Jaguar Land Rover UK MD Jeremy Hicks, centre, with Sophie Raworth and Allianz Global Assistance’s Lee Taylor

 

Investment from Indian parent Tata Motors since it acquired the company in 2008 has secured Land Rover a place as a truly great carmaker.

Its latest product launches are superb, from both its traditional go-anywhere 4x4 perspective and its premium brand experience. Its flagship Range Rover, now available in long-wheelbase form, truly competes in the luxury car market alongside more conventional grand tourers and prestige limousines and the Range Rover Sport could be the best car the brand has ever made. The Evoque continues to be popular, and the Discovery suits middle managers just as well as it does the equestrian and country pursuits crowd.

	Manufacturer of the Year

With Tata’s support, the Land Rover brand is growing sustainably. A new entry-level SUV, dubbed a ‘baby Discovery’ by the motoring press, is on the horizon to replace the Freelander and this car will ensure its growth in registrations continues.

Clever marketing, such as its current #hibernot campaign, engages with more and more consumers with active lifestyles and reinforces the brand’s values.

Land Rover’s technology is moving with the times too, with rotary gearshifts and electronic terrain response systems making mobility simple and comfortable on- and off-road.

Land Rover is a coveted franchise – dealers enjoy excellent margins and bonuses and have confidence in the future viability of the business, according to the most recent National Franchised Dealer Association satisfaction surveys. In 2013, it set annual sales records in 42 markets, including the UK, where its market share reached 2.42%.

Its UK franchisees have been asked to invest significantly in facilities, people and processes in preparation for more growth opportunities. The fact that they are complying is a further sign of how convinced they are of Land Rover’s great future.

Also shortlisted: Audi UK; Nissan Motor (GB); Vauxhall Motors UK

Previous winners: Land Rover (2011) Hyundai Motor UK (2012) Land Rover (2013)

Category sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance