Land Rover cancels G4 Challenge
The Land Rover G4 Challenge will no longer provide a "Lasting Human Legacy." Why? Because it's been cancelled. If you need a reason that an 18-month-long event with trials in 18 nations for folks vying for a three-week jaunt through Asia has been killed, your hint is 'train wreck economy.' It's no surprise, after the company has cut production, bowed out of the Detroit Auto Show, and asked the British government for £1 billion to keep the machinery running. Instead, the company will focus on product launches and creating other ways to reach consumers. If there is any silver lining about another cool motoring event being relegated to the dustbin of history, it's that when car makers are in the money again we expect to have a pile of brand new cool auto events to announce. Or not...
PRESS RELEASE
Land Rover has today confirmed that it will cancel the Land Rover G4 Challenge program in order to focus more on product launches in 2009.
"Given the severity of the global economic downturn and trading conditions, we need to make some tough decisions and that means prioritizing our budgets on new product launches. We are disappointed for the competitors who have shown so much commitment and put tremendous effort into succeeding as representatives of their nation. We have and will continue to take swift and decisive actions for the benefit of the business; unfortunately that means the Land Rover G4 Challenge has to come to an early close," said Phil Popham, Managing Director Land Rover.
Popham continued: "We want to thank the suppliers and sponsors who formed an integral role in the Challenge to date. The Challenge played a part in bringing the adventurous spirit of our brand and products to life. We will continue to look at other opportunities which will enable us to engage with our customers and reach new audiences."
A key part of the Land Rover G4 Challenge was its commitment to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Challenge was utilized as a fund generating activity for the charity, with the aim of generating £1million over the course of the next two programs. Despite cancelling the Challenge, Land Rover remains committed to this partnership.
Paul Jenkins, speaking on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said: "The International Federation's partnership with the Land Rover G4 Challenge has already had a substantial impact on the lives of vulnerable people in many countries and we are well ahead of the targets we set. We highly value the support we have received and look forward to strengthening relationships between Land Rover and national Red Cross Red Crescent Societies around the world."
"This relationship is something Land Rover highly values and we are proud that it helps to save lives. We will continue to build on the incredibly successful partnership we have with the International Federation and the funds generated to date prove this success," said Popham.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MachinaDC5 4:36PM (12/19/2008)
Heartbreaking.
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dannyccmc 5:06PM (12/19/2008)
NOOO! I was looking forward to this! One of my favorite events (I have an LR3 with G4 mods).
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jamie 5:20PM (12/19/2008)
TA-TA Land Rover!
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Jorge 6:04PM (12/19/2008)
This was like the grandchildren of the Camel Trophy. So now the last one in the family is dead!
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noz 7:26PM (12/19/2008)
Thank God....inefficient garbage of a car and an utter waste of precious resources.
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moocow 9:52PM (12/19/2008)
@noz...
inefficient garbage of a car?
I think you need to re-evaluate your statement! For the size and weight of the vehicle, it's not as inefficient as you may think, and waste of resources? Seriously go educate yourself on a company before you start spewing waste out of your mouth! Ever LR is carbon offset for the first 45k miles among other things most other companies don't bother to do... Not everyone wants to drive some ridiculous band aid hybrid product...
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noz 2:14AM (12/20/2008)
They probably offset the carbon footprint because it's one of the worst in the industry.
And no one mentioned driving a hybrid instead....but that gutteral reaction towards hybrids usually stems from people who are pissing away resources and feel guilty about it.
LR's are POS cars with appalling reliability and incredible inefficiency....you can turn blue trying to convince people otherwise but that's what they are.
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Mr.Oak 9:38AM (12/20/2008)
I happen to like LRs, but cannot argue with you here.
F-22 9:00AM (12/20/2008)
Oh nooo...The Greenpeace attacks again!
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moocow 12:44PM (12/20/2008)
First and foremost, LR's are cars, so attempting to classify them as such is ridiculous. Second, do some research, there are vehicles which have far worse carbon emissions. If you actually put in time instead of spouting off ridiculous fodder, you might be able to sound educated. Third, I am quite happy using whatever resources I use, and will continue to use. You can continue to chase the rabbit down the hole, while I enjoy my life. :-)
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moocow 12:45PM (12/20/2008)
Aren't cars rather... damn typos!
india 3:04PM (12/20/2008)
How do you order Orange Land Rover???
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Pinar Okuldas 6:17PM (12/30/2008)
First and foremost, I would like to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
I am writing to you from Turkey, and do apologise taking your time. However, I must say that all Land Rover fans in this country are thoroughly disappointed by your decision of cancelling G4 Challenge, and, needless to say, I am sure the fans in the rest of the world must also be very disappointed!..
Mr. Popham, you know much better than we all do that G4 Challenge has been the greatest push and incentive for the sales, and, while the world is going through one of the worst economical crisis it ever has been, G4 Challenge's importance rises far above expectations...
Please, reconsider this decision, and let G4 continue for the charitable reasons it was originally introduced, and also to keep the hopes of all fans high during this period...I am sure this will keep rising your worldwide sales as well...
Awaiting your good news,
Yours,
Pinar Okuldas, BA Business Administration and Econ
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