Land Rover investment secures manufacturer major award for second time

LAND ROVER’S policy of sustained investment and the development of new product has secured it a major award for the second year in a row.

The Solihull-based firm, which has introduced the all-new flagship Range Rover and the new Sport version within the past year, has been named Motor Trader’s Carmaker of the Year, repeating its 2012 success.

Motor Trader’s judging panel said it had been impressed by the strength of the Land Rover brand, its increasingly attractive product range and the investment that has been made to secure a healthy, long-term future for the business. It also took into account Land Rover’s position in the National Franchised Dealers Association’s Dealer Attitude Survey as the British motor trade’s most valued brand in terms of profitability and overall attractiveness.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “This award is of special significance for Land Rover as it recognises the strength and depth of our strategy to secure lasting success for the business.

“Developing great vehicles is an important part of that, but it’s essential, too, that we make our brand one that the motor trade values and trusts. That’s of particular importance in the challenging marketplace we are working in. We have a great network of dealers in the UK and this award serves also as recognition of the faith they have in Land Rover and the great service they are delivering to our customers.”

Curtis Hutchinson, Motor Trader editor, said: “Land Rover is the brand and franchise that dealers want. It has come a long way in recent years and, in terms of profitability, it has to be Land Rover.

“It has delivered a succession of stylish new models, which are lighter and more environmentally friendly, while retaining the 4×4 qualities for which it is renowned. It broke new ground with the launch of the new Evoque, which has been an instant hit in the marketplace and a huge sales success. For Land Rover, it was exactly the right car at the right time.”

The Carmaker of the Year Award is given to the manufacturer which, in the opinion of a panel of judges, has excelled in producing new models, successfully marketing them and building close relationships with its dealer network.