This month marks 50 years of production for Land Rover’s original luxury SUV, the Range Rover.

Defining the market worldwide since 17 June 1970, the Range Rover, now five decades on, has evolved to become a family of desirable and capable luxury vehicles - Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Sport.

Successes during the 50-year lifespan include being the first SUV to feature a permanent 4WD system when it was launched, and in 1989 claiming the spot as the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes.

In 1992 it made history again becoming the world's first 4x4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC) and automatic electronic air suspension – ensuring the refined driving feel Range Rover is so famous for, both on and off-road.

More recently in 2012, it became the world’s first SUV to feature an all-aluminium lightweight construction, making it lighter, stronger and more efficient.

With its clamshell bonnet, distinctive floating roof, split tailgate and trademark front fender vents, the Range Rover of today can still trace its roots back to the 1970 original. In its golden anniversary year, it is now the most efficient, connected, luxurious and capable yet.

GROWING DEMAND FOR RANGE ROVER FAMILY IN NEW ZEALAND

In New Zealand, demand for the Range Rover family continues to grow. As a popular choice for those in the market for a luxury SUV, the compelling blend of design, refinement and engineering innovation ensure it’s a standout from its competitors.

“Range Rover remains the benchmark for design and pinnacle of luxury SUVs,” says Steve Kenchington, General Manager, Jaguar Land Rover. “Today, the Range Rover family has evolved into four desirable and capable vehicles which are very successful in the New Zealand market.”

Locally, Range Rover has grown 19% from last calendar year, with Range Rover Sport proving the most popular for Kiwis.

“Range Rover Sport - holding a 20% lion share of the Large SUV segment - achieved record sales last calendar year leading to a massive growth of 56%. Range Rover Sport sales make up 54% of the total sales from the Range Rover family.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RANGE ROVER

For the last five years the Range Rover SVAutobiography has been at the pinnacle of the model line-up, with the most powerful and refined vehicles in Range Rover’s history. Produced by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division, and available for order at any authorised dealership in New Zealand, customers can also choose from the Range Rover SVAutobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic – which feature powerful V8 engines and finely crafted cabins.