The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Land Rover

  • Land Rover introduces Care plan

    Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa has implemented a new Care plan.

    The plan includes a comprehensive five-year, 100 000km service plan with all new  Model Year Jaguar and Land Rover models.

    The Care plan, the auto giant said, is in keeping with its ethos of putting customers first.

    The new Jaguar Land Rover Care Plan enables customers to enjoy an even more effortless and convenient experience when having their vehicles serviced at Jaguar Land Rover retailers across sub-Sahara Africa.

    All service costs for regular maintenance, including parts and labour, are covered by the Care Plan. Services will be carried out at state-of-the-art workshop facilities, that use only genuine parts.  All work is performed by world-class technicians who have undergone extensive training by Jaguar Land Rover.

    The Jaguar Land Rover Care Plan joins the Jaguar Land Rover five-year, 150 000km Warranty that has been included with every vehicle sold since April 2015.

    The comprehensive warranty covers vehicles for any unforeseen failures of mechanical or electrical components. With Jaguar Land Rover Care, owners now have the ultimate in peace of mind.

     

  • Jaguar Land Rover reports record sales in Europe

    Jaguar Land Rover reported record sales last year as the brand’s revival under India’s Tata Motors continued.
    JLR’s global volume rose 24 percent to 487,065 as gains in Europe and the U.S. offset falling demand in China, the company said in a statement.
    New models such as the Jaguar XE and Land Rover Discovery Sport boosted sales, JLR sales chief Andy Goss said in the statement.
    Mainland Europe was the company’s largest sales region with volume up 28 percent to 110,298. Sales in the UK, the company’s biggest single market, rose by 21 percent to 100,636. JLR’s volume in North America increased by 25 percent to 94,066.
    Volume in China fell 24 percent to 92,474 as sales were hit by a slowing market and a major industrial explosion at the Chinese port of Tianjin in last August that destroyed JLR models stored there.
    Land Rover accounted for the bulk of JLR sales with record sales of 403,079, up six percent on the year before.
    Jaguar has its strongest year in a decade with volume up by three percent to 83,986. The brand’s best year was 2002 when it sold 103,000 units shortly after the launch of the X-Type. Jaguar expects its new XE and XF sedans, and F-Pace SUV, to lift sales this year. Analysts IHS Automotive forecasts Jaguar sales to reach 200,000 by 2018.
    JLR has said it expects to increase sales to about 850,000 by 2020 as it adds new models and expands production abroad.
    The company plans to open a factory in Slovakia in 2018 and will this year start production of the Land Rover Discovery Sport in a new plant in Brazil. The company opened a factory in China in 2014. The plant builds the Range Rover Evoque.
    “With China slowing even further, 2016 may be a difficult year for Jaguar Land Rover,” said Deepesh Rathore, director at Emerging Markets Automotive Advisors. “The good news for JLR is that their portfolio and volumes are still small and so, as they add new models, they will continue growing, albeit at a slower pace.”
    JLR’s best-seller last year was the Range Rover Evoque compact SUV with global sales of just over 108,000, down 13 percent on the year before. In second place was the Range Rover Sport large SUV with sales up six percent to 87,319. No. 3 was the Land Rover Discovery Sport with sales of 69,501.
    Last year was JLR’s its sixth consecutive year of sales gains after Tata Motors, which bought the automaker from Ford Motor in 2008, invested heavily in the company’s revival.

  • 5,800 Jaguar, Land Rover cars hit in China blasts

    Carmaker Tata Motors Ltd said last  Friday that  ‘many’ of the 5,800 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles it had at Tianjin port in China were likely to have been damaged in the recent chemical explosion that killed more than a hundred people.

    The company said it has yet to determine the exact extent of the damage, joining other global carmakers such as Volkswagen AG, Hyundai Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp, Daimler DIAGn.DE and BMW AG that are still counting up their losses. The Jaguar Land Rover cars had recently been shipped to China and were stored at various locations in Tianjin port, Tata Motors said in a statement to the Indian stock exchange.

    Tata bought the British luxury carmaker JLR in 2008.

    “Whilst we believe many of these vehicles may have been damaged, we are presently unable to quantify the numbers of units affected,” a JLR spokesman said in the statement, explaining that access was still restricted to areas near the site of the explosion. The number of cars damaged at China’s largest auto import hub could climb to above 10,000 when accounting for all vehicles in the area. This will affect deliveries at a time when China’s auto market has been shrinking due to slowing economic growth and the recent stock market slump.

    Shares in Tata Motors extended losses to more than four percent after the statement, and ended nearly three percent lower in a weak Mumbai market.

  • Land Rover unveils Celebration Edition Defenders

    Land Rover unveils Celebration Edition Defenders

    LR_DEF_LE_Heritage_070115_01_(101580)Order books have opened for the new Celebration Edition Land Rover Defenders.

    Land Rover fans who have been waiting for these special models can now visit dealers to secure one of the 60 units that will be sold in Land Rover’s key sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) markets. Two variants will be made available: the Defender Heritage Edition and the Defender Adventure Edition. With such limited availability, buyers can be assured that they will own truly rare and special versions of the Defender.

    The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land Rover models. It mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts, and is immediately identifiable through its distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof. Additional heritage touches include a classic design grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover (nicknamed ‘Huey’). SSA markets will get 15 Heritage Edition Defenders in the 110 Station Wagon body style, and 15 in the 90 Station Wagon body style.

    The new Adventure Edition is aimed at Land Rover customers who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ attitude. It comes fitted with additional under-body protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the Defender’s already class-leading all-terrain capabilities. Unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition stands out from the Defender crowd. Of the Adventure Edition Defenders allocated to SSA markets, 10 will be in the 90 Station Wagon body style, while 20 will be in the 110 Station Wagon body style.

    These limited edition Defender models can be ordered at Land Rover or Jaguar Land Rover dealers across the country, and the first units will be delivered in September 2015. Pricing will be confirmed closer to availability.

    Heritage Edition

    The Heritage Edition evokes the history of the Defender as a modern interpretation of the famous HUE 166 Land Rover – the first pre-production Series I vehicle, nicknamed ‘Huey’, which dates back to 1947. Traditionalists will appreciate the Grasmere Green metallic paintwork, Alaska White roof, heritage style grille, headlamp surrounds and heavy-duty steel wheels. Other nostalgic additions include the silver front bumper with black end caps while clear indicator lenses and Indus Silver door hinges also set the Heritage Edition apart. Body-coloured wheel arches and mudflaps bearing the Heritage logo also feature.

    Externally, the finishing touch comes in the shape of aluminium heritage style badging to the front grille and rear bodywork, which is inspired by the designs fitted to the Series I and II models. HUE 166 graphics also adorn the front wing panels.

    While the exterior pays homage to the earliest Land Rovers, the Heritage Edition features a host of modern creature comforts and luxurious finishes inside. They include perforated leather outer steering wheel rim and gear lever, Bright Aluminium trim for the air vents, door handles and door locks, and Almond Resolve Cloth seat facings bearing the heritage logo and detailed with HUE 166 tags.

    Durable rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box between the front seats ensure the Heritage Edition is as functional as it is distinctive.

     

  • Land Rover showcases smartphone-controlled Range Rover Sport

    Jaguar Land Rover has revealed some of the prototype technologies that its United Kingdom-based research team are developing to deliver autonomous driving in the future.

    A Remote Control Range Rover Sport research vehicle demonstrates how a driver could drive the vehicle from outside the vehicle via their smartphone. The smartphone app includes controls for steering, acceleration and braking, as well as the ability to change between high- and low-range gears. This would allow the driver to walk alongside the vehicle, at a maximum speed of 6km/h, to manoeuvre their vehicle out of challenging situations safely, or even to negotiate difficult off-road terrain.

    The driver could use the smartphone to reverse the vehicle out of a parking space if someone has parked too close for them to open the door, or allow the driver to become their own off-road spotter, to guide the vehicle over off-road obstacles from outside the vehicle.

    By walking alongside the vehicle, the driver could continually check ramp, approach and departure angles and allow precise positioning of the vehicle when rock crawling. It could also be an invaluable aid when the vehicle is fording a stream or traversing sections made slippery by mud or snow. The remote control function will only operate if the user is within ten metres of the vehicle and if the smart key can be detected. The system will stop the vehicle if the driver moves out of range or gets too close.

    Future possibilities for this technology could include more autonomous functionality where the driver gives a simple command from the handset to traverse an obstacle or exit a parking space, and the vehicle does the rest.

  • Land Rover introduces new compact SUV

    Land Rover introduces new compact SUV

    Discovery Sport’s progressive design sets the tone for a new generation of Land Rover Discovery premium SUVs. These vehicles will be positioned in the Leisure family of Land Rover’s three-pillar brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender), writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family. Uniquely in its segment, Discovery Sport’s dynamic design combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint.

    A suite of Land Rover innovations debut, including the next generation multi-link rear axle, an all-new touch screen infotainment system and state-of-the-art high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium body shell for outstanding performance, safety and efficiency.

    Discovery Sport has been designed to be as environmentally sustainable as it is affordable to run: CO2 emissions as low as 159g/km are comparable to smaller and less versatile family hatchbacks, and buyers can opt for a range of powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, four-wheel drive, and advanced nine-speed automatic transmission.

    “The launch of Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 66-year history,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market.

    “Together with design excellence and engineering integrity, Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator: its chassis is as competent on-road as off. Discovery Sport is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.”

    Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in United Kingdom, Discovery Sport will be produced at the company’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets worldwide.

     

    Designed for life

    Discovery Sport is clearly identifiable as a Land Rover but introduces a progressive new design approach specifically tailored to create clear differentiation between the other families within the Land Rover brand architecture: Luxury (Range Rover), Leisure (Discovery) and Dual-Purpose (Defender).

    This beautifully proportioned vehicle brings a new sense of dynamism to the Discovery family and projects an image of confidence with its wheel-at-each-corner stance.

    The fast bonnet line steps down into a rising belt line, creating a distinctively compact profile that belies significant interior space with 5+2 seating.

    This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, whilst the interior and load space are easily accessible and fully optimised.

    Discovery Sport’s versatile interior has been designed to be premium, not precious. The centre console forms a strong vertical graphic in the middle of the instrument panel, ensuring key controls are deliberately placed to provide easy access from the Sports Command Driving Position. Simple, clean surfaces and high-quality materials feature throughout.

     

    Lightweight body shell, all-new multi-link axle

    Monocoque construction combines a mix of high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength boron steel and lightweight aluminium panels. This ensures a strong, stiff and light base for outstanding dynamic performance and high levels of torsional rigidity. An all-new multi-link rear axle heightens agility, increases axle articulation and – together with lightweight aluminium suspension components and carefully calibrated dampers – enables an unrivalled level of compliance no matter what the surface conditions. The new rear axle also reduces interior noise and minimises intrusion of the rear suspension turrets into the load space; this has proved key in providing excellent load space and 5+2 seating.

    Powertrains

    At launch, a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and turbo-diesel engines is available. All feature high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy.

    Petrol derivatives use an all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre engine with 177kW and direct fuel injection. This offers six-cylinder levels of performance in a compact package that reduces weight and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent, compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output.

    2.2-litre turbo-diesel derivatives are available in either 110kW TD4 or 140kW SD4 specification. With both TD4 and SD4 producing the same 420Nm, drivers can count on exceptional fuel efficiency of up to 5.99 l/100km as well as effortless overtaking ability.

    All engine derivatives are paired with the advanced ZF 9HP48 nine-speed automatic transmission, for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.

    Class-leading all-terrain capability

    Class-leading off-road capability stands at the core of Land Rover DNA. Naturally, Discovery Sport’s body geometry has been optimised for even the harshest terrain, with excellent ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angles, and an ability to wade through water to a class-leading depth of 600mm.

    Land Rover’s Terrain Response system features on all derivatives, allowing drivers to tailor Discovery Sport’s responses to the prevailing conditions.

    Discovery Sport is equipped with vented 325mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes, providing reassuring stopping power in all conditions, including when towing up to 2.5 tonnes. The front brakes are of a new design, with a stiffer caliper and new-generation pads to enhance retardation. They also offer improved refinement and reduced brake dust.

    Further enhancing safety, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) automatically increases the amount of brake pressure when the system senses an emergency situation; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps to ensure the perfect braking balance between the front and rear wheels in more extreme situations; and Corner Brake Control (CBC) reduces the likelihood of the driver losing control during heavy braking in a corner.

    Advanced safety technologies

    Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package including driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, and side curtain and thorax airbags has naturally been a priority. Innovations include an Autonomous Emergency Braking to help avoid or mitigate the consequences of collisions below 80km/h.

    Innovative Autonomous Emergency Braking avoids or minimises the impact of collisions

    Discovery Sport is the world’s first vehicle to offer an autonomous emergency braking system using an innovative stereo digital camera system. Operational between speeds of 5 and 80km/h, the system helps to avoid collisions below 50km/h, and reduces the severity of an impact at speeds below 80km/h.

    The system uses stereo cameras mounted next to the rear-view mirror to detect objects that could pose the risk of a collision, such as queuing traffic. If the system deems a collision likely, it will alert the driver with a visual and audible warning. If no action is taken and a collision is judged unavoidable, a further driver warning is triggered while the system applies full braking pressure to bring the vehicle to a stop.

    “Advanced touchscreen technology and an intuitive interface ensures Discovery Sport’s infotainment system offers all the versatility and connectivity that consumers have come to expect,” said Paul Cleaver, Discovery Sport Vehicle Programme Director. “Every Discovery Sport is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen, so all buyers can benefit from this latest innovation.”

    Bluetooth functionality allows one phone to be synced to the infotainment system: to make or receive hands-free phone calls via multi-function steering wheel controls and to play audio. Alternatively, smartphones and portable MP3 players can be synced and charged via USB sockets or auxiliary inputs.

    A choice of three audio systems, including 17-speaker Meridian option for peerless sound quality

    A choice of three stereo systems is available: an entry-level system with six speakers; a 10-speaker system with amplifier for enhanced audio quality; and a top-of-the-range system with 10 speakers, an amplifier and subwoofer for outstanding sound reproduction.

    The advanced optional audio system has been developed in partnership with Meridian, a world leader in audio technologies and digital sound processing. The 825W, Meridian Surround Sound 17-speaker system includes a subwoofer for peerless sound quality, and a state-of-the-art amplifier that incorporates the latest digital processing technology to ensure perfectly optimised sound quality for everyone in the vehicle.  This system is packaged with a Rear Screen Entertainment option which includes “8 inch screens fitted in the front headrests and two Whitefire headphones.

  • Range Rover Evoque gets more awards

    The Range Rover Evoque has won three more awards, taking its global haul of accolades to a total of 161 in just over three years.

    Already widely acclaimed by journalists, critics and owners, the most recent successes have come from the readers of key global titles. In one recent survey, the Evoque scored  94 per cent when participants were asked to rate their cars’ audio and entertainment systems as well as other technology, such as phone connectivity and the user-friendliness of on-board computers.

    Director, Land Rover Programmes, Murray Dietsch, said: “To be recognised by magazine readers is a great honour. It confirms the success of our efforts in building a unique premium SUV that buyers find truly desirable. Land Rover has raised the standard of  in-car technology to class-leading levels.”

    The Range Rover Evoque includes a suite of customer focused in-car technologies and safety features with some dedicated purely to off-road capability.

    The 4x4i system monitors the vehicle dynamics continuously, providing illustrated information through the infotainment display on the centre console. In addition to this, the Land Rover off-road navigation system provides a comprehensive aid to driving in unmapped areas.

    Land Rover Wade Sensing™ uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide the driver with information when driving through water, which is particularly beneficial when visibility is poor and at night. A visual display and warning chimes alert the driver as the water level rises around the vehicle. Maximum wading depth for the Evoque is 500mm.

    Surround Cameras improve visibility and driver awareness using five digital cameras, discreetly placed around the vehicle, providing a near 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area.

    Blind Spot Monitoring uses side-mounted radar sensors to survey potential blind spots behind or either side of the vehicle, whilst Closing Vehicle Sensing detects vehicles which are closing quickly from behind and could cause a threat during a lane change manoeuvre.  Drivers are alerted by a rapid flashing of the Blind Spot warning light in the corresponding door mirror helping to improve awareness for faster reactions.

    Reverse Traffic Detection is an additional enhancement to these systems and monitors traffic approaching from either side of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre (e.g. reversing out of a parking space). If a hazard is detected, the driver is swiftly informed via both audible and visual warnings.

    The ECO-Drive feature provides a continuous flow of information and feedback via the 8-inch touchscreen, including instantaneous fuel consumption readings, historical data comparisons as well as tips on improving driving styles.

    Since its launch in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque has won 161 international awards for its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, in car technology and off-road capability.