Land Rover Eden Prairie Takes 2003 TReK Title

FT. GARLAND, Colo., Aug. 11, 2003 -- Land Rover Eden Prairie of Eden Prairie, Minnesota has won the Land Rover TReK 2003. This triumphant three-man team bested thirty-eight other North American Land Rover retailer teams in the grueling off-road competition recently held at Forbes Trinchera Ranch, Colorado.

The Minnesota-based automotive retail team included Wayne Pisinski, Ross Corey and Ryan Krause. Their determination, teamwork and consistency through their regional selection trial and the National finals, proved to be the winning formula for scores in orienteering, kayaking and various off-road test drives. Of a possible 700 points in the final competition, Land Rover Eden Prairie scored a total of 630 points.

"The competition was very close and the point spread was very narrow," said Bob Burns, national training and development manager Land Rover North America. "To win, you can't just be a rocket scientist, or you can't just be a super-athlete, but when you combine the two, you have Land Rover Eden Prairie."

In North America, Land Rover's training unit, Land Rover University, created "TReK", an event that proves to be the ultimate team-building and brand awareness exercise including events such as orienteering, autocross, kayaking regatta, running, biking and an English trials course.

The main event was an off-road obstacle course called "TReK Test Drive" that required the teams to maneuver their 2004 TReK Discoverys through off-road situations such as a "pivot bridge" obstacle and a 45-degree angle final winch ascent.

The 2004 Discovery model used for TReK 2003 features a 4.6-liter engine with manually locking center differential. Burns and his crew feel it's the most capable Discovery ever built, and the terrain in Colorado was a perfect place to showcase the full extent of its capability.

"TReK is a unique motivational competition that gives Land Rover an edge in the marketplace," said Sally Eastwood, vice president, marketing Land Rover North America. "Competitors return to their retail facilities with the enthusiasm and spirit of adventure inherent in Land Rover brand values."

"The goal of TReK is not only to highlight the capabilities of Land Rover vehicles, but also to build excitement at the retailer level, which translates to our customers through the sales and service experience," added Eastwood.

Second place honors go to Land Rover Denver South with a score of 580 and Land Rover Buckhead with a score of 560 points. Fourth, fifth and sixth place go to Land Rover Naperville, The AutoMaster, and Land Rover of Richmond respectively.

In addition, the Canadian team from British Columbia, Land Rover of Richmond, takes home the "Spirit Award" for continuous encouragement throughout the event.

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.

Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change. For the latest Land Rover pricing and product information, contact Land Rover North America Corporate Communications at (949) 341-6800.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.