British International Motor Show 2008 Bulletin: 24 July 2008
July 25, 2008 – 5:08 am by Ivan Chong
The British International Motor Show 2008 today highlights the following:
- Chevrolet paints with models
- Variety still in vogue
- High iQ interest at Toyota
- Saab to crossover to new markets
- a2om announce partnership with Volvo.
- Top Gear at the Motor Show
Minister’s message – Britain’s carmakers are world beaters
Claims that the UK is no longer a major auto manufacturing nation have been rubbished by Lord Digby Jones. Delivering the first BENgold lecture ‘The Automotive Industry in the UK Economy’ on the Jaguar/Land Rover stand, the minister for trade and industry argued that Britain should be proud of its motor industry.
“Last year, 1.5 million cars were made in Britain and we exported 77% of them,” said Lord Jones. “Six out of the top ten motor manufacturers make cars in the UK, while 19 of the top 20 component manufacturers make parts in the UK. Our automotive manufacturing capability employs 160,000 people, and another 200,000 are employed in the component supply industry.”
Lord Jones added that Britain is particularly renowned for its capability at the top of the market, and told how on a recent business trip to lorSaudi Arabia, the first five cars he saw were a Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Bentley and MINI, all made in Britain. He said; “Jaguar has orders for the XF three years in advance and Aston Martin’s ’09 allocation for Moscow was sold almost immediately. The most productive car plant in Europe, and second in the world, is Nissan at Sunderland. We make fabulous, wonderful cars in this country.”
2 Responses to “British International Motor Show 2008 Bulletin: 24 July 2008”
It would be so nice if i can purchase an electric car in Malaysia.
By Ivan on Jul 26, 2008
Yes, then it will be greener in Malaysia.
By garycool on Jul 27, 2008