LR's partnership with Virgin Galactic celebrated as Range Rover Autobiography tows new SpaceShipTwo.

• Land Rover’s partnership with Virgin Galactic celebrated as Range Rover Autobiography tows new SpaceShipTwo at global reveal and naming event
• Sir Richard Branson on board the luxury SUV as it tows the new spaceship named  VSS Unity, by Professor Stephen Hawking,  at the Mojave Air and Space Port event in California, USA
• A fleet of Land Rover vehicles currently provides valuable support for the Virgin Galactic team at its base in Mojave and Spaceport America in New Mexico and will play a key role  of the  for future astronauts once Virgin Galactic starts commercial operations.
• Land Rover and Virgin Galactic announced their partnership in April 2014 based on a shared purpose that business can be a force for good
• The companies are developing a number of STEM education programmes to inspire the next generation of engineers

Land Rover today helped Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson unveil Virgin Galactic’s new SpaceShipTwo at a special reveal and naming ceremony at their Mojave Air and Space Port base in California, USA.

A Range Rover Autobiography, the pinnacle of premium SUV luxury, took centre stage at the global reveal, towing out the new SpaceShipTwo – officially christened VSS Unity, –in front of the world’s media, special guests and a group of Virgin Galactic’s ‘Future Astronauts.’

Guests at the unveiling ceremony including Virgin Galactic’s stakeholders, VIP guests and Future Astronaut customers, watched on as Sir Richard arrived in the Range Rover and the new SpaceShipTwo made its global debut. The event also marked the special official naming moment of the new SpaceShipTwo, with Stephen Hawking announcing the name VSS Unity via a specially recorded message.

Announced in April 2014, the tow-out of VSS Unity by a Range Rover Autobiography marks the latest milestone in the partnership between the two pioneering brands; a partnership based around a strong British heritage and a true spirit of adventure, but underpinned by a desire to push the boundaries of technical innovation.

A fleet of Land Rover vehicles currently provides valuable support for the Virgin Galactic team at its base in Mojave, and will be an important part of its commercial operations  for future astronauts at Spaceport America in New Mexico

Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director at Virgin Galactic said, “Since our partnership began in April 2014, Land Rover has become an integral part of the team’s day to day operating environment in Mojave. Therefore it was fitting that the Range Rover Autobiography took a staring role in today’s events as our new SpaceShipTwo, Unity, made its global debut. We’re looking forward to more collaborations across the business including STEM programmes as well as engineering, design and product initiatives.”

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director at Land Rover, said: “This is a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, and we are proud to be part of it. Helping the team unveil the new SpaceShipTwo not only reflects our supporting role in the Virgin Galactic programme, but it was also an impressive display of the Range Rover’s towing capability. But we have partnered with Virgin Galactic for many more reasons than simply providing and promoting a fantastic range of SUVs.  We share the same long-term vision to invest in innovative design and technology to help us go further and achieve more. Not simply to enable mankind to explore, but to develop this partnership to inspire others.  From our tens of thousands of employees and customers to schools and colleges, motivating more young people to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology - and explore new ways of travelling for future generations. This is a very special match of brands based around a shared vision.”

Both Land Rover and Virgin Galactic run significant and highly regarded community relations and STEM education programmes, which encourage young people to aspire to a future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

2015 marked the 21^st anniversary of the Range Rover Autobiography, the pinnacle of the Range Rover model line-up. Across two decades Autobiography has denoted the ultimate combination of Land Rover design, capability and luxury, adapting with changing customer tastes and preferences to remain a benchmark in the premium SUV market.   

First New Discovery Sport comes off the production lines at Halewood.

• First production car built in Halewood, UK, to be given to global partner Virgin Galactic to support operations base
• The latest model in the Land Rover line-up has created 250 new manufacturing jobs following a £200m investment in the Halewood plant
• Land Rover recently announced Galactic Discovery competition to send four winners to space as part of partnership with Virgin Galactic

The first production Discovery Sport has rolled off Land Rover’s production line in Halewood, UK. The car will now make its way to Virgin Galactic’s headquarters, to be used by the team as they continue to prepare for the launch of the world’s first commercial spaceline. 

The world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV, the Discovery Sport, is the first of the new Discovery family. It features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs, as well as Land Rover’s class-leading capability. The launch marks another significant milestone in Jaguar Land Rover’s product offensive which will see the company deliver 50 significant product actions over the next five years.

During a ceremony at Land Rover’s Halewood plant, the first ever production vehicle was received by Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director of Virgin Galactic, with whom Land Rover partnered with earlier this year. The vehicle will be used by the pioneering spaceflight company to support its operations in the UK, and is one of a number of vehicles Land Rover is providing as part of an ongoing global partnership between the British brands.

“It fills me with pride to have seen the first new Discovery Sport coming off the line here at our world-class Halewood production facility. We are now even more excited to hand the keys over to the crew at Virgin Galactic. The new car embodies Land Rover’s spirit of Above and Beyond, so it’s fitting that it will be used by a similarly pioneering company in Virgin Galactic,” said Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes.

The Halewood plant, which is already home to the company’s fastest selling model of all time – the Range Rover Evoque, has seen investment in the site more than double and workforce treble over the last four years with 4,750 people now employed at the site.

The impact of Discovery Sport has also been positively felt within the UK supply chain where £3.5bn in contracts have been awarded to 55 suppliers.

Land Rover revealed the new Discovery Sport through an online film shot at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA, last month. The launch of the car was paired with the announcement of Land Rover’s Galactic Discovery competition, giving four friends the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to space with Virgin Galactic. 

Land Rover details what to expect on the Virgin Galactic space flight.

• New film provides breath-taking detail on space flights
• Detailed footage shows what budding astronauts will experience
• Land Rover is offering four friends the chance to win a space flight with Virgin Galactic

Land Rover has released exclusive new detail on what budding astronauts can expect to experience on a Virgin Galactic space flight.

The short film has been created as part of Land Rover's 'Galactic Discovery' competition, which offers four friends a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a trip to space. Worth over US$1million, the top prize will see the winners take a one-week trip to the US, where they will undergo three days of training and preparation at the Foster + Partners designed Spaceport America in New Mexico, before taking a Mach 3.5 ride to space in Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, experiencing out of seat weightlessness and life changing views of planet Earth.

Gabi Whitfield, Global PR director for Land Rover said: "We knew the appetite for space travel would be huge around the world but also that this is still an area most people know very little about. We wanted to give our competition entrants as much detail as possible on the prize, to get them really excited about this once-in-a-lifetime experience”

The film shows footage of the test flights undertaken by Virgin Galactic to date, alongside CGI animation of the zero gravity experience. The voiceover provides a step by step account of the planned Virgin Galactic space experience from arrival at Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space facility at Spaceport America, to the Mach 3.5 vertical rocket ride into the black sky of space and the return to Earth.

Narration comes from Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Operations, Mike Moses. He leads the team in all aspects of safe and successful space flight operations, including WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo vehicle processing, planning, training and flight crew operations. Mike came to VG after a distinguished career with NASA where amongst other things he chaired the Mission Management Team providing the ultimate space shuttle launch decision authority.

The film also shows Spaceport America in New Mexico, featuring the Norman Foster-designed Gateway to Space building which will become the home for Virgin Galactic space travel once commercial operations go live. This is the second film released in the last few weeks to showcase the facility, the other being the Land Rover Discovery Sport and competition launch film. Land Rover created this footage to bring the consumer one step closer to personal space travel, something anyone now has a chance to experience with Virgin Galactic through the incredible Galactic Discovery competition.

The exclusive ‘Winner Experience’ video can be seen here – www.landrover.com/gotospace

New Discovery Sport arrives at the Paris Motor Show in Style.

• Discovery Sport unveiled in dramatic dynamic fashion on an 80-metre barge on the River Seine in central Paris
• Surprise appearance from supermodel and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley  
• Unveil stunt featured seven pairs of giant Wellington boots to bring to life Discovery Sport’s “5+2” seven seat versatility
• Discovery Sport to take over entire Land Rover stand during Paris Motor Show press day on 2^nd October

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport made a uniquely British public debut today, ahead of the Paris Motor Show. A pair of Discovery Sport vehicles performed a dramatic dynamic debut aboard a giant barge on the River Seine to mark the arrival of the brand’s new premium compact SUV.

The two Discovery Sports put on a true show of Land Rover capability, flanked by seven pairs of brightly coloured, giant-sized Wellington boots – created to represent the family-friendly SUV’s versatile 5+2 seating layout, along with Land Rover’s unique take on outdoor life.

Fresh from the runways of Paris Fashion Week, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made a surprise appearance on Land Rover’s own floating catwalk. Experiencing the new Land Rover’s premium interior design and dynamic capability first hand, the British supermodel and actress played a starring role in the unveil, causing a media frenzy as she posed next to the Discovery Sport and a pair of 4.5-metre Union Jack patterned Wellington boots.    

After revealing Discovery Sport to the world’s media for the first time, the 80-metre long barge continued to turn heads on its attention-grabbing journey down the River Seine, cruising past Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Highlighting the significance of the new premium compact SUV, Discovery Sport will be the only vehicle displayed on the Land Rover stand throughout the first media preview day of the Paris Motor Show (2^ndOctober).

Discovery Sport was revealed digitally at Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America facility in New Mexico, USA, on 3^rd September – where Land Rover announced details of its Galactic Discovery competition to send four friends into space. The competition has attracted global media interest and is open for entry until November 21^st via www.landrover.com/gotospace.

“Designed and engineered to be the world’s most capable and versatile premium compact SUV, this is a vehicle that will appeal not only to existing Land Rover customers but to a whole new group of people who may never have considered Land Rover before,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “It is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.”

Land Rover sales continue to go from strength to strength after a record year for vehicle sales in 2013. Last year Land Rover set a new full-year sales benchmark, retailing 348,338 vehicles – up 15% – and this year looks set to be another record breaker.

Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s award-winning manufacturing facility at Halewood in Liverpool and go on sale in 2015, alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery, in more than 170 markets worldwide.

Big Launch of the year 2 - Land Rover Discovery Sport.

• Land Rover reveals the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV
• Bold and progressive design defines all-new Discovery family
• Design leadership and engineering integrity have created the ultimate use of interior space with class-leading versatility and standard 5+2 seating in the UK
• Discovery Sport revealed digitally at Spaceport America with news of Galactic Discovery competition to send four winners to space with Virgin Galactic
• UK pricing to start from under £30,000 for eD4 variant later in 2015 and £32,395 (SD4) from January 2015

Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV. The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery Sport, features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs.

Discovery Sport’s progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability.

“Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that; Discovery Sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers, and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.”

Land Rover digitally revealed the new Discovery Sport at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA, also launching the Land Rover Galactic Discovery competition. Four friends are set to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to space with Land Rover’s global partner, Virgin Galactic as part of an innovative digital competition at www.landrover.com/gotospace.

This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, which has been designed with customers at its core. It features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere. Storage solutions are integrated into the cabin and up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.

A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. An all-new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but it also provides ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row.

Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear axle also ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive on-road, while retaining the breadth of all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is world-renowned. In fact, with approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, Terrain Response® technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Discovery Sport offers class-leading capability in all conditions.

As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking, and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

This represents a fraction of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes an all-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and standard tilt-and-slide row-two seating for maximum interior configurability.

From launch in the UK, the new Discovery Sport will be equipped with the powerful and refined 2.2 litre SD4 turbodiesel engine producing 190 PS featuring stop-start technology, high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. Both 9-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions are available.

Later in 2015, a highly efficient two wheel drive eD4 turbodiesel engine will join the range with CO₂emissions from just 119g/km*.

A service plan will be available for Discovery Sport from launch in the UK, offering five years or 50,000 miles worth of servicing (whichever is sooner) at an Approved Service Centre, for a one-off fee of £499. 

“Not only does Discovery Sport mark the introduction of the first new member of our expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator. It is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.”

Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s award-winning manufacturing facility at Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on sale in January 2015 in the UK alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery.

Sir Richard Branson prepares for the New Age of Discovery

In April this year, Land Rover announced a global brand partnership with Virgin Galactic, demonstrating a shared vision of pioneering spirit, technological innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of travel for the next generation.

In this short film, we see Virgin Galactic founder, entrepreneur and modern explorer, Sir Richard Branson, discussing some of the most memorable moments of his life, borne from a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the unknown. The next frontier to be explored is space travel and Sir Richard ends with an invitation to watch the New Discovery Sport being revealed and hear a very special announcement from Land Rover, on 3 September, at www.landrover.co.uk

Land Rover Discovery Sport Tease Interior.

• Short film provides first look inside new Discovery Sport
• Land Rover and Virgin Galactic to take partnership to next level
• Log on to www.landrover.co.uk on 3 September 2014 to see the official global reveal of new Land Rover premium compact SUV online

Land Rover has revealed a first look inside Discovery Sport with the release of a short film showing glimpses of the cabin design. The bold new premium, compact SUV is the first member of the new Discovery family. Inspired by the Discovery Vision Concept, it features versatile 5+2 seating as standard in the UK.

In the film, viewers are shown around the new Discovery Sport’s interior as the camera glides through the cabin. The footage reveals details of the highly flexible class leading seating layout and shows desirable features including a full panoramic roof.

Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer said: “Versatility is a fundamental element of the Discovery family and with 5+2 seating, generous load space and configurable seating the new Discovery Sport truly deserves to wear the Discovery badge.”

Discovery Sport will be unveiled to the world on 3^rd September at 00:01 BST. To see the digital reveal and find out how Land Rover and Virgin Galactic will take their exciting partnership to the next level, log ontowww.landrover.co.uk.

Land Rover and Virgin Galactic announces strategic partnership for future space flights.

• Land Rover announces its New Age of Discovery in dramatic fashion in New York
• Global reveal of Land Rover’s new Discovery Vision Concept car alongside SpaceShipTwo, the world’s first commercial spaceship
• Land Rover is Virgin Galactic’s first global partner, bringing together two world leaders in adventure, innovation and exploration  
• Partnership to be used to inspire young people across the globe to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology

Land Rover, the British brand synonymous with adventure, has revealed a long-term global partnership with Richard Branson’s pioneering commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic.  

Demonstrating their shared vision of pioneering spirit, technological innovation and sense of adventure, the ground breaking partnership was announced against the backdrop of SpaceShipTwo, the world’s first commercial passenger carrying spacecraft, together with Land Rover’s new Discovery Vision Concept vehicle. The announcement illustrates the commitment that both brands share to iconic design and engineering excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of travel for the next generation.

The partnership will see Land Rover vehicles become part of daily life for the Virgin Galactic team and for all ‘Future Astronauts’, the space experience will now begin with Land Rover as they arrive in New Mexico for training, and continue to the moment they drive from the space terminal building to the waiting spaceship. Land Rover will base a fleet of vehicles at the Virgin Galactic test centre in the Mojave Desert, California and at its astounding operational New Mexico base, Spaceport America.

The exciting announcement was revealed in dramatic fashion on board USS Intrepid, a former aircraft carrier and now a museum dedicated to the exploration of sea, air and space and anchored on the Hudson River. Land Rover’s first act as exclusive partner was to bring a unique full-size replica of SpaceShipTwo VSS Enterprise to New York, where it joined the remarkable British Airways Concorde and its namesake Space Shuttle Enterprise upon the Intrepid. Like the Space Shuttle, SpaceShipTwo is the first of a revolutionary fleet of reusable human spacecraft. Having the vehicles in one place for the first time provided a powerful symbol of human ingenuity and the adventurous spirit of exploration and discovery.

Revealed alongside SpaceShipTwo was Land Rover’s Discovery Vision Concept, a vision of Land Rover’s future family of Discovery vehicles. The concept car previews dynamic new design language and an array of world first technologies. Building on Land Rover’s renowned all-terrain capability, the Discovery Vision Concept represents the ultimate SUV of the future. 

The vehicle uses augmented reality technology to display a ‘see-through’ view of the terrain ahead, making the front of the car ‘virtually’ invisible from inside the cabin. Gesture Control allows you to open the doors, operate the indicators or turn on the headlamps simply by moving your hand, while Laser Referencing projects visible markings, symbols and imagery onto the ground to aid low speed or tricky manoeuvres.

More than 200 VIP guests witnessed the two game-changing vehicles, which were revealed against a stunning Manhattan background and an awe-inspiring projection mapping sequence. 

Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to have Land Rover join us on our incredible journey. It is hard to think of a brand which is more synonymous with exploration and adventure. The safety and engineering excellence of Land Rover’s vehicles, which have been the stuff of legend for more than 65 years, are attributes which also lie at the heart of Virgin Galactic. We look forward to crossing the final frontier together and to a long and fruitful partnership.”    

Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director of Jaguar Land Rover said: “This is a marriageof two of Britain’s most iconic brands which celebrate shared values, a pioneering spirit and a true sense of adventure.  Not only do we both share the same long-term vision to enable mankind to explore, but we also want to develop this partnership to inspire others. From our tens of thousands of employees and customers to schools and colleges, motivating more young people to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology and math - and explore new ways of travelling for future generations.

Land Rover’s heart beats ‘above and beyond’ – we are pioneers on land and Virgin Galactic is the pioneer of space. It’s a very special match of brands with a shared vision.” 

Both brands run significant and highly regarded community relations and STEM education programmes, which encourage young people to aspire to a future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and together see the huge potential to develop this partnership to inspire others and motivate more young people to pursue careers in these vitally important fields.

Courtesy of Land Rover, SpaceShipTwo, will remain on display at Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum for the public to view between from 15^th to the 22^nd April.  It will sit alongside other game changing artefacts including the first ever space shuttle Enterprise, the prototype NASA orbiter that paved the way for the space shuttle programme and the record-breaking and revolutionary supersonic passenger airliner, the Concorde. 

The Discovery Vision Concept will be on display at the New York Auto Show, which opens on Wednesday 16^th March.  

Follow the excitement as the story continues to unfold on Land Rover’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and join the conversation using #ReadyToDiscover.

To view a specially created film to mark the dawn of a new partnership for Land Rover and Virgin Galactic visit; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhR3GCqT0Zg and to see Richard Branson comment on the partnership visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghrQOWO5r1o