Sajjan Jindal’s auto venture, JSW Motors, is gearing up for an ambitious entry into India’s crowded passenger vehicle market. The company has earmarked nearly ₹26,000 crore over the next five years and is in talks with global players, including China’s BYD and European carmakers Volkswagen and Renault, for access to platforms and technology, The Times of India reported on September 25.
The company aims to roll out its first car before June next year from a new plant under construction in Maharashtra. The facility, with an annual capacity of five lakh vehicles, will anchor JSW’s plan to launch as many as 25 models by 2030, ToI's report said.
Talks with BYD and others
One of the most significant conversations is with BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, which currently sells imported models in India at high customs duty. According to JSW Motors CEO Ranjan Nayak, discussions began some time ago and are ongoing.
The Indian firm is even open to manufacturing vehicles for BYD in its upcoming plant, potentially making India an export hub for the US and European markets.
Besides BYD, JSW Motors has approached other Chinese automakers such as Geely, Chery, Xiaomi, Nio, and Li Auto. The company is also in parallel talks with European players, reflecting its strategy of stitching together multiple alliances without giving away equity in the venture.
Localisation at the core
Nayak emphasised that JSW Motors is not seeking equity tie-ups but instead wants access to components, technology, and vehicle platforms. Partners would provide technology in exchange for an upfront fee and royalties.
“What we are looking for is brutal localisation,” Nayak said, highlighting the company’s aim to indigenise production and reduce reliance on imports. This approach, he added, would allow JSW Motors to scale up without being locked into a single global partner.
Product strategy
The company’s initial offerings will focus on electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders. SUVs will dominate the early portfolio, while a premium sedan is planned for around 2027.
The first wave of models will be priced between ₹22 lakh and ₹25 lakh, targeting aspirational buyers. Over time, JSW Motors intends to move into the mass market with hatchbacks priced at about ₹8–9 lakh, designed for fleet operators and taxis.
A new chapter for India’s car industry
JSW Motors already has experience in the auto market through its joint venture with China’s SAIC in MG Motor India. However, this new venture is fully owned and represents a bolder push into one of the world’s most competitive markets.
As India positions itself as a manufacturing base amid shifting global supply chains, JSW Motors’ strategy of combining foreign technology with local production could reshape the dynamics of the domestic automobile industry.
The company’s success, however, will depend on how effectively it can execute partnerships, scale localisation and carve out space against entrenched rivals.
The company aims to roll out its first car before June next year from a new plant under construction in Maharashtra. The facility, with an annual capacity of five lakh vehicles, will anchor JSW’s plan to launch as many as 25 models by 2030, ToI's report said.
Talks with BYD and others
One of the most significant conversations is with BYD, the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, which currently sells imported models in India at high customs duty. According to JSW Motors CEO Ranjan Nayak, discussions began some time ago and are ongoing.
The Indian firm is even open to manufacturing vehicles for BYD in its upcoming plant, potentially making India an export hub for the US and European markets.
Besides BYD, JSW Motors has approached other Chinese automakers such as Geely, Chery, Xiaomi, Nio, and Li Auto. The company is also in parallel talks with European players, reflecting its strategy of stitching together multiple alliances without giving away equity in the venture.
Localisation at the core
Nayak emphasised that JSW Motors is not seeking equity tie-ups but instead wants access to components, technology, and vehicle platforms. Partners would provide technology in exchange for an upfront fee and royalties.
“What we are looking for is brutal localisation,” Nayak said, highlighting the company’s aim to indigenise production and reduce reliance on imports. This approach, he added, would allow JSW Motors to scale up without being locked into a single global partner.
Product strategy
The company’s initial offerings will focus on electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range extenders. SUVs will dominate the early portfolio, while a premium sedan is planned for around 2027.
The first wave of models will be priced between ₹22 lakh and ₹25 lakh, targeting aspirational buyers. Over time, JSW Motors intends to move into the mass market with hatchbacks priced at about ₹8–9 lakh, designed for fleet operators and taxis.
A new chapter for India’s car industry
JSW Motors already has experience in the auto market through its joint venture with China’s SAIC in MG Motor India. However, this new venture is fully owned and represents a bolder push into one of the world’s most competitive markets.
As India positions itself as a manufacturing base amid shifting global supply chains, JSW Motors’ strategy of combining foreign technology with local production could reshape the dynamics of the domestic automobile industry.
The company’s success, however, will depend on how effectively it can execute partnerships, scale localisation and carve out space against entrenched rivals.
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