Corporate Business

A trio of British companies has produced the world’s first car chassis using butted tubing technology taken from bicycle production. Famous bicycle tube-makers Reynolds Technology, high-quality Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) consultancy Simpact and sportscar maker Caterham Cars shaved more than 10% off the weight of the already lightweight chassis of the iconic Caterham Seven. The research and development project unveiled a prototype Seven using the new technology and processes at the Niche Vehicle Network Symposium on Wednesday, March 16. Caterham believes that an ultra-lightweight Seven using the new technology would cost between £1,000 and £2,000 as an option on the standard vehicle but could be taken up by as much as a fifth of future Caterham customers. Reynolds, which first patented the process for making butted tubes in 1897, provided the tubing technology for the initiative and had to develop […]

An automotive legend comes to Kuwait, with the official opening of the brand new Lotus showroom in Kuwait City’s Shuwaikh district, marked with the unveiling of the exhilarating Lotus Evora 400 sports car. The exciting new Lotus Kuwait facility, close to the SIRBB race circuit, is the result of a partnership between Lotus Cars Middle East, the distributor for Lotus cars in the region, and Alghanim Motors, offering new and existing customers the opportunity to experience the famous brand first hand. Officially opened today by Aslam Farikullah, Chief Operating Officer of Group Lotus plc, Mr Samir Kasem, Chief Operating Officer – Alghanim Industries and His Excellency Mr Matthew Lodge – British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, the ceremony included esteemed guests, key media and senior management from both businesses. Joining the critically acclaimed Lotus Evora 400 at the new […]

Unfortunately, it looks like another magazine dedicated to our corner of the automotive hobby is biting the dust. In this case, it is Spitfire & GT6 Magazine which is/was a US based quarterly magazine of high quality devoted to the Triumph Spitfire, GT6, Herald, Vitesse and “small Triumph” crowd. In an open forum posting to the Triumph Experience message boards today, editor Shawn Frank said the following: I wish I had better news about Spitfire & GT6 Magazine but I regret to inform you that the magazine will no longer be in publication. I had sent Issue #49 to print September 2015 and have still not seen it in print. The Publisher (Magazinepublisher.com) has decided not to continue with the magazine and in fact has not communicated any future plans or lack thereof with me, the print house, advertisers, or […]

Abingdon Spares, L.L.C., the World’s Largest MG TC-TD-TF Parts Specialist has recently relocated to Deep River, Connecticut from its former Walpole, New Hampshire location. The new owners  purchased the entire inventory of new and used parts, tools, manuals, posters, assorted automobilia, even the shelving, basically recreating the former New Hampshire (MG) landmark in southern New England. “We moved all that was movable, quite a collection of rare and hard to find parts assembled by former owners”. Abingdon Spares carries everything that you would need to restore a  T-series MG, from engine parts, carburetor sets and parts, complete brake systems, suspension, wood framing, interiors and tops, and chrome parts. They also provide manuals, tools, specialty lubricants as well as the hundreds of small hard to find fittings, knobs, handles, etc. that go into one of these cars. They  source many of […]

McLaren Automotive has been presented with the accolade of Manufacturer of Year in the 2016 BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards in recognition of the rapid growth and global success of the company, both achieved in so short a time. The announcement follows a ’vintage’ year for McLaren, its most successful to-date, with five new cars launched and another sales record achieved. McLaren also predicts 2015 will be its third consecutive year of profitability. Models across the three-tier McLaren range also received praise with the overall strength and breadth of the line-up highlighted as key to the award: ‘We’re not evaluating them as a product line-up, but assessing each in its own competitive environment. All of them are exceptional, arguably the very best in their class. That McLaren has got to this stage in such a short time frame speaks volumes […]

Aston Martin has launched its first recruitment campaign to find 1,000 employees, based across its two manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire and St Athan, Wales.  Aston Martin is investing £200M in new products and facilities, signifying its long-term future in the United Kingdom. The company will be holding an initial recruitment event at the International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) in South Wales between 11:00-15:00 on March 30. Held in conjunction with Cardiff & the Vale College and supported by the Welsh Government, the event will showcase the various roles currently available at Aston Martin as well as future training / apprenticeship opportunities. Michael Kerr, Aston Martin Group HR Director said: ‘Our new manufacturing facility is an important part of Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan and it is crucial that we have a world-class team at the heart of our […]

Avon Tyres marks its renewed sponsorship of Castle Combe Circuit, in Wiltshire – in what is believed to be the UK’s longest-standing sponsorship at any circuit – by revamping the famous Avon bridge crossing the pit lane entry. The current deal takes Avon Tyres through to 75 years of association with one of the fastest tracks in the country. The rebranded bridge has been unveiled for the first club race on Castle Combe’s 2016 calendar, taking place over the Easter weekend. Avon Tyres, located in Melksham, just 11 miles from Castle Combe Circuit, was one of the first permanent sponsorships secured by the race venue, in 1954. Acting as the backdrop to many on-track battles over the past six decades, the Avon-branded bridge stands out as a recognisable and well-loved feature at Castle Combe. Famous names to have passed under […]

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer has been selected to become an ambassador for the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, an initiative that promotes British business, tourism and education around the world, showcasing the very best of what Britain has to offer. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin is already a partner of GREAT so it is fitting for the company’s CEO to spearhead its involvement. Speaking about his ambassadorial role with the GREAT campaign, Dr Palmer said: “Aston Martin is proud to be a British company that does business in the global economy. Just a few weeks ago we launched the new DB11 and we have already taken orders for 1,400 cars, which will be sold in both the domestic and export markets. “Britain is indeed a GREAT place to visit, study and do business so it is very easy […]

Resurgent British sports car maker, TVR, has announced today that its new production facility will be located in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone in South Wales. The Welsh Government will also invest in the car maker, further enhancing this exciting manufacturing project which represents over £30 million of capital expenditure over the next five years. The contracts to locate the new TVR factory in Wales were signed on the 18th March and the deal was officially announced by Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, during a press conference this morning. Currently, TVR is looking at several specific options for the precise location of the factory, the outcome of which will be the subject of a separate announcement in the coming weeks.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced the expansion of its wearable technology solutions with the introduction of its remote functions app to Android Wear watch. The new Android Wear app introduces a suite of connected features, including the ability to activate climate control settings by remotely starting the engine, keeping you cool before setting off. The new Android Wear watch app also allows customers to check their vehicle’s fuel level, monitor its location and remotely lock and unlock the doors to let a friend or family member access the vehicle when the owner isn’t close by. The Android Wear watch app was revealed at the Wearable Technology Show 2016 as part of a wider demonstration of Jaguar Land Rover’s Digital and Connected Car Technologies. Showcasing these wearable solutions on the Jaguar Land Rover stand was Jaguar’s all-new performance crossover, the F-PACE. […]

Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to announce the renaming of its Heritage business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic. The rebranded division will continue to provide cars, services, parts and experiences for Classic Jaguars and Land Rovers and their owners. Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “Renaming the rapidly growing global business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic best reflects the division’s overall capabilities in providing the best cars, services, parts and experiences for our customers. We aim to build an even more successful future by celebrating and nurturing Jaguar and Land Rover’s past.” Jaguar Land Rover Classic can now accommodate full restorations of classic vehicles at its UK sites, as well as providing a repair and maintenance service for customers.

The Morgan Motor Company and University of Wolverhampton today (15/03/2016) announced a partnership between the two organisations that will enhance student experience and future product development through motorsport. The collaboration will see the University and Morgan, the oldest privately owned motor manufacturer in the world, team up to provide engineering students with a range of activities and opportunities including educational programmes, research and development and motor racing. UWR (University of Wolverhampton Race Team) students will have the opportunity to work alongside Morgan craftsmen and women as they take part in the 2016 AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge Series. Running a University liveried Morgan Plus 4 Babydoll, the students will attend every race meeting as well as preparing and testing the car from their Telford Innovation campus in Priorslee.

Following the successful UK market launch of the MINI Clubman in October 2015, and the recent announcement of the MINI Clubman ALL4, MINI UK is adding a new model to the range – the MINI One D Clubman. Retaining the high specification offered across the MINI Clubman range, including MINI Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise control and MINI Connected on every car, the new MINI One D Clubman will be of particular interest to fleet and business customers, with this latest model emitting 99g/km* CO2 on the combined cycle. As such, company car drivers will benefit from a low BiK rate of 17% on the MINI One D Clubman in the 2015-16 tax year. The car’s much-loved signature design feature – its split rear doors – are retained on this model, while accessibility and everyday usability are further enhanced thanks to […]

Caterham Cars has expanded its UK dealer network with the launch of the BookaTrack Caterham showroom at Donington Park race circuit. The new showroom, based at one of Britain’s premier circuits, will sell Caterham’s full five model UK range of lightweight sportscars, as well as offering a full range of aftersales activities, including service, warranty and parts support. Caterham’s Experience day activities will be housed at the new facility, relocating from Silverstone to Donington Park. To celebrate the showroom launch, BookaTrack held a launch event on Saturday 5th March with a range of on and off track activities at Donington Park. Attendees were able to enjoy drifting action, with the Caterham Drift Experience, and test drives in a range of Caterham models, including the recently released Seven 620S. Graham Macdonald, Caterham Cars CEO, and Christopher Tate, Donington Park Managing Director, […]

Christopher John LTD is pleased to announce the opening of their Morgan dealership in Holly Hill, Florida.  Located on U.S. 1, just two miles north of International Speedway Boulevard in the heart of Daytona Beach.  Convenient from Orlando or Jacksonville and even the west coast of Florida or from Georgia, Christopher John LTD is excited to be part of the Morgan world and bringing these beautiful cars to this part of Florida. Christopher John LTD is a name born from father and son a lifetime of sports car interests, racing and youthful enthusiasm, the utmost professionalism and a whole lot of fun. Vintage racing and English sports cars have been Christopher Silvestri’s passion for more years than he can remember. From childhood in the back of his father’s Sunbeam, Alfa or Rover he knew he was part of something special. […]

Land Rover marked the production of the 100,000th Discovery Sport with a special surprise for one mum, Natalie Lipton, on Mother’s Day. (Mother’s Day in the UK was celebrated 6, March 2016.) The Lipton family had unwittingly purchased the milestone vehicle which was built at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood manufacturing plant, just 10 miles from their family home. To celebrate the milestone, which was reached just days before Mother’s Day in the UK, Land Rover went undercover with 7 year old Jacob and 5 year old Noah to find out just how this car could be made even more special for their mum. Accompanied by Paul Cleaver, Discovery Sport Vehicle Programme Director and Andy Wheel, Land Rover’s Chief Design Manager for Exteriors, the Lipton boys had an access-all-areas tour of the company’s Design and Engineering Centre at Gaydon. From experiencing driving […]

Bentley Motors today launches its 2016 apprentice recruitment campaign with 42 positions available on the latest intake, starting with the company in September this year. Applications open from 12th March at www.bentleycareers.com for six weeks, with an open day to be held on the same day at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, where prospective apprentices can find out more. Bentley has created over 100 apprentice opportunities in the past two years, maintaining the company’s future talent focus. Commenting on the latest recruitment drive, Marlies Rogait, Member of the Board for Human Resources, said: “Bentley’s apprenticeship scheme offers a solid foundation upon which to build the skills and knowledge required to become skilled experts and professionals in their chosen field. As our business continues to grow, we continue to invest – in our people, our products, and our network. We want to […]

Automotive News is reporting that one of the crop of new non-US-Legal MG GS SUVs was recently spotted up in the northlands. Is MG edging closer to a return to North America? An MG GS crossover wearing Michigan manufacturer’s tags was spotted recently undergoing winter testing in Brighton, Mich., outside Detroit. The vehicle wore no camouflage, and the famous MG octagon badges were in plain view. Not long after a photo appeared on Facebook, the comments started rolling in, and they were stinging. Two examples: “homely” and “ugly.” Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., the Chinese automaker that owns the brand, is preparing to launch the Ford Escape-size GS in the U.K. in early May. If there are plans for sales in North America, the company is not saying. A call to SAIC’s U.S. office was not returned. The MG is powered […]