Land Rover profit 'strong' - and market expanding

Gasgoo From Reuters

Ford's Land Rover unit "is strongly in profit", the unit's managing director has reported.

"We haven't found the ceiling yet in some emerging markets," Phil Popham told Reuters at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and he saw "positive signs for this year".

Land Rover's 2007 global sales increased by nearly 18 percent to 226 395, driven by a 96 percent increase in sales in Russia and a 143 percent increase in China.

Ford doesn't announce the financial results of individual brands.

Popham said the British brand sold around 30 000 vehicles in markets in which it did not even have a presence five years ago and was planning to expand its dealership network and improve infrastructure such as warehousing, Popham said.

Land Rover expects Russia to be a leading market, along with the UK.

Popham also said the brand saw growing potential in India.

Land Rover, along with sister brand Jaguar, is being solld by Ford with India's Tata the front-runner to buy the units.

Gasgoo not only offers timely news and profound insight about China auto industry, but also help with business connection and expansion for suppliers and purchasers via multiple channels and methods. Buyer service: buyer-support@gasgoo.com Seller Service: seller-support@gasgoo.com

All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce, copy and use the editorial content without permission. Contact us: autonews@gasgoo.com