JSW Motors, the standalone automotive arm of JSW Group, has launched its retail expansion strategy in India with a prominent full-page advertisement in The Economic Times, inviting potential dealer partners to “join this campaign”. The campaign signals the company’s independent entry into the passenger vehicle (PV) segment, separate from its joint venture with MG Motor India.
The teaser ad features a shadowy SUV silhouette with illuminated headlights, hinting at the brand’s upcoming product direction. As previously revealed by Managing Director Parth Jindal, JSW Motors plans to focus on mainstream electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid technologies by 2027, to position itself in India’s increasingly competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
The move puts JSW Motors on track to emerge as India’s third leading domestic passenger vehicle maker after Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, as it accelerates the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and fully electric models.
Dealer Network Expansion and Manufacturing Plans
The company has launched a nationwide dealer scouting initiative ahead of its NEV debut, inviting interested partners to submit expressions of interest by March 11, 2026. JSW Motors has confirmed a greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, with production expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
The outreach reflects JSW’s broader ambition to play a central role in India’s mobility transformation, leveraging the group’s long-term experience in infrastructure and industrial development.
Product Strategy and Technology Partnerships
Industry reports suggest that the company’s first model will be a PHEV SUV derived from the Jetour T2 platform developed by Chery Automobile, which is expected to be priced around ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom). The vehicle is expected to feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with electric motors, offering both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The launch timeline is expected to be between Q2 and H2 2026, targeting buyers in the ₹15-30 lakh segment and competing with established electrified SUV offerings.
Investment and expansion roadmap
JSW Motors’ independent automotive push complements its involvement in the JSW-MG joint venture, where it holds a 35% stake. The company has committed about $3 billion over five years for EV and hybrid development, including the Maharashtra facility, which will initially produce 500,000 units annually and expand to 2 million units over time.
An additional 900-acre manufacturing site is also planned in Odisha to support future expansion.
Instead of pursuing equity-based joint ventures, JSW is focusing on technology licensing collaboration, with Chery serving as a major partner for platforms and components. The localization level is expected to start at 70-75% and gradually increase to full localization to address India-China trade sensitivities and secure regulatory approvals.
mass mobility ambitions
Apart from passenger vehicles, JSW has received certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its first 12-metre electric bus by February 20, 2026, with electric trucks and buses expected to follow soon.
The company aims to have 1 million JSW-branded vehicles on Indian roads by 2030. While regulatory approvals related to Chinese components remain a potential challenge, JSW Motors is pushing an aggressive timeline, with official bookings expected to begin around March 10, 2026.