Land Rover

MOSCOW -- When someone discovers grandma's been locked in her apartment for four days, whom do you call? When a construction worker falls off scaffolding straight down a manhole, whom do you call?There's no 911 in Russia.But there is 007 -- the cellular phone number you can call to get retired KGB officer Alexander Shabalov's firm, Security Center of Flexible Technology.On contract to the city to provide emergency rescue services, SCFT's action teams come roaring to the rescue of Muscovites every day.They arrive in Shabalov's spy-fantasy "multifunctional vehicles" -- converted Land Rovers, bristling with high-tech readiness and emblazoned with the company's winged logo, which looks like Batman's.

Parris N. Glendening freed his firm grip on the steering wheel, rested his arm on the window opening of the $30,000-plus, silver Land Rover, flashed a broad grin and said: "What a thrill. This was the most fun I've had as governor."The governor had just completed his second lap around a third-of-a-mile, off-pavement demonstration course Land Rover has constructed in the East Point Metro Business Center in Prince George's County. The course familiarizes dealer prospects, potential financial partners, suppliers and customers with the ruggedness of the luxury sport utility vehicle the automaker imports and distributes throughout the country.

A Stevenson couple were counting their blessings last night after their 3-year-old son escaped harm during an afternoon carjacking in Roland Park."We are really fortunate and very lucky," said Gregory Barnhill, of the 10000 block of Stevenson Road. "The police were great and very responsive."Mr. Barnhill's wife, Lisa, was driving their son, Scott, to a christening when she stopped at a friend's apartment in the 5700 block of Roland Ave. at 1:35 p.m. Mrs. Barnhill parked her 1993 Land Rover in front of the building and left the engine running while Scott sat in his car seat in the back seat, police said.

ULYANOVSK, Russia -- It can climb the highest mountain, ford any stream and, with a little tinkering, probably clear tall buildings in a single bound.Russia's toughest car -- so ugly they're beautiful -- is on its way to America. And, all building-jumping exaggeration aside, the importers are hoping the feisty four-wheel drive vehicle will ZTC become the next U.S. super car."I fell in love with them," said William Anderson Jr., a Reston, Va., resident who is importing the car. "They're rugged, and they have a sort of classic look."

NEWINGTON, South Africa -- At dawn, before the searing African sun hits the eastern lowlands, the bush is a parade of the dangerous and exotic.A rhinoceros lingers in the distance with its newborn, a miniature battle tank on legs. The two elude an approaching Land Rover, trotting deeper into the bush whenever the vehicle tries to come near."This one is skittish because of the baby," says James Marshall, a ranger at Londolozi Game Reserve. "Let's approach it on foot." He reaches for his rifle and descends from the safety of the machine.