| Author |
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Glenn Guinto (Glenn)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 07:00 am: | 
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Check out this link!
It talks about the future of the Disco, Freelander, the much talked about Defender, and the RR Sport. I don't know how true these articles are, the website is a uk website (I think). Maybe Alyssa can confirm these...
-glenn |
Gil Stevens (Gil)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 08:52 am: |
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We just had the annual dealer meeting, and yes, most of that is true with the exception of the defender. There will be no defender. We will be getting the new model (between disco and range) in 04 as an 05. Saw pics of the DIII... it looked nice, but I have no idea what was hiding under the sheetmetal. |
Todd Sanders (Sanderskog)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:06 am: |
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Yuck.
The exterior for Discovery will be a revolution rather than an evolution. Key features: Rear mounted spare tire will move inside, new split tailgate similar to Range Rover's, optional long wheelbase, optional air-suspension, overall look much sportier.
I can't stand the spare inside.
I like my refrigerator back door.
And the thought of it being "much sportier" scares the hell out of me...
Todd |
Glenn Guinto (Glenn)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:27 am: |
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From what I understand, the Disco will still keep the ladder frame. I wouldn't mind the split tailgate ala Range Rover but I don't know about the spare tire taking much needed real estate in the cargo room. Maybe they can just throw it on the roof or somehow on the hood ala Series...
Well, as long as it doesn't look like the Exploder and have 50 cupholders inside, I think our beloved Disco would still be okay.
-glenn |
Blake Luse (Muddyrover)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 02:30 pm: |
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hopefully i'll be out of skewl and can take on the newest defender in its off road model |
Eric N (Grnrvr)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 02:58 pm: |
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Defender IFS and IRS and only a live axle for millitary.. YUK, that hurts. |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 03:37 pm: |
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I am actually sort of looking forward to the new Discoverys just because it will make mine look a little more different, it will be cool when the soccer moms in their brand new ones don't look so similar to the enthusiasts slugging it out in the old beaters. |
Tripp Westbrook (Tripp)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 04:39 pm: |
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I thought that the new Discovery was going to share it's platform with a revised Ford Explorer. I would think that Ford would push for this since unibody construction is cheaper for them.
I'm afraid my DII will be the last one that I'll own. |
Jeff Anderson (Groovydude)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 05:56 pm: |
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Yea this is all pretty fken lame on Land Rovers part. Looks as if my D2 will be my first and last Disco. I was hopeing for the Defenders to come back to the states.If they do and come with IFS and IRS i wont be buying one. Looks like i`l lhave to save up for a older 110 or 90 or i`ll be buying a Jeep! Sad very sad. |
Eric N (Grnrvr)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 07:16 pm: |
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Hello Jeep Rubicon.. |
Jeff Anderson (Groovydude)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:25 pm: |
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WOW i just can`t understand LR. Look what Jeep has done for its off road users..they make the RUBICON. WTF can`t LR get there fists out of each others asses and get us a Off Road set op Disco with the CDL and lockers or bring in the Defenders. I honestly think they underestimate there market. |
Sean Hanagan (Seanh)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:34 pm: |
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Crap! Not the Rubicon thing again Eric |
Phillip Perkinson (R0ver4x4)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:35 pm: |
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lockers gears and 44's |
Steve Andrews (Sillybus)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:59 pm: |
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I don't know if you've seen this one or not but... it looks interesting:
http://www.jeep.com/news_features/concepts/ultimateRescue/index.html |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 11:26 pm: |
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Hmmm... " Key features: expect more ground clearance,
"
READ IFS/IRS |
Eric N (Grnrvr)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 11:35 pm: |
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Anyone know where I can get an M1A2 MBT Abrams for a good price? I think I'll use that as my next off road vehicle.. Bet people will get out of my way on the freeway when they see me coming.. |
Alen
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 11:38 pm: |
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Thats why Ford stock is dumping |
Gil Stevens (Gil)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 09:43 am: |
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"I honestly think they underestimate there market."
Unfortunately "we" as enthusiasts who use Rovers for what they are intended make up less than 10% of their market. Its all business. The modern Disco buyer couldnt give a rats ass whether the truck can hold a 36 degree angle or ford thru water or scale boulders. Should they make an off-road disco? In my opinion yes. Im sure they would sell, not only to those who wish to use them, but also to those who wish to LOOK like they use them. The "kalahari" package was a joke. Paint, grill, stickers? cmon now. I spent some time with the Disco model manager and brought up that exact point. Alot of the difficulty with bringing a "factory" built off-road disco is all the legal hoops they would have to jump thru. Making a disco with lockers and larger tires would have to be re-certified for the USA. The cost of this compared to the relatively small market for such a vehicle makes it a losing situation. It all comes down to nickles, or as of the current Ford situation, LACK of nickles. |
Tripp Westbrook (Tripp)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
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Yes, but Gil you forget one thing.
Land Rover made it's name by being the penultimate off road vehicle. Let's face it, most LR buyers are buying into that mystique. Buying into the legacy of years of Camel Trophy's. Buying into the idea of adventure by association. So what if they never take their rigs any further than Starbucks. What Land Rover promises is that "you could if you wanted to".
The more they walk away from this the more they die. Without the heritage and the abilities to back it up, Land Rovers become a nothing more than quirky, expensive, less-well-optioned, smaller, fewer-cupholdered, jumped up, poncey-mofo'ed Brit mobiles.
Yes, I said it, fewer-cupholdered.
T- |
Gil Stevens (Gil)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:37 am: |
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i agree with you Tripp, but Im not so sure Ford does. In the past Land Rover has always stated that North America was NOT its target market. Now, Ford has publicly pronounced that N.A. will be the target market for future LR products. Its to bad that we value cupholders over diff-locks, and forward facing 3rd seats over departure angle.
"Land Rover made it's name by being the penultimate off road vehicle. Let's face it, most LR buyers are buying into that mystique"
Its really only here in N.A. that it is a "mystique", for the rest of the world really does use these trucks as they are desgined to be used. If LR abandons the "go anywhere" engineering that has built the brand to what it is, then you are absolutely correct, it will die.
The sad thing is that I think Ford is being sucked into its own marketing and product placement. They feel that this is a "Luxury Marque" (which here it is.. only here, for the most part) I also have a sinking feeling that they will continue to move product development more toward the luxury end of the spectrum as oppossed to the useful..go anywhere end of the same spectrum. This is a product better left NOT catered toward American taste and wants. Unfortunately, we happen to be ones with the majority of the disposable income. |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:15 am: |
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One huge problem I see with LR actually falls on our shoulders. The US market is one of the largest markets in the world and we drive what auto makers put out. We seem to be very disorganized as LR Enthusiasts in North America. There are lots of smaller clubs devoted to off-roading with buddies in local areas but there is no National organization to help keep trails open and be a single voice supporting vehicles like the current D90 for the US and Canadian market.
It's not just LRNA that is driven by marketing. BMWNA a few years ago didn't think there was a market for the E30 M3 or any M vehicle in a land of 55mph. BMWCCA pushed to get the car into the US and BMW listened. The same thing happened with the E34 M5 and a group of club members pushed to get them into the US and Canada. Now the M3 and M5 enjoy 6 month wait lists to get the cars into the hands of the drivers/buyers and this is in a market that marketing said people wouldn't buy such cars.
There is money in a niche market like the one LR used to enjoy but as the brand gets watered down more people will become jaded and lose interest in the marque and Land Rover as we know it will be nothing more than something we will see once in a while on a trail and sometimes in classic car shows in the back corner next to some MG's. |
Glenn Guinto (Glenn)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 02:40 pm: |
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FWIW...
I frequent a site called VWVortex, a volkswagen enthusiast website, and several months ago, VWAG released the VW GTI 25th anniversary edition in europe. Basically a plain jane Golf GTI with special trim (Recaro seats, Special BBS rims, etc.). VWAG wasn't going to offer that car stateside, but through the efforts of that website and its readers, VW released it stateside in a limited run and gave the VWVortex readers first dibs on the first 500. I thought that was pretty cool.
Off course, if we did that and LR offered the Defender or the Tdi engines, I probably wouldn't afford one at this time anyway.
Like I said, FWIW...
-glenn |
Gil Stevens (Gil)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:18 pm: |
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glenn is that the golf R32? I know thats a lot more than just seats and trim, that badapple is pushing 240 hp. If that comes stateside it will be replacing one of the rovers in my current stable. not to get off topic or anything.. |
Tripp Westbrook (Tripp)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:38 pm: |
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Well, like it or not, Ford is playing to the majority. It's what they're good at. I don't like it. I don't agree with it. But the bean counters at Ford are running amok.
HOWEVER, that said, I've had experience with the marketing people at LRNA. Most of them are sorely out of touch with the enthusiast. They are more interested in the luxury aspects of the vehicles. They're more interested in cupholders. They're more interested in getting a slice of the soccer mom market. They assume that American consumers are well versed on LR's legacy (they're not). They insist it's time to talk about other things.
Well most of the American consumers out there think that RANGE Rovers and LAND Rovers are made by two different companies! I've seen the research and been in those meetings.
It's really sad. They have no idea of the jewel they've got. |
Glenn Guinto (Glenn)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:42 pm: |
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Gil, I wish that comes stateside too...the car I'm talking about is the GTI 337 - 180HP mated to a 6-speed manual. Nothing special except for the trim and badging, and the fact that only 1500 are going stateside.
-glenn |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:48 pm: |
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Yes... Tripp I think we all agree that Ford is playing to Jane sixpack but you can't say that about all of Ford. I don't see any DB7's with 0% financing. They have no idea because no one is bothering to go out and tell them. Like I said we're not very organized. Like it or not. |
Neil
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 06:56 pm: |
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Okay, How do we get organized and knock on LRNAs front door? Perhaps a reasource section on this site or a LR webring. Does LRNA frequent this site and others like it? Does anyone know someone on the "inside" This is not a new subject but we keep repeating ourselves each time its brought up.
I for one have emailed LRNA with a link to this site, provided them my email address and never heard a word. Okay guys lets get some ideas going
Neil
01DII |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 07:08 pm: |
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To start I would like to see an organized national LR Club and the current local clubs could become chapters of the national club. |
Andy Nichols
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 08:11 pm: |
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See latest LROI for details of baby or sport RR. Also, this week I had insider info on the next V8 for LR - it's a Jag unit with an Eaton supercharger! Should be a good one.... |
Jeff Anderson (Groovydude)
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 09:59 pm: |
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As for getting Organized, you can count me in. I`ll help in any way possible.
AL,
Your 100% RIGHT we need a National Club. I think that would get LRNA attention and perhaps keep it long enough to get a mesage across! |
Ken Tipton (Irish_Nv)
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 12:33 pm: |
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The first thing Ford did with the Disco was to give it those ugly oversized american cupholders. I see a whole lot of those types of changes coming. It was like they couldn't wait to do somthing to the car. They just bolt on big ass cupholders and all is well. Well I don't like it. |
Phillip Perkinson (R0ver4x4)
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 03:53 pm: |
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If the guys in charge of our rides have this kind of attitude and outlook on our trucks how would it be possible to get them to hear out us the small minority of invividuals that actually use our rovers for what they are made for. I was at a rover dealer ship the other weekend.. it was interesting they had about a 65-68 series II 109 parked in front, although when I got there a couple was taking delivery on a new RR. just interesting to see how these trucks have evolved over the years. from utilitarian bare bones to one of the most luxorious 4wd's on the market. only time will tell what will happen. yeah and why couldnt rover enthusiist come together like the BMW and for that matter the J**p folks. time will tell |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Saturday, October 12, 2002 - 09:52 pm: |
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Quote:"To start I would like to see an organized national LR Club and the current local clubs could become chapters of the national club. "
There already is such a thing, allthough I haven't heard much about them lately:
ANARC
If anybody is really serious, I am sure they can use a few volunteers....... |
Bart
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 12:56 am: |
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So is landrover going to be like Homer Simpsons car that he made with the large cupholders and a separate bubble for the kids. His car wasn't a hit but everyone was expecting it too sort of like Landrover |
Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 07:48 am: |
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Not sure if anyone cares,
But I have decided to jot up a new marketing strategy for Land Rover.
I think they both underestimate their heritages impact on the consumer, and the consumer's interest in it's abilities.
I also feel they are targeting the wrong competition with the defender here.
If you think of the Defender, Land Rover's prodigal off road vehicle, you think heritage, ability, ruggedness. Images of discovery channel late nights pop into your head. You think of Lara Croft slugging through the jungle, and every time you drag that disco's ghetto booty over a rock, you wish you had one.
This is a vehicle whose purpose will never be lost. Theres allways a mountain to climb somewhere, and people want to know they can. Hummer has proven it.
There lies the defender's hopes in America, set head to head with the H2. Hell, with a little work, the H1. If you specifically target another product, soon comparisons pop up, magazine articals, reviews, and television specials. You could make the vehicle a big part of your sales, and if your product really is more capable, you can control the market.
Imagine a black and white grainy film strip. Theres a lion running across an african plain. The camera cuts to a man, bouncing all over, trying to load a shot gun. The howl of the engine is evidant in the back ground, as the camera pans back to see him driving away in a defender. Snapping to a close up shot, a glassy look comes over his face, and he slams on the brakes, spinning the Defender. The lion closes on the hood, and as the man stands and takes aim, pounces. The camers fades to black, and you see:
"The Land Rover Defender"
Fading in, now, we see a man hobbel in to an english drawing room on a cane. To sit down in an old chair. As he bends over to begin some paperwork, you can see the dented hood and broken windshield in his driveway. Fade to black:
"A well traveled vehicle, for well traveled people"
I think if they target jeep, of course, they will win. Inevitably, however, the comparison to Hummer will be made, due to ability and price point, and Land Rover needs to be ready. They have a good developement mule all ready, the current Defender. This vehicle is far more production viable than that Damn H2. And sure easier to produce than a proper Hummer.
Hummer can kill the defender, and they will try. Simply because when it comes back it will be their only competition, and they will try to do just what I said, single Land Rover out for comparisons. It's only a matter of time before we see a short wheelbase Hummer, and if Land Rover dosn't get a head start, Hummer will have the best off roader. Gee...thanks Schwarzennegar.
Cheers,
Kennith |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 12:03 pm: |
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i dont see why a hummer will kill a defender. |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 12:06 pm: |
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Yep... and put the Rangie up against one of these...
http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/LM002/index.html
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Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 12:21 pm: |
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Rob, three areas the Hummer might kill the Defender on... side slope angle, ground clearance and the hummer will put you in the red.
Oh... remembering the Hummer at work made me think of one more thing... the hummer will take up more parking spaces than the D90. |
Rans (Rans)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 01:07 pm: |
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I agree that we need to organise a National LR club ala the BMWCCA....LRORCA (Land Rover Off-Road Club of America).
What if anything is ANARC doing about the direction Ford is taking us???
I spoke to someone in a LR dealership the other day and he told me that LRNA now reports to Jaguar, and we know that Jaguar is now repleat with Ford transplants. He indicated that future LR powerplants will be slightly modified Jaguar engines. The most alarming indication of where they are headed was that LRNA will be converting the existing LR Center look to a new sophisticated, upscale, chrome and modern monied look, where they want to sell LR, Jaguar, and Volvo (all Ford owned products). If you haven't looked at the inside of the new 2003 Range Rover then do so, I think it says EVERYTHING about where LR is going, and I can't stand it. I think despite it's capable underpinnings, it is god-awful ugly on the interior....soon they will all look like that, the Audi-retro look...... |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 08:35 pm: |
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Quote:"What if anything is ANARC doing about the direction Ford is taking us???"
Don't know, ask them and report back. And if you are really concerned, ask them what you can do to help them. Whining on a bbs won't make much of a difference at the end of the day...... |
Jeremy Katka (Jkatka)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 10:41 pm: |
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Well here is my $.02, I think that a national club is intresting but I don't think that most regional clubs would buy in... dunno maybe I am wrong. I guess that is because I think that most clubs would think that it would detract from what they are trying to do.... I think a Association of LR owners that has the goal of being an information hub to and from LR owners would be good. I think that people that may shy away from clubs would possibly get involved and local clubs would be welcome to sharing the information. The association would have information from and about LRNA goings on and tools to voice opinions to LRNA.
JK |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 11:18 pm: |
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Jeremy, you're probably right. However that's the only way to have a voice that will have any weight behind it. Anyone who's been a member of the BMWCCA will tell you that it's one of the best resources if you're an enthusiast. From Club races to autocrosses and driver training. They even put out a REALLY good monthly magazine for those who don't get involved in the local chapters. By joining the national club you become a member of the local chapter and are put in touch with local members. It works from top down and not the other way around. Even if you don't get involved in racing or club drives you get a great magazine and 10% off at the parts departments at most BMW dealers. BMW has even gone as far as offering rebates to BMWCCA club members for buying a new or used car from a dealer. The rebates have nothing to do with the dealer so it's one of those deals were you work the best price on the car then when you have the car in your hands you send off for the $500 to $1500 rebate from BMWNA. That's an example of the value to such a club. And as I already mentioned the BMWCCA was responsible in getting the M3 and M5 into the US market.
So why you might be right that some clubs may not buy into the idea those are the same clubs that may not be looking at the bigger picture and investing in the future. They will be trying to keep a small number of older vehicles on the trail and their memberships will fall over the years. Unless they are there to run trails for vehicles like the Freelander and watch "vintage" Camel Trophy videos talking about the old days and how nuts those guys were to drive in the mosquito infested jungle.
:::stepping off my soap box now::: |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:16 am: |
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Ideas are easy. Execution is what matters. Who is going to step up to the plate and start this organization, Al? You? Or is this all talk an no action? Is everyone who thinks this new national organization is the greatest thing since sliced bread just going to sit around and wait for someone else to do all the work as usual? |
Will Bobbitt (Rkores)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:00 am: |
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We basically have a national organization here on DWeb. Axel, what about setting up another board specifically for the nationwide organization, and you would have to pay like 5 dollars to be a member, that way you guys could pay for the space? Just an Idea.....
Will |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:17 am: |
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I don't think so. I have already been involved with running a local club, and know from first hand experience the amount of work involved. Right now, providing you with DiscoWeb takes most of my free time as it is. If Kyle, Ho and myself didn't have regular day jobs, and Discoweb had millions of dollars of venture capital behind it so that it would actually pay for our time, I might consider it. But, a national organization requires much more than setting up a website and collecting member fees. And $5 from a couple of houndred people would not come close to cover the cost of running an organization that is supposed to lobby, publish a monthly magazine, provide driver training etc. etc. etc. That would mean that we would have to spend money out of our own pockets, in addition to what we already spend to give you DiscoWeb for free now. Sorry, it won't happen. |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:39 am: |
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Axel, you're right. Like you I have a day job and on top of that two small kids not yet in school so as much as I would like to run with this I can't. I am trying to see what I can do with ANARC. Anyone here involved in local clubs would be in a good position to get your local clubs involved in a national union like ANARC or similar. Or we can all support our local fiefdoms and be happy with driving Freelanders or IFS D90's in the future. |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 10:12 am: |
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Agreed. I don't think there is a need to start another organization. It would be better to get involved and support the existing clubs, get involved and help them move in the direction you want. ANARC is a step in the right direction, but it takes time and volunteers to make things happen. Unfortunately time is a commodity in short supply for many of us these days.
Anyone who do want to get involved are free to use this bbs as a medium to get in contact with people, get their message out and so on, however. That's what the site is for. |
Jeremy Katka (Jkatka)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:13 pm: |
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Well how bout this, Choose a name for the organization. Get a domain name and a static website. Work on what information/introduction we would like to have. Have members in the discoweb community that are intrested in supporting this initative go to their local clubs and share the information/website. There is alot of stuff that we will need to get done like a charter or bylaws or a mission statement so people know what "we" are all about.
AL I agree the BMWCCA sounds great and that can be a goal for the long term. Right now I think the best way to start is being an information location and a central voice for the LR community. I am willing to Pay for the domainname and register it once we have a name we like. We should find someplace to host it. I might be able to host it on my home machine for the short-term but I have limited bandwidth. Does anyone out here want to be a webmaster for this organization ( I have no graphics skills and my HTML looks like shit.)
JK |
Jason Johnson (Discomojo)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 06:16 pm: |
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I personally would be willing to assist this cause in any way possible. From the looks of the ANARC website I think it's not been refreshed in some time. The perfect opportunity for promotion, visibility and motive is the G4. The discovery channel will be televising the event and as it will cross US soil, there is the "close-to-home" factor.
Forgive my database mentality but the first step is to compile accurate data if this is ever going to happen. Before a national name, before the information is shared you have to identify the most accurate information on your target audience- clubs in this case. I've seen a lot of websites with outdated club contacts, email addresses etc. That has to be the first step. Then declaring a sort of mission statement is important. Is this proposed hub to be used to inform LRNA? Is it social? What is the real objective? Once people are onboard, a collective petition should be sent to LRNA with opinions and comments, real stories etc. I tried to contact LRNA last week and they suck at returning a single person's call. Let's see them turn down 1000 emails, calls and letters. Dweb is the perfect forum for soliciting this type of information. Vehicle development is based on corporate marketing. Corporate marketing is based on samples from the "target consumer market". What LRNA doesn't realize or even give a shit about is the future of enthusiasts and their contributions to the market- they contribute to new and used car sales. Best example...I now own 2 discos and I love them both and I recommend Discos to anyone looking for a new vehicle. That is the kind of marketing you just can't buy because it's honest and can only come from having owned one and had a good experience...believing in a superior product. Those of you interested in forming an alliance of sorts please feel free to email me and we can get a distribution list going. LRNA isn't far from me so I don't have a problem dropping in on them one day if I'm properly equipped to speak to them. |
Bill M. (Circekat)
| | Posted on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 08:59 am: |
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Interesting side note, if you will. A company that I just interviewed for, Dana Corp. (www.dana.com) will be supplying axles and hydroformed frames to LR in the near future, possibly the 2003 models, but definitely the 2004's. I hope that the axle construction is on par with what we are all used to seeing, but the possibility of a lighter framed Disco/Rangie/Defender/Freelander vehicle is interesting as long as it is able to handle the stress loading. Think about it: lighter frame could mean better fuel economy. Just a note. |
Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 03:47 pm: |
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Good Evening,
I think you all have great ideas. Perhaps a national organization could be made up of the seperate regional clubs. Communication and accurate record keeping, as well as funding for both the local events as well as the bigger national events and meetings would be essential.
The regional clubs could gain membership, with their members enjoying all the benefits, if they vote in support. Small dues could be collected from each indevidual and put together to form the clubs yearly contribution.
The national organization's manifestation could be entirely in managment and organization, an entirely transparent financial and communications bridge between the clubs. It's entity's expenses could theoretically be kept minimal.
The onset of such an endeavor would have to be purely negotiations and awareness meetings. Rally enough interest, and then start getting "gos" from the prospective members. The early entrants should be small and well organized, for ease of managment. Then one could assimilate some of the tinier and less stable local clubs, allowing them to benefit from what the more experienced members have allready learned. Once the network is stable, a few gatherings could be held on private property to save money. Eventually, you would be able to peek the interests of some of the allready large clubs out there.
With such a diverse and large populous of membership, a few of the spokespeople from the well established clubs could form the LRNA relations comittee. Seperate groups could handle other issues such as Tread Lightly and trail closures.
It's just a matter of tenacity.
Just a few thoughts. This really has me exited.
Cheers,
Kennith |
James Groom (Jimg)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 09:11 pm: |
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I agree that a national club has more impact than numerous local clubs. Its kinda like back in the 20's when Luciano made up the Mafia commission, the hardest part is determining who is the head guy. My feeling is that the Land Rover club that is physically closest to ford headquarters should get the nod. That way it would be easier to get some facetime with LRNA owners. I would be willing to pay dues to any local club that kicked something up to the main office. |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 12:43 am: |
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Jason has a good point with the G4 thing being a good time to start some sort of "enthusiasts movement" as posseurish as it may turn out to be I doubt rovers will ever receive as much main stream publicity again any time soon.
Where are the Ford headquarters??? |
Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith)
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 11:08 am: |
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Well,
You guys are right. If it's going to be done, now's a good time. Playing off of the free publicity garnered by the G4 is a smart move. I'm willing to help out any way I can, when I get back stateside.
Cheers,
Kennith |
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