Optima Batteries 8003-151 Redtop; Battery on 2040-parts.com

Nissan boosts electric charging network

NISSAN is accelerating plans for a European-wide Quick Charge (QC) network for electric vehicles by giving away 400 new quick charging stations free of charge. These new points will boost existing networks and give EV customers greater freedom and flexibility by effectively extending the range of their car. Countries across Europe have been asked to pitch for a charging network and the best ‘bids’ will win an allocation of chargers.

British Motor Show first details

By Ben Whitworth Motor Shows 17 December 2007 10:30 It may be a long way off on your automotive calendar, but next year’s 2008 British Motor Show looks set to be the biggest yet, with organisers expecting ticket sales to top the 550,000 mark. Housed at ExCeL London in the Docklands between 23 July - 3 August 2008, the show will feature more than 60 vehicle marques and 600 cars – including the global debut for the new Vauxhall Insignia and a preview of the new four-seater Lotus Project Eagle (mule for next-gen Eagle/Esprit chassis testing above). Although it’s still some eight months distant, over 80 percent of the stand space has already been sold, and the exhibition will also include the following attractions: • The Heritage Enclosure and Parade – a driving display providing the sights, sounds and thrills of supercars from the last five decades • Drift School – a chance for visitors to be driven sideways around a circuit by professional drivers • The Marine Experience – the British Marine Federation will display a line-up of luxury water craft as well as a programme of on-water entertainment • The Autoglym Supercar Paddock, a high-octane collection of luxury marques • The 4x4 Experience, a challenging terrain for testing the best of the off-road pack • Motor Theatre, a live-action stunt show Tickets to the Show will be on sale from February, with prices starting at just £8.

China’s Hong Qi State Limo twice the price of RR Ghost

FAW's Hong Qi Limo - a snip at £720k It would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, but this week China has seen the reveal of two cars that would stretch even the finances of a Western plutocrat. The Hong Qi State Limo is a behemoth of a car designed to ferry China’s elite in safety and comfort. It was used in China’s recent 2009 ‘Review of the Troops’ to chauffeur Chairman Hu.