Jaguar Land Rover plans major Wolverhampton business park expansion
There would be some demolition work and external landscaping as part of the plans.Construction work was already under way nearby for a new building and ancillary offices after planning consent was granted in 2019, the plans stated.JLR said said in planning documents that to meet its all-electric goals, significant investment was required."As part of JLR's journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039, the company is transitioning to produce all-electric vehicles by 2030 as part of its Reimagine Strategy. "This shift to electric vehicles within the manufacturing process has ultimately resulted in new requirements in terms of space and facilities."Significant investment is required to upgrade the existing facilities and meet the new space requirements."In November JLR announced it had stopped selling new Jaguar cars in the UK ahead of a relaunch as an electric-only brand in 2026.Its first car within the new brand will be a four-door GT built in Solihull, West Midlands.
Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Auto Blog
2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Package Gallery: Retro Style In A Rugged SUV
We've found the top Camry models to consider on the used market. View post: These Are The Toyota Camry's Best Years For Reliability With usable cargo space, comfortable seating, and an ideal location for our furry friends, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an ideal transport for kids, dogs, and just about anything else. One of just 50 Ford GT Carbon Series models, this 77-mile 2020 example in Ingot Silver with Competition Orange accents is now available for sale. View post: Extremely Rare Ford GT Currently Up for Grabs With Only 77 Miles Experts say this is the calm before the storm which won't last much longer. View post: Should You Buy a New Car Before Tariff Prices Hit This Summer? The Little Details Make Ford's Celebratory Model Special The Ford Bronco was first introduced as a 1966 model in August 1965, and to celebrate, Ford has launched the 60th Anniversary Package with either certain accents or the entire body painted in Wimbledon White, one of the original Bronco's launch colors. It's a stylish look worth inspecting more closely, so without any further ado, let's do that. 1 Based on the Bronco Outer Banks model with the Sasquatch package, the 60th Anniversary model has an imposing stance. 2 Whether opting for a Ruby Red or Wimbledon White body, the spare wheel cover is painted the latter hue, with red paint providing contrast. Note the matte black Ford badge on the left side of the tailgate. 3 The redesign of the grille mesh does a great job of giving the latest Bronco an old-school feel, and the red BRONCO wordmark both adds to this effect and enhances the SUV's visual width. Warm alloy paint almost makes the grille look like chrome, and it's a stunning effect. 4 A new design of 17-inch alloy wheel painted in Gravity Gray adds to the rugged feel of the vehicle, while a Vermillion Red center cap with a bucking Bronco logo adds more of that nostalgic feel to the SUV. 5 Special badges on the front fenders help the special edition stand out more than it otherwise would with just decals. 6 But of course, there are decals too, and in Vermillion Red over Wimbledon White, they're inspired by those on the 60th Anniversary Mustang revealed last year. 7 Customers who prefer an even more retro look can opt for a Ruby Red body with the roof remaining Wimbledon White. 8 Tying in with the exterior decals are embossed Ebony and Alpine leather seats with white stitching. 9 There's also a center console plaque… 10 …a dash wordmark, and the new A-pillar-mounted grab handles, all accented in red. Red also appears on the air vent control switches. 11 Ford says it has hidden a few Easter eggs around the vehicle, so there are probably more logos in places we can't see. 12 Ford says the 60th Anniversary Package will be available to order in October with either the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost or the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, but pricing has not yet been announced. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Auto Blog
Rare Ford GT Carbon Series Surfaces With Just 77 Miles
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Alpina's Next Chapter: BMW Plans To Reinvent Its Most Elegant Performance Brand Dodge skipped a Hemi V8 reveal for the Charger at Roadkill Nights, but CEO Matt McAlear has hinted strongly that the engine's return is still on the way. View post: They Said the Hemi V8 Wouldn't Fit the New Charger… They Were Wrong A Rare Opportunity to Own a Ford GT Carbon Series The second-generation Ford GT is already a rare sight, but the Carbon Series takes exclusivity a step further. Introduced in 2018 as the lightest road-going variant of Ford's supercar, it was positioned between the standard GT and the stripped-down Competition Series. Only 50 examples of the Carbon Series were built, which makes it extremely scarce these days. However, a pristine example of this limited-run edition is now available, showing just 77 miles since new. Finished in Ingot Silver with Competition Orange stripes, this is a rare opportunity for collectors seeking a low-mileage, highly specified GT in near-new condition. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More The Car: 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series This 2020 Ford GT was delivered new to McClary Ford in Athens, Alabama, and ordered with the $20,000 Carbon Series Graphics Package, which coordinates the center stripe, mirror caps, and brake calipers in Competition Orange. The Carbon Series distinguishes itself with extensive exposed carbon fiber, including the front splitter, rear diffuser, side mirrors, and trim elements, as well as 20-inch gloss carbon-fiber wheels secured by titanium lug nuts. Weight-saving measures also extend to a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system and a polycarbonate rear hatch, cutting around 40 pounds compared to the standard GT. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. Power comes from a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The model benefits from aerodynamic and cooling updates introduced for the 2020 model year, including revised buttress air ducts and larger intercoolers. Key performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, a quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds, and a top speed of 216 mph. A hydraulically adjustable pushrod suspension, front-axle lift system, and active rear wing contribute to both road usability and track capability. Inside, the cabin features the Dark Energy interior package, combining black Alcantara with Sparco carbon-fiber shell seats. An adjustable pedal box and steering column complement the fixed-position driver's seat. Other features include automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, a configurable digital instrument panel, and six-point harness anchors. Clear protective film is applied to bodywork and interior sills. Source: Bring a Trailer Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Current Bid Surpasses its MSRP The Ford GT Carbon Series carried a window sticker totaling $613,800 when new, but this example, up for auction on Bring a Trailer, currently has a $660,000 bid at the time of writing. It comes with its original ordering kit, window sticker, car cover, battery tender, seat covers, two keys, manufacturer's literature, and photographs documenting the build process. The clean Carfax report confirms no accidents or damage. With such low mileage and a complete set of original accessories, this GT is well-positioned to appeal to serious collectors. The combination of limited production, weight-reducing specification, and near-new condition makes it a standout offering, despite the more affordable options out there, such as the new Chevrolet Corvete ZR1X.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Is this the best seven-seater on sale? Hyundai's Santa Fe might have marmite looks but there's no doubting its roominess
'Nice Land Rover Defender, mate,' yells a neighbour as I unlock the latest enormous motor parked on the drive. Given the popularity of JLR's best-selling car, Hyundai's design team will probably take his confusion for compliment – especially considering the Santa Fe costs some £15,000 less than a Defender. But this is by no means a Korean knock-off product. Loaded with equipment, fancy tech and an abundance of comfort features, its proof of just how far Hyundai – and sister brand Kia - has come in the last decade. In fact, it has been labelled by many to be the principal seven-seat car on the market today, irrespective of price. So, what better way to test this statement then to take it away for a UK break with family and friends where it will be loaded with luggage, driven across country and utilised as a six-person shuttle for a week… with yours truly the perennial designated responsible adult. Marmite looks won't be to everyone's taste I can forgive the guy who lives across the road for mistaking the Santa Fe for a Defender, given its similar profiled silhouette. The boxy cab-back outline, squared-off wheel arches, and almost perfectly rectangular side windows - which could have been penned with an Etch A Sketch - are part of the ubiquitous design philosophy deployed by Land Rover for decades. And, from this side-on profile it looks great. As does the front. A new 'H' shaped headlight signature is stylish as well as a nod to the brand. And the tiered black-on-black vented bonnet and bumper grilles give a menacing appearance that will have an imposing presence in any rear-view mirror. But my major reservation is at the rear, where it appears Hyundai's design team had already packed up their pencil cases and headed home. With such a slab-backed canvas to work with, the low-mounted brake light cluster - while also incorporates the 'H' - feels unimaginative and ruins the proportions of the car, making it look top-heavy and clumsy from the viewpoint of following vehicles. I can't recall a new model of late that's split my stylistic tastes so much as the Santa Fe. As much as Rob likes the front styling, he thinks Hyundai's design team had already packed up their pencil cases and headed home before working on the slab-backed rear What's under the bonnet? The Santa Fe is an exclusively hybrid product for the UK market. Two engine options are available: a conventional 'self-charging' hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). They offer electrified support to the same 1.6-litre petrol engine married to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The entry HEV (from £47,890) is front wheel driven, though for an extra £2,000 customers can upgrade to four-wheel drive (from £49,945). The PHEV is exclusively 4X4 and starts from £51,995. Neither option is what you'd call potent – or fast. My range-topping all-wheel-drive HEV has 212bhp, which is more than ample for most family hatchbacks and saloons but a tad underpowered for an SUV tipping the scale at almost two tonnes (1,900kg) unladen. The PHEV supplies a combined output of 250bhp and is some 0.3 seconds faster than the HEV to 62mph, though taking 9.5 seconds to marginally exceed the national speed limit still isn't what you'd call brisk. That said, in most day-to-day driving scenarios, the HEV feels punchy enough. Accelerating on a short motorway entry slip road, you'll need to mush the throttle pedal deep into the footwell carpet to reach a speed to match the 70mph of the traffic as you enter lane one. Exciting, it isn't. But it's adequate. At lower speeds, trundling through town and navigating narrow twisty roads on the school run, it's smooth and quiet. Though the PHEV can be quieter for longer. The plug-in version offers up to 34 miles of pure electric driving (granted the battery has been fully charged, which takes three and a half hours using a standard 7kW homecharging wallbox). That's something of a disappointment, though, given the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV – arguably its biggest seven-seat SUV competition – offers more than 70 miles in EV-only mode. The HEV's electric mileage is far more limited: you'll struggle to do even a handful of miles without the petrol engine thrumming into action. That said, the contrasting chug of the four-cylinder engine is well insulated from the cabin, making this a relatively hushed ride unless you're particularly heavy-footed with the accelerator. Wind and road noise is well deflected from the interior too, which is an impressive feat for a car with all the aerodynamic svelteness of a cinder block. Cornering and ride comfort As well as being well muted, the HEV is incredibly easy to drive. That doesn't sound like much of a compliment but, given its hulking dimensions, is laudable praise. The steering is accurate and well weighted. The square-shaped windows provide bountiful visibility. And the four corners of the car are easy to predict. This combination makes narrow manoeuvres and parrallel parking less challenging than you'd expect from a vehicle that's over 4.8 metres long. At speed, the body control is also impressive, with the suspension tuned for optimal on-road performance. I – nor Hyundai – envisage many owners will be taking Santa Fes off the beaten track too often. Pitch and swaying of the body on sudden direction changes is kept to a minimum, while the grip levels are more than enough to suit a large family SUV that's unlikely to be driven in anger by parents with aspirations of being the next Lewis Hamilton. Agile, the Santa Fe is not. But it's well composed for a jacked-up seven-seater. That's not to say there aren't noticeable thuds when driving over speed humps or when a hapless driver fails to avoid a sizable pothole. And this became more prominent at times with five passengers or a boot-full of military-like essentials required of a family trip with a toddler. However, my test car had enormous 20-inch wheels, which do little to bolster ride acoustics. The rivalling Skoda Kodiaq certainly feels plusher and does a better job of masking its bulk. Caravanners might be disappointed by the lack of a frugal, torquey diesel engine for towing, but even with its hybrid exclusivity, the Santa Fe can pull over a tonne of weight and comes with self-levelling rear suspension. A premium cabin without a luxury price tag If my neighbour thought the outside looked like a Land Rover Defender, he would have been pretty convinced if I'd invited him to check out the interior, with the cabin featuring hallmarks you'd typically expect in luxury vehicles. The cockpit merges a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for the driver's instrument display and the other the infotainment touchscreen. They use the Korean firm's latest pin-sharp graphics and – for the infotainment setup – a responsive and accurate operating system that even the most ardent technophobe could get to grips with quickly. It too – like just about any new car sold in 2025 – offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This, by admission, has become my default option, especially on longer – less familiar – journeys when the up-to-date accuracy of Google Maps is paramount to limit time spent with an irritable toddler strapped into a car seat like a two-foot Hannibal Lecter gagging to be set free. Directly below the infotainment display is a third – 6.6-inch - screen permanently showing the climate controls with dials flanking either side. Now, we're not always fans of temperature settings being buried in touchscreens – especially those positioned low in the centre console, thus requiring a driver to divert their eyes far away from the road in front of them – but at least in the Santa Fe it's logically set out and easy to navigate once it becomes familiar. Away from the digital elements of the cabin, the layout and materials strewn across the interior imply a more premium product than some might expect from the Hyundai badge stamped onto the bonnet. Even the steering wheel's lack of branding – instead using the company's four-dot lighting icon – masks the true identity of the car. All the major touchpoints feel deluxe and very high quality. Okay, there are some places where the look is greater than the touch – namely the metal-effect dials and switchgear, which feel flimsier than the machined-appearance suggests. But for a keenly priced seven-seat SUV from a mainstream brand, it's unmatched. A Nissan X-Trail definitely doesn't feel as high end as this. The front seats are divided by a wide central console tunnel. It has substantial cupholders, charging pads for two smartphone, and a massive armrest with storage inside Space in abundance If roominess is top of the order for your next family car, the Santa Fe is about as accommodating as it gets. Up front, there's elbow room aplenty. In fact, you're sat so far away from the passenger to your left that you'll almost have to cup an ear if they're a mumbling type. This is partly thanks to the thickness of the console tunnel dividing the seats, which has substantial cupholders that'll swallow a large McDonalds milkshake cup, a huge tray that provides charging pads for two smartphone, and a massive armrest with storage within. Add to this a capacious glovebox, a cubby storage section above this and – in the top-spec Calligraphy spec – a dashboard compartment with UV lighting to sterilise objects inside. In short, this is the sort of cabin that you can easily lose things in. It's worth mentioning here that there's ample adjustment for the driver's seat. Individuals of varying heights, sizes and ailments should be able to get the chair and wheel into a position that suits their needs while delivering a brilliant view of what's beyond the nose of the bonnet lid. My Calligraphy trim also featured the Relaxation Seat option, which are fantastically supportive and comfortable. But their real party piece is that they can be reclined all the way back and – with the addition of fold-out leg rests – allow you to relax in supreme comfort when you're parked up at the school gates waiting for your clan of kids to come bounding out. But as impressive as the Santa Fe is up front, it's in the rear where it's a class leader. The square shaped doors open wide to provide easy entry and exit to the vehicle. The large rectangular wheels also allow plenty of light into this enormous seven-seat motor Huge apertures and wide opening doors give the rear access a tunnel-like opening. Once inside, the second row of seats offers vast head, shoulder, and leg room. We'd defy a basketball team not to get comfortable in this car. And this can be improved further if you opt for the six-seat layout option, which deletes the central base across the bench – though this, again, is only available to those who stump up the funds for the top-of-the-range trim and are willing to pay a few hundred quid extra for less practicality. If passenger space is a premium over boot capacity, the third row of seats – a pair of pop-up chairs out of the floor – are spacious by seven-seat SUV standards. Okay, the high floor section means your knees are up near your stomach, so taller adults wouldn't want to sit there for too long, but there's still ample head room thanks to the cube-like proportions of the Santa Fe. What also gives the Hyundai's third row an edge over rivals like the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq is the availability of USB-C chargers, air vents and cupholders for both occupants. When the third row isn't occupied, the Santa Fe provides van-like luggage capacity. My hybrid version offered up 628 litres of boot space – and I filled it with suitcases, a pushchair and all the equipment required of a week away with a two-year-old. Customers should note that the PHEV variants have a slightly smaller 621 litres of loading space. Fold the second row of seats flat and your mate with a Transit will be jealous of the luxurious load lugging you can do. You'd easily get a blow-up mattress in there, with a six-footer sleeping in relative comfort too. Again, the boot door is square in shape with a low loading sill. Getting bulky items in and out of this thing is a piece of cake. Running costs Any opinion that Korean cars are a 'cheap' option is outdated. Both Hyundai and Kia have taken major steps upmarket – and the quality of their latest cars warrant the steeper asking prices. But when you compare this to mainstream rivals – like 5008 (from £39,890) and Kodiaq (from £39,000) – it is notably more expensive to the tune of £8,000. Even the Kia Sorento sister car has a start prices that takes a lesser toll on your bank account. While the entry Premium spec [yes, I also think it's odd to call the entry spec 'premium'] hybrid starts from £47,890, mid-trim Ultimate rings in from £51,390 and range-topping Calligraphy is from an eye-watering £53,890. The PHEV pushes prices even higher. My pick of the bunch – from a regular car buyer's perspective – would be the conventional hybrid with two-wheel drive. It combines the cheapest purchase price with the best fuel economy and – given the limited power on tap across the range – no dramatic loss in performance. Of the three time levels, the entry Premium is so well equipped that it's not worth paying thousands more to move up. It has heated front seats, wireless phone charging, an electrically-assisted boot door, adaptive cruise control, and a raft of other kit. For company car drivers, the PHEV will be preferable choice because it's in a lower BIK band. However, the PHEV's limited EV-only range means it is more to tax than its more electrically-assisted 5008 and Kodiaq rivals. Officially, the Santa Fe PHEV produces 38g/km of CO2, while the HEV is four times higher at 155g/km. Few SUVs of any price can seat up to seven people in such comfort – even those crammed into the rearmost chairs, Rob concludes Cars & Motoring Verdict If I was to buy a Santa Fe, it's a car I would reverse park facing a wall just to spare people's eyes from having to look at that awful rear-end design. But from every other angle it looks great, and the cabin is a comfortable, luxurious and stylish place to be. Could it do with a bit more poke? Absolutely. In fact, Hyundai's largest combustion SUV feels like it would be best-suited to a torquey diesel engine that can haul its considerable weight with fewer revs. But, given the current environmental climate, I can understand why hybrid is the direction the brand's taken. It's just a shame that the bhp versus kg ratio isn't better. Another disappointment is the lack of EV-only range from the PHEV model (which I haven't yet driven). Just 34 miles of electric driving from a plug-in hybrid car of any scale is somewhat lacklustre by 2025 standards. Pricing will be an issue for some too, especially with rivals undercutting Santa Fe. But when it comes to roominess, the Santa Fe is unmatched. Few SUVs of any price can seat up to seven people in such comfort – even those crammed into the rearmost chairs. The boot is cavernous too. Is it the best seven-seater you buy right now? In terms of spaciousness, affordable luxury and practicality, it's in a league of its own.
