- One‑of‑a‑kind: Donated specially converted Defender 130 will be deployed to the British Red Cross for crisis response work
- Purpose‑driven: Unique purposeful vehicle will be instrumental in helping the charity to support those in difficult‑to‑reach communities across North Wales
- Bespoke kit: Enhanced connectivity including a 4G‑connected antenna, phone, VHF radio and telematics system with GPS tracking
- Established partners: Latest collaboration in a partnership that stretches back nearly 70 years to 1954
- Public display: British Red Cross Defender 130 will be on show at this week’s Royal Windsor Horse Show from 11‑14 May
Gaydon, UK – Wednesday 10 May 2023: The specially converted Defender 130, donated to the British Red Cross in commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, is to enter active service in North Wales. This unique vehicle will be instrumental in helping the charity support those in difficult‑to‑reach communities such as the Snowdonia mountain range, Lleyn Peninsula and Isle of Anglesey.
Working with the British Red Cross, of which Queen Elizabeth II was Patron for 70 years, the Defender 130 has been adapted in line with Jaguar Land Rover’s modern luxury principles to include advanced communications features. With Wales ranked the second‑worst area in the UK for 4G data coverage in rural areas*, the Defender’s ability to stay connected will be essential along the region’s coastline, mountainous terrain and remote locations.
The vehicle includes an enhanced 4G‑connected antenna to provide a strong signal whatever the location, a built‑in phone, a VHF radio for communications and an upgraded telematics system with GPS tracking. A solar power system on the roof will charge an auxiliary battery to power accessories when the engine is not running so that the vehicle can stay connected for longer.
Further valuable storage space has been created by removing the Defender 130’s third row of seats. A fitted drawer system will allow teams to transport equipment such as blankets, food and first aid supplies, meaning the vehicle will be well equipped to respond to a range of emergencies such as storms, floods, fires and freezing conditions.
Anti‑bacterial wipe‑clean seat covers and rechargeable torches with charging points also feature among the adaptations, for added practicality, while the built‑in water boiler will allow the British Red Cross to provide hot drinks in times of crisis.
For almost 70 years we have partnered with the British Red Cross, continually seeking ways to grow and support their work through our vehicles and technologies.
Together, we continue to reach people in isolated and rural communities all over the country. This new Defender 130 is particularly important and will support those most in need in North Wales. It is also a poignant way to celebrate Her Majesty's 70‑year patronage and dedication to the work of the British Red Cross.
Laura Wood
Brand Partnerships, Experience and Collections at Jaguar Land Rover
For almost seven decades, British Red Cross volunteers have been responding to emergencies in Land Rovers.
From fires and floods to storms and power outages, our partnership with Defender has helped us to be there for people in a crisis. This generous donation will have a massive impact on our emergency responders in North Wales, ensuring that we can continue to support people wherever they are and whatever the British weather can throw at us.
Chris Davies
Head of Crisis and Emergency Response at British Red Cross
Before starting its working life in North Wales, the vehicle will be on display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (11‑14 May), an event that was regularly attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors to the show can see the Defender 130 and learn more about Jaguar Land Rover’s long‑standing partnership with the British Red Cross.
For more information, please visit: landrover.com/sponsorship/humanitarian‑and‑conservation/red‑cross.
*According to the ‘Rural mobile coverage in the UK: Not‑spots and partial not‑spots’ House of Commons report (April 2022)
Further information
Sophie Freestone
Purpose Partnerships Executive
07717808305
Claire Boakes
Global Partnership Manager – Sport and Purpose
07557846883
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Notes to Editors
About Land Rover
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.
Important notice
Jaguar Land Rover is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates.
About the British Red Cross
For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers across 192 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders: www.redcross.org.uk