Government pays £27m for new Land Rover
12 March 2009
The Land Rover LRX concept which has been doing the motor show rounds could go in to production as a Range Rover courtesy of a government grant.
As the smallest, lightest and most efficient Range Rover ever produced, the LRX is bound to grab the attention of those looking for a premium badge with a more attractive price-tag.
It’s likely the Range Rover LRX will share the same platform as the Land Rover Freelander but will also boast a selection of new engines with stop/start technology to slash carbon emissions and improve fuel economy.
Land Rover has said the project will cost £400million with £27million coming from the Government’s Grant for Business Investment scheme.
If the go-ahead is given, the Range Rover LRX will be built at Land Rover’s Halewood factory on Merseyside which employs 2,000 workers and also produces the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Jaguar X-Type.
Land Rover MD Phil Popham said: “The compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies of the LRX Concept showed how Land Rover is planning to respond to the needs of the changing world.
“Despite the current economic challenges, we remain committed to investing for the future and to continue to deliver relevant vehicles for our customers.
Land Rover will make a final decision on whether to give the project a definite go-ahead later this year.
When the first details of the LRX were announced, Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern said: “It’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”
It made its debut at last year’s Detroit Motor Show and received a hugely positive reaction thanks to its dynamic design and green credentials.
Using a 2-litre diesel engine and hybrid powertrain, the LRX Concept would emit just 120g/km of carbon dioxide. It’s unsure what powertrains will be used if the Range Rover LRX is built.
Video: Check out the video of the Land Rover LRX concept:
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