autoMedia Auto News Blog : Land Rover

Automakers Support Texting Ban

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:12:00 GMT

The days for lawful texting while driving are numbered, with several government and academic studies exposing the extreme dangers of this popular distraction. Ahead of a Department of Transportation-led safety conference in Washington, D.C., next week, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has announced its support for banning text messaging using a hand-held device or calling using a hand-held device while driving a motor vehicle. The AAM is an 11-member industry group consisting of BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Several AAM members are developing solutions to facilitate text-based communication, all offer Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free phone operation. There is general consensus on the problem and the risks, with some studies equating texting to drunk driving, or worse. However, the debate continues on how to reduce those risks, through legislation and/or technology. (Read “Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash.”)

AAM has come forward with the strong statement: …"texting on a hand-held device while driving is challenging the ability of most drivers to perform the function safely and should be banned."

If and how remains to be seen, and we expect it will be discussed at length next week in the nation's capital.

Also read:
Driving While InTEXTicated: Put Down Your Device & Drive!
AAA Study Shows More Than a Third of Drivers Feel Less Safe

Land Rover celebrates 60th anniversary

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:12:00 GMT

It was 60 years ago when the original Land Rover was shown at a motor show in Amsterdam, on April 30, 1948. The current Defender is clearly descended from that first vehicle, known as a Series 1. Extraordinarily, they even share a couple of original parts, an oil filler plug and a cleat for tying down the canvas roof.

Today, Land Rover has five-model line-up headed by the Range Rover, and record global sales of over 226,000 vehicles in 2007. Land Rover sets a high standard for both luxury and off-road performance, two characteristics often considered mutually exclusive.

Around the world, Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary year throughout the summer with a series of special activities and events.

Land Rover Timeline

1948 LAND ROVER SERIES I
The iconic British SUV makes its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show

1949 ARMY EDITION
British Army orders its first Land Rovers

1953 Long-wheelbase version introduced

1958 LAND ROVER SERIES II UNVEILED

1966 500,000th Land Rover

1970 RANGE ROVER

1971 LAND ROVER SERIES III LAUNCHED

1976 Millionth Land Rover built in June

1982 FOUR-DOOR RANGE ROVER

1989 DISCOVERY
Third Land Rover model launched

1990 DEFENDER
Original 'Land Rover' relaunched and renamed

1994 2ND-GENERATION RANGE ROVER

1995
Land Rover production tops 100,000 per year

1997 FREELANDER
Land Rover's fourth model launched

2002 3RD-GENERATION RANGE ROVER
All-new Range Rover makes its debut

2004 LR3
Land Rover launches all-new model.

2005 RANGE ROVER SPORT
Popular sports tourer goes on sale

2006 LR2
New model begins production at Halewood plant

2007 Record sales of 226,000 vehicles

2008 LAND ROVER LRX
LRX concept signals the possible future of Land Rover

2008 Sold!
Land Rover and Jaguar have been sold to India-based Tata Motors Ltd., part of the massive Tata Group conglomerate.

Research Land Rover in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.

Sold! Ford sells Jaguar, Land Rover to Tata

admin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Ford Motor Company has been making aggressive moves to put the automotive giant on more solid footing, with none more shocking than rumors it would part with brands. Just a few short years ago, FoMoCo built itself into a global powerhouse by building a portfolio of luxury brands to augment its own Lincoln. Now, the Premium Automotive Group (PAG) is in active retreat, with its uppercrust British brands Jaguar and Land Rover widely reported to be sold for $2 billion to India-based Tata Motors Ltd., part of the massive Tata Group conglomerate. “Ford acquired Jaguar for $2.5 billion in 1989 and Land Rover for $2.75 billion in 2000,” reports the Wall Street Journal. WSJ cites that Ford spent more than a combined $5 billion to purchase the two brands originally.

As part of the deal expected to be announced Wednesday, Reuters reports that Ford will provide about $600 million to seed the pension fund for Jaguar and Land Rover employees. Tata will retain the 15,300-strong British work force, according to Business Week.

Ford will be a supplier to Tata, providing powerplants and other components for Jaguar and Land Rover models, opening a new revenue stream for the smaller, leaner automaker.

Tata made international headlines recently with the unveiling of its Nano car (shown here), a 30-hp four-door with a $2500 price tag and the promise to revolutionize transportation in developing regions.

Research Ford, Jaguar, and Land Rover in our buyer's guide.