proper4wd
Expedition Leader
I think LRNA's position is that they are fighting the "dilution" of the Defender namesake and marketplace in preparation of launching the "new" Defender here in a few years time.
I know - they are completely different vehicles that in theory serve completely different buyers. But, LRNA did a great job making an icon out of the Defender when they stopped importing them after 3 years. And, with ownership rights of the name "Defender", it serves them to do what they can to protect the aura surrounding their icon on the eve of the launch of a new model with the same name.
I'm not saying that I agree with the above - in an ideal world we would all love car makers like LR to serve their enthusiasts first and their bottom line second. But, it's business.
I know - they are completely different vehicles that in theory serve completely different buyers. But, LRNA did a great job making an icon out of the Defender when they stopped importing them after 3 years. And, with ownership rights of the name "Defender", it serves them to do what they can to protect the aura surrounding their icon on the eve of the launch of a new model with the same name.
I'm not saying that I agree with the above - in an ideal world we would all love car makers like LR to serve their enthusiasts first and their bottom line second. But, it's business.