New Range Rover Wins First Major Award at Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Feb. 7 eMOTION! REPORTS.com, an automotive and aerospace industries research and analysis site (www.emotionreports.com ) that targets professionals in the academic, media, corporate and government sectors, announced its first annual vehicle awards. Categories include Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Car of the Decade, and a special award, SUV of the year 2003.

``We are pleased to announce that our first SUV of the Year 2003 award goes to the new Range Rover,'' said eMOTION! REPORTS.com Publisher Myron D. Stokes. ``We have also created a special category to honor the accomplishments of one of the world's most famous brands, Land Rover.''

``We felt the Chicago Auto Show, with its long history of premier industry related events, was the ideal place to present this award.''

``I don't believe,'' says Stokes, ``that the reasons for this special award can be stated any more eloquently than those stated by our selection committee: 'Although only having opportunity to observe advance renderings, a pre-production version of the vehicle and note listed features and mechanicals, inclusive of the 4.4L V8 powerplant, it was enough to determine that it has profound potential to take on and best all comers.'

'Land Rover has established a legendary and well-deserved global reputation for rugged, reliable vehicles capable of taking on the toughest terrains in the worst of climatic conditions. It is often the first vehicle on scene when disasters occur the world over. For decades, victims have taken comfort in the arrival of Land Rovers, knowing that help was there.'

'From Kosovo, to the Middle-East to sub-Saharan Africa, indeed to the furthermost frontiers of civilization, Land Rovers have been, and will no doubt continue to be, the transportation backbone of governments, expeditionary/exploratory efforts and relief entities. In this, it can be said that Land Rovers have done more to further the cause, course and expansion of civilization, than almost any motorized conveyance.'

'Therefore, with a confidence born of acknowledged continuity, constancy, consistence and expertise in the design and manufacturing of these superb and sturdy transports, the committee provides this first and deserved award to 2003 Range Rover.'

``I think the above statement by our selection committee speaks to the viability of a statement made last month by a Ford executive regarding the innate value of the Land Rover brand. With product like 2003 Range Rover and the company's heritage, we anticipate that Land Rover will continue going from strength to strength in its product, its market direction and its people. We congratulate the Land Rover team for developing a product that again, in the words of our committee, will 'best all comers'.''

``It is indeed an honor to accept this award for the 2003 Range Rover,'' said Steve McKnight, vice-president and general manager, Land Rover North America. ``The new Range Rover takes into account everything we've learned over forty years of building the most capable four-wheel drive vehicles in the world. With class-leading technology and stunning interior and exterior styling, we feel we've truly raised the bar.''

The award from eMOTION! was the first in the world for the new Range Rover, but has since been joined by Britain's TOP GEAR Magazine's ``Car of the Year'' award. Sales of the highly praised vehicle begin in Europe later this month, and in North America in June with prices starting at about $70,000.

The new Range Rover can be seen at the Chicago Motor Show now through February 17. And on a special website www.rangerover.landrover.com .

Land Rover North America, Inc., established in 1986, imports and distributes Range Rover, Discovery Series II and Freelander vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. 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 1-800-FINE-4WD or visit www.LandRover.com .