Land Rover sets global sales record in 2005

Land Rover has achieved its best sales performance in the company's history. In the record year of 2005, the 4x4 manufacturer sold 185,120 vehicles around the world, an increase of 14% on the previous year.

The USA saw sales surge by 30% and for the UK it was another record year, marking six years of continual growth. Emerging markets like China and Russia witnessed sales increases of 105% and 67% respectively.

In the UK, December's cold snap sent buyers into the 4x4 specialist's showrooms, giving an end of year boost which took sales to 48,777 – 3% higher than the previous year and the company's fifth record year in a row.

Andy Griffiths, Land Rover's UK Marketing Director, said, "Drivers are obviously looking for the sure-footedness and versatility a Land Rover offers when the going gets tough. Our unique Terrain Response system, which has a specific setting for snow and ice, will help drivers deal with sub-zero conditions. With more wintry weather to come we expect to see many more people choose a Land Rover."

The sales growth has been driven by an exceptionally strong model line up. Range Rover Sport, the company's fifth nameplate, experienced a sensational debut with 30,356 models sold worldwide in six months. Discovery 3/LR3, which has collected 54 awards, saw sales climb steadily throughout the year to 53,558. In the US, a record year ended on a record high, with Land Rover's best December sales performance.

Matthew Taylor, Land Rover's Managing Director, said, "This fantastic achievement is a reflection of a strong, new model line up and is a reward for significant investment and hard work. We said 2005 would be the year of opportunity and the United States would be an increasingly important market for Land Rover. We set out to seize success and grabbed it with both hands. We now need to maintain that momentum."