Originally Posted by 
superquag
				
			 
			This just re-inforces my contention that Land Rover as well as other 'Technologically advanced Vehicle makers' have totally lost the plot as to what a motor vehicle IS, and in the case of the Off-Road 4WD market, well, they have no credibility left.
 
There used to be a saying in the industry that "..Parts left out don't cost anything and don't break down"
 
Marketing and over-zealous regulatory bodies have turned this around to the extent that we have- as has been pointed out - computers to do everything but physically place us in the car seat ! 
 
Road accidents have always been caused by drivers, their incompetance, inexperience, ego, distraction, emotional immaturity...and poorly designed and/or built roads & surfaces.
 
Right at the bottom of the list add 'health' issues such as fatigue, (more of a work-related & social problem) sudden death at the wheel, inadverdant prescription medication side-effects and weather etc.
At the very bottom add sheer bad luck when lots of innocent factors add up to tragedy.
 
Naturally, the Safety and other Interested parties want to blame such heinous offences such as removing a 3rd row seat from a wagon as turning said vehicle into an unlicensed 'death-trap', not to mention such wish-lists as banning bull-bars on 4WD's - which they argue will "save many lives".
 
Worst of all, is that the public accept whatever 'motherhood' statements they make, and the car-makers are happy to put more and more stuff & toys into them to gain a sales advantage...and support groups such as ourselves 'accept' whatever is dished up... and keep buying the newest and latest rip-offs.
 
Its my impression that Land Rover has never been a good listener,ignoring the very people that pay their fat salaries...
 
How many of us have written off to LRA to object to the way Mrs Traxide was placed in mortal danger ? - Or to the motoring writers of your local rags?
- Will we be seeing any letters to the editor about this particular or other incidents in our AA, RACQ, RAC, NRMA RAC-Vic etc magazines. ???
 
The 4WD world got itself very, *VERY* agitated about the rumour of losing our bull-bars.... the damage to our egos as great as potential panel denting (or the odd loss of life).
 
Still going to order your Electronic Wonder Car next year ?
 
 
 
Off my soapbox now
 
Cynical James the Luddite
 
The 'EH' '95 Classic with leaking Air suspension and Cruise Control that is'nt 100%...
 
'89 Pajero diesel still going strong. Mechanical & Reliable....