Individuals with a keen interest in Land Rover car hire may wish to hear that the manufacturer has begun work on a replacement to the Defender.

According to a report by Autocar, the next generation of the 62-year-old iconic vehicle is two-weeks into its planning stages ahead of its predicted 2014 launch date.

Currently the project is working under the codename Project Icon and although the 4x4 is likely to continue to show off the traditional looks and values of its predecessor, significant improvements in terms of fuel economy and emissions are expected.

This could include using Land Rover's Electric Rear Axle Drive technology, as seen in the 2008 Freelander model, to create a hybrid-powered machine which boasts eco-friendly characteristics.

The original Land Rover Series I was launched in 1948 and it combines a basic and robust chassis with a lightweight and strong aluminium body, making it an ideal off-road vehicle.

Defenders have been used increasingly in agriculture, industry and the military.

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Posted by Peter Grant