Land Rover Defender's Sam Allen
About this episode
Sam Allen, the brand director for the Land Rover Defender in the U.S., shares insights into the Defender's heritage, design evolution, and community impact. He discusses the unique culture among Defender owners, who are often adventurous and problem-solvers. The episode covers the Defender's role in the American market, the importance of experiential marketing through Defender Experience Centers, and initiatives like the Defender Service Awards. Sam also reveals exciting future plans, including participation in the Dakar rally, showcasing the Defender's capabilities and reliability.
Sam Allen is the Brand Director for Defender here in America, where he leads the strategic vision and execution of one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. We talk about the Defender's heritage, its role in the American market and Sam's personal journey with the brand. Also… the Defender's design evolution, its community impact through initiatives like the Defender Service Awards, and the unique experiences offered by the Defender Experience Centers. Sam shares his insights into the Defender's appeal, its adventurous spirit, and future plans, including participation in the Dakar rally. Sam’s a good dude, with a real passion for Defenders and everything they touch. If you didn’t already want a Defender going into this episode, you will by the end of it. It’s Land Rover Defender’s Sam Allen. And it’s That Car Show.
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Land Rover Defender
"...community, you could say, you know, you put five defender owners on an island, they're gonna survive fine."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough car designed for driving on rough roads and in the wilderness. People love it because it can handle tough conditions and is great for adventures.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It has a strong following among adventure enthusiasts and is often associated with exploration and survival, making it a popular topic in discussions about off-road vehicles.
Dakar rally
"including participation in the Dakar rally. Sam's a good dude with a real passion for defenders."
The Dakar Rally is a tough race that takes place in deserts and rough areas. It challenges drivers and their vehicles to see who can finish the course first.
The Dakar Rally is an annual rally raid organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation, known for its challenging routes across deserts and rough terrains. It tests the endurance and skill of both vehicles and drivers.
Jaguar Land Rover
"I've actually been living in the USA for two years now. And I'm unashamedly to say that I've been working at Jaguar Land Rover or its previous iterations for 37 years now."
Jaguar Land Rover is a company that makes fancy cars. Jaguar is known for fast cars, while Land Rover makes tough, off-road vehicles.
Jaguar Land Rover is a British multinational automotive company that designs, manufactures, and sells luxury vehicles. It includes two iconic brands: Jaguar, known for its sports cars and sedans, and Land Rover, famous for its rugged SUVs.
Jaguar Ipace
"...when we moved first for Jaguar I-Pace into the electric cars,..."
The Jaguar I-Pace is a fully electric SUV made by Jaguar. It offers a luxurious ride and uses no gasoline, relying entirely on electricity for power.
The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric SUV that represents Jaguar's entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines luxury features with advanced technology and performance, making it a significant model in the growing electric vehicle segment.
terrain response system
"...like adapting the terrain response systems to the automated versions,..."
The terrain response system helps drivers choose the best settings for their vehicle depending on the type of ground they are driving on, like mud or snow. It makes driving easier and safer in tough conditions.
The terrain response system is a technology used in Land Rover vehicles that allows the driver to select different driving modes based on the terrain. This optimizes the vehicle's performance for various conditions such as mud, sand, or snow.
tow assist technologies
"...doing some of the tow assist technologies. So that was a great period of development,..."
Tow assist technologies are tools in cars that help you when you're pulling something heavy, like a trailer. They can guide you and make it easier to park or drive with the load.
Tow assist technologies are features in vehicles that help drivers safely and effectively tow trailers or other loads. These systems can include sensors, cameras, and automated steering to make towing easier.
Land Rover
"...the first car they saw was a Land Rover. I mean, we talk about other brands going off-road."
Land Rover is a brand that makes tough, luxury vehicles designed for off-road driving. They're known for being able to handle rough terrains well.
Land Rover is a British automotive brand known for its luxury SUVs and off-road vehicles. It has a strong reputation for durability and capability in rugged terrains.
Porsche 911
"...like the Porsche 911, right? It's an icon, you know, you know it when you see one, right?"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its unique shape and powerful performance. It's a car that many people recognize and admire.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has become an icon in automotive history. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has a loyal following and is celebrated for its driving dynamics.
Land Rover Range Rover
"and I think it's the 90s. I think the Range Rover came in the late 70s, and Land Rover Defender it..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can go off-road but also feels very comfortable inside. It's known for being stylish and has a reputation for being a high-end vehicle.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with high-end comfort and technology. Since its introduction in the late 1970s, it has become a symbol of prestige and is often discussed for its blend of performance and luxury.
soft top
"the, you know, the soft top. Will you ever bring the soft top Defender back?"
A soft top is a type of car roof that you can fold down or take off. It's usually made of fabric and allows you to drive with the roof open, like a convertible.
A soft top refers to a convertible car roof made from flexible materials like fabric or vinyl. It can be retracted or removed to allow open-air driving.
aftermarket
"I know there have been some aftermarket outfits, but..."
Aftermarket means parts or accessories that are made by other companies, not the car maker. They can be used to improve or change how a car works or looks.
Aftermarket refers to parts and accessories that are made by companies other than the original manufacturer. These can enhance or modify vehicles beyond their factory specifications.
Land Rover Defender 90
"...the 90 is not the most popular version of the Defender in the US. It amazes me. For me, it's a big car. For the US, it's a fairly small car. I love the Defender 90, especially the V8."
The Land Rover Defender 90 is a smaller version of the Defender, which is a tough and capable SUV. It's popular for off-roading and has a unique style.
The Land Rover Defender 90 is a compact SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It's part of the Defender series, which has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts.
V8 engine
"...I love the Defender 90, especially the V8. It's incredible."
A V8 engine is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for producing a lot of power, which is why many powerful cars use it.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design allows for more power and torque, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
Land Rover Defender 130
"So Defender 130, America is by far the largest market for Defender 130."
The Land Rover Defender 130 is a big family car that can fit more people and has extra seats in the back. It's popular for its comfort and space.
The Land Rover Defender 130 is a larger variant of the classic Defender, designed to accommodate more passengers and cargo. It features a third row of seating, making it suitable for families needing extra space.
Jeep Wrangler
"...redible. You would think a cross shop would be a Wrangler or a Bronco. But 9-11 is up there."
Ford Bronco
"...ould think a cross shop would be a Wrangler or a Bronco. But 9-11 is up there."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for going off-road and having fun outdoors. It's recently made a comeback and is known for its cool, vintage look.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that has been reintroduced in recent years, known for its off-road prowess and retro styling. It has a strong cultural significance and is often compared to the Jeep Wrangler for its adventurous capabilities.
Land Rover Defender 110
"I would get a 110. Sure, sure."
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a bigger version of the Defender, which means it has more room inside. This makes it better for families or anyone needing to carry more stuff.
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a larger variant of the Defender series, offering more space and seating capacity compared to the Defender 90. It's designed for families and those needing extra cargo space.
steely wheels
"...the old vintage steely wheels. I do too. And this year's trophy car,..."
Steely wheels are made of steel and are usually heavier than other types of wheels. They are often found on cheaper cars and are known for being tough and easy to replace.
Steely wheels, or steel wheels, are wheels made from steel rather than aluminum or alloy. They are typically heavier and more durable, often used on budget or utility vehicles, and can be less expensive to replace than alloy wheels.
limited edition
"...we have a limited edition one in San Glow Yellow, one in Keswick Green. And they both have now the steely wheels,..."
Limited edition cars are special versions made in small numbers. They often look different or have extra features compared to regular cars, making them more desirable for collectors.
A limited edition car is a model produced in a restricted quantity, often featuring unique design elements or performance enhancements that distinguish it from standard models. These cars are typically sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their rarity.
Defender trophy competition
"...now we're reinvigorating the Defender trophy competition, which is being held multiple nations"
The Defender trophy competition is a contest where people use Land Rover Defenders to compete in off-road challenges. It's a way to show how tough and capable these vehicles are in difficult environments.
The Defender trophy competition is an event that celebrates the capabilities of the Land Rover Defender, a vehicle known for its off-road prowess. This competition involves various challenges that test the skills of participants and the performance of the Defender in rugged terrains.
Audi Rs6S
"Think velocity Broncos, Audi RS6s, Acura NSXs,"
The Audi RS6 is a fast and luxurious car that is designed for high performance. It combines comfort with powerful features, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Audi RS6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It's popular among performance car enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and speed.
Acura Nsxs
"Think velocity Broncos, Audi RS6s, Acura NSXs,"
The Acura NSX is a sporty car that is very fast and has a special hybrid engine. It's designed to be both exciting to drive and practical for everyday use.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance sports car known for its hybrid powertrain and advanced engineering. It offers a unique combination of speed, agility, and everyday usability.
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
"Mercedes G-Wagon. Mm-hmm. Definitely. Yeah. Because when you look at competitors, you're typically looking at affordability as well as attributes."
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is a luxury SUV that looks tough and can handle rough terrains. It's known for its unique square shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite for people who want both style and capability.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, also known as the G-Class, is a luxury SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It combines high performance with a distinctive boxy shape, making it a popular choice among both luxury and off-road enthusiasts.
Toyota GX
"...a Wrangler, a Bronco, a GX and a Defender are probably similar. But the purchase decision comes down to affordability..."
The Toyota GX is a luxury SUV that can also go off-road. It’s known for being reliable and comfortable for families.
The Toyota GX is a mid-size luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with a comfortable interior. It's known for its reliability and strong performance both on and off the road.
Le Mans
"...why not do it with a 24-hour Lamont Jaguar race winner, right? Right now. Well, and I got to go to Lamont in June..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track, and it's known for testing how fast and reliable they are over a long period.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prestigious endurance race held annually in France. It challenges teams to maintain speed and reliability over a full day of racing, making it a significant event in motorsport history.
drifting
"...at 45 degrees to them and you were drifting through them. And my mechanical brain was blintzing..."
Drifting is when a driver makes a car slide sideways while still controlling it. It's a popular technique in racing and shows off driving skills.
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle. This is often done in motorsport and can be seen in rally racing and drift competitions.
Land Rover Discovery
"I remember many, many years ago when Discovery 2 was new, my parents bought one and the first t..."
The Land Rover Discovery is a roomy SUV that can handle rough roads while also being comfortable for families. It's known for having lots of space inside and modern features.
The Land Rover Discovery is a versatile SUV that offers a balance of off-road capability and family-friendly features. It is often mentioned for its spacious interior and advanced technology, making it suitable for both urban and adventurous lifestyles.
hill descent control
"...what trusting the hill descent control feature feels like..."
Hill descent control helps you drive down steep hills safely. It uses the brakes to keep the car from going too fast, so you don't have to worry about controlling the speed yourself.
Hill descent control is a feature in many modern vehicles that helps drivers maintain a steady speed while descending steep hills. It automatically applies the brakes to prevent the vehicle from accelerating too quickly, allowing for a safer descent.
Artemis Cars
"...that's Chase Bank and Artemis Cars which are a company that make accessories and kits and modifications a bit like..."
Artemis Cars makes parts and accessories that people can add to their cars. This can include things that make the car look different or perform better.
Artemis Cars is a company that specializes in automotive accessories and modifications. They provide various kits and enhancements for vehicles, catering to car enthusiasts looking to personalize their rides.
upfitting
"...for upfitting Defender vehicles for clients that want a slightly different look..."
Upfitting means changing a vehicle to make it better for certain tasks. For example, you might add special tools or features to a truck so it can do more jobs.
Upfitting refers to the process of modifying a vehicle to suit specific needs or preferences, often by adding equipment or features. This is common for utility vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, which can be customized for various purposes.
Land Rover Series I
"...we had Polyana, I don't know if you're familiar with Polyana, the series one..."
The Land Rover Series I is an old model of a tough off-road vehicle that people used for adventures and driving in rough areas. It was made starting in 1948 and is famous for its strong build.
The Land Rover Series I is a classic off-road vehicle that was first produced in 1948. It is known for its rugged design and capability in rough terrains, making it a popular choice for overlanding and adventure driving.
Ford Expeditions
"things like that so if you're talking about expeditions or driving these miles I have"
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and stuff, making it great for family trips. It's built to be strong and can pull heavy things like trailers.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV designed for families and those needing ample space and towing capacity. It is often discussed for its practicality, comfort, and ability to handle long trips or heavy loads.
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