SHANGHAI – Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. has started shipping kits of the TX4 London Taxi, a model developed by Manganese Bronze Holdings plc (MBH), to London for assembly.

Each month Geely will provide kits for 160 TX4 taxis to be assembled and sold in the United Kingdom, Geely said in a statement. The company made its first shipment at the end of August.

Manganese Bronze builds the black London cab in Coventry, England. In 2007, Geely acquired a 20 percent stake in Manganese Bronze and also set up a 49-51 joint venture in Shanghai with its British partner.

The joint venture, Shanghai LTI Automobile Components Co., started mass production of London Taxis in the third quarter of 2009.

This year sales of the TX4 have been sluggish. In the first six months, only 60 TX4 taxis were sold in China. In the United Kingdom, sales of London taxis – including the TX4 – declined nearly 12 percent to 915 units, according to Geely.

In August, Geely said it would not increase its stake in Manganese Bronze.

[Source: Automotive News China]

The MG6 is a 1.8-litre five-door fastback designed and engineered in the UK and which will be built at MG’s factory in Birmingham.

MG6 development vehicles in left-hand drive format have been shown at two major events earlier in 2010; however MPH will be the first time that full UK right-hand drive production specification MG6’s have been displayed to the public.

Peter Brooking, MG Motor UK’s Marketing Manager, said: “MPH featuring Top Gear Live crowds are always knowledgeable and enthusiastic so we think the new MG6 will prove very popular with visitors to the shows.

“MG6 is not just the first all-new MG model for several years but it’s a true MG with all the hallmarks which have made the brand so popular throughout its long history. It’s a striking, high quality car that is also practical and sporty.”

This year’s MPH featuring Top Gear Live events take place at London’s Earls Court from November 4-7 and the NEC Birmingham from November 11-14.

[Source: MG Motor UK Limited]

Kris Meeke has signed to drive for MINI in the World Rally Championship next year, this week’s AUTOSPORT magazine reveals.

Reigning Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion Meeke denied any deal had been done with the Prodrive team that will run MINI’s WRC return, but AUTOSPORT understands that an agreement is in place.

A source close to Prodrive said: “The deal with Kris is done. [Prodrive Chairman] David Richards has talked a great deal about having a British driver and he’s been as good as his word.”

Meeke said: “My focus remains on this year and winning rallies with Peugeot.”

Peugeot UK is known to have contacted drivers about replacing Meeke in its IRC programme for next season.

AUTOSPORT has learned that double WRC champion Marcus Gronholm will test the new MINI Countryman WRC for the first time in Portugal next week, after which he is set to decide whether he will sign for the team.

Former Junior champion and Suzuki WRC driver P-G Andersson also has an offer from MINI for 2011.

[Source: Autosport]

New owner Tata Motors promises that Land Rover will add smaller vehicles and hybrid powerplants, but it hasn’t said much about the timing.

Land Rover will continue to share components with Jaguar, which is also under Tata ownership. Land Rover already uses Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine in all but one of its vehicles.

Here are Land Rover’s product plans:

Land Rover LR2: The SUV gets a mild restyling and upgrades to the interior this year. The SUV still uses Ford’s EUCD platform.

Land Rover LR4: A redesign is expected in 2015 or 2016.

Range Rover: A redesign is expected in 2013. The SUV will shift from a BMW platform to one developed by Tata. It will use an aluminum body structure similar to the new Jaguar XJ sedan.

Range Rover Sport: A redesign or re-engineering is expected in 2013 or 2014. The new generation is likely to use more aluminum to reduce weight.

Range Rover Evoque: The all-new two-door SUV goes on sale in Europe next summer and in the U.S. late 2011. It will be Land Rover’s smallest vehicle and its first front-wheel-drive vehicle. The Evoque will be marketed as an upscale vehicle, hence the Range Rover nameplate. The price in the U.S. is expected to start at about $50,000.

A hybrid version of the Evoque is expected, although the timing is unknown.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

BMW plans to expand MINI’s product range in the United States in an effort to boost sales and keep dealers profitable as the brand’s U.S. network expands to 120 stores, from 86.

After flying high for several years with record sales, MINI has stalled in 2010.

MINI’s most daring new vehicle is the Countryman, due early next year. Executives hope the small four-door crossover will attract customers who want more interior room than MINI’s cars currently offer.

Here are MINI’s product plans for 2010-12.

MINI E: The electric vehicle is being tested with 450 lessees in New York, New Jersey and California. The test will continue until 2011. There are no current plans for volume production.

MINI Cooper: A freshening is planned for the autumn. The third generation comes in 2014 using a new front-drive, four-wheel-drive architecture that MINI will share with a new range of entry-level BMWs.

Clubman: The three-door compact wagon may be restyled in 2012.

Countryman: MINI’s first crossover goes on sale in the United States early in 2011. It is the brand’s first four-door vehicle and has a raised seating position. U.S. pricing hasn’t been announced, but in Europe the base price will be 20,200 euros, or about $26,000, when the car goes on sale there in September.

Roadster: A soft-top version of the Coupe Concept introduced at last year’s Frankfurt auto show is planned for 2012.

Small coupe: MINI plans to add a two-seat coupe in late 2011 that is based on the Coupe Concept. The concept is based on the roadster but has a shorter wheelbase and no rear seat.

Entry-level car: MINI is considering an entry-level car that would be smaller than the Cooper and have a shorter wheelbase. The car, dubbed the MINI Mini or the MINI Minor, is being developed by BMW’s Project i group, which is working on fuel-efficient city cars. If approved, the new car would compete with the Smart ForTwo.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

Speaking to The Economic Times, P M Telang, Tata Motors’ Managing Director – India Operations, said: “We know we need to improve our car operations in terms of fits, finishes, noise, vibration and design elements. That’s where Jaguar Land Rover can help us.” Indeed, JLR engineers were invited to take a look at the Nano following complaints of the car catching fire.

“We invited a group of engineers from JLR to join 20 engineers from Tata Motors and forensic experts and examine the Nano closely. They did a thorough job and came to the conclusion that there’s no design problems or faulty components with the Nano and that the instances of the car catching fire are stray instances.”

We know we need to improve our car operations in terms of fits, finishes, noise, vibration and design elements. That’s where Jaguar Land Rover can help us.” P M Telang, Managing Director – India Operations, Tata Motors Limited

The car drive is also crucial for Tata Motors’ plans for the Asean market although it has, for now, pulled out of the Thai eco car project for which it was selected. “The Thai project had certain pre-conditions which didn’t work for us,” Mr Telang said. “But Asean will be a large and important market for Tata Motors, and cars will be an important part of that.”

Although he refused to talk about future models and platforms under development except to say “Tata Motors will examine each market segment and see if it has products to cater to them”, people close to the company say Tata Motors is already building another small car to be positioned between the Nano and the Indica to take on the Suzuki Alto’s 2.5 lakh units a year market.

There are a lot of synergies with JLR — we can add value to their operations and they can add value to ours… If JLR can pitch in to make Tata cars more refined, Tata Motors will help JLR cut costs and get more sourcing benefits.” P M Telang, Managing Director – India Operations, Tata Motors Limited

JLR currently sources its engines from Ford, a throwback to its days as a Ford subsidiary. Tata Motors is also looking to assemble Land Rovers in India in an effort to push up volumes from the brand. Tata Motors has earlier explored product development synergies with its overseas subsidiaries like Tata Daewoo or Hispano Carrocera.

“The Prima range of trucks is a joint development between Tata Daewoo and Tata Motors. Similarly, there are joint development projects and synergies being worked out at Hispano Carrocera. So, JLR will follow suit,” said Mr Telang. “If JLR can pitch in to make Tata cars more refined, Tata Motors will help JLR cut costs and get more sourcing benefits,” he added.

BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) – Top Chinese automaker SAIC Motor’s second-quarter net profit jumped 266 percent to a record high due to demand fueled by Government incentives. But a slowdown in the world’s biggest auto market has raised concerns the company faces a bumpy road ahead.

Most Chinese auto groups from Dongfeng Motor Group Co. to Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. have been on a run since 2009 as incentives pushed auto sales to record levels. However, the frantic expansion has moderated since May, with the situation deteriorating further in June and July.

“The summer months are a big challenge for all industry players – it’s the slow season,” said Zhang Xin, an analyst with Guotai Junan Securities. “A slowing economy and last year’s high comparative base also make it difficult for anyone to match the runaway sales growth of a year ago in the second half.”

The summer months are a big challenge for all industry players – it’s the slow season. A slowing economy and last year’s high comparative base also make it difficult for anyone to match the runaway sales growth of a year ago in the second half.” Zhang Xin, Analyst, Guotai Junan Securities

SAIC Motor, which runs manufacturing ventures with Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co., is holding up relatively well due to its partners’ aggressive push for new models, which has helped attract buyers to showrooms, analysts said. The company’s broad portfolio of sedans, trucks, buses, SUVs, MPVs and minivans also makes it more resilient than peers who make only cars, they added.

The automaker sold 24.6 percent more vehicles in July than a year earlier, its slowest monthly gain so far this year but still far better than the overall market’s 14.4 percent rise.

In its stock exchange filing on Wednesday, SAIC Motor did not give earnings guidance for the second half or the full year. It warned about uncertainties ahead but also noted positive factors such as Beijing’s policy incentives which remain in effect through year’s end.

“Based on the favourable and unfavourable factors, we expect the domestic auto market to resume its stable and normal growth pattern this year,” SAIC Motor said. “Full-year vehicle sales (nationwide) will exceed 16 million units, up over 17 percent from a year earlier.”

Based on the favourable and unfavourable factors, we expect the domestic auto market to resume its stable and normal growth pattern this year. Full-year vehicle sales (nationwide) will exceed 16 million units, up over 17 percent from a year earlier.” An official SAIC Motor statement

Chairman Hu Maoyuan told shareholders last month that SAIC Motor is confident of hitting its 2010 sales target of 3 million vehicles. That would set SAIC Motor apart from Warren Buffett-backed BYD Co., which slashed its 2010 sales target by 25 percent after its June auto sales fell by about a one-fifth from May.

From April to June, SAIC Motor booked 3 billion yuan ($441.4 million) in net profit, its biggest quarterly earnings ever and a touch ahead of an average forecast of 2.9 billion yuan from three analysts surveyed by Reuters. Its year-ago quarterly earnings totaled 818.9 million yuan. The Shanghai-based automaker had said in July it expected a more than 300 percent jump in first-half earnings.

Before the results, SAIC Motor shares traded in Shanghai closed down 2.6 percent at 15.6 yuan, better than a 2.0 percent fall of the benchmark index. The stock has dropped 22.4 percent this year versus an 20.8 percent fall in the wider market.

[Source: Automotive News Europe/Reuters]

XPart's 'ultimate' MLS Head Gasket Kit for the K-Series engine

A comprehensive K-Series engine maintenance and repair service from XPart is helping MG Rover, Lotus Elise and Caterham owners to keep their cars running for longer. The company’s nationwide network of MG Rover specialist repairers draws on its strong knowledge and experience of servicing K-Series engines together with the latest head gasket repair kits from XPart to carry out high quality repairs.

XPart AutoService centre technicians are increasingly conducting K-Series engine repairs using the company’s ‘ultimate’ MLS Head Gasket Kit (part number ZUA000530), which comprises a strengthened lower oil rail and head bolt set. XPart AutoService centre Sterling Automotive Limited has completed more than 400 repairs to K-Series engines since 2007, with no reports of failure.

“We tackle the root cause of any K-Series head gasket issue and ensure that the fix we recommend helps to prevent any reoccurrence of the problem,” explains Patrick Warner, Managing Director, Sterling Automotive Limited. “We use XPart’s MLS Head Gasket Kit for virtually every repair. Additionally, we address many of the causes of coolant leaks and install a coolant level sensor kit to detect any subsequent drop in coolant levels.”

XPart recently revealed that MG Rover cars produced post-2000 have only declined by three percent in the past 12 months, despite the factory closure in 2005. The company has worked hard over the past five years to ensure that MG and Rover owners still have access to specialist servicing, genuine parts and dealer level support via its 250-strong MG Rover AutoService centres.

“Customers selecting a comprehensive service and repair option for K-Series engines enjoy reassurance and peace of mind that their car will keep running for longer,” comments Barry Smith, UK Sales Manager, XPart. “High quality repairs help to boost their confidence and reduce the depreciation value of their car.”

[Source: XPart]

UK Business Secretary Dr. Vince Cable, Carl-Peter Forster, CEO, Tata Motors Limited and the hybrid Jaguar Limo Green concept developed with TSB funding

The UK Business Secretary Dr. Vince Cable visited Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters at Gaydon yesterday to experience at first hand a selection of the latest Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles and hear about the company’s plans for environmental innovation.

During his visit Dr. Cable saw how Jaguar Land Rover – the UK’s largest investor in automotive environmental technologies – has utilised some of the £800m already committed to the development of technologies aimed specifically at reducing tailpipe CO₂ emissions.

The Business Secretary met with members of Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Research team who are working on the development of sustainable technologies including hybrids and electrification. These technologies were demonstrated in the form of the Jaguar XJ-based Limo Green and the Range Rover Sport REHEV (Range Extended Hybrid Electric Vehicle) both of which are supported by Technology Strategy Board funding.

An executive car that can do more than 50mpg with CO₂ emissions from only 50g/km shows Britain’s premium car sector is more than capable of rising to the environmental challenges facing the car industry.” Dr. Vince Cable, UK Business Secretary

The Range Rover REHEV will run as a pure electric car for up to 12 miles in town and the diesel engine and electric motor will combine to drive all four wheels at higher speeds and when off-road. The target for its average emissions is 94 g/km CO₂ and a zero emissions range up to 19 miles.

The hybrid Jaguar Limo Green concept is a Range Extended Electric Vehicle developed in conjunction with Lotus Engineering, MIRA and Caparo Technologies. Based on the new, lightweight, XJ saloon launched in 2010, Limo Green features an advanced electric drive motor, battery pack and a small auxiliary power generator instead of the familiar Jaguar diesel and petrol engines. Limo-Green is targeting CO₂ emissions of less than 120gm/km, fuel consumption bettering 57mpg and a top speed of 112mph. The overall range is 500 miles and in EV mode, an impressive 30 miles.

Dr. Cable said: “The UK excels in making premium and niche cars and these are exported all over the world. A great example of the UK’s advanced research and development excellence is Jaguar’s Limo Green* ultra-low carbon technology project. An executive car that can do more than 50mpg with CO₂ emissions from only 50g/km shows Britain’s premium car sector is more than capable of rising to the environmental challenges facing the car industry.”

With annual investment in product creation set to top the £1billion mark Jaguar Land Rover is making a very clear statement of intent for its future and the critical role that manufacturing, engineering and R&D plays in ensuring the UK play its full part in a new low-carbon economy.” Carl-Peter Forster, Group CEO, Tata Motors Limited

The Business Secretary also took the opportunity to view Land Rover’s much-anticipated new model, the Range Rover Evoque. This smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient addition to the Range Rover line-up will represent a bold evolution of the brand when it goes on sale in 2011. The Evoque will be built at the company’s Halewood plant on Merseyside and creates 1000 new jobs – supported by a grant offer of £27 million from the Government.

Carl-Peter Forster, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tata Motors said. “Jaguar Land Rover has a central role in the UK’s automotive landscape supporting over 130,000 jobs and generating almost £6billion in export revenues alone. With annual investment in product creation set to top the £1billion mark Jaguar Land Rover is making a very clear statement of intent for its future and the critical role that manufacturing, engineering and R&D plays in ensuring the UK play its full part in a new low-carbon economy.”

Dr. Cable met with the next generation of engineers and innovators undergoing training on the company’s industry-leading apprentice and graduate schemes. This year Jaguar Land Rover has recruited over 150 graduates and apprentices to work across its business, all with a common goal – to drive global competitiveness and respond to the very real challenges of climate change. As one of the country’s largest employers of engineering talent, Jaguar Land Rover is proud of the crucial role it plays in developing expertise in this area.

[Source: Jaguar Land Rover]

[*Editor's Note: Limo Green is a collaborative project funded by the Technology Strategy Board. Partners are MIRA, Caparo Technologies and Lotus Engineering.]

MUMBAI (Bloomberg) – Tata Motors Limited, the owner of Jaguar and Land Rover, has hired Credit Suisse Group AG and Citigroup Inc. to raise as much as $1 billion from selling securities, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

The carmaker may tap capital markets in the next month, the people said, declining to be named before a public announcement. The Mumbai-based company is considering options including a private placement, shares with differential voting rights and foreign currency convertible bonds, they said.

Tata Motors, India’s best-performing benchmark stock in the past year, said in June it plans to raise as much as 47 billion rupees ($1 billion) to pare debt and expand operations. Standard & Poor’s on Aug. 13 raised its rating on the automaker’s debt for the first time in two years as the global economic recovery boosted sales its luxury-vehicle unit.

The company hasn’t determined how it will raise the funds, spokesman Debasis Ray said by telephone, declining to comment further. Adam Harper, a spokesman for Credit Suisse in Hong Kong, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. Debasis Ghosh, a spokesman for Citigroup in Mumbai, declined to comment.

The automaker may sell shares, convertible bonds and other securities in India or overseas, Tata Motors said on Aug. 10. The funds may be raised at one time or in separate tranches, the company has said. Investors also approved a proposal to raise borrowing limits for the automaker.

[Source: Automotive News Europe/Bloomberg]