JLR is accelerating industrial connectivity at its Solihull plant with the implementation of Ericsson Private 5G. This cutting-edge networking technology is enhancing the production of Range Rover vehicles by supporting business-critical applications such as vision systems, IoT sensors, and production tools. Leveraging Ericsson's high-speed, low-latency, and secure private 5G solution, JLR is setting new standards in modern automotive manufacturing.

The deployment of Ericsson Private 5G is a pivotal step for JLR in embracing Industry 4.0. JLR is creating a more agile and innovative manufacturing environment to support IoT devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation with an eye toward automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The limitations of traditional wired networks drove JLR to “cut the copper” replacing those networks with Ericsson's robust 5G capabilities, allowing for seamless and real-time data transmission. This transformation ensures that JLR's manufacturing processes are not only connected but also agile and efficient, leading to streamlined operations.

Private 5G is driving greater workflow efficiency at JLR, with manufacturing teams already sharing positive feedback. Through enhanced connectivity, maintenance and production managers can now turn data insights and simulations into tangible operational efficiencies with DataOps platforms such as Litmus. Consolidating and analysing data empowers JLR decision-makers on the factory floor to quickly innovate and optimise manufacturing processes. Additionally, private 5G enables JLR to quickly swap and provision new or broken connected tools, significantly reducing downtime and enabling quicker modifications to the production line. This collaboration paves the way for JLR to explore use cases at other sites in the future.

Stephen Mason, Product Manager, Manufacturing, Global IT at JLR says: “As a leading global luxury automotive manufacturer, it is crucial for us to equip our teams with the tools and connectivity necessary to optimise efficiency. Ericsson Private 5G provides a robust foundation for a connected, agile, and data-driven manufacturing environment. This positions us to enhance automation, digitalisation, safety, and sustainability across our operations.”

Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson says: “Private 5G is transforming manufacturing by supporting the complex connectivity needs of Industry 4.0. We are thrilled to partner with a luxury automotive leader like JLR, providing a network solution that elevates their global manufacturing capabilities.”

The solution is being delivered through the West Midlands 5G Innovations Regions (5GIR) project. The 5GIR project is led by WM5G Limited and funded and awarded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) with the objective of accelerating the economic benefits through the adoption of advanced wireless technology in the manufacturing sector.

About Ericsson
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

About JLR
JLR’s Reimagine strategy aims to deliver a sustainability rich vision of modern luxury by design. We are transforming our business with the aim to become carbon net zero across our supply chain, products, and operations by 2039.

Electrification is central to our strategy and before the end of the decade our brands will each have a pure electric model, while Jaguar will be entirely electric.

The flexibility of our world-leading powertrain technologies means we can continue to offer hybrid and ICE vehicles in our ranges as we begin to roll out full BEV options, to match demand in the global transition to electric.

At heart we are a British company, with two design and engineering sites, two vehicle manufacturing facilities, a component and finishing facility, an electric propulsion manufacturing centre, and a battery assembly centre in the UK. We also have vehicle plants in China (joint venture), Slovakia, India, and Brazil, as well as seven technology hubs across the globe.

JLR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, part of Tata Sons.