It's the first time Land Rover, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has driven through the two hundred thousand sales barrier.

Emerging markets continued to show their potential with sales in Russia climbing 96% to 12,268 and by 143% in China to reach 6,573. There were also records in the US, Canada, Spain and Ireland among others.

In 2007, Land Rover sold around 30,000 vehicles in markets it did not even have a presence in five years ago. Specifically to maintain progress in these increasingly important new and developing markets, Land Rover has designated the post of Overseas Operations Director, which will be filled by Bob Grace, currently UK Sales Director.

"After seeing the UK notch up another record year, I'm looking forward to this new challenge. Land Rover is a truly global brand with desirable models. The breadth of capability makes them an ideal choice for emerging markets," said Mr Grace.

Land Rover's global Managing Director, Phil Popham, said, "Once again the established markets put in solid performances with strong gains but the pace of growth in the new and emerging markets is rapid. The new post of Overseas Operations Director will ensure Land Rover is well placed to take advantage of this and continue to grow responsibly.

In the UK, Land Rover clocked up over 50,000 sales for the first time in its 60 years of existence. In 2007, the four-by-four specialist sold 50,664 cars – an increase of seven per cent (3,248 cars) on the previous year, making the UK Land Rover's biggest market.

In Australia, Land Rover sold 3,708 units during 2007. This is a 9.3% increase over 2006, when 3,392 deliveries were effected.

Freelander 2, Land Rover's most efficient car to date, got off to an impressive start in its first full year of production with sales in the UK of just under 19,000 – an increase of 34%. The introduction of the turbo diesel V8 in Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, which delivers petrol-like performance but with a 32% fuel improvement, helped to keep the brand at the forefront of the luxury SUV segment.

John Edwards, Land Rover's UK Managing Director, said, "To crack the fifty thousand barrier and set a new UK record is a great achievement and to do it with the help of our most efficient cars to date is an added bonus.