Nissan celebrates 30 years of UK production as they announce production figures from the UK.

• Nissan UK production above 500,000 vehicles in 30^th anniversary year
• New records for all-electric LEAF and 2^nd generation Qashqai
• New export routes launched from Sunderland to USA and China

Nissan recorded a significant 30^th anniversary in the UK in 2016, with output of more than 500,000 vehicles, cementing its position as the largest British car plant in history, and major investments pointing the way to further growth.

Production in Sunderland of 507,430 vehicles last year was the second highest total in the plant’s history. Highlights included record volumes of the all-electric LEAF and the 2^nd generation Qashqai, with the original crossover now made on both production lines for the first time.

And 2017 is set to be another big year for Nissan in Sunderland. Total volume at the plant is now approaching 9m since the first car rolled off the line in 1986. 

Other milestones on the horizon include the launch of a refreshed Qashqai, and the introduction of Autonomous Drive technology.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan Divisional Vice President, European Manufacturing, said: “Since the birth of our factory three decades ago, North East England has become one of the major international automotive centres. 

Britain is now home to Nissan’s best-selling and most technologically-advanced models in Europe, covering our market-leading crossover range, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle and two premium models for global export.

“This has been achieved through hard work, innovative thinking, ingenuity and strong partnerships with forward-thinking local companies. 

With future models secured and new facilities in development, congratulations to all of my colleagues in Sunderland and across the UK on another great year.”

Following the start of production of the Infiniti Q30 in late 2015, a second Infiniti model, the QX30, went into production for global markets in 2016 – which also represented the first time vehicles have been exported from Sunderland to the USA and China.

Other highlights in 2016 included the installation of 19,000 new solar panels alongside the plant’s existing 10 wind turbines, taking the contribution of renewables to 7% of the plant’s total electricity requirements.

Last year also saw the number of children to have taken part in the Nissan Skills Foundation go past 18,000, covering workshops, competitions and practical activities which use motorsports, electric vehicles and Nissan’s manufacturing prowess to inspire the engineers and manufacturers of the future.

Looking ahead, new facilities under development at the company’s Sunderland plant include a new £37m Extra Large Press line, due to start production in the coming weeks. Other investment announced in 2016 includes the £22m Qashqai capacity expansion and £26.5m in manufacturing a future generation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the UK.

In addition to the company’s £3bn annual injection into the British economy through suppliers, services and wages, £650m ongoing investment in new facilities and future models in Sunderland will take the total capital investment by Nissan in the plant since it opened to beyond £4bn.

Nissan’s continuing investment in the UK has been supported by several previously announced UK Government grants for innovation and energy efficiency projects, including future-generation EV batteries (£7.1m).

Employment in Nissan’s UK design studio (Paddington, London), technical centre (Cranfield Bedfordshire), manufacturing plant (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear) and sales and marketing operations (Maple Cross, Hertfordshire) now totals more than 8,000. A further 28,000 jobs in Nissan’s UK supply chain and 4,000 in its UK dealer network takes the total British jobs supported by Nissan to more than 40,000.

New models on the horizon for Sunderland include three next-generation crossover models, building on Nissan’s leadership in the segment. Not only have the future Juke and Qashqai been secured for UK production, but an additional model, the X-Trail, will in future be made in the UK for the first time.

Having played a crucial role in the development of the current models, the teams in Nissan’s European Design Centre in Paddington, London and European Technical Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, will be instrumentally involved in the development of these new pioneering crossovers.

The first generation changed the motoring world, now 30 years later, BMW launches the 30th anniversary M3 model.

With the launch of the first generation of the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH, operating under the name BMW Motorsport GmbH at that time, revolutionized the sports car as it was built first and foremost for performance. The original M3 was developed as a homologation special to enter the World, European and German Touring Championship (DTM) racing. 

It was very successful in its time and is still considered as one of the purest high performance street legal sports coupes. To mark the 30th anniversary of this automotive icon, 500 “30 Jahre M3” (30 Years M3) special editions will be produced, of which 150 units will reach U.S. shores.

The limited edition is available with a manual transmission for $83,250 plus Destination and Handling or with Dual-Clutch transmission for $86,150 plus Destination and Handling.

A legendary color Macao Blue metallic for an exclusive model. As a tribute to the first generation of the BMW M3, the anniversary edition “30 Jahre M3” is built in the exclusive BMW Individual exterior color Macao Blue metallic, which once celebrated its premiere in Europe as an option for the last and most powerful version of the first generation of the Sport Evo BMW M3. 

Combining the uncompromising driving dynamics of the Competition Package with unique exclusivity of stylish details from BMW Individual, the limited edition also features BMW Individual Full Merino Leather in bi-color Black/Fjord Blue with color-matching contrast seams. 

BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line with enhanced features such as the kidney frame, rear M3 designation and Sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes highlight the model’s sporty but elegant stance on the road.

“30 Jahre M3 1/500” badging.

Highlighting the unique and limited production, special “30 Jahre M3” logos embellish the interior. 

Exclusively designed M gills bear the logo as well as the doorsill finishers, interior trim finishers in carbon fiber with Black Chrome accents and the embroidered front headrests. Additionally, M sports seats with woven-in BMW M stripes enhance the sporty interior ambience. 

Performance meets power.

The Limited Edition comprises an increase in engine output by 19 hp to 444 hp and 406 lb-ft. Also included in the Competition Package is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been comprehensively aligned to the increased performance. 

Optimized features also include new springs, dampers and stabilizers, modified characteristic curves of the three modes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ as well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on the rear axle and new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) feature settings. 

Moreover, the Competition Package of this special edition model includes 20-inch forged Light Alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed Performance Tires (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in performance. The BMW M3 “30 Jahre M3” with optional 7-speed M double clutch transmission sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and 4.0 seconds with manual transmission.

U.S. market models only.

All 150 U.S. models will be equipped with the Driver Assistance Plus Package which includes safety features such as Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Driving Assistance, Side and Top View Cameras and Speed Limit Information. 

Additional equipment includes the Executive Package, which includes Head-up Display and provides additional comfort with the Heated Steering Wheel, Rear View Camera, Heated Rear Seats, Park Distance Control, Wireless Charging. Also included are Adaptive Full LED lights and Automatic High beams.

The BMW “30 Jahre M3” Limited Special Edition “will be available at selected dealers beginning in August, 2016.

A number of Nissan Bluebird owners return to the plant that built their cars 30 years ago to celebrate the milestone.

• Bluebird Car Club bring their cars back to Nissan’s UK plant
• Dozens of UK car enthusiasts witness Nissan innovation in action
• Visit marks Nissan’s 30^th anniversary in the UK

Thirty years after the first Bluebird rolled off the production line, Nissan fans brought their beloved cars back to the factory to see where it all began.

The 30 enthusiasts, members of the UK’s Bluebird Car Club, enjoyed a VIP visit to Nissan Sunderland Plant, meeting the employees who built their cars and viewing Nissan’s modern manufacturing operations first-hand.

Part of this year’s celebrations marking Nissan’s 30^th anniversary in the UK, the club invited members from across the country to go ‘Back to the Future’ and see how car production has changed since their Bluebirds were made.

Bluebirds of all shapes and colours arrived from as far as Cardiff, 310 miles away, to take part in a special tour of Nissan’s record-breaking manufacturing facilities, joined by long-serving staff who shared stories from the vehicle’s years in production in Sunderland.

Matt Welch, who drove his 1988 Bluebird 1.8 GS hatchback from Newark, Nottinghamshire, said:

“When I was a kid, everybody’s dad had a Bluebird. I’ve always loved these cars because of their retro shape, and growing up, my dream was to own one. A year ago, when I saw this perfectly preserved model on eBay, I went cold. Then I knew, this was the car I’d always wanted. I love it, it’s delicious; I get such a kick out of owning it. We have two other Nissans, however this is our favourite car which we take to shows and special events.”

He continued:

“Coming to the plant where my favourite car was built was a fantastic opportunity. I’ve been around many factory tours, but Nissan was a special one, as I got to come here in a car that I love, a car that’s so over engineered that even after 28 years of being on the road, it’s still as exciting to drive as it was when it was new.”

Ian Marshall, who travelled from Cardiff in his 1989 Bluebird 2.0 Executive, said:

“I've owned 11 Nissans over the last 13 years, six of which were Bluebirds. I’ve owned two GS, a ZX Turbo, a Turbo Executive, a GSXI, as well as an example of the 2.0 Executive version which I managed to find eight years ago.

“I’ve had this Bluebird T72 model for eight years; it's a fantastic car and in a world where most cars have a round shape to them, a vehicle like this really stands out. Aside from its looks, the Bluebird is also incredibly reliable, very well specified. Nissan really went to town on the quality of these cars and really proved how well their cars are built. Everything's to a really high standard and still works in this vehicle; the electric windows, sunroof, everything still works. I’ve also seen models that haven’t been looked after at all and despite that, they just keep running and running.”

Launched in 1986, the Nissan Bluebird 2.0 SGX was the first model to roll off the line at the Sunderland Plant. In 1990, almost 200,000 cars later, Bluebird production was ceased.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, said:  “There are some real classics on the road today which we have built in Sunderland and which our customers have taken to their hearts.

“Bluebird is a great example of this. It was the car that started our journey here in Sunderland and it’s always a pleasure to meet customers who share our passion for Nissan vehicles.

“Visits like this are a great reminder of how far technology has moved on in the 30 years we have been making cars in the UK. We used to marvel at things such as electric windows and central locking in these cars, and now we’re gearing up for the launch of a Nissan Qashqai equipped with piloted drive technology.”

The Sunderland Plant has grown to be the largest UK car plant of all time, supporting nearly 40,000 UK jobs and manufacturing one in three of all cars made in Britain.

This year, the Nissan Qashqai overtook the Micra as Nissan’s highest-volume car built in Europe, reaching 2.37m units.

In March, the plant also announced that the refreshed Nissan Qashqai crossover, available from 2017, will be the first vehicle in Europe to feature piloted drive technology.

BMW M celebrates the 30th anniversary of its benchmark-setting high-performance sports car.

• BMW M celebrates the 30th anniversary of its benchmark-setting high-performance sports car
• Limited to the UK with only 30 cars available
• On sale from Summer 2016 and priced £82,675 OTR

With the launch of the first generation of the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH revolutionised the sporty mid-range segment and since then BMW M has continuously refined its automotive icon across five model generations. To mark the 30th anniversary of this automotive icon this summer, BMW M is launching the exclusive special BMW M3 30 Jahre Special Edition, which is limited in the UK to only 30 cars.

The BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition builds on the Competition Package which is available for the BMW M3. 

The Competition Package comprises an increase in engine output by 19hp to 450hp and a combined fuel consumption of 34mpg with 194 g/km CO2 emissions. Also included on this model is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been comprehensively aligned to the increased performance. 

Optimised features also include new springs, dampers and stabilisers, modified characteristic curves of the three modes COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ as well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on the rear axle and Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC).

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
M3 30 Jahre Edition	450	550	4.0	155*	34.0	194

* Electronically limited

Moreover, the edition model includes forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed tyres (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in dynamic performance, which is not least also reflected in enhanced acceleration. The BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition with the 7-speed M DCT gearbox sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the series production model.

However, the changes on this car are not just technical, the special-edition M3 has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts a more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard siblings.

The striking BMW Individual Frozen Silver metallic paint accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the BMW M3 and in terms of exterior design, it also includes the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with enhanced features, including a black chrome tailpipe trim for the M sports exhaust system as well as a variety of carbon fibre additions. These include a carbon fibre front splitter and trims, mirror caps, rear diffuser and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

The edition model also features exclusively designed M gills in the front wings bearing the logo “M3 30 Jahre”.

Sporty, functional interior with an exceptionally high-class ambience.

Both the driver and front passenger in the M3 30 Jahre Edition can settle into the specific BMW M sports seats with a skeletal design that combine perfect support with distinct travel comfort over long-distances. 

Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M strips also enhance the sporty interior ambience. Other additions include the BMW M Performance Alcantara Steering wheel and the BMW M Performance Alcantara Gear Selector trim and surround.

The logo “M3 30 Jahre” on the front doorsills reminds owners of the BMW M icon’s unique history. The wording “30 Jahre M3 1/30” on the carbon fibre interior trim of the instrument panel and stitching on the front headrests gives indication of the exclusiveness of the BMW 30 Jahre M3.

The BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition features an exclusive full leather Merino trim in bicolour Black/Fjord Blue with colour-matching contrast seams that effectively underscore the anniversary model’s sporty and sophisticated character.

This special edition model features a high standard specification including harman/kardon surround-sound system with a total of 16 speakers. 

In addition to the exclusive content this car it also features as standard such equipment as Adaptive LED Headlights, BMW M Carbon Ceramic braking system, BMW M Head-up display, BMW M Double-Clutch Transmission, Comfort Access, Surround View, Comfort Access, Advanced Parking Pack, Extended Storage and a Speed Limit Display.

Priced at £82,675 OTR, the BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition goes on sale in Summer 2016, this being exactly 30 years after the signing of the first contract for the purchase of a BMW M3 – the original version of the car having made its debut at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Jaguar Land Rover Challenge Celebrates it's 30th Anniversary with a weekend of outdoor challenges.

• 600 Jaguar Land Rover employees and suppliers participate in 30^th Outdoor Team Challenge in Llangollen, Wales
• A team  of  former graduates won the Challenge Trophy after running 37 miles, a greater distance than an ultra-marathon, in just 11 hours
• Polar explorer and Land Rover ambassador Ben Saunders gave an inspirational talk about his record-breaking South Pole expedition
• More than 10,500 employees have participated in the challenge since it was established in 1985

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s largest automotive employer, is celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the UK’s largest and longest running corporate challenge. The Jaguar Land Rover Challenge is an outdoor team challenge weekend for teams of employees who set up camp then participate in a full day of walking and team activities the next day. The highest scoring team wins the ‘Golden Boot’ trophy.

This year’s event was based in the Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, which hosts the International Music Eisteddfod. The teams comprising 600 employees camped at the site overnight then started the Challenge early the next morning. Participants had 11 hours to cover various walking routes totalling 53km and activities including abseiling, mountain biking in Llandegla Forest, a canoe challenge in the Llangollen canal, a Land Rover Experience driving challenge and various problem-solving challenges.

Ken Gregor, Chief Financial Officer of Jaguar Land Rover, presented the awards on behalf of the Board.  Ken said, “The Jaguar Land Rover Challenge is a fantastic event with an incredible spirit of energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie.  I’ve participated in the Challenge five times and know what an enjoyable as well as physically demanding event it is.  The Challenge builds teamwork and friendships: it’s great to see colleagues taking on new challenges, pushing above and beyond their normal limits and supporting each other when the going gets tough.  

Our business is the ultimate team sport and our biggest asset is our people.  If we can harness this spirit of teamwork and energy, which has been truly impressive today, we can overcome any challenge Jaguar Land Rover faces.”

The Mighty, a team of engineers who have all completed the company’s two year graduate programme, won the 30th anniversary Challenge for a second consecutive year after running 37 miles and participating in a large number of activities during the competition. 

Team member Chris Bellamy explained, “We’re absolutely delighted to win the Challenge Golden Boot. We’ve all been friends since we started the graduate programme a few years ago and really enjoy taking part. We spent a lot of time planning our route, worked hard and were determined to keep pushing ourselves and also had some practice sessions to make sure we were in good shape. I think the Challenge a great event, you can get to know people outside the office, build friendships on shared experiences, improve your fitness and strengthen problem-solving and team-working skills whilst having fun.’

Les Ratcliffe, Head of Community Relations at Jaguar Land Rover explained, “We are delighted to be celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Jaguar Land Rover Challenge, which I’ve been involved with from its inception. We’ve seen the challenge grow from strength to strength over recent years with the support of our delivery partner Elan Valley Lodge to accommodate the growing demand from our workforce. 

This year, we have a diverse range of teams including apprentices and graduates, employees some of whom have competed for 25 years and various supplier teams. The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Elan Valley Lodge, organising committee, volunteer marshals, St. John’s Ambulance and the local communities where we base ourselves each year. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

Polar explorer Ben Saunders, who is a Land Rover brand ambassador, gave an inspirational talk to employees before the award ceremony after touring the key sites and meeting teams taking part in the event. Ben commented, “The 30th Anniversary Jaguar Land Rover Challenge - with 100 teams and 600 participants competing in deepest Wales - was an extraordinary testament to the brilliant people that bring Jaguar Land Rover’s class-leading vehicles to life. 

My toughest expeditions have taught me that the ability to rely on the people around you is a crucial factor in performing at the highest level, and this unique event demonstrated that teamwork, leadership, and the willingness to tackle challenges head-on is something that unites Jaguar Land Rover as a business."