
CONTACT:
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Bill Baker /
Jenifer O'Brien |
LAND ROVER SPONSORS 2nd ANNUAL ECO-CHALLENGE
The Land Rover Discovery is the official support vehicle of
Eco-Challenge '96. This XD model is specially equipped for off-road
adventure.
Sport Utility Maker to Support Event With 28 All-New Discovery XDs
Land Rover North America will provide the 2nd annual Eco-Challenge with 28 all-new Land Rover Discovery XD sport utility vehicles, to be used as support vehicles for the Eco-Challenge organizers. The Discovery XDs will carry communications equipment, television production crews, journalists and staff along the event route in the remote timberland of western Canada.
The XD is a specially-outfitted version of the British sport utility manufacturer's popular Discovery model. All XDs will feature a safari roof rack, wrap-around brush bar, tail-lamp guards, front protection plate, Land Rover driving lights, heavy duty floor mats, custom waterproof seat covers, rear ladder and black alloy wheels with BF Goodrich 235x16 All-Terrain tires. Approximately 250 of these vehicles, painted in eye-catching AA Yellow, will be available to the public in early 1997 with a target price of $36,000. Standard equipment on all Discoverys sold in the U.S. includes a 4.0 litre, 182hp V-8 powerplant, dual airbags, side-door impact beams, anti-lock brakes and permanent four-wheel drive.
Beginning August 24, and continuing for eight-to-ten days, five-person teams will brave extreme conditions as they attempt to cross 300 miles of varying British Columbia terrain on foot, horseback, mountain bike and canoe while constantly orienteering their course. The Land Rover Discoverys will also traverse similar territory in order to reach the competitors at designated times or places throughout the event.
As a founding member of Tread Lightly!, an organization that teaches environmentally responsible off-pavement driving, Land Rover is a natural choice to provide support vehicles for this event. This year's Eco-Challenge will be monitored by a number of environmental groups, including Tread Lightly!, to verify that teams leave no trace of having passed through the pristine back country surrounding Whistler, B.C.; to do so would mean immediate disqualification.
In addition to the versatile Discovery, Land Rover North America's line-up includes the unrivalled Range Rover 4.0 SE, the sporty Range Rover 4.6 HSE and, in late 1996 the quintessential off-road vehicle, the Defender 90.
The world's only manufacturer of exclusively 4WD vehicles, Land Rover has nearly fifty years of worldwide four-wheel drive experience. Dedicated Land Rover Centres provide Land Rover owners with expert sales and service facilities, plus a full line of accessories (Kit), apparel (Gear), driving schools and travel adventures (Invitations).
Land Rover North America, Inc., is a member of the Rover Group of Companies, importing vehicles manufactured by Land Rover, Solihull, England. The Rover Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG.
For information about the dealer nearest you, contact Land Rover North America at 1-800-FINE-4WD or http://www.LandRover.com.