CITROËN DS4

THE CITROËN DS4: A 5-STAR CAR RECOGNISED BY EURO NCAP ADVANCED

The Citroën DS4 has not only achieved a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests with a score of 97% for its assistance systems. It has also received the Euro NCAP Advanced award, like the Citroën C5, New C4 and DS3 before it. An award that confirms the Marque’s commitment to creative technologies that are useful every day.

The Citroën DS4 delivers a dynamic ride with no trade-off in safety or comfort. 
Safety is a key concern with an array of driving aids as standard, including electronic brakeforce assistance, emergency brakeforce assistance, intelligent traction control and ESP. Looking beyond ride qualities, the cabin also places the emphasis on safety with six airbags as standard (driver, front passenger, side and curtain). 

Comfort is also to the fore, with a top score in driver assistance systems. The Citroën DS4 ships with innovative, intelligent features delivering comfort and relaxation for the driver, passengers and others.

For example:

• the blind spot monitoring system. An innovative function that activates an orange light positioned in the angle of the mirror when it detects a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot;
• programmable speed limiter and cruise control. The driver can save up to five speed settings and find them easily on the road when speed limits change. 

The Citroën DS4 also received a Euro NCAP Advanced  award for its Citroën eTouch service. This award recognises innovative systems that increase safety while being available to the greatest number. 

Citroën eTouch is a range of innovative onboard services including emergency and assistance calls (depending on the country). These two free services, available 24/7, use an integrated SIM card. If an incident occurs or if the driver suffers or witnesses an accident, the vehicle can be located rapidly and the emergency services sent out.

Citroën eTouch also includes two services available online from the customer’s personal My CITROEN page: a virtual maintenance manual and EcoDriving. Drivers  receive advice on mechanical or safety incidents and on upcoming maintenance operations. They can also track their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These services are free throughout the vehicle’s contractual warranty period.

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Citroën scores 7th victory

Citroën scores its seventh consecutive victory in Argentina!

Rally Argentina was marked by several twists and finally Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena came out on top for the sixth time on the bounce! The seven-time world champions took the lead in the last stage after having made up the one-minute penalty they received on the first day. Despite a roll in the longest stage of the event, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia finished on the third step of the podium. Citroën continued the series of wins in South America, which began in 2004.

The last day’s programme of Rally Argentina was an atypical one with a stage of over 48 kilometers to be tackled as the sun rose. The crews had been up since 5h00 in the morning and they had a quick stop in the Villa Carlos Paz service park before battle began. They then set off for Ascochinga for the longest stage since the start of the season!

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, first out on the road; made a cautious start to nurse their 43.7s lead. In the final kilometer of the stage their Citroën DS3 WRC rolled onto its roof!” A stupid mistake,” admitted Ogier at the finish. “All we had to do was to drive on to victory. I had noted an apex to be taken in a corner, and it ended in a roll. We were able to restart but the car was damaged. In addition to the superficial damage, we no longer had power steering. The windscreen was broken and we lost our rear wing.”

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena in third place quickly realized that the nature of the terrain wouldn’t allow them to get the better of Mikko Hirvonen: “There was fog and it was very damp. In these conditions there’s no sweeping. Our first split times weren’t great. We had to go pedal to the metal to overtake.” The winner of the last five Rally Argentinas managed to snatch second place in the overall classification at the very end of the timed sector.

In the last three stages – some ten kilometers - Ogier tried to defend his position. Before the start of the Power Stage, he was only 3.3s in front of Loeb and 5.7s in front of Hirvonen: “It was really tough. In the last stage I felt that I wouldn’t be able to hold the wheel. Without power steering the car became incredibly heavy. We were totally unable to fight our corner,” summed up Sébastien.

While Loeb and Hirvonen took advantage of Ogier’s problems to overtake the Frenchman, he saved the points for third place: “It’s a lesser evil for the team. We haven’t lost too many points in the manufacturers’classification. On the other hand, it’s not a great result for the drivers’ title chase. I’m really very disappointed.”

Loeb was in attack mode right till the very end and took over the lead from his team-mate. At the flag he was 2.4s in front of Hirvonen: “After Friday’s penalty I wasn’t counting on this victory. We pushed really hard to get back in contact with the front-runners and to beat Hirvonen. Once again the outcome was decided by a hair’s breadth. It seems that Rally Argentina is my happy hunting ground!”

Loeb congratulated his team-mate, and insisted on the fact that: “I understand what he must be feeling. I’ve had similar misadventures. It’s frustrating and disappointing but these mistakes can happen. Still he managed to bring the car home to the finish, and that’s very important for the team.”

Fastest times in the stages

Day 1 – SS1: Sébastien Loeb (Citroën DS3) – SS2 to 5 Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford Fiesta) – SS6 : Petter Solber (Citroën DS3) – SS7: Sébastien Loeb.

Day 2 – SS8: Sébastien Ogier (Citroën DS3) – SS9 to 11: Sébastien Loeb – SS12 and 13 : Sébastien Ogier – SS14 and 15: Sébastien Loeb.

Day 3 – SS16: Sébastien Loeb – SS17: Jari-Matti Latvala – SS18 and 19: Petter Solberg.

Best performers: Loeb, 8 fastest times – Latvala 5 – Ogier and Solberg, 3.

Leaders: SS1: Loeb – SS2 to 12: Latvala – ES13 to 18: Ogier – SS19: Loeb.

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James Muir

James Muir, named “Executive of the Year” in Catalonia

SEAT President James Muir has been named ‘Executive of the Year’ in Catalonia by the ‘Ejecutivos’ magazine. The jury of the second edition of the Catalonia Executive Awards made the award in recognition of Muir’s dedication, experience and good business practice at the head of SEAT, which has notched up several achievements as well as the full backing of the Volkswagen Group in spite of the crisis.

The award was made last night in Barcelona at an event presided over by Francesc Xavier Mena, Minister of Enterprise and Labour of the Catalan government (Generalitat de Catalunya).

In the midst of distinguished names from the world of politics and business, Muir received the award from the Minister and substitutes the previous winner Salvador Gabarró, President of Gas Natural- FENOSA, who won the ‘Executive of the Year’ award in 2009.

In his acceptance speech James Muir expressed his appreciation at initiatives like this on behalf of all the award-winning companies, and encouraged the business people and managers present to exercise their leadership to come out of the crisis stronger. Additionally, SEAT’s President added that “we have to get down to the real practical business of building the immediate future on the foundations of innovation, internationalization, productivity, competitiveness and that entrepreneurial spirit that are so characteristic of Catalan civil society”.

During his eighteen months as head of the car manufacturer, SEAT has won back its leadership position after 31 years, has been distinguished with several international awards for its latest models, and has improved its results in all fields. On these issues, during his speech Muir pointed out that “we have won awards and accolades for our great products all over Europe. Now all we need is for these achievements to sink in and be recognized on our home ground”.

James Muir has been Chairman of SEAT’s Executive Committee since September 2009. Born in Liverpool and brought up in Wales, he holds a degree in German from Manchester University, and also postgraduate qualifications in marketing.

James Muir began his career at a Ford subsidiary in the United Kingdom, where he held various posts of responsibility. He left the US multinational to becomes Project Manager in Mazda Europe before going on to become Managing Director at Mazda UK. In 2003 Muir was appointed Sales and Marketing Vice-president at Mazda Europe until in 2005 he became the Japanese company’s President in Europe.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is the market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources.

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Alhambra What Car? MPV

SEAT is celebrating a winning start to 2011 with news that its all-new Alhambra has scooped the MPV title at this year’s What Car? Awards.

The flexible full-size seven seater took the coveted honour at last night’s ceremony with the judges highlighting its appealing mix of generous passenger and luggage space, ingenious features and refined driving experience.

The largest member of the growing SEAT range went on sale in the UK in November last year and is already securing significant interest from eager buyers keen to get their hands on this elegant, flexible and luxurious MPV.

The annual What Car? Awards, established more than 30 years ago and acknowledged as being among the UK’s most influential motoring honours, were once again staged at London’s famous Grosvenor House hotel.

Commenting on SEAT’s winner What Car? editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, said: ‘The new SEAT Alhambra is a brilliantly-conceived people mover.  Space is key, but so are the clever features like the folding seats and sliding doors.’

‘However, it’s the way the Alhambra drives that impressed us most – particularly its comfort and refinement, and that it feels like a small family car on the road.’

Available in the UK in S, SE or top spec’ SE Lux trim and priced from just £22,800 RRP, the award-winning Alhambra is offered with a choice of modern turbocharged petrol or diesel powerplants.  All engines can be paired with either a crisp six-speed manual or smooth six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

As befits a class leader, all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment.  Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); fuel-saving Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems; integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.

Move up to SE and you can look forward to such luxuries as auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch alloys; High Beam Assist and cruise control among a raft of added equipment.

SE Lux buyers, meanwhile, enjoy a fittingly luxurious Alhambra experience.  Black leather upholstery; power operated rear side doors and tailgate; panoramic glass sunroof; rear view camera and satellite navigation are among the extensive list of standard-fit equipment.

Retail and small fleet buyers energised to enquire about SEAT’s What Car? winner will also be happy to hear that they can benefit from the Spanish brand’s current ½ VAT offer, which effectively brings the newly-increased Value Added Tax down to its original 1973 level of ten per cent. The Alhambra offer runs throughout the first quarter of 2011, ending 31 March this year, and applies to eligible retail customer cars registered before this date.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny collected the Alhambra’s award at the Grosvenor. He said: ‘On behalf of SEAT UK, and all our colleagues in both Martorell and Palmela where the Alhambra is built, I’m thrilled to accept this MPV title.

This important endorsement by the What Car? judges underlines my firm belief that the new Alhambra is clearly the most attractive full-size MPV on the market today.’

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Daily plan continues September

It is the intention of Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) to return to their normal daily production plan during September.  This follows the period of parts supply interruption and reduced production levels following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Associates and suppliers have all made tremendous efforts during this period to make this recovery possible.

With parts supply from Japan improving significantly, HUM will now plan production for the remainder of the year to recover volume and quickly respond to customers’ requirements.

This announcement coincides with the release of JD Power’s annual customer satisfaction survey, which has awarded the Swindon-built Jazz first place in the supermini sector for the eighth year running. Such an accolade, voted by customers, recognises the high standard of work undertaken by our associates at HUM.

Due to the flexible working hours arrangements which exist at the Swindon Plant, associates’ pay has been maintained and non-production hours have been banked. “I am proud of all of our Associates as they have shown great flexibility and commitment during this difficult time,” said Andy Piatek, Director of Manufacturing at Honda in Swindon.

“We are extremely pleased that our European manufacturing operations can now plan for production to return to normal,” said Ken Keir, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe. “We would like to thank our customers and dealers for showing great understanding during this challenging period. As production levels recover, we are fully focussed on satisfying customer demand”.

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Being Henry

LAND ROVER TAKES ON THE WORLD OF FILM WITH THE LAUNCH OF ‘BEING HENRY’

Film trailer available to download at www.media.helloevoque.com
Interactive film available to play at www.helloevoque.com/beinghenry

• Land Rover releases its first ever fully interactive online film starring actor Leo Fitzpatrick from ‘The Wire’
• Award winning director Nick Gordon directs ‘choose your own adventure’ film about choices to showcase exciting new levels of personalisation for latest Land Rover model, the Range Rover Evoque
• A fun, lateral and innovative way to talk to consumers about choices, ‘Being Henry’ is the latest offering from the Range Rover Evoque Pulse of the City project

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 5 May 2011 - Today Land Rover will push the boundaries of its traditional customer communication with the latest offering from its Range Rover Evoque Pulse of the City project; an interactive Hollywood inspired film about choices.

Filmed in Los Angeles and unprecedented in scope and creativity, ‘Being Henry’ is a fun, interactive and engaging film that brings to life the unparalleled variety of options available with the Range Rover Evoque.  Just like the car has been developed to stand out from the crowd, the film presents the consumer with a number of unexpected and exhilarating adventures to engage with, inviting them into the urban world of the Pulse of the City.

Based on the original ‘choose your own adventure’ style of storytelling but bringing this concept into the digital age, the film takes the consumer on a wild journey through a city in which they play the role of god and consequently decide the outcome of the stories main character.  With nine different storylines and 32 unique endings the variety of choices and diverse consequences that occur ultimately result in the creation of the consumers ‘subconscious’ perfect Range Rover Evoque.

The story begins with its hero Henry, an everyman-type character who has to make various decisions during his journey that lead him into different realities.   It is made immediately apparent to the consumer that they are in control of how Henry carries out his day and via a voiceover that guides them through the film they are presented with a number of life changing choices.  Will they choose to shoot rats with Granny? Or lead Henry to be kidnapped then tortured with a harpoon gun?

Cleverly, the film takes the choices that the consumer makes on behalf of Henry and translates them seamlessly into their perfect Evoque. Through subtle colour, situational and emotional references the film effectively takes elements of the consumers personality and uses them to present them with their fully personalised car.

Nick Gordon, the film’s director comments ‘I am really inspired by projects that push digital boundaries, and in creating interactive work that is designed to emotionally & creatively engage rather than be purely driven by technology. As a director I want to explore interactive pieces that are also filmic. Range Rover's commitment to one of the most adventurous collaborations I have ever been part of has been incredible, 'Being Henry' and has been a real learning curve for me on how creative interactivity is the future of really engaging with and respecting consumers’.

The Range Rover Evoque offers more personalisation choices than any other Land Rover, with a huge numbers of options in terms of interior packs, body and roof colour combinations, wheels and enhancement accessories, as well as the fact that there are three models (Pure, Dynamic, Prestige) that can come in either Coupe or 5-door versions.

Customers can tailor their Range Rover Evoque with a tempting array of design, trim and technology options, so that each car meets its customer’s own taste and lifestyle.  The choices range from designer exterior packs, contrasting colours on the roof and spoilers, immaculately-trimmed designer interiors, and a range of desirable technologies to maximise comfort and enjoyment on board.

The Range Rover Evoque will go on-sale in September priced from £27,955. For more information please visit your local Land Rover dealership.

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First assembly plant in India

 JAGUAR LAND ROVER INAUGURATES NEW VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PLANT IN PUNE INDIA

Jaguar Land Rover today officially opens its first assembly plant in India. 

The facility at Pune in the Maharashtra region of India, will assemble Land Rover Freelander 2 vehicles supplied in Complete Knock Down (CKD) form from Jaguar Land Rover's Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool, UK.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Carl-Peter Forster, Chief Executive Officer and MD of Tata Motors and Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover.

Mr Carl-Peter Forster, said: "Today marks a significant step in our growth strategy for the Indian market. The opening of this plant demonstrates close co-operation between the parent company Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover and we are keen to develop this further."

Dr Ralf Speth, said: "Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to have officially opened our first assembly facility in India. We are excited about the prospect of assembling cars in Pune for the Indian market where we have achieved significant growth since we opened our first showroom in 2009. It is a great time to be expanding our operation in India due to the increasing demand for luxury products and the strength of the Indian economy."

The facility in Pune will be subject to Jaguar Land Rover's mainstream launch quality processes and will be overseen by experienced manufacturing and quality managers who have moved to India from the UK.
The award winning Freelander 2 is available in India in two variants, the TD4 SE Automatic and the SD4 HSE Automatic. The prices start at Rupees 33.89 Lacs (ex-showroom price in Mumbai, pre-octroi).
Jaguar and Land Rover's acclaimed vehicles are well known around the world. Jaguar has become one of the world’s leading producers of beautiful fast cars. Land Rover produces the world's most versatile all-terrain vehicles, combining refined luxury with a true breadth of capability.

The exciting new range of premium luxury vehicles available for the Indian market includes the Jaguar XJ, XF,and XK, the Land Rover Freelander 2, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover.

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2011 Mille Miglia

JAGUAR CELEBRATES RACING HERITAGE WITH ENTRIES IN THE 2011 MILLE MIGLIA

Jaguar is once again a key sponsor of, and due to compete in, the classic Mille Miglia revival event – a stern test of drivers and machinery taking in some of the most challenging and beautiful roads in Italy. Fittingly, six officially-entered examples of Jaguar's most elegant models from the past will be competing, among them a C- and D-type as well as an XK120, supported by Jaguar Cars and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.

Jaguar’s participation in the 2011 Mille Miglia builds on a long connection with the race. Back in 1950, the company fielded a four-strong team of XK120s, and a young Stirling Moss took the wheel of a works car the following year.

“The Mille Miglia is one of the world's premier driving events, and one where Jaguar has always felt very much at home,” said Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars. 'I'm honoured to be taking part this year and am looking forward to taking the start in a C-type with a mix of trepidation and excitement. I'm sure it will be a very special moment,' he added.

In the 1950s heyday of the event, the XK120 and s were a regular sight and C-types and even a D-type also competed. In fact, the very first disc brakes were fitted to the C-Type raced by Stirling Moss and Norman Dewis in the 1952 Mille Miglia. Italian race officials were mystified by the new technology and demanded a demonstration to prove it was a brake and not some illegal addition.

The 2011 Mille Miglia takes place over a 1,000km course starting from Brescia in northern Italy, mirroring the classic event which became synonymous with legendary displays of driving skill and bravery between 1927 and 1957.

The current retrospective format offers an ideal opportunity to showcase some of Jaguar’s most famous vehicles where they belong: competing with other classic sports cars on the open road.

Supporting the cars from Jaguar's past are models firmly rooted in the present with an example of the current XJ following each car, providing comfortable and spacious transport for the engineers charged with maintaining the Jaguar heritage vehicles.

This year’s Mille Miglia starts on May 12 from Piazza della Loggia, Brescia. The 375 cars (built between 1927 and 1957) were selected from among 1,400 requests. They will cross the picturesque historic centers of approximately 147 towns including Modena, Bologna, Spoleto, Siena, Florence, and Rome, to then return to Brescia on May 14.

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Diesel Car's Best 4X4

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 NAMED DIESEL CAR’S BEST 4X4 FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

• Discovery 4: named best 4x4 in 2011 Diesel Car awards.

• Second successive win: model retains the honour it won in 2010.

• Land Rover dominant: Freelander 2, winner in 2008 and 2009 also a top finalist in this year’s awards.

One year on there is still nothing to rival the Land Rover Discovery 4 as it claims its second successive 'Best 4x4' title in the 2011 Diesel Car awards.

Announcing the award, Diesel Car Editor Iain Robertson declared: “If there is a more all-round capable car than the Discovery 4, we have yet to encounter it. With the latest generation Discovery you get everything you need to drive absolutely everywhere.”

The Discovery 4 was in good company in the competition, with its sister Freelander 2 model also in the final running, continuing to impress the judges after winning the title in 2008 and 2009 and being a finalist in 2010. The British-built Discovery 4 also triumphed over the BMW X5 in the final reckoning.

The Diesel Car accolade confirms the breadth of capability of the fourth generation Discovery, a model that has picked up a raft of industry honours since its launch in 2009. These include the 2010 What Car? 4x4 of the Year and 2009 Scottish Car of the Year titles, plus two awards in the 2010 Towcar of the Year contest. Most recently it was named Best Luxury 4x4 by Carbuyer.co.uk.

Colin Green, Managing Director Land Rover UK said: “We are thrilled to receive this award, doing so for a second year running shows that the Discovery 4 continues to hold a clear advantage over its market rivals. And with Freelander performing so strongly, we can be proud of the strength-in-depth of our engineering, design and performance.”

The Land Rover Discovery 4 is available from £36,785 and delivers a winning package of impressive on-road dynamics, superb all-wheel drive capability and sophisticated, contemporary design, exemplifying the qualities at the heart of all today’s Land Rover models.

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Range Rover Evoque on Parade

NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE ON PARADE AT 2011 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW

• The Range Rover Evoque to appear at Royal Windsor Horse Show: Evoque Coupe and 5-door will form centrepiece of Land Rover display at the major equestrian event this week (11 to 15 May).

• A major Land Rover presence at the show: Land Rover continues as main sponsor and official vehicle supplier to the show.

• Full range of Land Rover models on display: full model range presented in dedicated display area, with Land Rover Experience offering visitors the chance to be driven over an off-road course.

• Land Rover trophy: to be contested by teams in the Royal Navy Field Gun Run in the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo (12 to 15 May). Land Rover is an associate sponsor of the evening music and fireworks spectacular.

The new Range Rover Evoque will enjoy its first formal public presentation in the UK since the beginning of the year, when it goes on display this week at the 2011 Royal Windsor Horse Show, where Land Rover will be continuing its long-established support to the Event as principle sponsor and official vehicle supplier.

Colin Green, managing director Land Rover UK said: “The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a perfect arena for Land Rover to demonstrate that the new Evoque is every bit as countryside-capable as it is street-smart. We value our long association with the show and believe it provides us with a great opportunity to bring Evoque – and its sister models in the Land Rover stable – to the attention of thousands of potential customers.”

Voted the most exciting car of 2011 by What Car?, the Range Rover Evoque Coupe and 5-door models will form the centrepiece of a dedicated Land Rover display close to the entrance to the Royal Windsor showground. They will be joined by the full Land Rover model range with Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 4, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles all on view.

Furthermore, Land Rover Experience will be on hand to give visitors a taste of legendary Land Rover performance over a specially constructed off-road course.

In its capacity as official vehicle supplier, Land Rover will also be providing transport for officials, medics and vets throughout the show.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a hugely popular attraction, with more than 3,000 horses competing in showing classes, international show jumping events and the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix. Taking place from 11 to 15 May in Windsor Castle’s Home Park, it enjoys Royal patronage, with the HM The Queen foremost among the thousands of visitors. As well as the horsemanship, the show offers a wide range of other attractions on-site, including the Royal Windsor Food and Drink Festival.

Land Rover is also an associate sponsor of the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo, a military and music spectacular which takes place against the backdrop of the historic castle on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings of the show. This year the Company will again be providing a trophy for the famous Royal Navy Field Gun Run, which will be contested through heats each evening to a final on the Sunday night.

Barretts Kent

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Images of CR-Z Mugen

 FIRST IMAGES OF CR-Z MUGEN REVEALED

Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN - the higher-performance hybrid coupe.

Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising.

Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R.

After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this 'stage 1' engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN's original targets.

"Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging," says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. "We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in 'eco' mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special 'MUGEN' mode."

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Clean Energy Partnership

Honda joins Clean Energy Partnership with 2 FCX Clarity vehicles

Honda and the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) have announced today that Honda will become the newest member of the CEP programme, providing further impetus to the hydrogen movement in Europe.

CEP is Europe’s leading fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure demonstration project, bringing together expertise from vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure and energy companies, and the German Government. CEP is designed to prepare the ground for market entry of hydrogen mobility in Europe.

Honda has been running fuel cell electric vehicles on European roads since 2009 and will support CEP activities with 2 FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicles.

Ken Keir, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe said, “Honda firmly believes that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are the ultimate solution in reducing CO2 emissions from road transportation. Participation within CEP with the ground breaking FCX Clarity will demonstrate the viability of fuel cell technology and will also support the essential development of a European hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.”

Honda joins the Partnership at the same time as the industrial gas supply company, Air Liquide, demonstrating CEP’s value in bringing together vehicle manufacturers and energy companies to support the development of hydrogen based mobility in Europe.

Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Chairman & Managing Director of NOW GmbH1, remarked: “The CEP is the NIP’s2 nucleus for preparing the market for future proof mobility based on hydrogen and fuel cells. The partnership’s continuous growth clearly demonstrates the industry’s commitment to making zero-emissions mobility possible. We have to cooperate internationally to achieve this, which makes the addition of Air Liquide and Honda to the CEP all the more important. “

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Citroën DS5

Citroën has revealed the eagerly anticipated third model in its innovative and distinctive DS line: DS5.

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Citroën DS4

This rare mixture of MPV and coupé is an entertaining addition to the Citroën stable

Reviewed by John Simister

It used to be simple. Normal cars were quite low. Sports cars and coupés were lower. MPVs were taller, with abbreviated noses.

SUVs, to use an American term for generally 4x4-shaped vehicles, are taller again. Then we had the "crossover", typically somewhere between a hatchback and an SUV. Now the genre-boundaries are dissolving yet more, and cars no longer fit into convenient categories.

Citroën's publicity material describes the new DS4 as a crossbreed. It also considers the newcomer "mischievous" and able to "dominate". The object of these assertions is a kind of upwardly-extended coupé with four doors, a tightly-drawn, sloping tail, rear wheels pushed far into the corners and a steeply-rising waistline. It looks squat and racy, yet the driving position is almost as commanding as an MPV's. Crossbreed indeed. But from crossbreeding can come powerful, healthy new genes. It works in animals, anyway. Can it work in cars?

The DS4 is the second ingredient of Citroën's upmarket and individualistic DS sub-brand. The DS3 hatchback, a racy three-door, came first and has proved quite a hit. The third will be the larger DS5, a particularly good-looking machine revealed at the recent Shanghai motor show. The DS4 is a different take on the notion of a mid-sized hatchback, with chrome accents and plush trim options to add to its unusual architecture. It is derived from the C4, a conventional five-door itself recently launched.

The C4 is a bland car by Citroën standards, lacking the obvious innovation by which Citroë* made its name. It is unmemorable both to look at and to drive. With the DS4's arrival the reason for this strategy is revealed: it is to brighten the halo around the new car, stress its advantages over the generic C4 and heighten its feelgood factor.

Which is considerable, it must be said. The DS4 looks assertive, muscular, ready to go. Grander versions – the hierarchy (from £18,500 to £24,000) goes DSign, DStyle and DSport – have leather trim with options of two-tone colouring or a "bracelet" stitching pattern said to resemble the links in a watch strap. It looks lovely, especially in combination with the stitched-leather dashboard covering. Top-end UK-market DS4s are to be denied this grand dashboard, however, because the UK marketing department thinks UK buyers won't be willing to pay for it. One other specification omission troubles the whole DS4 range. See those shapely, pointy rear-door windows? The glass can't be wound down, because it's too long to fit in the door below, nor can it be hinged outwards. To have made it do either would have spoilt the looks. On the plus side, however, the windscreen extends well into the roof for a panoramic view of the sky. Blinds obscure it if the sun proves too much.

Now, the driving. Various petrol and diesel engines are offered from Peugeot-Citroën's usual range, of which the two most enjoyable should be the 2.0-litre, 160bhp turbodiesel and the 1.6-litre, 200bhp turbo petrol.

First off, the DS4 THP 200. This a fine engine, and a frugal one given the effortless and engaging pace it provides. It sounds and feels crisp and keen, but the surprise is the extent to which the rest of the DS4 feels the same. The six-speed manual gearbox shifts precisely, the steering – geared for a quicker response than the C4's – is accurate and gives a focused picture of the road beneath. Brilliantly judged suspension damping means the DS4 stays both comfortable over bumps and composed as it nips into a bend; it handles like a low coupé, not a high one.

This is a genuinely entertaining car to drive. It tackles bends with brilliance, cruises with serenity. The turbodiesel can't quite match this flair with its nose-heavier feel and more lugubrious power delivery, but it too is a pleasing drive and has a lower CO2 output.

It's the THP 200, preferably in top trim, that best defines the DS4. Is it a new breed of car? Seems it is, and it works very well. Who would want a C4 now?

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/citron-ds4-2284175.html

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SEAT Alhambra

THE SPANISH MODEL NOW BOASTS 7 PRIZES SINCE ITS LAUNCH
New awards for the SEAT Alhambra in Spain and Europe

• “Best MPV” in Spain at the 2nd edition of the Ecomotor Awards
• “Best MPV” in the UK at the 2011 Fleet World Honours
• “Best MPV” by UK motoring magazine Diesel Car

The SEAT Alhambra has been collecting awards and prizes since its launch last September. Just recently, the Spanish brand’s model has received three more important distinctions, one from home and two from the UK, which are further proof of the new Alhambra’s quality, flexibility and outstanding value for money.

Once again, the Spanish model’s impressive credentials received the highest praise, earning it a first-place win at the 2nd edition of the Ecomotor Awards organised by the El Economista newspaper, where the SEAT Alhambra scored 13.97% of the votes to out-rival first runner-up Ford C-Max with 12.23% and third-place Peugeot 5008 with 10.66% of the total votes.

The awards ceremony took place this morning at the Barcelona Motor Show, where the SEAT delegation was headed by SEAT Spain director Vicente Adrián, who also accepted the award. In his speech, Adrián said “it is a great honour to accept this award for the SEAT Alhambra, which is equipped with ground-breaking technology that re-defines functionality, dynamics and safety, three factors that make it a new benchmark model in its segment.” He went on to say that “the Alhambra will no doubt be one of our most valuable cars in the upcoming years.”

Two new distinctions in the UK

The SEAT Alhambra is also causing a sensation in the rest of Europe, scooping up two significant wins on the same day in the UK, where the Alhambra was named “Best MPV” by both Fleet World and Diesel Car. The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved excellence in their sector.

Meanwhile, specialist motoring title Diesel Car crowned the Alhambra with its “Best MPV” title for its “stylish design, roominess and practicality”. Diesel Car focuses on the diesel car market but also reports on alternatively fuelled and eco-friendly vehicles, confirming the efficiency of the Alhambra engine line-up.

These excellent results are mirrored in the Euro NCAP crash tests, where the SEAT Alhambra received the highest possible score of a 5 star rating.

An enticing offer

The SEAT Alhambra range is available in Reference and Style trim, and features an extensive equipment package even on the basic version that includes 7 airbags (2 front, 2 side, 2 headbags and 1 driver kneebag), ESP + EBA, front passenger airbag disconnection, driver-controlled electronic rear door blocking, low tyre pressure indicator, rear seat Isofix anchoring points and Top Tether, 205/60 tyres on 16 inch steel wheels, body colour door mirrors with integrated LED turning lights, sliding rear doors, electric park brake and SEAT Sound System 1.0 with 4 speakers, among many other elements.

New Alhambra prize list since its launch

- “Auto Trophy 2010” in Germany for best car in the “imported MPV” category, according to readers of the Auto Zeitung magazine.
- “Best MPV on the market”, by UK consumer motoring ‘bible’ What Car?
- “Best imported MPV 2011”, according to readers of the German motor trade magazine auto motor und sport.
- “MPV of the Year” in Portugal, by the “Car of the Year – Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy” panel members.
- “Best MPV” in Spain at the 2nd edition of the Ecomotor Awards.
- “Best MPV” in the UK at the 2011 Fleet World Honours.
- “Best MPV”, by UK motoring magazine Diesel Car.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Centre or ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together more than 900 engineers whose merit is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on criteria of sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

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SEAT IBE & IBX

SEAT unveils its future design language, for the first time in Spain, at the Barcelona Motor Show

• The IBE and IBX prototypes share show-stopping new design language and technology
• The successful ECOMOTIVE range underlines SEAT’s environmental awareness
• The brand presents the new Leon FR and showcases the Alhambra 4WD, Ibiza Spotify and the COPA line-up

SEAT today has unveiled its future design language for the first time in Spain. At the Barcelona Motor Show, the carmaker is showing the IBE and the IBX, its two latest prototypes offering a sneak peek into SEAT’s new design language, technology and proposals for electro-mobility.

Both cars belong to the same family of models and have been conceived with the near-future requirements of urban mobility in mind. The IBE is a SportCoupé, and was singled out at the last Paris Motor Show as the best electric prototype. The IBX, unveiled in Geneva, combines the capabilities of an SUV with sporty coupé styling and is designed for a latest-generation hybrid propulsion system.

SEAT chairman James Muir explained that “these two concept cars are a preview of the design DNA of our new models, and also demonstrate SEAT’s interest in electro-mobility. They take different paths - the IBE features all-electric drive and the IBX is a plug-in hybrid, but they are both proof of SEAT’s concern for the environment”.

Muir further underlined that “we have recently announced SEAT will bring ‘enjoyneering’ to the dynamic, demanding Chinese market. We will sell models manufactured at our plant in Martorell. SEAT is aiming for a brilliant future”.

The Spanish carmaker is currently one of the most environmentally aware on the market. SEAT’s ECOMOTIVE range has evolved into a highly successful line-up of exceedingly frugal vehicles. The greenest versions of the Ibiza, Leon, Altea XL and Alhambra are all on display at the SEAT stand in Barcelona.

SEAT is taking full advantage of its entire-pavilion privilege to exhibit 18 vehicles, including the new Leon FR and the Alhambra 4WD, which are scheduled for market release before this summer. The recently launched Ibiza Spotify, which features the bonus of driver-chosen musical entertainment directly piped into SEAT’s best-selling model, and the brand-new COPA range, which includes an even more extensive equipment line-up on all four-door versions at an extremely competitive price, are only a few examples of the strengths that made the company the leading brand in the Spanish market in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’ bringing together more than 900 engineers whose remit is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on criteria of sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

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Fleet World Honours for BMW.

News from the Broad Oak BMW Group of Ashford and Canterbury.

BMW Group crowned Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at 2011 Fleet World Honours. 

BMW Group picked up the accolade for Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious 2011 Fleet World Honours, for the second year in a row.  While being crowned with the top award, BMW was also honoured with the prize for Best Executive Car.

Steve Moody, Fleet World Editor, said: “This award marks the pinnacle of achievement in an industry that is incredibly important to the UK economy. Fleets typically account for around one-half of all the cars sold in the UK and many of these are purchased by contract hire and leasing companies on behalf of their corporate clients. For this reason we asked the managing directors and operations directors of the UK’s top 20 leasing companies to nominate their choice of Fleet Manufacturer of the Year and BMW Group was a clear, almost unanimous winner.

“It is very clear from the feedback we received that BMW Group's corporate sales team pays a great deal of attention to the leasing sector and has worked in close partnership with them over the years. And let’s not overlook a fantastic model range of desirable and economical cars that are still the number one aspiration of so many company car drivers.”

Since its launch in 2010 the BMW 5 Series has been a hit with both retail and fleet customers alike.  This popularity led to it taking home the crown for Best Executive Car for the second year in a row.  Commended for its blend of quality, performance and efficiency, it was the 5 Series’ overall package that impressed the judges and lead to it taking home the top gong.

Steve Moody said: “Is the 5 Series the most complete car in the world? Powerful yet efficient engines, elegant looks, an interior that would challenge most luxury cars in terms of comfort and quality, underpinned by a chassis that offers agility and refinement. To top it off, the 5 Series comes at a price its competitors struggle to match, while residuals are sky high too.”

Speaking after BMW Group’s successes at this year’s awards Stephen Chater, Corporate Operations Manager for BMW Group UK, said: “To win these awards means a lot to BMW and MINI.  Not only do they recognise the developments in the product range but also the service and customer focus of the BMW Group corporate sales team, both of which have shown real benefits for fleet decision makers and company car drivers alike.”

The BMW Group

With its three brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – the BMW Group is one of the world’s most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles. It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

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Evoque New York Debut

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE MAKES NEW YORK CITY DEBUT AT EXCLUSIVE EVENT CELEBRATING LUXURY AND DESIGN

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 20, 2011 -- Timed to the 2011 New York Auto Show, Range Rover debuted its all-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque in New York City last night at a star-studded, exclusive night of luxury, technology and design. Tennis great Serena Williams joined Range Rover to help celebrate the vehicle’s introduction to the city. Range Rover’s New York “City Shapers,” a group of leading influencers from fashion, design, music and film, including Georgina Chapman, Darrelle Revis, Josh Rubin, Piers Fawkes and Bevy Smith, were also in attendance and shared details of the Range Rover Evoque models they have personalized and will drive starting this fall. 

Guests at the event, held at the Highline Stages in New York’s Meatpacking District, were the first in New York to interact with the Range Rover Evoque, which was on display and is available to consumers this fall. 

The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced and will be on display at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The Range Rover Evoque, which will retail in the U.S. beginning in the fall, stays true to the core values of Range Rover while being embodied in a more compact package. As a smaller, lighter and more efficient Range Rover, the Range Rover Evoque addresses the growing consumer need for more environmentally friendly vehicles. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce the new Range Rover Evoque in New York, the biggest Range Rover market in the world,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America. “The Range Rover Evoque provides all the luxury of a Range Rover, and, in a friendly footprint.”

The Range Rover Evoque will be available in two versions: a coupe and a five-door. The two versions are identical in overall length and width; however, the five-door has a 1.18 inch higher roofline. Every Range Rover Evoque destined for the United States will be equipped with all-wheel-drive and will feature a 240-horsepower, turbocharged, direct fuel injected, four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The Range Rover Evoque will be manufactured at Land Rover's multi-award winning Halewood plant 

in the United Kingdom. It will go on sale in over 160 markets worldwide, with North American deliveries currently scheduled to begin in fall 2011.

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JAGUAR C-X75

JAGUAR TO BUILD C-X75 HYBRID SUPERCAR

• Jaguar to launch C-X75 as a hybrid supercar

• Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions

• Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive

- 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds

- 0-100mph in less than 6 seconds

- Top speed in excess of 200mph

• All-electric running range in excess of 50km

• True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fibre chassis

• Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK

• Direct technology transfer from top-level motorsport

• Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes

• Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built

Jaguar can today confirm that it will launch the remarkable C-X75 concept car as an exclusive hybrid supercar.

Jaguar C-X75 will become the British marque’s most advanced model to date. It will offer performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running. Jaguar expects this hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions of less than 99g/km while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.

“People expect Jaguar to be innovators - that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”

Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation. This high-performance hybrid supercar will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.

“We were always determined that the Jaguar C-X75 would be as striking on the road as it was in concept form,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars. “This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful.”

In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.

“Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover’s continued determination to embrace new technologies,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth. “A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance.”

It also marks a new milestone in both company’s histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world’s highest performance and environmentally sustainable supercars. The production of Jaguar C-X75 will create more than one hundred highly-skilled jobs in the UK.

A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is key to C-X75’s success. The supercar’s chassis will be made of carbon-fibre to create an incredibly lightweight, yet rigidly strong structure.

Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain. Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguars of the future.

To bring Project C-X75 to showroom reality within the timescales of a conventional model programme, an equally innovative powertrain had to be developed. The road-going supercar will use a state-of-the-art, small-capacity, highly-boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle.

“The engine’s compact size allows it to be mounted low in the car for optimum weight distribution and to retain the concept’s stunning silhouette. This will make the Jaguar C-X75 a bona fide hybrid supercar capable of silent electric running with an extensive EV range in excess of 50km,” explained Bob Joyce, Group Engineering Director, Jaguar Land Rover.

When C-X75’s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.

Williams F1 has been at the forefront of motorsport engineering for three decades. The project engagement on Jaguar C-X75 is testament to the team’s ambitions and will bring together two leading lights of the UK motoring industry.

“Our new association with Jaguar Land Rover provides us with an exciting opportunity to work with one of the motoring world’s most famous and iconic brands,” said Sir Frank Williams, Chairman of Williams F1. “Williams has always considered itself an engineering company and so this project will allow us to combine our technical expertise to create something truly exceptional.”

Jaguar C-X75 will redefine the customer experience, and will set new standards in sales and after-sales services that will be recreated across the range in the future. Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between £700,000 - £900,000 depending on market and local taxes.

“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle programme,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the C-X75 can become reality.”

From today Jaguar will be taking expressions of interest via its website www.jaguar.com or via its dedicated C-X75 contact service on the following numbers:

If you're interested in this new exciting model please contact our sales teams at Ashford or Canterbury.

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