JLR is partnering with Tata Communications to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) powered monitoring and analysis to improve its production line performance.

Both companies, which fall under the ownership of parent company Tata Group, have been working together to future-proof the business and roll out new connectivity solutions at JLR’s 128 sites worldwide.

It said this new software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology between JLR’s global HQ and its plants, warehouses, sales centres, data centres and cloud services will “significantly boost supply chain efficiency and security”.

The AI solutions will include real-time data capturing to help identify potential anomalies in the production process and help to “assure vehicle build quality”.

JLR estimates “significant cost savings” along with business benefits through scale and security.

Tata Communications has already started work on the new connectivity and AI rollout and is expected to complete the programme by 2025.

Tony Battle, JLR’s group chief digital and information officer, said: “This is an exciting phase in the digital transformation of our business, leveraging the technologies and capabilities of Tata Communications that will leapfrog our networks into the future.

“Moving to SD-WAN means we can use AI powered automation to predict vulnerabilities, proactively intervene, prevent issues and perform more effectively on a global scale across our network.

“The cutting-edge connectivity platform will help us build the world-class ecosystem we need to deliver modern luxury vehicles and remarkable driving experiences.”

Tata Communications’ MOVE platform enables connected car solutions powering the infotainment and telematics platforms in over 600,000 JLR vehicles with connectivity across more than 100 markets.

JLR said the partnership is a further example of the brand accelerating delivery of its Reimagine strategy through collaboration with leaders in their fields, while driving synergies and business excellence within the wider Tata Group.

The company aims to shift from selling new cars in high volumes to being a "modern luxury brand" and its "Reimagine" corporate strategy is designed to move it away from the "crowded" mass premium marketplace, and let it play to its strengths.

Recognizing the need for improvement in reliability, JLR has previously acknowledged that past emphasis on high sales volumes may have contributed to the issue, and conceded that some consumers may have been burned by poor ownership experiences as their expensive premium SUVs spent days inside dealers' workshops.

Andrew Woolliscroft, client care director for Jaguar Land Rover, acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in implementing these transformations, and that addressing reliability issues to ensure the success of the strategy.