Nissan Motor Company and UBER collaborate with the addition of 20 LEAF vehicles added to the Car Hailing fleet.

• 20 all-electric Nissan LEAFs supplied for trial with car hailing service Uber
• Run in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust, study will look into feasibility of running electric private hire vehicles in the UK
• First time fully electric vehicles have been available in the UK via the Uber app

Nissan is working with the car hailing service Uber as it embarks on a new, major electric vehicle (EV) project as part of its commitment to tackling air pollution in London and across the UK.

The carmaker has supplied a fleet of 20 all-electric Nissan LEAFs to Uber for use as part of an extensive EV trial in the capital that gets underway today. It is the first time pure EVs have been available for hire through the Uber app in London.

Gareth Dunsmore, Head of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe, said: ‘We are delighted to be working closely with Uber on what is a very exciting project that could ultimately lead to major improvements in air quality in London and across the UK.

‘We are confident this trial will prove a success and that Uber will join scores of taxi and private hire operators across the UK and wider Europe in recognising the financial and environmental benefits of Nissan’s market-leading electric vehicles.

‘With the impact of poor air quality remaining a cause for concern, the trial could prove to be a pivotal moment for tackling the challenges in London.’

Run in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust (EST), the study will look into the feasibility of running large numbers of electric private hire vehicles in the UK.

The EST will research the experience, driving patterns and economics of private hire drivers using electric cars and the capacity of London’s current network of charging points to support these vehicles.

Already 60 percent of Uber journeys in London are made in hybrid vehicles, but the company is keen to explore the environmental and economic benefits of going fully electric ahead of the introduction of the capital’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone in 2020.

Nissan forged the EV market in 2010 with the launch of the first generation Nissan LEAF. Fast forward to 2016 and it remains the world’s best-selling EV with more than 230,000 on the road globally. With a focus on bringing Intelligent Mobility solutions to the masses, Nissan recently introduced a new 30 kWh battery model that delivers 26 percent more range versus the previous generation model, and up to 155 miles of driving range on a single charge*.

With running costs as low as two pence per mile*, the Nissan LEAF and the larger Nissan e-NV200 Combi have already proved their worth as taxis and private hire vehicles. In fact, hundreds are now in operation in towns and cities, having clocked up tens of thousands of fares and more than three million pure EV miles.

Jo Bertram, Regional General Manager of Uber in the UK, said: ‘People already associate Uber with hybrid cars, but we now want to go a big step further with fully electric cars on the road from today.

‘We are determined to use technology to help tackle the challenge of air pollution in London and across the UK. Our car-sharing service has already saved 1.2 million miles and 211 metric tonnes of CO₂. With electric vehicles - and more people sharing their journey and leaving their own cars at home - there's even more we can do.’

Portfolio Executive Cars replaces it's entire fleet of Mercs with jaguars XF and Luxury XJ 2016 Model Year cars.

• Jaguar announces major chauffeur deal with Portfolio Executive amid wider success for Jaguar models in the fleet sector
• Portfolio Executive has ordered 18 all-new Jaguar XF and 2 new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year, replacing Portfolio’s fleet of Mercedes-Benz models

Jaguar is pleased to announce that Portfolio Executive will be replacing its entire fleet of chauffeur cars with Jaguar models, underlining Jaguar’s business market success this year and its status as a major player in the luxury private hire sector.

Portfolio Executive has taken delivery of 18 all-new Jaguar XF and 2 new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year. With this deal, Portfolio Executive’s entire Mercedes-Benz fleet will have been replaced with Jaguar models.

The all-new Jaguar XF brings an unrivalled blend of design, luxury, connected-technology and efficiency to the chauffeur market, underpinned with supreme levels of ride comfort, refinement and segment-leading rear seat space. Additionally CO₂ emissions from 104g/km, and up to 70.6 mpg (combined) help to deliver best-in-class residual values, insurance costs and total cost of ownership figures.

The new Jaguar XJ 2016 Model Year is perfect for Portfolio Executive’s most discerning customers. It features an uprated 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, with CO₂ emissions reduced by 6 per cent to 149g/km, compared with the previous XJ. 

It also has a suite of hi-tech features, including 360 Degree Park Distance Control and InControl Remote Premium, allowing owners to access the car through their smartphone for features such as cabin pre-warming.

Portfolio Executive Chairman, Peter Buchanan, said: "Portfolio is delighted to be working with Jaguar, changing our fleet of executive cars to all-new Jaguar XF and XJ LWB models. 

With both cars at the cutting edge in terms of safety, comfort and connected technology, we’re really excited about how they will benefit our clients. Furthermore the cars strike a great balance of understated luxury and style which – combined with our highly professional drivers – will provide Portfolio’s highly valued clients with a service they’ll enjoy. 

As a rapidly growing company we look forward to a long and successful relationship with Jaguar Land Rover as we build our fleet of cars."

Chris Newitt, Sales Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Portfolio Executive has chosen to update their range with the latest Jaguar models. It is testament to Jaguar’s new model line-up – which features cars that have style, luxury and low running costs in equal measure – that we’re ticking every box for our business customers.”

Limited Edition Caterham Superlight launched to celebrate 20 years of Seven Superlight models in 2016.

• Limited run of 1.6-litre ‘Superlight Twenty’ to celebrate raucous 1996 original
• Original Superlight became the template for a generation of Sevens
• New Superlight Twenty SE gets 135bhp, 6-speed gearbox, LSD and carbon fibre components  

Caterham has revived the spirit of one of its most illustrious Sevens - the boisterous 1.6-litre Seven Superlight – with the launch of a new special edition model.

Just 20 of the special edition cars – launched at the Goodwood Revival recently, ahead of the 20^th anniversary of the original Superlight in 1996 – will be built.

The original Superlight’s production run ceased in 2004, but it heralded a new era of purposeful, track-biased Sevens designed to offer even more performance and low weight at a pared down price point.

Despite its ultra-minimalist character – even for a Seven – the Superlight went on to become one of Caterham’s most coveted models, selling some 200 examples while in production.

Priced at £29,995*, and sporting a similarly extreme spec sheet to that of the original, the Superlight Twenty receives a 135bhp 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, 6-speed close ratio gearbox, ‘Sport’ suspension pack, lightweight flywheel and a limited slip differential.

The bodywork benefits from numerous carbon fibre components, including its cycle wings, rear wings, nose and minimalist aero screen. The body is finished in bare aluminium, as per the original Superlight, which saves six kilograms further contributing to the ultra-lightweight approach.

The new vehicle also gets a numbered dash plaque, unique gauges, key and a gear knob bearing the ‘Superlight Twenty’ motif and is equipped with a titanium coloured chassis, carbon interior panels and specially-embroidered carbon sports seats found only on Caterham’s flagship model; the Seven 620 R.

The special edition is only available as a Series 3 chassis with a limited list of options; in keeping with the minimalistic theme of the model. Just paint, weather equipment and a heater are available.

Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “When Caterham created the original Superlight, it was a big hit. We sold every one we built and it inspired the development of future models.

“As well all the five-star reviews and animated feedback from customers for its driver appeal and roisterous character, it always represented excellent value by being a genuinely accessible performance car bargain – which is why we’ve tried to recreate that magic by celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its launch.”    

By no means the fastest Seven produced to date – the new model will hit 60mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 122mph – it is however one of the most visceral performance models Caterham has built since the original. Every Seven meets slightly different driver demands, but perhaps more than any other in the range, the Superlight Twenty epitomises Colin Chapman’s fundamental principles of performance through light weight. 

Macdonald continued: “Those unable to buy one first time around now have the opportunity to snap up one of a limited run of vehicles – it’s not an exact replica of the original but it’s most definitely cut from the same cloth and we know customers will love it for all the same reasons.”

The order book for the Superlight Twenty opens immediately, priced at £29,995*

UK RECALL #9 - Kia recalls 20 units from the SOUL range for possible steering rack failure.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2014/093
Manufacturer Ref :	141032
Make:	KIA
Model :	Soul (PS)
Launch Date :	22/08/2014
Numbers Involved :	20
Build Start Date :	10/12/2013
Build End Date :	21/12/2013

Recall Details
Concern :	STEERING RACK MAY FAIL
Description :	Noise emanating from steering gearbox when turning steering wheel. This can cause premature wear eventually leading to failure
Remedial Action :	Recall affected vehicles and replace the steering gear box pinion plug, bolt and dust cap assembly with new ones
Vehicle Id :	KNAJP812LF7034695 to KNAJP816MF7709039

Scottish Dealer becomes Top sales retailer for Dacia UK.

• Top-selling UK Dacia dealer, Ness Motors Inverness, reaches 1,000 Dacia sales
• 1,000^th Dacia is the third Dacia model sold to the Brotherston family from the Scottish Highlands
• £1,000 celebratory reward donated by customer to Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes
• Dealership celebrates by launching exclusive Special Edition Duster Mie – packed with extra specification and limited to just 20 units

Ness Motors Inverness have just sold their one thousandth Dacia – making them the leading Dacia dealership in the UK – to the Brotherston family from the Scottish Highlands.  Upon taking collection of their new Dacia Sandero Stepway Linda and John Brotherston were presented with a celebratory bottle of Champagne and £1,000 cheque to donate to a charity of their choice – Help for Heroes – by Renault UK Marketing Director, Mihai Bordeanu. 

A family who clearly favour “function over frivolity” when buying cars, this was the third Dacia for the Brotherston family – this new Sandero Stepway for their daughter joins the existing Duster and Sandero Stepway that are driven by Linda and John.

The big occasion also doubled-up as the official launch of the special edition Dacia Duster Mie, packed with extra specifications, and exclusive to Ness Motors, with only 20 units made.

It is currently milestone after milestone for the darling of the European car market, as last month Dacia handed over its 25,000^th model sold in the UK just 18 months after crossing the channel.  But it seems to be north of the border where customers have really taken the Romanian brand to heart, with Ness Motors officially leading the way. The group which operates three Dacia dealerships – Inverness, Elgin and Perth – said it now shifts one in every 25 Dacias sold in the UK.

Scott Lauder, Chairman, Ness Motors Inverness, said: “They do everything they want in a car but cost a lot less than other options. They like the straightforward approach of function over frivolity.

“As both Linda and John will be retiring soon both the Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero Stepway provide them with the right cost of motoring. The fact it is a Renault engine under the hood provides additional peace of mind.”

Linda and ex-serviceman John first saw Dacia’s “shockingly affordable” TV advertising campaign and were immediately attracted by the cost of buying and running the award-winning range, with John clocking up fuel-costly distances on 210-mile round-trips from home in Watten to Inverness and on driving holidays in France. Once they went Dacia, and saved considerably on fuel and insurance running costs, they have never looked back.

Lauder added: “Living in the north of Scotland, winter weather can be unpredictable so the 4x4 Duster provides peace of mind. They were so impressed by the quality that they decided the Sandero Stepway would make an ideal second car, and also the right choice for a new car for their daughter.”

Renault’s value offshoot is famed for its shockingly affordable, high-quality cars. Its four-model range of Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan MCV and Duster kicks off at just £5,995. All the latest information on Dacia’s multi-award-wining line-up is available at www.dacia.co.uk and on twitter @daciauk.

For more information on Ness Motors and to enquire about the limited edition Duster Mie, which comes with 16-inch ‘Yuman’ alloy wheels, leather interior, metallic ‘Caspian Blue’ paint, integrated DAB radio, satellite navigation and rear parking sensors, and starts at £17,995, visit www.nessmotors.com.