KWE’s classic car news round up (Jan-Feb)

EU proposes ban on chrome plating

Classic car experts have warned that chrome plating will disappear as a decorative feature from 2019 if new EU regulations come into force. The EU seeks to prevent the use of hexavalent chromium, which it views as a carcinogen and is on its list of banned substances.

The proposed substitute, trivalent chromium, has caused concern for plating companies as it’s not viewed as tough enough to withstand the rigours of everyday driving. Unlike hexavalent, trivalent does not self-repair – if the surface is scratched the part is likely to corrode.

As classic car parts are often no longer in manufacture, the ability to re-chrome existing parts is important for restorers. Unless an exclusion to the ban is sought and granted, this option will no longer be available to us in Europe.

Classic car industry cautiously welcomes proposed shift in historic vehicle status

Reaction to a proposal from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) to shift the cut-off for historic vehicle status to 30 years is revealed in an article by www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk.

The proposed shift will see 30-year old cars become eligible for vehicle exercise duty (VED) exemption. Currently only cars over 40 years old qualify for this status. The article reports mixed opinions on how this will affect the industry.

Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing success continues

The UK motoring industry is in a buoyant mood after news that Jaguar Land Rover is to create a further 1300 jobs at its manufacturing site in Solihull. The company recently announced it was adding a new model to its Jaguar portfolio, which will follow the Jaguar XE into production at new facilities within the world-renowned plant.

Collectively the size of 22 football pitches, the new state-of-the-art facilities bring the Jaguar brand to Solihull for the first time. The investment in the facility is the largest in its 70-year history and testament to the company’s aim of accelerating its industry-leading expertise in aluminium and lightweight technologies.

The Jaguar XJS approaches its 40th birthday

At a London press launch in September 1975, Jaguar unveiled its new sports tourer model – the XJS. Later this year, as we approach its 40^th birthday, we’ll mark the occasion with a fitting celebration. Watch this space!

For more information on the history of this model, visit our website.