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TravelerBT
February 9th, 2009, 05:05 PM
I am just curious as to why you can't import these to the US? Is it JUST because of the airbags? Or are there other reasons?

thanks!
evilfij
February 9th, 2009, 05:17 PM
Other reasons.
TravelerBT
February 9th, 2009, 05:18 PM
such as?
JimC
February 9th, 2009, 05:29 PM
Probably any number of creeping regulatory requirements. You're not going to find a list of "deficiencies." Obviously engines have to be kept up to date with emissions regs, and who knows how a defender would perform with current roll-over & offset impact requirements. Of course the only way to find out is to crash test them.

I can't think of anything currently on the US market that has been fundamentally the same for the last 25 years. I'd be very curious to know how a 2009 Defender fails to meet US requirements, but short of insider information or actual testing, you and I are never going to know.
evilfij
February 9th, 2009, 05:34 PM
Side impact.
cellulararrest
February 9th, 2009, 10:32 PM
Side impact.
No doubt that is it's biggest flaw... I'm pretty certain I never want to see a picture of a defender hit side on.
ECR
February 10th, 2009, 08:26 AM
Don't worry, according to some dealer the 2010 Defender will be here in the USA in just a few months!! :rofl :rofl :rofl

The 2010 Mustang already is taking orders and the 2010 Camaro will be out this Spring, so the 2010 USA Defender will be here by summer:
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17724
:rofl
landrovered
February 10th, 2009, 08:48 AM
Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus.
paulb
February 12th, 2009, 02:22 PM
D90 are spec.ed to EU regulations. Historically these have been kept seperate from the US. Why, well it could be to prevent parallel import. Or it could be as stated, emmisions and safety rules. Ford CEO is on record stating that the bumper crash requirement for the EU Focus is so so different it will cost $1300 to retrofit for US crash requirements. (EU bumpers are designed to protect pedestrians while US bumpers protect in car on car).

Oh, and to be nitpicky - yes you can import, as long as it is 25 years old, or older.
Hans
February 12th, 2009, 03:56 PM
Also, all the current UK defenders are all diesel powered, and the Rover diesel engines aren't capable of meeting current EPA regulations.

I had read a news article last year that Ford was looking to develop the Rover diesels for use in the various domestic Ford SUV's. But then came the sale to TaTa, which I'm assuming killed that idea.

-Hans