A Swedish auto components supplier is saying they’ve received an order from Land Rover for an all-wheel-drive system for a new car to go into production by 2011. That's right; a car.
A Swedish auto components supplier is saying they’ve received an order from Land Rover for an all-wheel-drive system for a new car to go into production by 2011. That's right; a car.
The Stockholm-based Haldex company has let it slip that Land Rover has already inked a contract with them to produce an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system for use in a new cross-over vehicle; most likely in the form of a car.
Jaguar Land Rover production director Paul Cope, in addressing the Solihull Chamber of Commerce on January 23, admitted that a “major announcement” from Land Rover was imminent.
This is close on the heels of the introduction of the company’s LRX model, a three-door, compact off-roader unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show last January. It’s powered by an advanced hybrid diesel capable of 60 mpg and is prepared to meet stringent CO2 emissions standards set for 2012.
Clearly, Land Rover is honing its cutting edge reputation for integrating advanced technology into its product line – even as it fights to survive the worst downturn in its 60-year history. And, while it has no plans to eliminate any of its iconic large off-road models, the company is setting the stage to move into the fast-growing cross-over market with a vengeance.
It will be interesting to see how Land Rover’s brutishly capable off-road reputation will compete with performance-oriented cross-overs from BMW and Audi. Stay tuned.
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