Covid-19 Forces Land Rover to Postpone Defender 90 Debut

The Ford Bronco was not the only new off-road specialist awaited with bated breath by outdoors enthusiasts this year. 2020 was also the year the Land Rover Defender was returning to the market. The Defender, which is being produced in two sizes - 90 and 110 versions - is one of the major new models for 2020.

The British manufacturer's plans have had to be altered due to the coronavirus. While delivery of the long-wheelbase model (Defender 110) has started with consumers who have been waiting for theirs for up to a year, the big day will have to wait for the short-wheelbase variant (Defender 90).

Land Rover has postponed the launch of the three-door 90 version.

Automotive News reported on a statement that appeared discretely in small print on the manufacturer's consumer website: “Defender 90 production and first customer deliveries have been delayed as a result of Covid-19-related supply-chain constraints. Please contact your local retailer to place an order and timing of deliveries.”

In an email response to Automotive News, Land Rover spokesman Joseph Stauble explained that the Defender 90 "is not available as a Model Year 2020. It will be launched as a Model Year 2021, expected to be in market early 2021”. This represents a four- to six-month delay in relation to the company’s initial plans.

Read more