Land Rover to create 275 jobs in UK

Car giant Land Rover gave the motor industry a huge boost today by announcing plans to create 275 new jobs at its UK manufacturing plant.

The firm said the jobs at its factory in Solihull, West Midlands, were needed to support an increase in demand following the seventh consecutive month of improved sales.

March sales in the UK recorded the highest figures for any month in the company's 62-year history.

Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director, said: "These additional positions are excellent news for the manufacturing industry in the Midlands.

"It comes as a result of a phenomenal response received from customers and the media to the award-winning 2010 model year range, giving Land Rover an incredible start to the year."

More than 5,000 people work at the Solihull plant. The extra 275 agency jobs will start immediately to boost production in light of increased demand for Land Rover's new vehicle 2010 model year range.

In March 2010, Land Rover sales in the UK were up 67% on the same month last year, at more than 11,300 vehicles.

As well as the Defender model, the Solihull plant builds the company's Discovery 4, which saw sales increase by 58%, together with the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover models, which were up by 70% and 36% respectively compared to the same period last year.