Britain’s four-wheel drive specialist car firm has driven out of the economic downturn with more than 50% higher sales.

“We have healthy order banks and the step change we have made to stocking levels is giving us stronger margins and making our business more robust.

“But I’m not complacent. We still have economic clouds on the horizon and a lot of uncertainty remains about Government policies, spending cuts and the higher VAT rate next year,” said Land Rover UK managing director John Edwards.

Despite that, Edwards believes the success trend set by 13 consecutive months of higher sales will continue.

Speaking in Paris as the wraps came off the new Range Rover Evoque, he told Fleet News: “This is a hugely significant model for us. As the lightest, most compact Range Rover yet, its sub 130g/km emissions and up to 55mpg economy smash all the preconceptions about this kind of vehicle being anti-social.

“We have made tremendous progress over the past three years across our range but this car is the best demonstration of just how far Land Rover has move.

“We are confident that it will sell well when it is launched in summer. Costing from around £30,000, it will be our most popular model, fitting well below the Sport and alongside the Freelander.

“What’s really exciting is that profiling the hits we’ve already had on our website, enquires and pre-orders shows the car is attracting a fresh section of younger buyers to the brand.”

To check out the latest Land Rover reviews, come to theFleet News car reviews section.

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