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Land Rover celebrates one year of Range Rover Evoque production

Land Rover celebrates one year of Range Rover Evoque production

By on 04/07/2012 in News

As demand for the Range Rover Evoque continues around the world, employees at JLR’s Halewood manufacturing plant are celebrating one year of production.

Range Rover Evoque

Twelve months ago, when the first vehicle rolled off the production line, the Evoque had already generated an exceptional market response with more than 18,000 advance orders from customers worldwide. This interest continues today with demand for the Evoque driving sales of almost 80,000 units in just nine months.

With more than 110 global awards under its belt, the Evoque has gained critical acclaim from customers and media alike. Crowned Top Gear Magazine Car of the Year, World Design Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year amongst others, the Evoque continues to receive plaudits for its concept car looks, dynamic driving performance, class leading off-road skills and excellent cost of ownership.

This early success for Evoque has had a significant positive impact on the Halewood facility. In anticipation of the launch in 2011, the workforce was increased to more than 3,000 employees. In March this year, JLR announced it would recruit a further 1,000 employees to help deliver the increased volume of both Evoque and Land Rover Freelander 2, which is also manufactured at Halewood.

In just three years the workforce has trebled and the plant now employs more than 4,000 people.

Halewood Operations Director Richard Else, said: “The Evoque is an incredibly exciting vehicle that continues to turn heads. Sales of the Evoque remain strong across all markets and here at the plant we are working hard to meet  this demand.”

The Evoque is designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK with more than 75 per cent of production exported to more than 170 global markets – generating an estimated £2 billion in annual export value for the UK.

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Jaguar Land Rover to create 300 jobs and commit extra £1 billion to UK suppliers

Jaguar Land Rover to create 300 jobs and commit extra £1 billion to UK suppliers

By on 11/05/2012 in News

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to spend an additional £1 billion with UK suppliers over the next four years amid continued global demand for the Range Rover Evoque.

  • Global success of Range Rover Evoque and Freelander 2 creates new logistics jobs
  • £1bn additional supplier contracts support growing demand for Range Rover Evoque

JLR has increased the value of UK supply contracts by £1 billion, in addition to the £2 billion supply contracts it awarded to more than 40 UK suppliers in March 2011. These suppliers provide components, facilities and services to support the Range Rover Evoque production line at Halewood on Merseyside.

JLR today also confirmed that a new logistics facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, will open this summer to support the global sales success of both the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander 2.

JLR’s logistics provider, DHL, will manage this purpose-built automotive logistics site to enhance its existing operations at JLR’s Halewood plant, creating around 300 new jobs.

Dr Ralf Speth, CEO Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Today’s announcements demonstrate JLR’s strong products and clear ambition for continued growth. The demand we have seen across the globe for the Range Rover Evoque means we are able to significantly increase what we spend with our suppliers, which is great news for the UK economy, and the thousands of jobs JLR supports in its supply chain.  Our commitment to the North West will also be enhanced with the new logistics facility and this will support the future success of both our Freelander 2 and Range Rover Evoque models.”

Paul Dyer, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain’s automotive services in the UK and Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to continue our support for JLR’s ever-growing expansion plans. As the UK’s North West region is fast becoming a major supply chain hub for the automotive industry, this new facility will greatly enhance the next stage of the company’s development and future success.”

Details of how to apply for the new roles will be released by DHL in the near future.

New 2012 Special Edition Range Rover models

New 2012 Special Edition Range Rover models

By on 06/02/2012 in News

The Range Rover enters its 10th anniversary year in 2012, continuing to set benchmarks in luxury, capability and performance. Going beyond the 2012 model year enhancements that were introduced in October 2011, the Range Rover line-up is being developed to include three new Special Editions; The TDV8 Westminster, TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography.

The new arrivals focus on further extending the luxury and high specifications that are at the core of the Range Rover brand.

In 2012 Land Rover celebrates 10 years of Range Rover in its current guise. The third generation Range Rover was introduced in 2002 to critical acclaim setting new benchmarks in levels of luxury and all-terrain capability. Over the past decade, several facelifts and model year updates have kept the Range Rover at the cutting edge of technology leading up to the latest special editions, which will provide customers with increased options and convenience.

Westminster Edition

The new Range Rover Westminster Edition joins the line-up to replace the previous TDV8 Vogue and Vogue SE models. Going further than its predecessors, it comes handsomely equipped with an extensive collection of additional features that raise both the vehicle’s prestige style and comfort levels for everyone on board.

The exterior of the Westminster Edition is distinguished by the bright ‘Noble’ finish to the front grille and side vents, ‘Titan’ silver lower splitter bar and fog lamp bezels, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and ‘Westminster’ badging. Opening the doors reveals illuminated treadplates and a cabin finished with luxury carpets and Grand Black lacquer trim elements, plus bright-finished pedal finishers. The front seats feature both heating and cooling functions and the in car entertainment system benefits from a 19-speaker, 1,200W harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system as well as Range Rover’s innovative Dual View infotainment screen.

Featuring the powerful yet refined 4.4-litre TDV8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Westminster Edition is available in a choice of seven exterior colours, with five interior colour combinations. The standard equipment specification further includes an electric sunroof, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, memory setting for the steering wheel, driver’s seat and rear-view mirror and a heated, leather trimmed steering wheel.

TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography

Bold design and ultimate luxury underpin the new Range Rover TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography. Both benefit as standard from the Range Rover Design Pack, a collection of exterior styling features that are seamlessly integrated to compliment the car’s powerful appearance, without compromising its classic lines.

The pack introduces new front and rear bumpers, ‘Titan’ silver front grille and side vent treatments and fog lamp surrounds, integrated stainless steel exhaust finishers and side skirts. These are complemented by striking 20-inch alloy wheels in Shadow Chrome.

Inside the focus is on unparalleled luxury and comfort with the Range Rover Seat Style Pack. This comprises rear seats with recline and lumbar adjustment, heating and cooling functions and multi-adjustable aircraft-style headrests with wings for added support. The passenger “front seat away” function provides a simple control for adding extra rear legroom, while the front passenger seat itself benefits from a memory function than can store up to three different personalised settings.

Both versions gain the 19-speaker, 1,200W harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system and are fitted with illuminated treadplates. Seven exterior finishes are available, together with an extensive range of interior colour and trim combination options. The TDV8 Autobiography retains its 4.4-litre engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, with the Supercharged Autobiography powered by the 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol unit with six-speed automatic gearbox.

Sales and pricing

The new Range Rover Special Edition models go on sale in March. The TDV8 Westminster Edition is £69,995, presenting customers with significant additional feature content over and above the specification of the former Vogue and Vogue SE models.

On-the-road prices for the TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography are £84,295 and £86,895 respectively.

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TopGear awards for Fisker Karmer and Range Rover Evoque

TopGear awards for Fisker Karmer and Range Rover Evoque

By on 01/12/2011 in News

BBC TopGear Magazine have named the new Range Rover Evoque as their 2011 Car of the Year and the Fisker Karma has been crowned ‘Luxury Car of the Year’.

The Evoque came top in the SUV category of the annual awards and was also picked by TopGear TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson as his favourite new car this year.

The Evoque beat stiff competition from the BMW 1 Series M, Mclaren MP4 12c, Ferrari FF, VW Up! and Kia Picanto to scoop the coveted Car of the Year title. The awards are officially announced in the December issue of BBC TopGear Magazine, which is on sale in the UK now. With 29 international editions, BBC TopGear is read by an estimated 12 million people worldwide.

New Range Rover Evoque

To celebrate the award, TopGear took a Range Rover Evoque on an African adventure through the souks, deserts and mountain passes of Morocco to fully experience the superb all-round capability and outstanding performance offered by this year’s winning car. The full story is featured alongside the Car of the Year Awards in all 29 international editions of the magazine.

Range Rover Evoque

 

 

The judging panel, headed up by BBC TopGear Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Charlie Turner, comprised members of the magazine’s editorial and road testing team, together with the three TopGear TV presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

New Range Rover Evoque TopGear SUV of the Year

Commenting on the awards, Turner said: “Judging the TopGear Magazine cars of the year takes a lot of time, coffee and shouting. But, strangely, when it came to the choosing the overall winner, the yelling softened to agreement. Universal approval from the most opinionated minds in the industry is almost unheard of. Which gives you some idea of just how good the Range Rover Evoque, TopGear’s 2011 Car of the Year, really is.”

As well as triumphing in the SUV and overall Car of the Year categories, the Evoque was also chosen by presenter Jeremy Clarkson as his personal choice for Car of the Year.

Summing up his decision, he says:”There have been many great cars launched over the last 12 months….But these are just one-trick ponies. The Evoque is more than that. Its a pony that is also a racehorse, a shire horse, a dray horse, a show jumper and an easy rosette-winner in the dressage competition. Its brilliant. And its the Top Gear Car of the Year.”

Range Rover Evoque TopGear Car of the Year

The Top Gear Award represents the 34th international award for the Range Rover Evoque since its launch earlier this year. Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards, welcomed the news saying:

“The Range Rover Evoque has generated an unprecedented response in all of our global markets and has been particularly successful in attracting new customers to the Land Rover brand. The TopGear Car of the Year award is further recognition that the Evoque offers a unique combination of distinctive premium design and outstanding performance underpinned by Land Rover’s legendary all terrain capability.  The car’s success is testament to the skill and commitment of the design and engineering teams in delivering a vehicle that meets the original product vision.”

The Range Rover Evoque has been on sale in the UK since September and is available in two body styles (five door or coupé), with a number of engine and transmission combinations. The Evoque also offers the opportunity for a high level of personalisation with three distinct design themes and a wide range of options, accessories and colour choice.

The Evoque has this month also been recognised by a number of external industry bodies in the UK including Euro NCAP, who awarded a 5* safety rating and Glass’s and CAP Monitor who have predicted outstanding residual values. The Vehicle Certification Agency has also awarded the Evoque LCA certification for the comprehensive lifecycle analysis study carried out by Land Rover’s environment and sustainability team.

The Fisker Karma has been crowned ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ by BBC Top Gear magazine and ‘Car of the Year’ by Top Gear TV presenter, James May.

The Karma – Fisker’s first production car – is a 403 hp luxury sedan and the world’s first true electric vehicle with extended range (EVer™).  Despite its size, performance and visual appeal, the Karma is one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles available today.  It combines the zero-emissions and efficiency of electric drive with the range and freedom of petrol-powered cars, due to its cutting-edge EVer™ powertrain technology.

Fisker Karma has been crowned ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ by BBC Top Gear magazine

Top Gear is one of the biggest circulation automotive and men’s lifestyle magazines in the world.  Now in their 12th year, the Top Gear awards results are published across 26 international editions and set out to recognize the most exciting and innovative cars launched in the preceding year.

Charlie Turner, BBC Top Gear magazine editor, explained why the Karma was a worthy winner: “Cleverness abounds in the Fisker and adds to the air of intelligent luxury.  It works well, it looks good and it must be a genuinely exciting thing to own.”

“It’s the top-of-the-line spec that features no leather, just textiles and reclaimed wood.  And it’s more convincing than it sounds, managing to look, feel and smell premium without any cow peel in it at all,” Turner concluded.

Henrik Fisker, co-founder, CEO and executive design director of Fisker Automotive, commented: “It is fantastic news that the Karma has won two awards from Top Gear.  We realize that we are at the beginning of our journey and awards like this remind us we are on the right road – building enticing green cars that people actually want to own.  It’s particularly pleasing that this award recognizes the Karma’s luxuriousness.”

“We’re big fans of both the Top Gear show and magazine – it’s great to see motoring entertainment consumed by millions.  The fact that Fisker cars appeal to the Top Gear audience inspires us to continue producing cutting-edge luxury vehicles with extended range, including our new mid-sized sedan that will be built in Delaware, USA.”

It’s the latest in a run of high-profile awards for the Karma that Fisker Automotive has been very proud to win, including Automobile’s Design of the Year and a Global Green Design Award.  In winning the ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ award, the Karma joins an exclusive group of prestigious previous winners, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe, Jaguar XJ and Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.

In recent independent testing conducted by the Technischer Üeberwachungs Verein (TÜV), the Karma achieved 135 mpg combined fuel economy, CO2 emissions of just 51 g/km and an all-electric range of 51.6 miles.

 

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Environmental certification for Range Rover Evoque

Environmental certification for Range Rover Evoque

By on 30/11/2011 in News

Land Rover has received certification from the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) for a comprehensive ‘cradle-to-grave’ study which analyses the environmental impact of its new Range Rover Evoque.

This is the first time that Land Rover has received VCA approval following a detailed life cycle study.  The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the Range Rover Evoque was fully audited and approved by the VCA, making Land Rover one of only a few vehicle manufacturers to have completed an officially recognised study of the environmental impact of a vehicle – from manufacturing, through a lifetime of customer use, to ultimate disposal and recycling.

The report highlights many of the processes that make the Range Rover Evoque the brand’s lightest and most efficient vehicle to date. These include the use of recycled materials, lightweight components and stop start technology. The cradle-to-grave study also highlights sustainability measures that have been built into the manufacturing process such as such as the installation in the Paint Shop of the latest generation of fully flexible paint application equipment for Evoque’s contrast roof option, thus reducing paint consumption and solvent emissions.  In addition, the ventilation systems in body construction have been rationalised, giving a 25% reduction in electricity consumption.

The certificate was awarded by Paul Markwick, VCA CEO, at a ceremony at Jaguar Land Rover‘s (JLR’s) Gaydon engineering facility.

Mr Markwick said, “I’m very pleased to have presented this certificate to the team at Land Rover. Operating in a sustainable way and producing products that reflect this ethos is clearly a very important part of business. Initiatives such as Life Cycle Assessment provide a framework that allows industry to assess the environmental impacts of a product from concept through to the end of vehicle life.”

“VCA has been supporting the automotive industry with its certification needs globally for approaching 40 years and there is no doubt that this extensive knowledge of the sector means that our audit teams understand the complexities of the vehicle design and construction process and the legislation supporting this.”

The study will enable Land Rover to identify more opportunities to improve the sustainability of their vehicles in the future, and highlights Jaguar Land Rover’s progress in reducing the carbon footprint of its products.

“VCA certification for the Range Rover Evoque is a great achievement for Land Rover,” says Phil Hodgkinson, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Product Development.”

“We are fully focused on maintaining our commitment to sustainable engineering and will learn lessons for application in future models. Life cycle assessment is a core part of our engineering practice and we have launched a new interactive website dedicated to life cycle assessment, so customers can better understand all of the sustainability attributes that Land Rover offers.”

Jaguar Land Rover is committed to a sustainable business future and is working toward ambitious long term business targets for products and processes with an overall target of 25 per cent reductions in operational CO2, and waste to landfill by 2012, a 10 per cent reduction in water consumption by 2012, and 25 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions by 2015, compared to 2007 levels.

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