Landrover without a Defender model?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

"Matthew Taylor, the global managing director of Land Rover, said its entire model range would be replaced in the next four to five years but the Defender would be the last to be replaced."


So what is LANDROVER without a Defender?

Are ford dumping it because of sales?

or safety concerns?

It cant be very expensive to build,,

Or are they just going to multiplatform an explorer into the next Landy?

[VladTepes]

The Defender is Iconic.

The Defender is the only link, at least visually, (and ergonomically style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif ) with Land Rover's series vehicles - it's history.

Without that, Land Rover would just be another car maker.

Even if you don't own one - it's nice to know it's there.

What will the army drive ? Humvee's ? Junk.


(Ohh and please don't say such upsetting things). :cry:

[bigbugga]

I put in a news item before about how Discovery is being dropped in name from USA.

IT HAS BEGUN!!! 8O

[fernockulated]

:? why is it that the powers that be always get rid of something that everyone likes :?

[one_iota]

The world without a Defender is like a world without Wilderness:

I might never own a Defender just as I might never see Wilderness, but something important will be missing without it.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Originally posted by one_iota
The world without a Defender is like a world without Wilderness:

I might never own a Defender just as I might never see Wilderness, but something important will be missing without it.

without getting really sooky,,
and this is why I asked the question,,
I agree with one_iota,,
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[Phoenix]

That really is a horrible thought.

A worse one is that someone from the LR headshed was quoted as saying that the (get this) Range Rover was now the icon for LR 8O 8O

Needless to say there has been some backlash from that comment, even in some magazines.

Form memory the defender will be replaced last, and will retain its functionality and shape at least to a degree.

So LR without a defender could be really horrific, but if the replacement looks similar, and is better, I thnk that it would be a great thing (but keep the name please!!!)

[Knight]

Originally posted by Phoenix
Form memory the defender will be replaced last, and will retain its functionality and shape at least to a degree.

Hey Guys,

Spoke to my 'insider' on this one...
They did a bit of 'sussing out' on this topic - and Phoenix has pretty much got it right! (another head swell coming on :roll: )

Land Rover have based this decision on Sales - The Defender is the lowest of the money makers, thus it will get the 'face-lift' last!

From what i know, they will be keeping the basic 'square military style' shape, there will be moderate engine/technical etc changes and they will also tinker with the new headlights look also..........

So, from what i hear..FEAR NOT!! - it will be much of the same as we love it to be....with only some moderate changes! :wink:

I mean i really dont see what could be changed!! - they are in their own class of vehicle!!! 8)

Let me know if there are any specific things you want me to ask my 'insider' about on this topic....I'm more than happy to help! :wink:

Cheers

Knight

[Phoenix]

Pictures :roll:

The headlights could give the defender an interesting look. Actually it wouldn't be too bad, sad to see the surrent ones go, but maybe a more modern look will attract more customers?

[VladTepes]

Maybe the new lights will actually light things up at night... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Knight: Thank you so much :!:
Up til now every time I looked at this thread I got depressed.
No Defender ..... :cry:
I'm so glad to hear it will probably continue. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Stay 8)

[Bushie]

Pretty scary stuff -

Apparently ford did not submit a tender in the recent British army landrover replacement program.

Go to www.ford.com and follw the links to land rover - the defender does not make an appearance (that I could find).


Bushie

[VladTepes]

I understand the Defender is not CURRENTLY sold in the US market.....

[one_iota]

Originally posted by VladTepes
I understand the Defender is not CURRENTLY sold in the US market.....

Without wishing to be politcal....If remaining a quiet back water means retaining a Defender I will be there. LA and Defender must be a conrtradiction in terms.

Bushie

Last night you mentioned something about the latest UK defence contract not being tendered by Ford (read Defender) and therefore by default being awarded to Pinzgauer [sp]. Can you elaborate?

[Phoenix]

Just to elaborate on the Defender in the US thing, the defender has always struggled to meet safety and emmision standards in the us (Similar to the D90 in Aus). That is why it isn't sold in the US.

As for the UK, I read something about that on janes the otehr day, can't remember what though.