AUTO INDUSTRY BOOST FOR APPRENTICES
RECORD numbers of young people are embarking on careers in the UK automotive industry, with more than 14,000 recruited into apprenticeships in 2011.
And almost two thirds of UK automotive companies are recruiting new talent from schools and colleges to grow the sector’s skills base.
The figures, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, mark the launch of National Apprenticeship Week and SMMT chief Paul Everitt said: “The UK automotive industry offers fantastic career and skills opportunities for young people across a huge variety of disciplines from design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing to retail and aftermarket.
“Despite challenging economic conditions, the industry took on more than 14,000 new apprentices in 2011, demonstrating its commitment to attracting the brightest and best talent to the sector.”
FIAT GOES LARGE WITH 500L
FIAT has revealed first images of its 500L, set to make its world preview at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
The 500L - L stands for ‘Large’ - is the new addition to the 500 range and follows the Abarth and cabrio versions.
With the promise of MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV, the 500L is set to hit the streets in late autumn with an engine range initially comprising two petrol engines - TwinAir and 1.4-litre - and a 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel.
CITAN PRIMED FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY
THE new urban delivery van from Mercedes-Benz is to be called the Citan, a combination of the words City and Titan.
Mercedes says the choice of drive systems comprises a broad range of economical and low-emission diesel and petrol engines – including a BlueEFFICIENCY package, and a version powered by an electric engine is already being planned.
The new arrival, set for an autumn launch, has been developed and tested to the same standards as its larger Sprinter and Vito siblings and will be available as a panel van, crewbus or Mixto in various lengths and weight categories.
JEEP SEES RED FOR F1 STARS
FERRARI Formula One stars Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have taken possession of specially prepared models of the fiery new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
The custom-built versions of the 6.4-litre V8 Jeep feature an aggressive exterior look with classic Ferrari styling cues and the red Rosso Corsa signature colour.
The seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matt black and features custom red inserts while a race-inspired, black driver's stripe with a white accent customises the front and rear bumpers, bonnet, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler
And the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler as a tribute to the Ferrari F150 Formula One car.
CITROEN REFRESHES LCV LINE-UP
CITROEN’S Berlingo and Dispatch light commercial vehicle models have been refreshed for 2012 with new styling, additional equipment and improved efficiency.
The upgrades bring the models in line with the rest of Citroen’s CV range, which includes the efficient Nemo and practical Relay.
So the new Berlingo gets a wider, more defined grille, new chevron badge and headlight arrangement while a wider air intake on the front bumper gives the vehicle a more powerful stance on the road.
And the latest Dispatch is available in two lengths, two heights and combines load space with on-board comfort plus a driving position closer to that of an MPV than a traditional LCV.
SSANGYONG LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION KORANDO
A LIMITED edition version of its recently introduced Korando crossover has been launched by South Korean car maker SsangYong
Called the Korando LE, the new model is distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass, along with luxury touches inside such as heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, this latest addition to the Korando crossover line-up is covered by the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong cars and priced from £17,995.