expanding New defender range in Aust

[philco]

The following is an email from Land Rover Australia in a response to my inquiry about the Defender 110 double cab chassis and Defender 90.
The more people to email them about expanding their range and what they intend to use them for, the better.
The email is at the bottom of the letter.
Philco

Hello Mr Cossey,

I am responding to your request to Land Rover head office.

We are currently looking at expanding the range for Defender and would like to offer more vehicles in 2009.

While the final details are not ready to release we could possibly be offering a 110 Double Cab Pick up as part of this range expansion.

Defender 90 is a vehicle we would like to offer in market however we still have some engineering issues relating to this market that are yet to be resolved so it is difficult for us to commit to this vehicle.

I agree with your comments about the Defender capability and versatility and we are working hard to deliver an expanded range that is relevant to our market and provides a business case that stacks up.

I would appreciate any information you could share with me regarding your usability of such a vehicle as this helps us when we specify vehicles for the market. e.g. load carrying, off-road use or any specifications or features that are important to you.
Once again thank you for your enquiry.
Regards
Brett Lewis-Driver
Product Manager

LAND ROVER AUSTRALIA
65 Epping Rd North Ryde, NSW 2113 Australia
Tel 61 2 9020 1504. Fax 61 2 9020 1491
blewisdr@landrover.com
__________________

[Hendrik]

Sounds Promising. Hope they bring back the 110 single cab ute.

[PAT303]

I'll just settle for a dual cab body so I can make my wagon into one. Pat

[disco gazza]

I'd definately buy a 110 double cab pickup if they bring them out(but it would be in 2-3 years time,gotta save the pennies first:p)

gaza

92 disco tdi

[Scouse]

Good old Brett Lewis-Driver.

Maybe his uncle can apply some pressure too as he's a regular on here :).

[DirtyDawg]

stuff the angieering issues..I will go a 90 in a heart beat

[vnx205]

And for those of you with no imagination this is what a dual cab 110 looks like.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/64734-dual-cab-110-a.html#post826871

I would have thought they would fill an important niche in the market.

[solmanic]

This is indeed interesting. One would think that with the recent boom in people buying twin-cab Navaras, Hiluxes & Tritons that Land Rover should be able to make a decent business case for the 110 Double-cab.

How about it, a proper 4x4 twin-cab ute!

[juddy]

I would buy a 110 DC, no questions asked, lets hope they bring it over.

[haggisbasher]

i'd be up for a 110 TC too...they would be a great compromise....

[Russ]

This is indeed interesting. One would think that with the recent boom in people buying twin-cab Navaras, Hiluxes & Tritons that Land Rover should be able to make a decent business case for the 110 Double-cab.!

Problem is, the Defender loses sales against other vehicles because it's not a trendy vehicle. Whilst it more than capable for some of the people that need a vehicle with those specific capabilities (tradey's, 4wd'ers etc) - 50% of the people buy them strictly for the style. Chrome trim, big shiny rims and 4 DVD screens.

A Defender just doesn't have the design to visually appeal to the sheeple.

The way the Defender is designed, people look at 1 and automatically think 'bush bashing' - when all they want is something that they can pick their kids up from school in, and look cool doing it. Thing is, if it wasn't designed the way that it is, then it wouldn't be a Defender, and everyone here would own something different.

[PAT303]

This is indeed interesting. One would think that with the recent boom in people buying twin-cab Navaras, Hiluxes & Tritons that Land Rover should be able to make a decent business case for the 110 Double-cab.

How about it, a proper 4x4 twin-cab ute!

When as the last time LR did something to boost sales?.Without airbags they have no chance,with airbags and local dealer support there would be a good amount sold,I would buy one tomorrow. Pat

[def90]

Me too, deposit ready....

If no, a 130 DC will be on my list 2010....

Wondering what might be on the cards for LR by then????

[gunny]

Me too, deposit ready....

If no, a 130 DC will be on my list 2010....



+1 on that

[paulthepilot_5]

Would be great to see the 90's on sale in OZ

[PAT303]

Is anyone from LR Aust reading these post's?,listen to your customers. Pat

[wally]

Would be great to see the 90's on sale in OZ

...and single cab 130s.

[Ace]

If the defender was to be successful in Aus, as is the toyota land cruiser troopy etc, then Land Rover need to hammer the issue of poor build quality and poor reliability. Land Rover have worked extremely hard with the D3, new RR Vouge, RRS and the new freelander but the defender has been somewhat neglected in this area. Then there is the issue of comfort, whilst comfort was vastly improved with the new model and its new seats, they are still in that awkward right next to the window position.

Having said this, if land rover bring out the 110 dual cab i would seriously think about buying one.

[Ace]

oh, and they would also have to offer those who would best be suited to the vehicle an opportunity to actually buy one. Closing rural dealerships and eliminating anyone outside of the metropolitan areas as a potential customer was the dumbest thing they could have done.

Establishing a good dealership base where people can get issues sorted under warranty quickly and painlessly remains the base structure of any good sales pattern, hence the success of toyota. Whilst toyota sell many vehicles based on their "reliability" reputation alot of it is to do with the fact that even some of the smallest towns have a toyota dealership.

[EchiDna]

in the scenario that we have a plummeting aussie dollar and land rover has been "consolidating" for many years in Australia... Yet we are meant to believe that suddenly they want to sell a wider range of vehicles they have trouble selling already? (to the populous, not us true believers). I say buy now before they drop the defender altogether from non-eu markets.