Thread: Won’t be retro...

Originally Posted by Zeros

Yes they we’re behind the times with Defender in many ways for 20 years...a big part of the problem. They should have re-developed the base architecture of Defender earlier. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a yuppy SUV. It could be an awesome contemporary HD work vehicle. Cred and goodwill would return in spades IMO.

I think you are wide of the mark.
I have a feeling that they have possibly done their market research and the new Defender, if/when it materialises, will be aimed not at traditionalists but a very different market sector.

They have a different image now compared to a few years ago. They left the Defender behind most probably because sales were marginal, I think it's far too late now and the market has evolved.

All these discussions about what the new Defender 'should be' are a bit of a waste of time, nothing will change, they already have their minds made up.................why not wait to see what they come up with (and then of course criticise their decision) ?


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

why not wait to see what they come up with

"Diesel fumes do pollute the environment and cause cancer so it can only be good to burn less diesel if there’s a viable alternative."


There are 100s of things which cause cancer. Maybe we should ban smoking and alcohol! Where do we stop? As for the new defender, I hope it's good.

Originally Posted by Zeros

‘Gas guzzling’ 4x4’s have been considered socially unacceptable by many for decades. Fuel efficient small diesels were seen as the best alternative by many too, which is why many Land Rover models have been excellent choices.

But nothing stays the same. Now EV’s will be de rigeur within 5 years.

Diesel fumes do pollute the environment and cause cancer so it can only be good to burn less diesel if there’s a viable alternative. Most are swayed by social pressures every day. Keeping up with the joneses is our national obsession, you only have to look at mobile phone, computer or other tech take up in Australia. EV’s will be no different.

EV’s will be smooth, powerful, quiet, non polluting, cheaper to run. It’s a no brainer.

Diesel is dead as soon as battery range improves or hydrogen cells cost comes down.

Agreed for most of this.
I see hydrogen as the future and batterys as the intermediate.

Hydrogen fuel breakthrough in Queensland could fire up massive new export market - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Originally Posted by SPROVER

Socially unacceptable in America. I'll be dead before that happens. Why should a person who drives a diesel car feel like they are scum of the earth? Not long ago everyone was raving about it and how good the mileage is. Now if you decide to drive one it's socially unacceptable. What a joke!

I would also question socially unacceptable in america as a whole?, parts of america, yes.

Originally Posted by manic

Socially unacceptable must sell well, SUV and crossover market has been hugely successful in recent years.

Everything is socially unacceptable these days depending on who you talk to.

Who wants to be like the joneses?

I think we all agree the earth needs looking after better, so that trumps everything.

Originally Posted by gromit

But the Defender market was so insignificant that getting it all back wouldn't 'save' them.

They need to make a car that the general public will buy in quantity so most probably something in the luxury market it will inevitably be. They can't afford to produce a niche vehicle that ends up with low volume sales.

They were big in the Chinese market which is currently down and the general backlash against diesels hasn't helped. It'll be interesting to see where they go with EV's in the future.



Colin

Kinda like an Evoque, Velar or a Ipace car?

Imo defender will also be a massive seller based on what we have seen so far but who knows.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

The asset write down is a one off clearing of the books. Next year it will be history and the numbers will be based on sales.

Spot on