Car and Van News

Skoda expects a significant improvement in its UK fleet business from its new Superb.

The updated car arrives in July in hatchback and estate versions, promising several gains including lower emissions.

The first of 13 new engines to be fitted to Vauxhall Opel cars are now being rolled out.

All of the units will be in vehicles by 2016 as the brands try to address criticism of their current powerplants.

Jaguar Land Rover chose the Geneva Motor Show press day to reveal its latest boost to UK manufacturing’s image – the workforce at its new engine plant is to be doubled.

Construction of the plant is proceeding rapidly close to the M54 motorway just outside Wolverhampton, and now it is set to employ 1,400 staff.

Fiat’s 500 city car has got bigger and is all set to grow even more, as the Italian carmaker establishes it as a brand within a brand.

The 500 will be to Fiat what MINI is to BMW, according to brand chief Gianluca Italia. The longer, taller, roomier 500L will launch into the UK in mid-March, and will be followed by further models.

Audi is to produce a five-door version of its S3 performance model, promising 295bhp from its 2-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

The Audi S3 Sportback will launch at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, just as rival Mercedes-Benz reveals its ‘hottest hatch’ A45 AMG.

MINI could get a performance-focused sub brand, just like the long-established M division at parent company BMW.

According to MINI product and planning manager Dave Tuckett, the brand would focus around the John Cooper Works (JCW) road and competition cars offered by MINI.

Jaguar Land Rover is to add another 800 posts, this time at its Solihull plant, to meet record demand for its products.

The announcement comes only days after Honda sent tremors through the UK car manufacturing industry by shedding 800 posts at its Swindon plant.