Land Rover announces commitment to 'Our Planet'

Since Land Rover's inception 60 years ago, the brand and its vehicles have enjoyed a unique yet sound relationship with the planet. Land Rover produces the worlds finest all terrain vehicles and is the vehicle of choice for explorers, conservationists, environmentalists and scientists the world over, who all share the single vision of shaping a better tomorrow.

Marcelle Duncan, Regional Marketing Manager, Land Rover Middle East and North Africa, said, "Land Rover is committed to sustainable development. Sustainability is integral in the way we do business. Today, our engine variants give better performance, fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. We will continue to develop technology that retain product desirability, yet offer consumers a model choice that contributes to the overall sustainability of the environment."

Land Rover is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and is working on global sustainability initiatives under the theme of 'Our Planet', focusing on four key areas:

Sustainable manufacturing

Land Rover has world class manufacturing facilities and is ISO14001 certified since 1998. The company has cut emissions with each successive model in its range and is developing technologies to make further improvements. The CO2 emissions from the main manufacturing plant at Solihull, UK have been cut by 30% over the past 10 years.

Environment technology

Land Rover revealed an exciting vision of its future with the LRX concept at the Detroit Motor Show, in January 2008. Lighter, more compact and aerodynamic than any other Land Rover, it combines environmentally focused technology and has the potential to deliver CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Land Rover, together with Jaguar is committed to jointly investing £700m in the development of sustainable technology over the next five years, part of which is the new Stop/Start system for the Land Rover LR2 which reduces CO2 emissions by over 7%.

CO2 Offset program

Launched in 2006, the Land Rover carbon offset programme is an industry leading initiative and the largest and most comprehensive programme of its kind ever undertaken by an automotive manufacturer. It offsets emissions generated by Land Rover's manufacturing operations in Britain and the first 72,000 km's vehicle use by customers in participating countries.

During 2008 Land Rover will expand its industry leading CO2 Offset Programme to the Gulf Region. The programme is managed by Climate Care, an internationally respected CO2 offset provider, and each project is evaluated using Kyoto standards. The first projects include a wind farm in China, a hydro-electric generator in Tajikistan, and efficient cooking stoves in Uganda.

Conservation and humanitarian projects

Land Rover has extended its commitment to environmental protection by participating in conservation projects that offer long-term benefits and sponsors Born Free Foundation, Biosphere Expedition, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Earthwatch.

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Land Rover donated 60 vehicles, a mixture of Defender, LR3 and LR2 models, to the British Red Cross and Red Crescent Society and its sister national societies around the world. The vehicles were officially handed over to the President of the Red Cross / Crescent, HRH The Prince of Wales, at Buckingham Palace. Land Rover's humanitarian partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies forms part of an integrated approach to sustainability.