Warwickshire-based Land Rover saw sales soar last month following big price cuts, at a time when the overall car market dipped.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the model improved by four per cent in September compared with 1999.

In terms of new car sales, the entire market fell by 8.7 per cent.

Leading the Land Rover charge in bucking this trend was the Freelander. The launch of a new model helped register a 35 per cent increase in monthly sales, compared with last year.

The new models include a 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine, and a 2 litre four cylinder diesel.

Mike Wright, managing director of Land Rover UK, which is based at Gaydon, said:

“I am delighted with our September sales performance. Our recently announced price reduction, of up to 14 per cent, plus the introduction of the new Freelander, have obviously given Land Rover sales a boost.

“We are confident of continuing our good performance, and our growing market share, for the remaining months of 2000, and beyond.”