Lando

The Land Rover Our Planet site has got an odometer on it that is counting it's CO2 offset. Over 2.3 million tonnes since July 2006.

While the 2WD discussion continues to rumble on, there is no denying the Freelander 2 is a cracking looking vehicle: -

The 2WD Land Rover debate has been rumbling on the Land Rover Our Planet facebook page again, since there was a link posted that unveiled the new Freelander 2. Apparently, it's going to be available in 2WD for those that want it. It doesn't mean they're doing away with the 4WD and a lot of people need reminded that there have been 2WD Landies in the past without sending our favourite green oval to hell in a hand basket. Or have they? Without turning this into too much of an argument about CO2 emissions melting the ice caps, who reckons that a more efficient 2WD option is a valuable addition to the line and who thinks, as someone put it, a 2WD Landy is as authentic as alcohol free lager? Here's the facebook page if you're that way inclined: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4951625&fbid=440712593960&id=753808960#!/Landroverourplanet?ref=ts And here's the article link that was on there: http://www.landroverourplanet.co.uk/the-2011-freelander-2-embracing-efficient-technologies/

Taking Posh Spice out of the equation, I think the Evoque is class! Just read a lot about them and there are ten of these with the colourful decals, going to ten big cites around the world. Good work on spotting one and snapping a pic, not surprised they didn't hang about though! Here's the link to the article I read, it's an eco-Range Rover, so it's on the Land Rover Our Planet site http://www.landroverourplanet.co.uk/evoque-prototypes-go-undercover/ That's a yellow one you've seen... I wonder where it's off to?

There's going to be a live unveiling of the new Range Rover tonight, 1st July, at 8:30pm BST. I read about it on the Our Planet blog and there's links through to the live reveal too. Have a look and let's hear what you think!

There's going to be a live unveiling of the new Rangie tonight! I read about it at Land Rover Our Planet and there's links through to the big reveal. It' based on the LRX Concept, which we've talked about before and I can't wait to get a look and find out what they're actually calling it. Check it out and let 's hear what you think!

I know what you mean, going to have to wait and see if it's got any off-road credibility. It is a Landy after all, I've had a shot of a nice 2wd Series before.

If fuel efficiency is a big concern, would you look at the LRX concept when it's eventually released with a RR badge?

I like the Land Rover 'eco' blog, Land Rover Our Planet, a I've been reading quite a lot, and it is good to hear about the green stuff they do but when I hear about the CO2 offsetting and all that, I can't help but feel pretty p*ssed off that we have to pay such high tax, supposedly because of the emissions, when according to them, new Land Rovers are carbon offset to 45,000 miles. Doesn't seem fair to me.

I was at the Royal Geographical Society in London last week and caught a lecture by one of the world's leading explorers, Wong How Man. Really interesting, inspiring stuff. Wong How Man sang the praises of Land Rovers in the field and just how indispensable a tool they are when dealing with really difficult terrain. I've done the Land Rover Experience and a bit of laning but it really made me want to do a proper trip, a real expedition somewhere. Anyone got any suggestions? It'd be great to see some photos and hear about some adventures. He was a really interesting guy. He's found the source of the Yangtze, Yellow and Mekong Rivers, as well as loads of other stuff. Definitely worth checking out. Try looking here...Wong How Man Apparently there's a video going about too and I've asked them to send it to me so I'll post it when/if I get it. I'd really like some ideas of places that'd make a good introduction to exploring in my Landy though. If anyone has any suggestions, let's hear them. It'd be good to see some photos, videos or links too, so post them up. Thanks folks!

I read an article from "Car" Magazine that was actually written in December 2007 (Article) that outlined the LR carbon offset programme. Looking now though, including all manufacturing and shipping, a new Land Rover is totally Carbon Neutral to 75,000km. This is spreading to countries all over the world. France, Sweden, Norway,China, Japan and the Middle East to name but a few. You can read more about it here

As far as I've heard, it is being badged as a Rangie and to be honest, that probably suits. I'd love to see how it performs off-road too. First time I saw it I though it was a new Freelander actually. No matter what, it looks cool as, and until I can have a go, I'll just read about it. The tech even sounds cool! Launched in Detroit in 2008, so where is it now!!! check it out... LRX Concept Detroit

I've seen the odd little bit about them and I've got to tell you... I WANT ONE! Never been the biggest fan of hybrids in general but everything I've seen on this just looks so cool. It's scheduled for release in 2011 as part of the Range Rover line and will apparently be, "the smallest, lightest and most efficient vehicle the company has ever produced." So, what're your thoughts people? Anyone got any pics by any chance? Cheers, Lando

Don't you think stupid is a bit strong, particularly with so many mixed messages out there? After all, Land Rovers are built to last, so what's to say that a Land Rover bought today won't still be going strong in 40 or 50 years? That being the case, if the newer vehicle is significantly more efficient, the sooner we make the switch the better, no? As I said previously, I do run and maintain my old Landy in the knowledge that materials, manufacturing and distribution of new vehicles greatly adds to the carbon footprint. That being said, I read that emissions from Land Rover Solihull have been reduced by 30% in the last decade. Also, it should be a source of pride to all Land Rover drivers that of the 4 million+ vehicles built to date, two thirds are still in regular use. How many other manufacturers can boast that kind of "sustainability"? So, will a combination of long-lasting, superior build quality AND modern, extra efficient technologies be the way to go? I don't want to debate whether or not 'climate change' is real. There are people far better informed than me out there if you're looking for an argument. I'm just interested in opinion on the vehicle question. Cheers

I've long been a believer that my old Series Land Rover, although a rugged 4x4 derided by many die-hard ecologists, was a great example of a make do and mend mentality that seems to be dying out. In fact, outside of the Land Rover fraternity (and obviously, the classic car) it seems that this passion for recycling has us throwing out things that aren't even broken! Take the car scrappage scheme for example. If you can drive it to the garage, it ain't dead yet. So, the whole idea of perpetually upgrading for the latest model, even if it has better eco-credentials on paper, seems to me to be far more damaging than just keeping my dependable old Land Rover. Efficiency means consideration of the manufacturing and shipping and all of the other things that get your shiny new motor to the forecourt. However, one of the Land Rover Facebook groups that I'm a member of, Land Rover Our Planet has pointed me towards the next generation and I've got to tell you, I'm pretty tempted. I started to think about the whole scrappage thing when the scheme was introduced for central heating boilers and that did make sense to me. I've always been a bit sceptical of "hybrids" too, but there's new Landies that look amazing, and they're hybrids! I can't find any pictures to post to let you see but I got this link off the fan page... Deisel Hybrid I'd be really keen to know what your thoughts are on the forum. Is it better, environmentally speaking, to make do and mend? Or should we follow the government's lead and trade in for something new, but supposedly more efficient? I think, if that's the case and we should be thinking hybrid, then Land Rover looks like they're definitely the way to go. Cheers folks

The question of weight has come up a couple of times and I would tend to agree with the couple of posts suggesting that a Defender might just be a bit too heavy to get any decent use. A Series would probably be better and if possible, one of the ultra lightweight, ex-parachute regiment military ones. With the cut-away arches and all that. They look so cool too. Only beef with them is the lack of creature comforts. And if you don't live in sunny Southern California or somewhere like that, the lack of weatherproofing might be a bit of a drag. There are modern options though. Obviously, beyond all but the brightest engineers amongst us to actually build for ourselves but damn cool none the less. Over the next few years, I'm really excited about the environmental developments that Land Rover will be rolling out. If you were looking to integrate a bit of DIY battery power, there's some food for thought in their concepts. They've integrated an Electric Rear Axle Drive so when the vehicle moves off under light acceleration, the system uses electrical energy stored in a battery to drive away without starting the engine. If you want to accelerate harder, the engine kicks in. Then, when you take your foot off the accelerator, or brake lightly, the energy is captured using the rear axle and stored in the battery. Anyone who's got more of a head for these things than me, (which isn't tricky!) got any thoughts on knocking this kind of system up yourself? Here's where I read about it... http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/about-us/our-planet/our-planet.htm?p=1496 I'm a fan of their eco facebook page and that's where I got the link from. Check that out too. It'd be great to get a bit more chat on there. I think it's just www.facebook.com/landroverourplanet

I couldn't enter but I'll be doing my best to make it along. Well done to everyone that's signed up though. Hopefully I'll be there to check it out. Should be a class weekend!

13,000 is a great order. It has been going that way for a while though. My partner lives out there, in Beijing, and she has seen a lot of profile for Land Rover in China for a few years now. Apparently, big part of their CO2 offset programme is focussed on China. It is good that there are 13,000 Land Rovers heading out to China but there are people I know that would disagree though. Even though I live in the country, my main reason for owning a Landy is just cause I like them. To any that would use this to doubt my green credentials, my defender has soldiered on for almost 30 years now! I consider maintaining my old Landy a good way to keep a small carbon footprint. So, even though we've all heard about the pollution in China, it's good to know that they kinda feel the same I guess. There's a good article on it here... http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/about-us/our-planet/our-planet.htm?p=1101 These 13,000 vehicles will last longer than any cheaper copy, so it's a good investment for them as a nation. Hopefully it'll catch on, and there'll be a push for long lasting quality, rather than cheaply produced and disposable. Isn't this something that we in the west can learn from too?

This is pretty cool! I hadn't realised that Land Rover were involved in so many of these projects around the world! I'm a fan of the facebook group and they've been putting a link to one of the projects up every day this month. Some really cool things, I'd totally recommend checking it out too!

A similar thing happened to me so you have my condolences. But, after all of the hassle, I actually came out of the whole thing in credit! First, CHECK THE CHASSIS IS SOUND. If it's not, you're done. If it is though, this could work out quite well. The valuation of my Landy, agreed with the insurance company, was £3000. They worked out the cost of the repairs at £2300, decided this was an uneconomical repair and wrote it off. I asked for the salvage and was given the Landy (which they valued at £700!) and the £2300. I was able to find secondhand panels, a bumper and a few other bits, get the work done and a partial respray for £1500, so poketed £800! You do need to get a new MOT and you need to register the vehicle as off the road (with a SORN certificate) while the work is being done. Obviously, there was a lot of hassle involved but remember that insurance companies cost out these things at top dollar, which isn't how it works in the real world. Anyway, good luck mate. Don't give up hope!