Land Rover has delayed the next-generation electric Defender by two years, pushing its launch into the 2030s.
The decision comes as the current Defender continues to sell strongly, with around 110,000 units sold each year.
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Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reportedly told staff that the delay is due to the current model's success.
The existing Defender, launched in 2019, remains relatively fresh, but its architecture cannot support an all-electric version.
A new platform is needed for an electric Defender, which is why the delay is significant.
Cost Pressures and Tariffs
JLR boss PB Balaji is under pressure to cut costs, especially with the Trump administration's tariffs in place.
The current Defender is subject to a 15 percent tariff when imported into the U. S.
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because it's assembled in Slovakia.
Despite the delay, JLR is pushing ahead with plans for the baby Defender.
Initially, the compact SUV was set to be exclusively electric, but its architecture is being modified to support hybrid powertrains as well.
The hybrid version will not be a plug-in hybrid, but rather a more traditional setup.
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This change reflects shifting consumer demand in some markets away from EVs and towards hybrids.
