Thread: 2016 'Defender'

So am I now.

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

So am I now.

Not yet Madge

Does that mean that we can go and grab a latte with the fj cruiser fraternity?

Yep... Well... If you can find a parking spot amongst all the D3/4/RRS

So it looks like the anticipation of a new model Defender in 2016 was actually prophetic for its finale. If you are lucky enough to own an MY16 Defender, cherish it. As I thought, we have just witnessed the end of Defender...

"Land Rover has starved this vehicle of investment, ignored utility and military contracts and allowed the Defender to stagnate. So, while the PR drips with crocodile tears about the demise of this old war horse, that demise has actually been a foregone conclusion for years. And judging from the concepts and studies we've seen for its successor, they don't want to replace it with anything as competent or rugged. As one former Land Rover executive told me recently: "All they want to do is replace it with an SUV." And if they do that, where will their credibility be? I've got a sneaky feeling it really is all over now." Land Rover Defender farewell drive

Originally Posted by MrLandy

So it looks like the anticipation of a new model Defender in 2016 was actually prophetic for its finale. If you are lucky enough to own an MY16 Defender, cherish it. As I thought, we have just witnessed the end of Defender...

"Land Rover has starved this vehicle of investment, ignored utility and military contracts and allowed the Defender to stagnate. So, while the PR drips with crocodile tears about the demise of this old war horse, that demise has actually been a foregone conclusion for years. And judging from the concepts and studies we've seen for its successor, they don't want to replace it with anything as competent or rugged. As one former Land Rover executive told me recently: "All they want to do is replace it with an SUV." And if they do that, where will their credibility be? I've got a sneaky feeling it really is all over now." Land Rover Defender farewell drive

Yes we know you do, and if we were all to be honest, so do we to varying degrees. However if we all recognise that not having the ultra-credible off-road utility vehicle puts the Brand in a compromising position, so, apart from the words of you former LR Executive, what makes you think that those he left behind don't recognise it? You could be right but your doomsaying is wearing a bit thin.
As i've said before: If they are listening to the market then they will not go the way you suggest. If they are imagining what markets they can break into, or even create, they won't go that way. If they're not then I wish I could be paid so much for being so stupid.

You do realise that article is as scathing of the current defender as it is dismissive of its replacement, if not more?

Sent from my HTC One using AULRO mobile app

Originally Posted by MrLandy

If you are lucky enough to own an MY16 Defender, cherish it. As I thought, we have just witnessed the end of Defender...

The Telegraph is trash. Their whole business model is centered around sensationalism and provocation, take it with a bucket of salt.

Having said that though, they aren't wrong that the Defender as we know it is over - we all knew that. It was a bitter sweet inevitability that made all of us hug our 'Fenders a little tighter at night.

I think their cynicism about the replacement is a little misplaced though. The market is flooded with luxury SUVs and JLR already has the market very well covered. Another 'me too' Defendovery Sportvoque would just cannibalise other models in the range and diminish their credibility. As Cuppa said, I think they'll be taking their time to assess the market and look for a way to honour the traditional values of the Defender while keeping it relevant to the needs of more customers (i.e. commercially viable).

Personally, I like the idea of having a second Defender in the family when the new model is released. An MYXX Defender 90 sitting proudly next to its MY16 110 Granddad would be awesome