Land Rover Sales See Double-Digit Rise in February

PEABODY, MASS. (03/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Building upon a strong 2012 thus far, iconic off-road brand Land Rover saw a 27-percent increase in U.S. sales last month compared to February 2011. Land Rover dealers sold 3,255 units in February, thanks in large part to strong performances from the Range Rover Sport and all-new Range Rover Evoque compact utility.

As two of Land Rover's sleeker vehicles, the Range Rover Sport sold 1,091 units last month, up 11 percent from a year ago, while the Range Rover Evoque moved 715 units in its first February. Both vehicles include luxury features commonly found in high-end sedans, like premium leather upholstery and, in the case of the 2012 Range Rover Sport, Straight Grain Walnut Wood or Anigre Wood interior accents. Meanwhile, the 2012 Evoque incorporates Satin Brushed Aluminum accents that are more in line with its modern, urban-inspired styling.

"It was Land Rover's more luxurious vehicles that stood out in the sales report from February, but that's only because they still provide big-time capability," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Greater Boston Range Rover dealership Land Rover Peabody. "Land Rover's strong sales thus far this year have been aided by the continued recovery of the market, but the company has also anticipated the needs of post-recession buyers. That is no more clear than in the design of the fuel-efficient Evoque."

While two Range Rovers may have stolen the sales spotlight last month, they are not the only vehicles in Land Rover's lineup making headlines. To celebrate production of the millionth Land Rover Discovery, sold stateside as the LR4, Land Rover is sending three Discovery models on an 8,000-mile journey from its birthplace in Birmingham, UK to China in time for the Beijing Motor Show's start on April 23.

Dubbed the Journey of Discovery, the endeavor's send-off party featured notable explorers like Ray Mears, Monty Halls, Ben Saunders, Bear Grylls and Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The trip follows in the tracks of The First Overland Expedition of 1955, which featured a team of explorers in a Land Rover Series 1 that set out to drive from Birmingham to Beijing before being forced to divert to Singapore.

The Journey of Discovery isn't simply an exercise in back-patting, however. It will also serve as a fundraiser, with the ambitious goal of raising one million British pounds for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The donations will support a water-sanitation project and aid about 45,000 people in Uganda.

"Land Rover has been working with the IFRC since 1954 to support those in need," Edwards noted. "It's good to know that while Land Rover has grown more successful over the decades, it still maintains a great sense of social responsibility."

About Land Rover Peabody:

Land Rover Peabody is home to a remarkable group of off-road enthusiasts who know exactly what their customers expect in Land Rover sales and service. They're proud to offer the latest Land Rover models, as well as unparalleled Land Rover service and OEM parts, and they invite new customers to take a test drive on their unique demonstration course to experience Land Rover performance firsthand. Browse their selection online at www.roverpeabody.com, visit the showroom at 247 Newbury St. in Peabody, MA, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/landroverpeabody or call them at 978-535-9200.