Range Rover Evoque to be produced around the clock

The new positions, which will include production operators, supervisors and engineers, will take the workforce at Halewood to almost 4500 – three times the number that was employed there just three years ago.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) HR director Des Thurlby explained the introduction of a third shift and 24-hour operation would help meet increased global demand for the vehicles, and said the decision was a clear indication of the company’s pursuit of continued growth.

“JLR's supply chain is also set to benefit, with thousands more jobs expected to be created," Thurlby said.

"Our commitment to expand the Halewood workforce and increase production is great news for JLR, for Merseyside and for the wider UK economy.”

The eye-catching Evoque crossover has been a hit for the brand since it started rolling down the production line in July last year. Australia is among the markets where Land Rover is having trouble keeping up with demand, with the local distributor selling every Evoque it can get its hands on.

The Evoque has quickly become Land Rover’s top selling model in Australia. January-February sales totalled 381, accounting for 28 per cent of total Land Rover/Range Rover sales.

The unprecedented demand for the compact luxury SUV has encouraged Land Rover to experiment further with the design, as showcased by the Range Rover Evoque Convertible concept, which is currently on display at the Geneva motor show as JLR weighs up the car's production potential.

Read CarAdvice's review of the Range Rover Evoque.