jobs

The output of new cars from the UK’s automotive plants hit an eight-year high in May, with more than 140,000 units produced. A total of 141,146 cars were manufactured in May, which is the highest monthly output since 2004. It is a substantial 42.2 per cent increase over the number of cars produced in May 2011, although last year’s figures were depressed due to supply issues caused by the Japanese tsunami. Of the 141,146 cars, 120,120 are destined for export markets and 21,026 for domestic sale. Paul Everitt, boss of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “Car manufacturing in May hit the highest level of output since 2004, a sizeable recovery against volumes hampered by last year’s Japanese tsunami. “This boost, coupled with robust year-to-date results, demonstrates the strength of UK automotive manufacturing and shows why it continues […]

A new version of the Jensen Interceptor sports car is to be built in Coventry, the former home of British car manufacturing. CPP Global Holdings will be using Jaguar’s former Browns Lane site to engineer, develop and build the vehicle. The Interceptor was originally built between 1966 and 1976. A team of Coventry-based designers have completed the design of the new Interceptor for the Jensen brand owners, Healey Sports Cars Switzerland Ltd. CPP hope to start the delivery of the new car in 2014. The public unveiling of the Interceptor is planned for late 2012; however no prices or annual production numbers have been announced, though its rarity could push up car insurance rates for the vehicle. Brendan O’Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP, told the BBC: “I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports […]