- April 30th 2013 marks the 65th anniversary of Land Rover
- Celebratory event showcases 65 years of Land Rover innovation
- Around 150 heritage vehicles attend celebratory event at Packington Estate in the United Kingdom, the original testing ground for Land Rover
(MAHWAH, N.J.) April 29, 2013‑Land Rover will mark 65years of technology and innovation with a celebratory event at Packington Estate near its Solihull hometown in the United Kingdom.
The desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has been at the forefront of the Land Rover brand since the foundations were first sketched in the sand by Maurice Wilks. Wilks was the chairman of the Rover Company and the pioneer responsible for the inspiration and concept work that led to the development of the Land Rover off‑road utility vehicle.
Since 1948, the core principle of all‑terrain capability has made Land Rover famous around the world. 'HUE 166' was the very first Series I Land Rover, affectionately known by many as 'Huey', and will be on prominent display at the event. A "HUE" themed birthday cake will be flown in by special delivery in a Lynx helicopter by a member of the 'Black Cats' Royal Navy display team, renowned for thrilling audiences with their dynamic air displays.
Around 150 heritage Land Rover vehicles will attend the celebratory event at Packington Estate which was the testing ground for the original 1947‑48 Land Rover prototypes through to the Range Rover development vehicles of the late 1960's and early 70's. These vehicles will showcase key milestones in Land Rover's 65‑year history and also some 4x4 world firsts such as anti‑lock brakes, adjustable air suspension, Electronic Traction Control*, Hill Descent Control*, Terrain Response®* and Stop/Start technologies.
The vehicles on display will demonstrate Land Rover's legendary breadth of capability, with plowing, emergency service, military, expedition, royal and concept vehicles all firmly positioning Land Rover as the world's most versatile vehicle. They will sit alongside Land Rover's current model line‑up ‑ the Defender, LR4 (Discovery), LR2 (Freelander), Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque.
John Edwards, Land Rover's Global Brand Director says, "Land Rover is celebrating 65 years of proud heritage. It is in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history.
"Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world's most capable all‑purpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all‑terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world's most challenging and inhospitable terrain."
John Edwards continues, "The all‑new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world's first SUVs with a lightweight aluminum body structure. Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class‑leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover's heritage is built upon."
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*These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.
Editor's Note:
- Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets.
- Land Rover recorded its best ever monthly and quarterly global retail sales in March this year with a 15 per cent increase over any previous period.
About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport
utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its clientele with some
of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land
Rover product is equally at home both on and off road, and in any
setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the
countryside. Today's Land Rover lineup includes the legendary
Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport,
Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover designs,
engineers, and manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom.
Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and
social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and
community programs.For more information visit the official Land
Rover website at http://www.landroverusa.com.
About Jaguar Land Rover
• Jaguar Land Rover is the UK's largest automotive manufacturing business built around two iconic British car brands with a rich heritage and powerful consumer appeal and loyalty. Additionally, Jaguar Land Rover is at the centre of the UK automotive industry's drive to deliver technical innovation in all areas of vehicle development.
• As the UK's largest automotive employer, JLR has a world class team of nearly 25,000 people.
• In the 2011/12 fiscal year, JLR achieved record profits of £1.5 billion, an increase of £392m when compared to the previous year.
• Jaguar Land Rover is the largest investor in automotive R&D and engineering in the UK.
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK.
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA and Canada and is represented by more than 330 retail outlets.