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Vauxhall Chairman Spearheads New Industry Initiative.
The Automotive Innovation and Growth Team report was published in May and now the government has given its backing for a £45 million programme for the industry. Nick Reilly CBE, SMMT president and chairman of Vauxhall said the whole industry welcomes this programme.
The Society Of Motor Manufacturers and Traders say the key points are:-
1. An Automotive Academy to develop ‘process improvement’ in the car-making industry.
2. Money for supply-chain groups, helping them work with component suppliers.
3. Pilot services projects to help develop low pollution vehicle policy.
4. Centres of automotive excellence to develop low carbon fuel technologies, transport telematics and sustainable transport technology.
Vauxhall at the Commercial Motor Show
Vauxhall light commercial vehicles made an impressive display at the NEC in May, where visitors were welcomed by the huge billboards erected at the entry to the car park.
Last year saw Vauxhall strengthening its position in the LCV market with the all-new Corsavan and Combo models. The Vivaro, International Van of the Year 2002, extended the company’s presence in the larger segment. With the Astravan and Movano, the new models give Vauxhall a presence in 95% of the LCV market, and are helping it recapture an area once dominated by Bedford. |
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Bedfords Sweep Up The Awards At
The Heart Of The Lakes Rally. |
The Heart of The Lakes event, held on 12th May beside Junction 40 of the M6, was a major rally designed to bring back visitors after the Foot & Mouth Disease Crisis.
A large entry field saw vehicles of all types, with the exception of Vauxhall models, only a Firenza HP car and a Velox E Type represented the Luton plant, but Bedford owners turned out in force. |
In the emergency vehicle class, the first prize was won by Steve Daniel’s R-Type crash tender, whilst two O-Types won awards. Finally the coach class was won by an excellently turned out Bedford OB - next year a special centenary Vauxhall display is planned.
For a report and free picture downloads, contact www.theheartofthelakes.org |
| Rare Bedford Coach Finds A New Home |
Most readers will be familiar with the Michael Caine film, The Italian Job, which mainly featured BMC Minis and the Fiat factory in Turin. However, one Vauxhall product played a pivotal role in the script. This was a Bedford VAL coach ALF 64B, with a Harrington Legionnaire body.
Originally owned by Battens Coaches, this 1964 luxury coach was converted into a car transporter for the Minis, due to the superb headroom provided by the Hove-built body. Only 42 Bedford VAL chassis were ever bodied by the Harrington firm, and forty years-on survivors are naturally very thin on the ground. |
One of these was CNW 155C, a 45-seat Legionnaire new to Heaps of Leeds in 1965. This coach was considered as a possibility for the Vauxhall Heritage Display Unit, but the level of body work restoration was sadly considered too great.
Thankfully the coach has now been rescued by Cyril Kenzie, of Kenzies Coaches, Shepreth, who has a superb track record in motor coach restoration.
The VAL was moved to Shepreth by low-loader in May, but before being taken away Cyril’s crew tried the engine. They found it started straight away, despite its standing for 20-years in the open! |
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Author: Various
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