Brand in Brief: Land Rover
The 1950s saw Land Rovers moving toward increased power and refinement. Launched in 1958, the Series II offered added horsepower and a somewhat less rudimentary exterior, with sills designed to disguise the exhaust and chassis. The first diesel-powered Rover was also produced during these years. The Series IIA came next, in a production run that lasted from 1961-71. As the '60s drew to a close, Rover was acquired by Leyland Motors Ltd. (which would later become British Leyland).
Land Rover's storied Range Rover made its debut in 1970. Equipped with a V-8 engine and a body made mostly of aluminum, the stylish vehicle was more consumer-oriented than its predecessors. In the mid-'70s, British Leyland was nationalized; by the mid-'80s, the company - renamed the Rover Group - had been acquired by British Aerospace.
The automaker officially entered the U.S. automotive market in 1987 when the Range Rover made its debut on American shores. It was followed in 1989 by the Discovery, initially offered only in two-door form. The Discovery was the first all-new Land Rover in 19 years.
In the 1990s, the sudden popularity of the burgeoning SUV segment placed the brand in an enviable position. In response, Land Rover's vehicles, while still retaining their go-anywhere attitude, became more luxurious, particularly after BMW bought the company in 1995.
The Land Rover family of vehicles has continued to grow. The late '90s saw the introduction of the Freelander. By the end of the decade, the company had changed hands once again. It was sold to Ford Motor Co. in 2000.
Today, the company is known for luxury SUVs with the latest amenities as well as superb off-road capability.
Current Land Rover models sold in North America include: LR2, LR3, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
