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Corporate Business

MG 350 on Israel’s Roads in 2012

The first Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) MG 350 family sedans will arrive in Israel in early 2012. These cars are expected to significantly change the Israeli automotive market in terms of the unprecedented dimensions/accessories/price ratio. The new car, which is produced partly in Europe and partly in China, is 4.52 meters long, 1.79 meters wide, and has a wheelbase of 2.64 meters. The SAIC car will come equipped with a 1.5-liter, gas-powered, 110 horsepower engine, with a Japanese-made automatic gearbox. The car will have high standard accessories, including electronically controlled seats, leather upholstery, and a premium stereo system. The final price has not yet been determined, but the initial target price will be about NIS 110,000, which is the average price for the category of smaller cars, such as Mazda 2. SAIC importer, David Lubinski Ltd., estimates that the […]

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Classic Cars

Credit Cards and Bugeye Parts

Citadel EFT Inc., a fully reporting US SEC Registered Company, which offers U.S. merchants credit card terminals and online, mail order and retail credit card processing services, announces today that it has purchased a 50% stake of http://www.bugeyeparts.com for 100,000 shares of its common stock. Bugeyeparts.com is a web site developed to assist people buying or selling used Austin Healey and MG parts and cars. There are thousands of people trying to sell or buy these classic cars and parts. The methods to advertise are limited and difficult. Ebay, Craigslist and AutoTrader have been primary choices but each comes with challenges of too many fees, spams and scams that are not only annoying but can be costly. Bugeyeparts.com has become the largest trading site for these items in the world. The customer base is growing and never-ending. Those who drive […]

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Classic Cars

BMH Completes 100th E-Type Bonnet

As the 50th anniversary of the incomparable Jaguar E-Type draws to a close, British Motor Heritage (BMH) has been celebrating an E-Type milestone of its own – the production of its 100th replacement bonnet. Best known for the manufacture of replacement bodyshells and individual panels for the MGB, MGR V8, MG Midget, Austin Healey Sprite, Triumph TR6 and original Minis etc, BMH these days also produces bonnets for the Series 1, 2 and 3 Jaguar E-Types. Supplied exclusively to Unipart Jaguar Classic and distributed by Jaguar Classic Parts, the bonnets are manufactured using the original Jaguar tooling and the 100th one (that for a Series 1 model) was completed on September 11 by Stephen Fry, Martin Pollard, Alan Stacey and Dave Jeffs, who between can boast over 40 years’ service to BMH. The E-Type bonnet is just one of a […]

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Corporate Business

MG Sales Centre Opens At UK’s Birmingham Plant

A new sales centre will open at MG Motor UK’s Birmingham plant, the event will be marked with a Macmillan Coffee Morning and a weekend of celebrations. The MG Sales Centre will open on 30th September 2011, coinciding with the final stages of ‘The Great British Charity Test Drive’, which has seen fleets of the latest MG cars tour the country to raise cash and support Macmillan cancer Support and Help for Heroes. The opening of the MG Sales Centre will see one of the biggest Macmillan coffee mornings ever held, with a number of VIPs and the press invited. MG employees and their families will be taking part in an afternoon of activities such as face painting, children’s entertainment, bouncy castles and a miniature farm will be available for children to pet a number of small animals. Employees will […]

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Corporate Business

Caterham to Develop Affordable Sports Cars

Niche British vehicle manufacturer Caterham Cars has established a new standalone engineering company that plans to produce a range of affordable sports cars. Caterham Technology and Innovation (CTI) will be responsible for the development of the completely new line of accessible sports cars that will be inspired by the same lightweight and minimalist philosophies that drive the famous Caterham Seven. CTI will draw on the advanced technologies and materials developed by the group’s Team Lotus Formula One and Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 motorsport operations. CTI CEO, Mark Edwards, said the new company boasted a world-class team of vehicle engineers committed to building on the Caterham ethos. “The new shareholders are committed to investing in an exciting range of global products over the next 10 years,” Mr Edwards said. “Tony Fernandes [the owner of Caterham Cars] has been very clear from […]

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin Knocks Off Apple

Despite its unprecedented success and staggering popularity the world over, Apple’s iPhone is no longer Britain’s coolest brand, having been knocked off the top spot of the ‘Cool Brands index’ by Aston Martin. The influential survey is made up of 2,000 consumers and a panel of 35 designers, style magazine editors, and website executives, who have deemed Aston Martin vehicles as Britain’s most desirable product — pushing the iPhone into second place. The desire to own an Aston Martin vehicle is believed to have been fueled by James Bond, who can be seen driving a whole host of the company’s vehicles in the films. Despite being nearly 100 years old, the car manufacturer still maintains its appeal, according to the survey, while cutting edge technology — such as the iPhone — struggles to keep up. For the full story, read […]

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Corporate Business

MG Cars On Sale in Azerbaijan

Official representation of MG cars has already opened in Azerbaijan. Sales manager of MG (Morris Garage) Motors Azerbaijan Ali Ahadov has said that an official representation of MG cars has already opened in Azerbaijan and new models have already been put on sale. ‘As an official representative of MG cars in our country, our key aims is to present MG cars, which is new in our market while it has quite long history in world and European markets, to our customers. High-quality interior materials, modern design and a number of innovative indicators catch the eye,’ Ahadov added. The sales manager said these cars are excelled for their comfort.

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Corporate Business

JLR Engine Plant for Wolverhampton

After years of plant closures in the region’s car industry (think MG Rover, Peugeot, Jaguar at Brown’s Lane), news this week that JLR will build its new engine plant near Wolverhampton will provide a major boost. This according to the Birmingham News. The new plant will be based at the i54 business park, in the Black Country’s new enterprise zone. As such, the new plant could well qualify for enhanced capital allowances which could see JLR getting tax breaks for big investments in plant and equipment (hats off by the way to AWM for their work in readying the site, local authorities and the Black Country LEP for pulling off Enterprise Zone status, and to the government for backing the investment). But as well as tax breaks, the location makes a lot of sense in other ways. Just off the […]

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin Still Contemplating IPO

The revival of the IPO market, when it comes, will give James Bond fans a chance to own a slice of British luxury car maker Aston Martin and could generate enough funds for the group to revive its famous Lagonda brand. “It’s clear that at some point investors holding equity in an independent company need to devise an exit, and this exit is an IPO that we will do when the time is right,” Chief Executive Ulrich Bez told Reuters on Tuesday. “Aston Martin is working on achieving a valuation comparable to a luxury goods maker.” Ford Motor Co (F.N) sold Aston Martin for 479 million pounds ($756 million) in March 2007, to a consortium led by David Richards — former Formula 1 Benetton and BAR racing boss — as well as two Kuwaiti funds. In an interview at the […]

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Corporate Business

MG Takes Center Stage in Nigeria

Renowned British automobile brand, MG has joined the growing number of automobile brands in the country courtesy of Coscharis Motors, a leading automobile marketing company which also represents BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar and Ford, in Nigeria. Presenting the MG models to members of the Nigerian Motoring Press over the weekend in their Victoria Island Lagos office, Mrs. Helen Alechenu, Deputy General Manager Coscharis Motors described the MG as typical British brand, through manufactured in China by SAIC Motors. According to her, “The MG, as the best representative of the United Kingdom automobile industry, has significant leverage in the United States Sports Car Market, hence MG brand history is the Chronicle of the world automobile industry.” The Deputy General Manager who ones had a stint in the BMW, Land Rover and Ford sections of the Coscharis Auto Group, explained that the […]

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Corporate Business

Jaguar XF is The Car of the Decade

Jaguar’s £64,000 XF Model has been crowned the decade’s best vehicle by Auto Express magazine. The Driver Power study – which is voted on entirely by the British public – factors in such issues as reliability, performance, handling, ease of use, design, running cost, comfort and dealer performance. Jaguar XF, which is built in Castle Bromwich near Birmingham, topped many car buyers’ lists, coming top overall; as well as in numerous individual categories, achieving a total satisfaction rating of 91 per cent. Completing the top ten were, in order: Skoda Octavia Mk2, Lexus Rx Mk2, Hyundai i30, Land Rover Discovery Mk3, Honda S2000, Honda Jazz Mk2, Honda Jazz Mk1, Jaguar XJ6/8 and Nissan Qashqai. In other categories, Lexus was given the manufacturer of the year award, whilst Hyundai was noted as the most improved manufacturer. After receiving the award, Jaguar’s […]

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Corporate Business

Two Millionth MINI Rolls Off the Line

Mini has celebrated the two millionth car rolling off the production line with prime minister David Cameron driving the vehicle at the car’s Oxfordshire plant. The iconic British vehicle began production ten years ago following a successful relaunch and a large amount of public anticipation. Over 1.5 million cars have been exported by Mini, owned by BMW, while the company’s latest expansion plans to cater for the latest generation of the vehicles takes it total UK investment to £1.5 billion. “The two millionth Mini to be made here in Oxford is a fantastic symbol of the UK’s strength in the global automotive industry,” said the prime minister, adding that the car represents a great British manufacturing success story. Frank-Peter Arndt, BMW board member responsible for production, added: “The most essential factors in the success of Mini are the skills, passion […]

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Corporate Business

Toyota to Ship British-built Avensis Back to Japan

Importing Toyotas to Japan may seem like selling ice to the Eskimos, but that’s precisely what’s in store. In fact, it’s Toyota itself that will be bringing the Avensis back to its home market from its global assembly plant in the UK. Demand for European cars in Japan has got Toyota cashing in on the game, exporting as many as 750 units of the Avensis back to the home country. Since the Avensis holds a similar position to the JDM Toyota Mark X, which is available only as a sedan, Toyota will only be offering the Avensis wagon back in Japan, packing a 2.0-liter four mated to a CVT. Japan, of course, will only be the latest market in which the British-built Avensis will be sold, joining a list of 47 countries worldwide to which some 85% of the units built at the […]

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Corporate Business

Bentley Sales Up 20% In First Half Of 2011

British luxury car manufacturer has announced that they are experiencing a never before seen surge in demand for their masterpieces in 2011. In Jan-June 2011 period, Bentley sold 2978 cars, which is also their best start to a year since 2008. Thanks to the new Continental GT, Bentley is experiencing this surge in demand. In China alone, Bentley sold 680 luxury cars this year while in America, their largest market, Bentley sold 907 luxury cars. At home, in the United Kingdom, Bentley registered an increase in sales of 6% as they sold 533 units this year. Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chief Executive said, “Interest in our product range is increasing and with our largest markets achieving significant growth we are on track to meet our targets for the full year. It’s an exciting time for Bentley as we continue to invest […]

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Corporate Business

New MG Model

While visiting the United Kingdom, the Premier of China helped launch the first new MG model in 15 years. The Premier visited the MG car plant in Longbridge, England where the new MG6 will be assembled. The factory is now owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which is China’s largest automaker.  He hailed the launch as a potent symbol of friendship between China and the U.K. The plant is expected to serve as a platform for tapping the European market in the future.

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Corporate Business

McLaren Opens Retail Flagship in London

The first of McLaren’s 35 dealerships set to open in 2011 opens its doors tomorrow in London’s One Hyde Park. McLaren’s first dealership opens in one of London’s newest and most prestigious developments – fitting for the all-new supercar. Although the MP12-4C is not McLaren’s first foray into street legal super cars it will offer more than four times the sales and service support than it did with the F1 and its eight worldwide dealerships. This time instead of flying a technician to the owner of the car or service center McLaren claims it “is stocking its retail network with a spare of every serviceable part for the MP4-12C.” McLaren calls it “its ‘pit stop’ service concept that ensures fast and efficient repair.” Good thing too because the MP4-12C is the first in a full lineup of carbon-fiber based sports […]

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Corporate Business

Only 140 Goodwood MINIs to be Sold in USA

The Mini, inspired by Goodwood, is an exclusive special edition that adds another layer to the MINI brand experience with a generous dose of automotive luxury and exclusivity in its highest form. The MINI, will have only 140 vehicles coming to the United States. The Goodwood MINI has had a close collaboration with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team at the development center of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, and has produced a limited-run special edition MINI, whose exterior and interior design is inspired by fine materials and the British luxury car marque’s commitment to absolutely flawless workmanship. “The Mini, inspired by Goodwood is a limited edition model that will combine typical Mini driving fun with discerning craftsmanship,” said Darren Richie, Irvine, Calif., Mini’s General Manager. “We’re excited for its arrival to the U.S and we’re excited to see our Mini […]

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Corporate Business

MG Motor UK Cuts Losses

Longbridge has drastically cut its annual losses from over £12 million to just £392,000 as the rebirth of Birmingham’s most famous factory gathers pace. Results for MG Motor UK for 2010 showed that sales of parts to China had helped slash cash losses at the car firm, which launched production of the MG6, its first all-new MG, in April. Meanwhile, a capital injection of £7 million from the Chinese parent company also helped to bolster the firm’s financial status, the report revealed. The vastly improved results came as sales of Longbridge’s first all-new MG for 16 years generate increasing revenues for the Birmingham factory following the relaunch of volume production. The MG6 generated over £3 million of business in its first two weeks in showrooms, leaving many buyers facing a waiting list of up to six weeks for customized vehicles. […]

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Corporate Business

10-Strong MINI Model Lineup Coming

According to AutoEvolution.com, despite being ideal vehicles for hairdressers and looking like retro hatchbacks, we actually like the cars that MINI makes. However, there’s always that nagging thought in the back of our minds that they are as British as a bratwurst. There’s still hope though, as MINI recently announced a big investment plan in its plant in Oxford, UK to prepare for production of its third-generation Cooper model, a test mule of which was recently spotted while undergoing road trials. The new model, will be based on a new front-wheel drive platform dubbed UKL, which will be used by BMW for its own range of entry-level hatchbacks. A new Cooper isn’t the only kind of ammo that MINI has ready to load, as the company boss Norbert Reithoffer has revealed to What Car? that a 10 model lineup is […]

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Aston Martin

Aston, Maybach To Team-Up

Aston-Martin and Maybach are discussing building a concept car together, possibly for the Frankfurt show in September — and the move could signal an impending partnership between Aston 
and Mercedes-Benz. Little is known about the concept, except that it is likely to be a luxury car, with a high-quality interior finished to the hand-crafted standards of a British luxury saloon. Aston is understood to have approached Mercedes with an idea for at least one concept, although a source suggests that two projects are the subject of discussions. Neither Aston Martin nor Mercedes would comment. But Mercedes is understood to be close to selecting a partner to co-develop future Maybach models. In an interview in Germany, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche recently put a date of “the end of June” for a decision, which is pressing because Maybach needs to finalise replacements for […]