Land Rover recently passed a historic milestone when the four millionth vehicle rolled off the production line, 59 years after production began at the company's factory in Solihull.

The fourth million car, a LR3, was donated to the Born Free Foundation, a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare that works to protect threatened species across the globe. 

The car was collected by the actress Joanna Lumley, Born Free’s Founder patron, and will become a ‘Rapid Response Rescue’ vehicle for deployment across the UK and Europe.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, said, “We are delighted to hand this car over to Born Free. The production of the four millionth Land Rover is a major milestone and it is only fitting that it goes to such a worthy cause. I'm proud of our support for the charity and the company's contribution to both the local and national economy over the past 59 years."

Speaking on the occasion, Andy Gawthorpe, Regional Managing Director, Land Rover Middle East said, “It is a moment of great pride and it is inspiring to know that we have over four million vehicles designed, engineered and built and these are now on the roads of countries all over the world.”

“We have a heritage of manufacturing vehicles that echo ‘true breadth of capability’ and we offer our customers a lifestyle experience that extends beyond the car into a physical, intellectual and emotional approach to living a life of adventure.”

He added, “We are proud of this heritage and equally delighted to share the brand success by making a positive contribution to a credible wildlife conservation organization like Born Free. Land Rover believes in long-term investment, sustainability and preservation of the environment it operates in and this project reiterates our commitment towards achieving this goal. ”

Will Travers, Born Free chief executive, said, "This important vehicle will enable us to carry out important frontline conservation and animal welfare missions at will. Without Land Rover’s support we simply would not be able to reach some of the off-road remote destinations or tackle some of the rescues that are a vital part of our work.”

Born Free has been one of Land Rover’s Global Sponsorship Partners since 2002. The sponsorship includes financial and vehicle support in the UK, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Sri Lanka. In 2006 Land Rover’s support contributed to the rescue and relocation of three lions from a circus in France to Shamwari in South Africa.

Land Rover has pioneered responsible off-roading through its ‘Fragile Earth’ policy for many years and currently works with Earthwatch, Royal Geographical Society (RGS), China Exploration and Research Society (CERS), and Biosphere Expeditions.