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Automotive Lifestyle
AUTOS: Range Rover Turns 40
Original luxury SUV proved that off-road vehicles could be just as competent on the highway.
Media Release  |  Posted June 01, 2010   Mahwah, NJ
The original Range Rover blazed a new trail for luxury SUVs as it became known worldwide for its rugged capabilities. (Photo: LAnd Rover)
Range Rover, the world's first vehicle that performed as well on-road as off-road, celebrates its 40th birthday on June 17. The British icon was the first fully capable luxury 4x4 and a milestone in the development of the SUV.

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

Now in its third generation, the current Range Rover continues the tradition. (Photo: Land Rover)
The second-generation vehicle went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. The continuing success of the Range Rover ensured that other premium automakers jumped into the booming luxury SUV market.

The latest version has enjoyed higher annual sales than any previous models and continues to be popular around the world. From London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Shanghai, Turin to Tokyo, the Range Rover remains the ultimate choice for the luxury SUV customer.

From princes to politicians, from rock gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a diverse group of customers.

"The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one," said managing director Phil Popham. "It's a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car, a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and off-road trails of the world, a high performance car for long distance travel, and a working cross-country vehicle."

A second model line was launched in 2005, the Range Rover Sport, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a great success, and in 2007 was Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide.

Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, tying in with the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet it will be no less premium, no less luxurious and no less special than the other Range Rover models.

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