China Knowledge reported that Chery Automobile Co Ltd, the largest private automaker in China and Jaguar Land Rover, the UK based luxury car maker plan to build a new vehicle platform in 2016 through a proposed joint venture.

A person familiar with the matter said the JV is subject to approval from China National Development and Reform Commission.

Rumors said that the proposed JV would create a brand with whole intellectual rights to Chery. The Chinese auto maker and Jaguar Land Rover both declined to comment on the news.

Analysts said few Chinese vehicle manufacturers have entered the Indian market, adding that Chery cooperation with Jaguar Land Rover, a major unit of leading Indian auto maker Tata Motors will help it tap on India auto market.

Jaguar Land Rover China sales totalled 37,000 vehicles including 5,100 Jaguar models in the first 11 months of this year.

Mr Bob Grace president of Jaguar Land Rover China said the group which plans to have 120 4S stores in China by the end of 2012 is focusing on auto market expansion in Chinese non-first-tier cities.

(Sourced from China Knowledge)