UK New Car Manufacturing on the Rise

With over 140,000 units produced by car plants in May represents and eight year high for the UK motor industry. Although it is the highest output since 2004, it is a massive increase of 42.2 percent over May 2011, most due to complications in sourcing supplies during the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami.  

Out of the overall 141,146 cars made, 120,120 are due for export markets and 21,026 for due to go on 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 to attract high levels of international investment.”

Although non-commercial sales saw a welcomed increase, commercial sales declined 7.4% in May with less levels of Demand. The UK’s engine output passed 1 million in May, up by 40,000 in the same time last year.

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, praised the UK automotive industry for coming through the economic downturn and becoming one of the most productive motor industries in Europe.

Manufacturers such as Nissan, Vauxhall, Jaguar, Landrover, Mini, Honda and Toyota now build their high volume cars in the UK. 

Vauxhall to Launch Three New Engines

Vauxhall Motors have announced that they plan to release three new engines over the next 12 months to reply their existing core engines. This means that the engines are likely to replace existing mass-produced engines in vehicles such as the Vauxhall Astra and the Vauxhall Insignia.

Leading the new line of engines will be a turbo charged 1.6 litre petrol engine that will produce up to 197 BHP amongst over outputs. The engine will also feature start stop technology in order to reduce emissions by up to 13% and reinforce Vauxhalls aim of having one of the most fuel efficient car ranges.

The Four cylinder turbo engine will have at least 20 BHP over its predecessor, while saving on CO2 emissions. Vauxhall have also said that it will be quieter than the current range of engines they use. The new engines include a 2.0 litre turbo-charged replacement for the VXR’s engine, which will produce 276 BHP.

More details will be released on the new range of new diesel and petrol engines as they're launched over the coming 12 months.

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Ford Plans to Triple EcoBoost Car Output for Europe by 2015

Ford is planning to more than triple its manufacturing output for the new EcoBoost range of engines by 2015 in Europe which implies they believe in the effective of the impression engines ability. This means the production count would go from 141,000 in 2011 to approximately 480,000 a year by 2015.

Of the 480,000, more than 135,000 will be cars equipped with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, manufactured in Bridgend, Wales which impressively pumps out 150 BHP and has a combined fuel consumption of 47.1 MPG in the current Ford Focus. 

Between 2012 and 2015, Ford are planning to produce more than 1.3 Million EcoBoost engines for the European market with 800,000of these being the low-CO2 1.0 litre engines that are produced in new plant in Craiova, Romania and in Cologne, Germany. During this time around of the 800,000 1.6 engines will be produced in Bridgend. 

"Our plans to expand EcoBoost availability are aggressive, but we believe as customers experience this engine family, they'll understand why," said Sherif Marakby, powertrain director, Ford of Europe. "We're at the cutting edge of innovation and the 1.0-litre engine, for example, cannot be matched for its balance of efficiency, power and refinement." He added.

What is EcoBoost? Well the engine technology was developed by UK powertrain engineers at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre and Ford Dagenham engine plant. It is an engine designed to produce a great deal of power from small engines by having substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions at the same time.

Peugeot Urban Crossover

Peugeot revealed in Beijing the Urban Crossover at this year’s Motor Show. The compact global crossover is styled and designed as an urban city car concept. 

The concept car was put together with Peugeot design studios in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo all collaborating on the design and styling of the car. Its designed to meet the future mobility needs of megacities such as London. 

That spacious yet agile car is what Peugeot perceive to be the kind of car produced in the near future for driving through open areas. The car maker claimed the car had the “elegance and refinement” of a saloon while the space and style of an SUV. 

The front end styling is based around the new Peugeot 208. A raked windscreen and low roof contribute to an aero-dynamic and modern design. The car also has flared wheel arches and bulky sides contributing to its low, yet wide body style.  The bubbled roof and spoiler have clearly been inspired by the RCZ coupé.

Peugeot said: “[It] is the synthesis of Peugeot’s know-how in creating a small vehicle combining agility, compactness, multi-role ability and confident styling at the service of young city dwellers that like the city, live the city, creating the city, while still loving to escape it.” 

For Peugeot Car Leasing, visit Car Leasing Made Simple. We have the RCZ coupé amongst others available.

Mini Clubvan to be Put Into Production

Mini have announced they have plans to put their Clubvan concept car into production. The car, which is a modified version of the Clubman Estate, was showcased at the recent Geneva Motor Show. The Clubvan will be the first commercial use Mini put into production since BMW acquired the company in 2001.

The Clubvan has essentially been converted into two compartments, the rear for luggage, and the front for the driver and passenger with two seats. The rear has a fully lined load area complete with opaque back windows. The load area is lined because Mini is attempting to make the Clubvan a more premium choice compared to other cans with standard painted metal load areas. 

The new Mini is aimed at shops with relatively little to carry but possibly of high value, such as boutiques or jewellery shops. As with tradition with the Mini brand, the car is design to be as compact as possible while still providing an adequate amount of space. 

The Clubvan is likely to be in the region of £12,000, with it expected to be cheaper than the starting price of a Clubman at £14,430. The van is believed to be thought of as a boost for the slow selling clubman, making use of the cars existing bodystyle which in the UK only accounted for 3300 of the 50,000 Minis sold last year.

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