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Bill, just to clarify, the 2004 Discovery is the old solid axle truck. The new LR3 is the vehicle you are referring to, I'm assuming. I've attached a pic of the 2004 Discovery. The 2004 Discovery is the BMW revamp of the old series one Discovery. The LR3 is the Ford inspired Honda Element crossed with an Explorer. I agree with you regarding how they are looking to marketability as opposed to sticking with a certain brand strategy. The LR3 is a compromise vehicle IMHO. It has independent suspension and a long wheelbase. It will never be able to compete with the X5 in terms of street driving and also loses a lot of off-road ability.
I do disagree with you that gas prices will hurt LR sales. Being expensive SUVs ($45-$80K) I doubt that gas prices will influence their target market's buying decisions. It might hurt the lower priced SUVs such as the Explorer, etc.
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