Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo Lead the European Charge in Detroit

Major announcements from premier manufacturers set to take centre stage at North American International Auto Show January 2005 (Newstream) -- Three of Europe's major carmakers are set to make a major impact next week in Detroit with a series of high profile launches.

The motoring world gets its first sight of Range Rover's new SUV, as the Range Rover Sport hits the stands. It's an entirely new vehicle from the world's leading off-road carmaker, with the highest power output ever delivered to a Land Rover model, courtesy of 4.2 litre V8 engine.

On road dynamics are provided through the company's new Dynamic Response suspension system and performance tuned chassis - a high tech solution that gives refined conventional driving but decouples off-road to allow greater wheel articulation.

"We see it as a less frenetic, more refined alternative to existing SUVs", says Matthew Taylor, Managing Director of Land Rover. "It's ideal for fast, comfortable long-distance driving and practical enough for everyday use, yet it's also exceptional off-road."

Volvo are using the North American Show to premiere the greener face of future motoring, with the launch of its 3CC concept car. The 3CC is a sleek, sports tourer capable of carrying 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. The surprise, however, comes in the back - not a normal engine but a powerful, zero-emission electric powertrain capable of driving the 3CC for up to 300Km (180 miles)

"Volvo Car rank environmental care as much a core value as safety and quality", says Volvo's Environmental Manager, Anders Karrberg. "The Volvo 3CC and the thinking behind it has the potential to become a catalyst for change in the way people view car use."

But Jaguar may yet steal the show with a closely guarded announcement that will have fans of the marque purring.