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05 December 2011

Award winning Bodyshop

BODYSHOP SCOOPS SECOND AWARD THIS YEAR

For the second time this year our Bodyshop based at the Malthouse site in Canterbury has received a major manufacturers award!

At an awards ceremony earlier this Month - our Bodyshop Manager Darren Blunden together with Mark Nicholas, Brand Director for Barretts Jaguar and Land Rover were delighted to receive on behalf of the Barretts Group - our latest award ‘Jaguar and Land Rover regional winners and runners up of the Bodyshop of the Year in the UK’.

Mark Nicholas said, “We are delighted to have won this second accolade - once again our team at the Bodyshop have been recognised as providing extremely high standards within the industry which in turn means that we continue to offer the best levels of service to our customers.” Darren added, “This award is due to the continual hard work and efforts shown by my team - thank you for your continuing standards of excellence.”

Bill Fennell from Jaguar and Land Rover presenting the award to Darren Blunden, Bodyshop Manager.

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16 March 2011

Land Rover Freelander 2 Wins

Barretts Land Rover News.
News from the Land Rover Dealers in Ashford and Canterbury, Kent.




LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 WINS PARKERS' NEW CAR AWARD 2011

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 16 March 2011 – Land Rover's Freelander 2, has scooped the 4x4 category accolade in the Parkers' New Car Awards 2011.
The 2011 Freelander 2 features a refined 2.2 litre diesel engine offering two power outputs – the 190hp SD4 and the 150hp TD4. Class-leading on and off-road performance, featuring Terrain ResponseTM, a premium cabin, improved fuel economy and an affordable cost of ownership ensures a winning package.
The Parkers New Car Awards aim to identify 'the cars that make your cash go further' and are based on hard facts powered by the Parkers cost of motoring tool. The cost of motoring tool enables consumers to easily identify the costs of a new or used car, taking into account all of the costs such as servicing, showroom tax, fuel consumption and depreciation.
Commenting on the award, Kieren Puffett, editor of Parkers said: "The Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 'S' won the Parkers' New Car Awards 2011 4x4 category because the Freelander has genuine off-road capability, has an up market feel, high build quality and a roomy interior."
"With Land Rover's introduction of stop/start technology it has also helped the Freelander improve its fuel consumption and lower emissions, so the 2.2 TD4 S now delivers 45mpg and sits in road tax band G saving around £80 a year. With strong residual values and highly competitive running costs the Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 TD4 'S' is the 4x4 that makes the car buyer's cash go the furthest."
Colin Green, Land Rover managing director added: "We are pleased that the Freelander 2 has won the Parkers' New Car Award. This latest accolade not only recognises Land Rover's renowned all round capability but also the outstanding value and excellent cost of ownership offered by the Freelander 2."
The Freelander 2 is manufactured at the award-winning Halewood plant in Liverpool, Merseyside and exported to over 160 markets around the world. The Freelander 2 TD4 'S' is on-sale in the UK with pricing starting at £22,745 on the road. For more information or to arrange a test drive contact:


Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:
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04 December 2010

Evoque Five-Door Details.

News from the Land Rover and Range Rover Dealerships in Ashford and Canterbury, Kent.


INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE FIVE-DOOR



To view footage of the LA press conference click here

•Addition of five-door bodystyle to Range Rover Evoque line-up
•Combines concept car design with extra versatility
•Permanent all-wheel-drive with turbocharged four-cylinder engine and updated six-speed auto transmission
•All-new 240bhp* 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine
•Premium cabin, with the enhanced space and flexibility of the five-door format
•Dynamic and agile handling across varied terrain, aided by Adaptive Dynamics featuring MagneRide™
•All-weather, multi-terrain capability with Land Rover Terrain Response®
•Innovative Range Rover technologies, including 8-inch (203mm) touch-screen and Surround Camera System
•Sold in 160 countries worldwide, with North American deliveries from Fall 2011
•Indicative pricing starting from around $45,000

Land Rover, Gaydon, Warwickshire, November 17, 2010 – The exciting five-door version of the all-new Range Rover Evoque made its global public debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17, 2010.

With its stylish and sporting appearance, enhanced by extra versatility, the Range Rover Evoque five-door joins the stunning coupe model to create a highly desirable line-up that will define the premium compact SUV segment.

“The addition of the five-door to the Range Rover Evoque line-up extends the appeal of our brand still further,” said Land Rover’s Managing Director Phil Popham. “While retaining everything that’s great about the Range Rover Evoque coupe, this new five-door bodystyle will offer customers even more choice, greater versatility and flexibility. The launch of the Evoque in 2011 will expand and revitalize the global appeal of the Range Rover marque."

The Range Rover Evoque five-door reinforces Land Rover’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Evoque is positioned as the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. It features lightweight construction techniques and a new state-of-the-art petrol engine that comes with direct injection.

This five-door version offers an exciting new interpretation of the LRX concept car design, combining the dramatic stance and dynamic appeal of the original cross-coupe with the enhanced functionality offered by a five-door format.

“The Range Rover Evoque five-door has the same strong emotional appeal as the coupe, while offering superior versatility,” said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern. “The key lines remain intact – the dramatic rising beltline, muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and the distinctive taper to the floating roofline – but with a slightly higher rear roof. The finished vehicle offers impressive levels of space and flexibility whilst retaining the overall essence, visual robustness and jewel-like detailing of the coupe.”

Measuring 1.18 inches (30mm) taller than the coupe model, the Range Rover Evoque five-door adds further space and versatility to the luxurious cabin. Rear seat passengers benefit from over 1.97 inches (50mm) more shoulder room, along with generous headroom, which compares very favourably to traditional sporting saloons. When required, luggage capacity can be expanded to a substantial 51 cubic ft (1445 liters).

A full-sized glass panoramic roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort by filling the interior with natural light, and offers even greater headroom for all occupants.

On the open road, the Range Rover Evoque five-door offers a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.

“The Range Rover Evoque five-door has the same sporting character as the coupe,” said Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programs. “We have focused on ensuring that the car is agile and fun to drive, so that customers have a rewarding experience, even in day-to-day urban driving. Advanced technologies such as MagneRide mean we can ensure that this dynamic prowess does not come at the cost of top-quality refinement or comfort.”

The available Adaptive Dynamics system with advanced MagneRide™ dampers provides an exceptional balance between a supple, controlled ride and sharper handling responses. Drivers who take their Range Rover Evoque off-road will be reassured to know that, in addition to generous ground clearance, the car has agressive breakover and departure angles.

The Range Rover Evoque five-door shares its turbocharged powertrain with the coupe model. The state-of-the-art petrol engine offers smooth and responsive power, delivering 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds*, blending four-cylinder efficiency with six-cylinder performance.

The new 240bhp*, 2.0-liter Si4 petrol engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional driveability and excellent fuel efficiency,

The Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer breathtaking new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.

Other features available to Range Rover Evoque customers include:

•Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including a reversing system
•Hard drive navigation system
•Sirius® tuners and HD Digital Radio tuners in addition to AM/FM
•Rear seat entertainment package, with 8-inch (203mm) video screens, digital wireless headphones and touch screen remote control
•Passive keyless entry system
•Powered tailgate
•Xenon adaptive headlamps with auto headlamp dipping
•Heated windscreen, front seats and steering wheel

The Range Rover Evoque five-door follows the coupe model by offering customers the choice of three main vehicle design themes, each with its own distinctive character, exterior treatment and carefully co-ordinated interior package.

Both coupe and five-door models of the Range Rover Evoque will be manufactured at Land Rover’s multi award-winning Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK. The car will go on sale in more than 160 markets worldwide, with North American deliveries from Fall 2011. Indicative pricing starts around $45,000.

* Data based on manufacturer's estimates. Actual may vary.

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:
Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover





















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17 November 2010

Land Rover Freezes VAT.

Barretts Land Rover News.
News from the Land Rover Dealers in Ashford and Canterbury, Kent.



LAND ROVER FREEZES VAT FOR THE WINTER

Land Rover has announced a pricing initiative to protect UK customers from the VAT increase in January 2011.

The offer, which applies to new build retail orders placed before 31 December 2010, means customers will avoid the increased VAT rate if their vehicle is registered and delivered between 4 January 2011 and 31 March 2011. The 2.5% VAT difference will be jointly funded by Land Rover and participating dealerships.*

"Protecting against the VAT increase means that customers can order with confidence, secure in the knowledge that the January tax hike will not affect their vehicle purchase," says John Edwards, managing director, Land Rover UK. "This move demonstrates that the interests of our customers continue to be at the heart of our business strategy."

In 2010, Land Rover UK sales are up 30 per cent year to date and there has been increased demand across the entire range, which boasts the most efficient and technologically advanced line-up of vehicles in the company's history.

The Land Rover Freelander 2, built at Halewood on Merseyside, continues to be the best-selling model globally, with sales up year to date by nearly 40 per cent.

In fact, demand has been so strong that earlier this year, Land Rover created 275 new jobs at the Company’s manufacturing plant in Solihull, where the Defender, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover are manufactured.

New model pricing for January 2011 is also announced today, including 20% VAT, along with a pricing realignment for the Freelander 2 range which, with the addition of the new 2WD version (badged eD4), will provide customers with even greater value for money plus improved economy and CO2 emissions.

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:
Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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06 November 2010

Help for Heroes

Barretts Land Rover News
News from the Land Rover dealers of Ashford and Canterbury, Kent



Land Rover donates the one millionth Range Rover to Help for Heroes

- The one millionth Range Rover has been built at the company's Solihull Plant
- Land Rover employees, enthusiasts and owners celebrate landmark build
- One millionth model to be auctioned for Help for Heroes
- Jeremy Clarkson, Patron of Help for Hero's. receives car on behalf of the charity

London, November 4 - Land Rover is celebrating the production of its one millionth Range Rover by donating the vehicle to Help for Heroes.

The landmark one millionth vehicle, a Range Rover Autobiography in ultimate black, has been built at the Solihull manufacturing plant, where three generations of the Range Rover have been built since June 1970.

Land Rover employees joined Alan Volkaerts, Solihull Manufacturing Director and Land Rover's Managing Director Phil Popham to celebrate the milestone event in Range Rover's fortieth year. The one millionth Range Rover was driven by Phil Popham to London to deliver the car to Help for Heroes. He was followed from Solihull to London by a convoy of heritage Range Rovers, driven by their enthusiastic owners.

The handover took place on the Top Gear Live set at Earls Court in London where Jeremy Clarkson – who is a Help for Heroes patron - took delivery of the one millionth Range Rover on behalf of the charity.

“Land Rover is very proud to support the Help for Heroes charity by donating the one millionth Range Rover. The vehicle will be auctioned later this year and should raise valuable funds for the practical and direct provision of aid for wounded service people and their families,” said Phil Popham, MD Jaguar Land Rover.

“Everyone involved in Land Rover - from the management, to the employees at Solihull, to the original Range Rover team - will be happy we’re able to mark this landmark occasion in such a way after the forty years of producing this iconic vehicle.”

The Range Rover being donated is the highest-specification model currently available, the Range Rover Vogue, valued in excess of £85,000. Estimates suggest it will raise over £100,000 for charity when auctioned later this year.

“We’re delighted that Land Rover has chosen to give Help for Heroes their millionth Range Rover,” said Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-founder of Help for Heroes. “This is a real milestone in their history and so a very special donation, made even more special by knowing the money raised from the car will be able to provide much needed funds to help our wounded heroes on their road to recovery

One of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, the Range Rover was the world's first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. It remains Land Rover’s flagship model, peerlessly blending comfort, luxury, design, technology and versatility in one highly-accomplished package.

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. Further enhancements over the last decade have ensured the Range Rover retains its position as on the world's most complete luxury vehicles.

During 2005, the Range Rover Sport was introduced, adding a sport tourer SUV to the Range Rover line-up, which instantly became a sales success, selling over 300,000 vehicles over the past six years. Next year a third model with join the Range Rover line-up, the all-new Range Rover Evoque.

For footage showing the process from first steel pressing through to the millionth Range Rover coming off the assembly line click here 

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:
Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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22 October 2010

Freelander 2 TV Advert



Barretts Land Rover News
News from the Land Rover Dealers of Ashford and Canterbury, Kent

Freelander 2 TV Advert


The new 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 -- TV commercial

Demonstrating the new Freelander 2's all-round versatility, our driver Clay and his trusty steed journey through town, country and forest, across mountains and through snow.

The new 2011 Freelander 2 is now available with two new highly efficient diesel engines. Both feature a new turbocharger for improved response, more torque and quieter running. The new 2.2 litre 150PS Diesel engine, fitted to eD4 and TD4 models, delivers both improved CO2 emissions and better economy compared to the previous model.

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Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:
Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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30 August 2010

Red Cross and Red Crescent





Barretts Land Rover News
Land Rover commits support to Red Cross and Red Crescent global initiative

Land Rover and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a new global initiative, under the theme ‘Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World’. Over the next three years, Land Rover has committed to help national Red Cross or Red Crescent societies implement or step up priority programmes in fifteen countries, with a particular focus on two extensive humanitarian programmes in Sierra Leone and China.

In addition, and in response to the worsening situation in Pakistan affecting over 14 million people in an area equivalent to the size of the UK, Land Rover is donating six Defender 110 station wagons to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to help its disaster relief operation. Many roads and bridges have been badly damaged; leaving many areas cut off from normal transport links. The vehicles will be used to deliver aid in the form of food, clean water, shelter and medical supplies to thousands of people in need in the most remote and cut-off communities. Jaguar Land Rover employees have also been raising money to support the relief operation through the British Red Cross.

“This new partnership with Land Rover will help us respond more quickly and effectively to help vulnerable people in local communities across the world,” noted IFRC under secretary general for programme services, Matthias Schmale. “We appreciate Land Rover’s long-term support. Their ongoing commitment will allow us to plan and implement sustainable humanitarian programmes to deliver lasting change for those affected by crisis. We have placed a high priority on risk reduction and disaster preparedness, and in that context, this initiative is extremely welcome.”

Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director, added: “Since 2007 Land Rover’s support to the IFRC has included the donation of 60 vehicles, raised over £2.5 million and reached nearly 100,000 people. Therefore, we are proud to again be working in partnership with the IFRC on important humanitarian initiatives such as these. The support we provide will help change lives across the world – making a huge difference to vulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas, both locally and overseas.”

Land Rover’s support will enable the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society to reach remote communities, improve access to health care and safe water, strengthen communities so they are more resilient to face future disasters, and support young people affected by civil war. This global initiative will also support the Red Cross Society of China’s HIV awareness programmes in the country’s worst-affected provinces, focussing on those who are particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV. In total, Land Rover’s support will provide vital help to over 120,000 vulnerable people in Sierra Leone and China.

In fifteen countries, Land Rover assistance will strengthen existing Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes or help develop new initiatives.

www.redcross.org.uk/landrover

You can keep up with news and developments for the new Range Rover Evoque by visiting our webpage where you can also register for updates. Just follow this link>>>

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Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


Get tomorrow's servicing at today's prices with the Barretts Land Rover Servicing Plan here>

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

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www.barrettskent.co.uk 

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29 August 2010

Range Rover Evoque Video

Barretts Land Rover News
New Range Rover Evoque Details and Video

Named the Range Rover Evoque, this all-new coupe will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport line-up in the summer of 2011 and be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced. Customers have a choice of both a 4WD and a 2WD version, with a sub 130g/km CO2 demonstrating the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability.


You can keep up with news and developments for the new Range Rover Evoque by visiting our webpage where you can also register for updates. Just follow this link>>>

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Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

A part of the Barretts Motor Group
www.barrettskent.co.uk 

Find out more about the Range Rover Evoque by clicking the image above.

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25 August 2010

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

Barretts Land Rover News
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
New Range Rover Evoque Dealer

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is one of the world's premier equestrian sporting occasions and Land Rover is title sponsor of this prestigious event for the sixth consecutive year.

The trials are set in the unique parkland of historic Burghley House, one of Britain's finest Elizabethan stately homes and this year take place between 2nd - 5th September.

- One of the world’s premier equestrian sporting occasions.

- One of just six global international four-star, three-day events.

- Supported by title sponsor, Land Rover, for the sixth consecutive year.

- A five-times winner of the L’Annee Hippique ‘Best Event’ award.

- Set in the unique parkland of historic Burghley House, one of Britain’s finest Elizabethan stately homes.

- National finals of the Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse.

- A £50,000 first prize making a total of £200,000 in prize money.

- Over 500 selected retail outlets offering an unprecedented choice of quality products and catering.

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Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

A part of the Barretts Motor Group
www.barrettskent.co.uk 

To find out more about the new Range Rover Evoque please click here>

Find out more about the Range Rover Evoque by clicking the image above.

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03 August 2010

Evoque Prototypes Undercover

Funky ‘camouflage’ wraps designed to introduce the new Range Rover Evoque to the world.

Barretts Land Rover News
Range Rover Evoque Dealer
ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE PROTOTYPES GO UNDERCOVER

- All-new Range Rover Evoque enters final-phase testing.

- Global test programme will cover millions of miles in extreme endurance conditions.

- It’s no secret: funky ‘camouflage’ wraps designed to introduce the new Range Rover Evoque to the world.

- Over 17,000 individual tests to be completed on all components and systems.

The all-new Range Rover Evoque has entered its final phase of testing, with hundreds of prototype models dispatched around the globe for trial in the toughest climates and conditions.

Land Rover is making no secret of the operation - its design team has fitted ten prototypes with funky camouflage wraps, to introduce the new car in ten key cities worldwide.

Ordinarily prototypes are disguised for discretion, but these ten are intended to be seen. The funky camouflage imagery is actually a GPS mapping trail of ten key cities for Evoque, with each vehicle saying ‘Hello’ to its city. It signals the eagerly awaited global launch of the new Evoque.

These unmissable vehicles represent London, New York, Sao Paulo, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Berlin, Sydney, Shanghai and Moscow and will all be spotted testing around the globe. They are just a small proportion of the hundreds of pre-production cars that will be rigorously evaluated over millions of miles to ensure the new Range Rover Evoque surpasses the highest standards of quality and reliability when it goes on sale in summer 2011.

Teams of engineers will travel to 20 countries to pit the Range Rover Evoque against the most extreme conditions on earth, ranging from the Arctic to the desert, from German Autobahns to Tokyo city traffic. Alongside the engineers, Land Rover is working with 120 unique component suppliers and carrying out in excess of 17,000 individual tests to examine every separate part and system.

Like all Range Rovers, the new Evoque will have been proven against all the elements when it goes on sale next summer.

“The development stage is crucial in the year leading up to launching the car,” said Murray Dietsch, director of Land Rover programmes. “No stone is left unturned; we have a team of experienced and skilled engineers who will work to a tight schedule to ensure we have a top quality vehicle to offer our customers.”

The new Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model the company has ever offered, and will be sold in 160 markets around the world.

To find out more or to register your interest in the new Range Rover Evoque please visit the Barretts Range Rover Evoque dedicated page by clicking here or call the numbers below

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 0845 164 9784
Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 0845 164 9783


You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter:

Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

A part of the Barretts Motor Group
www.barrettskent.co.uk   

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14 June 2010

Range Rover 40th Birthday


Barretts Land Rover Kent News
The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June 2010

- The Range Rover was the world's first fully capable luxury 4x4.

- There have been three generations of Range Rover: the original (Classic) in 1970, second-generation (P38a) in 1994 and third-generation (L322) in 2001.

- Second model line – Range Rover Sport – launched in 2005 became Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide in 2007.

- Third model line to be revealed at Paris Motor Show 2010


"Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched. It is one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring."
Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

Overview
The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June, 2010. One of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, the Range Rover was the world's first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. It was the first fully capable luxury 4x4 and was a milestone in the development of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. The continuing success of the Range Rover ensured that other premium makers jumped into the booming luxury SUV market. The latest version has enjoyed higher annual sales than any previous models and continues to be popular around the world. Sold around the world, from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Shanghai, Turin to Tokyo, the Range Rover remains the ultimate choice for the luxury SUV customer.

"The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one," says managing director Phil Popham. "It's a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car; a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and noways of the world; a high performance car for long distance travel; and a working cross-country vehicle."

From princes to politicians, from rock gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a diverse group of customers.

A second model line, the Range Rover Sport, was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a great success, and in 2007 was Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide.

Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, tying in perfectly with the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet it will be no less premium, no less luxurious, and no less special than the other Range Rover models.


A Brief History:

1966 Work began on the first Range Rover prototype, known as the '100-inch station wagon'.

1970 The original two-door Range Rover – known as the Classic – goes on sale.

1971 Range Rover receives the RAC Dewar award for outstanding technical achievement.

1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap on a British Army Trans-America expedition.

1974 Range Rover completes west to east Sahara desert expedition – 7,500 miles in 100 days.

1977 A modified Range Rover wins the 4x4 class in the London-Sydney Marathon, a gruelling 30,000 km (18,750 miles) event and the longest ever speed-based car rally.

1979 A specially modified Range Rover wins the first Paris-Dakar rally (a Range Rover wins again in 1981).

1981 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the first factory-produced limited-edition Range Rover – the 'In Vogue'.

1982 Automatic transmission becomes available on Range Rover.

1983 Range Rover 5-speed manual gearbox is introduced.

1985 The diesel-powered Range Rover 'Bullet' breaks 27 speed records, including a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours.

1987 Range Rover launched in North America.

1989 Range Rover is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes.

1990 Limited Edition CSK – named after founder Charles Spencer King – is launched as a sportier Range Rover.

1992 Range Rover Classic is the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC).

1992 Long-wheelbase LSE (known as County LWB in the US) launched.

1992 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world first for a 4x4.

1994 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover goes on sale.

1996 Range Rover Classic bows out after total production of 317,615 units.

1999 Limited Edition Range Rover Linley appears at London Motor Show.

2001 All-New Range Rover (L322) launched.

2002 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant.

2005 Second model line – the Range Rover Sport – launched.

2006 Terrain Response and TDV8 diesel introduced.

2009 Range Rover features all-new LR-V8 5.0 and 5.0 supercharged petrol engines and technology updates.

2010 Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary.

2010 All-New compact Range Rover to be revealed at Paris Motor Show.

Famous Range Rover Owners:
The Queen, who had one of the very first production Classics. She has also owned second- and third-generation models
Prince Charles, who has had his latest Range Rover converted to run on biodiesel
Princess Anne
Prince Andrew
Prince Rainier of Monaco, owner of an early Classic
President Bongo of Gabon, one of the first Classic customers
Johnny Cash, the country music legend, whose Classic appeared in a French production of The Jungle Book. It was matt black embellished all over with brightly coloured hand-painted jungle plants and animals
James Bond. Range Rovers have appeared in many 007 films, but in Quantum of Solace, James Bond (Daniel Craig) drove a Range Rover Sport in the Bolivian desert
Peter Sellers. The British comedian was one of many celebrities in the '70s and '80s who drove customised Wood and Pickett-modified Range Rovers. They were more luxuriously specified than the contemporary Range Rover, and were precursors of the Range Rover Vogue model
Madonna. Her wedding car at Skibo Castle in Scotland was a second-generation Range Rover. She and Guy Ritchie also owned a Range Rover Sport
Pope John Paul II. The Pontiff's 'popemobile' was a converted Classic, featuring bullet proof glass
Billy Connolly, comedian and Range Rover Classic owner
Paul McCartney, ex-Beatle and Classic owner
Bruce Springsteen, rock god, and The Boss
David Gower had a special edition CSK Range Rover. He now has a new Range Rover.
Michael Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic gold medals, and perhaps the greatest swimmer of all time
Jane Fonda, actress and Classic owner
Michael J Fox, actor and Classic driver
Rod Stewart, pop star
Jennifer Aniston, actress, best known as Rachel in Friends
Michael Jackson had a number of Range Rovers, including a Classic. When he died, the Jackson family travelled to the funeral in a convoy of 10 black Range Rovers
Bruce Willis, star of Die Hard, a Classic and third-generation Range Rover
Jack Nicholson, actor
Midge Ure, Ultravox frontman, owner of 'tatty old Range Rover' (a Classic)
Mike Tyson, retired boxer and former world heavyweight champ
Jeremy Clarkson. The Top Gear star owns a Range Rover and recently proclaimed it 'best car in the world' in The Sunday Times
The Sultan of Brunei. One-time 'richest man in the world' has many Range Rovers, including a custom-made gold-plated model for official ceremonies
David Beckham, frequently photographed behind the wheel of his Range Rover Sport. Range Rovers are also owned by other eminent footballers including John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Jermaine Defoe
Meg Ryan, actress
Richard Branson, Virgin boss and owner of second- and third-generation models
Britney Spears, singer
Angelina Jolie, actress. In the first Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, she drove a Land Rover Defender
Miley Cyrus, star of Hannah Montana
Pamela Anderson, actress
Greg Norman, golfer
Mel Gibson, actor
Michael Douglas, actor
Ryan Sheckler, skateboarder and MTV reality show star
Michael Jordan, basketball legend
Lauren Conrad, TV star and fashion designer
Pete Wentz, musician and bassist for Fall Out Boy
Keira Knightley, actress
Nicole Kidman, Australian actress
Tom Cruise, actor
Hilary Duff, actress, best known in TV series Lizzie McGuire, and singer
Kobe Bryant, basketball star
Eva Longoria, TV star, best known for Desperate Housewives
Rachel Bilson, actress, star of TV teen drama The OC
Kiefer Sutherland, actor, son of Donald, and star of TV series 24
Bow Wow, rapper and actor
Gwen Stefani, singer and fashion designer
Dr Mae Jemison, former astronaut
Lee Pearson, Paralympic athlete, winner of nine gold medals in dressage events
Anthony Pitt, Australian fashion designer, who started his Academee brand from the lounge of his Bondi Beach flat
Trevor Baylis, inventor of the wind-up radio
Sonya Kraus, German TV presenter, former ballerina and fashion designer

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