IT caused traffic chaos, closed schools and shut down factories. But the blast of Artic weather that gripped Britain for most of last month brought smiles to the faces of bosses at Land Rover as sales rocketed. Compared with 12 months earlier, registrations of models built by the famous 4x4 manufacturer were up by 58 per cent and almost double the average recorded across the industry. 'Heavy snow and icy conditions meant car buyers were looking for vehicles that provided them with the all-terrain capabilities to keep them on the roads,' said managing director John Edwards. Sales of the Discovery model leapt by 92 per cent and Range Rover Sport registrations were up by 66 per cent. Sales of Freelander and Range Rover models rose by 57 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. 'Land Rover has more than 60 years of experience developing supremely capable vehicles with pioneering technology. All this helps ensure owners have total peace of mind when travelling in wet and icy conditions,' said Mr Edwards. *Average auction values of 4x4 models have reached record values, according to British car Auctions. Values of £12,918 in January were £647 higher than averages recorded in December and are now almost twice those of 18 months ago. Said spokesman Tony Gannon: 'Nothing makes four-wheel drive more attractive than a dusting of snow and the severe weather in recent weeks will have convinced many drivers that they now need a 4x4. 'Of all the car sectors affected by the economic downturn, few fell harder or faster than the 4x4/Sports Utility sector and few have recovered as well in the intervening months.' | 
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