DIGGING JCB

Another great British success story is the JCB. Like the Land Rover, it’s a tough, non nonsense products that enjoys an almost unrivalled worldwide reputation for excellence. It was no surprise to learn that JCB had beaten the land speed record 317mph for a diesel powered vehicle. After all, JCB’s boss is Matthew Tailor, former MD of Land Rover.

And it was he who approved and masterminded the launch of the new generation of high performance Land Rovers, including the fabulous Range Rover Sport. Back in 1948, when the only Land Rover available was a 1600cc side valve truck that struggled to reach 50mph, nobody would have believed that the day would come when a Land Rover would top 140mph.

Now I’m not saying that Matthew, s reign at JCB will see similar surprises. But if a distinctive yellow digger flashes past you on the fast lane of the M6 in the near future, remember where you read it first.