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Official: UK car production is booming

Nearly 10% MORE cars were produced in the UK this September compared to the same time last year, data released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed What’s more, 1,125,433 cars were manufactured in the UK by the end of the month – that’s a 3.9% rise compared to 2012. September new car sales beat forecasts UK car sales hit four year high in 2012 This means UK car production has returned to pre-recession levels. The rolling 12-month total has now topped 1.5 million vehicles.

BMW 640d xDrive announced

On Thursday, Greg Kable waxed effusively about the new BMW M550d xDrive coupe, suggesting that it was the ultimate 5-series for everyday use. On Friday, Munich announced that the 5's two-door sibling will receive an AWD diesel variant: the 640d xDrive. While not quite as high-zoot as the 5-series' top oil burner, the 640d's 3.0-liter, twin-turbo straight-six cranks out a respectable 465 lb-ft of almighty torque between 1,500 rpm and 2,500 rpm, plus 313 hp at 4,400 rpm—numbers that, according to BMW, will carry the 6-series to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Nissan NV200 London taxi unveiled

Nissan has revealed a new London taxi, dubbed the ‘NV200 London Taxi', following the compact van's selection as New York City's Taxi of Tomorrow. It promises to be just as controversial in the UK as it is Stateside. The NV200, which measures in at 1,860mm high, 4,440mm long and 2,100mm wide, seats five passengers with three on a rear bench and two rear facing fold down seats while the removal of the front passenger seat increases luggage space, much in the same way as the traditional London taxi.