7:46 am, November 2, 2026
Range Rover boss Martin Limpert says the brand’s dealer network is now ‘in a good place’ following years of changes to JLR’s retail operations.
The managing director believes the manufacturer has made the necessary adjustments to its global network, and told Car Dealer that there is no indication that another major round of dealership rationalisation is being planned.
Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, Limpert said the business had already made changes in different markets, including consolidating some operations as Jaguar prepares for its move upmarket.
‘I think for now, we have, over the last years, already adjusted where necessary for retail network,’ he said.
‘There are markets where the network has grown. Like for example, in India and Asia Pacific, their markets where the network nhas stayed as it is and in some markets it has consolidated.
‘Especially with Jaguar, because the proposition will be a different one, I think we’re in a good place right now with our network.’
His comments come after a period of upheaval for JLR’s retail partners, with the manufacturer restructuring its brands and changing how Jaguar will be represented as it prepares to launch a new generation of luxury electric vehicles.
Jaguar is due to have a very small and exclusive dealer network to match the repositioned brand’s more luxury position. Car Dealer revealed in 2024 this could be a little as 20 showrooms.
Limpert’s words also come as Group 1 Automotive reversed its decision to exit JLR’s UK dealer network, agreeing to retain five dealerships it had previously planned to relinquish.
As Car Dealer reported last week, the American-owned group had originally intended to end its relationship with JLR by 2027, but has now agreed to continue operating its five remaining sites.
Limpert said the company had recently invited around 1,000 retailer investors from across the world to the UK to explain its future plans.
‘What I can share with you is that we have just invited around a thousand of our investors globally to the UK for the global retailer event, where we shared our plans for the future, across all of our brands, Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar,’ he said.
He explained that the event was intended to give dealers confidence in JLR’s future product plans and keep them engaged with the business.
‘And we got really, really positive feedback and high levels of confidence once we were able to show them what is coming in the next few years.’
The meeting also gave dealers a clearer picture of how JLR intends to separate its four brands, with each being given its own identity and positioning.
Limpert said this would extend to dealerships themselves, with more emphasis on creating distinct areas for individual brands.
‘What our retailers really enjoyed is seeing the modern luxury idea with the House of Brands coming to life,’ he said.
He added that the manufacturer had shared its plans for the future of luxury retail, including giving each brand more space within dealerships.
Dealers were also particularly enthusiastic about upcoming product launches, including the Range Rover Electric, Range Rover Sport Electric and the new Range Rover GT.
Limpert said retailers saw the GT as an opportunity to attract new customers and grow their businesses.
‘They’re equally excited about these models as in many cases the see this will attract new customers to the brand.’