CAR TALK
NISSAN’S BRAVE NEW WORLD
UK order books for Nissan’s LEAF car open on 1 Sep. The LEAF – which stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car – has a top speed of 87mph and a range of 100 miles and should cost £23,990. The price includes VAT at 20 per cent, as well as the government’s £5,000 ultra low carbon vehicle incentive. If you’re quick you can reserve a LEAF, the first zero emission all-electric family car at www.nissan.co.uk/leaf.
VOLVO HEADS EAST
Volvo has just been sold by Ford to its new Chinese owner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. for USD$1.8bn. The Chinese group is one of the fastest-growing car manufacturers in China and plans to expand Volvo in China and other emerging markets. At the helm as new President and CEO will be Stefan Jacoby, currently the Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group of America.
FIAT 500 GOES FERRARI
Is your Ferrari too impractical for everyday use? Fiat has come up with the perfect solution, the limited edition Abarth 695 Tributo. It boasts Ferrari-inspired livery, carbon wing mirrors, 0-62mph in seven seconds and a top speed of 140mph, with the benefit of swigging just 43.3mpg. Only 152 ofthese £29,600 bundles of fun will be available in
the UK.