Car production in UK rises

In contrast to the rest of the manufacturing industry here in the UK, car production rose 1.3% in July this year compared with the same period last year and has gone up 3.7% in the first seven months, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. An article in the Guardian is ascribed to the export orientated nature of the car industry and the "rise in demand of upmarket brands like Jaguar and Mini in emerging markets such as China".

Measuring vintage cars with a laser

The problem with vintage cars is getting spare parts. Researchers at The University of Warwick show how laser technology can help solve this problem. This video show how this technology is used to scan and measure every part of a vintage sports car.

Results of the Largest Electric Vehicle Trial

Late 2009, I wrote a post "Electric cars tested in the UK" about CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) - the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use.



The results of the test were released by researchers in Aston university, Birmingham last month. Their press release says among others:

• ..that in spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of electric vehicles and concerns over range ‘anxiety’, they are more than capable of meeting the needs of drivers that require efficient urban transportation.

• most journeys undertaken (77%) lasted less than 20 minutes and only 2% used more than 50% of the battery

• electric vehicle users are not motivated to replenish their vehicle’s battery by reaching a particular point of depletion; rather they are driven by convenience and with data showing the vehicles are parked for 97.2% of the time (23.3 hours each day) it is apparent that there is ample opportunity for them to be plugged-in.

More details can be found on the CABLED site.

Mercedes-Benz E220 Estate Diesel review

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate E220 and took it for a long trip to Ayr, Scotland - a distance of around 315 miles. Another family (husband and wife with their son) also accompanied us.

The car comfortably seats 5 adults and with the extra rear facing seats (an extra option), an extra 2 kids or small adults can fit in the car. Without the rear seats up, the boot is enormous and you can fit in several suitcases.

The car has a diesel engine and was fully automatic. The ride was really quiet and smooth - definitely made me question my preconceived notions about diesel engines. The suspension was also terrific and we hardly felt the bumps on certain parts of the road.

Initially I only had some trouble getting used to the foot-operated parking brake but it came naturally after a while.

The engine was quite efficient and taking over slow trucks and cars on the road was not a problem. It has been quite a while since I last drove an automatic car and I have to say, I got spoiled - I want an automatic car as well. Despite the long distance I was not as tired as I had been the last time I drover to Edinburgh in my old Volvo S40.

It has to be one of the best estate cars I have ever driven till date.

Thanks to Eju and Muz.

Volkwagen Up! concept photos

The Up! concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is the newest, smallest Volkswagen model however, the spacious interior seats four adults and has two cargo areas - one in the nose and one just above the rear-mounted engine. Here are the first press photos.

Check out the Up's mini site.

Video teaser for the Jaguar C-X16 concept

Jaguar has just released a video teaser of their latest concept, the C-X16, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 13th September.

Audi urban concept

After spy shots were leaked on the net, Audi has finally revealed the Audi urban concept car.

The car is an innovative urban concept car with 1+1 seats with cockpit made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), which integrates the undercarriage of both seats and free-standing wheels with protective plates featuring feature ‘blinking’ strips of LED lights (bling, bling). It features elaborate suspension design and compact electric drive system for sporty performance.

According to Audi the car "combines elements of a racing car, a roadster, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept".

The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals for his or her own driving position. Entry to the car is through the tailgate, while the roof is designed to be manoeuvrable and slides to the rear to open. The Audi urban concept rides on 21-inch wheels.

Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy.