British international motor show 2008

While the show halls are packed with the widest range of cars, from budget models to luxury executive saloons, many visitors to the British International Motor Show will particularly enjoy the gilt-edged, exclusive models displayed in the Heritage Enclosure and the Public Gallery of the Ultimate Collection. There are even more cars in the Ultimate Collection, housed in an exclusive gallery open to a select few.

The display in this gallery, high above the show halls, includes some of the most iconic supercars ever built, from names as desirable as Ferrari, Pagani and Koenigsegg. Some £5 million worth of automotive exotica is on show, together with the products of luxury brands such as Breitling, Panerai, Hiscox and Maurice Sedwell.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the Ultimate Collection at £99 each, including entry to the rest of the show and top quality hospitality while you get closer than ever to the cars.

Think electrics time has come
The electric car revolution is gathering pace, and a rising star of the electric village at the show is the new Th!nk City.

Previously dismissed as impractical due to their limited range, electric cars are now rapidly finding favour as an emissions-friendly solution, particularly for commuters in urban environments such as London. Specifically designed as an electric car and fully crash-tested and highway-certified, the Think City will be available to order from next summer. Its makers claim a range of up to 126 miles on one full charge, which can be carried out overnight simply by plugging the car into a normal household socket.

Richard Blundell, managing director of Think UK, believes the car will be particularly popular in London as it will not be liable for either road tax or the congestion charge. He said; The Th!nk city is a real car which provides a realistic option for those motorists who want to drive a true zero (tailpipe) emissions car.


Citroën C-Crosser, another Show launch

Making a surprise UK première at the Motor Show is the new C-Crosser Commercial, the latest addition to Citroëns light commercial vehicle range. Based on the C-Crosser 4x4 SUV, the new C-Crosser Commercial is priced from £16,995 + VAT + delivery, the firm says it offers stylish and practical load carry capacity both on and off the road. This new, exceptionally well equipped 4x4 van range brings a unique combination of benefits to this sector, said Robert Handyside, Citroëns commercial vehicle operations manager.

The vehicle has a selectable control transmission for shift-on-the-fly front wheel drive, four-wheel drive or transmission lock-up selection. Payload is 743kg, towing weight is 2,410kg, and load volume is 2.3m3. There is a full-height bulkhead between the driver and the load area.
Nissan newcomer is a Brit-built star

Nissan took the opportunity of launching the new Qashqai+2 to confirm its commitment to car making in Britain.

Another new car to be seen for the first time anywhere at ExCeL, the Qashqai+2 is effectively a longer version of the existing and very successful Qashqai. The new model offers seven seats, and like its sister is built in Britain at Nissans Sunderland plant. It is on show alongside a Sound & Style variant of the standard car, boasting extra luxury equipment and a bespoke BOSE sound system.

On sale in November, the Sound & Style is expected to add to the 170,000-plus sales of the Qashqai. It will also see production at Sunderland rise to 450,000. Simon Thomas, sales and marketing chief for Nissan Europe said there is a waiting list of five months for the car. It's a tough time to be selling cars in Europe markets are down all over but Nissan is holding up well thanks to the success of the Qashqai. We have been able to double Qashqai sales year on year.
Contacts:
Sara Lee, SMMT07974 436640
John Procter, SMMT 07866 422514
Nikki Rooke, SMMT07790 019518
Images: www.w-w-i.com/british_international_motor_show_2008/
Michelle Saxby, 77 PR07967 186970