Prime Minister welcomes MINI E

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, welcomed an all-electric, zero emissions MINI E to the Government car pool today in Downing Street. The MINI E will be tested by ministers wanting to try a fully-fledged electric car in an urban environment on their official business around London.

The MINI E was presented to the government car pool by Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group (UK) Ltd, following the handover of 40 identical cars to pioneering drivers on Sunday to members of the public who will run the cars as part of an important scientific field trial. The cars will be tested for one year in total and will both help to shape the future of BMW Group electric vehicle development and to inform the wider world about the economic, behavioural and practical issues of living with an electric vehicle.

The Prime Minister was joined by Cabinet colleagues, including the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, who has been an enthusiastic supporter of electric vehicle development through the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown: “I congratulate BMW and MINI for their ground-breaking electric MINI project and I welcome the extensive user field trial that has now begun.”

The Prime Minister added: “The low carbon transport industry will not only cut harmful emissions but has the potential to be a major source of jobs and growth. We have already committed £400 million of support to the sector, encouraging its development and take-up, and I am confident that in future years we will see thousands more electric and other low carbon cars on Britain’s roads."

Lord Mandelson said: “I am delighted that the MINI E is going to be put through its paces by Government ministers for two months. The Government is keen to show that driving electric vehicles is fun. I want the UK to be a world leader in low carbon transport and cars like the UK-built MINI can help us achieve that aim.”

The Prime Minister and Lord Mandelson were also able to meet one of the first MINI E test drivers, Oxford resident David Beesley, who collected his car from the MINI plant at Oxford on Sunday. “I have only had my MINI E for two days but it’s really fun to drive and it feels great to be reducing my carbon footprint,” he enthused.

Like the MINI E research projects in North America and Germany, the UK trial is a collaborative effort between the partners in a BMW Group UK-led consortium.

Scottish and Southern Electric will be responsible for the electricity infrastructure in the research area and is committed to supplying ‘green energy’ from sustainably generated sources to all drivers of the MINI E through an offsetting scheme.

Oxford Brookes University’s Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Centre will manage the collation of qualitative and quantitative research throughout the UK project. This will include analysis of driver experiences with the MINI E, as well as reviewing the technical information provided by the data-logging units fitted to every MINI E.

The consortium is strengthened by public sector organisations from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. These organisations are working to develop high economic growth projects such as this.

Additional funding is provided by the Technology Strategy Board as part of a UK-wide programme involving trials of 340 ultra-low carbon vehicles from several manufacturers. This funding enables the monthly lease for MINI pioneers to be reduced from £550 to £330.

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Car of The Year 2010 - The new VW Polo

“The new Polo stands for German engineering craftsmanship and superior cutting edge technology. The fifth generation Polo was designed to address customer expectations with even greater uncompromising standards. That is why we are naturally very pleased to see our efforts validated in the form of this award,” says Professor Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group.

Selection as Car of the Year is one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in Europe. The best of all new car introductions have been awarded annually since 1964. The last time a Volkswagen won was in 1992: Back then the new third generation Golf emerged victoriously over the Opel Astra and Citroën ZX. In today’s competition, 59 jurors from 23 European countries cast their votes. The new Polo won with 347 points, outpacing the Toyota IQ.

Hakan Matson, president of the jury, had this to say at the award ceremony in Madrid: “It was the Polo’s comprehensive safety equipment and its advanced range of engines that impressed us the most. On the Polo BlueMotion Volkswagen was also able to add a very fuel-efficient yet affordable car to its car programme.”

The Polo’s selection as Car of the Year 2010 is the crowning achievement of an extraordinary year for the new Polo after already being named Best Car 2009 by “auto motor sport” magazine and winning the Grüne (“Green”) and the Goldene Lenkrad (“Golden Steering Wheel”) awards by publisher Springer Verlag − as well as the Auto Trophy by “Autozeitung” just a few days ago.

Not only was the award jury impressed by the new Polo. Since its market launch in May of this year, Volkswagen has received over 130,000 orders for the new benchmark car of the compact class. The Polo is available as a dynamic 3-door and comfortable 5-door in Germany. As the Polo BlueMotion, just 3.3 litre fuel consumption makes it the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly five-seater in the world.

New Team Joins Clio Winter Cup Series

Entries for the 2009 ELF Renault Clio Winter Cup with Michelin continue to grow with Darren Wilson the latest driver to register for the one-make series which takes place at Northamptonshire’s Rockingham Motor Speedway on Saturday, 7th November.

The 43-year-old racer from Newark in Nottingham, who finished 21st in his debut Clio Cup season, will be competing with 20Ten Racing, a brand new Clio Cup team based in Derby and headed up by Team Manager Simon Hunt together with Wilson.

Wilson becomes the sixth driver to join the series along with Total Control Racing’s Sam Tordoff (Leeds) and Daniel Lloyd (Huddersfield), Westbourne Motorsport’s James Colburn (Worthing) and Clio Cup newcomers Matthew Munson (Burnham, Bucks) and Paul Plant (Copthorne, West Sussex) who are both backed by Stancombe Vehicle Engineering.

Commenting on the announcement, Wilson said: “I really enjoyed my debut Clio Cup season and managed to finish in all but one round. The winter series is a great way of keeping my hand in for next season but also to give the new team a taste of what to expect.

“We had always planned to set up a team at the end of the year after learning the ropes from an established team. We’ve already placed an order for a new Clio Cup car with the upgraded engine which, along with my current car, means we’ll have at least two entries for the 2010 championship.”

This year’s Clio Winter Cup sees a change from previous years with the series being contested over just two rounds instead of the previous four in order to help boost costs for both teams and drivers. Organisers are also offering a 5% discount from the 2010 ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin registration fee to all drivers who take part in this year’s Winter Cup.

The series will still adopt the same format as used in recent years of 1x qualifying session and 2 x races with testing taking place on the Friday beforehand. Cars without the latest bodywork update, introduced during the summer, will also be allowed to compete.

Corsa Flexes ECO cred with new sub 99g model

The most economical Vauxhall model ever will be available to order from January 2010 when the new Corsa ecoFLEX hits the UK market, boasting CO₂ emissions of just 98g/km and a miserly combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg.

Even in five-door trim, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, which dramatically reduces the most harmful emissions. As a result, Corsa ecoFLEX drivers will benefit from not only the lowest 13 per cent BIK diesel band, but full exemption from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

Yet incredibly, this parsimony has not dented this Corsa’s driveability. Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm, allowing drivers the kind of flexibility normally vacant in eco-class cars.

To achieve this rare combination of performance and frugality, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3 CDTi now employs a variable geometry turbocharger which significantly improves both performance and efficiency. To support the higher turbo pressure, the compression ratio has also been reduced from 18.0 to 16.8:1, while the injection system’s calibration has been revised to boost low-end torque and peak power.

As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced further, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph.

Using the chassis and aerodynamic modifications from the current Corsa 105g/km model, the new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims.

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL FOR ACTOR TOM CHAMBERS – IN HIS NEW CAR!

Actor and reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Tom Chambers celebrated his return to television this week by collecting a new Fiat 500C.

Tom, who appears in the latest series of the BBC1 smash-hit school drama Waterloo Road, (starting tonight, 28 October, 8pm), called in to collect a Raggamuffin Red 1.2 Pop version of the sought-after Fiat 500 soft-top from Fiat’s flagship dealer, Fiat Marylebone, in Wigmore Street, Central London.

The actor has been driving a 500 hatchback – recently voted Best Supermini in What Car? magazine’s Reader Awards 2009 – since last Christmas, but planned to swop into a 500C after the car’s UK launch in July this year. Tom and his wife Clare also own an early Fiat 500.

“Everyone knows I love the Fiat 500 – both the original and this latest version,” says Tom. “So I was really excited when I first saw the convertible. It has all the benefits of the hard top car with the addition of that fantastic folding roof.

“As an actor, my work takes me to locations all over the country and it’s really important to have a car that can take me there comfortably, reliably and certainly economically. And it helps that it’s a stylish little number too!”

Next Challenger Please!

Is this the next challenger to the MINI's crown? The first images of the new Audi A1 have appeared on Car Magazines website.

Apparantly it is a production ready version, does it look too much like a Polo. Their will also be a 5 door version on the lines of the Clubman. wonder if we will see a Quattro? Now that would put the cat amongst the Pidgeons would it not.

Expect the Audi A1 to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.

read the full story of the firts sighting on www.carmagazine.co.uk

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MINI Crossover unveiled at MotorCity

The all new and much anticipated MINI Crossover is set to be shown to the public for the first in January 2010 at MotorCity at North American International MotorShow in LA.

Although it will be shown on the internet a few weeks earlier this will be the first chance for MINI fans to see the Crossover up close and personal.

Also to be shown at MotorCity will be the recently seen MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster.

Later in the year at the Geneva Motor Show the refresh to the current model MINI is expected to be shown in its first guise. Exciting times ahead for MINI

Ford Focus BEV drivers sought by Hillingdon

London residents will be among the first in Britain to experience Ford's latest zero emissions technology.

The London Borough of Hillingdon is appealing for volunteer drivers to trial Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototypes based on the Ford Focus. The vehicles have been specially developed for the UK Government's "Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles" demonstration next year.

Up to 20 households from the borough will run the Ford Focus BEVs for a three-month period. They will take part in research testing the technology's suitability for potential future application in Ford's European passenger car range.

Hillingdon Council will ask residents to apply to participate, accessing a charging infrastructure to be installed in and around the borough from early 2010. Properties will be provided with domestic charging points.

The five vehicles will come from a fleet of Ford Focus BEV prototypes being produced for a consortium that includes Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy and Strathclyde University, as well as the London borough.

This new BEV demonstration fleet is being developed partly with public funding from the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce CO2 while benefitting the country's transport system.

Councillor Keith Burrows, cabinet member for transportation, said: "As one of the largest boroughs in London with a high percentage of green spaces, Hillingdon has always been at the forefront of initiatives to promote greater respect for our environment and the health of our planet. We are delighted to be involved in this latest project which will see our network of charging points for electric cars grow as well as provide a unique opportunity for some of our residents to get involved."

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, said: " Battery electric vehicles represent an important step in Ford's pursuit of more efficient and sustainable mobility. Ford is looking forward to working with its project partners on developing a viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe."

The Ford Focus BEV
The Ford Focus BEV prototype is based on the current European Ford Focus and will use a new all-electric powertrain from supplier Magna.

A national fleet of 15 Ford Focus BEVs will deliver local zero emission mobility without constraining the user needs and providing room for five passengers, a practical boot and other Ford Focus attributes.

The Ford Focus prototypes feature a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack with the capacity of 23kWh and a chassis-mounted 100kW permanent-magnet electric traction motor. It will have a range of up to 75 miles and a top speed of up to 85mph. Charging the batteries will take between six and eight hours using a household 230 volt electricity supply.

Project managed in the UK
This Ford BEV programme is being led by the company's UK research and development centre at Dunton in Essex. Home to an engineering team of almost 3,000 vehicle specialists, Dunton Technical Centre is responsible for developing powertrains for all Ford vehicles in Europe, as well as every part of the company's commercial vehicle range


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SUZUKI ‘PLUGS IN’ TO THE 41ST TOKYO SHOW

At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

Swift Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for drivers who travel low mileages of around 20km every day and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power. It is fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery if capacity level drops. Further recharging when parked is by means of a domestic plug socket. The type of petrol engine used for the Hybrid is similar to that fitted to Suzuki’s compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan.

Also on display as part of Suzuki’s longer term future is the SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) which combines a General Motors produced high performance fuel cell with a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a light and compact capacitor. The capacitor helps to promote driving performance by recovering energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell loading under acceleration. The FCV is currently under test on public roads in Japan.

On two wheels; and after stunning the motorcycle world with the Crosscage fuel cell bike in 2007, Suzuki have now applied this technology in a more accessible way by adapting it to its popular Burgmann scooter. The fuel cell is air cooled and is of light and compact design with a hydrogen tank capacity of 70MPa, the highest used on a bike so far.

Continuing the fuel cell theme; Suzuki has been producing electric wheelchairs for 35 years and will be showing the MIO – powered by a direct methanol fuel cell instead of a conventional lead – acid battery. The methanol solution is held in a cartridge bottle that can easily be replaced by the user when empty, removing any worries of running out of fuel on the road. Suzuki began joint trials of the MI0 with the Shizuoka prefecture government in November 2008 with a view to enhancing it ready for commercial sale.

The Tokyo motor show begins on 21st October and will run to 4th November.

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Toyota iQ hits the property Market in Derby

A trio of Toyota iQs have started work with Derby's leading letting agent – and the city cars are proving a popular and green addition to the IMS Lettings fleet.

The boldly-liveried three-door hatchbacks, with 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engines and manual transmissions, have replaced a variety of vehicles, including a “gas-guzzling 4x4”, says Chris Griffin, the company’s Managing Director.

“We had a board meeting and decided that this was the way forward,” said Mr Griffin. “Staff just jump into the new iQs and buzz around all over the place. The cars are ideal for getting between viewings, valuations and inspections in the city. “The Toyota iQs are expected to cover between 15,000 and 35,000 miles a year.

“They’re efficient, easy to park, you don’t pay any road tax and they feel quite big when you’re inside,” said Chris Griffin.

“They’re meant to be safe too, and with this livery they really stand out on the road. You don’t tend to get accidents because you can’t miss them. They’re not likely to get stolen either, for the same reason. I think they’re brilliant!”

IMS Lettings has 20 cars on its fleet. The company, which serves some 4000 landlords and employs 50 staff at five regional offices, is based in Derby’s Pride Park – as is Inchcape Toyota Derby who supplied the vehicles. The new cars were bought outright.

The 67hp 1.0-litre iQ embodies Toyota Optimal Drive, the range of engines, transmission and design innovations that is introducing a step-change in fuel economy and emissions across the Toyota range, without compromising performance.

The vehicles as specified by IMS Lettings offer 65.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of only 99g/km.

Key features on the entry iQ model include air-conditioning, alloy wheels; electric front windows; electronically adjustable, heated door mirrors; leather steering wheel with audio controls, six-speaker RDS radio/CD system; ABS with electronic brake-force distribution; vehicle stability and traction control; nine airbags and remote locking.

MINI sees 9% sales growth in September

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The BMW Group reported an increase in global sales in September. The company sold a total of 122,354 (prev. yr. 121,492) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles in the month under review – an increase of 0.7%

Global deliveries of the MINI brand climbed 9.5% to 24,759 units (prev. yr. 22,619) in the month under review. In particular, the new MINI Convertible (3,870 units / +232.2%) launched in late March and the MINI One, available in Hatch and Clubman versions (5,534 units / +60.4%), boosted sales of the premium compact car brand in September. A total of 161,638 MINI cars were delivered to customers in the year to the end of September (prev. yr. 184,915 / -12.6%).

This just goes to prove that at this time of econonimic downturn the MINI is still seen as a very stroung brand around the world and is selling well. Although other brands have also reported an increase in sales for September so perhaps the market is starting to turn

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Alfa Romeo Tops September Sales

Alfa Romeo’s sales resurgence in the UK continued unabated during September, with the Italian sporting car manufacturer recording one of the highest year-to-date increases of any brand, and among the highest percentage increase for the new registration month.

In an industry badly affected by the recession, Alfa Romeo recorded a remarkable 148.5% rise in 59 plate registrations for the month, to deliver nearly 2,000 new cars to UK customers.

These figures continue the Italian marque’s upward trend, with more than 7,135 new Alfa Romeos sold here in the year-to-date, up 40.4% on the same period last year.

The Alfa MiTo – the marque’s new sporty compact model – leads the way with sales, supported by the Alfa 159, Brera and Spider which have all contributed positively to the brand’s success.

Alfa Romeo UK Sales Director, Andrew Sproston says: “This is great news for all concerned. Our growth is in-line with the expectations and objectives we set out at the beginning of the year.

“The hard work and investment we have put into the restructure of this iconic brand is now starting to pay off, and has played a vital part in our improved sales. Across the board, Alfa Romeo is returning to its rightful position as a leading quality brand, and customers are taking note. Built up over the past few years, our new product range has been complemented by our improved dealer network, better training and servicing, and dedicated attention to customer care.”

Not only has the Italian sporting car brand recorded one of the largest month-to-date percentage increases in the UK market, Alfa Romeo is one of just three manufacturers to record an overall rise in sales during 2009 – an even more impressive achievement when the current economic climate is taken into consideration.

In September, Alfa Romeo’s market share was 0.54%, more than double (125% increase) its presence in the UK car market compared to September last year.

The new car market for the smaller car like the Mito and the MINI is now getting very competitive and to keep its share MINI needs to get the new models out pretty soon

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Vauxhall reveals new Astra to the public

Vauxhall have revealed the brand new Astra to the public for the first time at Brands Hatch. The final round of the 2009 British Touring Car Championship is also the swan song of VX Racing


The much waited for new Astra was displayed on Vauxhalls stand at the BTCC event in Kent. Also on display were race cars from previous years.

Vauxhall have a major challenge on thier hands with the latest version of the Ford Focus being a car buyers favourite in the UK, the new Focus is due in 2011 if not earlier. VW always have a strong favourite with the Golf and of course we must not forget the fantastic Honda Civic. It is a very tough sector to win, but Vauxhall need this new Astra to be a massive hit to save UK jobs.

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Nissan unveils sketch of global compact

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 1, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today revealed the sketch of its global compact car. This model will be first launched in Thailand in March 2010 and will be available in more than 150 countries.

At the same time, Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd announced that the model will qualify as Thailand’s first “Eco-car.” Thai Eco-car government policy is effective today and will help promote the development of energy efficient vehicles,

Another small car coming on to the Market to try to beat the MINI. With the new Coupe, Roadster and Crossover coming soon it will take a very special car to take sales away from the ever popular MINI

Fiat 500 Abarth goes rallying

ABARTH UNVEILS STUNNING NEW 500 RALLY CAR

Abarth is continuing its tradition of building accessible competition machinery with the unveiling of its new Abarth 500 R3T rally car.

Revealed for the first time at this month’s 51st San Remo Rally, the Abarth 500 R3T will feature in a one-make rallying trophy in 2010. The European and Italian Trophies for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse circuit racer will continue.

For Abarth, the new car marks a return to a discipline in which it has been present for more than 30 years. Starting in 1977 with the first edition of the Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship, Abarth continued with the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo and Panda Kit Trophies.

The Abarth 500 rally car will be homologated in group R3T, a category reserved for supercharged cars with a maximum cylinder capacity of 1600cc. This class represents good value through its cost/performance ratio and is ideal for privateers and young drivers wishing to showcase their talent at the wheel of a high-performance car.

The Abarth 500 R3T’s 1368cc engine is fitted with a Garrett GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger, delivering 180bhp (132kW) at 5500rpm. It is equipped with a 6-speed sequential gearbox, a self-locking blade differential, twin disc clutch and special half-shafts.

Attention has been paid to the possibility of adjusting the suspension to adapt the set-up to suit different surfaces and drivers’ styles. Four Brembo disc brakes – ventilated at the front, solid at the rear – with an adjustable split system, provide the stopping power. The car also features a hydraulic hand brake.

The 1080kg Abarth 500 is fitted with a specific welded-in roll-cage integrated to the body shell, FIA homologated seats with 6-point harnesses and other necessary safety devices.

“Abarth’s ability to produce high quality racing and rallying machinery has never been in question,” says Ivan Gibson, manager, Abarth brand UK. “We have already seen how good the Abarth 500 race car is, and I am looking forward to watching this new rally car perform.”

The calendar for the Abarth rally trophy will be published later this year.

Meanwhile, the Abarth UK Hill Climb programme has ended for this season with the team’s two Abarth Grande Punto esseesse cars once again posting impressive times in the hands of UK journalists.

At last weekend’s Prescott Autumn Classic Hill Climb, Cheltenham – the seventh event this year for the Abarth UK team – writer and columnist John Simister managed a time of 54.81 seconds followed by fellow journalists Tim Dickson (55.20 secs) and John Swift (55.23 secs).

The times proved that the 180bhp Abarth Grande Puntos are not only high performing road cars, but are more than capable of delivering results in competition. Neither vehicle has used any spare parts throughout the season, and both have run with 100 per cent reliability while being driven to and from all the events contested.

“These are remarkable times considering we have been using standard road cars, without modification for hill climbs,” says Howard Paterson, Abarth team manager. “The cars have been so quick and so good this year, and we have hardly had to do any work on them. They haven’t even had new brakes.”