The growth of China’s motor industry took a significant step forward at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the announcement from Changan of the company’s new SUV. There will also be a saloon and an electric car. The intent is clear, as the company announced, “The goal: To distribute over the next ten years, according to high quality and design standards produced cars in Europe.” Rather awkward English, perhaps, but the intent is clear.

Perhaps less well known to most British enthusiasts, Changan is a major global manufacturer. In addition to four major manufacturing plants in China, Changan also has six manufacturing facilities in Asia, America, Africa and Europe, there are Research and Development facilities in  Italy, UK, USA and Japan and the company has cooperated in building cars with Suzuki, Ford and Mazda for a number of years. It would seem, therefore, that it will not be long before the Chinese off-roaders will be seen, initially, on British roads and then perhaps, off-road as well?

Project Mobility, the British not-for-profit organisation which helps re-habilitate injured military personnel through motorsport, has selected specialist all-terrain vehicle manufacturer Bowler to provide the cars to help it reach its ultimate aim: completing the 2014 Dakar Rally.

The organisation – which appeared on Top Gear – is preparing to enter a team made up entirely of former service men and women, all of whom have suffered injury in combat, in the 2014 event.  The team will develop its rally-raid skills with other vehicles in national and regional events over the next three years, before tackling the 2014 Dakar in Bowler’s all-new, fourth generation model, codenamed EXR.

The Project Mobility venture aims to engage, involve and inspire injured military personnel, and the wider disabled community, to participate in motorsport and off-roading activities; enhancing confidence, independence and providing a sense of achievement – from behind the wheel.

There’s a new Polaris on the market. The new Ranger CREW diesel shares the same 904cc, three-cylinder Yanmar diesel engine as the Ranger Diesel, and as before it has the ability to carry six adults. Rubber-mounted to transfer minimal vibration to the operator, this engine provides the necessary low-speed torque. The fully sealed, fixed centre distance clutch drivetrain keeps water out of the clutches allowing the Polaris to work perfectly in the dirty stuff. The Ranger CREW has a 55 amp alternator that gives the operator the ability to run many hard working, higher electrical load accessories, such as ploughs, extra lights, cab heaters and fans at the same time.