They are Cramped, Cold, Wet, and Noisy in cold, wet countries. They're hot and stuffy in hot climates. They're noisy everywhere, but though we are all jealous of the countries that permits Defender diesels, they are even noisier.
It's pretty unlikely the old design will survive when the new one is out, and since the new defender can't help but be more expensive, I suppose you could say the American market was the cause,. The series III lasted a year after the original introduction by one year, because the long wheel base and short wheelbase come out in different years.
Sales figures for the Defender have been declining for a few years and it was no secret that Land Rover was looking for an excuse to drop it and bring out something new. A Market where up to 30% of their production can't be ignored, but it's inevitable the rest of the world's diehard Defender lovers will blame the US for ending the traditional refrigerator on wheels. Land Rover is commited to bringing out an additional 2 models which are, as yet, not disclosed. One of the two has to be a new Utility, and unlike Toyota, one of the richest car companies in the world, Land Rover can't afford to have production capacity devoted to redundant designs.
With reference to your original comment, Defenders in the US sell for the prices they do, only becuase there are only so many. Their value, and what they sell for are not really related. The prices aren't going up anymore, but aren't likely to drop dramaticly when a new Defender comes out because there will alway be more potential buyers than the remaining few thousand driving around. I have enough faith in Land Rover that when the new design is unveiled, it's going to be a good vehicle ( I hope I can still call it a truck) so why would anyone pay me thirty plus grand for my 1993 when for a little more they can have the newer, and probably better one?