Rover Group has been doubly successful in the latest tranche of Millennium Product awards, announced today (November 2) by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Mandelson MP.

The company was awarded Millennium Product status for the Land Rover Freelander and Hill Descent Control. The Land Rover Freelander, the class-leading compact 4x4, employs the latest in on and off-road technologies. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is an electronically governed braking system which maintains low-speed descent whilst tackling steep hills in off-road situations, and is fitted to Land Rover's Freelander and Discovery models.

Nick Stephenson, design and engineering director for Rover Group said

"The Millennium Product Award scheme is a wonderful way of promoting the best in British design, innovation and technology. The fact that we have won two awards demonstrates the importance Rover Group places on having world class design, innovation and technology in its vehicles."

Millennium Product Status is granted by the Design Council. The aim of the Millennium Product scheme is to promote British examples of world class design and innovation.