a total investment of over 3.1 Billion USD with an additional 440 Million USD investment in new energy intelligent manufacturing upgrades, the facility incorporates advanced digital manufacturing systems, flexible production processes and enhanced quality management capabilities to support next-generation NEV production. These capabilities strengthen FREELANDER’s ability to deliver premium intelligent vehicles that meet global standards, combining advanced manufacturing, rigorous quality control and continuous innovation.
The upgraded facility features more than 1,100 robots, a fully automated body shop and end-to-end digital quality traceability systems, enabling high levels of manufacturing precision and consistent product quality. Every FREELANDER 8 undergoes comprehensive validation processes, including battery sealing checks, ADAS calibration and heavy-rain simulation tests, before vehicles leave the production line. The facility also incorporates sustainable manufacturing practices, including water recycling and low-carbon production technologies, supporting FREELANDER’s commitment to responsible and sustainable development.
Beyond production readiness, Middle East road testing marks another important stage in FREELANDER 8’s global development programme. Test vehicles are undergoing validation across desert, coastal and urban environments to verify vehicle performance, thermal management and all-terrain capability under demanding conditions. The programme reflects FREELANDER’s commitment to validating its products in real-world environments as preparations continue for the brand’s entry into the region. Conducted under regional driving conditions, it will support final preparations for customer deliveries and the upcoming Abu Dhabi launch.
Built on the brand’s three core product pillars — British Craftsmanship, Smart Confidence and All-Terrain Freedom — FREELANDER 8 represents the next chapter of Legend Reborn. Developed for the NEV era, it combines premium design, intelligent technologies and all-terrain capability for Freedom Seekers.
With mass production now underway and Middle East road testing in progress, FREELANDER is entering the next phase of its global expansion. The UAE has been selected as FREELANDER’s first international launch market and will serve as a strategic gateway for the brand’s future growth. The upcoming Abu Dhabi debut will mark the brand’s official introduction to the Middle East, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region.
