Last August, eight Range Rovers made a historic journey through Colorado, from Wyoming to New Mexico, following as closely as possible the path of the Continental Divide. For more than 12 days a group of 32 journalists climbed the highest driveable passes in North America and threaded their way through vast stands in shimmering Aspen trees. At night they camped in meadows so remote few people have ever seen them. The eerie sound of howling coyotes was their only company.

After 1,123 miles the journey was over. The goal of making the first north to south traverse of the Continental Divide, off-pavement, was accomplished.

For the participants the event provided one of the greatest driving adventures most of them had ever undertaken.

Visitors to the 82nd Annual Chicago Auto Show will be able to inspect one of the actual Great Divide vehicles and see a video of some of this country's most breathtaking scenery and hair-raising roads.

The 1990 model Range Rover that made the trip were essentially stock, which was one of the main objectives of the exercise: to show that a great driving adventure can be undertaken using a stock vehicle on stock tires while at the same time being safe and in harmony with the environment.

"We also wanted to focus attention on the opportunity to get off the beaten path by travelling on some of the more than 200,000 miles of unpaved roads and trails that exist in our National Forests," said event organizer Bill Baker, vice president of corporate communications for Range Rover of North America, Inc. "The Forest Service has developed a program called 'Thread Lightly' to educate owners of off-road vehicles in the responsible use of the land and their machines," Baker added. "Range Rover supports Thread Lightly and encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with its guidelines before venturing into the backcountry."

In the past 10 years more than 42 percent of national forest lands have been closed to the public due to conservation or abuse according to Thread Lightly coordinator Cliff Blake. The best way to preserve these lands for unrestricted use is by following Thread Lightly principles.

The Great Divide Expedition Range Rover uses the same 178 hp, fuel-injected, V-8 engine, long travel coil spring suspension and the world's most sophisticated anti-lock brake system as the Range Rovers anyone can buy.

In 1989, its third year of doing business in the United States, Range Rover topped J. D. Power's dealer satisfaction survey, set company sales records, was one of only two European importers to post year-to-year sales gains (a 41 percent increase) and became the largest export market for world-wide Range Rover sales.

"We are very pleased with the success and recognition we have gained so far," said Charles R. Hughes, president, Range Rover of North America, Inc. "We know that a carefully supported dealer body and an advanced product are essential for continuing growth and improvement."

"For 1990 the addition of ABS, improved fuel economy, distinctive new paint colours and enhancements for County continue our tradition of quick response to customer requests," Hughes continued. "With high resale and lease residual rates, the $38,025 manufacturer's suggested retail price continues to represent an excellent luxury vehicle value."

Range Rover's 3.9 litre, 178 bhp, aluminium alloy V-8 engine uses new fuel injectors resulting in increased fuel economy ratings to 13 mpg for city driving and 16 mpg for highway.

Heater output has been increased with better distribution of air to the footwells. The speedometer and tachometer have improved graphics and better lighting, and the power door locks may now be operated from passenger's front door.

The upscale Range Rover County is offered with new metallic gunmetal grey wheel finish and three new micatallic exterior colours -- Ardennes Green, Clearwater Blue and Westminister Grey -- in addition to Beluga Black, Cairngorm Brown and Trocadero Red. The standard Range Rover is available in Chamonix White, Colorado Silver Metallic, Eastnor Green and Portofino Red.

An optional premium audio system is available for County which includes a six-disc remote compact disc changer, 120 watts of power and a seven-speaker system with a subwoofer.

Range Rover's 70 dealers in the U.S. welcome and assist their customers in a number of unusual ways beginning with a delivery program that has been appropriately named "A Royal Welcome." All new owners are thoroughly briefed on the operation of their Range Rover and presented with an elegant wicker picnic basket filled with English comestibles.

But the ownership privileges don't end there; many dealers keep in touch with their customers by organizing off-road driving clinics, hosting parties at equestrian, sailing and shooting events and by sending owners video tapes and literature to keep them up to date.

For a continuing personal touch, a private 800 phone line has been set up directly to Range Rover's Lanham, Maryland headquarters to answer any questions about the vehicle. Another number provides 24-hour Road Recovery assistance for any problems.

More information on the 1990 Range Rover is available by calling either of the Chicago area dealers; Bill Jacobs Motorsport, Inc., Naperville, (312) 357-1200 or Knauz Continental Autos, Inc., Lake Forest, (312) 234-1700; or through Range Rover of North America, Inc., 1-800 FINE 4WD.

Forty percent of Range Rover's dealers responded to the poll which measured performance in 35 separate aspects of the franchise. Range Rover led all of the manufacturers in its business terms, sales support and vehicle supply procedures, and ranked the top in service support.

According to the California-based automotive research firm, a dealer's relationship with the manufacturer is closely tied to his ability to please his customer. This is significant because 90 percent of all dealers responded that their role in creating customer satisfaction is becoming increasingly important to their success.

J. D. Power notes that the top five performers in the 1989 DSI are also among the best rated in terms of overall customer satisfaction.

Range Rover of North America's success with both dealers and customers in the    U. S. is evidenced by continually increasing sales figures. In 1989 Range Rover sold 4,822 vehicles in the U. S., exceeding the previous full year total by 41 percent. 

This sales result made North America the largest export market for the vehicle and Range Rover of North America one of only two European importers to post year-to-year sales increases.

"The end of 1989 brought a double victory for us, record sales and a number one rating from our dealers," said Charles R. Hughes, president, Range Rover of North America, Inc. "We really enjoy bringing Range Rover to North America and, together with our dealers, seek to provide a great ownership experience."

Range Rover programs for parts, service training, warranty processing and sales training have gained industry-wide acclaim for their thoroughness and innovation.  The company's zone managers, the most direct link to the dealers, received high marks in the survey for their professionalism and unique capabilities.

Range Rover of North America, Inc. is a part of the Rover Group, Ltd., Solihull, England. 

4390 Parliament Place

P. O. Box 1503

Lanham, MD 20706

(301) 731-9040

1411 West 190th Street

Suite 425

Los Angeles, CS 90248

(213) 329-9778

Charles R. Hughes                   President

William E. Baker                      Vice President, Corporate Communications

Joel E. Greer                            Vice President, Sales

James H. Lehmann, Jr.             Vice President, General Counsel

Joel D. Scharfer                        Vice President, Finance

Russell Turnham                      Vice President, Marketing

Richard P. Hubert                     National Manager, Parts

David A. Schworm                    General Manager, Service

Range Rover:

Aluminum body, permanent four-wheel drive sport/utility vehicle.

Features a 178 hp 3.9 litre fuel injected alloy V-8 engine.

ZF four-speed automatic transmission.

Four-channel anti-lock brake system.

Luxury and convenience features are standard.

Launched March 16, 1987 in U.S. market.

Vehicle:                             Range Rover     Range Rover County

                                         $38,025            $40,125

Options:

Sunroof                                $1,375             $1,375

Premium Sound System:      N/A                  $1,600

3 years, 36,000 miles, 6 years/unlimited milage no corrosion perforation

82

Baltimore, Maryland

Long Beach, California

70

  4,822 in U.S. (41% over 1988)

28,096 worldwide (+16% over 1988)

28,513 worldwide

800-FINE 4WD

Rover Group Ltd

Lode lane, Solihull

West Midlands B92 8NW

United Kingdom

021-722-2424