Thread: Leading the way in Australian vehicle development

Good to see some Australian jobs in the 4x4 sector.

Problem is those Hilux mods are so ugly! Tuff Truck Americanisation doesn’t do it for me. Each to their own, I know many love it.

I guess that’s why I drive a classic Defender not a Hilux.

Does anyone one know how many Aussie jobs at ARB?

Ford Ranger, Ranger Raptor, or Everest anyone?

While not necessarily bagging that Hilux or the people who designed it, it hardly qualifies as 'leading the way in Australian vehicle development'.

Well yes, of course they are leading the way - the Toyota version of it at least. If what they mean by 'leading the way' refers to their business model of letting other people do the development work on a particular concept, and then after the design matures incorporating it on their own vehicles a decade or so later. It's smart and at least there is a lot less hassle that way - no 'bleeding edge of technology' to worry about!

Originally Posted by cripesamighty

Well yes, of course they are leading the way - the Toyota version of it at least. If what they mean by 'leading the way' refers to their business model of letting other people do the development work on a particular concept, and then after the design matures incorporating it on their own vehicles a decade or so later. It's smart and at least there is a lot less hassle that way - no 'bleeding edge of technology' to worry about!

Yes Toyota do play it very safe, that’s their business model. Mainstream all the way. Which is why Toyota’s are boring, popular and dare I say, reliable. They are particularly reliable in terms of predictability. The majority value this quality above all else.

Land Rover on the other hand are truly innovative risk takers. Which is why the vehicles have character and also why they are less popular. Hopefully the next Defender combines such innovation with working toughness and practicality. It’s interesting there seems to have been no Land Rover development or testing in northern or inland Australia. In comparison a Toyota strength is certainly development in Australia outside urban areas, as well as respecting that market with a dealer /repairer network.

Land Rover seem to think that everyone will be able to call for a flatbed tow back to a city! for the slightest software glitch. ...some innovation in customer engagement and service outside the cities would go a long way in Land Rover winning customers when the new Defender is launched here.

It's obvious LR cater for the rising middle class in China, and the massive American market. The only vehicle filling the gap provided by Defender's demise is the Mahindra. More and more farmers are voting with their hard earned , and the Mahindra is earning a reputation for reliability LR don't have. My bet is you won't see many modern LR's on the African continent outside the major cities, who can afford them, for a start.

Originally Posted by Zeros

... It’s interesting there seems to have been no Land Rover development or testing in northern or inland Australia. In comparison a Toyota strength is certainly development in Australia outside urban areas, as well as respecting that market with a dealer /repairer network.

Land Rover seem to think that everyone will be able to call for a flatbed tow back to a city! for the slightest software glitch. ...some innovation in customer engagement and service outside the cities would go a long way in Land Rover winning customers when the new Defender is launched here.

There is plenty of hot, rough country in Africa and elsewhere much closer to the UK to do hot weather testing. I would say it has been done, just that they are very good at disguising their test mules.

The main reason they have done this is most of their main opposition to Hilux sales were the top end models.

Think Ranger.



Toyota only do things when it comes to push and shove,they are reactive to what other manufacturers do,not active to lead.

Seems to work well,going by their sales,reputation and resale values.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

There is plenty of hot, rough country in Africa and elsewhere much closer to the UK to do hot weather testing. I would say it has been done, just that they are very good at disguising their test mules.

Yes we’re definitely an afterthought. Not sure they’re building for most of the African market either though.