From a one man business back in 2000 to becoming the longest established, and most successful spray liner company in the UK in 10 years is an impressive claim. Anyone looking for load-bed protection in their pick-up, or commercial vehicle really should start with a look at the Speedliner website.

With over 90 authorised dealers, there must be one close to you. The success of the product has much to do with the development of the registered Speedliner HC (Hygiene Coat) which is claimed to be the only spray, brush or roll-on polymer protective coating that contains an active anti-bacterial, anti-microbial. This year is Speedliner’s 10th anniversary and we wish them well. If you want to know more, go to: www.speedlinereuro.com

The 2011 show season ended last month with the LRO Show at the East of England Showground near Peterborough. Always the swansong to all the outdoor Land Rover and four-wheel drive shows of the year, it’s held in mid September and is often graced with better weather than the earlier shows and this year was no exception. Hils Everitt went along with her camera for a final season’s report.

Despite the good weather, there was feeling that it was a little smaller and not so well attended by the trade than in previous years, but there was a good mix of travel companies, such as Atlas Overland, Land Rover parts and build specialists, plus a healthy club showing – something that you can always rely on from the Land Rover faithful.

The growth of China’s motor industry took a significant step forward at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the announcement from Changan of the company’s new SUV. There will also be a saloon and an electric car. The intent is clear, as the company announced, “The goal: To distribute over the next ten years, according to high quality and design standards produced cars in Europe.” Rather awkward English, perhaps, but the intent is clear.

Perhaps less well known to most British enthusiasts, Changan is a major global manufacturer. In addition to four major manufacturing plants in China, Changan also has six manufacturing facilities in Asia, America, Africa and Europe, there are Research and Development facilities in  Italy, UK, USA and Japan and the company has cooperated in building cars with Suzuki, Ford and Mazda for a number of years. It would seem, therefore, that it will not be long before the Chinese off-roaders will be seen, initially, on British roads and then perhaps, off-road as well?

Anyone who saw the inspirational feature that appeared on BBC’s Top Gear programme, where a team of severely injured former service men and woman competed in a Comp Safari event, will be pleased to hear the news that these guys are looking to enter the 2014 Dakar. Project Mobility, a British not-for-profit organisation that sets out to help re-habilitate injured military personal, has joined with Bowler to provide the vehicles necessary. This all-new, fourth generation Bowler, code-named EXR, will allow the team to develop their off-road skills in national events next year, to give them the necessary experience for the Dakar.

Company Founder, Drew Bowler was understandably delighted to be involved: “It’s great to be able to support Project Mobility, and see a Bowler vehicle participating in yet another rally-raid competition.”

Jeep’s 70th Anniversary year drew to a close with attendance at the Goodwood Revival, a fantastic event that anyone interested in motor vehicles should attend and enter into the spirit of a golden era of the ‘50s and ‘60s for motorsport, writes Hils Everitt. See next month’s issue for a dedicated report, as this year the event was lucky to have Jeep as a main sponsor. Celebrating 70 years of the iconic marque, the show was bedecked with Jeeps from the past, from Willys to Wagoneers and Renegades. But the big news story was delivered at a press conference, held at Lord March’s home, which revealed Jeep’s future plans and model line-up.

So far, 2011 has been an important year of re-establishing the Jeep brand globally, with the launch of the new Compass, cosmetically tweaked Wrangler and brand new Grand Cherokee. Here at 4×4, we mourned the loss of the budget Patriot and excellent 2008 Cherkoee, but the good news is that Jeep plans to bring in a Cherokee replacement to represent the D segment SUV. That is due for launch in 2014, as is an, as yet, unidentified B segment SUV, plus a new Compass. Jeep will also introduce to Europe a new Grand Wagoneer – a name that had disappeared many decades earlier. ‘We are developing this vehicle with Europe firmly in mind’ is the official line.