There was a time, especially in the 80s or thereabouts, when the then LandRover 109 (?) and later 110 was synonymous with gov’t departments and, to a lesser extent, NGOs. Well, turns out they had to cease production yesterday. Amongst several reasons listed is that the model falls afoul of EU emission limits/ regulations. The fact that it has no airbags (among other safety standards) has seen them barred from accessing the rather lucrative U.S. automobile market.
After more than two million vehicles were created, the last model rolled off the production line at Solihull in the West Midlands this morning to mixed emotions for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) staff who have gathered for a party to mark the occasion.
The first design was sketched on the sands of a beach in Wales and made its debut in 1948. It took its inspiration from wartime Jeeps - but with a hard top and permanent four-wheel-drive - proving so popular that Rover had to ramp up production after the first 8,000 sold out.
https://benbyerly.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/pict0115.jpg?w=300&h=225
While designs evolved over the years, it never lost the identity established in its roots - to be rugged, shy of luxury and bold in spirit. Its status and popularity has meant that models generally fail to depreciate in value at the same rate as most vehicles - with many sold on at a profit. Independent enthusiasts have also made money out of a growing trend for restoration and conversion.
However, the status and popularity of the ‘Landy’ has not been enough to stop JLR ending production. The decision is believed to have been taken because of continuing crash safety and emissions concerns.
While the company is thought to be working on a replacement it has remained tight-lipped but still has the Freelander, Discovery and Range Rover models in its stable after the Defender’s demise. A spokeswoman said: "“We’ve now got the technology, pioneering engineering capability and design expertise to evolve Defender.”
http://www.carsearch.co.ke/uploaded_images/45397382.jpg
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/last-land-rover-defender-rolls-7267263
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3422338/End-road-Land-Rover-Defenders.html
http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/end-of-the-road-for-land-rover-defenders-11364036813627