Prime Minister Tony Blair en-dorsed the new Range Rover at a special preview at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

"Land Rover is a great British success story producing vehicles recognised the world over," he said.

"I'm sure this new vehicle will build on that reputation and is great news for the West Midlands."

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt.

They were shown the new Range Rover by Land Rover's managing director Bob Dover.

The vehicle, which goes on sale on February 15, is being built on a new production facility at Land Rover's plant in Solihull. It is the result of a £1 billion investment programme.

The latest Range Rover was designed at Land Rover's corporate, design and engineering headquarters in Gaydon, Warwick-shire.

More than three-quarters of total production is due to be exported, with the US the single largest market. It is due to be sold in 124 countries.

The new Range Rover has been unveiled at a special reception at the Design Museum in London. It is only the third new Range Rover model in 31 years.

Bob Dover took the wraps off the new vehicle before 200 guests.

Also attending were Dr Wolfgang Reitzle, the president of the Premier Automotive Group Ford Motor Company's automotive division, of which Land Rover forms a part and Geoff Upex, design director for Land Rover.

"We are confident that the new vehicle will continue Range Rover's reputation as a British design icon with great international appeal," said Mr Dover.

"It is a truly distinctive vehicle that provides outstanding capability both on- and off-road."

Contact: TH White, Copard Hall, Wootton Bassett 01793 852381