Land Rover seeks added manpower

Land Rover has created 275 new jobs at its Solihull plant due to increased demand for its range of off-roaders.

March was the best month for new car sales in Land Rover's 62-year history as the company shifted more than 11,300 vehicles worldwide. There was a 67 per cent rise on March 2009 and the 275 extra staff are required to join the 5000-strong workforce immediately to help the firm keep up with the increased demand.

The plant is responsible for producing the Defender, Discover 4, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. Sales of the latter three models were up 58 per cent, 36 per cent and 70 per cent respectively year-on-year in March.

Phil Popham, Land Rover managing director, said: "These additional positions are excellent news for the manufacturing industry. It comes as a result of a phenomenal response received from customers and the media to the 2010 model year range, giving Land Rover an incredible start to the year."