Land Rover celebrates production of the 250,000th LR2/Freelander 2

Land Rover employees at the Company's Halewood manufacturing plant in Merseyside in the UK, are celebrating an important milestone achievement – the production of the 250,000^th LR2/Freelander 2. 

Production began in 2007 and the plant's 250,000^th LR2/Freelander 2 – a 2.2 litre TD4 Diesel GS in Fuji White – was finally driven off the line on 28^th March 2011, on its way to an expectant customer. 

Land Rover is also celebrating a growing demand for Halewood's award winning model as retail sales for the popular model are up 22% year to date (Apr 2010 – Feb 2011) compared with the same 11 month period in 2009/2010. 

Halewood Operations Director Richard Else, commented: "This milestone achievement and the increasing sales for LR2/Freelander 2 highlight just how important this vehicle is, not just to Halewood but also for the regional and UK economy – around 70% of LR2s/Freelanders produced at Halewood are exported overseas. I'd like to thank our flexible and highly skilled workforce and congratulate the Halewood team on this superb achievement." 

The 2011 Freelander 2, known as the LR2 in the MENAP region is available now across all markets with its new fully refreshed look. The 3.2 litre LR2 has an i6 petrol engine with 317Nm (234lb ft) torque and is equipped with Terrain Response to offer unparalleled driving dynamics. 

The LR2 has been re-calibrated to achieve significantly reduced tailpipe emissions of NOx, HC and CO and its interior was revised with new instrument dials that gives the LR2 a more up market feel. The exterior design was upgraded with a new front bumper and grille, three new colours, and new alloy wheels, giving the 2011 LR2 a fresher look. 

Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Land Rover MENAP commented: “In 2010, the LR2 was one of our most successful models. Land Rover 2010 sales across the MENAP region were up by 12.4 per cent versus 2009 and we believe that the new 2011, LR2 with its bolder look will continue to build on our growth in this region.”