Tom Willis (L) of A+ Agency joins British ambassador Mark Gooding (C) and Envotech's Finn Gundersen at Sofitel yesterday. Photograph: Javier D Yepes/Phnom Penh Post

British car-maker Land Rover launched its 2013 SUV models for Cambodia during a two-day ceremony held at the weekend in the Sofitel Phnom Penh ballroom. 

The event, organised by Envotech, the official dealer for Land Rover in Cambodia, showcased the current Land Rover/Range Rover models as well releasing details of the 2013 range, which will be the fourth generation of the Range Rover brand.

The all-new Range Rovers, the world’s first SUVs with lightweight, all-aluminium bodies, feature a “terrain response” system that analyses driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings.

Envotech sales executive Sok Sarak explained that although customers were able to reserve a 2013 model now, production would not begin in England until November and the vehicles are expected to arrive in Cambodia around January. Prices for the 2012 and 2013 models range between $110,000 and $165,000.

British ambassador Mark Gooding attended the event, where he was shown 2012 models such as the Range Rover Vogue and Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery.

For Finn Gundersen, Envotech, general manager of the arrival of the new models is clear proof of the success of Land Rover in Cambodia.

“Not everyone wants a Japanese car,” he said. “Land Rover is a very well known luxury brand. The upper classes, actors and actresses like us — even the royals.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Javier D Yepes at [email protected]