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.

Frankfurt heralds the World Premiere of the new Global Infinti Q30, Interior shots have been included.

• Q30 – The first global Infiniti compact
• Q30 interior design echoes daring expression of exterior
• World premiere 10:15am, September 15^th at Frankfurt IAA

The world première of the first ever Infiniti Q30 premium active compact is scheduled at this year’s International Motor Show at Frankfurt.

The uniquely expressive exterior of the new Q30 creates a visual dynamism for the newest premium compact in the segment. In similar fashion, the interior of the Q30 takes the expressive forms and curves and turns them into an individuality that embraces the driver and passengers.

Infiniti interior designers have selected highest quality materials and processes to create a premium modern ambiance. One tactile detail is the Dinamica suede-like material from Italy. 

Used increasingly in the high-fashion industry, it now lines the roof and support pillars of the Q30 cabin.

Driver and passenger seating have been constructed for enhanced comfort and support with an elevated hip-point, aiding the in-control sense that combines well with Q30’s sharp dynamics on city streets or country roads.

“Q30’s sculpted exterior and asymmetric cabin design are unmistakably Infiniti,” says President of Infiniti, Roland Krueger. “With the Q30, we are entering a new segment for Infiniti and broadening the offer to our customers. This vehicle is a vital part of our strategy to be a top tier global manufacturer of premium cars.”

The Infiniti Q30 will be officially unveiled at Infiniti’s press conference in Frankfurt at 10:15am CET on September 15^th.

WORLDWIDE SALES JUNE - INFINITI - More record breaking results from the Luxury Nissan brand.

• Record-breaking streak continued globally and in many key markets
• Continued its growth plan to build a global premium brand
• Strong product lineup at the core of the sales growth

Infiniti sold a record 103,500 new vehicles around the world in the first half of 2015, up 13% over the same period last year. On the back of a best-ever sales performance in 2014, Infiniti delivered another all-time-high result and for the first time sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the first six months. 

The brand also set records in China, Asia & Oceania, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), as well as many key individual markets including Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia.

Infiniti also achieved its best global June salesin its history by delivering more than 16,800 vehicles around the world, representing an increase of about 2,500 vehicles or 17% versus June 2014. In fact, from September 2014 to June 2015, Infiniti has been on a streak of 10 consecutive best individual months on record.

“Infiniti has been building a lot of momentum setting numerous global sales records in the past two years,” said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited. “This would not be possible without the trust and support from our dealer partners and our customers. We will continue to makestrong progress towards our goal of becoming an established tier one global premium brand.”

In the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America), Infiniti delivered more than 70,700 vehicles in the first half of 2015, an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year. In the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) that was released in June, Infiniti improved to fifth place overall (from its 23rd rank in 2014), making it the largest rank improvement of any brand.

In China, Infiniti’s second largest single market, the company reached an all-time half-year record. From January to June, Infiniti sold more than 18,900 vehicles in China, an increase of 36% year on year. The past month also marked the best June in Infiniti China’s history, with sales of more than 3,300 vehicles and a 33% increase from 2014. Infiniti significantly outperformed the overall automotive market in China which has slowed down considerably.

In the highly competitive EMEA region, Infiniti sold almost 11,200 vehicles, representing an increase of 7% and marking an all-time record for the first half of the year.  Infiniti also achieved its best half-year result in Asia & Oceania. The company sold more than 2,600 vehicles in the region, up 26% over the same period last year.

The sales growth has been spurred by a strong product offering led by the new Q50 sports saloon. Beyond Q50, Infiniti laid out plans to further expand its portfolio based on the much acclaimed concept cars that had been introduced during the last two years: Q30 Concept, Q60 Concept and QX30 Concept. The Q30 production version will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September this year. The car will go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year with other markets following shortly after. Q30 will mark Infiniti’s first-ever entry into the compact segment.

Along with the expanded product portfolio, Infiniti is also growing its manufacturing footprint and dealer network. In 2014, Infiniti began vehicle production in Xiangyang, China and engine production at the Infiniti Powertrain Plant in Decherd, Tennessee, in the U.S. Later this year it will begin manufacturing the Q30 in Sunderland, U.K. The brand has also grown its dealer network by about 9% in 2014 to 490 globally and continues the expansion aggressively around the world.

“Infiniti has established a strong foundation in the first half of 2015. We enter the second half with great confidence. With powerfuldesign and state-of-the-art technology, Infiniti has an excellent offering for our customers. We are well positioned to carry forward our current momentum,” said Krueger.

Detroit Electric to showcase new Lotus, oops I mean SP:01 with UK production facilities (Hethel anyone ?)

• Limited-edition SP:01 two-seat, 100% electric sports car to be launched in Europe and Asia in fourth quarter this year and soon followed by the US introduction.
• New sports car showcases class-leading electric vehicle powertrain technologies
• Family of high-performance EVs to follow from Detroit Electric brand
• Production to commence at new facility in heartland of UK’s high tech auto industry
• New EMEA headquarters in Houten, Netherlands

Detroit Electric, one of the most prolific manufacturers of electric cars in the early 20^thCentury, is back with an all-new, pure electric sportscar, a new production facility and a highly-experienced new team that will develop a range of high-performance pure EVs.

The brand’s first product, the lightweight, limited-edition SP:01 sportscar, will be the world’s fastest production electric vehicle when it goes on sale in European and Asian markets later this year and soon followed by the US introduction.

Detroit Electric has secured additional investment following an initial reveal of the SP:01 in the first quarter of last year. The car has since undergone extensive further development, heralding significant changes to enhance its aerodynamic performance and improve interior comfort and quality. The EV is currently undergoing engineering sign-off tests, and the final styling of the car will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The SP:01 will set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment. Its high-power electric motor will propel the car to an impressive 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

All the cars will be manufactured in a new, dedicated Detroit Electric production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, which will progressively increase staff levels to 80 by the end of the first quarter of 2015.

Detroit Electric has also invested in a new EMEA headquarters, located in Houten, Netherlands, where the company has already recruited a new team to manage the brand’s Sales and Marketing activities including vehicle sales, customer service and marketing.

The company has its global headquarters on the 18^th floor of the iconic Fisher Building, located in downtown Detroit, USA. This facility will be the company’s financial headquarters and will be the centre for overseeing sales activities in North and South America, and eventually assuming responsibility for developing, engineering and ultimately assembling new Detroit Electric models.

Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric, said: “We’re truly delighted that we’re just weeks away from bringing to fruition our plans to introduce Detroit Electric’s first pure electric sports car. With a new production facility in the UK, a magnificent EMEA headquarters in The Netherlands and plans to engineer and assemble vehicles in the USA, the world will soon be able to experience the pure electric performance of our range of exciting and innovative Detroit Electric vehicles.

“While Detroit was our preferred initial assembly location, the regulatory process for the production and sale of the SP:01 in the US has taken longer then expected,” he added. “That means the assembly operations have to be located in Europe to allow us to bring the vehicle to market globally in line with our timing plans. We’re growing our team at the company’s headquarters in Detroit and we are committed to bringing investment and jobs to the Detroit economic area in the very near future.”

The SP:01 will spearhead a diverse family of all-electric production cars, including an electric 2+2 supercar and a sedan model that will be engineered, developed and assembled at  a planned facility in Michigan.

“We are custodians of an iconic electric vehicle brand, and we intend to honour and carry forward its proud heritage of creating cutting-edge, innovative transport technologies,” Lam continued. “We will come to the market with a range of exciting vehicles that will deliver thrilling pure electric performance with zero emissions. Our production base and new regional and global headquarters will give us the international reach we need to fast-track our growth. We have a fantastic, growing team of people, as well as the resources and expertise necessary to succeed in a competitive market.”

Early in the last century, Detroit Electric led the fledgling electric car market. By 1912, there were numerous American electric vehicle makers, with Detroit Electric both the market leader and the most prolific, going on to make around 13,000 cars – an electric vehicle production world record for the twentieth century. Notable customers included Thomas Edison, Mamie Eisenhower, John D. Rockerfeller Jr. and Clara Ford, the wife of Henry Ford.

The brand was revived in 2008 by Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

To safeguard its sustainable growth, Detroit Electric employs an ‘asset light’business model, similar to brands such as Apple and Nike, focusing investment on R&D and marketing. Lam, brings to Detroit Electric various operational disciplines from his time heading up technology and innovation-driven businesses in Asia, including Apple and Sun Microsystems.