The recent decision by Nissan Motor Co to keep production of the new Micra supermini in England is to be warmly welcomed.
Carlos Ghosn, Nissan president, also known as "le cost killer", conceded that leveraging £40 million of UK taxpayer's money from the British government had influenced the decision in favour of Sunderland, instead of moving Micra production to France. (Surely a grant or investment not public spending of UK taxpayer's money - ed.)
Ghosn also said Micra component suppliers will be paid in euros following a campaign by Japanese companies calling for Britain to join the Euro.
In reality Nissan was hardly likely to shutter the most efficient car plant in Europe in favour of the French site which was in need of major refurbishment to bring it up to par.
The new Nissan Micra due in 2002 is badly needed with the existing retro-look Micra looking increasingly long in the tooth. The Japanese cars on sale in Europe have generally failed to catch the public imagination - with the possible exception of the Toyota Yaris.
Nissan will increase annual UK production from 330,000 to 500,000 when the new vehicle is introduced. With Toyota raising output at their Burnaston, Derbyshire, plant from 170,000 to 220,000 cars a year these increases will go some way to counter GM and Ford closures at Luton and Dagenham.
Wednesday, January 31, 2001
Monday, January 22, 2001
Second year for USF3
Formula Three is to continue in North America in 2001 after a tentative first season in 2000 where Stuart Crow won the eleven-round series in the rare Ralt-VW.
This year the series will feature fourteen rounds at seven double-header events including two in Canada at Mosport and Quebec City. With a Spanish F3 series also commencing this year the reach of Formula Three continues to grow.
This year the series will feature fourteen rounds at seven double-header events including two in Canada at Mosport and Quebec City. With a Spanish F3 series also commencing this year the reach of Formula Three continues to grow.
Sunday, January 21, 2001
Only millionaires need apply
Need a British Passport? Spot of bother with government policy? Fancy a cabinet post or maybe The Lords?
No problem – deposit your bung here for rapid satisfaction.
Only millionaires who support the “purer than pure” Labour Party need apply – no previous experience necessary.
Refunds: knock twice and ask for Tony.
No problem – deposit your bung here for rapid satisfaction.
Only millionaires who support the “purer than pure” Labour Party need apply – no previous experience necessary.
Refunds: knock twice and ask for Tony.
Wednesday, January 17, 2001
Blair runs away
Tony 'The Tomato' Blair clearly intends to avoid both parliament and the people as the general election approaches.
On the same day he ducked out of voting in the parliamentary debate to ban foxhunting, Blair let it be known that he would not debate on television with other party leaders William Hague and Charles Kennedy during the election campaign.
His handlers clearly fear that their man cannot cope with open debate or public scrutiny. After all he inadvertently triggered the foxhunting vote by a gaffe on the David Frost TV programme and, of course, was booed off the stage when making a crass speech to the Women's Institute. As William Hague aptly put it "one man is chicken."
On the same day he ducked out of voting in the parliamentary debate to ban foxhunting, Blair let it be known that he would not debate on television with other party leaders William Hague and Charles Kennedy during the election campaign.
His handlers clearly fear that their man cannot cope with open debate or public scrutiny. After all he inadvertently triggered the foxhunting vote by a gaffe on the David Frost TV programme and, of course, was booed off the stage when making a crass speech to the Women's Institute. As William Hague aptly put it "one man is chicken."
Monday, January 15, 2001
Better late than never
On Saturday I made my national radio debut on the John Peel show 'Home Truths' on BBC Radio 4. I recorded an audio diary lasting about eight minutes about early morning commuting, which was slotted into the hour long programme. Gratifying to receive calls and emails from old friends who heard the broadcast - after grinding along on local radio it was nice to know somebody was actually listening.
I only found out at the last minute that the item was going out this week and was unable to tune either of the two radios in the house to the station. I went and sat in the car just in time - the radio industry lost the plot with the user interface a long way back - why don't they go back to the old-fashioned knobs for tuning in to the wireless?
I only found out at the last minute that the item was going out this week and was unable to tune either of the two radios in the house to the station. I went and sat in the car just in time - the radio industry lost the plot with the user interface a long way back - why don't they go back to the old-fashioned knobs for tuning in to the wireless?
More folding stuff
On Sunday I ventured out on the Brompton folding bike for the second week-end in a row. A trip on the Cuckoo Trail along an old railway line was followed this week with a ride from Polegate to Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne and back - about twelve miles. We drove to Polegate in my brother's little VW Lupo which swallows two folding bikes no problem.
We cycled past the 'road to nowhere,' a modern duel carriageway which has remained unopened for some years pending the completion of the Polegate bypass - a monument to integrated transport that would do John 'Two Jags' Prescott proud.
A motorist made a determined attempt to run me down on a roundabout in Eastbourne highlighting the need to stay away from cars at all cost. Back home to Lewes to haggis, neeps and tatties washed down with whisky - a fitting end to a ride in the cold of January - roll on summer.
We cycled past the 'road to nowhere,' a modern duel carriageway which has remained unopened for some years pending the completion of the Polegate bypass - a monument to integrated transport that would do John 'Two Jags' Prescott proud.
A motorist made a determined attempt to run me down on a roundabout in Eastbourne highlighting the need to stay away from cars at all cost. Back home to Lewes to haggis, neeps and tatties washed down with whisky - a fitting end to a ride in the cold of January - roll on summer.
Flagged down
Another small part of the British motor industry has come to an end with the halting of production of the Metrocab at Tamworth, Staffordshire. Somewhat stylistically challenged - think Morris Marina and Ford Granada with sawn off tail - the cab was always going to struggle against the pleasing TX1 rival from Manganese Bronze.
A down turn in the London cab trade has finished off the Metrocab once again. The company previously went down in 1991 when part of the Reliant motor group, known for the Reliant Robin three-wheeler made famous in the TV series 'Only Fools and Horses.'
A down turn in the London cab trade has finished off the Metrocab once again. The company previously went down in 1991 when part of the Reliant motor group, known for the Reliant Robin three-wheeler made famous in the TV series 'Only Fools and Horses.'
Sunday, January 7, 2001
Project Blueyonder
Cycling Gold-medalist from the Sydney Olympics, Jason Queally, is to make an attempt on the World land-speed record for a human-powered vehicle. The record is currently held by the American Sam Whittingham at 72.24 mph.
Known as Project Blueyonder the vehicle will be built by Reynard, the company that designs the BAR Formula One car for Jacques Villeneuve and also provides chassis for the Champ Car series in the United States. Based in Brackley, Northants Reynard operates out of a state-of-the-art high-technology park close to Silverstone racing circuit.
Queally will make his attempt at high-altitude in either Nevada or Colorado in October. Coincidentally the absolute world land speed record was set by the British Thrust SSC Project on 15th October 1997, the first supersonic land speed record in the Black Rock Desert, near Gerlach, Nevada, by averaging 763.035 for two runs. Royal Air Force pilot Andy Green was the driver of the car, while Richard Noble was the project leader
Known as Project Blueyonder the vehicle will be built by Reynard, the company that designs the BAR Formula One car for Jacques Villeneuve and also provides chassis for the Champ Car series in the United States. Based in Brackley, Northants Reynard operates out of a state-of-the-art high-technology park close to Silverstone racing circuit.
Queally will make his attempt at high-altitude in either Nevada or Colorado in October. Coincidentally the absolute world land speed record was set by the British Thrust SSC Project on 15th October 1997, the first supersonic land speed record in the Black Rock Desert, near Gerlach, Nevada, by averaging 763.035 for two runs. Royal Air Force pilot Andy Green was the driver of the car, while Richard Noble was the project leader
Toyota to expand in the UK
After all the huffing and puffing that failure to join the euro would drive away foreign investment Toyota has announced expansion plans for it’s UK operation.
Demonstrating that short term currency fluctuations are not really a consideration when making long-term investment decisions Toyota will increase output at the Burnaston, Derbyshire, plant from 170,000 to 220,000 cars a year.
Demonstrating that short term currency fluctuations are not really a consideration when making long-term investment decisions Toyota will increase output at the Burnaston, Derbyshire, plant from 170,000 to 220,000 cars a year.
Wine trivia
The FT had a nice piece last week-end about the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) which apparently is the world’s biggest single buyer of beverage alcohol and the biggest single buyer of French wine. The LCBO dates back to the abolition of prohibition in 1927 and whilst it still exercises monopolistic control, the wine stores it operates are nowadays indistinguishable from modern supermarket-style outlets.
George Carman QC
Can’t let the week go by without commenting on the death of George Carman QC. A formidable advocate he was best known for his involvement in a succession of trials involving celebrities, which kept the tabloid press in copy for many a long year.
For me his masterly defence of Ken Dodd on tax evasion charges was the highlight of his career. “Some accountants are comedians, but comedians are never accountants” which Carman used in court was worthy of Dodd himself. Ken Dodd, the finest stand-up comedian of his generation, relaunched his career following the not guilty verdict with a barrage of jokes at the taxman’s expense – “they still write to me you know.”
The trial highlighted a little known clause in England’s unwritten constitution – you can’t convict a man as funny as Ken Dodd. Also make sure that George Carman QC is not appearing for the other side.
For me his masterly defence of Ken Dodd on tax evasion charges was the highlight of his career. “Some accountants are comedians, but comedians are never accountants” which Carman used in court was worthy of Dodd himself. Ken Dodd, the finest stand-up comedian of his generation, relaunched his career following the not guilty verdict with a barrage of jokes at the taxman’s expense – “they still write to me you know.”
The trial highlighted a little known clause in England’s unwritten constitution – you can’t convict a man as funny as Ken Dodd. Also make sure that George Carman QC is not appearing for the other side.
Monday, January 1, 2001
Roaming around in 2000
I keep saying I am going to slow down a bit but looking back at 2000 proves me wrong. March saw me in Canada with a trip to Ontario including a Hot Rod show in Toronto, the Canadian National Car Museum in Oshawa, a trip to Parry Sound on the Georgian Bay with side trips to Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Also a search for the lost railway station at Depot Harbour with fun driving off the blacktop in a Dodge Grand Caravan.
May and a quick trip to Dublin with the day job. A farewell gig for the band Temple Myst in Hastings, also a trip to Hastings Rock FM to line up some gigs for next year. June and the usual trip to Le Mans for the 24 Hour race. A rare moment of peace cycling between the track and the Bar des Sports in Arnage.
July/August and off on the Grand Tour of Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland. Highlights included a visit to the Smart car factory at Hambach, the Musée Schlumpf in Mulhouse and the stage finish of the Tour de France also in Mulhouse. A trip to Berne and a ride through the Emmental to Lucerne with a magical view of the lake took care of Switzerland. To Austria via Liechtenstein and we enjoyed the rosti and a trip on the Achenseebahn steam mountain railway.
To Munich and the BMW museum. Then the Zeppelin Museum at Friedrichshafen - highly recommended. On to Stuttgart and visits to Porshe and Mercedes. Then to Hockehheim to see Rubens Barrichello win the German Grand Prix for Ferrari.
To Luxembourg to see the city and the Moselle river and on to Nurburgring to see the fabulous Nordschleife circuit. To Zandvoort for the Marlboro Masters of Formula Three via the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and the Airborne Museum at Arnhem.
September and back in Germany in Berlin for a week at Lotusphere 2000, a software conference. Visits to the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and a canal trip in the autumn sun.
October 12 and never to be forgotten as my house ships two feet of water in the great Lewes flood. Get on the plane for Canada once more and visit Wasaga Beach on Lake Huron and the splendid Welland Canal.
November and off to Macau for the Grand Prix and a short rest in Hong Kong. Another business trip to Dublin in time for Christmas to round off the year.
May and a quick trip to Dublin with the day job. A farewell gig for the band Temple Myst in Hastings, also a trip to Hastings Rock FM to line up some gigs for next year. June and the usual trip to Le Mans for the 24 Hour race. A rare moment of peace cycling between the track and the Bar des Sports in Arnage.
July/August and off on the Grand Tour of Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland. Highlights included a visit to the Smart car factory at Hambach, the Musée Schlumpf in Mulhouse and the stage finish of the Tour de France also in Mulhouse. A trip to Berne and a ride through the Emmental to Lucerne with a magical view of the lake took care of Switzerland. To Austria via Liechtenstein and we enjoyed the rosti and a trip on the Achenseebahn steam mountain railway.
To Munich and the BMW museum. Then the Zeppelin Museum at Friedrichshafen - highly recommended. On to Stuttgart and visits to Porshe and Mercedes. Then to Hockehheim to see Rubens Barrichello win the German Grand Prix for Ferrari.
To Luxembourg to see the city and the Moselle river and on to Nurburgring to see the fabulous Nordschleife circuit. To Zandvoort for the Marlboro Masters of Formula Three via the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and the Airborne Museum at Arnhem.
September and back in Germany in Berlin for a week at Lotusphere 2000, a software conference. Visits to the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and a canal trip in the autumn sun.
October 12 and never to be forgotten as my house ships two feet of water in the great Lewes flood. Get on the plane for Canada once more and visit Wasaga Beach on Lake Huron and the splendid Welland Canal.
November and off to Macau for the Grand Prix and a short rest in Hong Kong. Another business trip to Dublin in time for Christmas to round off the year.
PunchBuggy vs. Slug Bug
Crystal wrote:
Grin...where I grew up in Washington state, we called it Slug Bug (which is much easier to say than punchbuggy!). And boy did we use to slug each other hard. The best was when we would drive by a VW parts place and there would be ten of them in the lot.
Ahhh memories of growing up in the 70s...chuckle.
Crystal
"We write to taste life twice" ~ Anais Nin
Grin...where I grew up in Washington state, we called it Slug Bug (which is much easier to say than punchbuggy!). And boy did we use to slug each other hard. The best was when we would drive by a VW parts place and there would be ten of them in the lot.
Ahhh memories of growing up in the 70s...chuckle.
Crystal
"We write to taste life twice" ~ Anais Nin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)