letters to the editor

the company's vehicles have also worked for a multitude of
humanitarian and conservation organisations, represented today by
Land Rover's formal ties with the Born Free Foundation, Biosphere,
Earthwatch, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), and the China
Exploration and Research Society.
Phil Popham, Land Rover's Managing Director, commented,
"Land Rover’s history is a long and illustrious one – and the future is
just as exciting. We are committed to maintaining our relevance and
meeting the needs of our customers in a changing global
environment. Earlier this year, we unveiled a glimpse into our
possible future - the diesel hybrid LRX cross-coupe concept. This
signals that Land Rover will continue to evolve, with capability,
premium values and sustainable motoring at the top of the agenda."
2009 RANGE ROVER SPORT
The 2009 Range Rover Sport, one of three updated Land Rover
models making their debut at the 78e Salon International
de l’Automobile Geneva, includes refreshed exterior trim, new wheel
designs and improvements to the interior craftsmanship enhancing
the premium feel.
The sales success of Range Rover Sport has continued through
2007 and into 2008, helping Land Rover to a third successive record
sales year of 226,000 units. Phil Popham, Land Rover managing
director, comments; “Sales have been driven by the hugely popular
TDV8 engine, especially in Europe, which offers petrol-like
refinement but with 32% better fuel economy.”
The exterior enhancements are focused around the refreshed
rear end details, which include body colour finish to the tailgate trim,
revised tread mat (on upper surface of rear bumper), addition of
clear-lens rear lights and clear lens side indicators. The dramatic
stance of the vehicle is further enhanced with the addition of a
second 20 inch wheel style, available in painted silver or diamond
turned finish. The new wheel style is complemented with the addition
of a shadow chrome finish now available for the first time on the
existing 10 spoke 20-inch Alloy wheel.
The introduction of three new metallic paint colours - Santorini
Black, Galway Green and Bournville (black with a hint of brown) -
further differentiates the 2009 Range Rover Sport.
The desirability of the Range Rover Sport is further enhanced
with the introduction of Noble, a metallic plate finish, on the centre
console sides, air vent bezels and door pull handles to emphasize the
clean architectural graphics of the cabin. Premium leather with
diagonal stitching is now available on door inserts in Ebony, Almond
and Ivory. To continue the contemporary sporting nature of the cabin,
leather seats with Alcantara centre panels have been extended across
three colour options, with contrast Ivory stitching available with
Ebony.
The introduction of acoustic laminated side glass to both driver
and passenger windows allows occupants to enjoy the updated cabin
whilst experiencing reduced levels of road and wind noise, along with
increased levels of security.
“The Range Rover Sport excels in its delivery of on-road
performance, best in class comfort and refinement with incredible
off-road ability across the world. Range Rover Sport is now regarded
as the quintessential sports tourer,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s
managing director.
LAND ROVER G4 CHALLENGE 2008/09 – WILL SUPPORT THE
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED
CRESCENT SOCIETIES
• Land Rover’s global adventure Challenge to generate funds for
humanitarian causes • A total of 18 national teams of one male and
one female competitor • Vehicle donated to the winning nations' Red
Cross or Red Crescent National Society • Challenge will run on an
18-month cycle with 2008/09 location to be in Asia • Event will be
environmentally sensitive and fully carbon offset through Climate Care
• The partnership will generate more than £1m for the International
Federation over the next two Challenges Land Rover has entered a
landmark association that will see the Land Rover G4 Challenge run
in support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies on its return in 2008/09. This new global
partnership with the world’s largest humanitarian organisation will
ensure the adventure competition leaves a positive legacy by acting as
a platform to generate funds and assist life-changing humanitarian
projects around the world.
Land Rover Managing Director Phil Popham said: “The Land
Rover G4 Challenge is an incredible programme that demonstrates
our products’ breadth of capability and displays our desire to always
push the boundaries of adventure. It is ideal to work as a fundraising
and awareness building platform for a humanitarian organisation and
we are delighted that we can now make the most of the Challenge’s
success and leave a lasting positive legacy by working with the
International Federation.
“Land Rover is a strong brand that has a natural fit with humanitarian
organisations in general. Our association with the
International Federation goes back a long way, to 1954, when Land
Rover supplied a long-wheelbase Series 1 to the British Red Cross for
use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary. We are now looking forward to
forging closer links with the International Federation through the
Land Rover G4 Challenge.”
Sir Nicholas Young, the CEO of the British Red Cross, speaking
on behalf of the International Federation, said: “An association with
the Land Rover G4 Challenge offers a unique and positive way for the
International Federation to reach completely new audiences. It will
enable us to activate projects that may otherwise not be possible. This
will be a partnership that will save lives - it’s as simple as that.”
The ultimate global adventure bringing together 18 nations in
mixed-gender teams
In a significant expansion to the previous events run in 2003 and
2006, the 2008/09 Land Rover G4 Challenge will involve mixed-gender
national teams. Competitors from 18 different countries, who can
now register their interest on www.landroverg4challenge.com, will
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