Land Rover Retains Motor Trader's Carmaker of the Year Award for a Second Year

LONDON, July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Land Rover named Carmaker of the Year for second consecutive year in the Motor Trader Awards
• Judges' decision acknowledges the strength of the brand, its attractive product line-up and the investment made in its future, together with its status as the most valued brand in the UK retail motor industry

Land Rover has won Motor Trader's Carmaker of the Year Award for a second year running, reflecting the success of its sustained investment, introduction of new products and securing its status as the British retail motor industry's most valued brand.

Presented at a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel last night, the award is further recognition of the transformation of Land Rover to become one of the world's leading premium marques. Within the past year, this growth has been reinforced by the introduction of the all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, and the continued international success of the ground-breaking Evoque.

Motor Trader's judging panel was 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 NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey as the British motor trade's most valued brand in terms of profitability and overall attractiveness.

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 4x4 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."

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."

Motor Trader's Carmaker of the Year Award, sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance, 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.