SMMT News UK Manufacturing

UK motor industry at Geneva Motor Show

02 March 2010 #SMMT News #UK Manufacturing

A plethora of new models that made their debut today at the Geneva International Motor Show were UK-designed or will be UK-built.

Aston Martin announced today that production of the new Cygnet Concept production will be established at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company expects the Cygnet programme to involve new investment in facilities and manpower at its UK base.
 
Bentley unveiled its new supersports convertible, powered by its UK-engineered FlexFuel W12 engine that will now be fitted as standard to its Continental model range at Crewe, Bentley’s UK manufacturing base. Capable of running on both petrol and E85 bioethanol or any combination of the two, the FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70% in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis.
 
In a European debut, Ford unveiled its next-generation global Ford Focus five-door and estate models. The new Ford Focus range will feature low carbon diesel engines from Ford Dagenham and frugal petrol engines from Bridgend among its powertrains.  
 
Nissan officially released the Nissan Juke, which was created at Nissan’s European design centre in London. Set to be built at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant, the Juke will join the Micra, Note, Qashqai and Quashqai+2 in British manufacturing.   
 
Toyota unveiled a new Auris HSD model to be built at Toyota’s factory in Burnaston. The model will come equipped with the latest-generation Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive to deliver between 89g/km and 92g/km and will be Europe’s first home-manufactured full hybrid model for Toyota.
 
From component manufacturers to luxury carmakers, the UK automotive industry remains strong. The future of manufacturing is focused on reducing CO2 emissions in production processes and at the tailpipe. Approaches to the low carbon challenge include electric vehicles, hybrid technology and more fuel efficient next generation petrol and diesel engines.

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