Land Rover celebrates its 60 years and still growing

There 60 years ago today, the vehicle would become an icon of the automotive world has made its entry on the market when the first Land Rover was presented at the auto show in Amsterdam, April 30, 1948. The current model Defender is clearly the direct descendant of the first vehicle, known as Serie 1. Extraordinarily, they even share a number of original parts, including a plug and oil filling a cleat to tie the roof canvas. But all other parts and vehicle technologies have evolved significantly.

The company Land Rover today becoming stronger thanks to its range of five models including the highly prized Range Rover, and to its global sales record of more than 226,000 vehicles in 2007. Manufacturer has recently received a birthday gift in advance, two Queen's Awards for Enterprise price. The first award, won in the "International Trade" category, was given in recognition of export sales of the company amounting to nearly 4 billion pounds a year in 147 countries, including China and Russia represent two high-growth markets. The second prize in the "Innovation" category, has been attributed to the Terrain Response system (TM) Land Rover acclaimed by industry. Simply turn the control knob to adjust the Terrain Response response of the engine and the system of traction vehicle to maximize performance on all types of terrain; is the electronic equivalent of having a specialist to dimensions driver instructor. Worldwide, Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout the summer by organizing a host of activities and special events.

History of success

Land Rover is a great British success story in which the engineering and manufacturing are put to the foreground. Its manufacturing plant in Solihull (near Birmingham) and Halewood (near Liverpool) and its research and development facilities in the English Midlands together employ 8,500 people, the company helps maintain some 40 000 jobs through its automotive suppliers.

Since the release of the chain of production of the first model of the Series I has the Solihull factory, the vehicles created by Land Rover have defined the market for SUVs. In 1970, the manufacturer has launched the vehicle has been called the largest SUV to date: the Range Rover, the first SUV can be driven as well on road and off road. It is now the odds Range Rover and Defender * LR3, LR2 and the Range Rover Sport. The adventurous spirit of Land Rover is evident from its very beginnings. Adventurers, farmers, scientists, naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts have all used the Land Rover vehicles for their ability to access some of the most inhospitable regions of the world. For 60 years, the vehicles of the company have also served in a variety of humanitarian and conservation organizations, and now symbolize the official Land Rover with links to the Born Free Foundation, Biosphere, Earthwatch, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and the China Exploration and Research Society.

Phil Popham, Managing Director of Land Rover, has commented: "The famous story of Land Rover are now writing for a very long time, and the next chapters ahead equally exciting We are committed to maintain our relevance and respond to. . needs of our clientele operating in a global environment constantly changing Earlier this year, we give an overview of what the future could we book: the concept of LRX cross-coupe adopts a hybrid diesel engine This leaves. hear that Land Rover will continue to evolve and place the power, the values of luxury and sustainable motoring at the top of its agenda.

For more information and pictures, please visit www.media.landrover.com.

* The Defender is not sold in North America.

TIMELINE HISTORY OF LAND ROVER

1948 LAND ROVER SERIES I The iconic British SUV is presented at the auto show in Amsterdam

1949 MILITARY EDITION British Army orders its first Land Rover vehicles

1953 Introduction of a long wheelbase model

1958 LAND ROVER SERIES II UNVEILS

1966 500 000th Land Rover factory

1970 RANGE ROVER Launch versatile model two-door Land Rover

1971 LAND ROVER SERIES III LANCE

1976 millionth Land Rover factory in June

1982 Introduction of the Range Rover four door