Frankfurt 10 September 2007 – Land Rover remains on target to achieve its third successive record sales year after a spectacular August in both well established and emerging markets around the world.
Last month, global sales were over 15,000, a 36% increase over the previous August. This puts Land Rover in its strongest sales position in its near 60 year history with over 141,000 cars sold so far this year, 13% ahead of 2006.
The all new Freelander 2 has helped to deliver some of the rise, but the flagship model, Range Rover, now in its fifth year, continues to dominate the luxury segment with sales 20% ahead of last year. The growth has been driven by the popularity of the new V8 diesel engine which gives a 32% fuel improvement and a 15% cut in CO2 emissions compared with the naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Growth was seen in virtually all markets with strong performances in Russia (up 92% year to date) and China (up a phenomenal 178% in August and 87% ahead year to date).
August was also a great success in the more mature markets. The US was up by 32% and Europe by 50% (25% year to date).
Phil Popham, Land Rover’s Managing Director, said, “To achieve this level of growth in both new and established markets against a background of intense
competition is testament to the strength, desirability and relevance of the Land Rover brand and the truly impressive model line up.
“The global presence and strong model mix puts us in a flexible business position and we remain firmly in the black.”
The figures were released on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show where Land Rover will reveal details of sustainable technology and a major partnership with a global humanitarian organisation.
