Land Rover hybrid confirmed

Land Rover took its first steps into the future today, unveiling its new LRX hybrid vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

A small three-door vehicle, the LRX is expected to hit the road in 2010.

It is hoped the vehicle will appeal to 'green' consumers.

The key feature in achieving any reduction in pollution will be the new integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) which will allow the LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) sport utility ability in tough conditions.

Unlike the hybrid technology used by some SUV rivals, Land Rover's unique solution retains mechanical drive to all four wheels.

"The LRX concept delivers the powerful message we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," said Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director.

"LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different Land Rover. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction -- but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take."

The vehicle will come with a two-litre engine, capable of running on bio-diesel, and is hoped will emit 30 per cent less pollution than SUV's of a similar size.

According to a statement from the company the new LRX "is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment".

It was designed by Gerry McGovern, newly-appointed head of the Land Rover design team and creator of the Freelander.

"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people's practical needs," continued Mr Popham.

"No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."