Even asJSWmaintains a joint venture with SAIC-owned MG Motor, the group has been actively working on plans to launch its own standalone car brand. These ambitions are being pursued via a separate entity named JSW Motors Limited. When launched, it will be the newest car brand for India.
After discussions with multiple carmakers, JSW has finally decided to start its independent automotive journey in association with China-based Chery Automobile. JSWs first car in India is expected to be the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM, to be sold under an exclusive JSW brand name. Lets check out more details on these developments.
Jetour T2 i-DM Market positioning
Launched in 2018, Jetour is a premium brand of Chery Automobile. It focuses primarily on SUVs and crossovers. Jetour T2 is a spacious SUV with design cues similar to the Land Rover Defender. While the Jetour T2 comes with petrol powertrain options, the PHEV version is sold as the Jetour T2 i-DM.
JSW will be introducing the PHEV version of Jetour T2 in India. It will be positioned as a premium offering and play a key role in shaping the new JSW car brand. The decision to introduce the PHEV instead of the ICE version is also based on strategic market positioning.
As of now, there are hardly any PHEV offerings in India in the mainstream segment. For PHEVs, one has to look at options in the luxury segment. The Jetour T2 i-DM, which is expected to be priced at around Rs 45 lakh, will be the most affordable PHEV in India. This will ensure that the Jetour T2 i-DM is the only one of its kind in this price range.
With Jetour T2 i-DM, JSW can also ensure that there is no direct conflict with cars currently sold by JSW MG Motor India. The same strategy is expected with other Chery cars that could be launched in India under the JSW badge in the future. By maintaining distinct product lines, JSW can ensure that both brands remain healthy and profitable. JSW is currently in talks with SAIC for amajority stake in JSW MG Motor India.
Production, Launch, Specs
Jetour T2 i-DM will be locally assembled at JSWs upcoming greenfield production facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The SUV could be available for sale close to the festive season in the third quarter of CY2026. As compared to JSWs partnership venture with MG Motor, the association with Chery is largely built around technology transfer. All the rights to the new car brand will be held exclusively by JSW.
Dimensionally, the Jetour T2 i-DM is 4,785 mm long, 2,006 mm wide and 1,875 mm tall. The SUV has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. A 5-seat layout optimizes space for all passengers. Jetour T2 i-DM is built on a monocoque frame and has a robust boxy profile. It uses a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain, generating 156 PS and 220 Nm of torque.
Hybrid Powertrain
The SUV utilizes a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which is optimized for hybrid efficiency and seamless switching between electric, hybrid and engine modes. Across international markets, both FWD and AWD options are available with Jetour T2 i-DM. The SUV utilizes a 26.7 kWh battery pack, which allows a pure electric cruising range of 130 km (NEDC). 30%-80% charge can be achieved in 30 minutes when using a fast charger.
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