Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) will kick-off a special roadshow to celebrate the Land Rover Defender as part of a tribute to the iconic 4X4 vehicle.
The Land Rover Defender Rover Team’s roadshow will visit more than 14 selected locations including malls, business districts, popular cafes and other popular hangouts in the Klang Valley and Penang from April 23 till May 1, 2016.
The roadshow will feature two Land Rover Defenders equipped with two Final Edition Defender Accessories Packages to suit different lifestyles – adventure or urban.
Visitors to the location can sign up for test drives and upload #CelebrateDefenderMy Instagram posts, take up the Defender Hill Climb Challenge on iPad and other games to win various exclusive collectibles.
According to JLRM Managing Director Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the Land Rover Defender Rover Team’s roadshow marked the end of an era for the much-loved off-roader.
“Production of the Land Rover Defender officially ceased globally when the last of the current Defenders left the final assembly line at its Solihull production facility in England on January 29, 2016. What we have here in Malaysia is truly the last batch of this incredibly versatile vehicle with a history that spans 68 years. Therefore, it is the last chance to own a piece of heritage,” she said.
More than two million Series Land Rovers and Defenders have been built in Solihull, UK since 1948. What began as simply a line drawing in the sand has gone on to become one of the world’s most iconic 4x4s, earning the accolade of being the most versatile vehicle on the planet, capable of taking owners to places other vehicles could not reach.
The Land Rover Defender began its life in 1948 as the Series I, at a time when post-war Britain was struggling with a shortage of steel, which explains the use of aluminium for its bodyshell. Created by brothers Spencer and Maurice Wilks, the Land Rover was originally designed primarily for farming and agricultural use.
Changes followed and in 1958, the Series II brought about a new design and engine updates, including an advanced diesel engine which remained in service until the mid-1980s. Sales reached half a million by 1966, while annual production peaked in 1971 with 56,000 units. During the 1970s, the Series III continued to sell as well as its predecessor, a testament to its enduring appeal. The vehicle earned its new name, Defender, in 1990, which was fitting for a vehicle previously only referred to by its wheelbase length and Series number.
Part of the Land Rover’s appeal came from the endless variants that were created off the basic platform, including models as diverse as fire engines, lorry-like Forward Control vehicles, cherry pickers and even an amphibious car capable of floating on water. Over its 68 year history, it has been a vehicle driven by everyone from farmers and famous explorers, to royalty.
The Land Rover Defender Rover Team schedule is as follows:
Penang (Saturday, April 23, 2016)
- 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Heritage Row
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Gurney Plaza
Penang (Sunday, April 24, 2016)
- 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Queensbay Mall
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Penang Times Square
- 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm New Lane Hawker Centre
Klang Valley (Friday, April 29, 2016)
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Taipan, Subang
- 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunway Mentari
- 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm Oasis, Ara Damansara
Klang Valley (Saturday, April 30, 2016)
- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Sunway Giza Mall, Kota Damansara
- 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
- 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Desa Park City Waterfront
Klang Valley (Sunday, May 1, 2016)
- 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Yellow Brick Road, Jalan Batai, Bukit Damansara
- 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm Lucky Garden Bangsar
- 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Bangsar Village 2
