British manufacturers line up to debut new models at Motorexpo
Some of Britain’s leading automotive brands will give domestic debuts to new and updated models at this summer’s Motorexpo (6-12 June; motorexpo.com) at Canary Wharf.
Jaguar will use the free-to-visit London event to introduce its 2012 model line-up to the UK public for the first time. The XF and XFR saloons and the XK coupe and convertible have all been extensively revised, and boast up-to-the-minute styling, the latest technology and, in the case of the 2.2-litre XF diesel, greatly improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The Motorexpo crowd will be also among the first in the UK to get a glimpse of the new Bentley Continental GT, the iconic British manufacturer’s luxury coupe. With a beautifully sculpted body, the latest Crewe coupe has an even crisper, more defined appearance to match its high-performance 6.0-litre W12 twin turbo-charged engine.
Land Rover will be wowing Motorexpo visitors with its striking new Range Rover Evoque. Offered in both two- and four-wheel-drive guises, and as either five-door or coupe, the Range Rover Evoque is available to order now with first customer deliveries from September.
In addition to the rest of the Land Rover product line up, Motorexpo will once again feature the ever-popular Land Rover Experience Terrapod. This exciting purpose-built off-road course gives show-goers the chance to experience Land Rover's full breadth of capability first hand.
To tempt the many sportscar fans expected to visit Motorexpo, Group Lotus will be showing for the first time in the UK its lightweight, super-efficient Elise Club Racer, and will also display its recently launched flagship model, the Evora S. Alongside these road cars the Norfolk-based brand will show the Evora GT4 race car, which has already gained a number of podiums in race series around the world, and the spectacular Lotus Renault GP F1 car – the R31 – in iconic black and gold colour-scheme.
Also at the Canary Wharf event, Swedish manufacturer Saab will be introducing its all-new 9-5 Sportwagon to a British audience. The spacious load-lugger will not only impress with its capacious boot, but its rakish good looks are also likely to draw a crowd. Skoda, the Czech car maker, will be introducing its new range of clean and economical Greenline II vehicles to a UK audience for the first time. They are fitted with technological advancements such as a Stop/Start system, gear-change recommendation, and energy recuperation, all of which improve economy and lower CO2 emissions.
“It’s clear from the number of manufacturers attending this year’s show – particularly those based in the UK – how seriously the industry takes our event,” comments Graeme Carver, Motorexpo’s CEO. “Now in its sixteenth year, Motorexpo is by far the country’s biggest free motor show, so it’s appropriate that leading car makers use it as a platform from which to launch exciting new products.”
Not only is Motorexpo Britain’s biggest free motoring event, it is also the most interactive, taking advantage of the urban environment in and around the iconic Canary Wharf business and shopping district. Visitors are encouraged to touch and explore the diverse range of vehicles on display throughout the indoor and outdoor public spaces, and they also have the chance to get behind the wheel of many exciting new vehicles.
At the 2011 London event, for example, visitors will benefit from a new feature entitled ‘Drive the Future’ which will give a unique opportunity to experience the latest electric and low-carbon vehicles. For example, visitors will be among the first to test drive the new Vauxhall Ampera, as well as other green cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Tesla Roadster.
Motorexpo is completely free for all members of the public to attend. There are no tickets and no queues, with easy access to the event via one of the wide variety of transport options available. Visitors can take the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Thames Clipper river boat or bus. Alternatively, there is also space for 2,900 cars within Canary Wharf’s four underground public car parks.
Motorexpo sits in and around one of London’s best shopping centres, with more than 200 stores and some of the most exciting new bar and restaurant brands in the capital.
Motorexpo is open daily from 10am to 6pm (Monday 6 to Saturday 11 June) and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 12 June. Entry is free. Details on how to get there and information on the show are available at motorexpo.com.
