First, the name Land Rover evokes images of the British Commonwealth. Of Series IIA 110-inch wheelbase models traversing the Tanzanian countryside or stationed at a Royal Air Force base as a troop carrier. These machines wore the badge proudly as the ambassador of the UK to its far flung lands discovering new territories.
The story of the British automotive industry was one of imperial arrogance and a sense of superiority that would eventually lead to its lowest point several years ago. Many analysts are actually predicting an even lower position when the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union will result in potential tariffs, job losses, factory closings, and a deeper economic crisis. A pox on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government, possibly.
Interestingly enough, it was not Willys Overland’s civilian Jeep lineup that would be the world conqueror in the post-World War II universe. That would come from one of the vehicles influenced by the Jeep – the one the British automotive industry would produce as one of their own.
Think about the idea of intention and purpose. A designer, an engineer, and an executive – oh, yes, let’s not forget the folks in accounting – are all involved in the process of creating a vehicle. Once everyone signs off on it, they have to campaign for its success. Even the marketing folks have to be on board with selling it to everyone – dealerships, the communications folks, and, ultimately, the consumer.
As the 2019-2020 Auto Show season kicks off at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, we would probably expect a high degree of electrified introductions coming our way. That has been the mantra leading into the new model year – to electrify everything.