2008 Land Rover LRX Concept

2008 Land Rover LRX Concept

What does an iconic SUV maker need to survive the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression? $37 million according to the U.K. government. That's how much Land Rover will receive to develop a 'green' SUV.

With sales down 22% last month in the U.K., the government is standing behind it's car companies. "The government is fully committed to supporting the UK automotive industry as it moves to a lower-carbon future. This project aims to design and build a greener car in the UK, safeguarding vital skills and technology," said business secretary Lord Mandelson.

Land Rover will use the cash to produce a vehicle based on the LRX concept unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle hasn't been approved yet, but with Land Rover claiming that this would be the most efficient Range Rover ever built, speculation of a hybrid option abounds. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it's at least as likely as the production model having only three doors.

Source: Guardian