After getting a fair amount of experience in the automotive space with MG India, the JSW Group is rumoured to sign a strategic partnership with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile to introduce the Jetour T2 SUV in India as part of a new offering under a new premium brand. The collaboration could allow JSW’s formal entry into the passenger vehicle segment and aims to bring the rugged, tech-loaded Jetour T2 SUV to Indian buyers starting in the second half of 2026.
The Jetour T2, known globally as the Jetour Traveller or Dashing in some markets, is a mid-size, boxy off-roader positioned between the Mahindra Thar Roxx and larger SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner. It features a bold, retro-inspired design with square wheel arches, upright stance, prominent LED lighting, and a distinctive front grille, giving it a strong road presence.
Based on a report from Autocar India, the India-bound Jetour T2 will be a plug-in hybrid variant. JSW Motors plans to launch the Jetour T2 i-DM plug-in hybrid variant in India in 2026, featuring a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (156 PS of peak power and 220 Nm of peak torque) paired with electric motors and a 3-speed DHT transmission, plus a 26.7 kWh battery for up to 130 km electric range. Np ure petrol and diesel powertrians planned for the India-spec variant.
Inside, the Jetour T2 features a premium cabin with a large dual-screen setup (instrument cluster + infotainment), wireless charging, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), 360-degree camera, and premium materials throughout.
JSW-Chery partnership: Will India see more Chinese cars?
The JSW Group, which is one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates with interests in steel, energy, infrastructure, and cement, is said to handle the local assembly, distribution, sales, and after-sales service for Jetour vehicles in India. The company could establish a dedicated premium dealership network across major cities, starting with metro and Tier-1 markets.
Note that, unlike JSW MG Motor India, the Jetour brand is said to be positioned as a premium adventure SUV offering global standards of performance, safety, and technology at competitive price points in the Rs 25–40 lakh range (ex-showroom), targeting buyers who seek capable off-roaders with modern features and luxury touches.
Chery Automobile, through its Jetour sub-brand, has seen strong growth in global markets, particularly in the Middle East, Latin America, Russia, and Southeast Asia, where the T2 SUV has become a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Jetour T2 competition in India
Since the Jetour T2 will be positioned as a premium SUV in India, JSW is likely to pit it against the likes of midrange SUVs and off-roaders. The Jetour T2 is expected to compete against established players like the Mahindra Thar Roxx, Force Gurkha, Toyota Fortuner, and upcoming models in the mid-size off-road SUV segment. With JSW’s strong manufacturing capabilities, distribution reach, and focus on quality, the partnership is seen as a serious contender to disrupt India’s premium SUV market.
