Land Rover Donates 2003 Discovery to Alaska Teens for Remote Rescue Work

Aniak's 'Dragon Slayers' Recognized by Oprah Winfrey

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 15 -- Land Rover North America will present a 2003 Discovery vehicle today to a group of seven teenaged girls to help in their humanitarian efforts. The girls got the nickname, "The Dragon Slayers", as a result of their community rescue work in the face of daunting odds. The rugged Land Rover Discovery will be used to assist the teens in providing emergency services to thousands of inhabitants in the remote areas around Aniak, Alaska.

The formal vehicle hand-over is the continuation of a story featured on the Oprah Winfrey mid-day interview show in which the girls were recognized for their remarkable volunteer efforts.

"When we heard of the 'Dragon Slayers' heroic missions and the rugged terrain they must face in Aniak, we were eager to assist," said Mike O'Driscoll, president, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover. "With the legendary capabilities of the Discovery, with its permanent four-wheel drive, these girls will be able to travel to remote areas of Alaska safely and swiftly."

The Discovery vehicle has been specially customized for the climate of Aniak and includes safety devices such as a full recovery kit, winch and block heater.

"We are pleased to see a Land Rover vehicle in service to assist in saving lives," said John C. Stepp Jr., dealer principal of Land Rover Anchorage, "We are here to support the girls in any capacity."

Off-road driving specialist and ex-Camel Trophy winner, Tim Hensley of Portland, OR will conduct a two-day off-road training school in Anchorage structured to teach the girls safety and capability of the Land Rover Discovery. They will learn and apply off-road driving techniques as well as tips on how to use the recovery equipment. "It is our goal to train these girls on the capability of the vehicle so they can carry out their mission with confidence, safety and in respect for the environment." said Hensley.

Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the US in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Discovery and Freelander vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan.