Nissan announces plans for major expansion of renewable energy at Sunderland Plant

by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog

Planned solar farm expansion would nearly triple renewable energy generation at Nissan Sunderland Plant
– Proposal would generate enough power to build every Nissan LEAF sold in Europe, as Nissan heads towards a carbon-neutral future
– Consultation with local community begins this week

Nissan has today announced plans for a major expansion to renewable energy generation at its record-breaking plant in Sunderland, UK.

Complementing the plant’s existing wind turbines and solar farm, the proposed 20MW solar farm extension represents a further step in Nissan’s path to carbon neutrality.

If approved, the 37,000-panel extension would result in 20% of the plant’s energy coming from all onsite renewables, enough to build every single zero-emission Nissan LEAF sold in Europe.

The plans are to be shared with the local community this week, ahead of a formal planning application being submitted.

Alan Johnson, Vice President Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland, said: “Renewables have already made a big difference to our business and we continue to look for ways to make the manufacturing process more sustainable.

“As our products made in Sunderland become increasingly electrified, our manufacturing operations are an important part of the ecosystem that will take us to carbon neutrality.”

Nissan began integrating renewable energy sources in Sunderland in 2005 when the company installed its first wind turbines on site. These 10 turbines contribute 6.6MW power, with the existing 4.75MW solar farm installed in 2016. The proposed 20MW solar farm extension would take the total output of renewables to 32MW at the plant.

The solar farm is being developed and installed by partner company Engenera. The first step in the process is a community consultation which starts this week, with a full planning application expected to follow later this year.

Nissan has set itself the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050. As part of this effort, by the early 2030s every all-new Nissan vehicle offering in key markets will be electrified, as well as introducing innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology.

Nissan launched LEAF, the world’s first mass-market all-electric vehicle, more than ten years ago. Today it is driven by more than 180,000 EV enthusiasts across Europe.

During that time LEAF owners have prevented a massive 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere every year, while covering enough kilometres to drive around the earth 400,000 times.

Jaguar Classic reveals E-type 60 Collection: 60th anniversary tribute to the iconic sports car

by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog

• On March 15 Jaguar will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic E-type, which was an instant sensation from launch and synonymous with the Swinging Sixties
• Jaguar Classic is creating six limited-edition matched pairs of restored 3.8 E-types inspired by the iconic ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’ examples from the sports car’s 1961 Geneva launch – each pair known as the E-type 60 Collection
• Six ‘9600 HP’ inspired E-type 60 Edition fixed-head coupés are finished in unique Flat Out Grey paintwork with Smooth Black leather interior and 1961 tribute details
• Six E-type 60 Edition roadsters mirror ’77 RW’ with unique Drop Everything Green paintwork and a Suede Green leather interior and 1961 tribute details
• Bespoke design elements include a commemorative E-type 60 logo, which adorns the bonnet badge, fuel cap, chassis plate and clock face in the tachometer developed in conjunction with Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director
• Custom-designed engraved centre consoles by artist King Nerd celebrate the epic road trips undertaken by Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis and PR man Bob Berry to get the E-types to the 1961 launch
• Each E-type 60 Edition features a specially-developed close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, mated to the 3.8-litre in-line six-cylinder Jaguar XK engine
• Subtle enhancements for added usability include the Jaguar Classic Infotainment System with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity, stainless steel exhaust system, electronic ignition and cooling upgrade with alloy radiator
• In Summer 2022, the six customers and their guests will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their cars to create their own E-type memories
• Customer enquiries for Jaguar Classic should be made using: www.jaguar.com/classic, +44 (0) 2476 566 600, sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com
• For regular updates from Jaguar Classic, including the progress of the E-type 60 Collection, follow the official @Jaguar.Classic account on Instagram

Jaguar Classic has unveiled its first matched pair of E-type 60 Collection cars, and revealed full specification details for the 12 expertly restored and sympathetically uprated 3.8-litre E-types built to celebrate 60 years of the iconic sports car.

The E-type made its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 March 1961. The public reaction to the lone coupé available for test drives was so strong that Jaguar rushed a second E-type, a roadster, from Coventry to Geneva overnight.

Six decades later, the E-type 60 Collection pays tribute to these two legendary cars: the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupé ‘9600 HP’, driven ‘flat out’ by Bob Berry to make the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster ’77 RW’, driven by Norman Dewis who was told to ‘drop everything’ to get to Geneva the next day.

The E-type 60 Collection cars, which are sold as a pair (one E-type 60 Edition coupé, one E-type 60 Edition roadster) are finished in exclusive Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paint colours respectively. These colour formulations are inspired by the original 1961 colours and won’t be used on any other Jaguar.

The cars also feature a range of unique E-type 60 design elements developed in conjunction with Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director; subtle enhancements for improved usability and driveability including a five-speed manual gearbox and enhanced cooling; plus the Jaguar Classic Infotainment System with built-in satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

The most distinctive visual highlight for each of the specially produced cars is an engraving by artist and designer King Nerd on the centre console of each car, recalling the drive routes from Coventry to Geneva of those original cars. Each piece of art takes more than 100 hours to create by hand, in consultation with the owner.

Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic, said: “Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-type: The E-type 60 Collection. The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labour of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-types will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in Summer 2022.”

Restored and refined by the experts at Jaguar Classic in Coventry, the E-type 60 Collection cars combine flawless quality and exceptional engineering know-how.

The most significant mechanical upgrade is a specially-developed five-speed manual gearbox which features synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing for enhanced reliability and greater durability as well as closer gear ratios and smoother changes.

The 265bhp 3.8-litre six-cylinder XK engine benefits from an authentic 1961-style alloy radiator, with electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability, as well as a polished stainless steel exhaust system. This new exhaust system is dimensionally identical to the standard mild steel system but produces a slightly deeper tone and offers greater longevity.

The highlight of the visual enhancements is a unique piece of metal engraving created by prominent artist and world-leading engraver, King Nerd. Johnny ‘King Nerd’ Dowell has inscribed the stainless steel centre consoles of the 12 cars with a bespoke etching relevant to each E-type 60 Edition.

Each Smooth Black leather-trimmed coupé features a stylised route map plotting the key locations along the route taken by Bob Berry, with an overhead sketch of the
E-type and the words, ‘I thought you’d never get here’, recalling the reaction of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons to Bob’s arrival just minutes before the unveiling.

For the six Suede Green leather-trimmed roadsters, the engraving tracks the route taken by Dewis on his last-minute drive to Switzerland, with a sketch of the car and another Lyons’ quote – this time his instructions to Norman: ‘Drop everything and bring the open top E-type over.’

Johnny Dowell, artist and designer ‘King Nerd’, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to design and engrave the stories of two epic drives by two Jaguar legends in these iconic and special cars. A permanent reminder of the anniversary, everywhere these E-types go, the memory of Bob Berry and Norman Dewis will travel with them.”

In addition to the centre console, the bonnet badge, clock face within the tachometer, fuel cap and chassis plate are all finished with a commemorative E-type 60 logo created by Jaguar Design, featuring the years ‘1961-2021’. A light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to 1961 cars, features a 24-carat gold horn push.

Every car is supplied with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags to complete the enhancements and exemplify the attention to detail lavished on each vehicle.

In Summer 2022, the six customers and their guests will take part in the ultimate E-type pilgrimage; a Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their cars to create their own E-type memories, enjoying breath-taking scenery, epic roads – including iconic Alpine passes – exclusive stays and fine cuisine throughout the trip.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

About Jaguar Classic
Jaguar Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert services, genuine parts and unforgettable experiences for classic Jaguar enthusiasts worldwide. Our team of highly-skilled engineers at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in Coventry specialises in outstanding E-type Reborn restorations and building exclusive New Original Jaguar Continuation cars.                                                                                                                                           

All enquiries from prospective Jaguar Classic customers should be directed to:
sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com / +44 (0) 2476 566 600 / www.jaguar.com/classic

Silverstone Auctions close their catalogue with a number of superb competition cars including special offer from Rowan Atkinson

by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog

• Offered directly from Rowan Atkinson CBE – 1964 Ford Falcon FIA Race Car
• One of just four ‘Centenary’ Listers is the Chevrolet ‘Knobbly’ Sanction II
• ASCARI A410 LMP900 Le Mans Prototype Package
• Superbly presented is the 1988 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A Touring Car

The Race Retro Live Online Auction catalogue is filled with a number of unrepeatable competition cars including this 1964 Ford Falcon FIA Race Car offered directly from Rowan Atkinson CBE.

The distinctive FIA-spec is finished in the classic period colour of Turquoise and is eligible for the Masters, HSCC, HRDC and all pre-’65 FIA Series in Europe. Silverstone Auctions are extremely proud to be offering this in their Race Retro sale on his behalf. This unique and special example benefits from being road registered, which means the possibility of Tours and Historic rally events also exists which is splendidly timed with the start of the season just around the corner!

Another brilliant competition car going under the hammer in their first sale of 2021 is this 1989 FIA Lister-Chevrolet ‘Knobbly’ Sanction II ‘Centenary’ Sports Racer. This example is one of just four ‘Centenary’ Listers built by Brian Lister in 1989 with a clear history from new, and for considerably less than a period car or a newly built example. Silverstone Auctions are offering a very rare chance to own a fantastically prepared Lister.

Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are absolutely delighted to be offering Rowan Atkinson CBE 1964 Ford Falcon. It is a privilege and real honour to include the Race Car alongside our superb examples. Just two weeks to go! Don’t forget to register your bid!”

Also included within their catalogue is the ASCARI A410 LMP900 Le Mans Prototype Package. The package consists of A. 1 x Complete Race Car. Chassis 001. B. 2 x Rolling chassis spare. C. Spare parts. D. Body spares. E. Moulds. F. 2 gearboxes and spares. The cars come with all necessary tooling to re-manufacture everything. The company took its name from Italian racing driver Alberto Ascari, who was the first double Grand Prix world champion. Silverstone Auctions are offering this amazing opportunity including everything you need to run a team of Ascari A410s.

Superbly presented, immaculately engineered, and now race ready is this 1988 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A Touring Car. This fantastic example has been built in recent years and it is a very exciting proposition along with being tremendous value. There are now great opportunities to race these cars around Europe at great circuits with thrilling competition – experience Group A Touring Cars at their very best.

Silverstone Auctions are offering dedicated, one-to-one, virtual viewing of cars of interest to you from now through to the 26^th March. Viewing the cars in person is permitted to specialists who have been instructed to inspect vehicles of interest on your behalf and members of the trade. Bookings are arranged by appointment and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.

Silverstone Auctions have now closed their catalogue. Bidding for The Race Retro Live Online Auction is available online (with either Proxibid or The Saleroom), by phone or via commission – all of which you do from the comfort of your home. To register to their new website, complete the process here at least 48 hours prior to the auction. The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.

IMAGES

1964 Ford Falcon FIA Race Car

1989 FIA Lister-Chevrolet ‘Knobbly’ Sanction II ‘Centenary’ Sports Racer.

ASCARI A410 LMP900 Le Mans Prototype Package

1988 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A Touring Car

For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below

2021 AUCTIONS

The Race Retro Live Online Auction: 27th & 28^th March

The May Sale: 22^nd May

A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5^th June

The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30^th July – 1^st August

The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12^th – 14^th November

Volkswagen Touareg R opens for order in UK as technology and performance-focused flagship

by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog

• Most powerful production Volkswagen yet with 462 PS and 700 Nm
• 3.0-litre TSI eHybrid achieves 94.2 mpg and 67 g/km (WLTP combined)
• Flagship SUV offers enormous technology and equipment specification

The Volkswagen Touareg R is the first fully-fledged production R model to be launched with an electrified powertrain.

Capable of both impressive performance as well as ultra-low emissions, the Touareg R features a petrol plug-in hybrid system producing 462 PS and 700 Nm of torque. The model, which starts at £71,995 RRP OTR, is available to order now for UK customers.

The Touareg R boasts a multitude of talents, with performance worthy of the R badge sitting alongside impressive frugality. The high-performance SUV has 462 PS and 700 Nm of torque available. This impressive output makes the Touareg R the most powerful production Volkswagen to date. Its 0 to 62 mph sprint time of 5.1 seconds accelerates the Touareg R into the territory of the brand’s other R models, and is within half a second of the Golf R’s 4.7-second figure. Like the aforementioned Volkswagen performance champion, the Touareg R’s top speed is limited to 155 mph (where permitted). A maximum of 70% of the car’s torque can be transferred to the front wheels, and up to 80% to the rear axle, via a centre differential lock with asymmetric torque distribution (Torsen) acting as a transfer box.

At the heart of the Touareg R is a sophisticated 3.0-litre V6 TSI eHybrid plug-in powertrain. Not only is it powerful, but it is also smooth and refined and, moreover, is frugal enough to make the R the most running-cost-friendly model in the Touareg range, with fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of 94.2 mpg and 67 g/km (WLTP combined cycle) respectively. A 28-mile electric-only range accessible in the Touareg R’s E-MODE adds to the model’s low-CO₂ credentials, with the 14.3 kWh (net) battery reducing running costs for this versatile performance SUV.

The Touareg R is not only a performance stand-out in the Volkswagen range, but is also comprehensively laden with features, with numerous innovations combining to represent considerable value against competitors, as well as an equipment list that marks the newcomer out as a technological tour-de-force.

The new R bolsters the already generous equipment offering provided by the standard Touareg range, and adds a number of extra luxuries as standard, with black ‘Puglia’ leather-upholstered, diamond-quilted ergoComfort seats finished with contrasting blue stitching and piping, and active climate (heating and ventilation) function for front occupants. The R also benefits from a unique heated leather sports steering wheel with R logo and DSG shift paddles, 30-colour interior ambient lighting, and a keyless locking and starting system. The interior is further stylised with illuminated, R-branded scuff plates, diamond-quilted leather panels in the door cards, and blue highlights on the carpet mats.

The standard equipment list builds upon that of the Touareg Black Edition, which means the Touareg R also features an air suspension system with automatic self-levelling function, height adjustment and electronic shock absorption control. A Park Assist package with 360-degree Area View camera adds to the convenience offered, while the intelligent IQ. Light LED matrix headlights – first introduced on the Touareg in 2018 but now offered on multiple models including the Golf – use information from the car’s front camera, navigation data and GPS information, steering angle and speed of travel to optimise lighting for numerous driving situations. The system also incorporates LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights with dynamic turn signal, and Dynamic Light Assist high-beam control. Like the Black Edition, the Touareg R also counts a panoramic sunroof among its vast list of standard-fit equipment.

This luxurious specification also features items from across the generously-equipped Touareg range, with dynamic road sign display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist as standard . Meanwhile, tinted glass, six interior USB ports (four front, two rear) and 4-zone electronic air conditioning are all included on R-Line models and above. The Touareg’s acclaimed Innovision Cockpit, which incorporates a 15-inch central infotainment screen and 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit display, is factory-fit from R-Line Tech models upwards.

In addition to all the aforementioned kit, the Touareg R, as part of the R stable of models, boasts exclusive styling with specifically designed front and rear bumpers, a gloss black rear diffuser, and 22-inch ‘Estoril’ diamond-turned wheels shod in 285/35 R22 tyres. R badging within the front grille, on the wings, and in the centre of the tailgate further designate the Touareg R as the performance-oriented flagship in the luxury SUV range, while darkened tail lights and a black grille, mirror caps and window trim add further visual impact. A mode 3, 32 A / 7.2 kW charging cable is also included to top up the battery from public charge points. Charging an empty battery in this way will take two and a half hours, while using a household three-pin socket will take eight and a half hours.

Options for those who wish to further bolster the equipment list of the Touareg R include the Driver Assistance Pack Plus, which in addition to Emergency Assist, Front Cross Traffic Assist, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Side Scan and proactive occupant protection systems, brings Travel Assist – a camera and sensor-controlled system with the capacity to steer, brake and accelerate, providing Level 2 driving automation at speeds of up to 155 mph (where permitted). A Head-up Display can bring further innovation and convenience to the Touareg R’s technology-loaded interior, and a Night Vision system can also help drivers to see hazards in the dark that they might not have spotted with the naked eye. Those wishing to take advantage of the Tourareg R’s 3.5 tonne towing capacity can opt for a power-folding tow bar installed with the Trailer Assist system.

The Touareg R follows the introduction of the new Golf R in December and the Tiguan R in February, but precedes the Arteon R, details of which will be released in due course. The Touareg R follows the V10 diesel-engined R50 of 2008 in the model’s R history, and joins the T-Roc R and Tiguan R in the Volkswagen R SUV family of 2021.

Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Touareg is yet another example of Volkswagen’s multi-talented range of SUVs. The model is practical, versatile, capable, comfortable and luxurious, and now it has a performance-oriented R variant that’s not only fast and fun to drive, but also capable of ultra-low emissions in everyday situations. In fact – as a latest-generation plug-in hybrid – its battery capacity allows enough electric-only range to cover the entire daily commute for many drivers.

“The Touareg R represents Volkswagen versatility at its finest – possessing numerous class-leading qualities, an incredible amount of standard equipment, and all the luxuries customers could wish for.”

Under a week to go join the fantastic lot list alongslide these exceptional cars

by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog

• Remarkable 2000 Rover MINI Cooper Sport
• Desirable 1992 Peugeot 205 GTI
• A unique 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon
• A low mileage 1986 Morgan 4/4 1600 

The Spring Live Online Sale will showcase a significant number of examples, all of which will be offered on Friday 26th March 2021.

The catalogue is shaping up magnificently with several unrepeatable super examples, each with their own unique history. Classic Car Auctions will close their catalogue on Monday 15^th March 2021.

This remarkable little 2000 Rover MINI Cooper Sport has covered just 117 miles from new! With just one former registered keeper, it has been with the vendor for the last 12 years and it has been dry stored all its life. The beautifully presented Mini is complete with all its manuals, logbook and both sets of keys as well as fresh fluids – a truly amazing find for Classic Car Auctions first sale of 2021.

Continuing with the great line up of cars going under the hammer this month is 1992 Peugeot 205 GTI. A simply stunning example of the classic 90s ‘Hot’ Hatch with celebrity provenance. This desirable Miami Blue GTI has appeared on Top Gear and was driven by ‘The Stig’ (Ben Collins) as well as also being featured in various magazines and appearing on Clarkson’s Car Years on BBC 2 in 2000.

Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented ““The standard of cars in this sale is exceptional once again. We are looking forward to bringing another superb catalogue of cars to the market as it closes on Monday 15^th March. We are currently inviting our last entries to the sale – so don’t miss your chance to enter your car alongside this fantastic lot list!”

Confirmed for the sale is also this unique 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon. This striking example has been retained by Land Rover themselves and is accompanied by a large history file, Heritage Certificate, original S2 owner’s manual (July 58, part no. 4215) and original promotional material. Classic Car Auctions understands the Chassis 002 is the oldest production Series 2 in existence and the Land Rover still retains its original prototype engine and its original Birmingham registration number ‘YOG 306’.

Another lovely example presented in The Spring Live Online Auction is this low mileage 1986 Morgan 4/4 1600 . This rare and practical four-seater bodied, 4/4 1600 is powered by Ford’s ubiquitous 1597cc CVH with a five-speed gearbox. This car is beautifully presented in Claret Red Metallic with Black leather and Tiger Wood veneers and has been previously owned for 10 years with a current mileage of 32,162.

Classic Car Auctions are now preparing for their first online auction of the year with their catalogue closing in under a weeks’ time! To talk to classic car specialist about your car, contact the team on 01926 640888 or complete their Value My Classic form here.

Images

• 2000 Rover MINI Cooper Sport
• 1992 Peugeot 205 GTI
• 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon
• 1986 Morgan 4/4 1600

Forthcoming Auctions

• Friday 26^th March – The Spring Live Online Auction
• Friday 11^th – Sunday 13^th June – The Practical Classics Classic Car And Restoration Show
• Saturday 25^th September – The Autumn Sale
• Saturday 11^th December – The December Sale

Links

• Website: http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/classiccarauc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccarauc