Kiwis already ordering next Range Rover before its globally launch
Just after the teaser photo was released, leaked photos of the Range Rover were leaked. Photo: Supplied
Before Land Rover released its teaser photo of the next-generation Range Rover, Kiwis fans of the luxury large SUV were already putting deposits down for the vehicle.
Overnight, Land Rover released a blurred side image of the all-new Range Rover that will make its global debut next Wednesday, October 27, at about 8.30 am NZ time. There were also some leaked images of the vehicle (above) found on various Instagram accounts, including Cochespias.
But New Zealanders were already clamouring to get their hands on the Range Rover, without knowing the price, launch date, images, or product specifications.
The fourth-generation Ranger Rover (left) with its predecessors. Photo: Land Rover NZ
Lee Small, Dealer Principal at Archibald and Shorter in Greenlane, has had more than 20 dedicated Land Rover lovers who have happily placed a $10,000 deposit to secure early ownership of the new vehicle – which will be recalibrated to 20 percent once the pricing of the new car has been revealed.
“Certain cars have hype around their launch, but we’ve never seen a groundswell of customers eager to secure a vehicle they do not know a lot about, I think it shows you the level of trust people have in Land Rover to deliver the ultimate in luxury SUVs – after all they invented the segment,” says Small.
“I’ve worked in the automotive industry for more than 28 years, and we have sold hundreds of Range Rovers – but it’s rare to see this much early demand. It’s testament to the brand and not to dissimilar to people who camp out in front of an Apple store to purchase a new iPhone – but at least they know when they’ll get their hands on one.”
Small took two more deposits from customers on Wednesday, and he expects a total of 50 New Zealanders to front up a deposit before official orders open.
Land Rover overnight released this blurred image for the 2022 Range Rover.
The current Range Rover is one of the most luxurious SUVs in the market and has been on sale since 2013, with a starting price of $221,900.
Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand CEO, Steve Kenchington, commented: “Over the last five decades Range Rover has built up an enviable reputation for comprehensive technology, a sophisticated silhouette, and cult status. The fact we’re seeing customers willing to buy it sight unseen is a testament to the fact our product teams have nailed the design time and time again.
“I’d also suspect that the global semiconductor shortage – which is affecting the production of everything from iPhones to washing machines and televisions to cars – is prompting Kiwis to try and jump the global queue and guarantee themselves this latest version without delay.”
The semiconductor crisis is the result of a ‘perfect storm’ of factors stemming from the COVID-19 crisis, challenges with production, and a spike in global demand for technical and luxury goods.
Customers who are interested in hearing more about the new Range Rover should contact their nearest Jaguar Land Rover dealer for more information. And if it is anything like the all-new Defender then the British brand is onto another winner.