Dubbed as the E-Pace, the smaller version of the F-Pace is going to hit the production line in Graz Austria. Jaguar Land Rover has recently appointed Austrian automakers Magna Steyr to be their contract manufacturer for their newest miniature SUV. Magna Steyr has a reputation for making high-end automobiles, it has developed the Mercedes-Benz’s “4Matic” four-wheel drive (4wd) system, and assembles all E-Class 4Matic models. The company also undertook substantial development on the BMW X3 and manufactures all first generation X3s, the Aston Martin Rapide and developed several cars on behalf of manufacturers such as the Audi TT, Fiat Bravo and Peugeot RCZ. .” Even more interestingly, Magna Steyr is also rumoured to have had discussions with tech giant Apple about building a car for them, too.
The new agreement also allows Jaguar Land Rover to expand its pospects of design as well as overall growth of the company and also Jaguar Land Rover’s ambitious expansion with hopes of doubling its customer deliveries within five years. Moreover, the tie-up also includes 50 ‘new product actions’ in the next five years. Gunther Apfalter, president of Magna Steyr, said: “The partnership with Jaguar Land Rover brings a new customer to our Graz plant. As always, we will work with our fullest commitment and dedication to ensure that we meet our customer’s high expectations.” The miniature SUV is planning to hit the markets by 2020 but it is likely to come even sooner seeing how fast Jaguar is growing.
