Thread: new defender 2019 ?

Originally Posted by MrLandy

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They would have stopped making Defenders years ago if they were losing money
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I don't think you can make that assumption.

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.

Originally Posted by MrLandy

Why does money always come before design? If a better design makes less money it's still a better design.

Don't ever go into business for yourself,unless you have a fortune your keen to loose. Pat

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 . 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.