Chinese car maker Geely to launch in UK in 2012

Chinese car maker Geely – better known for its ownership of Volvo – will launch in the UK in late 2012. Parent company Geely International Corporation has struck a deal with Manganese Bronze Holdings to be its distributor in the UK market. MBH is the parent company of The London Taxi Company, which manufactures the iconic black cab in Coventry.

Landwind Fashion

Chinese manufacturer Landwind are entering the heated midi-MPV market with the Fashion, which is available with either five or seven seats. This pitches it directly against the Renault Megane Scenic and the Opel Zafira, which in particular is enjoying buoyant sales. The Fashion will hope its low starting price of about US$16,000 will help it steal some of those customers, though taller ones may be put of by a tail-gate that only opens to face height.

Prince Harry burns rubber at Goodwood

EVERYONE’S favourite Royal fun-lover Prince Harry took to the race track at the weekend with a visit to the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. After being welcomed by keen petrolhead Lord March, owner of Goodwood, the Prince put in some hot laps in a classic Aston Martin DB4, before jumping into a Lamborghini Gallardo for an even faster run as part of his activities for the Royal Foundation Endeavour Fund. He obviously enjoyed himself, because after that he drove more laps in a Jaguar F-Type and an Aston Martin V8 Vantage before getting down to the business end of his charity-centred visit.