LAND ROVER G4 CHALLENGE COMES TO AN EARLY CLOSE
Gaydon, England, 19 December 2008 - Land Rover has today confirmed that it will cancel the Land Rover G4 Challenge programme in order to focus more on product launches in 2009.
"Given the severity of the global economic downturn and trading conditions, we need to make some tough decisions and that means prioritising our budgets on new product launches. We are disappointed for the competitors who have shown so much commitment and put tremendous effort into succeeding as representatives of their nation. We have and will continue to take swift and decisive actions for the benefit of the business; unfortunately that means the Land Rover G4 Challenge has to come to an early close," said Phil Popham, Managing Director Land Rover.
Popham continued: "We want to thank the suppliers and sponsors who formed an integral role in the Challenge to date. The Challenge played a part in bringing the adventurous spirit of our brand and products to life. We will continue to look at other opportunities which will enable us to engage with our customers and reach new audiences."
A key part of the Land Rover G4 Challenge was its commitment to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Challenge was utilised as a fund generating activity for the charity, with the aim of generating £1million over the course of the next two programmes. Despite cancelling the Challenge, Land Rover remains committed to this partnership.
Paul Jenkins, speaking on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said: "The International Federation's partnership with the Land Rover G4 Challenge has already had a substantial impact on the lives of vulnerable people in many countries and we are well ahead of the targets we set. We highly value the support we have received and look forward to strengthening relationships between Land Rover and national Red Cross Red Crescent Societies around the world."
"This relationship is something Land Rover highly values and we are proud that it helps to save lives. We will continue to build on the incredibly successful partnership we have with the International Federation and the funds generated to date prove this success," said Popham.
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For further information please contact:
Natasha Waddington
01926 649282
07736 912717
nwadding@landrover.com
Laura Meyerding
01926 649294
07795 666169
lmeyerdi@landrover.com
