JLR to create special operations division

The division will create 150 jobs at a new Midlands-based technical centre

Jaguar Land Rover has launched a new business division to focus on the design and engineering of high-specification flagship vehicles, bespoke cars and heritage products.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations will be based in a new dedicated technical centre in the West Midlands, close to the current headquarters, and will employ a team of 150 specialists.

Its facilities will feature a customer commissioning suite for bespoke services and premium vehicle personalisation, Formula 1-inspired flexible workshops and a fully automated paint facility.

In addition, a new heritage vehicle workshop will be created in Coventry, the spiritual home of Jaguar. This will be the production site for the six recently announced lightweight E-Type recreations and will also allow the newly-formed heritage team to expand its servicing and restoration services.

John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: "By creating a special operations division we can harness the very best talent and expertise Jaguar Land Rover has - to deliver exceptional products and services our customers will love for life."

The special operations team of designers and engineers will be led by Paul Newsome, director of special vehicle operations, recently recruited from Williams Advanced Engineering.