Tata Motors has decided to start assembling selected Land Rover models in India, by the end of 2010. According to media reports, the Freelander 2, which is currently being imported, will soon be available in the country as a completely knocked-down unit (CKD), and will be assembled at Tata Motors’ Pimpri plant. The move will help the company slash the Freelander’s price by a few lakh rupees. At present, the model attracts a 110 percent import duty, and is priced at Rs 33.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

While a Tata Motors spokesperson refused to confirm the development, sources say that the company has decided to take the assembly route to cut costs, though the quantum of price reduction is yet to be decided. It is said that the company is working out the logistics involved in starting assembly operations in India. Other Land Rover models available in India are the Discovery 4 and the Range Rover, which will continue being imported for some time.