The Groupe Renault Plant in Tangiers has just produced its 1,000,000th car in 5 years.

• The Tangier plant has produced its millionth vehicle, a Dacia Lodgy.
• The landmark figure is reached in just over five years following the plant’s inauguration in 2012.
• The design of this efficient and eco-friendly plant, which is unrivalled in the automotive industry, is based on two pillars: zero CO2 emissions and zero industrial effluent discharges.

Groupe Renault is proud to celebrate the production of the millionth vehicle at the Renault-Nissan plant in Tangier: a five-seat, Azurite Blue Dacia Lodgy powered by a diesel engine and sold to a customer in Turkey. 

In all, 474,840 Sanderos, 320,078 Dokkers and 193,181 Lodgys have been manufactured in Tangier since the plant’s inauguration in 2012. In addition to covering the Moroccan market, the models built at the factory are exported to more than 73 destinations.

The inauguration of the Tangier plant’s first production line in February 2012, in the presence of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI and Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Groupe Renault, and the launch of a second line in 2013, marked a turning point in Morocco’s automotive sector. Indeed, it was the birth of the biggest car manufacturing plant south of the Mediterranean.

Today, the plant operates in three eight-hour shifts per day, six days a week, with an annual production capacity of 340,000 vehicles. The Renault-Nissan Tangier plant, a main driver of the Moroccan economy, supports Dacia brand growth by exporting the majority of its production. Half of all Dacias are produced in Morocco at either the Tangier plant or at the SOMACA facility in Casablanca.

Groupe Renault implanted in Morocco since 1928 and is the number one manufacturer in the Moroccan market with its two brands, Dacia and Renault. Four vehicles out of 10 sold in Morocco are sold by the Groupe Renault. The Renault plant in Casablanca (SOMACA) has produced Renault models since 1966, and Dacia model since 2005.

As Groupe Renault’s first plant designed to generate zero CO2 emissions and zero industrial effluent discharges, Tangier continues to set an example in the automottive industry today.

A ‘CO2 emissions-free’ design based on two pillars:

• More than 90 percent of needs fulfilled by renewable energies, notably through an innovative biomass heating plant (100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved per year).
• Energy efficiency for optimised consumption performance (energy savings of 45 percent* in the paint shop).

The elimination of industrial effluent discharges through:

• 100 percent recycling of industrial wastewater. A true, closed-loop treatment plant that saves around 900 cubic metres of water per day.
• Controlled consumption of industrial water, through optimized processes. A saving of 70 percent compared to a conventional plant with equivalent capacity.

*Compared to the average across Groupe Renault plants

Irish Rugy ace opens latest MG Dealership as the new MG3 spyshots and MG GS facelift are available.

Irish rugby legend, Rory Best, officially opened the all-new MG showroom at Greg Mitchell Motors in Strabane on Friday, 26May 2017. A further expansion to the site, the new development will be used exclusively for retailing MG’s latest model line-up.

With special offers, test drive bookings and the chance to touch shoulders with one of Ireland’s rugby heroes, the Greg Mitchell Motors launch evening was a fantastic experience for sport fanatics and savvy motorists alike. Alongside a ribbon cutting ceremony, Rory organised rugby activities for local children, as well as talking about his championship-winning career and the Lions tour to New Zealand.

Greg Mitchell, owner of Greg Mitchell Motors, commented: “Expanding and joining the MG dealer network is a big step forward for the business. The honour of having Rory Best officially opening our new showroom was the icing on the cake. With an award-winning range of stylish cars, fitted with the latest vehicle technologies, MG has the perfect model for every driver. Fun, practical and affordable, you can get behind the wheel of a new MG without breaking the bank!”

Alongside highlighting the stylish MG3 Supermini and family-friendly MG GS SUV, the launch evening saw the Ulster and Ireland hooker showcase the all-new MG XS Compact SUV. Revealed to the public at The London Motor Show earlier this month (4 May), the state-of-the-art model will be available to test drive later this year.

Featuring the latest in driver technology, in-car infotainment and next-generation vehicle design, the MG XS offers a glimpse of the future for MG’s iconic model range. Available in two engine derivatives and either automatic or manual transmission, the MG XS has been specifically-developed to suit market demand for a competitively-priced, family-friendly Compact SUV.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “The launch of the new Greg Mitchell Motors MG showroom was a fantastic opportunity for MG to engage with motorists across Northern Ireland, as well as introduce our latest models.

“We continue to grow our network, with almost 80 dealers across the UK and Ireland. We’re confident that Greg Mitchell Motors will be a fantastic addition to the MG network.”

UK MG Dealer wins the a prestigious award from SAIC Motor Global MG Dealer Awards.

Nathaniel Cars, a leading MG dealership based in South Wales, is celebrating after taking home the highly-prestigious Four Star Award for Excellence at the SAIC Motor Global MG Dealer Awards. The ceremony, which took place at the Shanghai International Motor Show last month (21st April), recognises outstanding performance from across the manufacturer’s global dealer network. 

Commended for outstanding passion, commitment to the brand and dedication to delivering customer service excellence, Nathaniel Cars was the only UK dealer to receive an award. 

The silverware adds to a growing list of accolades for the Bridgend-based business, which include being named MG UK Dealer of The Year 2016 and featuring within the top 5% of all British dealerships in the Auto Express Driver Power Best Car Dealers report 2017. 

Nathan Griffiths, sales manager at Nathaniel Cars, commented: “Providing outstanding service and delighting customers are two of our key priorities. To be awarded – not just on a national level, but across the world – for our continued successes and performance is a significant accolade and one that the entire team is humbled to have received. 

“With a growing range of stylish, family-friendly vehicles that offer fun, functionality and practical performance at a highly affordable price point, MG continues to drive forward as one of the fastest-growing automotive manufacturers. We’re proud to be part of such an exciting global network and see huge potential for future growth.” 

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “As a top performer in the MG dealer network, Nathaniel Cars is renowned for delivering outstanding service for motorists. We’d like to offer our congratulations to Nathan and the team for taking home the Four Star Award – a true reflection of the team’s drive, determination, commitment and outstanding performance.”

Based in Bridgend, South Wales, Nathaniel Cars is one of the UK’s leading MG dealerships. Retailing both the stylish MG3 Supermini (available from £8,695) and family-friendly SUV, the MG GS (starting at just £15,095), motorists are promised a warm welcome, in-depth product knowledge and affordable prices.

to celebrate 65 years of Corvette, the company launches a new Carbon 65 Edition, limited to just 650 Units.

• Ultimate carbon-fiber package for Grand Sport, Z06 salutes 65 years of Corvette

Chevrolet is commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Corvette with a new Corvette Carbon 65 Edition offered on 2018 Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ models.

Limited to only 650 numbered vehicles globally, the distinctive Carbon 65 blends visible carbon-fiber exterior elements — notably, a new carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quarter ducts — with a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior color and special interior appointments, including a new carbon-fiber-rimmed steering wheel.

“Corvette is one of the most storied names in Chevrolet and sports car history, with a heritage few can match,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president Chevrolet Marketing. 

“The new Carbon 65 Edition honors that legacy, while offering customers another unique, special-edition model that personalizes the ownership experience.”

The Carbon 65 Edition package (order code Z30) will include:

• Available on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims
• Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior (blue top on Convertibles)
• Unique fender stripes and door graphics
• Black wheels with machined grooves paired with summer-only tires* (Cup-style wheels for Grand Sport and Blade-style wheels for Z06)
• Blue brake calipers
• Visible carbon-fiber ground effects, hood section and roof (Coupe models) or tonneau inserts (Convertible models)
• New visible carbon-fiber spoiler (all models) and quarter intake ducts (Coupe)
• Center caps with Carbon logo
• Carbon Flash badges and outside mirrors
• Jet Black suede-wrapped interior with blue stitching
• Carbon-fiber steering wheel rim and gloss carbon-fiber interior trim
• Competition Sport seats
• Carbon 65 Edition sill plates

The Corvette Carbon 65 Edition package will cost $15,000 and will be available this summer, along with the rest of the 2018 Corvette lineup.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018 CORVETTE

2018 Corvette Stingray

• New standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels paired with summer-only tires*. Derived from the Z51 package, they replace the previous 18-inch/19-inch standard wheels.
• Five new wheel options, including Torque and Motorsport designs, are paired with summer-only tires*.
• Magnetic Ride Control is offered as a stand-alone option.
• Revised interior color breakup on 2LT trim.

2018 Corvette Grand Sport

• Ceramic brakes are offered without the Z07 Performance Package.
• Satin black center stripe is available with the Heritage Package.
• Revised interior color breakup on 2LT trim.

2018 Corvette Z06

• Two new wheel choices are Black Z06 wheel with yellow stripe and Pearl Nickel Blade design (paired with summer-only tires*).
• Gray interior available.

All 2018 models

• HD digital radio is standard.
• Available Performance Data Recorder — Cosworth Toolbox offers four additional data channels: individual wheel speeds, individual suspension displacements, yaw rate and intake and ambient air temperatures.
• Improved rear-view camera image features higher resolution and wider angle.
• Enhanced Head-Up Display rotation setting.
• Ceramic Matrix Gray replaces Sterling Blue in the exterior color palette.
• Spice Red convertible top.
• Spice Red interior offered on 3LT and 3LZ trims.
• Jet black suede-wrapped interior includes carbon-fiber-rimmed steering wheel and gloss carbon-fiber interior trim.
• New interior color stitching packages (red/yellow/blue) offered on 3LT and 3LZ trims.

*Do not use summer-only tires in winter conditions, as it would adversely affect vehicle safety, performance and durability. Use only GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. Unapproved combinations may change the vehicle’s performance characteristics. For important tire and wheel information, go to my.chevrolet.com/learn/tires or see your dealer.

FAST FACT: The first Corvette rolled out of the factory on June 30, 1953, in Flint, Michigan. Only 300 were built that year, each of them Polo White with a red interior.

Classic & Sports Car Show will celebrate the awesome Jaguar XJ13 and legendary test driver, Norman Dewis OBE.

• Classic & Sports Car Show to celebrate 50^th anniversary of the Jaguar XJ13
• Legendary Jaguar test driver, Norman Dewis OBE, to open the show
• Dewis will also appear on the Live Interview Stage presented by Goodwood Road & Racing
• Held at Alexandra Palace, London from 28^th-30^th October, this year’s show will feature a Century of Supercars centrepiece display
• Coys auction, live parades and major dealer features also set to star
• To vote for your favourite supercar and buy tickets, go to 

http://www.classicandsportscarshow.com

This year The Classic & Sports Car Show will honour the Jaguar Le Mans hero that never was - the incredible XJ13 - and the man forever associated with it, Norman Dewis OBE.

On entry to this year’s event, visitors will be greeted in the Palm Court area by this iconic prototype, which this year celebrates its 50^th anniversary.

A true one-off, the XJ13 was developed by Jaguar in the 1960s. Its power came from a mid-mounted 5.0-litre V12 engine, positioned just behind the driver, and it was paired with a five-speed manual transaxle.

The body was designed by Malcolm Sayer, the aerodynamicist behind the C-type, D-type and E-type and legendary drivers like David Hobbs and Richard Atwood, in addition to Norman Dewis OBE, all helped with the car’s development.

But despite the hopes that the car would take Jaguar back to its 1950s Le Mans racing glory, the XJ13 never made it to the track. Its development was never a top priority, and was deemed less important than the creation of a new saloon car, which was to ultimately become the XJ6.

Dewis, who will open the show on Friday, not only helped develop the prototype, but was also tasked with driving it for the launch of the Series 3 E-type in 1971. During filming for a promotional video, the chief test driver for Jaguar lost control when a rear wheel broke. The resulting crash almost destroyed the car, though thankfully left Dewis uninjured.

Rebuilt some years later to an identical specification, it has been on display at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon ever since. Visitors will be able to hear all about the XJ13 when Norman Dewis OBE takes to the Live Interview Stage presented by Goodwood Road & Racing.

James Elliott, group editor, Classic & Sports Car magazine, said: “We are privileged to have both this iconic prototype and Dewis himself at the show. It will be a fascinating opportunity for visitors to see the XJ13 in the metal and hear all about this piece of motoring history from someone who has such a close relationship with it.”

The Classic & Sports Car Show will feature more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious and well-loved classic cars with displays from some of the best dealers in the business including DD Classics, Desmond J Smail, Classic Chrome, Stanley Mann and many more.

Another highlight will be a feature showing the restoration of a unique Jaguar XK120 by Pininfarinaby Classic Motor Cars (CMC) in association with Total.

Live parades will run twice daily in the grounds of the venue, while an auction of classic cars run by Coys will be another show first. The centrepiece display will feature a Century of Supercars, with the most popular set to be revealed from 11 finalists following a global public vote. The poll is still open, so car enthusiasts who want to have their say on which car deserves to win should log on to www.classicandsportscarshow.com/supercars

Visitors can also enjoy a selection of premium food and wine while looking out on the spectacular show displays in the Fine Dining Restaurant, situated under the iconic Grand Willis Organ.

The show’s website also features a range of ticket packages, from general access to a limited number of premium tickets offering everything from fine dining to guided tours of the event.

MG Motor's and Triple Eight driver Ashley Sutton takes the jack Sears trophy at the final race at Brands Hatch.

Staff at MG Motor are celebrating this week, after British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) driver Ashley Sutton took home the coveted Jack Sears Trophy in his MG6 at Brands Hatch (Sunday 2 October 2016). The award, which recognises the highest scoring rookie driver in the championship, was especially poignant this year given the fact that Sears, who was the first ever winner of the BTCC Trophy, died in August aged 86.

The battle for the Jack Sears Trophy went down to the wire this year, with the Essex-born racer still unsure of clinching the title until the finish line. 

While he just had to complete the final race of the season to secure the title, with three laps to go Sutton experienced unexpected vibration issues. 

Taking no chances, the Triple Eight Racing team called the Number 116 MG6 back to the pits for a set of new tyres, allowing Sutton to re-join the race and complete the remaining laps more comfortably, before celebrations began.

Sutton commented: “I'm absolutely delighted. At the start of the season we set ourselves four goals - a first Pole Position, a first BTCC podium, a first race win and to win the Jack Shears trophy.

“We managed to achieve the first Pole Position second time out at Donington Park, which was amazing. The first podium and the win were ticked off at Croft and I'm so pleased to finish the season on a high with the Jack Sears Trophy. It took all 30 races to finally get it done and to do it in MG & 888's 150th race together was very special. Obviously trophies always mean a lot but to accept this one, named after the great Jack Shears, from his son David, in the year he passed away was very moving.

“I can't thank Triple Eight enough for making me feel at home in my debut year! I’d also like to thank MG and RICB for believing in me and giving me this chance to live and fulfil my dream. It has been a pleasure this year, and despite the bad luck I have still loved every minute of it!

“As always I'd like to thank my sponsors, family and friends as without their support then none of this would be possible. It's been a great first season for me in the BTCC - I just can't wait to get going again! Roll on 2017'"

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor, added: "We're thrilled with the season's results and the success achieved by both Ash and Josh. We viewed BTCC 2016 as a bedding in season for both the cars and drivers, however, they delivered above and beyond expectations and achieved hugely impressive results.

"On behalf of MG Motor, I'd like to personally congratulate Ash on taking home the Jack Sears Trophy this weekend and look forward to watching both his - and Josh's - continued success in 2017.”

Demonstrating his fighting spirit and racing skill, 22-year old Sutton was the only rookie driver to finish on the main podium during the season. He stormed to his first ever Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship victory after producing an outstanding performance in the final encounter at Croft on 19^th June.

Ashley Sutton finished the Jack Sears Trophy competition with a final score of 442. His nearest rival was Michael Epps, who scored 424.

Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the opening of “Excellence in Carbon Fiber”, an exclusive event in Japan.

Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the opening of “Excellence in Carbon Fiber”, an exclusive event dedicated to its carbon fiber technologies, at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Tokyo, Japan.

Over the past 30 years, Lamborghini has been an industry leader in both the development and implementation of advanced lightweight materials. From the Countach to the Huracán, not a single series-produced Lamborghini came to life with less carbon fiber than its predecessor.

Since Japan is the producer of the majority of carbon fiber raw material currently available on the market, Lamborghini’s Research & Development has collaborated with Japanese Industries in composite development from 2008. Among last years, several missions by Japanese organizations and companies have visited both, the Advanced Composite Research Center (ACRC) in Italy and the Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL) in the United States, recognizing Lamborghini competence in carbon fiber.

“We are delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lamborghini’s use of carbon fiber, with the opening of “Excellence in Carbon Fiber” in Japan. Carbon fiber is a material that Lamborghini has a long history with. It is one of the most important keys to our cars’ success in the past, the present and the future,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer.

The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador S.E. Dr. Domenico Giorgi, who commented: “Japan is an important market in the development and production of carbon fiber. The long experience of Automobili Lamborghini in the use of composite materials, and its collaboration with leading Japanese companies have led to the development of significant innovations in this area. This combination is one of the key aspects in the field of scientific and technological relations between the two countries and is therefore a source of great pride for both Italy and Japan.”

Automobili Lamborghini and Mitsubishi Rayon Co.,Ltd. have agreed a co-operation under the project title ‘CFRP Press Technologies and Processes Automation’, and will work together to further develop higher levels of manufacturing automation that are more suitable for larger scale production, with great advantages in process stability. The event ended with a Memorandum of Understanding which was signed between Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Hitoshi Ochi, the President of Mitsubishi Rayon Co.,Ltd.

“By continuing to develop our patented Forged Composite materials, we are able to create a product that can enhance Lamborghini super sports cars in both their performance and their appearance. The ability to leverage this kind of lightweight material gives Lamborghini a competitive advantage that will benefit our cars, as well as the production process, in the future,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Automobili Lamborghini Board Member for Research & Development.

Lamborghini debuted the latest car to showcase its mastery of carbon fiber during the 2016 Geneva motor show. The Centenario, which was on display for the exclusive event in Tokyo, is available in a body made of fully exposed carbon fiber. Marking what would have been company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday, the Centenario is a marriage between acknowledgements of past milestones and technological “firsts”. Appropriately, it is only available in a very limited production run of 20 coupes and 20 Roadsters.