JSW Motors has given a strong indication of its entry into India’s passenger vehicle segment. The company released a full front-page advertisement in The Times of India, featuring the shadow silhouette of an SUV along with the tagline: “The future is calling. Will you join the drive?” This clearly suggests that the company is preparing to launch its first car and has officially begun the rollout process.
Dealer Network Formation Underway
Through the advertisement, JSW Motors has also invited potential dealer partners to “Join the Drive.” Interested parties have been asked to scan a QR code and register their interest by March 11, 2026. This indicates that the company has entered the operational phase of building its retail network ahead of the official launch.
Jetour T2 i-DM Likely to Be the First Offering
According to reports, JSW Motors’ first car could be the Jetour T2 i-DM from Chery Automobile. It is expected to be a 4.7-metre-long, 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUV. JSW has partnered with Chery Automobile to launch its independent automobile brand in India. This move will be separate from its joint venture with MG Motor India (owned by SAIC) and aims to establish JSW’s independent identity in the Indian automotive market.
Local Assembly and Premium Positioning
The Jetour T2 i-DM is planned to be locally assembled at JSW’s upcoming greenfield manufacturing plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. It is expected to be positioned as a premium SUV, with an estimated starting price of around ₹45 lakh. At this price point, it could become one of the most affordable plug-in hybrid models in the mainstream premium segment, potentially carving out a unique space in the market.
Size, Powertrain, and Electric Range
The SUV is reported to measure 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,875 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. It is expected to feature a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain paired with a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, producing 156 PS of power and 220 Nm of torque. With a 26.7 kWh battery pack, the SUV could offer a pure electric range of up to 130 km (NEDC standard). Fast charging from 30% to 80% is said to take approximately 30 minutes.
Launch Timeline and Possible Delays
Earlier reports suggested that the Jetour T2 i-DM could be launched in the third quarter of CY2026, around the festive season. However, some reports indicate that stricter quality control regulations implemented in 2020 may be causing delays in the import of certain components from China. If approvals are not granted on time, the launch timeline could be affected.
JSW’s Strategic Entry into the Indian Market
With a front-page teaser campaign, dealer network expansion, and preparations for local manufacturing, JSW Motors appears to be moving aggressively toward establishing an independent presence in the Indian automobile market. In the coming months, the company is expected to reveal more details through its teaser campaign, providing greater clarity about its first model and official launch plans.
Source:https://hindi.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2026/jsw-motors-first-car-teased-in-india-jetour-t2-i-dm-suv-launch-likely-in-festive-season-2026-039555.html
By CarVaidya
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