Despite issues concerning the selling of Land Rover, the luxury unit of Land Rover “is strongly in profit at the moment.” This is according to Land Rover’s Managing Director, Phil Popham. He said, “We haven’t found the ceiling yet in some of (the emerging) markets.” However, he said that he sees “positive signs for this year.”

2007 had actually been a good year for the automaker as its global sales increased by up to 18 percent totaling to 226,395 vehicles sold. This increase in sale was because of Land Rover’s strong sales in Russia which went up to 96 percent and in China, sales sky-rocketed to 143 percent.

Another great thing that happened to the luxury sports utility vehicle manufacturer last year was that it was able to sell around 30,000 vehicles. This is something to be proud of as these much vehicles were sold in markets that Land Rover had no presence in half a decade before.

Because of the lot of great things that happened in 2007, Popham said that the British automaker is thinking of expanding its dealership networks. Aside from that, it is also planning to improve infrastructure like warehousing and to add more of their people in emerging markets as well. And because its sales performed high in Russia, Land Rover is expecting Russia along with the United Kingdom to be its leading markets.

India has also become an important auto market for Land Rover as Popham said the automaker sees its growing potential. Thus, it is looking in Indian market for additional growth. Popham said, “India is a market we are considering.”

Ford is currently in the process of selling Land Rover and Jaguar and Tata Motors Ltd seems to be the likely candidate as buyer. And because of the impending sale, Popham said he isn’t expecting any changes. He said, “Our assumption is business as usual. The management board of Land Rover has met with all our bidders.”

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