Land Rover searches for global adventurers

Underlining its commitment to instill a spirit of adventure in us all, Land Rover unveils details of an exciting new global adventure challenge that will kick off in 2003. The annual Land Rover G4 Challenge builds on the brandís undoubted adventure lineage, and will feature competitors from 16 nations competing in an exhilarating off-road driving and multi-sport challenge against a backdrop of some of the worldís most stunning scenery.

The Land Rover G4 Challenge comprises four consecutive global stages, each in a different time zone, and starts in New York City on March 30, 2003, covering around 4000 miles over five weeks of intense competition. The Challenge features stages on the East and West Coasts of North America, in addition to Australia and South Africa, travelling through remote areas as well as urban centres such as Quebec, Cape Town, Sydney and Las Vegas.

One competitor from each participating nation will be selected from the thousands who are expected to apply when recruitment begins at the end of August 2002. As well as striving for individual success, competitors will have to demonstrate their abilities as bi-national team players by working with a different teammate during each Challenge stage.

"The Land Rover G4 Challenge will be the adventure of a lifetime," commented Bob Dover, Managing Director of Land Rover. "In line with our philosophy of inspiring and delivering adventure for everyone, entry is generally open to citizens of the 16 nations who are 21 or over. Although a higher than average standard of physical fitness is required, the Challenge is more about international teamwork, clever strategic thinking and a positive "up for it" attitude than out-and-out strength or stamina.

"It is also about being environmentally responsible," he continued. "In each Challenge location, we are working closely with environmental agencies, state and local authorities to ensure the impact of our activities is kept to a minimum, preventing conflict with other Land Rover environmental initiatives, such as Tread Lightly. Additionally, much of the competitive activity will take place in urban centres, where the Land Rover G4 Challenge will be accessible to many more people."

All four Land Rover vehicles - Range Rover, Discovery, Freelander and Defender - painted in specially commissioned "Tangiers Orange", will feature on the Challenge, each demonstrating its world-beating off-road capability to the full across daunting terrain. All the vehicles will be built to standard mechanical specification, with specialist expedition equipment fitted off-line to enable the competitors to ëliveí in their Land Rover during week-long Challenge stages. The vehicles must also be capable of carrying the multitude of equipment - kayaks, mountain bikes and climbing kit - which the competitors will need to complete the Challenge.

The Land Rover G4 Challenge is already attracting attention from global television broadcasters, who see the potential to draw in diverse audiences through the mix of competitive adventure and human interaction.

www.landroverG4challenge.com