Nissan announces new crossover for Sunderland plant (UK)

Nissan has announced that a new vehicle will be produced at their Sunderland plant in 2010 after the Micra moves to India. The new vehicle, described as a crossover will sit below the Qashqai in the Nissan line-up and is expected to take hints of the 2006 URGE concept. Company officials have said that the overall styling of the vehicles has not been finalised yet.

Press Release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced that it will source an innovative all-new compact car from its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom (UK), starting in 2010. Building on the success of the Qashqai, the all-new product will reinforce Sunderland’s role as manufacturer and exporter of high-value products.

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.

"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.

Carlos Ghosn said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”

The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.

Next generation Micra:

Nissan will compete in the entry-car market with a dedicated new A platform that will be used for at least three models, including the next generation of Micra, and will be built in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCCs).

Production sites for this family of compact cars will include the new plant in Chennai, India, being constructed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The development of a competitive A platform is one of several business breakthroughs announced as part of Nissan GT 2012, the company’s new five-year business plan.

The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced a record 374,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2007. Nissan is the largest vehicle exporter from the UK, with around 80% of production sold outside of the country, hence why sales have been plummeting over the last few years. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.

Lancia Fulvia to make production?

According to sources in Italy, the Fulvia is likely to reach production soon. Lancia first showed its modern update of the classic Fulvia coupe in concept form at the Frankfurt show in 2003, where it received positive feedback.

However, a combination of Fiat’s then-rocky financial situation and the fact that the show car was based on the ageing Mk2 Fiat Punto platform put the concept on ice.

Sources now say that the project has been revived and it could appear as soon as the Paris motor show this September. However, industry opinion differs on the form the car will take. Some sources say the Lancia Fulvia will be engineered with a folding hard-top, others say it will be a regular coupe.

In any case, it’s thought that the Fulvia will get the same platform that underpins Alfa Romeo’s Mito hatch. Although this chassis is based on the current Punto, its A-pillar design has been expensively re-engineered to make cleaner rooflines more feasible.

It’s thought that the final car will differ from the retro-styled concept of 2003. Lancia design chief, Marco Tencone hinted at the fresh design direction of future new models.

“When you start in a new segment, you need a new design,” he said. “In future you need different languages for different cars, sporting and mainstream. We will be evolving the Lancia design language.”

Teaser: 2009 KIA Spectra/Forte

Updated: 24/06/08

Kia has released more teaser photos of its upcoming Spectra replacement. Styling has been adopted from the Koup and Kee concept cars.

The Forte is an important model for the US market, where demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is growing sharply. The outgoing model was sold in Europe as the Cerato until the launch of the Cee'd. Think of the new Forte as a sedan version of the Kia Cee'd.

Kia is expected to bring the Forte to Europe, where it will rival small sedans like the Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla, however, it is very unlikely to arrive in the UK where demand for hatchbacks are constantly rising.

According to sources, the Spectra name could be ditched in favour for the new name, Forte.

The Forte will make its public debut at the Paris autoshow this October, after being unveiled in South Korea on 21st August.

Related link:

KIA Spectra caught cold

Volvo XC60 pricing announced (UK)

The Volvo XC60 is set to reach British showroom's in October with first deliveries in November. Prices start from £24,7501 for the 2.4D S. Available in S, SE and SE Lux trim packages, there will be a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 producing 285PS and two turbo-diesel engines generating 185 and 163 horsepower.

Press Release:

PRICES ANNOUNCED AS NEW VOLVO XC60 GOES ON TOUR:

Preliminary prices announced for the new Volvo XC60:

New Volvo XC60 goes on tour across the UK this summer:

Volvo Car UK announces preliminary prices for the new XC60, the safest and most stunning Volvo ever. This new crossover vehicle combines XC capability with sports coupe styling and will start at £24,750 for the 2.4D S. The Volvo XC60 will arrive in dealer showrooms and be available for customer test drives this October, with first customer deliveries arriving in November. For those wanting an early preview, the car will be on display at several shows and events across the UK this summer. The Volvo XC60 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and has already won a UK technology award for its innovative City Safety system, an autobrake collision avoidance system which is a standard feature on this new car. Popularity for the XC60 is building with more than 250 confirmed orders placed so far.

Volvo XC60 pricing and specification:

Starting at £24,7501 On The Road, the Volvo XC60 will be available in three trim levels: S, SE and SE Lux and will have the choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 producing 285PS, and two variants of the D5 turbo-diesel generating 185 and 163 horsepower, respectively.

The S model offers a high level of specification with exterior features such as 17" Segin alloy wheels, front fog lights, roof rails and rear spoiler, as well as the advanced safety systems you'd expect from a Volvo including City Safety and RSC (Roll Stability Control). Interior details include electronic climate control, information centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, aluminium trim and performance sound audio system with aux input and CD player.

The SE trim level adds Hill Descent Control, power driver’s seat with memory and auto-folding power door mirrors with ground lights, Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile upholstery, auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and chrome window trim.

The SE Lux enhances the SE specification with luxury features such as chronographic instrument dials, leather upholstery and Nordic Light Oak natural wood trim, while both front seats will be powered and heated. Further enhancements include luxury floor mats and chrome detailing, 18" Merac alloy wheels, active bending headlamps, power tailgate and rear park assist.

Pricing:

S:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£24,750
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£25,750

SE:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£26,250
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£27,250
T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
£31,995

SE Lux:

2.4D AWD (163 PS)
£28,750
D5 AWD (185 PS)
£29,750
T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
£34,495

Volvo XC60 on tour:

The new Volvo XC60 makes its first UK public show appearance in Canada Square Park at the 2008 Canary Wharf MotorExpo. Taking place in the heart of London’s business district from 9 to 15 June, the XC60 will be joined by a selection of desirable Volvo models including last year’s star car, the C30 SportsCoupe, the elegant C70 coupe convertible and the versatile 7-seat XC90.

Celebrating the very best of Scandinavia, the stylish new XC60 will be served up alongside fresh, modern Swedish cuisine at three Taste festivals this summer. These are taking place in London on 19-22 June, Bath from 3-6 July and Birmingham between 10-13 July. As well as a number of regional activities, the Volvo XC60 will also be on display at the Round the Island sailing race on the Isle of Wight between 27-29 June and at the CLA Game Fair in Blenheim from 25-27 July.

Chevrolet confirms RHD Camaro's

Chevrolet has announced that a maximum of 1000 Camaro coupes and another 1000 Camaro convertibles will be produced for the RHD market.

Exact numbers of the 400bhp, 6.0-litre Camaro due to be officially imported to the UK are undecided but sources suggest that it will be about 300 units of each variant. If you're not a fan of the V8, a 3.6 litre V6 (used in the Cadillac CTS) and a turbo-charged 2.0 litre 4-cylinder will be available. A 425bhp Camaro SS model is still said to be under consideration. The V8 is expected to account for 30% of overall Camaro sales in the UK.


Wayne Brannon, Chief Executive of Chevrolet Europe, said “We can have a maximum of 1000 right-hand-drive coupés, and 1000 right-hand drive cabriolets, so the UK should get a good number of models.”

Fans will get their first opportunity to see the new Camaro at the London motorshow, where the American company will have a big presence. It is also likely that the Excel event will reveal whether the Camaro is to get the Chevrolet badge or remain a standalone brand, in the same way as Corvette without Chevrolet.

The company had planned not to brand the Camaro with the Chevrolet name in order to preserve the firm’s budget philosophy, but with new plans being implemented to expand the range, sources have said that that the new model is likely to get the Chevrolet name and be sold through Chevrolet dealerships.

Expect UK sales of the Camaro coupe to begin in early 2010 with the convertible to follow later. Prices are unconfirmed but are likely to be in excess of £37,000.

Related links:

Chevrolet Camaro spied in Northern Europe

Chevrolet Camaro caught in Australia

Chevrolet Camaro mule caught in Australia

Honda's advertisement aeroplane crashes

The plane used for Honda’s live television commercial, in which a team of sky divers formed each letter in the company’s name during their drop, has crashed in an unrelated incident.

The Swiss-built Pilatus PC-6 was carrying 10 sky divers and one crew member when it lost a wing and crashed near Lillo airfield in Southern Madrid, Spain. The pilot and one sky diver were killed in the crash and four other passengers were injured.

Honda has published a statement saying “No one in the plane was in any way connected with Honda or with the company’s advertising shoot. Honda extends its sincerest condolences to the families of the two people killed.”

There are no reports yet on what caused the plane’s wing to come loose.

Related link:

Difficult is worth doing TV advert

Mercedes C-Class sells in excess of 300,000 units

In the year since Mercedes-Benz launched the new C-Class into the market on March 31, 2007, more than 300,000 customers have purchased either a sedan or wagon variant of the new model.

“The sedan got off to an excellent start, and since its premiere at dealerships at the end of last year, the new C-Class station wagon has also been enjoying high popularity,” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz.

As expected, the C-Class’ largest market is Germany which accounts for 25% of total sales, followed by the U.S., UK, Italy and South Africa. A total of 290,000 C-Class sedans have been sold worldwide since market launch in the spring of 2007, and 25,000 customers have taken delivery of a new C-Class station wagon since that model variant was introduced in December 07.

In terms of powertrains, about one-third of the sedan model’s customers worldwide have opted for the C220 CDI (diesel), while 20% have purchased a C200 Kompressor (petrol). The C220 CDI is also the vehicle of choice for around half of the station wagon model’s customers. 75% of all C-Class station wagons sold around the world are diesel engine versions.