Jaguar Cars and Land Rover have selected Auto-txt to supply car tracking and security systems for all their vehicles from 2006.

The Auto-txt product provides the technology behind the new Jaguar Watch and Land Rover Watch systems, which will be available both in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe. It is the first time the prestige car manufacturers will be offering a stolen vehicle tracking system under their own branding.

Auto-txt is a big step forward in the battle against car theft and was the first stolen vehicle protection and tracking system to have been awarded Category 5 accreditation by Thatcham, the motor industry research centre. Key features of Category 5 include a way of identifying the driver in addition to possession of car keys and the means to disable a vehicle that has been stolen, remotely from a central control centre

Jim Hammond of the Association of Chief Police Officers said, “Category 5 is now the only stolen vehicle theft standard that is both supported by the insurance industry and conforms to police policy.”

Auto-txt, which is currently available to all car owners as an aftermarket product and has the unique feature of integrating vehicle security with the mobile phone, has been developed by RDM Group, a Coventry based designer of electrical, mechanical and trim related systems for the automotive industry.

Chris Cole, Engineering Director of RDM Group said: “This is the first time that a leading automotive manufacturer has put its brand behind a pan-European stolen vehicle security system.

“It represents a sound endorsement of our product which will continue to evolve and set the standard for stolen vehicle security for years to come.”

(this article was taken from PR Newswire)

Land Rover dealers have been told to expect a new lightweight V8 turbodiesel late in 2006. As we predicted in May 2005, an expanded version of Ford/PSA’s outstanding 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel is being prepared for use in the Ranger Rover. It is almost certain to also find its way into the Jaguar XJ diesel line-up, possibly with twin turbochargers.

Delegates attending the annual Land Rover dealer conference in November were told the 2007 range will see the normally-aspirated 305bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 dropped from the Range Rover family and petrol sales concentrated on the 400bhp 4.2-litre supercharged V8.

But the big news will be the disappearance of the current 174bhp BMW-inspired straight-six TD6 engine and its replacement with the first all-new TDV8 to be seen in a Land Rover product. Dealers have been told the 2007 Range Rover model year will feature the supercharged petrol engine alongside the TDV6 and TDV8 turbodiesels.

Although no specifications have been released it is expected the compact new short-block TDV8 will displace between 3.6 and four litres and develop around 260bhp. The new engine and range revisions will appear shortly after the world debut of the new five-door Freelander late in 2006.

(this bulletin was taken from carkeys.co.uk)

Automotive Lease Guide has announced their annual Residual Value Awards, which honor those vehicles in each automotive segment predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price. This year’s awards are based on 2006 model year vehicles. The awards are derived after careful study of segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

ALG has awarded the CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) award to Land Rover North America, Inc. for the Range Rover Sport.

“In an era of negative pricing and overcapacity, Residual Value excellence is increasingly difficult to achieve,” said Raj Sundaram, Automotive Lease Guide’s President. “Both the segment and brand winners clearly demonstrate that quality products combined with effective pricing strategies will rise to the top.” Sundaram adds that “while the top rankings did not change, several brands have shown significant improvement over last year highlighting the importance manufacturers are placing on residual value as a long term objective.”

Luxury Brand Residual Value Rankings (Top Six)

Rank

1 – BMW

2 – Lexus

3 – Land Rover

4 – Mercedes-Benz

5 – Acura

6 – Infiniti

SEGMENT AWARDS

Compact Car – MINI Cooper

Midsize Car – Honda Accord

Fullsize Car – Toyota Avalon

Sports Car – Porsche 911 Carrera

Near Luxury – Car Acura TL

Luxury Car – Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

Minivan – Honda Odyssey

CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) – Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Compact SUV – Toyota RAV4

Midsize SUV – Toyota 4Runner

Fullsize SUV – Toyota Sequoia

Compact Truck – Toyota Tacoma Pick-Up

Fullsize Truck – Toyota Tundra

(this article was taken from TheLandroverChronicles.com)

Further extending the breadth of capability of The Range Rover for 2006, Land Rover is showing an armoured version of the vehicle at the Middle East International Motor Show this year.

The armoured vehicle looks just like any other Range Rover, but beneath the skin it’s a very different story. Fitted with armoured steel to provide all round protection, The Armoured Range Rover has been designed to resist attack from a variety of threats while its four-wheel drive ability and off-road ground clearance allows a quick getaway from attack or ambush.

Unlike conventional armoured limousines, the Range Rover can be driven across all terrains, including unforgiving urban obstacles like high kerbs or even steep steps. Endowed with excellent road holding thanks to its exceptionally stiff monocoque body and independent suspension this vehicle is capable of evading most threats.

‘The world is not becoming a safer place and the demand for security vehicles is increasing’, said Andy Gawthorpe, Managing Director for Land Rover Middle East.

The Armoured Range Rover is protected to European standard EN1063 levels BR5 & BR6. This level offers protection against a range of weapons including hand-guns, assault rifles or high velocity rifles. The vehicle’s floor pan is protected to defeat the detonation of hand grenades up to DM51 level.

A variety of armouring materials are used including steel, Kevlar and non-metallic compounds. The glass is fixed on all four doors and is the very latest in modern ballistic glass technology. Detailed armour design prevents ‘splash’ from rounds hitting the vehicle from entering the passenger compartment. Added protection has been introduced to the vehicle’s fuel tank and battery, while the tyres have run-flat capability.

Development work has been carried out by Land Rover Special Vehicles working closely with the world’s leading armouring specialist company, Centigon, an Armor Holdings Company.

To ensure that the protected version still behaves like a Range Rover, vehicle development experts from Prodrive Ltd have extensively retuned the air suspension, chassis and braking systems to cope with the extra weight and the demands likely to be placed the vehicle.

A comprehensive list of options is offered for the protected Range Rover including an internal oxygen system, darkened privacy glass and an intercom system. Covert emergency lights and a siren are also available, while other options are also available to meet customers’ specific requirements.

(this article was taken from AME info)

In a year that saw three major premium product launches- the award-winning all-new LR3, Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover for 2006 – Land Rover, the world’s only dedicated 4×4 automotive manufacturer, has continued to gain market-share and brand recognition across the region.

Driven by the success of these new models, Land Rover is forecasting a dramatic sales increase of 72% in the fourth Quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

Speaking on the positive growth, Andy Gawthorpe, Regional Managing Director for Land Rover said:

‘We had a very busy year with the launch of three new products: The new Range Rover for 2006, Range Rover Sport and the all-new LR3. These products are a reflection of our brand’s new premium 21st century strategy and we will be showcasing our entire new range at this year’s Motor Show.’

All these models have been very well received by our customers and have further strengthened our positioning in the region. Boosted by the breadth and quality of the existing product range, we are confident to lead the 4×4 segment. ‘

Visitors to the Land Rover stand will have the opportunity to view the new premium range of Land Rover products. In addition, there will also be an Autobiography Range Rover on display. Autobiography is a personalized programme that enables Land Rover customers to select their own palette of special colours, body kit, leather trim, wood veneers and other luxury features from a wide range of options.

Another attraction will be the Armoured Range Rover, a protected version of the new Range Rover loaded with features that equip this model to provide maximum passenger security against any outside threat.

‘The Land Rover brand has shown year-on-year success and now with the strong product portfolio and the consistent support and commitment of our importers, we are sure of our ongoing success and increased market share throughout the Middle East region,’ added Gawthorpe.

Guys are obsessed with capability. Maybe it stems from the juvenile fear of being shown up. None of us liked being picked last for teams during gym class, and we don?t want a repeat now that we?re adults. Women like and respect capability as well, but with a practicality that men don?t possess. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the automotive world. Guys love that a Ferrari can rocket along at 182 mph; most women wouldn?t pay an extra $100,000 for that. Similarly, we?re comforted by the idea that our 4×4 truck could take us anywhere, anytime. Like up Mt. Everest. You know, just in case.

While skiing in the Southwest late last season, I caught up with a childhood friend who?d just bought Land Rover?s new LR3. He was justifiably proud of his minty clean, Tonga Green acquisition. Land Rover, after all, is founded on the solid-axle principle of overcapability. Encounter a foot of water in the road? The Rover can drive in two. Rovers still pull hard duty all over the world?safari transport in Africa, dune-bashing in the Middle East, ferrying government types in strife-torn regions. I recently spent two weeks rattling around the worst dirt roads in Central Asia on the steppes of Mongolia in the unbeatable Defender 110?a model that is, sadly, no longer sold in the U.S.

Land Rover, now owned by Ford, is in expansion mode. This year, the LR3 is joined by the Range Rover Sport?the company?s take on a performance SUV?and a redesign of the flagship Range Rover. The LR3 is the much-needed replacement for the weary Discovery, a model originally introduced in the U.S. in 1995 and often beset by mechanical problems. Base-priced in the mid-$40Ks, the LR3 hits the sweet spot between the low-end Freelander (due for its own makeover in 2007) and the richly appointed Range Rover.

The LR3 is a sturdy, boxy machine, its design successfully evoking the heritage of the Willys jeep. It?s a study in non- fussiness. The blunt, clean lines suggest strength and sophistication without seeming over-thought or overwrought. The front end is simple but formidable, offering a massive windshield that hints at the ample room inside. It?s also one of the more comfortable SUVs out there, with a well-placed steering wheel and a high riding position. Even rear-seat passengers have a good view of the road.

The big change in each of Rover?s new rides is the engine that powers them. Ford bought the brand from BMW in 2000, and it initially continued using BMW-derived powerplants. Now they?re using modified versions of engines built by Jaguar?another recent Ford acquisition. The LR3 marries a 300-horsepower V-8 to an automatic six-speed transmission. The vehicle weighs more than 5,600 pounds, so each horse strains at the weight, but the LR3 accelerates surely, if not exactly speedily, with plenty of low-end torque. Land Rover has also employed the Range Rover?s excellent air-suspension system on the LR3, and it?s a fine compromise between off- and on-road requirements. For highway cruising, the suspension sinks to its lowest height for stability. But a switch on the console allows a driver to choose from a series of terrain modes in off-road conditions. These include ?sand,? ?mud and ruts,? and ?grass/gravel/snow.?

Of course, I suggested to my friend that we test those settings on the same backcountry desert roads on which we?d spent so much of our adolescence. His wife looked at him. They had a brief discussion out of my earshot. A short time later, as we blasted down muddy roads, I asked him about their ?discussion.? He shrugged. ?She?s heard stories.? ?What stories?? I asked. He reminded me of the little Toyota pickup he?d owned in high school. The one we?d used to jump over dirt hills, leaving behind pieces of metal and plastic on the rocks. Maybe she had a point.

The LR3, though, was more than game for our challenges. It effortlessly conquered Twin Peaks, the highest point in the area, despite big rocks and slippery conditions. We even found the hill where we?d destroyed that old Toyota, piece by piece. But the LR3?s suspension just settled, and we crested comfortably over. Maybe we?d mellowed, but I choose to believe that the LR3 is simply over-capable.

(this article was taken from skimag.com)