As Jaguar Land Rover dodges and weaves through the choppy waters of pre-Brexit layoffs, over in Europe, Volkswagen is considering driving the knife into the Brit brand, about the same time that plucky Land Rover will be unveiling the make-or-break all-new Defender.
UK motoring outlet Auto Express reports Volkswagen is considering adding a rugged all-electric Land Rover Defender rival to its forthcoming stable of ID-badged electric vehicles.
In an interview, VW’s head of strategy, Michael Jost, has revealed that a serious offroader to rival the likes of the Defender and the Jeep Wrangler, is being considered by the auto giant.
The difference would be that the rugged ID 4x4 would be designed as an electric vehicle.
Jost told reporters that the idea of a rugged electric offroader appeals simply because no other manufacturer can boast a product that fills this segment yet. The closest would-be competitor might be the big, boxy all-electric SUV that American manufacturer Rivian unveiled to positive reviews.
Poor old JLR. The heritage brand needs the Defender to work. It’ll be hard enough reinventing a true icon. But it’ll be a lot harder trying to do that with another heavy-hitter like Volkswagen essentially offering the same thing, but with a darker shade of eco green attached.
Land Rover, of course, has pedigree to draw upon. And regardless of how much the next-generation Defender might resemble a smart phone on mud tyres, the manufacturer will make damn sure it’s capable in any challenging environment.
But then, if Volkswagen was to release a similarly minded 4x4, it wouldn’t be holding back, either.
One thing is in Land Rover’s favour with this rumour, however. For now, it remains just a rumour. The new Defender should appear undisguised later this year, meaning a 2020 on-sale date. Jost has already stated that any Volkswagen ID 4x4 wouldn’t be ready until 2021 .
Wolfsburg will be watching the hills of Wales (and muddy fields, deserts, wintry wastelands and architectural firm staff carparks) with interest.
Citroen centenary concepts? Keep talking ...
Photo / Supplied
If there is one modern manufacturer that can be depended upon to wow a crowd with a new concept vehicle, it has to be Citroen.
The French carmaker provides good concept, as evidenced by a variety of show-stoppers over the past few decades.
Whether it’s something future-facing such as the C-Lounge concept, or a new take on a retro-minded bit of heritage, such as the e-Mehari, Citroen has design and engineering kookiness down pat.
For Citroen spotters, 2019 promises a fair bit of activity on the concept car front. It is, after all, the brand’s centenary year. To that end, Citroen boss Linda Jackson has stated that no fewer than two new Citroen concept cars will appear to help celebrate the milestone.
We will see the first concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of months. Jackson has told media the model will be based on “Citroen’s vision of urban mobility”. Hmm, actually that doesn’t sound hugely promising. Visions of upright people-mover pods abound.
Never mind; the second one might prove more interesting. There is no discussion around what the second concept will be — fingers crossed for an almost-production-ready 21st-century take on the classic DS — but Citroenophiles will be put out of their misery in May.
European markets will also be able to option special edition Origin versions of existing models during the centennial year.
Though Citroen remains what polite society might refer to as a “boutique brand” in New Zealand, the double chevron marque is going well in its home territory. European markets gobbled up more than 800,000 Citroens in 2018; a 5 per cent increase over the previous year. Regardless of registrations though, it’s the cool concepts that keep us keen. Make ’em good please Citroen.
Liberty Media to flog off F1?
Chase Carey. Photo / Supplied
Clearly, it isn’t particularly easy running an enormous globe-spanning motor racing championship. Even a multi-headed conglomerate such as Liberty Media, which purchased the rights to Formula 1 in 2016, has found it to be a bothersome business.
How do we know this? Rumours are circulating that the American company is considering selling F1 on, only three years after purchasing it from cartoonish ex-overlord, Bernie Ecclestone.
A prominent US sports blogger claims that Liberty’s appointed F1 boss, Chase Carey, is considering a “change in direction” after several set-backs.
These include the failure to secure a second US-located round of the championship (namely the much-touted Miami GP), which is seen as instrumental in further developing interest in Formula 1 in the United States. Digital revenue has been disappointing and Liberty’s desire for a major banner sponsor has yet to bear fruit, also.
And who does this blogger claim will be the most interested in taking Formula 1 off Liberty Media’s hands? Why, Bernie Ecclestone, of course.
With the capital, the know-how and the apparent ability — despite his advancing years — to bash heads in the boardroom, everyone’s favourite villainous tycoon could be well-placed to grab the series rights back. And probably for significantly less than the US$8b Liberty Media paid him for it in 2016. As another cartoon tycoon with villainous intent might say: “Eeeexcellent.”