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UK electric motor maker YASA expands production 50-fold for EVs

LONDON — British electric motor manufacturer YASA said on Thursday it was increasing its production capacity from 2,000 to 100,000 units with a new factory to tap into growing demand from carmakers for greener technologies. Automakers are racing to build greener vehicles and improve charge times in a bid to meet rising customer demand and air quality targets but Britain lacks sufficient manufacturing capacity, an area the government is building up. Last year, the government picked a site in central England to house a new automotive battery development facility, which will develop the processes required to manufacture the latest battery advancements. On Thursday, YASA, based near the English city of Oxford, said it had raised another 15 million pounds ($21 million) as part of its expansion. "Our customers are looking to adopt innovative new technologies such as YASA's axial-flux electric motors and controllers in order to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding hybrid and pure electric automotive market," said Chief Executive Chris Harris. The firm exports 80 percent of production and has worked with companies including Britain's two biggest carmakers Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan as well as Aston Martin. JLR will decide this year whether to build electric cars in its home market, previously citing factors such as pilot testing and support from science and government as pre-requisites. Reporting by Costas PitasRelated Video:

Jaguar XE bares its claws in 74 images [w/video]

The XE may prove to be the most vital new model to Jaguar's expansion. But to date we've only really seen it in top-spec, supercharged XE S form. That ends right here and now, however, as Jaguar releases details, photos and even a brief video clip showing the entire range - including those most customers are bound to buy.
Globally speaking - or at least in its home market - Jaguar will offer the XE with five different engines and in four different trim levels. The new Ingenium engine family includes two diesels and two turbocharged gasoline options along with the top-of-the-line supercharged V6 that will serve as the XE's performance flagship model, at least until a new SVR version comes along. Both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are on offer, and overseas buyers will also be able to choose between base SE, mid-range Prestige, opulent Portfolio, dynamic R-Sport and range-topping S trim levels.
Of course not every engine is available in each trim level and with either transmission, so instead of 40 combinations we're looking at 22. Once the XE reaches American showrooms, we'll likely be looking at even fewer, as we're not expecting the manual and diesel versions to be offered Stateside. Stay tuned as well for our live impressions from the floor of the Paris Motor Show. But in the meantime you can scope out all the details and UK specifications in the press release below, along with the short video and the gallery of 74 high-resolution images above.

2017 Jaguar Model Year Preview and Updates

Jaguar, the upscale Brit, is currently enjoying a resurgence in the US, built on an improved value proposition, credible quality, better reliability, and an expanded lineup. That larger lineup now includes an all-new XE four door sedan and Jaguar's first crossover, the F-Pace - pictured above. JAGUAR F-TYPE: An entry-level F-Type has been added to the lineup, improving its accessibility by some $3,600 on the F-Type coupe and roughly $2,700 for the F-Type convertible. XE: Jaguar's compact four door is all-new, and intended to make headway into the sport sedan market long dominated by BMW's 3 Series and, more recently, Audi's A4. The XE brings a tightly drawn platform, responsive drive character and three powertrains to the table, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel. It is on sale now. XF: Jaguar's midsize 'saloon' adds a 2.0-liter turbodiesel to its menu, along with Configurable Dynamics. This optional package allows individual settings for suspension, steering, throttle and transmission. XJ: Jaguar's 2017 XJ builds on the 2016 refresh with the addition of new colors and wheels. F-Pace: Jaguar's first crossover has everything it needs to compete with Porsche's Macan, BMW's X3/X5 and M-B's GLC/GLE. As this suggests, the F-Pace is a 'tweener, sitting between compact and midsize crossovers. It seats five, and is available with either a 2.0-liter turbodiesel or supercharged V6. The line starts at your local Jaguar showroom.