THE GOOD OIL
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 allnew Defender.
UK motoring outlet Auto Express reports Volkswagen is considering adding a rugged allelectric Land Rover Defender rival to its forthcoming stable of IDbadged 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 nextgeneration 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.