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UK car production slumps, state help sought

By Digby Fullam Motor Industry 21 November 2008 14:30 The full effect of the downturn in the global economy is being felt by the UK motor industry, new figures out today reveal. Car production at British factories fell by 29.5% from October 2007's figure.  That makes it the worst October production figures since 1991 which, if you’ll cast your mind back, was the last recession. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders blamed the slump on 'a rapid reduction in demand for motor vehicles.' It’s not just us Brits that aren’t buying cars, either.

New Jaguar XJ Supersport Diesel coming?

The Jaguar XJ Supersport TDV8 - expect it in showrooms in 2011 We’ve known for quite a while that Jaguar Land Rover were going to start putting a new V8 diesel in to their cars. The 3.6 litre TDV8 which goes in the Land Rover is a very good lump (made by Ford at Dagenham) with some decent horses and a nice fat lump of torque. But the introduction by Jaguar of the 3.0 litre diesel and its subsequent introduction in to Land Rover’s cars meant the 3.6 litre’s days were numbered.

Mercedes S500 Hybrid Frankfurt reveal

Mercedes has revealed the S500 plug-in Hybrid at Frankfurt But the S-Class is the ultimates ‘Bankers Car’. So where to go with S Class without destroying the kudos for buyers is a problem. Mercedes made a start with the mild S400 Hybrid, but as we reported recently they are going much further with the S500 Hybrid which was revealed yesterday at Frankfurt.