MILTON KEYNES, U.K. (November 6, 2025) – Two luxury vehicle modifications from Urban Automotive have made a dramatic statement of the latest in bespoke British style at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Continue reading
Category: Land Rover/Defender/Range Rover (Page 1 of 4)
LONDON (September 23, 2025) – |Reuters| Britain’s biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is extending the closure of its factories until October 1 following a cyberattack in early September that has left its operations paralyzed and smaller suppliers struggling.
The luxury carmaker, owned by India’s Tata Motors, has three factories in Britain, which together produce about 1,000 cars per day. The company is losing 50 million pounds ($68 million) a week, according to the BBC, with many of its 33,000 staff told to stay at home.
The breach highlights the vulnerability of global businesses and government departments to increasingly sophisticated and more frequent cyber and ransom attacks, affecting sectors from healthcare and defence to finance and retail. No details have been released about who might be behind the attack on JLR.
Worries over insurance
The automaker failed to finalize a cyber insurance deal brokered by Lockton ahead of the incident, and appears to be uninsured directly for the attack, three senior cyber insurance market sources told The Insurer. JLR declined to comment.
British business minister Peter Kyle and industry minister Chris McDonald visited JLR on Tuesday and talked to the CEO and senior executives about the impacts of the attack and how the company can work towards restarting production.
“We have two priorities – helping Jaguar Land Rover get back up and running as soon as possible and the long-term health of the supply chain,” said McDonald.
Kyle said “getting JLR back online as soon as possible” was his top priority, adding the government was doing everything it could to minimise the impact of the incident.
As well as wanting to keep the supply chain intact and save jobs, the government – which has set out plans to ban public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure operators from paying ransom demands – will be conscious of the hit to the economy from the shutdowns.
S&P Global’s survey of the UK manufacturing sector on Tuesday showed a downturn in output, with some factories saying JLR’s shutdown impacted activity in the automotive supply chain.
High-profile cyber attacks
Over the weekend, a ransomware attack on a company that facilitates airport check-in left passengers stranded across major European airports, with experts saying cybercriminals are taking greater risks by hitting high-profile targets to get bigger payoffs and boost their online reputation.
In Britain, just over four in ten businesses reported experiencing some form of breach over a 12-month period, according to official data published in June. Household names including Marks & Spencer and Co-op have fallen victim in recent months.
JLR said on Tuesday it was preparing plans to resume production even as it extended the pause.
“We have made this decision to give clarity for the coming week as we build the timeline for the phased restart of our operations and continue our investigation,” JLR said.
JLR, which makes the Range Rover and Defender models, said its production supported 104,000 jobs in supply chains across the country. The Unite trade union has warned of job losses and called for government support to keep companies solvent.
($1 = 0.7400 pounds)
Reporting by Sarah Young. Additional reporting by Suban Abdulla and Muvija M. Editing by Louise Heavens and Mark Potter
MILTON KEYNES (July 10, 2025) – Urban Automotive’s first convertible, the sensational Urban Widetrack Heritage Series Soft-Top, based on a Land Rover Defender 90, is one of three exciting new models that made their world debuts at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Continue reading
FARNHAM (June 19, 2025) – BEDEO, a leading innovator in electric vehicle technology and sustainable retrofits, has announced a strategic partnership with Monarch Defender – the internationally renowned restoration house known for redefining the Land Rover Defender through bespoke craftsmanship, bold design, and luxury execution. Monarch, powered by BEDEO, will be available to US-based clients, later in the year.
This collaboration brings together two forward-thinking brands with a shared vision: to preserve the Land Rover Defender’s legacy while preparing it for a cleaner, more conscious future. With BEDEO’s revolutionary in-wheel motor (IWM) technology and Monarch Defender’s deep expertise in luxury restoration and customer experience, the Reborn Electric: Icons Defender is now positioned to reach a new generation of drivers seeking sustainability without compromise.
Launched in 2024, BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative introduced the world’s first electric classic Land Rover Defender using in-wheel motor technology. Developed by BEDEO’s group company Protean Electric, this proprietary IWM system eliminates the need for bulky drivetrains, maintains the vehicle’s original curb weight, and delivers whisper-quiet, zero-emissions driving. With a 75-kWh battery and an estimated WLTP range of 247 km (153 miles), it’s as capable as it is clean – and it’s the only conversion technology of its kind currently available for classic vehicles.
“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful. Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.
“Monarch, too, are trailblazers as they become first company to offer in-wheel motors in their builds – a world first for any classic Defender company. In-wheel motors, in this application especially, have huge weight, space and off-road capability gains vs other electrification systems on the market. Through both the in-wheel motors and our wider electrification system, we [BEDEO] have created a package that makes iconic vehicles fit for a sustainable future. Now, and with Monarch Defender, we can now offer that to a wider audience in a way that feels personal, premium, and true to the spirit of the original.”
– Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO
For Monarch Defender, this partnership marks an exciting and strategic step into electrification. Known for creating Land Rover Defenders that blend raw power, modern drivetrains, and elegant interiors, Monarch Defender has long catered to a global audience of automotive connoisseurs. The collaboration with BEDEO allows the brand to future-proof its vision, giving clients the opportunity to own Land Rover Defenders that are not only beautiful and bold – but built for the world ahead.
“As a brand rooted in heritage, design, and experience, we’ve always believed the Defender deserves to evolve with purpose. We’ve also always aimed to elevate the Defender, not just restore it, and so partnering with BEDEO allows us to take the first step toward electrification in a way that aligns with our values and our customers’ growing appetite for sustainability – without sacrificing what makes these vehicles so iconic. Their [BEDEO’s] in-wheel technology is truly visionary – it respects the Defender’s original character while opening the door to a cleaner, more future-ready experience. For our customers, it’s the best of both worlds – and for us, it’s a natural evolution of what we stand for.”
– Akif Keskinof Monarch Defender
The first Reborn Electric: Icons Defenders available through Monarch Defender are expected to be available from next month, July 2025, with global support, full customisation, and premium customer service built into every stage of the process. To explore Monarch Defender’s bespoke restorations and global services, visit monarchdefender.com or contact info@monarchdefender.com.
For more information about BEDEO and its electric retrofit technology, visit bedeo.tech.
LONDON (May 1, 2025) – Luxury British EV conversion specialist, Inverted, is proud to announce the latest addition to its growing portfolio of electrified classic vehicles: the Land Rover Series I, II, and III. Building on the success of its electrified Range Rover Classics, Inverted now brings its signature craftsmanship and innovation to one of Britain’s most beloved 4x4s. Continue reading
CALABASAS, Calif. (December 5, 2024) – Urban Automotive, the bespoke modifier of luxury vehicles, has delivered a custom-built Urban Widetrack Range Rover L460 to American TV personality and entrepreneur Scott Disick. Personally handed over by the Urban Automotive and Platinum Motorsport teams at Disick’s home in Calabasas, California, this latest addition marks the third Urban-modified vehicle in the car collector’s impressive line-up. Continue reading
MIAMI (December 4, 2024) – Against the sunlit ocean vistas of Miami, Range Rover has unveiled the most highly crafted vehicle ever produced by the Range Rover SV Bespoke team: introducing the Range Rover SV Candeo.
A one-of-one collector’s vehicle, this unique long-wheelbase model represents the pinnacle of Range Rover SV Bespoke – a vision for future personalization finishes available from 2026 Model Year. Continue reading
MAHWAH, N.J. (November 28, 2024) – Range Rover Electric prototypes are currently in one of the world’s most unforgiving climates, undergoing the most intensive testing any Range Rover vehicle has ever endured.
As part of the grueling development of the first all-electric Range Rover, the United Arab Emirates is the proving ground for a searing desert assessment. Vehicle performance and efficiency are fiercely challenged to help ensure the entire propulsion system is reliably temperature-controlled and built to support longevity and optimum range. Continue reading
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (November 5, 2024) – Urban Automotive, the British luxury modifier of iconic automotive brands, is making waves at SEMA 2024 in Las Vegas with the unveiling of its Range Rover Sport L461. This showcase marks the highly anticipated U.S. launch of the Urban Widetrack Series, featuring two uniquely redefined Range Rovers: the headline Range Rover Sport L461 and the hugely popular Range Rover L460. Continue reading
NEW YORK (October 21, 2024) – Following its first stop at last summer’s Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, the Land Rovers of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took over New York City’s Rockefeller Center this past weekend. The collection of Royal Review parade vehicles and QEII’s personal Rovers included ten vehicles stretching the length of The Queen’s reign and life with Land Rover products. They include: Continue reading