Nissan UK Battery plans confirmed

Nissan - the Renault Nissan Alliance - has confirmed plans for car battery production in the UK and Portugal The aim of the battery production plants is to supply batteries for electric cars built by the Renault Nissan alliance, but Nissan haven’t actually said that they will build any electric cars in the UK. Hmm. The target production is 60,000 annually to be used in a range of Nissan and Renault electric cars that will start to hit the market next year (2010) – in the US and Japan – with full global roll-out by 2010.

Preview: Porsche Panamera

After what has already been the most drawn-out model introduction ever (the initial Porsche sketches of the new model having been revealed in 2005), Porsche has finally released the first official rendering of its forthcoming Panamera sedan, set to be launched in 2009. Though the plan view doesn't show much of the new Porsche's design, the company says the features will 'include a wide and low body offering dynamic proportions and muscular design'. But while the grand tourer will have a 'compact overall look', the interior space is claimed to offer a brand-new experience of roominess, with two single seats and generous headroom at the rear allowing adults to sit in comfort.

Mazda Celebrates MX-5’s Quarter Century In Style

AS part of the MX-5’s 25th birthday celebrations, Mazda has released a limited edition version of its iconic roadster. The MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0-litre 25th Anniversary Limited Edition hits the showrooms in August and, to ensure its limited run status, just 1,000 individually numbered examples will be built. Crucially, in a testament to Britain's enduring love affair with open-topped motoring 750 units will be made available to UK customers, with number one being unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed on 26-29th June.