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40 Years’ Glory

Posted on: July 3, 2010 by admin

“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.

The Range Rover celebrated 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 4×4 and was a milestone in the development of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). 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, the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and the more recent, the L322 in 2001. 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. 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 sevendays- 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. The Range Rover Sport was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a huge 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, the Evoque, 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.

Tags: Celebration, Land Rover anniversary, Range Rover