Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a ₹9,000 crore Tata Motors-Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) passenger car manufacturing plant in Panapakkam village, Ranipet, on February 9, 2026. Mr. Stalin said the state is proud of expanding world-class automotive manufacturing under the 'Dravidian model of governance.' He remarked, "Tata Group has long played a pivotal role in nation-building and shares a deep, historic partnership with Tamil Nadu." At the event, Mr. Stalin rolled out the first Range Rover Evoque produced at the plant. N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., called the inauguration a major milestone. He said, "The new facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to accelerate India’s leadership in sustainable and future-ready manufacturing. We deepen our long-standing partnership with Tamil Nadu, a State that continues to drive industrial excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth." The plant uses advanced manufacturing technologies and a skilled workforce to build world-class vehicles. Production will ramp up gradually, aiming to reach an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles in the next five to seven years. The vehicles will serve domestic and international markets. The new factory will generate over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, promote skill development, and support a strong local supply chain. Mr. Stalin, along with Mr. Chandrasekaran, toured the sprawling 470-acre plant. The visit included Tamil Nadu Ministers T.R.B. Rajaa, K.N. Nehru, R. Gandhi, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam. This move strongly bolsters Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a leading hub for global automotive manufacturing.