Land Rover are blocking sales of the Range Rover Evoque in an effort to stem the flow of cars out of the UK from ‘dishonest’ buyers
Over the last few days we’ve had a number of emails from disgruntled readers who’ve been unable to collect their new Range Rover Evoque from their dealer, despite their Evoque being with the dealer and being paid for in full.
It transpires that Land Rover are trying to control the supply of the Evoque to businesses and individuals who may sell it on or export it, but their weapon of choice seems to be a bit blunt.
So far, after just a few phone calls, we’re aware of over 50 Evoques where Land Rover has either cancelled the order or refused to release the car. We asked Land Rover for a statement and they said:
Land Rover has become aware of some potentially dishonest activity around the multiple purchase and potentially unlawful export of Range Rover Evoques. Land Rover are currently investigating this situation and as a precaution, have quarantined a small number of Range Rover Evoques. This is to protect both Contract hire and Leasing businesses and Land Rover customers who are purchasing vehicles through fair and honest channels.
It seems significant numbers of petrol-engined Evoques are finding their way out of the UK to other RHD markets – such as Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand – which doesn’t seem to impress Land Rover. In fact, an insider has told Cars UK, Land Rover are considering dropping the petrol Evoque in the UK altogether to stop exports to other markets.
The problem is that many of those we’ve spoken to aren’t trying to export their Evoques but have been caught in Land Rover’s hastily thrown net, which seems to be hitting both small businesses ordering more than one car and even independent lease companies.
We hope that Land Rover are only trying to halt exports and not trying stop the sale of any Evoques that may be VAT qualifying in to order control lease and contract hire in the UK. We put that to Land Rover but they are refusing to comment beyond the statement they gave us.
Which doesn’t help the Cars UK readers who now seem to have been branded ‘dishonest’ by Land Rover.
It is the Evoque Dynamic SD4 (read Diesel) auto in wWhite / Black colour with LUX Pack and Rear Seat Entertainment Pack that are being exported to Thailand.
Land Rover, cross check with your distributor in Thailand. Dun just shooting blindly like a drunkard!
Landrover need to understand, Petrol Evoque does not export to Thailand. Do your homework before publicising a statement which is incorrect. There are plenty of cars available to purchase, Land Rover cannot lose, except the figures they reveal for there UK sales is correct, but not correct, half the vehicles are enjoying sunnier climates! They may attempt to stop the sale of Petrol Evoque in the UK but this just moves the purchasing to other countries who can supply, then when Landrover see sales drop off in the UK they will then bring it back to the market with encouraging retail deals to attract us back to the showroom again, the whole cycle of buying then commences and at some point when the Evoque is not trendy any further as it will become, another manufacturer product will take over, as is consistent with trend!! Good look Land Rover.
Exactly what LR is trying to do – protect sales in overseas markets by stopping export of UK retail cars. The problem is the scattergun approach.
I have just tried to buy a car for my wife from Landrover Knutsford and it was like I was a criminal, all I wanted was a car for my wife’s birthday. They told me I had to send my work details to them so they could check me out, then after 3 days I was called buy Jason and Richard at the dealership only to be told sorry we can’t sell you the car, no reason given. The worst car dealership I have ever come across stay clear. Dont buy a car from LAND ROVER KNUTSFORD.
Hi Neil,
Please drop me an email with what you are looking for as I may well be able to help you.
Regards
Matt Coates