Category: Auto News

The South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) selected the Land Rover LRX as the 2008 North American Concept Truck of the Year. The seventh annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards was held at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich.

LRX was selected by a jury of professional automotive journalists from throughout North America, judging the vehicle on specific context of the North American market. The review of each vehicle is based on the entire package, with criteria dependent on design, style, materials, technology, market viability and market responsiveness.

“The LRX Concept is a glimpse into the future for Land Rover,” said Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Land Rover North America. “New technology, environmental awareness and outstanding design are key elements in the success of the next generation of SUV’s. To have the media bestow this great honor on the LRX Concept is a testament to the Land Rover team that participated in creating this vehicle.”

With the ever-evolving truck and SUV market in North America, new and innovative designs are introduced quite frequently, however LRX stood out. Stylish looks and new technology – the focus of LRX – helped Land Rover win its first award in this category.

Designed to meet the increasing demand for more fuel efficient vehicles in North America, LRX is the first of its kind; a turbo diesel hybrid vehicle, capable of running on bio-diesel, with the ability to go over 50 miles per gallon. The three-door LRX, is both more compact and lighter than the typical Land Rover. It focuses on new sustainability technologies, and has been recognized for addressing the needs of a changing world.

LRX also introduced new Land Rover features such as the integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) and the new ‘ECO’ mode. The ERAD function allows LRX to have full off-road capabilities while using the electric drive function at low speeds, while the ‘ECO’ mode is meant for on-road use. The ‘ECO’ mode configures all the integrated elements of the vehicle’s system for optimized fuel economy.

Retaining functions that Land Rovers are known for, LRX is fitted with Land Rover’s Hill Descent Control along with acclaimed and the user-friendly Terrain Response system that optimizes the vehicle for the terrain ahead. On LRX, the Terrain Response has five modes, including the aforementioned efficiency-focused ‘Eco’ mode in addition to the existing modes: sport, Sand and ‘Grass/Gravel/Snow’ (a single program for slippery surfaces).

Land Rover designers took great care in creating the interior of the vehicle, not just for aesthetics, but also to help reduce the weight of the vehicle. The glass for the side windows and roof was replaced with polycarbonate, which is around 40 percent lighter than traditional glass. The polycarbonate also blocks virtually all UV light (protecting interior materials from fading), while special nano-technology within the material reduces infra-red transmission, helping to keep the interior cool.

Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free – for easier recycling), extensive use of aluminum (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-colored ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles and fibers.

It is with these new technologies and innovative ideas that LRX was able to capture the attention of the SEAMO judges. The award is a testament to how LRX was well received not only in the public’s eye, but also in the eye of the media. LRX makes a statement – Land Rover is ready to move forward with the ever-changing consumer demands and will continue to do so for years to come.