Land Rover’s ‘Motor-vate’ collaboration between unions and workers at its 4×4 plant has just donated its second vehicle to a community project.
Savings are generated through reducing absenteeism, with employee incentives for 100 per cent workplace attendance.
Jon West, human resources manager at Land Rover’s Solihull factory, said: "Land Rover is delighted that, as a result of the company and unions working together on improving attendance, we are in a situation where the company, through the efforts of its employees, has the opportunity to support local worthy causes."
Recipients of the Land Rover Defender, Waterloo Woodwork, will use the vehicle to transport timber to woodlands, gardens and parks in the local area.
Chief executive officer, Dave Pinwell, said: "We are very grateful for the support of the Land Rover employees.
"To be given a vehicle designed for just that sort of work and built by one of the borough’s largest employers is just ideal for us. The team is extremely excited about it."
Land Rover has announced that it has made improvements to its Defender model for 2007, with upgrades making it "better-equipped to meet modern day needs".
The Defender has been updated with a new 2.4-litre common rail diesel engine, six-speed gearbox with wide ratio spread, a fully integrated facia, newly configured seating and a high-output heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
According to Land Rover, these changes will enhance off-road performance and improve comfort and refinement.
John Edwards, managing director of Land Rover UK, underlined the importance of the Defender to the brand, with an average of 6,000 units sold every year in the UK. There are already 800 pre-orders for the new 2007 model.
"It is also a symbol of our 4×4 heritage, a reminder of our roots and it plays a vital role in the lives of the 25,000 customers from all corners of the globe that buy one," Mr Edwards continued.
"Farmers, aid-workers, NGOs and explorers the world over value Defender’s versatility, its extraordinary strength, robustness and capability. The unique combination of these attributes helps account for the model’s exceptionally high levels of customer loyalty."
While there have been changes to the Defender, its architecture remains the same, with the chassis frame still available in three wheelbases and in both standard and heavy-duty form.
A revised model of Land Rover’s classic Defender has begun to roll off the production line at Solihull this week, in response to consistent customer demand.
The 4×4, which Land Rover describes as an "iconic model", began life in 1948.
Various versions of the vehicle have come into existence over the last 60 years and this new model will keep more than 750 jobs intact at the Solihull factory where the Defender is produced, along with the Range Rover Sport and Discovery 3.
The Defender is characterised by its robust, box-section chassis, aluminium bodywork and offers the advantages of large carrying capacity, strong towing capability and good off-road facilities.
Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director, said: "Defender remains a significant contributor to the business as well as an enduring symbol of Land Rover’s 4×4 heritage. Its simple concept hasn’t changed fundamentally over the years, but it remains as relevant as ever.
"Defender continues to play a vital role for emergency services, aid workers and farmers around the world. As we grow Land Rover we’re not forgetting our core values and our traditional customers."
Paul Cope, manufacturing director at Solihull, said that his team was committed to making the 2007 model the "best Defender yet".
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