U.K. commissions 'green' Land Rover

This is the LRX concept car that was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008.

(Credit: Jaguar Land Rover)

Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has received a grant worth 27 million pounds--more than $37 million--to mass-produce a "green" crossover vehicle.

The car will be a street version--or a more practical variation--of the LRX concept vehicle that Jaguar Land Rover debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008.

The concept version was a hybrid 2-liter turbo diesel crossover vehicle, combining features of a car and an SUV. The concept got about 50 mpg on average, according to its specs.

Jaguar Land Rover's announcement comes as the U.K. government held a meeting Wednesday with automakers and suppliers to discuss a possible 2.3 billion pound ($3.2 billion) bailout package.

The 27 million pound grant, which is subject to approval by the European Commission, would require that the car be made at Jaguar Land Rover's plant in Merseyside, England.

"The vehicle industry will be central to driving our economy out of recession and employs large numbers of highly skilled individuals producing efficient cars for the global market of the future. It would be an absolute tragedy to lose these skills," David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said in a statement.

The news follows a recent announcement from Jaguar Land Rover that it will be shifting to a four-day work week and a pay freeze as part of an agreement with unions to avoid layoffs.

[professionaladventurer]

Still waiting for something 4 wheel drive and "green" I can drive on rough trails. From my house to my favorite fishing spot is 100 miles, the last 10 is pretty bad with a 4 foot river crossing. Currently I get 17 mph with my lifted Titan running 35" mud tires. I would gladly switch to something else if it can get me there. Yes, I live in Alaska and yes I use my big truck for what I built it to do, get me lout there and back.

[hoopla]

It is a pretty paltry amount of money in comparison to the auto bailouts happening everywhere. I'd call it non-news if it weren't for the fact that the European luxury have been conspicuously absent from the hybrid and electric development game. It would be nice if governments started pushing them in this direction.

[gggg sssss]

They still make cars in the UK? I thought every British brand was now foreign owned. Not unlike teh US in a few years

[gggg sssss]

And while on the subject, the latest governemnt owned auto projects led to those marvels of technology, the USSR Lada and the East German Trabant. The only succssful government run auto venture was 1940 Germany's Volkswagen, but then that govt leaders management style is not considered acceptable any more ( except in China maybe )

[aelalfy1989]

Pretty Cool. A land Rover going green? thats like Bmw creating muscle engines. But its than going ungreen. good job LR<br /><br />visit >[CNET editor's note: Prohibited spam deleted.]