Leading through disruption - an interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

[DCPU]

A lengthy interview with an FT journalist in front of a live audience.

A good listen on a number of topics, but if you want the snippets on the Grenadier then jump to 54:50 & 1:15:00.

He talks of road testing it in the UK recently with Lewis Hamilton driving and says it's a fantastic road drive.

He confirms first (assume customer/full production series) vehicles will be coming off the production line next week:

Interesting to see his expectations on the volume of production ~ well above previous expectations, although that may be for an extended model lineup:

Some not very complimentary comments on the new Defender:

 

[grenadierboy]

So happy to hear from the boss that customer production units next week - it's happening folks!!!

Very interesting that Sir Jim wants 75k units a year in the future.

This is significantly more sales than INEOS mentioned in their initial global launch last year, (I think they said 15k going to 50k was mentioned).

Remember - the new non off road defender is selling roughly 70k units a year.

In the last 20 years of "old" defender, annual sales averaged a low 15k.

So could you argue that the pure "old" defender market demand is probably 25k per year.

Then - Sir Jim needs to another 40,000 customers to reach his annual sales target (he wants to maximise profit!).

I think the way to achieve 75k units annually is to progressively launch many different versions of the Grenadier which will include more directly compete with Land Rover:
Electric
Hydrogen
City/suburban/youth lifestyle
Short wheel base
Extra long wheel base
Cabriolet soft top
etc. etc.

 

[emax]

That seems to be the color I was looking for.

Maybe in the next batch?

 

[Nick]

Happier now that I have seen him speak about it
expects a profitable project not passion project
Grenadier boy - looks like there will be 2 Grenadiers in Armadale

 

[Davman]

Welcome Nick, I am up near Warburton, so there is a little local cluster developing on the forum.

 

[grenadierboy]

Happier now that I have seen him speak about it
expects a profitable project not passion project
Grenadier boy - looks like there will be 2 Grenadiers in Armadale

Nick - we will still be outnumbered by all these new Defenders parked outside high end fashion shops in High st Armadale.

 

[Nick]

Initially yes
I suspect financial success for the IG may need rapid uptake by SUV/ new defender crowd much like G wagon- helped by the lack of availability LC 300 and inability to get on wait list for LC 70
I would market it to this group to grab their market share. Enthusiasts may not like it but it will make it more accessible and successful
Have you noticed the large number old defenders in the area over last few years. I believe people want analog and to feel like they are “connected to the road” not closeted in a cocoon which tells them when their zipper is down
First time heard IG officially compared to G wagen - I hope is built like the G professional but a bit more comfortable for the long haul
Just my opinion