Landrover Evoque and the not so distant cousin.
July 7th 2010 13:39
With the rise of the Chinese motor industry, many automobile manufacturers have tried (unsuccessfully) to protect their intellectual property. In a case several years ago, General Motors disassembled a Daewoo Matiz and also the Chinese built carbon copy Chery QQ. Parts from each vehicle were colour coded and were then re-assembled in a mixture of parts. Not surprisingly, both vehicles were started and were completely driveable.
The reason I mention this is the launch of the new Landrover Evoque. If this pseudo 4x4 does not have Honda reaching for the phone number of their legal firm, nothing will.
Cast your mind back to the 1999 Honda HRV. This anonymous little High Riding Vehicle (hence the name!) was available in three and five door versions, both of which featured the distinctive chopped off tail.
Now take a look at the new Evoque, these distant cousins share the same truncated rear end and three door format. Remember that Honda and Landrover were once in bed together? TATA obviously does!
The worst news for the Landy traditionalists in the crowd is that the new Landrover will be made available with Shock! Horror! - two wheel drive!
Sadly, a car like this was a necessity for Land Rover as the Discovery and Range Rover ranges are not known for their thrifty ways. The good thing for Landrover is this high riding small premium hatchback should open up the market in which the Mini, Fiat 500 and the new Audi A1 currently reside.
Will it harm the brand values? Will it be another disaster like the Freelander? Only time will tell.
By the way this is a real Landrover, one unsullied by the perfectly manicured fingers of Mrs Beckham!
The reason I mention this is the launch of the new Landrover Evoque. If this pseudo 4x4 does not have Honda reaching for the phone number of their legal firm, nothing will.
Cast your mind back to the 1999 Honda HRV. This anonymous little High Riding Vehicle (hence the name!) was available in three and five door versions, both of which featured the distinctive chopped off tail.
Now take a look at the new Evoque, these distant cousins share the same truncated rear end and three door format. Remember that Honda and Landrover were once in bed together? TATA obviously does!
The worst news for the Landy traditionalists in the crowd is that the new Landrover will be made available with Shock! Horror! - two wheel drive!
Will it harm the brand values? Will it be another disaster like the Freelander? Only time will tell.
A real Landrover
By the way this is a real Landrover, one unsullied by the perfectly manicured fingers of Mrs Beckham!
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