Autocar confidential: Bentley's coronavirus recovery, why C3 has gas in the tank and more
Our reporters empty their notebooks to round up a week in gossip from across the automotive industry
In this week's round-up of automotive gossip, Bentley sees the silver lining in coronavirus, VW plugs its niche T-Roc Cabriolet, Nissan reopens its Sunderland plant and more.
*Bentley's post-Covid boom*
Wondering how quickly buyers will return to luxury cars after Covid-19? Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark told us: “In China, we take about 300 orders a month. In the second week of April, we took 300 orders in a week. In May, orders were higher again. It’s not just back at a level; it more than doubled for two months. Maybe it’s just pent-up demand, and I’m not expecting 500 or 600 a month for the rest of the year, but wow.”
*VW lifts the lid on useability*
Franz Kaltofen, who oversaw development of the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, reckons the SUV is more practical and thus more appealing than a regular convertible. He said: “It’s possible to have this as an ‘only car’, due to the suitability for daily use offered by its large luggage compartment, enlarged wheelbase and trailer hitch.”
*Nissan gets back to work*
Nissan reopened its Sunderland factory early last week after a near three-month shutdown and has had to review more than 5000 processes to ensure they comply with social distancing and hygiene rules. As well as obvious barriers, screens and PPE, it has even had to overhaul the break area and reschedule break times to minimise staff gathering in one place.
*C3 has plenty of life*
Citroen has no plans to replace the C3, despite all the other PSA Group superminis now using a new, EV-friendly platform. The brand’s CEO, Vincent Cobée, said: “Each year, we manage to sell more C3s. We’ve just launched the facelifted C3 and believe this has several more years in it. We’ll contemplate a new generation when it’s necessary.”
*READ MORE*
*Updated 2020 Citroen C3 priced from £16,280 in UK*
*Continental Plan B: Driving to Scotland in a Bentley convoy *
*Bentley plots £1.5m ultra-exclusive open-top sports tourer *
*15 countries in 24 hours with a Bentley Continental GT*