Thread: All discussions relating to the Defenders end of production

In Australia, yes, elsewhere, maybe not...

Australian defender market is statistically insignificant. Microscopic. Car manufacturers financial controllers ears would only start twitching when the sales volumes are anticipated to be in the 100,000's. Ths are the sor tof numbers that start to bankroll the costs of new production lines.

Like it or lump it facts:

- Car markets are global, models must have broad appeal.
- Australia is a desert with a population of 2.
- Customers are increasingly demanding. 4WD capability is not enough... car must have comfort, safety, visual appeal, economy, features etc etc.
- Major market (Europe) - defender is an oddity/relic. Vast majority of European customers touring needs would be satisfied by nothing more hard-core than a Freelander.
- Most affluent people (i.e. potential LR customers) live in high density urban areas, for which Defender is not suitable day to day.
- Defender is a relic. We are extremely lucky its lasted this long.

I love my Defender... but LR are not here merely to serve the needs of the very few of us actually utilising the cars' 4WD capabilities.

There has been much talk on this forum about the last-minute grab for defenders before production ceases. I admit to having considered this option too. BUT… almost no-one talking of the possibility that LR may just hit the nail on the head with the Defender successor. Perhaps I might want one of those even more …?

Originally Posted by Samblers

In Australia, yes, elsewhere, maybe not...

Australian defender market is statistically insignificant. Microscopic. Car manufacturers financial controllers ears would only start twitching when the sales volumes are anticipated to be in the 100,000's. Ths are the sor tof numbers that start to bankroll the costs of new production lines.

Like it or lump it facts:

- Car markets are global, models must have broad appeal.
- Australia is a desert with a population of 2.
- Customers are increasingly demanding. 4WD capability is not enough... car must have comfort, safety, visual appeal, economy, features etc etc.
- Major market (Europe) - defender is an oddity/relic. Vast majority of European customers touring needs would be satisfied by nothing more hard-core than a Freelander.
- Most affluent people (i.e. potential LR customers) live in high density urban areas, for which Defender is not suitable day to day.
- Defender is a relic. We are extremely lucky its lasted this long.

I love my Defender... but LR are not here merely to serve the needs of the very few of us actually utilising the cars' 4WD capabilities.

There has been much talk on this forum about the last-minute grab for defenders before production ceases. I admit to having considered this option too. BUT… almost no-one talking of the possibility that LR may just hit the nail on the head with the Defender successor. Perhaps I might want one of those even more …?

Very good points. And particularly "possibly LR may just hit the nail on the head with the Defender successor." who knows that could happen! well really don't you think it should????? They came up with something that lasted pretty much 70yrs from basically NO prior success. Now they have 70yrs of experience to draw from, they have be groundbreaking on plenty of tech stuff on the range rover and disco, so why can't they come up with something revolutionary with the 'new defender'? Maybe a blank slate is what they need to recreate "The third Pillar"

Absolutely.

In answer to the original question, “is anyone bothered”?

Me!

I’d love for LR to continue making defenders for my personal convenience and continued enjoyment!

But I know that’s completely unsustainable.

I hope the New Defender is awesome and inspires us all.

I'm not bothered,look at parts prices,I could rebuild my Tdi from the ground up for 10K and sell it for 15,the defender is not going anywhere,in fact they will get more popular once all the land losers and pootrols are rusted away and the market is made up of nothing but Kluger type ''4wds''. Pat

It will be a sad event, considering the Defender is probably the last mass-produced automotive icon standing, but all good things, etc. Being realistic about it, we're very lucky that the Defender has lasted this long, especially with ever more stringent regulations and the homogeneity that they create.

However, Pat makes a good point; the Defender is far more rebuildable and has a far larger parts industry to support it than anything from Toyota or Nissan, so those that exist already will keep rolling for many, many years to come.

It will certainly be interesting to see what Land Rover come up with as a replacement. Given the success of the double cab ute market and large wagons like the LandCruiser and Patrol, I don't think body-on-frame construction is done for yet. I just hope they can make two live axles compatible with a five-star NCAP rating. Given JLR's expertise with riveted aluminium construction, they should perhaps look to the aviation industry for inspiration and consider some sort of riveted modular construction for the next Defender, which would allow the various body types one would expect. It could be more of a lightweight monocoque for safety, but still sit atop a trusty box-section steel frame (hopefully galvanised at long last!).

I am not bothered, i have already got mine, and it is only going to go up in value

Not too fussed at its demise as it currently exists - with some significant changes to design, but not the fuss free principle, yes keep it going. I thought the real issue was the cost of updating, for such things as airbags (I assume current models don't have airbags), crush zones etc.

Maybe we need a list of likes and dislikes? I like the alloy shell, coils, live axles, slab sides, hose out option. Don't like ergonomics, wind resistent front, uncertain reliablity, dash. Would wish for factory portals, factory pop up camper roof. Dumb down a D4 and stick it on live axles.

I actually like the same stuff, simple is good!

dislikes I have to disagree though, I find the defender pretty comphy to drive, although 1 more notch on the seat adjustment would be great (rearward of course). I don't mind the dash....

Now your talking! factory portals and camper option! nice...

And as others have said - I have mine, and it's very rebuildable (as long as they keep making the parts for it) so I"m all good!

Saw a guy trying to sell a 2004 D90 for $25K the other day, it was in good nick. So I figure in 20 years I should be able to sell my 2013 D90 for good money as well