Land rover have made the move forward and are now working with government officials and industry officials including Climate Care to help with their carbon dioxide off-setting programme. They will also work to ensure that the programme is efficient and affordable.

Land Rover has reduced Carbon Dioxide emissions by over 30% in the last 10 years from it manufacturing plant at Solihul and are continuously working to find new ways to reduce the carbon emissions from the cars it produces.

Some of the organizations that Land Rover will also be working with include the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford and the Forum for the Future sustainable development charity.

Chris Hunton is joining Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R as the global business director on Land Rover.

Hunton has been out of the industry since November last year following his departure from Lowe London, where he was the managing director. He left just six weeks after the agency announced the appointment of Amanda Walsh as the chief executive.

In his new role, he will coordinate the global Land Rover business between Y&R’s two main agency hubs on the account, RKCR/Y&R in London and Y&R in Irvine California.

Hunton, who will join in March, will also oversee the direct marketing and digital aspects of the business through Wunderman and Wunderman Interactive.

James Murphy, chief executive of RKCR/Y&R, said: “There are not many more plum account handling jobs in the business than this one. It’s a very big job and we needed a very big talent to fill it.

However, Chris is not just a talented operator, he’s a lovely bloke who will fit into straight into the culture at RKCR. It’s a great hiring for us as I believe he was being courted by other agencies.”

Land Rover’s creative work regularly performs well in awards, and a recent ad starring Zara Philips attracted wide ranging media attention.

Before joining Lowe in February 2005, Hunton was the managing director and managing partner at Quiet Storm.

Prior to that, he had been out of the industry for six months following his departure from McCann Erickson London in early 2004, where he held the chief executive position.

He joined the agency in 1998 as deputy managing director and was promoted to the chief executive role by Ben Langdon, who was then the chairman and chief executive of the McCann-Erickson world group EMEA, in January 2001. Before that he worked at Lowe, on the Smirnoff and Weetabix accounts, as well as stints at Young & Rubicam and FCB.

(This article was taken from www.brandrepublic.com)

300 Pursuits will be available in March at just under £30,000 with TDV6 engines and technology including Hill Descent Control, air suspension and Terrain Response with space for up to seven adults. Kit includes Java Black paint work with Ebony interior, 19” alloy wheels, body-coloured wheel arch surrounds, manual leather seats and chrome finish mirror caps.

“Since launch, the Discovery 3 has brought new levels of ability, comfort and refinement to the large 4×4 market. Winning 95 awards worldwide is a testament to its class-leading diesel engine, its versatility and its all-round package,” commented John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director.

“The limited-edition Discovery 3 Pursuit gives customers the opportunity to buy an exclusive specification for the exceptional price of £29,995 OTR for the TDV6 manual and £30,995 OTR with automatic transmission. We think this represents incredible value for money.”

All Land Rover vehicles include a CO2 offset for the first 45,000 miles within the on-the-road price.
The Discovery 3 has sold nearly 30,000 units in the UK and 115,000 units globally since launch in 2004, and continues to collect critical accolades the world over.

(This article was taken from www.askaprice.com)

New System Optimizes Handling
Land Rover’s new Dynamic Response system makes it debut on the Range Rover Sport. That, and its performance-tuned chassis, work together to optimize body control and handling. The system can be deactivated for offroad driving.

Matthew Taylor, Managing Director of Land Rover, made this statement about the vehicle, “Range Rover Sport takes us into the growing performance SUV market, but is different from all rivals. We see it as a less frenetic, more refined alternative to existing performance SUVs. It is ideal for fast, comfortable, long-distance driving and practical enough for everyday use. Yet it is also exceptional off-road, offering better all-terrain ability than any competitor.”

He went on to say, “It is the best ‘driver’s vehicle’ that Land Rover has ever made. There is the traditional Land Rover command driving position, yet the cockpit is more cocooning than the SUV norm.”

(this article was taken from about.com)

Customer demand for the Defender, today, saw a substantially revised new model for 2007 roll off the production line at Solihull (United Kingdom). Land Rover employees were present to celebrate this important milestone which marks the continued success of the iconic model which began life in 1948. The new model goes on sale this spring and will feature significant upgrades to enhance the ownership experience and meet forthcoming legislation.

The extension to the long life of Defender, which has been in production in various models since 1948, will preserve more than 750 jobs at the Solihull factory where it is produced alongside the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3. Annual production of Defender has remained consistent at around 25,000 units in recent years, with much of the demand coming from large contract orders. For example, the Italian energy distribution company, Ente Nazionale Elettricita, recently placed an order for over 900 Defenders.

Since its emergence, nearly 60 years ago, the original Land Rover has carved a heroic path through some of the world’s remotest regions and it’s estimated that around two thirds of all Land Rovers are still in use. “Defender remains a significant contributor to the business as well as an enduring symbol of Land Rover’s 4×4 heritage,” said Phil Popham, Land Rover’s Managing Director. “Its simple concept hasn’t changed fundamentally over the years, but it remains as relevant as ever. Defender continues to play a vital role for emergency services, aid workers and farmers around the world. As we grow Land Rover we’re not forgetting our core values and our traditional customers.”

With a rugged ladder-frame box-section chassis and aluminium bodywork, the Defender is incredibly tough. Its practical advantages include its unmatched combination of off-road supremacy, carrying capacity and towing capability. The Defender name was introduced in 1990 but the model is a direct descendant of the original Land Rover introduced in 1948. Production of Defender and its predecessors has passed 1.8 million.

Commenting on the introduction of the model updated for 2007, Paul Cope, Manufacturing Director at Solihull said: “The introduction of Defender 07 Model Year is recognition that consumer demand remains very strong for this iconic model. The 07 Model Year with its new design enhancements, will ensure that Defender remains a key contributor to the success of the Solihull manufacturing site. Our manufacturing team is absolutely dedicated to increasing customer satisfaction by making the 07 Model Year Defender, the best Defender yet.”

(this article was taken from marathonrally.com)

Once in a while one gets to experience the unusual and being a motoring journalist has eclipsed the world of the unexpected.

Every time I set out on a new vehicle launch it is with great anticipation as all the manufacturers seem to work on the concept of abject secrecy regarding some of their launches. It’s not a bad thing though as the intrigue adds to the anticipation.

With that in mind it was no exception that Land Rover treated us to two days of silent anticipation for the launch of the new Discovery TD6S on a need-to-know basis.

Starting from the Land Rover 4×4 centre in Lonehill we followed a dedicated route which covered various terrains and road surfaces to end the first day after a distance of some 200 kilometres.

The eventual destination was the Mabula Lodge where, after a night game drive and copious amounts of the “holy water”, we were allowed to rest for a few hours. Wake up was at 4.30 the next morning, when we were whisked off again. Some of us with heads the size of footballs while others had eyes reminiscent of fragmented road maps, we headed into the unknown only to be confronted by another method of transport, an array of hot air balloons. Thank goodness for the quiet serenity of ballooning as the sound of high revving engines may have detracted from the recovery process of some in the contingent.

After that experience a whole new world of off-road experience opened up as the route for the next hundred plus kilometres took us over a series of dirt roads and mountain passes to the Taaibos 4×4 track near Thabazimbi.

The experience that followed added new meaning to the term mountaineering as the full capabilities of the TD6S was stretched to its limit. The vehicles made their way over the most treacherous terrain and at times I thought that my vehicle had grown legs as it “stepped” up and over rocky outcrops and ledges without undue hesitation.

That’s the 440Nm of torque in full cry.

Coming downhill, the HDC — Hill Descent Control — extended the vehicle’s hill holding capabilities to the full and as a result no one ended belly up at the bottom of the ravine.

It was satisfying to experience how Land Rover has combined the vehicle’s mechanical functions with electronics to produce a vehicle bursting with innovation, safety and security features.

The terrain we covered during the drive encompassed as much as any average driver would encounter and more, so with the ETC – Electronic Traction Control, CBC- Cornering Brake Control and DSC- Dynamic Stability Control in play, combined with the air suspension, driving on dirt becomes an absolute breeze at any speed the driver’s nerves will allow.

On the tar surface the TD6S takes on a new guise as a highway cruiser. The 2.7-litre diesel propels this three-ton icon at a respectable cruising speed and beyond. The six-speed manual gearbox engages smoothly every time — a big advantage in that the revs have to be kept constant to compensate for the turbo delay, especially when pulling off from standstill.

The interior appointments are comfortable and comprehensive, with every conceivable option included to take the burden out of off-road driving or more likely to add pleasure to bundu bashing.

At price of just over R400 000 the Land Rover TD6S fits well into the average 4×4 niche but provides a lot more value than the average.

(this article was taken from motoring.iafrica.com)

Land Rover is on standby to offer the services of up to 100 vehicles and their off-road experts, following extreme weather warnings for central and north-west areas of the UK.

As in previous years, all 10 Land Rover Experience centres in the UK will be available tomorrow to assist the local emergency services – including highway patrols, fire services and local police forces – helping people get home safely. They will also help to recover vehicles broken down in the bad weather and vehicles involved in road traffic accidents.

John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director commented: “Year after year Land Rover has assisted local authorities in severe weather and emergency situations. With such an extreme forecast for the next few days, we’ve assured them that our vehicles will once again be available should they need them.”

Land Rover UK has also this afternoon dispatched a fleet of vehicles from their head office in Warwickshire, to support police forces in the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and West Mercia areas.

Land Rovers have a towing capability of up to 3.5 tonnes, permanent four-wheel drive and advanced off-road technology such as Terrain Response. This includes a snow setting to utilise the vehicle’s electronic controls and traction aids in slippery and treacherous conditions.

Land Rover Experience Centres offer a variety of courses and training to teach safe and responsible off-road driving skills. To find out more please visit landroverexperience.com.

(this article was taken from easier.com)

Land Rover was honored by R. L. Polk & Co. during its eleventh annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards ceremony at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress in Dearborn, MI. Range Rover won the Prestige SUV category for the third consecutive year.

“We are elated that our customers are loyal to the Range Rover,” said Kevin Donovan, Market Manager for Land Rover North America. “To lead the Prestige SUV segment for three consecutive years reflects our customers’ passion for the unique driving experience provided by this award winning vehicle.”

The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards recognize manufacturers for superior owner loyalty performance. Loyalty is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to purchase or lease another new vehicle of the same model or make.

Land Rover has produced preeminent sport-utility vehicles since 1948 and has positioned itself globally as a brand synonymous with adventure, innovation and understated luxury. The Range Rover, Land Rover’s flagship model, epitomizes these attributes.

Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and LR3 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover’s worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800- FIND-4WD or log on to www.LandRoverusa.com.

(this article was taken from autospectator.com)

Two members of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Mind Gliding Ltd – management development & training consultancy and Land Rover Experience, have teamed up to create an innovative approach to management training and development.

When Professional Management Development is combined with a challenging 4 x 4 off-road driving experience it provides a unique opportunity to gain a new set of skills and abilities that can be transferred into the business environment to improve business performance.

Peter Gleeson, programme director of Mind Gliding said: “I met Chris Amery, marketing manager of Land Rover Experience, at the Kent Invicta B2B event at the Ashford International Hotel. We discussed the possibility of bringing together two separate areas of expertise to produce a management training programme. We are now developing a programme that will include an off road driving experience that is linked to everyday business life.”

Chris Amery agreed that: “Driving a powerful 4×4 vehicle over and through challenging obstacles is like life in business. It involves applying the power in a controlled, planned and organised way to successfully arrive at a desired outcome. Harnessing the available energy and applying traction to suit various conditions ensures efficient and effective use of resources.”

Dr Eddy Kloprogge, managing director of Mind Gliding added: “We will provide an opportunity to growth and development for senior managers and business executives in a way that includes excitement and fun.”

Jo James, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Director, skillfully selected two chamber members to try out this programme.

• Stuart Whorlow, a partner at Finn-Kelcey & Chapman commented: “This experience provides an opportunity for people in organisation to have their confidence and abilities increased and improved. The intensity of the experience is impressive.”

• Vicky Packman, a marketing research executive of Fact International said: “With guidance you can put theory into practice and use it to develop confidence and staff approach in the work place.”

If you would like to know more or take part in this programme (special rates to Chamber Members), please contact Eddy or Peter of Mind Gliding: info@mind-gliding.co.uk

(this article was written by Mind Gliding Ltd)

I haven’t an artistic bone in my body.

Having visited more of the world’s famous museums than I ever meant to, I can now say with some certainty that I have no more appreciation for the classics than I had for the paint-by-number sets that my mom used to give me.

I don’t fare much better with car designers. When Chris Bangle, Peter Horbury and the like talk about “coiled tension” and the “traditional battle between the technician and the stylist” I might as well be trying to program an iDrive unit; I’m completely lost.

I certainly don’t need a whole bunch of drivel about being inspired by motorboats to absolutely love the interior of the Range Rover. Dominated by twin wooden vertical pillars that create the dashboard’s centre pillar (and supposedly that illusion of a classic wooden speedboat), the Range Rover’s interior is the best in the business.

Designed almost seven years ago, it’s still far superior to anything from Mercedes, BMW and even the current leader in interior trim, Audi.

In fact, the only negative thing I can say about the Range Rover’s interior design is that J Mays, Ford’s former design boss responsible for such daring works of art such as the company’s somnolent Five Hundred sedan, agrees with me, calling it “the best I have ever seen.”

How embarrassing.

Land Rover has modified the interior slightly this year with the addition of the company’s now trademark Terrain Response and its iDrive-like rotary controller. As well, the company has added more stowage space and moved a few of the knobs and switches around. Thankfully, you can still get it with the lined oak wood trim and the pewter-like plastic trim bits of the original.

The interior is also functional. Yes, it’s a tad busy with all the buttons and switchgear, but the knobs are big, their functions are clearly marked and the addition of the LCD display for the navi system and rear-facing backup camera is much appreciated. Even the seat heaters and power window buttons are remarkably easy to use.

Almost as impressive is the supercharged 4.2-litre V-8 lounging under that trademark hood. Originally designed to be powered by BMW’s 4.4L V-8 (the Range Rover, after all, was engineered under BMW’s stewardship), the Range Rover hasn’t suffered for the switchover to Jaguar-sourced engines.

In fact, it’s blossomed as the supercharged V-8 pumps out a more than credible 400 h.p. Cynics can argue the Range Rover needs all those ponies just to move its 2,650-kilogram avoirdupois, but the reality is there always feels like there’s a surplus of power.

The 305 h.p. normally aspirated version of this engine is plenty capable, but if you can afford a Range Rover, don’t chintz out on the powerplant. It’s smooth, quiet and its only serious fault is, not surprisingly, that it sucks back gas as if OPEC were a benevolent charity.

The Range Rover also handles fairly well for something only slightly less hefty than a fully armoured battle tank. Roll is well contained while still allowing a decent ride and the front Brembo brakes manage to haul the big beastie down without turning into molten puddles of finely sculpted Italian goo.

The steering ratio, however, could stand to be a little quicker as, at low speeds, it can take quite a bit of sawing at the wheel to achieve the desired turning radius. Land Rover could learn a thing or two from its previous owner. BMW’s variable-ratio electronic steering box would be an ideal solution.

This year’s addition of Land Rover’s now-trademark Terrain Response system increases both its off-road worthiness and also the ease of use. For those (admittedly few) adventurous types who will stress their $120,000-plus SUV over hill and dale, Terrain Response automatically optimizes the Range Rover’s sub-systems — air suspension, Hill Descent Control, etc. — according to five settings: general driving, grass/snow/gravel, sand, mud and ruts and rock crawl. Simply choose the setting that most suits the terrain and the Range Rover takes care of the rest.

Indeed, even after years of testing Range Rovers, I still marvel at how incredibly proficient the ginormous sport-brute is off the beaten path.

A recent off-road foray in the harsh environs of Morocco had the Range Rover breezing through terrain that would have humbled lesser SUVs, even those who claim equal off-road authenticity.

That it is able to do so while remaining both beautiful and comfortable is why it’s still the best luxury SUV any amount of money can buy.

(National Post)

THE SPECS:
Type of vehicle: Four-wheel drive luxury SUV
Engine: Supercharged 4.2L DOHC V-8
Power: 400 h.p. at ,750 r.p.m.; 420 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 r.p.m.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: 255/55R20
Price: base/as tested: $121,400/$125,845
Destination charge: $995
Fuel economy L/100 km: 18.1 city, 13.1 hwy.

(this article was taken from canada.com)