# Chery‑JLR Freelander 8 launch > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cheryjlr-freelander-8-launch > Updated: 2026-08-06T03:24:37.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3. Mass production of the Freelander 8 electric SUV began on 30 July 2026 at the Chery‑Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, Jiangsu, after a $3 billion joint‑venture upgrade that added over 1,100 robots and advanced components such as Huawei’s quad‑LiDAR and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 automotive chip. The first vehicles rolled off the line and pre‑sales were slated to start on 10 August, with test units headed to the Middle East and a market debut planned for Abu Dhabi. A week later the pre‑sales event was postponed to 14 August because Typhoon Dolphin was expected to affect the east China coast. The Changshu factory is designed to produce 60,000‑100,000 units a year, with a longer‑term goal of 300,000 units by 2030. Each Freelander 8 combines a dual‑motor electric drivetrain with a 1.5‑litre turbo‑charged gasoline engine that acts as a generator, delivering over 500 hp and an electric‑only range of more than 200 km from a 60.33 kWh CATL battery. The SUV offers 6‑ or 7‑seat configurations, a 46.3‑inch ultra‑panoramic 8K display, and an Intelligent All‑Terrain System (i‑ATS) with optional lockable differentials. After the initial rollout in China, the model is slated for a launch in Europe. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-06: Freelander 8 pre‑sales launch delayed to Aug 14 amid Typhoon Dolphin in east China Freelander 8’s pre‑sales event in Changshu, China, was shifted from Aug 10 to Aug 14 because Typhoon Dolphin threatens the east China coast; the premium EV SUV showcases Huawei and Qualcomm technology. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/freelander-8-presales-launch-delayed-to-aug-14-amid-typhoon-dolphin-in-east-china ### 2026-08-06: Freelander 8 SUV production begins in China Jaguar Land Rover and Chery begin production of the Freelander 8 SUV in China, targeting up to 300,000 units by 2030 and planning a European launch. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/freelander-8-suv-production-begins-in-china ### 2026-07-30: Freelander 8 SUV Enters Mass Production at Chery‑JLR Plant in Changshu, China Freelander 8 SUVs began mass production on July 30 at Chery‑JLR’s Changshu plant in China, with pre‑sales set for Aug 10 and a Middle‑East debut slated for September. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/freelander-8-suv-enters-mass-production-at-cheryjlr-plant-in-changshu-china --- Cite as: Chery‑JLR Freelander 8 launch. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cheryjlr-freelander-8-launch