Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.misc From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Nuts-and-bolts Land Rover gets new life as Defender Date: Fri, 30 Oct 92 15:33:28 EST Message-ID: \SE G;AUTO WEEKEND \SS (WS) \HD Nuts-and-bolts Land Rover gets new life as Defender \BY John Lynker \CR SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE One of the smaller car companies selling in the United States is singing the sweet song of success. Land Rover North America, which recently underwent a name change from Range Rover, is expanding. The new model being sold is the Defender, a tough nuts-and-bolts 4-by-4 that can carry up to nine people just about anywhere they want to go, road or no road. Everything about Defender says, "Let's go, we have a job to do." Perhaps the most interesting part of the Defender story is the popularity of what is essentially a new offering in the United States. Nearly 400 of the initial 500 units to be imported have been sold. Many customers haven't driven the vehicle but purchased it from pictures and specification figures. The old Land Rover model hasn't been sold here since the early '70s, but enthusiasts abound and have formed clubs and support groups to keep their aging Land Rovers running. Range Rover, the top-of-the-line 4-by-4 manufactured by Land Rover, was introduced here in 1987. With sales of about 4,000 units per year, the company has been pleased. Except for a 28 percent drop last year in the height of the American auto slump, Range Rover sales have been increasing. So far in 1992, Range Rover sales are nearly 11 percent ahead of last year. Land Rover North America is bullish on the year ahead. Company president Charles Hughes points out that both the sport-utility market and the luxury segment are growing. And Rovers fit both descriptions. Describing a Range Rover can be a bit of a challange. Because it is designed basically to tranport people, the U.S. Customs Service calls it a car and therefore it escapes the 25 percent truck import tariff. For the purpose of fuel economy, however, sport-utility vehicles have been considered trucks by the Environmental Protection Agency. And trucks don't have to comply with the same strict high gasoline milage figures required of passenger cars. This perhaps explains some of the rapid growth of sales of sport-utility vehicles. With fewer fuel economy restrictions, the sport-utility vehicles can be built bigger and heavier and be given larger engines. For many families, today's smaller passenger cars just can't fill their needs. The sport-utility vehicle can haul lots of people or cargo and can tow a 5,000-pound-plus trailer or boat. The off-road capability may rarely, if ever, be used. However, in bad weather, especially in snow or mud, the four-wheel drive gives the driver a secure feeling. On the other hand, some manufacturers offer their sport-utility vehicles with a two-wheel drive option that can result in significant gas savings. Range Rover continues to lead the industry with new technology. For 1993, a longer-wheel-base model called the County LWB is available. In addition to eight extra inches of leg room for rear-seat passengers, this 1993 model has standard air suspension. This permits even higher clearance when required, and there's a special low setting for loading people or cargo. The air suspension also permits better highway performance. Electronic traction control is also new for 1993, giving the Range Rover even better bad-weather and off-road capabilities. A new, higher horsepower engine and a memory feature for the driver's seat have been added. Range Rovers also have standard anti-lock brakes, a CD player with changer and a long list of other safety and convenience features. The long-wheelbase County model retails for just under $50,000. The standard wheelbase Range Rover will retain its 1992 price of $44,500. The basic Defender is priced at $39,900. The addition of air suspension to the Range Rover gives this sport-utility vehicle even better off-road and on-road performance. SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM