JSW Motors has taken a bold step towards announcing its entry into India’s passenger vehicle sector by placing a full front page advertisement in The Economic Times. The teaser, which shows a silhouette of an SUV with the tagline ‘The future is calling’. Will you join the campaign?’, indicating that the company is preparing to launch its first car under the standalone JSW Motors brand.
The ad also invites dealer partners to ‘join the drive’, suggesting that JSW is now actively building its retail network ahead of the launch. Interested parties have been asked to scan a QR code and submit their interest by March 11, 2026. This indicates that the brand rollout is entering an operational phase.
Jetour T2 i-DM will likely be the first model
As previously reported, JSW Motors is expected to debut with the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM, a 4.7-metre, 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUV. JSW has partnered with China-based Chery Automobile to kickstart its independent automotive journey, separate from its joint venture operations with SAIC-owned MG Motor India.
The Jetour T2 i-DM will be locally assembled at JSW’s upcoming greenfield production facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Positioned as a premium SUV, it is expected to have a starting price of around Rs 45 lakh, making it India’s most affordable PHEV in the mainstream segment.
Strategic Position – No conflict with MG
JSW’s decision to introduce a plug-in hybrid instead of the conventional petrol version is being seen as a strategic move. With very limited PHEV offerings in India outside the luxury segment, the Jetour T2 i-DM will occupy a unique niche. This also ensures minimal overlap with the products currently sold under the JSW MG Motor umbrella.
The Jetour T2 i-DM measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width and 1,875 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. It uses a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which delivers 156 PS and 220 Nm. The 26.7 kWh battery pack enables a pure electric range of up to 130 km (NEDC), with 30-80% charging achieved in approximately 30 minutes using a fast charger.
Launch Timeline
Earlier reports suggested that the Jetour T2 i-DM could be launched in the third quarter of CY2026, close to the festive season. However, JSW’s rollout plans may face some challenges in the near term. Recent reports indicate that the company is facing delays in importing some critical components from China due to India’s stringent quality control regulations introduced in 2020. If regulatory approvals are not expedited, there may be some delay in the launch timeline of JSW’s first SUV.
The front page teaser now confirms that JSW Motors is intensifying its preparations. With the formation of the dealer network underway and manufacturing plans already underway, JSW’s independent automotive brand is set to officially enter the Indian market soon. More details are expected to arrive when the teaser campaign launches in the coming weeks.
