London Taxis back in production

Production of the iconic London Taxis - the new TX4 model, has resumed at the London Taxi Company factory at Hollyhead road in Coventry, six months after the firm was rescued by the Geely Group. Geely Group Chairman Li Shufu and Business Secretary Vince Cable were present to officially start production.

Pic from their Twitter page

The Chinese owners bought the company for £11.4 million in February this year. With a £150m five-year investment plan, and 65 new jobs in Coventry and new sales staff in London, the company is hoping for a brighter future. - The company has a total workforce of around 170 and aims to produce 10 cars a day.

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Chery to build Chrysler cars

Chinese Chery Automobile and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group signed a strategic cooperative agreement in Beijing today.

Under this agreement, Chery will assemble small-and medium-sized cars under the Chrysler brand name and export to U.S. , the European markets and other countries. The first cars produced is expected to be based on Chery's A1 hatchback and carrying the Dodge badge.

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MG plant reopens

The former MG Rover plant in Longbridge, Birmingham reopened today. Three new 2-seater MG TF sports cars were rolled out of the production line at a ceremony marking the official reopening by new Chinese owner Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC).

The ceremony was attended by Senior Chinese government and company officials. Not sure whether any senior British Govt official attended.

At present, the Chinese firm employs just 150 people at the plant. However, the new owners have promised to create 1200 new jobs.

Industry analysts remain skeptical, however. Read the BBC report here.

For your information, the Rover brand name was bought over by Ford.

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