The carmaker said it had considered a number of other locations, including elsewhere in Europe as well as the United States and Mexico, in line with its plans to increase overseas production. It added that the creation of new international plants allows the company to “increase its presence in regions that have been identified as having growth potential, protect against currency fluctuations and achieve a more efficient, globally competitive business”.

The feasibility study underway with the Slovakian Government will explore plans for a factory with capacity for up to 300,000 vehicles over the next decade. The plant would manufacture a range of aluminium Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, with the first cars to come off the production line in 2018.

However, the carmaker added that the UK is the cornerstone of Jaguar Land Rover’s business, saying that: “It remains at the centre of Jaguar Land Rover’s design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.”

Dr Ralf Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The expansion of our business globally is essential to support its long-term, resilient growth. As well as creating additional capacity, it allows us to invest in the development of more new vehicles and technologies, which supports jobs in the UK.

“With its established premium automotive industry, Slovakia is an attractive potential development opportunity for us. The new factory will complement our existing facilities in the UK, China, India and the one under construction in Brazil.”

Subject to the outcome of the feasibility study on the new Slovakian plant, a final decision is expected later this year.