In a significant move signaling its ambitious entry into India’s passenger vehicle market, JSW Motors — the standalone automotive arm of the JSW Group — has officially teased its inaugural model: an SUV based on the globally popular Jetour T2 from China’s Chery Automobile. This development marks a key milestone for the conglomerate, which is diversifying beyond its core strengths in steel, energy, and infrastructure into the fast-growing new energy vehicle (NEV) segment.
The teaser, released as part of a prominent full-page advertisement in leading newspapers like The Economic Times, showcases the SUV’s distinctive front fascia. It features bold circular LED headlamp units with horizontal light strips, pixel-style fog lamps, a tall upright bonnet, and rugged wheel arches — elements that closely mirror the international-spec Jetour T2’s boxy, Defender-inspired design. This aesthetic promises a commanding road presence, blending premium appeal with off-road-ready toughness.
JSW Motors has indicated a launch around Diwali 2026, giving the brand roughly 18-20 months to finalize homologation, localize components, and build its ecosystem. Production will take place at the company’s upcoming greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra. This state-of-the-art plant, focused on NEVs, will start with an initial capacity and scale up over time as part of JSW’s broader ₹3,000-5,000 crore investment in India’s automotive transition.
Local assembly is a strategic move to optimize costs, comply with regulations, and potentially offer competitive pricing — industry estimates place the SUV in the Rs 15-30 lakh range (ex-showroom), though some reports suggest a higher positioning around Rs 45 lakh for the premium PHEV variant.
To support the rollout, JSW Motors has kicked off aggressive dealer recruitment across India. The advertisement invites prospective partners to “join the drive,” with applications open until early March 2026 in some references. This nationwide push aims to establish a robust showroom and service network ahead of the festive-season debut, ensuring widespread availability in key markets.
JSW Motors’ entry brings fresh competition to the mid-size and premium SUV space, where PHEVs remain relatively niche but are gaining traction amid rising fuel prices and environmental regulations. The Jetour T2-based model — a 5-seater, monocoque-chassis SUV measuring around 4.7 meters — combines rugged styling, modern tech, and hybrid efficiency, potentially targeting family buyers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
While JSW Group already has ties to MG Motor India through a joint venture, this independent venture under JSW Motors underscores a dedicated focus on NEVs and positions the brand as a serious contender in India’s evolving auto landscape.Stay tuned for more details as JSW Motors unveils specifications, official naming (it may receive India-specific branding), and final pricing in the coming months. The tease is just the beginning — Diwali 2026 could light up showrooms with this promising new entrant.
