A potential partnership between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Stellantis could see the highly anticipated Land Rover Defender pickup truck manufactured in the United States, a move aimed at bolstering JLR’s presence in the lucrative North American market. While both companies have remained tight-lipped, a non-binding memorandum of understanding signed in May 2026 outlines a framework for exploring product development collaborations specifically targeting North America.

JLR’s top executives have indicated that aligning with Stellantis is a strategic step to support the automaker’s long-term growth objectives in the U.S. and neighboring regions. The memorandum of understanding is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, paving the way for concrete joint ventures.

Recent statements from Stellantis leadership suggest that discussions are actively underway regarding a specific U.S. plant for the yet-to-be-confirmed Defender pickup. Although a definitive location hasn’t been announced, the Stellantis facility in Belvidere, Illinois, has been speculated as a potential candidate. Meanwhile, the Brampton plant in Canada is reportedly being eyed for potential acquisition by armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel.

The driving force behind JLR’s collaboration with Stellantis for North American operations is largely economic. Currently, all JLR vehicles destined for America arrive via sea freight. Import duties, particularly those from the Trump era, impose a significant cost: 15% for vehicles built in the EU and 10% for those produced in the UK. The current Defender 90, 110, and 130 models are manufactured in Slovakia, placing them within the higher 15% tariff bracket.

Establishing production within the United States would effectively circumvent these import duties, making the Defender pickup more competitively priced. The specific engineering approach for this Americanized Defender remains an open question. Stellantis North America boasts a robust lineup of pickup trucks, including the mid-size Jeep Gladiator and the full-size Ram 1500, alongside its heavy-duty Ram workhorse models. Leveraging Stellantis’s existing truck platforms and manufacturing capabilities could offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for JLR, especially considering the company’s current financial standing.

The choice of powertrain is another significant unknown. While the current Defender generation offers inline-four, inline-six, and V8 engine options, a partnership with Stellantis could unlock a wider range of possibilities. This could include Stellantis’s own potent offerings, such as the 2.0-liter Hurricane, the formidable 6.4-liter HEMI, and even the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat, alongside potential extended-range electric configurations.

It’s worth noting that this would not be Land Rover’s first foray into the American pickup truck market. British Leyland sold variants of its Series trucks in the U.S. until the early 1970s, though in very limited numbers. While the iconic Defender badge appears set, the underlying platform, powertrain choices, and the exact manufacturing location are details that will undoubtedly be revealed as this strategic alliance unfolds.