IRVINE, Calif. — Land Rover today passed a historic milestone when the four millionth vehicle rolled off the production line, 59 years after production began at the company’s factory in Solihull.

The vehicle, a Land Rover LR3, was donated to the Born Free Foundation, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. It was collected by the actress Joanna Lumley, Born Free’s Founder patron, and will become a ‘Rapid Response Rescue’ vehicle for deployment across the UK and Europe.

Will Travers, Born Free chief executive, said, “This important vehicle will enable us to carry out important frontline conservation and animal welfare missions at will. Without Land Rover’s support we simply would not be able to reach some of the off-road remote destinations or tackle some of the rescues that are a vital part of our work.”

This summer is likely to see the Born Free Rapid Response Rescue Discovery 3 extensively used by Born Free’s partner, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, rescuing, treating and releasing stranded or abandoned marine mammals, especially Common and Grey seals, who frequently get into trouble along Britain’s shores during the breeding season.

Born Free has been one of Land Rover’s Global Sponsorship Partners since 2002. The sponsorship includes financial and vehicle support in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. In 2006 Land Rover’s support contributed to the rescue and relocation of three lions from a circus in France to Shamwari in South Africa.

Land Rover has pioneered responsible off-roading through its ‘Fragile Earth’ policy globally and Tread Lightly support in North America for many years and currently works with Earthwatch, Royal Geographical Society (RGS), China Exploration and Research Society (CERS), and Biosphere Expeditions.

Land Rover helps sustain over 50,000 jobs and exports 78 percent of all production, generating substantial wealth for Britain. Since the production of the 3 millionth Land Rover in 2001, an average of 700 cars have rolled off the production lines per day.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, said, “We are delighted to hand this car over to Born Free. The production of the four millionth Land Rover is a major milestone and it is only fitting that it goes to such a worthy cause. I’m proud of our support for the charity and the company’s contribution to both the local and national economy over the past 59 years.”

The Land Rover Discovery 3 has scooped an Auto Express New Car Honour - in the 4×4 Off-Roader category - for the second year running, beating off tougher competition than ever.

To claim the 2006 New Car Honour, the Discovery 3 defeated stiff opposition from the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. With a highly acclaimed TDV6 2.7 litre diesel engine, spacious seven-seat layout and plentiful storage, the Discovery 3 is an agile and practical offering on-road whilst off-road technology such as Terrain Response�, Hill Descent Control and Electronic Traction Control makes it unbeatable off-road too.

Auto Express editor in chief, David Johns commented: “Whether towing, mountain climbing, family carrying or simply taking the sting out of the daily commute, Land Rover�s Discovery never fails to impress us. Champion for the second year in a row, the big Brit has an unmatched range of abilities that sets it apart from every other car in the class.”

John Edwards, Land Rover UK managing director added: “It’’s fantastic that the Discovery 3 has proved yet again its versatility and staying-power in an increasingly competitive sector, with this, it�s 77th award off experts from around the world.”

For further information on the Discovery 3 or to arrange a test drive, log onto www.landrover.co.uk to locate your local Land Rover dealership.