- Land Rover returns to the heart of Manhattan for the third consecutive year as the official vehicle of the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show
- Olympic equestrian stars including the U.S. Eventing individual Bronze medalist, U.S. Show Jumping Team Silver medalists, and U.S. Dressage Team Bronze medalists from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to be honored in commemorative ceremony at the Rolex Centra
- Land Rover to display the latest Range Rover Sport HSE model and provide a fleet of electric powered miniature Land Rover vehicles for children’s driving experience in the main arena
(MAHWAH, NJ) – September 19, 2016 – Land Rover North America will return as the official vehicle for one of the world’s most iconic equestrian events, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, in the heart of New York City from September 21-25, 2016.
Since its inception in 2014, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show has grown significantly each year, attracting some of the world’s very best competitors in equestrian sport. The event, staged over five days under the iconic backdrop of the New York City skyline in Central Park’s Wollman Rink, showcases a wide variety of equestrian disciplines to thrill spectators and broadcast audiences across the U.S. and around the world.
Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC said, “Land Rover North America is a longstanding supporter of equestrian sport in the U.S. with our commitment spanning over two decades.”
“We are proud to be returning to one of the world’s most iconic equestrian venues. It’s an amazing feat to build an event of this caliber in the center of New York City.”
The Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world, all competing for top prizes in the heart of Manhattan.
The third annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, starting with Arabians on the opening night. This year, audiences will be treated to a special Dressage performance from triple Olympic Individual Gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin and her wonder horse Valegro. There will also be Hunter competitions and Show Jumping with U.S. Show Jumping Team Silver medalists from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, McLain Ward and Kent Farrington, coming to New York to battle for the prestigious title of U.S. Open Champion on Thursday, September 22, and Friday, September 23, 2016. They will be joined by some of the top riders in the world. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the second annual U.S. Open in the categories covering Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers and Arabians.
Land Rover is also providing a special treat for the younger members in attendance: a fleet of electric powered replicas of iconic Land Rover models. Designed for children aged four to ten, the special junior driving experience will take place in the main arena. Children’s pony rides, face painting, and equestrian demonstrations will also be available free of charge on Sunday.
Mark Bellissimo, CEO, International Equestrian Group commented, "Our New York event continues to grow each year and we are thrilled to have Land Rover North America as our official vehicle partner for the third year running. It is going to be another exceptional show this year with a special celebration for our U.S. Olympic equestrian medal winning athletes from Eventing, Dressage and Show Jumping all coming to Central Park. It is a real privilege to be able to showcase the amazing competitors and their horses from all disciplines to the fans in this iconic arena in the heart of Manhattan.”
In addition to watching some of the world’s top riders in action, spectators will have the opportunity to see the Range Rover Sport HSE displayed onsite. The Range Rover Sport is a genuine Land Rover success story, delivering all the refinement and capability expected from a large SUV with the engaging experience of a performance vehicle.
For 2017 model year, Land Rover continues to increase the desirability of its models with the introduction of new powertrains, upgraded infotainment and connectivity systems, as well as enhanced driver assistance features across its range of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles. The 2017 Land Rover model line-up features four models: The Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, both powered by 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engines, as well as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport available with five powertrain options – a 340-hp supercharged V6 gasoline engine, a 380-hp supercharged V6 gasoline engine, a 510-hp supercharged V8 gasoline engine, a 550-hp supercharged V8 gasoline engine and a 254-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.
Discovery Sport models receive the new All-Terrain Progress Control system as standard across the model line-up, as well as the option for a new Gesture Powered tailgate and new available exterior colors. 2017 Range Rover Sport models benefit from the introduction of Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro™ featuring a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, a new HSE Dynamic model producing 380-hp through the proven supercharged V6 gasoline engine, new exterior paint colors and a wider suite of available Driver Assistance features.
Similarly, the 2017 model year Range Rover sees the introduction of InControl Touch Pro, a wider range of exterior paint colors and a new suite of available Advanced Driver Assistance technologies. At 2017 model year, a new 550-hp Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic also joins the Range Rover line-up distinguished by its standard wheelbase, sporting lowered suspension and Graphite Atlas Grey Accents. Produced by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) beside the Range Rover SVAutobiography and Range Rover Sport SVR, the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic will be limited to approximately 200 models in the United States.
Range Rover Evoque also receives updates for 2017 model year including new exterior colors, All-Terrain Progress Control as standard across all trim levels, the availability of InControl Touch Pro and the introduction of an all-new Convertible body style. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible enhances the desirability of the Range Rover Evoque family, taking the Land Rover brand to a new audience of customers looking for a unique combination of open-air luxury and refinement.
Year to date, through August 2016, Land Rover is continuing to grow with sales up 15 percent versus the same period last year.
To learn more about the Rolex Central Park Horse Show please visit: www.centralparkhorseshow.com