JLR Focuses U.S. Expansion on Defender, Hybrids as Stellantis Talks Continue
Jaguar Land Rover is moving its Defender model to the front of talks with Stellantis on U.S.-focused vehicles, while also expanding its hybrid lineup as it tries to boost growth and earnings. JLR’s timing is tough. The automaker’s adjusted operating margin dropped to 0.7% for the year ended March 2026, down from 8.5% the previous year. Cyberattack, trade tariffs, and supply-chain problems hit results. North America still has steady luxury demand, but China—once a core growth driver—has turned into a tougher market for outside carmakers.
