[timbo]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Could this mean some Defender 110s for the US market? I would grab one in a minute with some special modifications.

ABSOLUTLY!!!!! but I can just imagine the price tag.

One of our friends has a white one with the iconic rover (ex Buick) V8. They were brought over in v.limited numbers. The kid love riding in it.

What I would really love though is one of the old series 3 light-weights. The just look so cool.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Could this mean some Defender 110s for the US market? I would grab one in a minute with some special modifications.

Btw, love your animated Che Guevara being blown away avatar.

I just don't get why some folks are facinated by T-shirts that adorn's this commie idiot's likeness....

[jim]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Btw, love your animated Che Guevara being blown away avatar.

I just don't get why some folks are facinated by T-shirts that adorn's this commie idiot's likeness....

I never figured that one out either.

[Raven]

I work for Land Rover North America and the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover has been anticipated for 12+ months (Tata was identified as the likely buyer about 6 months ago). Most of the US employees think that it will be a good move for the two brands (Ford is about tapped with product development dollars for JLR, Tata has signaled their intent to further invest in the brands) but only time will tell...

And yes, we have heard all the TATA's, 7-Eleven/Slurpy comments and jokes...

The answer to the Defender for the USA question is a NO - the vehicle in its current form cannot meet US emmissions and crash standards. A new Defender (UK and RoW markets) is a ways off - if it's even in the works at all...

[smartd]

TATA will develop the defender further and make it a world leader, if only to show the Raj that the tail is now wagging the dog.

[Tundra04]

There's an interesting article about the purchase in the current issue of "Car and Driver." It's probably even posted on their website, since most of the magazine articles end up on the website ...kind of makes me wonder why I subscribe. Oh yeah, 12.99 for three years, that's why!

Plus, it's kind of hard to take the computer in the bathroom

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by Raven

The answer to the Defender for the USA question is a NO - the vehicle in its current form cannot meet US emmissions and crash standards. A new Defender (UK and RoW markets) is a ways off - if it's even in the works at all...

Wow and I thought the Brits were all about emmission standards. Shows what I know. Still there are two vehicles that could go over real well in the US right now. A 110 that keeps the same look but is obviously safer and has better emmission standards, and a Ford early Bronco (66-77). Again, keeping true to the original look with modern upgrades. I'm saying it here and now, you will take money from Jeep and Diamler-Benz big time.

[Shawn 507]

Jim / FlyXwire -
I'm just waiting for some pinko commie L-word to say my avatar is offensive and that I'll have to change it. I don't get the idol worship of this idiot, but then most who have the t-shirt probably don't know the whole story. Victims of a public education I guess!

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Jim / FlyXwire -
I'm just waiting for some pinko commie L-word to say my avatar is offensive and that I'll have to change it. I don't get the idol worship of this idiot, but then most who have the t-shirt probably don't know the whole story. Victims of a public education I guess!

Let me get this straight. You are looking for some pinko commie L-word on this forum?

By the way, Commandante Che was sold out by Fidel himself. No one like competition, I guess.

Back to topic. TATA will destroy Range Rover and Jaguar because the Indian owners are not the car guys and wouldn't know how to market these brands.

Regards,

Sergey

[Raven]

Originally Posted by Berkut76

Back to topic. TATA will destroy Range Rover and Jaguar because the Indian owners are not the car guys and wouldn't know how to market these brands.

BMW didn't destroy Land Rover as predicted - they gave us the current Range Rover. Ford didn't destroy LR as predicted - they provided the investment and resources for the Range Rover Sport, the LR3 (Discovery 3) and the LR2 (Freelander 2) and a Superchaged Range Rover (and RR Sport). Land Rover has launched more new product in the last 3 1/2 years than at any other time in the history of the company. The company made a huge profit under Ford last year and looking forward, the product pipeline should remain very competitive.

Most companies acquiring niche brands (Saab, Jaguar, Land Rover) have learned not to mess with the essence of the brand and to not make sweeping changes unless they are warranted. Tata may have purchased the two brands but they will not be moving production to India or messing with successful products - it would not make financial sense. They will likely continue to invest in the brands, keep the existing management in place and make minor adjustments to the business over time. If they mess with the company and products too much and ruin the brands, they will have wasted $3+ Billion.

As far a Defender goes - most european manufactures have learned that they cannot produce a sub $35K vehicle and sell it successfully in the USA (BMW 318, Saab 9-2X, MB C-coupe, Volvo S40 and C30, Freelander 1, Audi A3) - the margins are just too small. Also, American consumers won't pay big $$ for a small or non "premium feel" vehicle (only the BMW 3 series bucks the trend). A new Defender would likely be a $50K+ unit with world class off-road capability and technology but probably look something like the new stretch Jeep or the Toyota FJ. It would sell OK but most Americans would buy a Jeep or a Hummer and save themselves $15-20K - certainly not enough sales volume to drive an all new vehicle for the US market (the UK and RoW markets will drive any future Defender development).

Actually, the LR3 (Discovery 3) is a fantastic off-road vehicle with great ride and handling.