This week's motoring news in brief
Nissan readies EV platform
NISSAN HAS previewed its forthcoming electric vehicle (EV) platform, using a Tiida-based prototype, ahead of next month’s unveiling of a full production vehicle.
The prototype uses the same electric systems that will be used in the car that is set to be unveiled on Sunday, before going on sale in Japan in 2010. The car is then set to go on sale in Europe, including Ireland, some time in 2011.
The EV will have 107bhp and will be powered by a 24kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack that sits under the car’s floor. This battery layout also allows for smooth underfloor airflow, which helps reduce drag. The regenerative brake system used to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the range to more than 160km under one full charge.
The car is also equipped with a clever IT system that shows drivers the location of charging stations on their sat-nav, and how far they can go on the current charge. They can also control charging and even turn on the air-con using an internet browser or mobile phone.
Jaguar reports UK losses of €779 million
THE FINANCIAL Times is reporting that Jaguar and Land Rover’s UK operation has witnessed a drastic change, from a combined net profit of €742 million to a combined net loss of €779 million last year.
However, a spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover stressed that the accounts relate to UK operations only, and added that the previous financial year’s results had been boosted by a sharp rise in its Aston Martin shares, which have now been sold.
Parent company, Indian brand Tata, has injected more than €1.1 billion into Jaguar Land Rover to cover losses since the financial crisis began, following their purchase of the brands from Ford Motor Company last year. According to Bloomberg news agency, Tata has hired two advisers to help cut costs at Jaguar Land Rover.
It says that KPMG and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants have been working on proposals to slash costs at the UK-based company for more than two months.
It has also been reported that the UK government is in negotiations with Tata over the terms of a €202 million commercial loan guarantee aimed at securing the company’s immediate future.
Honda Accord named most reliable car
HONDA'S NEW Accord has been named the most reliable car in a survey carried out by UK independent testing body, Which?,in its annual car survey. The Accord achieved a reliability score of 99 per cent, one of the highest ever achieved, closely followed by the new Honda Jazz in second place with a score of 98 per cent.
Japanese cars fared best in the survey of 84,000 cars, with seven cars featuring in the top 10. The Daihatsu Sirion claimed third place and Korea’s Hyundai i30 came in fourth. The Ford Fiesta claimed fifth place.
At the other end of the scale, Audi’s A5 was the least dependable new car surveyed, with a result of 76 per cent. Owners of the coupé reported significant problems with its electrics.
Richard Headland, editor at Which?car magazine said: "Japanese cars in the main seem to run like clockwork, although there are a few exceptions to the rule. It is encouraging to see good reliability scores for the best-selling Ford Fiesta and other, small economical cars."
Lexus to unveil 1-Series rival
AUTOCAR IS reporting that Lexus will unveil a new concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in Europe.
The new model - rumored to carry either the BS or CS nameplate - won’t be built atop the Lexus HS250h’s architecture, but will utilise the gas-electric hybrid’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder to deliver around 185hp to the front wheels.
Although the model we’ll see in Frankfurt is technically a concept, according to Lexus insiders, it will be “a 90 per cent match for the real thing” which will debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe in autumn 2010.