About Us
LRI Motors Mission
At LRI Motors, our mission is simple: to keep the spirit of the classic Land Rover Defender alive while making it accessible to enthusiasts across the world.
We believe every Land Rover Defender tells a story — whether it’s an unrestored original model waiting for a second life, a fully Bespoke build crafted to a client’s vision, or a cutting-edge EV conversion that brings heritage into the future.
Our team is committed to:
Sourcing authentic Defenders and Land Rover Classics from across Europe
Restoring and customizing vehicles to the highest standards
Simplifying export and import for North American and European clients
Blending heritage with innovation through EV conversions and modern upgrades
For us, it’s about more than just vehicles — it’s about preserving a legacy and creating new adventures for Defender owners worldwide.
About the Founder
Passion for Classic Land Rovers
For more than three decades, Ryan Mckernan has been a devoted Land Rover enthusiast, owning and restoring multiple models over the years. His passion for these iconic vehicles led him to recognize a major opportunity: the lack of high-quality, reasonably priced Land Rover Defenders available to North American buyers.
In 2012, Ryan founded LR Imports Automotive Inc. in Canada, dedicated to sourcing, restoring, and delivering Land Rover Defenders from Europe to North American clients. Over the next decade, he successfully brokered, restored, and exported more than 100 classic Land Rovers, building a reputation for trust, quality, and customer-first service.
Building Expertise and Global Networks
With a Business Degree in Entrepreneurship and International Trade, Ryan developed the skills to create strong relationships with suppliers, shipping partners, and restoration experts across Europe. His first European vehicle purchase — a 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 sourced in Ravenna, Italy — became a defining moment. That trip took him across the Italian Alps, through France, and into England to collect restoration parts before shipping the Defender to North America. It was the first of many successful international acquisitions and restorations.
This hands-on journey cemented Ryan’s expertise in managing every aspect of the process: from vehicle sourcing and inspections to restoration, logistics, and importation.
The Move to Spain & Founding LRE Motors
In 2025, Ryan expanded his vision by founding LRE Motors on Spain’s Costa Blanca coast. With over 12 years of industry experience, he combines his deep knowledge of North American import regulations with a growing European presence.
Guided by his original passion for Land Rovers and a commitment to innovation, Ryan continues to bridge the gap between heritage and modern craftsmanship, ensuring that every Defender leaving LRE Motors is ready for its next chapter.
About the Business
Based on Spain’s Costa Blanca coast, LRE Motors is uniquely positioned to serve both international clients and the local European market.
What sets us apart:
North American owned and operated – we understand what clients in the U.S. and Canada need when importing a Defender.
End-to-end service – from vehicle sourcing, pre-purchase inspections, and logistics through our sister company AutoHUB Europe, to restoration, upgrades, and shipping.
Whether you’re a North American collector, a European enthusiast, or an expat living in Spain, LRE Motors is here to help you source, build, or restore the Land Rover Defender of your dreams.