Land Rover Shows Broadest Line Ever at Atlanta Auto Show

ATLANTA, March 11 -- With Spring just around the corner, the new open-air Freelander SE3 from Land Rover is sure to attract attention at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution International Auto Show today through March 16. The newest Land Rover joins the broadest vehicle line-up ever from the British four-wheel drive maker. With four distinct models -- Range Rover, Discovery, and the five- and three-door Freelander -- the company is poised to provide a premium dual-purpose vehicle for discriminating buyers in the Southeast United States. In fact, Atlanta is one of the most important sales areas for Land Rover and contributes heavily to North America's standing as the largest export market for the brand.

The Land Rover line of four-wheel drive vehicles set sales records during 2002 thanks to tremendous response to the all-new Range Rover, the revised and refined Discovery 4.6 and the sporty all-wheel drive Freelander. With its sales increasing by some 51 percent overall, Land Rover and fellow British marques Jaguar and Aston Martin comprise the fastest growing brands in America.

Land Rover retailers in the Atlanta-area offer some of the most sought after products on the market right now, including the 2003 Range Rover. Launched last June, the 282hp, 4.4-liter premium SUV has won several awards for being the best luxury sport utility both in Europe and in North America. Only the third all-new Range Rover in 32 years, this SUV has all the Land Rover capability you could ever use thanks to permanent four-wheel drive, five-speed CommandShift(TM) automatic transmission and a host of electronic traction aids including Dynamic Stability Control. Its unique height adjustable, independent air suspension exceeds the capability of its renowned predecessors.

The interior has been called the most beautiful in any kind of vehicle. The MSRP is $71,200 with complimentary scheduled maintenance during the four- year, 50,000-mile warranty period. EPA is 12mpg city, 17 highway.

The Discovery for '03 gets the 4.6-liter, 217hp aluminum V8 that was also used in the 2002 Range Rover. A new front-end appearance, similar to its stable mate the new Range Rover, and 368 engineering refinements transform the 2003 Discovery into a much more responsive and refined contender in the mid- size SUV arena.

The stepped roof and stadium seating have long been a hit with passengers in the back seat who like the headroom and airy feeling. Despite its compact size, Discovery has seven passenger seating available as an option.

You can now get an optional DVD player in the S and SE versions, while the HSE has an in-dash navigation system whose display is part of the radio face. Discovery has all the Land Rover off-road capability you expect from the brand including Hill Descent Control and four-wheel electronic traction control. Discovery has an MSRP starting at $34,350 with free scheduled maintenance and 24 hour road recovery. EPA mileage estimates are 12mpg city, 16 highway.

Rounding out the Land Rover lineup is the all-wheel drive Freelander, now with two models: the five-door S, SE and HSE and the new three-door SE3. Freelander appeals to those who appreciate European handling in a smaller SUV package. The 174hp, 2.5 liter V6 engine is mated to a five-speed, CommandShift(TM) automatic transmission. Land Rover developed and patented Hill Descent Control for use on this vehicle. But make no mistake, Freelander has the ability to get you through muck, snow and unpaved roads with confidence. With more than 46 cubic feet of cargo space, Freelander is a great all-weather hauler, or beach buggy. You'll also enjoy your favorite tunes on the premium harman kardon(R) CD stereo with in-dash CD player -- standard in all versions. An in-dash navigation system is standard in the top of the line HSE. Freelander EPA mileage is 17 city, 21 highway.

New to the Freelander line is the SE3, a 3-door version with removable roof panels and rear cargo cover. SE3 adds a sporty flair and open-air fun for those with an active lifestyle. It shares the same mechanical specifications as the five-door version.

Commenting on the record results Richard Beattie, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing for Jaguar Land Rover said, "We replaced and updated our entire model line-up and expanded from two to four models. A concerted effort went into developing our retail network in 2002, which now totals 146 stores, 101 of which are unique Land Rover Centres. We have made massive improvements to our manufacturing facilities in the UK and have the right products for North America. We will set sales records again in 2003 and strive for our best ever customer satisfaction levels."

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 4.6 and Freelander vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FINE-4WD or log on to www.LandRover.com .

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: Land Rover-related press releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media web site (media.landrover.com ). Electronic photos of Land Rover products can also be received in digital form through Wieck Photo DataBase at (972) 392-0888 or http://media.wieckphoto.com . Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.