I do not see JLR building a factory in the states, not such an important market for them. Their sales numbers in the US are relatively small compared with the rest of the world. Even if they want to build one, they do not have the financial power. So, that would make the Defenders either extremely expensive, and thus reducing the pool of customers even more, or ... a lot of ppl would try to get rid of them ( think parts, closed dealerships, and insurance ) and it would be sort of the end of the line for Defenders. That would make JLRs "exotic cars"; I get that the intention of tariffs was good, but as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. For me, I like my 110 - a lot, but in long term, if JLR is not here in the states, would I buy another one ? in this state of things, probably not. Why ? parts, and probably support. I hope Europe would come to their senses and would lower their car import tax from US ( which is about 27% over all and VAT ) but as this is a cash cow for the politicians, I doubt it.

 

“Because nobody would be willing to put up with this”. You said it perfectly. The tariffs are ill-conceived and nobody wins. It’s a stupid pissing match that hurts everyone in the long run. It’s like watching a ping-pong game. They’re on, they’re off, they’re paused. Who in their right mind shopping for a vehicle, already a major purchase, would even think about plunking down an extra $10-20 thousand? Dealerships are going to be ghost towns. They’ll lay off salespeople, and when those people aren’t working they won’t be spending. Now THAT is trickle down economy.

 

EU import taxes on US cars are currently at 10% not 27%.

 

JLR isn't going anywhere. North America is their largest market, overtaking China last year. In 2024 JLR sold just over 116k units in North America, followed by China at 91k units, the UK at 83k units, Europe at 72k units, and the rest of the word was 70k units. Compared to the big German three, JLR's sales are quite a bit lower. They don't have the capital or the means to build a factory here, and they never have considered building one anyways. Regardless, they aren't going anywhere and they will not pull out of the US market. Its their most important market.

 

I totally agree!

 

With the economical and tariff situation being so fluid, the smartest thing to do is to just sit tight and watch what evolves. Get your popcorn ready!

 

@CincyRovers
Summary of Taxes and Fees:

• Customs Duty: 10% of the car’s value
  
• VAT: Typically 17% to 27% (depending on the country)
  
• Homologation: Additional costs for meeting EU standards (if necessary)
  
• Registration: Fees based on the country and vehicle characteristics
  
• Environmental/Other Fees: Depending on the car’s emissions and the country
  

These taxes and fees can significantly increase the overall cost of importing a vehicle from the USA into the EU.

 

Mercedes Sprinter, is "build" in Carolina. Due to chicken tax ... remember that ? But, they import the vehicle in crates, and assemble it at a production facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. And just like that, those vans are "produced" here. JLR would be smart to do something similar. Well, I hope ...

 

of course all this will work to the benefit of tesla

 

I really do not see how all of this can benefit Tesla. Tesla sales are significantly down all over the world and in the US. BYD and other Chinese manufacturers in the meantime are taking over the majority of Tesla sales in the world. If they ever start selling in the US, Tesla will suffer even more market share losses. Just my 2 cents worth...