Morning Reads: 16 November 2006

[mika]

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

World of BMW news

Baja Bound

The official BMW Motorrad team will enter the HP2 at the 24 hours of Baja

Seeing the light

A glimpse at promotional photography production.

War Child

The F 650 GS is hitting the silver screen.

BMW Group Press Club:

BMW Group PressClub U.S.A.

The BMW car guys have been way to busy with their computers putting out press releases on the 2007:
3 Series
Z4 Roadster and Coupe
X3

That was just todayÔÇÖs releases. I am putting together a car edition that will give you these and the rest of the line in a more centralized car thread.

BMW Group PressClub Australia

BMW GROUP AUSTRALIA MANAGING DIRECTOR TAKES ON NEW ROLE IN MUNICH
11/14/2006

Dr Franz Sauter, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia, will be taking on new tasks at BMW AG in Munich from January 2007. He will be working in the department of the new CEO of the BMW Group, Dr Norbert Reithofer, leading the team in charge of Quality Management and Customer Care for the worldwide BMW Sales Division.

In the five years of FranzÔÇÖ tenure BMW brand sales increased by more than 30 per cent in Australia, extending its lead in the premium segment. BMW brand volume has grown by more than any other European premium marque in that time. MINI was established in Australia in 2002 and more than 8,500 cars have been sold, demonstrating the success of the brand in Australia. More than 2,000 MINI cars will be delivered in 2006. BMW Motorrad is also achieving new records with 1,600 motorcycle sales expected this year.

A successor will be announced in due course.

BMW Group PressClub Middle East

MINI Press
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION -THE MINI FILM FESTIVAL 2006
11/13/2006

Dubai, UAE. BMW Group Middle East today held a briefing session for the MINI Film Festival 2006 at the Koubba Bar, Al Qasr Hotel in Dubai to discuss the vision behind the festival and provide a glimpse of the calibre of filmmaking in the region.

A panel of five industry experts have been involved in the professional judging of 53 film submissions received from aspiring filmmakers throughout the Middle East, with the ten finalists to be announced shortly.

Antonia Carver, Nima Abu-Wardeh, Marcus Webb, Massoud Ali and Lotfi Bencheikh have all been impressed by the high quality of entries to the MINI Film Festival 2006, a short film competition aimed at encouraging and developing the blossoming regional film community.

ÔÇ£It was refreshing to realise there was so much quality filmmaking talent out there,ÔÇØ said Antonia Carver, a regular contributor to Screen International and programme consultant to the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
ÔÇ£Initiatives like the MINI Film Festival 2006 are critical to bringing local perspectives and issues to the foreground through the medium of film, and itÔÇÖs important for developing filmmakers to get their work onto screen and to start making a name for themselves.ÔÇØ

Entries of up to 15 minutes in length, incorporating the ÔÇÿAlways OpenÔÇÖ theme of the MINI Film Festival 2006, were received from across the Middle East region, with judges looking for the most compelling live action, animation, computer graphics or hybrid forays into short-form with visual story-telling.

The selected ten finalists will now have the opportunity for their films to be shown at an exclusive invitation-only Gala Screening event at the XVA Gallery in Bastakiya on Thursday 23rd November. Three winners will be announced at the event, along with a ÔÇÿPeopleÔÇÖs ChoiceÔÇÖ award voted by the audience on the night.

First prize will be a trip for two to the Cannes Film Festival 2007, with the winning film screened to a regional audience in Dubai. Second place winner will be the proud recipient of an Apple Mac Pro, with 30ÔÇØ Cinema Display screen and Final Cut Studio 5.1 software. Third place will score a 3 month full-time internship with a leading local film production institute, Filmworks. The winner of the ÔÇÿPeopleÔÇÖs Choice AwardsÔÇÖ will receive Ôé¼1000 from the MINI Film Festival 2006.

ÔÇ£MINI is about being daring and creative, and we were encouraged to receive so many thought-provoking entries to the MINI Film Festival in its first year,ÔÇØ said Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East.
ÔÇ£The films entered into the festival dealt with a wide variety of topics that have valid impact on todayÔÇÖs society ÔÇô from the influx of expatriates and the effect this is having on people living in Dubai, to dangerous driving and its negative results and creative expressions of oneÔÇÖs dreams and emotions.

ÔÇ£The MINI Film Festival 2006 is a fantastic opportunity for these promising filmmakers to have their voices heard and receive instant feedback from an audience. It is also a chance for them to mix and meet with industry experts, who are constantly on the look-out for fresh talent and fresh ideas. MINI is proud to continually support and contribute to the burgeoning cultural scene in this region.ÔÇØ

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub

The Rolls Royce Show Room is at the end of the motorcycle escortreports.

Welcome to Goodwood

When Rolls-Royce Motor Cars opened for business at Goodwood in January 2003, it was the culmination of four and a half years work, following the acquisition of the brand.

Starting from a blank sheet of paper, the challenge was to design and develop a completely new car, worthy of the name Rolls-Royce, train a workforce to build it, appoint a global dealer network to sell it and, of course, design and build a new worldwide headquarters and production facility. Nobody in the automotive industry had ever tried to achieve so much, in such a short time - and I suspect never will again. However the result has been an unqualified success and one which is testimony to the tremendous efforts of a small, passionate team of people...

Once again Rolls-Royce sits proudly at the top of the automotive tree and the Goodwood facility has become a wonderful symbol of the new company. It is a place of which we are extremely proud acting as both our home and a physical embodiment of the organisation we want to create.

People from all over the world visit Goodwood ÔÇô customers, journalists, photographers, and simply people who want to visit the plant and see how our unique cars are built. The reaction is universally positive, but not everybody can make the journey for themselves. This booklet aims to give an insight into what makes Goodwood such a special home for Rolls-Royce and how we created it. It describes how we create each Phantom and introduces some of the skilled craftsmen and women who hand-build it. I hope you enjoy it.

Ian Robertson
Chairman and Chief Executive

Okay, okay. I am a sucker for Rolls-Royce press releases.


BMW MOA Chartered Club:

Coastal Carolina BMW Motorcycle Club, #306

Founded:
11/1/2001

Contact:
Bill Murray (ccbmw@ec.rr.com)
709 Mallard Xing Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409 US
home.ec.rr.com/ccbmw

Meetings:
Monthly at various locations


News from the 2007 Rally area:
Gem??tlichkeit

There is no direct translation for the word Gem??tlichkeit. However, Gem??tlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere. I think you will find that when you come here.

Ozaukee ÔÇô Washington Daily News

Fond Du Lac Reporter

The Sheboygan Press

Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam

Weather

West Bend WI
Current

10 Day Forcast

United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada


News:

MotorcycleDaily.com has the lowdown on Aprilia at Milan. Caution MAY NOT BE WORK FRIENDLY, contains naked V-4 racing engine pictures.

Gear:

Do these reflective tires have a future in the motorcycle world? Check out the bicycle versions at TheCoolHunter.net


Biker Dictionary: word of the day:

P.O.B.O.B. (think biker history)
From totalmotorcycle.com

Bike Candy:

Metric bike build off participant LBF Cycles

Unless noted otherwise, I have no known commercial interest in any products discussed in the Morning Reads


The Pit Crew View: Racing News:

MotoGP

Hate to ride in monsoon rains? According to EuorSport.com Colin EdwardÔÇÖs doesnÔÇÖt ride his Yamaha MotoGP in those conditions either.

Busch Series

The Associated Press asks the question: John Andretti the Rookie of the Year?

F-1

SpeedTV: Klien wins HondaÔÇÖs F-1 test role.

 

[mika]

PAge 2

Last update: November 13, 2006

Events:

Chartered Clubs & Local Events

Fellow members and clubs post local events here, which are great reasons to get out and ride or visit an area.

TT 2007: Saturday 26th May to Friday 8th June.

CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA EUROPEAN BIKE NIGHT
Ducati Motorcycles of Charlotte hosts Charlotte's monthly gathering of motorcycles and scooters of European heritage held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 9:00 at Mac's Speed Shop (this is a casual dining restaurant and bar that specialzes in BBQ) in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is open to all owners of European bikes and scooters and will be a great way to socialize with others as well as have a great meal in a motorcycle themed restaurant. We hope to see you there!

For directions to Mac's Speed Shop (macspeedshop.com) 2511 South Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information call Larry at BMW-Ducati Motorcycles Charlotte at 704-882-6106 or visit our website at www.bmw-ducati.com

December 8-10, 2006
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
South Building

January 5-7, 2007
Roundup Centre
Stampede Park

Edmonton Motorcycle Show
January 12-14, 2007
Northlands
Agricom

January 25-28, 2007
Tradex Exhibition Centre
Abbotsford, B.C.

February 10-12
Centre de foires de Quebec

Houston TX November 10 - 12 2006
Fort Worth TX November 17- 19 2006
Seattle WA December 1-3 2006
Long Beach CA December 8 -10 2006
San Mateo CA December 15-17 2006
Novi MI January 5 ÔÇô 7 2006
Washington DC January 12 ÔÇô 14 2006
New York NY January 19 ÔÇô 21 2006
Cleveland OH January 26 ÔÇô 28 2007
Minneapolis MN February 2 ÔÇô 4 2006
Chicago IL February 9 ÔÇô 11 2006
Atlanta GA February 23 ÔÇô 26 2006

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
July 27-29, 2007
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio

2007 MotoGP Calendar

March 10: Qatar, Doha/Losail**
March 25: Spain, Jerez de la Frontera
April 22: Turkey, Istanbul
May 6: China, Shanghai
May 20: France, Le Mans
June 3: Italy, Mugello
June 10: Catalunya, Catalunya
June 24: Great Britian, Donington Park
June 30: Netherlands, Assen**
July 15: Germany , Sachsenring
July 22: United States, Laguna Seca*
August 19: Czech Republic, Brno
September 2: San Marino & Riviera di Rimini, Misano
September 16: Portugal, Estoril
September 23: Japan, Motegi
October 14: Australia, Phillip Island
October 21: Malaysia, Sepang
November 4: Valencia, Ricardo Tormo ÔÇô Valencia

* : MotoGP Class Only
**: Saturday

2007 World Superbike Calendar - Provisional

February 24 : Qatar, Doha/Losail**
March 4: Australia, Phillip Island
April 22: Spain, Ricardo Tormo ÔÇô Valencia
May 6: Italy, Monza
May 27: Great Britian, Silverstone
June 24: San Marino, Misano
July 23: Czech Republic, Brno
August 5: Great Britian, Brands Hatch
September 2: Netherlands, Assen
September 9: Germany, Lausitzring
September 20: Italy, Imola
October 7: France, Magny-Cours
TBD : South Aftica, Kyalami (pending certification)

AMASuperbike.com
DATE, LOCATION
March 7-10
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
The Daytona 200 by Honda 1.800.PITSHOP
www.racetickets.com

April 20-22
Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Honda Superbike Classic 1.800.240.2300
www.barbermotorsports.com

April 27-29
California Speedway, Fontana, CA
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Suzuki Superbike Challenge 1.800.944.RACE
www.californiaspeedway.com

May 18-20
Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown 1.800.870.RACE
www.infineonraceway.com

June 1-3
Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
(Superbike Doubleheader)
AMA Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader 1.800.365.RACE
www.roadamerica.com

June 22-24
Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT
(Superbike Doubleheader)
Honda Summit of Speed 1.866.297.2636
www.millermotorsportspark.com

July 20-22
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA **
The Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix 1.800.327.SECA
www.laguna-seca.com

August 3-5
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
Honda Super Cycle Weekend, presented by Dunlop Tires
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.MID.OHIO
www.midohio.com

August 17-19
Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, presented by Parts Unlimited
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.303.377.3278
www.virclub.com
www.M1event.com

August 31-Sept. 2
Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA
AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown, presented by Makita
(Superbike Doubleheader) 1.800.849.RACE
www.roadatlanta.com

Sept. 15-16
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
AMA Superbike Championship 1.800.327.SECA
www.laguna-seca.com

Sept. 28-30
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
AMA Superbike Championship Shootout 1.800.MID.OHIO
www.midohio.com
**AMA & Moto GP combined weekend
Total Events: 12
Dates and Locations Subject to Change

AMASupermoto.com
2007 Schedule - AMA Supermoto Championship presented by
Parts Unlimited

Date, Location
June TBA,
Columbus, OH

June 23,
Miller Motorsports Park,
Tooele, UT

July 8,
Waterford Hills Motorsports Track,
Clarkston, MI

July 15,
Downtown, Syracuse, NY
August 4,
X-Games, Home Depot Center,
Los Angeles, CA*

September 1,
Music City Motorplex,
Nashville, TN

September 15,
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,
Monterey, CA**

September 23,
Pacific Raceway,
Seattle, WA

November 11,
Queen Mary,
Long Beach, CA

*AMA endorsed. Non-AMA Supermoto Championship points-paying event.
**Event to be confirmed.

AMAFlatTrack.com

2007 AMA Flat Track Championship Schedule*
Date, Location, Type, Series

March 7
Municipal Stadium,
Daytona Beach, FL
Short Track GNC Singles

March 8
Municipal Stadium,
Daytona Beach, FL
Short Track GNC Singles

May 26
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

May 27
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Mile GNC Twins

June 16
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds,
Davenport, IA
Half-mile GNC Twins

June 23
Route 66 Raceway,
Joliet, IL
Half-mile GNC Twins

June 30
Allen County Fairgrounds,
Lima, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 14
Virginia Motor Speedway,
Saluda, VA
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 21
Darke County Fairgrounds,
Greenville, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

July 28
Hagerstown Speedway,
Hagerstown, MD
Half-mile GNC Twins

August 7
Jackpine Gypsies Clubgrounds,
Sturgis, SD
Short Track GNC Singles

August 10
Castle Rock Race Park,
Castle Rock, WA
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

August 11
Castle Rock Race Park,
Castle Rock, WA
Short Track GNC Singles

August 19
Peoria Race Park,
Peoria, IL
Tourist Trophy GNC Singles

August 25
I-96 Speedway,
Lake Odessa,
MI Half-mile GNC Twins

September 1
Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Short Track GNC Singles

September 2 Illinois State Fairgrounds,
Springfield, IL
Mile GNC Twins

October 6 Scioto Downs,
Columbus, OH
Half-mile GNC Twins

*Dates and locations subject to change

AMAMotocross.com

May 19-20
Hangtown Motocross Classic,
Sacramento, CA;
1.800.HANGTOWN

May 26-27
High Point Raceway,
Mt. Morris, PA;
304.284.0084

June 9-10
MX 338,
Southwick, MA;
413.569.6801

June 16-17
Budds Creek Motocross Park,
Budds Creek, MD;
301.475.2000

June 30-July 1
Red Bud Track N Trail,
Buchanan, MI;
269.695.6405

July 14-15
Unadilla Valley Sports Center,
New Berlin, NY;
607.965.8784

July 21-22
Thunder Valley,
Lakewood, CO;
303.781.8131

July 28-29
Washougal Motocross Park,
Washougal, WA;
360.837.3975
August 11-12
Spring Creek MX Park,
Millville, MN;
507.753.2779

August 25-26
Steel City Raceway,
Delmont, PA;
304.284.0084

September 1-2
Freestone County Raceway,
Wortham, TX;
713.880.5533

September 8-9
Glen Helen Raceway,
San Bernardino,
CA; 909.880.1733

Dates and Locations Subject to Change

AMA Pro ATV Championship

 

[mika]

Page 3 Rolls-Royce Showroom

Choosing the location
Goodwood and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars seem like a natural fit. The decision to choose Goodwood was based both on solid practical factors and aesthetic reasons.

When the BMW Group became custodians of the Rolls-Royce marque in 1998, a decision was quickly made that its home should be in Great Britain and the search began for a setting that would be entirely suitable.

Naturally, good transport links to and from the major ports, access to a motor circuit for testing and proximity to a suitable workforce were important, but so was choosing an area and setting which would suit the brand. A large proportion of Rolls-Royce customers choose to visit the plant, so it was important that it should be in an attractive and thoroughly English part of the country, with excellent facilities and other attractions in the vicinity.

When measured against these criteria, Goodwood was a clear choice over the other sites under consideration. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is close to the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Activities available on the Goodwood Estate include horse racing, flying, motor racing, golf, cricket and shooting. Close by, visitors can sail, play polo and take part in numerous cultural events, such as the annual opera festival at Glyndebourne.

The site was subject to detailed planning and environmental studies before it was finally selected.

The ?ú65 million investment in the Goodwood site illustrates the companyÔÇÖs commitment to the area. During the planning application an economic impact study estimated that the new plant would generate at least ?ú25 million per annum extra revenue in the local economy.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is committed to supporting the West Sussex region, playing an active part in the economic life, welfare and development of the local community.

Award winning design
The manufacturing plant and headquarters at Goodwood were designed by one of BritainÔÇÖs most celebrated architects, Nicholas Grimshaw, famous for the Eden Project in Cornwall. The plant, operational since August 2002 and officially opened on 10 May 2003, is an inspirational building, matching the reputation of the worldÔÇÖs most prestigious car brand.

In the planning stages, great emphasis was placed on sensitive landscaping and the use of environmentally-friendly production techniques to create a set of contemporary buildings that work in harmony with one another and with their natural setting.

From the outside the low-rise building is camouflaged by sloping banks, re-using material left over from excavation, and 400,000 newly planted trees and shrubs. This, combined with a sedum living roof and sustainably sourced cedar wood cladding on the buildings makes it difficult to detect where the boundaries lie between the built and the natural environment.

The buildings have been designed to make best use of natural light and to offer the occupants outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. They are carefully orientated around a central courtyard, the main visitor point of entry, which is accessed from a sweeping driveway to the west of the site.

The manufacturing building is laid out on a twenty metre by twenty metre structural grid, with fabricated steel tree columns supporting eight metre diameter roof lights. The building reaches a height of ten metres and at the rear, the curve of the roof blends with surrounding fields, and covers the access road for loading and delivery.

The manufacturing building is predominantly double height, but incorporates a number of mezzanine levels. It accommodates The Sir Henry Royce Institute (an academy for apprentices and a centre for technical training); specialist wood and leather workshops, a Surface Finish Centre and a bridge that links the assembly building to the pavilion via a first floor restaurant raised on steel supports.

The pavilion is a two-storey building arranged on either side of a full height glazed atrium accommodating the headquarters offices. It is set at a right angle to the main manufacturing building, with the main entrance opening onto the courtyard. The exterior is clad with a mixture of limestone and cedar wood.

The palette of industrial and natural materials lying side-by-side is a subtle expression of the Rolls-Royce ethos - the fine balance between technology and tradition, innovation and craftsmanship that sets the Roll-Royce apart from other cars. Glass curtain walling is a major feature of the building around the courtyard. The amount of light entering it is regulated by timber louvres which open and close automatically. They are controlled via a weather station on the roof which monitors levels of natural light, the angle of the sun, the interior temperature and adjusts the louvres accordingly.

Encouraging biodiversity
The emphasis is on operating a technologically advanced facility, producing cars to the highest quality, yet making a positive contribution to the biodiversity of the natural landscape.

Living roof
The main buildings have been planted with thousands of sedum plants, to form the UKÔÇÖs largest living roof covering over 32,000 square metres (eight acres).

This roof, with low-maintenance vegetation, improves thermal insulation in the winter, provides evaporative cooling in the summer and slows the flow of stormwater into the drains from the roof areas. It also provides a safe habitat for birds and other animals. A number of uncommon breeds have been observed nesting on the roof.

Landscaping
Over 400,000 plants of more than 120 species have been planted to screen the buildings and to provide year-round colour, encouraging a rich biodiversity of wildlife into the area.

Large-scale tree planting has been undertaken to add variety to the landscape, supplemented by other native species that are characteristic of the hedges, scrub and woodland of the area. Non-chemical techniques are used to control pests.

A lake in front of the production and courtyard area is a key part of the water-management system as well as a striking feature. It has been stocked with fish and attracts a wide variety of aquatic birds, including swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, cormorants and terns.

Environmental considerations
When designing the new home of Rolls-Royce the architectÔÇÖs brief was to ensure that the whole facility would blend into the natural, rural surroundings and make a minimal environmental impact.

Approximately 80,000 tonnes of gravel extracted from the site were used in the construction of the low-rise buildings, leading to cost savings in reduced transport requirements.

The main manufacturing building is designed to give a spacious and airy working environment and to minimise the need for artificial lighting. The walls have high thermal insulating properties, in excess of those required by existing building regulations.

Timber used in construction was sourced from sustainably managed forests and recycled materials have been used wherever possible.

All the gas-fired boilers have a high thermal efficiency and rapid action roller shutter doors between the principal production areas minimise potential heat loss in the winter.

The lake acts as a heat sink for the climate control systems in the head office buildings cooling the air which ventilates the building via heat exchanges and so saving more than 30 per cent over the cost of air conditioning.

The complex water drainage system at Goodwood is based on the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS). This means that all run-off from the roof and car parks enter the lake, after filtering and the removal of any petrol and other hydrocarbon residues. When the lake reaches a certain level, a hydrobrake is triggered which drains excess water into a soakaway, allowing water to drain naturally to the groundwater, preventing flooding.


Green production processes
Inside the production facilities, environmental considerations are paramount.

The key areas are:
ÔÇó The efficient use of energy
ÔÇó The prevention of polluting emissions
ÔÇó The use of recycled materials or materials that can be recycled
ÔÇó The minimisation of waste in any form with a thorough recycling programme

In the Surface Finish Centre, efficient gas burners are used in the ovens, so no additional water heating is necessary for the paint booths and air from the ÔÇÿclean roomÔÇÖ is recirculated through the basement for heating and ventilation.

Water-borne paints and waxes are used throughout and robots are used to ensure a perfect finish and reduce overspray.

A closed water system is used for the paint processes, condensing the moisture as it evaporates from the water-based paints in the drying booths. The water is then re-routed through the system. Processes in the water test bay ÔÇô where cars are subjected to monsoon conditions to test for water tightness ÔÇô incorporate a closed loop system which circulates the same water constantly, via a filtration process. Low water consumption systems throughout the company include low flush toilets with infrared sensing and automatic shut-off taps.

All waste is segregated and streamed in a recycling centre and, wherever possible, recycled. For example, leather off-cuts are sold to the shoe and fashion industry, wood off-cuts are sent to local recyclers and waste from the landscaping is composted.

A rigorous regime for monitoring the siteÔÇÖs environmental impact is enforced, and environmental performance is monitored against specific targets on a monthly basis.

To minimise road journeys to and from the Goodwood facility, a component collection centre at the BMW Group Plant Oxford has been established, where parts are consolidated from the majority of suppliers and brought to the plant in full loads.

Delivery truck journeys on local roads are limited to a maximum of 20 per day. The vast majority of component packaging is designed to be sent back to the supplier for reuse.

A green travel plan is in operation to minimise the impact of employee travel on local roads. This includes the use of a lift-sharing database, encouraging the use of bicycles and motorcycles and the optimisation of local public transport.

 

[mika]

Page 4

Manufacturing a Rolls-Royce

Craftsmanship
It takes at least two months to build each Rolls-Royce Phantom. At Goodwood the latest technologies and leading edge equipment are used by highly skilled craftsmen and women to produce cars of peerless quality and precision.

There is no substitute for human involvement: only the trained human eye and the sensitivity of human finger tips can ensure the highest quality hides and finest wood veneers are used in the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Hand-crafting allows much greater scope to satisfy individual customer demands, creating truly unique cars.


Leather
Sixty people work in the leather area producing leather covered trim components and sewn seat covers. The process begins with the selection of the best quality hides by highly skilled technicians. The hides are checked, any defects marked and then laid out across a large computer controlled cutting table. The skilled operator uses laser technology to lay out or ÔÇÿnestÔÇÖ all the required pattern pieces on to the hide before these are cut out by a computer guided blade.

The parts are stitched by machinists using a variety of specialised and computer-assisted sewing equipment, including an embroidery machine. The interior trim and seat covers are sewn to the exacting specification required to ensure a perfect fit. Fitting the leather to the component parts is a highly skilled job and is facilitated by using the latest fully adjustable, servo assisted, custom built jigs.

Between 15 and 18 half hides are used for every car ÔÇô each from the same batch to ensure perfect colour matching. There are 450 individual leather pieces and 200 foam and padding parts in each Phantom. There are 13 standard colours from which to choose but customers may also decide upon
a unique colour which can be matched to their personal specification.

It takes approximately 17 days to produce a whole car set. The leather is processed with a unique drum pigmentation system, which permeates the hide with colour. This process helps maintain the natural feel, softness and grain of the hides and minimises creaking. Seats are trimmed in natural grain leather while other panels feature ÔÇÿtippedÔÇÖ or embossed leather.

Wood
Up to 42 wood parts are required for each Phantom, created using the latest woodworking technology and traditional handcraft skills. An entire set for one motor car takes 30 days to produce.

The wood detail is achieved by the painstaking selection and matching of veneers and the interpretation of craftsmen in applying the veneer to each individual car set. A combination of natural straight grain and feature veneers provides the wood detail required for the interior trim of the car. A process called book matching, whereby a mirror image effect is created throughout the Phantom, means each car has its own unique identity. Rolls-Royce even keeps an archive of veneers from every log ever used to build the cars. This means a car requiring repair at a later stage could still have matching veneers.

There are six wood veneer choices: mahogany, oak, elm, bird's eye maple, walnut and piano black sourced from around the world from sustainable sources. Each part is treated with six coats of lacquer to enhance the individual wood grain and give a flawless finish. Finally, all lacquered parts are individually checked and the relevant fittings attached before being despatched to the assembly line. Other woods
can be used to meet special customer requirements.

Surface finish centre
The hand-welded aluminium space frame arrives at Goodwood, pre-treated to ensure corrosion protection and paint adhesion to the metal. The body is thoroughly cleaned to ensure it is spotless before entering the sealed clean room for the painting process. A water-based primer, one colour basecoat and two clear coats are applied partly by robots (the only ones at Goodwood) and partly by hand. Robots are used to maximise paint application and reduce overspray. After each coat the body is oven cured and inspected before being sanded by hand ready for the next coat of paint. A separate paint facility for other parts ensures consistent colour matching. Each body undergoes around five hours of polishing by hand to ensure a perfect gloss finish.

Two-tone bodies and horizontal coach lines are offered as paint options. The coach lines, which take three hours to complete, are hand painted by highly skilled craftspeople. Customers can choose from a selection of 18 standard colours, although the full scale of the palette runs to 45,000.

Assembly and test
Seventy-four people work on the 22 stations along the assembly line, either as teams or individuals, carrying out more than 2,000 separate operations by hand.

The body has acoustic material, air ducts, heating and ventilation, wiring and electrical controls added before the carpet is fitted on top.

To complete the drive train, the engine is connected to the transmission and then to the vehicleÔÇÖs axles, suspension system and drive shaft. The completed drive train then goes to the marriage station where it is fitted to the body in one single, safe procedure. The stainless steel exhaust system is
then attached.

A group or individual is responsible for every function to ensure that any problems spotted later can be traced back via the computer tracking system and resolved.

After the wood and leather interior trimming is complete, the car is prepared for the first start-up of the engine. Each Phantom goes through vigorous tests before being delivered to the customer. These include a special shaker-rig which is used to ensure there are no rattles or squeaks. The water (or monsoon) test subjects the car to a 30 minute deluge to ensure there are no leaks. A rolling road test proves all vehicle functions, during which the car is driven up to a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75mph). Each car then undergoes a ten mile road test where driving performance is assessed over various road and driving conditions.

Finally, each car goes through a final inspection process and is carefully prepared for the journey to its owner, either by land, sea or even air, if required.

Quality
Every stage of the manufacturing process has stringent quality procedures. In addition, the quality department has extensive facilities for the measurement and quality audit of vehicles and parts, whether manufactured at Goodwood or sourced externally.

Suppliers
Rolls-Royce sources the very best materials from around the world for the motor cars produced at Goodwood. Experienced and skilled craftspeople are often involved in sourcing and selecting the materials with which they work.

Wood veneers used for the interior trim include figured mahogany from West Africa, tulipwood, walnut burr and birdÔÇÖs eye maple from North America, oak burr from Europe and elm cluster from France. All the wood used for veneers is sourced from sustainable forests.

OnIy mature bull hides from carefully controlled and closely monitored breeders are used. The hides come from herds bred for their meat, in conditions as close to natural as possible, producing hides as a by-product.

Every part of the car obtains the same level of attention. Even the headliner, the lining on the underside of the car roof, is ninety per cent pure wool from Australia and ten per cent cashmere from North China. Lambswool from California is used for the rugs. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, is produced by a local family company and is made from stainless steel, making it hard wearing and corrosion-free.
The Phantom
The Phantom was launched officially on 3 January 2003 at Goodwood. The award-winning manufacturing plant and head office is the sixth site for the marque in its long year history.

The launch began the renaissance of one of the worldÔÇÖs most famous brands. Within two years it had established itself once again as the very finest car in the world and the best seller in its class. With over 70 dealerships around the world the Phantom is sold in more than 40 countries.

The body of the Phantom is the largest all-aluminium space frame car chassis ever made. It is welded entirely by hand and is stiffer than a Formula One car.

The PhantomÔÇÖs designers were inspired by the Phantom I and II models of the 1930ÔÇÖs, the Silver Cloud of the 1950ÔÇÖs and the Silver Shadow of the 1960ÔÇÖs. Features like a long wheelbase, a short front overhang, a deep C-pillar and a long bonnet were fundamental design elements and were incorporated into the new Phantom ÔÇô quite apart from the famous grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

Inside, the finest leather, cashmere, sheepskin, polished metals and hand-crafted wood create an atmosphere of uncluttered and unquestionable quality. The coach doors open from the centre of the car (the rear doors hinged at the back) reminiscent of the classic Rolls-Royce era. Combined with a flat floor, they allow passengers easy access. A slightly curved lounge seat in the rear gives passengers the ability to turn toward one another naturally and helps to create a social environment.

Effortless to drive, the Phantom is precise in its responses. Self-levelling air springs, electronic dampers and multi-link rear, double wishbone front suspension combine with the long wheelbase and high profile tyres to give the perfect combination of sure-footed handling and a magic-carpet ride. The large wheels and tyres have been specially developed for the Phantom: it is the first car in the world to feature the advanced PAX run-flat tyre system as standard, which allows the car to run for at least 100 miles at up to 50 mph after a puncture.

On the move, the purpose-designed 6.75-litre V12 engine provides huge reserves of power and torque. The Phantom will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds (0-100 kph 5.9 seconds) and on to a limited top speed of 149 mph (240 kph).

Behind the wheel, the low-down torque wafts the Phantom swiftly yet effortlessly from tick-over. Peak torque is 720 Nm (531 lb ft) at 3500 rpm but, more importantly, seventy-five per cent of that total is developed at just 1000 rpm. Maximum power is 460 PS (338 KW).

There are a number of delightful detail touches which help to make this such a car. For example; the electrically retractable Spirit of Ecstasy, which can be lowered out of sight whenever the Phantom is parked; the wheel hub centres, bearing the interlinked double-R logo, which remain upright at all times; and the full-size umbrellas which will be found stowed within each rear door.

An extended wheelbase version of the car was launched at the start of 2005. An additional 250mm has been added behind the B-pillar, meaning that it is the rear passengers who benefit from the extra space. Outside though, the attractive dimensions of the Phantom have not been compromised and it retains its sleek looks. Inside, the exceptionally spacious interior lends itself perfectly to the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme.

Bespoke is the name given to the unique features specified by customers for their Phantom. It could be anything from drinks coolers to audio-visual equipment, humidors to full partitions, special embroidery to coats of arms. The exterior paint alone extends to 45,000 different colours.

This kind of individualisation has long been part of the Rolls-Royce brand, allowing customers to specify a car which is truly unique and personalised to their own special tastes.

 

[mika]

Page 5

The Spirit of Ecstasy
Henry Royce had for some while been concerned about the craze for attaching comical mascots to car radiators, such as little devils or cartoon cats. Royce disliked mascots but, bowing to demand, decided to design one, providing it was worthy of his cars. In 1911, the company commissioned the celebrated sculptor Charles Sykes to produce a mascot that would demonstrate all the qualities that Rolls-Royce embraced and one that would enhance the overall look of the cars. Sykes came up with the figurine of a girl with arms outstretched holding the folds of her gown blowing in the breeze. He used John MontaguÔÇÖs secretary, Eleanor Thornton, as the model for his work. Originally named ÔÇÿThe Spirit of SpeedÔÇÖ and, more generally, called ÔÇÿThe Flying LadyÔÇÖ or ÔÇÿThe Silver LadyÔÇÖ, her correct name is ÔÇÿThe Spirit of EcstasyÔÇÖ.

When BMW Group inherited the original mould in 1998 it had become slightly worn after so many years of use. It was therefore redesigned using photographs of Eleanor Thornton for authenticity and the latest computer design technology. Today each tiny feature of The Spirit of Ecstasy is clearly and perfectly defined.

The Spirit of Ecstasy is currently produced by a local family-run company and is made from stainless steel, although Sterling silver and gold has been used for special edition Phantoms.

The people
There are approximately five hundred people working at Goodwood. Rolls-Royce works with many local, national and international training and academic institutions to support the development of employees. This ranges from basic information technology skills to more advanced post graduate qualifications. This broad range of training and development available to employees supports the drive to nurture talent.

Rolls-Royce is committed to investing in employees, providing them with opportunities to learn, develop and grow. Development not only improves individual performance; it also prepares people for future roles within the company and helps them to reach their full potential, wherever their careers may take them.

An apprenticeship scheme was launched in June 2006 providing young people with the opportunity to train for highly skilled jobs at Goodwood.

By developing employees, talent is nurtured within the business ÔÇô talent that will enable the company to grow and to meet the challenges of the future.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars also supports the development of students in full time education by offering work experience and undergraduate placements across the business. This experience provides individuals with an insight into working life and supports their educational development. At the
same time, it provides the company with a valuable resource and the opportunity to identify possible future talent.

Geoff Ellis bespoke technician
ÔÇ£Before I joined Goodwood, I restored vintage Rolls-RoyceÔÇÖs starting as an apprentice, I learned everything including woodwork, metalwork and lathe work and often had to design a part and make it as a one-off, so I am used to creating solutions for unique mechanical and engineering problems.

Rolls-Royce customers often have specific and unique requirements and when they describe their idea to us we set about creating an engineering solution. We are a four-man team but, in effect, the whole of Goodwood production is part of the Bespoke team. We can go to any department to ask for advice, itÔÇÖs a collaborative approach.

Our most important skill is adaptability. Whether itÔÇÖs a drinks cabinet, a fridge under the seat or extra instruments which alter the configuration of the dashboard, we have to make it function and fit perfectly into all the systems.

We test everything as itÔÇÖs made and only perfection is satisfactory. The quality of the workmanship and getting it right are the most important things.ÔÇØ

Ben Creasey laser cutter
ÔÇ£Cars are my passion. I used to build touring Minis, but I had never worked with leather before joining this company. Now, for the first time, IÔÇÖm working with hi-tech cutting machinery.

The first task with the skins is to go over them very carefully with hand and eye to find any imperfections, which are marked out as areas to avoid. Then I work out a cutting plan on the computer screen, starting with the biggest pieces in the most perfect areas. The satisfaction is in getting the best cut with the least wastage, and with the most perfect skin in the most important areas.

Once IÔÇÖm happy with the layout, itÔÇÖs logged into the computer system and projected by laser on to the skin. The leather is held down by a vacuum to stop it moving before being cut. ItÔÇÖs thrilling to see the seats in the finished car.ÔÇØ


Wendy Craig sewing supervisor
ÔÇ£After I left school, I started as a sewing machinist making lingerie. I started at Goodwood as a machinist in 2001 but now IÔÇÖm in charge of a team of fourteen machinists. I like to be hands-on and do quite a lot of sewing to keep my hand in. We all work on different pieces for the whole car, rather than specialise in particular areas, so we can compare work and this helps to maintain standards.

Working with leather is a challenge as itÔÇÖs a heavier material than most machinists are used to. We work on double-needled machines and itÔÇÖs crucial to keep the lines perfectly even around corners. We push the leather with an old-fashion tool called a ÔÇÿfishboneÔÇÖ ÔÇô itÔÇÖs still made out of bone, which works much better than plastic.

When a car is finished we love to go as a team to see the results of our work. ItÔÇÖs a really nice working environment, so clean and quiet; it doesnÔÇÖt feel like a working in a factory.ÔÇØ?¼

Mike Pratt process manager for interior trim, leather
ÔÇ£Throughout my career IÔÇÖve always been involved in leatherwork. I did a five-year apprenticeship with a local company in Chichester where I made high quality leather goods for Harrods and Asprey. I then did specialist work for HMSO making red boxes for government ministers. IÔÇÖve also trained in bookbinding.

After becoming a team leader for the centre console team here at Goodwood I have gradually worked my way up to my present position. IÔÇÖm responsible for making sure parts get to the right station on the production line, and that they meet the highest quality standards. Keeping standards of quality high is a daily challenge. Making and fitting interior trim is all carried out by hand and you have to be very focused to ensure accuracy.

Working with natural materials, you always need to assess the material against a standard. However, whereas someone might view a mark on a piece of leather as a fault, someone else might see it as adding to the uniqueness of the car, so you have to continually make judgements. We are constantly educating ourselves about the best way to use materials and when people move on we make sure that the knowledge is passed on so it is kept within the team.

Working at Goodwood is fantastic. WeÔÇÖve got a blend of skills and craftsmanship you only get through experience, but weÔÇÖre also working with the best technology there is. Sometimes you find old methods are best - there are some tools you canÔÇÖt improve on ÔÇô but we also have hi-tech equipment like the cutting tables. This means cutting is far more accurate and the yield is much greater from a single piece of leather.ÔÇØ


Daniel Butler wood veneer buyer and bookline matcher
ÔÇ£I have worked with veneers for twenty four years, starting as an apprentice and later working on high-quality furniture and kitchens before I joined Rolls-Royce. For me, the attraction of my job is getting perfect results from the best materials. When buying, IÔÇÖm always looking for the highest quality veneers, which I choose as individual trees from around the world. For example, we use walnut from America, oak from the UK and Scottish elm. I look for burrs and complex grains that add interest. I believe a Rolls-Royce car should have the best so if I see something really special I have to go for it.

I aim to get the best possible yield from a log. We use quite a lot of burrs which are rotary cut and peeled off the log to give a stretch effect. Other woods you slice horizontally to get the grain youÔÇÖre looking for. Each wood has a different character and you have to respect the natural material youÔÇÖre working with. I enjoy the challenge of finding new veneers.

When the wood arrives itÔÇÖs left to absorb moisture for two days, to make it supple. The challenge of book matching is a three dimensional match ÔÇô not only should each component be symmetrical in pattern along what is called the bookline, but the symmetry should apply to the interior as a whole. ItÔÇÖs even more complex when two or more veneers are used.

I think itÔÇÖs great to work in such a clean environment ÔÇô sometimes my wife canÔÇÖt believe IÔÇÖve been to work! All the places IÔÇÖve worked before were covered in sawdust. ItÔÇÖs also nice working in such beautiful countryside ÔÇô IÔÇÖm surrounded by the natural material that IÔÇÖm working with.ÔÇØ

Mark Court coach line hand painter
ÔÇ£I trained as a sign writer when I left school and spent most of my career painting pub signs, shopfronts and lettering on commercial vehicles. After I joined Rolls-Royce, I spent six months learning the coachlining technique.

The coachline is the six metre pinstripe down the side of the car. It can either be single or double line, and in a single colour or two-tone. The first time I painted the standard six metre coach line was quite daunting ÔÇô itÔÇÖs a long distance to get perfectly straight. ItÔÇÖs a three hour process and takes a lot of concentration.

The paint is specially formulated to go smoothly over the clear top coat and there is time to rectify it if I make a mistake. The coach line really finishes the car, making it stand out and breaking up the bodywork in a pleasing way.

I also do special artwork requested by customers, such as initials or coats of arms. I often work with the designers when producing very complex work. Once all the paintwork is completed and polished, I give it the final inspection ÔÇô itÔÇÖs a very satisfying moment when I pass it.ÔÇØ

Lisa Taylor hand finisher, paint area
ÔÇ£Before coming to Goodwood I worked for a company manufacturing car wing mirrors where I had experience of preparing and polishing and after I joined Rolls-Royce I had three months of specialist training. In the Surface Finish Centre, we check the painted body for any slight imperfections, partly by sight, but more by hand . We ring each mark with a Chinagraph pencil, which doesnÔÇÖt damage the surface, and then gently sand it, before polishing with lambswool until itÔÇÖs completely smooth and shining. We adjust the lighting to give the best conditions for each particular colour.

The biggest challenge is sanding to exactly the right level, to smooth out the mark, but not go too deep. This entails different grades of sandpaper. Sometimes I have just got the polish perfect and I spot another tiny imperfection and have to sand and polish it again. In general, it takes three hours to polish a light colour to get it to my satisfaction, and up to five hours on a dark colour.

ItÔÇÖs exciting waiting for the end result. I am very proud when I see it finished, with the beautiful colour combinations of the paint, the wood and the leather.

ItÔÇÖs a unique environment for a woman to be working in and I enjoy that. I also enjoy working for the most prestigious car company in the world ÔÇô people are always impressed when I tell them where I work!ÔÇØ

David Terry test driver
ÔÇ£After running my own garage for a number of years, I trained to teach motor vehicle mechanics, lecturing at a local college. Now I must have the best job in the world, driving Rolls-Royce cars every day!

One member of our team is responsible for an individual car throughout all the whole of the testing process. Each car undergoes a series of quality control tests here at the plant which starts with the shaker rig and then a rolling road. Finally, the car undergoes a water test that simulates monsoon rainfall conditions.

The car is then tested on local roads for around ten miles. During the test, IÔÇÖm assessing driving performance and overall acoustic issues, in all weather conditions, which takes a keen ear and attention to detail.

All test drivers have passed advanced driving courses and come from a variety of motor trade backgrounds. IÔÇÖve been in the motor trade for 45 years, and all that experience goes into making sure nothing escapes my attention.ÔÇØ

The future
A new Rolls-Royce ?¼?¼convertible is set for launch in 2007.This new drophead has been inspired by 100EX, the experimental car unveiled at Geneva in 2004 to celebrate the brandÔÇÖs centenary. It will be a two-door, four-seat car, using a similar aluminium space frame chassis technology as the Phantom and powered by the same V12 engine. It will be built at Goodwood alongside the Phantom models.

The maxim of Sir Henry Royce ÔÇô ÔÇ£strive for perfection in everything you doÔÇØ ÔÇô permeates everything at Goodwood. Rolls-Royce has been the worldÔÇÖs premium motor car manufacturer for more than 100 years and the interlinked RR symbol is recognised as a sign of excellence the world over. Everyone at Goodwood feels the responsibility of ensuring that the next 100 years are just as successful.

 

[PAULBACH]

Truly a jaw drop

Craftsmanship
It takes at least two months to build each Rolls-Royce Phantom. At Goodwood the latest technologies and leading edge equipment are used by highly skilled craftsmen and women to produce cars of peerless quality and precision.

This morning's description of how cars are "assembled" is most interesting.

I would be hesitant to take it out on the road. Nicks, dents, bird droppings. Roads would be seen as a hostile environment.

Most interesting morning post.

 

[BUBBAZANETTI]

wonder what a rolls royce motorcycle would look like??

oh wait;

sorta

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

Dang that is some work!