With more than 80 percent of the vehicles it produces in the UK exported overseas, Jaguar Land Rover has made clear its ambitions to expand its international manufacturing footprint and increase production in markets outside the UK.

"2014 is absolutely pivotal in our beginning to realize these ambitions, and the first milestone will be the opening of Chery Jaguar Land Rover," said Bagnell.

Zhang Meng, Chery Jaguar Land Rover's business office director, explained that "in the initial phase, Chery is simply an investor".

"The joint venture will completely follow the production and quality control systems of Jaguar Land Rover."

Highest standards

Using the example of its Halewood factory－which received the JD Power European Gold Plant Award－its Changshu production plant is built in line with the highest international standards from the very first cornerstone, said Zhang.

Equipped with top international-standard press, body, paint, trim and final detailing shops－along with an engine plant－the Changshu operation is one of the world's most advanced and efficient manufacturing facilities.

Zhang said Chery Jaguar Land Rover's quality center further assures world-class quality.

"Inheriting pure British lineage, equipped with the world's leading manufacturing facilities and integrated advanced processes, Chery Jaguar Land Rover implements global standards and management systems, and together with industry-leading partners, strives to provide Chinese consumers with the premium brand experience that they desire," said Zhang.

Though present in the Chinese market for only 10 years, Jaguar Land Rover has made the country its long-term strategic market.

In the first half of the year, the British company sold 62,479 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in China that contributed 48 percent of its global six-month growth.

Cat milestone	Jaguar Land Rover leaps into prime position