2003 Range Rover Named Best Luxury SUV in Strategic Vision Research

IRVINE, Calif., June 5 -- The 2003 Range Rover from Britain's Land Rover has been recognized as the best luxury SUV by California-based consumer research company Strategic Vision. The 2003 "Total Quality Index" (TQI) award is a direct result of Strategic Vision's consumer satisfaction measurement. In addition to quality and performance, the TQI concentrates on the consumer's "complete ownership experience -- including the emotions generated and gives automotive manufacturers the feedback necessary to design vehicles that will be in demand in a competitive marketplace," said Daniel Gorrell, vice president, Strategic Vision.

The consumer research company surveyed more than 31,000 buyers of 2003 new vehicles at least 90 days after their purchase in October - November 2002. Total Quality Index is then calculated from the responses in a very complex correlation of expectations, emotions, and attributes according to Gorrell.

"This award is very special to us because it validates all that's been said about the new Range Rover," said Richard Beattie, executive vice president, Jaguar Land Rover North America. "Our owners are a very discriminating and, frankly, demanding group. This award reflects that emotional connection that comes from owning the best Land Rover vehicle in the company's 55-year history."

The 2003 Range Rover is available in North America at 147 Land Rover retailers (106 dedicated Centres). It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $71,200 and carries a four-year, 48,000 mile limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance during the warranty period.

Land Rover North America, Inc., established in 1986, imports and distributes Range Rover, Discovery and Freelander vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover Retailer nearest you, call 1-800-FINE 4WD or visit www.LandRover.com.

Land Rover related press releases and electronic photos of the company's products are available on-line in the Land Rover section of Ford Motor Company's news media web site (media.landrover.com). Electronic photos of Land Rover products can also be received in digital form through Wieck Photo DataBase at (972) 392-0888 or http://media.wieckphoto.com/.