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It sounds like the G-wagon is getting a major revision, but also trying to keep a similar look. The G-wagon is in a different price bracket being 3 to 4+ times the price of a Defender. At those prices 10,000 units a year may be viable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Redback
I don't think you can make that assumption.Quote:
Originally Posted by MrLandy
There are other examples of manufacturers selling vehicles for less than it cost to make them. The Bugatti Veyron is a good example and I heard recently that in spite of its remarkable success, the Mini didn't make money .
Some manufacturers can see that an icon like the Veyron or the Defender is a form of advertising. Even if almost no-one buys them, when a lot of people picture a Land Rover, they picture a Defender or a Series.
There are sound commercial reasons why a manufacturer can afford (within limits) to have a loss making product as part of their line-up.
I'm actually quite optimistic that JLR will make an excellent new Defender. They seem to have the skills and the money to get it right. I like the fact they're not rushing a replacement to market, but taking their time and being thorough.
It won't be the same as the current Defender, but that's OK.
I'm guessing the development effort will ramp up now they have brought in the new unibody Range Rovers, the Disco Sport, and are nearing completion of the unibody D5.
We might begin to see spy photos of the new unibody or T5 Defender around mid 2018.
I'm also optimistic.
Don't ever go into business for yourself,unless you have a fortune your keen to loose. PatQuote:
Originally Posted by MrLandy
The only thing I'm sad about is having to listen to all the whinging over the next four years about how the next defender is not going to be manly enough for all the Bear Grills wannabe's on here :o. Pat
2019, eh? That gives me 3 years scrimp & save, to replace my D2, which by then will have about 452,000 Kms up. Then again, I may as well just ignore the dings & scratches, use the money to redo the seats, and carry on. Or, catch a bus.
I think TATA should move the Defender production line to India and continue to build them for 3rd world markets and thus plenty of spares to keep the oldies going.
There won't be a new Defender. Bear Grylls built the 2 millionth and (virtually) last one.
..It's the the self appointed silverbacks who are happy for the next so-called Defender to be a Hilux, devoid of character, imperfection and focussed around spin doctoring and profiteering. Just saying. There's more to a Defender than mass production and sales. Mark my words.
It's funny but it depends on your perspective (which can change). I remember engineer Mal Storey (when still in business, maybe about 2002) saying to me that everything after the LT95 Range Rover and the County was soft & rubbish. He liked my Perentie project, probably why he gave me the time. I was chuffed. But my perspective has changed. I still think my Perentie is a great vehicle. But I also appreciate my RRV does both road and my type of off road travel really well.Quote:
Originally Posted by MrLandy
I think the rebuke JLR got in response to the Defender concept vehicle means the new Defender will have character and will hail back to the appearance of the previous model. Under the skin it will be a D4. However it will be appointed and priced to not take too many buyers from the D5.