Land Rover is a British car manufacturer that produces premium all-wheel drive off-road vehicles. Owned by Indian Tata Motors and is part of the Jaguar Land Rover group. The headquarters are located in Wheatley, Coventry.
The brand appeared in 1948, and the company of the same name was formed only in 1978. Prior to that, the brand was part of the Rover product line.
In the postwar years, British industry was in decline. Strategic materials were distributed according to quotas among enterprises capable of producing competitive products intended for export. Before the war, under the Rover brand were assembled fast and elegant cars, but now they were not in demand. The market was longing for something simpler and more reliable. In addition, there were difficulties in obtaining the necessary spare parts. The head of the company, Spencer Wilkes, was looking for something to load the idle facilities of his enterprise.
During this time, his brother Maurice Wilkes could not find spare parts to repair his Army Willys. Then the brothers came up with the idea to create an alternative Willys, an inexpensive and undemanding all-terrain vehicle that would be useful to farmers. The automotive industry has been a priority in the recovery of the British economy. The Wilkes brothers received government approval to resume civilian production and settled in the new Meteor Works in Solihull. During the Second World War, this enterprise produced engines for aircraft and tanks. Therefore, many sheets of aluminum accumulated here, which were later used for the body of the first Land Rover car.
The American Willis Jeep was taken as a basis for its development. For the bodywork, Birmabright aluminum alloy was used - a lightweight and easy-to-process material that helped reduce costs. In addition, it was resistant to corrosion, making the brand's machines durable in the harshest environments. The design of the car was also as simple as possible. Instead of extruded steel parts for the chassis, the designers chose to weld pieces of scrap steel together and then assemble and use them as a supporting frame. The result is a sturdy and reliable chassis that is inexpensive to manufacture.
The assembly of the first prototype was completed in the summer of 1947. It received the name Center Steer. A pre-production sample was shown in the spring of 1948 at an exhibition in Amsterdam. Its hood bore a new name for the automotive industry - Land Rover. The novelty aroused great public interest, much to the surprise of its creators.
The first cars were ascetic. They received the green paint used for aircraft, a ladder-type frame, a centrally located steering wheel, a 48-horsepower 1.5-liter engine, a special galvanized frame, four-wheel drive. Reliable and simple machines were in demand. Just three months after the start of production, the new SUV was already on sale in 68 countries. The maximum speed was only 75 km / h. It was a noisy and tough machine, which nevertheless became a favorite of farmers.
Land Rover Series I (1948-1985)
Initially, the Wilkes brothers considered their new brainchild as a kind of "intermediate" option that will help the company to survive difficult times, but already in 1949 the number of SUVs produced exceeded the number of Rover sedans.
The novelty brought in income, which allowed the introduction of a number of improvements. Since 1950, cars have been fitted with an upgraded drive system that allows the driver to choose between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Several wheelbase lengths and body variations were introduced. The car was very popular with the military: it was listed in the armed forces of several countries.
Since 1957, Land Rover vehicles could be equipped with diesel engines. Then came a closed aluminum body and a thermally insulated roof. The spring suspension has been replaced by a spring suspension. The first classic Land Rover has survived to this day. Since 1990, it has been known as the Defender.
In parallel with the release of utilitarian all-terrain vehicles, the company was developing a car that could combine the comfort of a sedan and the cross-country ability of an SUV. A year after the launch of the first Land Rover, the Station Wagon was introduced with a closed seven-seater body. The list of its equipment included an interior heater, a wiper with two brushes, soft door upholstery, leather seats, a protective spare wheel cover. The timber-framed, aluminum-skinned body was designed by Tickford. However, the car turned out to be too expensive and did not have the success that its creators hoped for. But the next model has become a real legend.
Range Rover appeared in 1970 and was designed primarily for the American market. It was powered by a Buick V8 gasoline engine with permanent all-wheel drive and long-stroke spring suspension. The car became an exhibit at the Louvre as an outstanding achievement in the field of automotive design. For many years to come, this model has become a leader in its class, setting new quality standards.
The launch program for the machine in the North American market was named Project Eagle. The model was equipped with a forced motor, thanks to which the maximum speed exceeded 160 km / h, and the acceleration time to 100 km / h was 11.9 seconds. In 1985, Range Rover of North America is created. The car was designed for wealthy buyers, so it was equipped with cruise control, air conditioning and an automatic transmission as standard.
Land Rover Range Rover (1970)
In the 80s, the company also implemented another large-scale project, which resulted in the famous Discovery, intended for family use. The car was based on the Range Rover, but received a simpler and cheaper body. Its debut took place at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show.
In 1993, the 1.5 millionth Land Rover was released, and a year later the Rover Group was bought by BMW AG. The Bavarian automaker immediately set about designing a new Range Rover model that would be radically different from its predecessors. The car received a specially designed chassis and a reconfigured V8 engine. In addition, it could be equipped with a 2.5-liter BMW diesel engine. Electronics controlled everything in the new product - from safety systems to self-leveling suspension.
In 1997, the smallest car, the Freelander, appeared in the company's lineup. Then there was a joke that Land Rover, in addition to SUVs, produces a variety of souvenirs: badges, baseball caps, T-shirts and Freelander. However, despite the skepticism, when it appeared, the "baby" quickly became popular: already in 1998, 70,000 units of the model were sold. For five years, until 2002, the Freelander remained Europe's most popular four-wheel drive vehicle.
He earned the love of the public not only for the good size and all-terrain characteristics inherent in the brand, but also for a large number of unique patented technologies. So, he was the first to receive the HDC controlled downhill movement system, which allowed him to safely descend on an incline. It became the first model of the brand with independent all-wheel suspension, monocoque body and transverse engine. In 2003, the Freelander was refreshed, changing the bumpers and interior, as well as offering new optics.
Land Rover Freelander (1997-2014)
In 1998, the updated Discovery Series II was introduced with an improved chassis, a new five-cylinder diesel engine and an innovative system of direct injection pump injectors.
In 2003, the flagship New Range Rover comes out with a monocoque body, independent suspension and a new power unit. It immediately becomes one of the leaders among luxury SUVs.
In the spring of 2004, the Discovery 3 model was introduced, created from scratch. It was equipped with an independent suspension, as well as an electronic assistant Terrain Responce, which changes settings depending on the type of road surface. A frame integrated into the body lowered the center of mass.
In 2005, a new flagship appeared on the market - the Range Rover Sport, which many call the best car in Land Rover history in terms of handling and dynamic performance. They fell in love with him for his compactness, maneuverability and excellent all-terrain qualities.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005)
In 2006, official sales of the brand's cars began in Russia. Buyers love the British models for their reliability, handling and quality, paying tribute to their off-road performance and comfortable ride. The best-selling models in Russia are Range Rover Evoque, Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover Sport.
In 2008, the Indian company Tata Motors bought the brand together with Jaguar.
In 2011, the compact crossover Range Rover Evoque debuted. It is offered in three and five door versions, with two or four wheel drive. The Range Rover Evoque has been designed for city driving. One of the main tasks in its design was to reduce CO2 emissions and high fuel efficiency. In the first year of production, 88,000 units of the model were sold. The car was warmly received by automotive experts and journalists. It has been named Car of the Year by the respected Auto Express magazine, as well as Motor Trend and Top Gear's Car of the Year.
Land Rover is now continuing to develop its vehicle lineup and improve its models. Not least in R&D is emission reduction and hybrid technologies, which continue the technological evolution of one of the world's most respected car brands.
The British automobile company Land Rover, which specializes in the production of premium off-road vehicles, was born in 1948. The Wilkes brothers became the founders of the enterprise. Maurice Wilkes was chief designer at the time, and Spencer Wilkes was chief executive of British automaker Rover. As conceived by the leading managers, the Land Rover project was supposed to help Rover survive the difficult times that befell the company. But over time, the company took its own confident niche in the global automotive market.
Since 2008, Land Rover has been owned by the Tata Group, which owns the Indian car manufacturer Tata Motors.
The first Land Rover car was based on the American military Willys jeep. In post-war Great Britain there was a difficult situation with metal, but aluminum was abundant, as well as spare parts for aircraft. The Wilkes brothers were able to get the Meteor Works plant and government approval for a simple four-wheel drive car with an aluminum body.
Even before the official registration date of Land Rover in 1947, a pre-production sample of a new car with the name Center Steer was ready. The car had a ladder frame, an engine and transmission from a passenger Rover, a body painted green with paint from military aircraft. Having made 25 prototypes of the new car and renamed the novelty Land Rover, the creators presented their SUV at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Where is the car, as the history of the Land Rover company notes, enjoyed great interest among specialists and ordinary motorists.
In the first year of production (1948), the number of Land Rover SUVs produced was equal to all Rover passenger sedans that came off the assembly line. And in 1949, it sold twice as many jeeps as in the previous year.
In 1950, the first-born Land Rover underwent modernization. The all-wheel drive system was improved (the driver could choose between four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive with a lever), the engine displacement increased, and versions with wheelbases of different lengths appeared.
In 1957, a 2-liter diesel engine was installed on the Land Rover, and a year later a 2.3-liter gasoline unit appeared.
In 1959, the production of SUVs exceeded 250 thousand copies, the car was appreciated by firefighters and rescuers, military and civilian services.
In 1965, the half-millionth Land Rover car was released, the range of motors installed on cars expanded with six-cylinder engines.
In 1968, the British SUV got a V8, a new all-wheel drive system and disc brakes. Land Rover Company became part of British Leyland Motor Corporation.
In 1970, a significant event took place in the history of the company - the debut of a new Range Rover model. A car with a stunning design (it was exhibited in the Louvre next to the painting by Leonardo da Vinci "La Gioconda" as an example of modern art) and a comfortable interior. Off-road qualities of the novelty were not inferior to the traditional Land Rover.
During the 70-80s of the 20th century, Land Rover and Range Rover are constantly undergoing improvements and improvements, the company's cars take part in the Paris-Dakar rally and a specially created extreme competition for Land Rover and Range Rover off-road vehicles - Camel Trophy (1980-2000) ...
In 1989, a third model appeared - the Land Rover Discovery.
1990 - The classic Land Rover is renamed Defender.
In 1993, the British company came under the control of the German BMW.
1994, the second generation of Range Rover appears, the premium SUV becomes more luxurious and more expensive.
In 1997, another new Land Rover was created, the first model of the company with a monocoque body - the Land Rover Freelander. This car opens the era of crossovers. Land Rover Defender 90 with eight passengers was able to climb the highest mountain in Europe - Elbrus (5642 meters), thereby proving its extraordinary off-road capabilities.
In 1998 Land Rover Defender undergoes significant modernization and renewal, the start of sales of the 2nd generation Land Rover Discovery.
In 2000, Land Rover became the property of the Ford Motor Company. By the way, the same fate befell Lincoln, Volvo, Aston Martin and Jaguar.
In 2001, the 3 millionth Land Rover SUV rolled off the assembly line, Land Rover Discovery 2 was recognized as the best car with 4x4 all-wheel drive according to Auto Express magazine, and the premiere of the new 3rd generation Range Rover took place.
2003 - Rover Freelander was restyled.
Land Rover Discovery3 premiered at the 2004 New York Auto Show.
In 2005, after modernization and restyling, a second version of the SUV with a shortened body appeared - the Range Rover Sport.
Year 2007 - start of sales of Freelander 3.
In 2009, the fourth generation of the Rover Discovery appeared.
In 2011, the lineup was replenished with the compact luxury crossover Range Rover Evoque.
Currently, Land Rover and Range Rover SUVs are represented in Russia and the CIS countries by all manufactured models: Defender 90, Defender 110, Freelander 2, Discovery4, Evoque, Range Rover and Sport Range Rover.
Land Rover and Range Rover SUVs are manufactured at Solihull and Halwood UK factories. The third Freelander besides the UK is produced in Aqaba (Jordan) and Pune (India).
Range Rover is the legendary SUV produced by Land Rover, the flagship vehicle of the concern. Country of origin of Range Rover - Great Britain. The car began to be produced in 1970. During this time, he managed to appear in many films. The world fame of the model was brought by a series of James Bond paintings. Currently, the Land Rover concern is the manufacturer of the fourth generation Evoque and Sport models. These vehicles are very popular. The company produces up to 50 thousand cars a year.
Development of the first car models
The company began attempts to create an SUV back in 1951. The Willys army SUV was taken as a basis. The engineers wanted to create the same reliable all-terrain vehicle for the needs of British farmers. During the war years, the company's plant produced aircraft engines. Many sheets of aluminum remained from this production, which were used for the bodies of new cars for the needs of the country. Rover, a manufacturer of military equipment, was thus provided with a high quality aluminum alloy, resistant to corrosion, which increased the service life of the vehicles.
In parallel with the production of cars for farmers, the company was developing a more comfortable SUV. But the first models of such cars were too expensive and were not popular. It took several decades to create the future legend.
First generation
The Range Rover Classic model was produced by the British company from 1970 to 1996. During this time, more than 300 thousand copies were sold. The first cars were designed for test drives. Real sales started in September 1970. The model was constantly improved and refined. Since 1971, the company has started producing 250 vehicles per week.
The car had a unique design for its time. For some time he was exhibited at the Louvre as one of the exhibits. The model was in great demand, and its price rose rapidly. Until 1981, the car was only available in a 3-door version. These cars were considered the safest and most robust. In addition, the model was fully compliant with US export requirements.
Disc brakes were installed on all wheels of the car. The aluminum hood was replaced with a steel one, which increased the overall weight of the vehicle. The model was equipped with a powerful and reliable Buick engine. The machine was designed to enter the American market. At the same time, the country of origin of Range Rover is Great Britain.
In 1972 a 4-door model was developed. But she never made it to the market. Then came the 5-door SUV.
The Range Rover Monteverdi was released in 1981. The car was designed for wealthy buyers. A new leather interior and air conditioning were installed in it. The success of this model allowed the company to begin developing a four-door car. The new model was equipped with a 3.5 liter engine, an injection system and two carburetors. The car could accelerate to 160 km / h. This set a new record for SUVs. Polyester bumpers, original body paint, finest wood interiors and other features set the new model apart from the others. The cars were equipped with carburetor and injection engines.
The company has developed the Discovery car for family use. The model received a cheaper body. The disadvantages of cars of the first generation include their high cost, lack of automatic transmission. generations were not for sale.
Second generation
Range Rover P38A production began in 1994, 24 years after the first vehicles were introduced. In 1993 the company became the property of BMW. At the same time, England was still called the country of origin of Range Rover.
More than 200,000 copies of this five-door SUV have been sold. The models were powered by an updated version of the V8 petrol engine, the M51 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder M51 diesel engine from BMW. The car was offered in an improved configuration.
Its advantages include stylish design, spaciousness of the cabin, excellent technical characteristics, and safety. Disadvantages of the model are fuel consumption, high cost of repairs and spare parts, failure of electronic systems.
Third generation
Range Rover L322 appeared in 2002 and was produced until 2012. This model was devoid of a frame structure. It was developed in collaboration with BMW. The model contains common components and systems (electronics, power supplies) with BMW E38 vehicles. But the country of origin of Range Rover is still England.
In 2006, official sales of the company's cars began in Russia. In 2006 and 2009, the model was updated. The exterior of the car was changed, the interior was redesigned, the engines were modernized, the list of available options was expanded.
Fourth generation
The Range Rover L405 was unveiled at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show and has an aluminum body. When creating this machine, engineers used the latest technology. The model is equipped with a comfortable and roomy body. Currently, the British company continues to develop new car models. Few have a question about which country the Range Rover is produced. Tradition remains tradition.
The world owes the existence of the Land Rover brand to the Wilkes brothers - the chief designer and CEO of the automobile company Rover, who created an unpretentious and inexpensive “jeep” with an aluminum body in the difficult post-war years. With the appearance in 1947 of the first prototype of this model, the history of the world-famous English manufacturer of premium SUVs began.
The history of the Land Rover brand
The Land Rover brand name refers to the Rover company founded in 1887. One of the founders of this company, John Camp Starley, is famous for developing and patenting a model of a bicycle with a chain drive to the rear wheel. The design he invented is used today, almost a century and a half later, and in some countries the words "bike" and "Rover" are synonymous.
Manufacturers of technology in Britain, weakened after the Second World War, had to survive by all available means. Government orders for aircraft and other military equipment dried up, and in addition, the country had strict quotas on the use of steel. At the same time, after the end of aircraft production, a huge amount of aluminum accumulated in warehouses. The Wilkes brothers decided to make inexpensive SUVs out of it to help the company hold out until the free float of steel.
Aluminum also had one more advantage - it was the best suited for the production of cars intended for use in difficult conditions, since this metal does not rust, and the body made from it has a low weight, which allows you to save fuel with the impressive dimensions of the "jeep" ...
In the spring of 48, the first 25 machines were shown at an exhibition in Amsterdam and aroused great interest.
However, the jeep was not destined to become a temporary help to the company - already in 49, the number of Land Rovers sold exceeded the total number of cars sold by the company.
The first modifications of Land Rover did not even have their own name - numbers were added to the brand name, for example, Land Rover 109.
In 1970, the Range Rover premium SUV was created.
In the early eighties, the company began developing a mid-range SUV. It was based on a Range Rover chassis combined with a more modest and smaller body. was presented in 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
In 1991, the "numbered" models ceased to exist, giving life to the same uncompromising Defender SUV.
According to one version, the idea of the logo was inspired by the case of a sardine can, forgotten in the drawings by one of the engineers. An oval oil trace remained on the paper, which became the prototype of the oval framing the inscription in the company logo.
Change of brand owners
Land Rover is headquartered in Gaydon, England, Warwickshire. Modern models - Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Evoque are assembled at two factories in Solihull and Halwood.
The company gained relative independence only in 1978. Until this moment, Land Rover was a division of Rover, which was part of the large automobile holding Leyland Motor Corporation.
Subsequently, the division became part of the JLR Group. In 1994, the Rover Group, together with the JLR, acquired the German one.
In 2000, BMW sold part of the business, resulting in the Ford concern becoming the owner of Land Rover.
The chain of ownership ended only in 2008, when Jaguar and Land Rover were acquired by the Indian company Tata.
Land Rover technology.
Talking about the technologies that have become the hallmark of the brand, one cannot fail to mention the Land Rover V8 engine. In the classic version, its volume was 3.5 liters with an effective power of 156 hp. Differs in simplicity of design.
The Range Rover was one of the world's very first diesel-powered premium vehicles.
Land Rover's aluminum body is also noteworthy, which is durable and not subject to corrosion.
Range Rover's latest technology includes a dual image display and (Hill descent control).
Land Rover in motorsport
For the first time in 1979, a French crew in a special Range Rover model won the Paris-Dakar Rally. The Range Rover brought the rally victory again in 1981.
It is impossible not to mention the Camel Trophy - an international automobile competition that took place on difficult terrain in Brazil, Chile and Argentina from 1980 to 2000. The competition was attended by teams from all over the world on Land Rover off-road vehicles.
Key models
Unlike "numbered" models with leaf spring suspension, Range Rover axles are spring supported. The car was initially focused on the American market and operation mainly on asphalt.
The design of the new model was so successful that in 1971 the Range Rover Classic was exhibited at the Louvre Museum as an example of high art.
The current third generation Range Rover is a product of a long evolution, in the process of which the car is constantly overgrown with more and more new options aimed at improving comfort: air suspension, downhill assist, etc.
The top model of the modern is equipped with a traditional for the brand petrol "eight" with a volume of 5 liters and a capacity of 510 horsepower with a mechanical supercharger. The maximum torque is 625 Nm.
Land rover defender
The successor to the "numbered" models remains one of the few "true" off-road vehicles with a ladder frame, two axles and a six-speed transmission with permanent all-wheel drive, a two-stage transfer case and a lockable center differential. - along the length of the wheelbase in inches. Of all the early models and later "Defenders" released, 70% still serve their owners.
Land Rover in Russia
In Russia, Land Rover has a peculiar image: rumors persist that this car is unreliable, but its fans are growing every year. The main demand in Russia is for the most expensive models - Range Rover and Discovery.
Land Rover sales in Russia began in 1996. In 2001, an official representative office was opened. In 2006, Land Rover sold 6,299 cars in our market, and in 2010 - 9970. Every day more and more cars, including Land Rover, are stolen in Russia. Discovery and Freelander are most often attacked by hijackers.
In early November, sales of a new model from Land rover began in Russia - a compact SUV called. The company plans to open a plant in Russia.
The Defender SUV owes its signature paint to military supplies - after the end of World War II, a large amount of paint was left in warehouses, which was painted in a protective color of aircraft fuselages.
There are many famous people among the owners of Land Rover: Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Paul McCartney. Singer Madonna once chose a Range Rover as the lead vehicle for a wedding procession. James Bond has also driven Land Rover on several occasions.
Six and a half decades equates to 780 months or 23,725 days. During this period, Land Rover has grown from an oversimplified beachfront plan to a global brand that sells hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The history of Land Rover is a journey full of adventure, engineering knowledge, innovation, risk and, above all, thousands of loyal brand owners.
The term "Land Rover" was originally used to name one of the first off-road vehicles for the civilian population in 1948. It was only later that he became a manufacturer of various vehicles and finally became a 4 × 4 brand.
Below in the article are just a few of the main points that made Land Rover a big company.
The beginning of the way
The history of Land Rover began in the difficult times of the post-war period. The war brought many changes to the world map and left powerful nations in ruins. Great Britain was completely exhausted and people lived in difficult economic conditions.
1947 - The birth of a legend
The history of Land Rover began with a drawing drawn on the sand of a Welsh beach in 1947. On their farm, Rover CTO Maurice Wilkes and his brother Spencer Wilkes (Managing Director) saw a niche in the SUV market and began developing a Land Rover using a Jeep chassis and a Rover engine.
The body was made of light alloy and the chassis was made from scraps of standardized steel. The fact is that after the war, steel became a very scarce commodity, and aluminum was in abundance. A 1.6-liter engine worked under the hood of the car.
1948 - Launch of Land Rover and instant success at the Amsterdam Motor Show
A year later, the first Land Rover was shown at the Amsterdam Motor Show and was an instant success. Rover quickly realizes that the introduced product in the niche is capable of overtaking other cars - and by the end of the year, it begins to export these cars, called "Farmer's Friend", to 70 countries around the world.
1950 - Renewal of the four-drive gearbox
Changes to the original Land Rover design include larger, more powerful headlights that shine through the grille holes and hard top hardware. The four-drive gearbox is completely changed.
1951 - Increase in engine size
Rover's 1.6-liter engine has been replaced with a larger 2.0-liter unit.
1953 - Increase in the cargo area of the early Land Rover
The increase in the space of the cargo compartment is due to the long wheelset of the Land Rover (218 cm). On the new, a Pick Up version and a station wagon are created, which have become as popular as the other versions.
1955 - New power unit
The history of Land Rover got its continuation thanks to a new power unit, which was produced for Rover sedans.
1956 - Bigger and Better: Long Wheelbase - More Space
The Land Rover gets bigger and better - a 272-centimeter wheelbase is introduced, which facilitated the placement of 10 seats. It has also been expanded from 223 cm to 277 cm to make room for a new one under development.
1957 - New family of diesel engines
The start of a whole new engine family is a 2.0-liter diesel engine with special overhead valves.
Second generation and further development
1958 - Still Significant After 10 Years: Series II
The Land Rover Series II stands out at the Amsterdam Motor Show (just like it did ten years ago after the first Land Rover). It has a wider body on the sides and sills to hide the chassis. The car debuted with a new 2.2-liter petrol engine and was received very positively.
1959 - Production of the 250,000th Land Rover
Another milestone of the legendary brand was the 250,000th car, which rolled off the assembly line of the plant this year.
1961 - Series II A: high power output
The history of the Land Rover spans the production period of the II A series, and the vehicle's engine capacity has been increased to provide more power. In the same year, a 12-seater station wagon is introduced.
1965 - Purchase of alloy V8 engine
Negotiations with General Motors were successfully completed, and Land Rover acquired the right to all alloys of the lightweight 3.5-liter V8 petrol engine.
1966 - Release of the 500,000th car
In April, Land Rover production reaches half a million mark.
1967 - Rover merges with Leyland
Rover merges with truck manufacturer Leyland, which in turn acquired rival automaker Triumph. On models with a 276-centimeter wheelbase, a six-cylinder 2.6-liter engine is available.
1968 - The merger of the two largest companies
Leyland - including Rover and Triumph - joins the British Motor Corporation (BMC). The merger includes Austin, Morris and Jaguar, thus uniting the British car manufacturers into one company - British Leyland.
After three years of development, the Truck Utility ½ Ton, better known as the Lightweight, enters the service of the British Army.
1969 - Changes in lighting standards
In accordance with the new rules for the front fenders.
The video shows the history of the Land Rover brand:
The third series and the birth of the Range Rover
1970 - Range Rover is born
In June 1970, Land Rover's history is highlighted with the launch of a major new range, the Range Rover, which is set to become a brand new brand in the future. The suspension of the car is a long coil spring that gives the car good road manners as well as an excellent connection for agility.
The power comes from a new 3.5-liter petrol engine that allows the car to reach a top speed of almost 160 km / h. Range Rover has an all-wheel drive unit that helps manage the force and torque output from the V8 engine.
The braking system features innovative dual-circuit hydraulics with all-round disc brakes. The two-door body features Land Rover's trademark aluminum panels and incorporates the Rover's latest safety technologies, including seat belts integrated with the folding front seats.
Range Rover has been awarded the Gold Medal for its automotive bodywork, while it is recognized for the Don Safety Trophy.
1971 - 750,000th Land Rover and Dewar Award
In the year the 750,000th Land Rover Range Rover is built, it receives the RAC Dewar Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement. The third series of Land Rover is launched.
Series III has a fully synchronized gearbox and more powerful long-wheelbase brakes in the 276 cm version. Externally, the car has a new interface, which is complemented by a new plastic radiator grille.
British Trans-Americas Expedition sends two Range Rovers to Alaska in December, heading for Tierra del Fuego. Another expedition is heading into the jungle in Central America.
1975 - Under state control
After years of industrial turmoil, British Leyland was taken over by the state to prevent bankruptcy and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.
1976 - 1 millionth car manufactured
Land Rover history has captured the release of the first million 223cm Station Wagon in Solihull.
Independence
1978 - Limited company
Industrialist Michael Edward is included in the government to run the company. He creates Land Rover Limited as a separate operating company and, for the first time, Land Rover is independently managed. Government funding promises to double production in the 1980s.
1982 - Launch of the 100,000th Range Rover
In addition to celebrating the anniversary, the company is introducing an automatic transmission to the Range Rover using a Chrysler three-speed.
1983 - Release of One Ten
Land Rover's new managing director, Tony Gilroy, is launching a program that concentrates production at Solihull's main plant. The One Ten release starts. The new vehicle uses coil springs from the Range Rover. Other features include a five-speed gearbox, front disc brakes, a one-piece windscreen and optional power steering.
1985 - Improvement of automatic transmission
In addition to improving the four-stage, Land Rover sales were recorded in more than 120 countries around the world with plans for further expansion.
1986 - Diesel Range Rover breaks records
The diesel version of the Range Rover is launched with a 2.4-liter turbocharged VM engine.
1987 - Range Rover launched in the USA
The formation of Range Rover in North America heralds the launch of the vehicle in the American market.
1988 - 40th anniversary of Land Rover
Land Rover's 40th anniversary is marked by total sales of more than 1.6 million vehicles worldwide. The Rover Group is sold to British Aerospace (BAe).
Videos about Land Rover vehicles:
Discovery and academies
1989 - Range Rover gets a 3.9 V8 engine
After a 19-year hiatus at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the world saw a new model of the brand - Discovery, which was a significant step forward in the history of Land Rover. The new source of mechanical power was the direct injection TDI engine, while the 3.5-liter V8 was offered as an alternative.
1990 - 20th anniversary of Range Rover and Defender
The Land Rover series is offered with a 200 TDi engine in support of the brand's new strategy, called the Defender.
Range Rover celebrates its anniversary with the introduction of four channels on four wheels, a world first designed to deliver optimum performance from an SUV. North America becomes the largest market for the brand. Underlining its credentials as the world's leading manufacturer of SUVs, Land Rover opens the Land Rover Experience in Solihull.
1993 - Airbags
For the 1994 model year, the Discovery receives a major facelift. Inside, on the new dashboard, there are airbags for the driver and passengers. These changes are paving the way for entry into the North American market.
Under the wing of a BMW
1994 - Acquisition by a German company
The Rover Group, which includes Land Rover, was acquired by BMW. The Range also saw second-generation daylighting this year.
1997 - Freelander launch
The same Frankfurt Motor Show in September saw the debut of Land Rover's all-new Freelander product. The car is distinguished by a transverse four-cylinder engine.
1998 - 50th anniversary of the company
The company celebrated its anniversary with a limited edition of all four models. New cars have a new long body. Another innovation is the high pressure hydraulic system for tilt control of the vehicle.
In the hands of Ford
2000 - Sale of Land Rover Ford Motor Company
At the start of the new millennium, BMW sold the Rover Group Ford, which formed the Premier Automotive Group, which also included Aston Martin, Volvo, Lincoln and Jaguar.
The revised Freelander debuts a powerful new 2.5-liter petrol V6 or 2.0-liter common rail diesel engine.
2004 - Discovery 3 debuts
The conceptually new Discovery 3 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The new car echoes the original, but with the inclusion of new technologies of the XXI century. The flat floor has optimized the space in the rear of the cabin, and an independent suspension is installed.
2005 - Range Rover Sport
The issue was launched this year. The vehicle uses a similar architecture to the Discovery 3, with changes that result in improved traction.
The 500,000th Freelander leaves the production line just eight years after its release.
2007 - Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the brand
The vehicle carries the paw prints and logo of the Born Free Foundation and is offered as an award to call for animal charity.
Currently with Tata Motors
2008 - Sale of Tata Motors
Land Rover and the Jaguar luxury brand are sold to India's Tata Motors, which retains its entire management team and promises to invest in the future of technology development for the brands.
Noted with the release of a limited edition Defender SVX.
Land Rover's preferred habitat is an open road. No other 4x4 all-wheel drive in the world has managed to win the respect of the mainstream SUV enthusiasts. This makes him a favorite of all walks of life, from Queen Elizabeth to Fidel Castro, from Sylvester Stallone, Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey to Michael Jackson and Sting.
The hallmark of the Land Rover brand is individualism, authenticity, freedom, adventure and excellence.
