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LRNA Dedicates Land Rover University

26 September 1997

LRNA Dedicates Land Rover University

              Purpose-Built Facility Provides Extensive Training
                       And College Credit Opportunities

    LANHAM, Md., Sept. 26 -- Land Rover North America, Inc. today
dedicated Land Rover University, one of the few purpose-built facilities of
its kind among all U.S. imported and domestic automotive companies.
    A concept under development since 1995, LRU offers a growing curriculum of
courses to educate and develop retail and corporate team members in all
aspects of the automotive business, including technical repairs, customer
handling, product knowledge, leadership and management, selling skills,
teamworking and off-road driving skills.  In addition, courses are available
at satellite campuses at Triton College near Chicago and in Aliso Viejo,
California and Mississauga, Ontario.  These "on-campus" programs are
complemented by a full program of in-house/on-territory learning events which
focus heavily on supporting the company's highly successful Land Rover
Centres.
    Prior to opening a new Centre, all team members are required to
participate in a four-day training program designed to familiarize each person
with Land Rover's products and processes, with a strong emphasis on team
building.  Further personal development can mean up to another ten days of
training, depending on a person's experience.  LRU has also forged strong
links with the University of Maryland University College and currently offers
UMUC's EXCEL experiential learning program throughout the corporate and retail
body.  Eleven of the technical classes available to dealer technicians have
been evaluated and approved to receive college credit recommendations.
    Centres currently number 55 of the company's 108 retailers and are
expected to grow to 65 by year-end.
    LRU's design echoes many components of Land Rover Centres.  Designed in
the open, airy style of a hunting lodge or garden centre, the handsomely
rustic facility contains classrooms, seminar rooms, a complete training shop
with all standard Centre equipment and two hands-on workshops.
    The 22-acre site will also boast its own dedicated off-road demonstration
course, scheduled for completion later this year, designed to preserve the
existing natural wooded terrain while showcasing the capabilities of the
British-built Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery.
    Charles R. Hughes, president, LRNA, said, "We are proud that the
completion of Land Rover University and its extensive curriculum completes our
ambitious $12+  million building program begun just two years ago.  Our 1986
decision to locate here, based on proximity to national, state and county
government and the Port of Baltimore as well as the quality of life and the
area's workforce, has been handsomely rewarded."
    The first in the three-phase building program, the six-acre Land Rover
Demonstration Course at Lanham Creek, dedicated in July 1996, offers fifteen
challenges over a 2,000-foot trail, including three designated for experts
only.  Constructed in an environmentally sensitive manner, neither the habitat
of the myriad plants and animals found there nor the adjacent non-tidal
wetlands were impacted by its construction.
    The second phase, the company's 60,000 square foot new corporate
headquarters was dedicated this past April in the presence of Princess
Alexandra, first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony attended by more
than 300, including state and county dignitaries, dealer principals and
employees.
    Jim Newell, vice president, LRU, said, "The University's non-traditional,
state-of-the-art programs and the hands-on experience provided will help us
remain on the cutting edge of developing our associates.  We are a company
full of 4X4 enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with
current and potential owners seeking an on-going, enjoyable automotive
relationship in harmony with their lifestyle.  LRU's belief that 'OUR PEOPLE
ARE THE BRAND' gives a clear indication of our commitment to lifelong learning
throughout the extended enterprise here in North America.  As we approach the
April 30, 1998 fiftieth anniversary of Land Rover, we are proud that LRU
carries forward the tradition and heritage of excellence embodied in its
world-renowned products."
    Land Rover North America, Inc. is a member of the Rover Group of
Companies, importing vehicles manufactured by Land Rover, Solihull, England.
The Rover Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG.

SOURCE  Land Rover North America, Inc.