Nissan Sunderland Plant is celebrating a record year of production in 2010.
This was driven by the continuing success of the models produced by the Sunderland plant, in particular the Nissan Qashqai with annual production of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 to 271,188, up from 198,841 in 2009 and 224,989 in 2008. Following the start of production in August there were 44,622 Nissan Jukes made at the plant.
Land Rover had released detail ofs it latest limited edition model, the Defender X-Tech. Available in Zermatt Silver, the exterior is enhanced by a contrasting Santorini Black finish to the roof and wheelarches. And, for the first time, this Defender is fitted with unique gloss black 16in Saw Tooth alloys.
The interior is available in Ebony and the seats offer the addition of leather side bolsters for a more refined finish. This Defender X-Tech is available in the 90 Hard Top Commercial derivative, with the full range of accessories also available.
Powered by the 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine, this Defender is boasting fuel efficiency and performance with 266lb ft of torque. It will go on sale from March 2011 starting at £24,995.
Recent new registration figures issued by the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 4x4s are enjoying the same success as the mainstream market. Although SMMT doesn’t quote 4×4 figures separately, they are included under the ‘dual purpose vehicles’ segment.
The figures show that volumes are not back to pre-recession levels, although they do show strong recovery over 2009 and above 2008 before the economic slowdown. Month by month data shows the peaking trends you might expect to see at the beginning and end of the year. The last four years for dual purpose production figures are: 2007, 176,290; 2008, 136,525; 2009, 132,472, 2010, 145,312.
The all new SsangYong Korando crossover was exhibited in the North for the first time at Caravan and Motorhome 2011, Manchester Central.
With a full two tonne towing capacity, the Korando is one of the best tow-cars in its class, but it also marks a number of ‘firsts’. As a crossover, the new 4×4 – which goes on sale in the UK shortly – allows SsangYong to expand from its core SUV model range.
Designed in Europe by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the new 4×4 features a monocoque construction, another first for the marque which has traditionally featured ladder-rack chassis architecture.
The Parker’s depreciation report is an annual investigation based on the average private resale values for 12-month-old cars with 10,000 miles on the clock.
Kieren Puffett, editor of Parkers said: “New entries into the top 10 this year include the Skoda Yeti, the Audi Q5 and the Daihatsu Terios, all 4x4s. This is probably due to a change in perception of 4x4s’ efficiency and the threat of persistent cold winters.”
To cope with massive demand Atlas Overland will be running extra tours in 2011.
There’s an extra Corsica tour in late May and an extra Alps tour in August – both coinciding with school holidays. The Carpathian Trails tour is now in September to take advantage of mild Autumn weather and the trip to the Arctic is in June to benefit from the Midnight Sun. Visit www.atlasoverland.com for dates and prices.
Volvo’s ground breaking new safety technology, Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, available on the XC60, has won the Safety Award at the 2011 What Car? Car of the Year Awards, held at the Grosvenor House in Park Lane.
Using a mixture of laser, radar and camera technology, the vehicle can recognise a human being above 80cm tall or a vehicle ahead and will brake the vehicle automatically if it calculates an impending impact.
Nene Overland has announced that Andy Chaplin is to lead its busy workshops, parts, equipment and bespoke vehicle build and expedition preparation departments.
A statement from Nene read: ‘Andy is well placed to take things forwards with so much enthusiasm and technical know-how in the off road and performance field of Land Rovers’. Andy can be reached on 01733 380687 or [email protected]
The Toyota Land Cruiser clocks up 60 years this year, and as it reaches this landmark, Toyota is launching new top-of-the-range 60th Anniversary versions of both its standard five-door Land Cruiser and the flagship Land Cruiser V8.
There’s more power and torque on tap as the 3.0-litre D-4D engine has been re-engineered. As a result, maximum output is up from 171 to 188bhp and maximum torque from 302 to 310lb ft. With the benefit of a new diesel particulate filter (DPF), the engine meets the latest, Euro 5 emissions standards.
The Land Cruiser’s ancestry can be traced back to the Toyota BJ of 1951, a truck-derived model that was initially developed for military use. In 1954 the new Type 25 BJ was given a generic model name – Land Cruiser – which has been used ever since.
It’s good news that 4×4 pick-up prices are on the up (see the story here), but of course it’s better news for those selling than those buying. What it does reflect, though, is the changing in attitude to 4x4s. Although they fell hugely out of favour for a time the industry has seen a resurgence in popularity, and not just in pick-ups.
Families, for one, are seeing the benefits of owning a 4×4 and many a Porsche Cayenne is seen in the supermarket car park with various children climbing out. Of course this interest in 4x4s means prices go up, but we can’t argue with the fact that we’d prefer to see 4x4s in demand. Of course, who knows what the future holds so let’s enjoy it while we can… whether a family SUV or serious off-roader.
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