In recent news, a carpark in Luton, UK went up in flames, causing partial collapse. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but five individuals were hospitalized and one received treatment at the scene. Devastatingly, around 1,200 cars were either damaged or completely destroyed during the incident.
A Burning Issue
While my thoughts are with those affected by this catastrophic event, it’s disheartening to witness the misguided conversations surrounding car fires. Let’s lay down some facts. The fire department has identified the car responsible for igniting the blaze – a diesel Range Rover from the Land Rover group. While there are hybrid options available, there is no evidence suggesting that this particular vehicle was a hybrid.
However, it’s worth noting that Land Rovers, including Range Rovers, have a history of catching fire. In fact, a few months ago, the company had to recall 112,000 vehicles due to a defect that caused them to burst into flames. This issue was caused by a loose component under the hood, which would spray fuel onto the hot engine parts, leading to ignition. While diesel cannot be easily ignited by a match, it can still catch fire if exposed to a sufficiently hot ignition source.
This recurring problem with Land Rovers and Range Rovers is just one example of the challenges faced by the British automotive industry, which has never been known for its German precision or Swedish reliability. Jaguar cars, for instance, were notorious for their frequent electrical failures, earning the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for Lucas Electrical, the company responsible for working on them. Interestingly, both Jaguar and Land Rover now operate under the ownership of Indian mega-corporation Tata.
A Fiery History
This is not the first time a Land Rover has been involved in a destructive car fire in the UK. Six years ago, a Land Rover destroyed a car park in Liverpool, resulting in the destruction of 1,400 vehicles and the demolition of the affected structure. The intense heat even vaporized the floors of the parking facility.
Status Symbols and Stereotypes
Land Rovers and Range Rovers occupy a similar cultural space in the UK as massive pickup trucks do in North America. These vehicles are often outsized, overpowered, and heavy, giving off the appearance of ruggedness while frequently being used for city cruising and glamorous activities. They serve as tokens of aspiration, representing a rural and heroic persona for their owners.
However, there are notable differences in the aspirations associated with these vehicles. In the UK, owning a Land Rover may symbolize a desire to be a lord or baron with a grand estate, using the vehicle for activities like fox hunting or assisting rural communities. In contrast, pickups in the USA are often associated with wealthy cattle ranchers, who require large vehicles to navigate vast expanses of land.
The Role of Media
Surprisingly, the discourse around Land Rover fires has not received as much attention as one might expect given the brand’s problematic history and the UK’s penchant for class warfare. Well, that was until The Daily Mail stepped in. This popular British tabloid, known for its sensationalist content and biased reporting, has been covering Land Rover fires for years, likely catering to its predominantly older, conservative readership. In fact, a significant portion of the paper’s audience is female.
Misplaced Blame
During the incident involving a car-carrying ship that caught fire in the North Sea, numerous media outlets and right-wing figures immediately blamed electric cars, sparking a global frenzy. Yet, it was discovered that the fire did not originate from any electric vehicles. Gasoline and diesel-powered cars are actually more prone to spreading fires as the burning fuel flows liberally, whereas electric cars limit the spread of burning liquid fuel.
It’s unfortunate that accurate reporting often takes a backseat to the culture war surrounding electric vehicles. Left uncorrected, these misleading narratives can shape public perception, leading to a misinformed understanding of the safety of electric vehicles compared to their internal combustion counterparts.
Hydrogen Hype
A similar pattern emerges when it comes to hydrogen being touted as an energy source. Organizations that conduct sound assessments and deem it economically unwise rarely receive media attention. Conversely, those that neglect the math or receive significant government funding, such as IKEA in Austria with its costly hydrogen delivery vans, eagerly distribute press releases. The result is a misleading impression that hydrogen is a viable alternative despite the actual statistics on vehicle performance.
However, The Daily Mail, owned by Viscount Rothermere, remains true to its reputation. Steadfast in its commitment to culture wars, the tabloid prioritizes reporting on Land Rover explosions over fueling the anti-electric vehicle narrative.
