A Range Rover Evoque SUV on display during the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant opening ceremony in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, Oct. 2014. (Photo : Reuters)
Analysts claim that Land Rover has the chance of leading among China's second-tier luxury brands.
While it has failed to reach the top spot in the luxury car market, always remaining the fourth-largest brand, analysts claimed that the next few years would present the brand with the chance to lead.
According to analysts, Land Rover would enjoy several benefits in the next few years, probably cementing its position as a top luxury brand.
First, it could exploit the huge growth potential of the SUV segment of the country. SUV sales for 2014 went up by 36 percent, outpacing the sales of light vehicles.
In addition, Land Rover has already started working with domestic brands to produce locally made cars that are priced attractively for consumers.
On Feb. 1, it had produced the Range Rover Evoque coupe, which was manufactured in collaboration with Chery Automobile Co. Moreover, because China imposes high amounts of duties on imported vehicles, having the ability to market locally produced models allows Land Rover to sell its new model cheaper and attract more consumers--not to mention, earn more profits from minimized costs.
Even though other foreign brands such as Volvo, Cadillac and Infiniti all started their own production in China, Land Rover's unique styling is much preferred by majority of Chinese SUV consumers.
"The main attraction of Land Rover vehicles for Chinese car shoppers lies in its distinctive exterior design," said John Zeng, Asian director of market consultancy firm LMC Automotive.
Zeng claimed that features such as muscular bumpers, clamshell hood, floating roof, and the continuous waistline make Land Rover a top choice for Chinese SUV consumers.
