New TVR still under wraps! (Vol. 2)
Discussion
Byker28i said:
Tyre Tread said:
Even IF TVR can find the funding AND can overcome the technical issues of meeting the various rules and regs that are coming into play I would love to know where they are going to get the people with the skill sets required.
Having moved to South Wales 4 years ago it's clear that the likelihood of finding such skilled local people is slim and even less likely that, even if such people exist outside of South Wales, that they could be enticed to move close to Ebbw Vale.
Much as I would like to see TVR's rebirth and had been hopeful some time ago, I seriously doubt it will ever produce more than a handful of (prototype) cars, if any.
Not that I would be likely to be able to afford one even if they could produce them.
South Wales isn't a stupid place to build cars, It hasn't stopped Aston MartinHaving moved to South Wales 4 years ago it's clear that the likelihood of finding such skilled local people is slim and even less likely that, even if such people exist outside of South Wales, that they could be enticed to move close to Ebbw Vale.
Much as I would like to see TVR's rebirth and had been hopeful some time ago, I seriously doubt it will ever produce more than a handful of (prototype) cars, if any.
Not that I would be likely to be able to afford one even if they could produce them.
Then Swansea Uni have been running Automotive design courses for several years https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ba-automotive-design/
including research into alternative ways of production
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events...
There's plenty of people, and as previously mentioned Ebbw Vale had a huge amount of EU money pumped into the local infrastructure, roads, train station, leisure center, technical college, schools etc. It could be an attractive place to live
Then grants from the Welsh Govt.
I didn't say it was stupid, nor impossible but it certainly adds a level of difficulty that TVR really don't need.
I think you're over thinking this point. There is no area in the Uk with a ready to go workforce for tvr.
Also almost all of the assembly jobs do not require any significant previous experience, education or knowledge of cars even.
They will require a certain attitude and attention to detail. But that's it. They'd face the same challenges anywhere in the UK.
So why not locate somewhere like Wales where wages are low and any employees are likely to stick around longer due to the lack of similar work on their doorstep. Its a great location if they can get the car to production.
Also almost all of the assembly jobs do not require any significant previous experience, education or knowledge of cars even.
They will require a certain attitude and attention to detail. But that's it. They'd face the same challenges anywhere in the UK.
So why not locate somewhere like Wales where wages are low and any employees are likely to stick around longer due to the lack of similar work on their doorstep. Its a great location if they can get the car to production.
crosseyedlion said:
I think you're over thinking this point. There is no area in the Uk with a ready to go workforce for tvr.
Also almost all of the assembly jobs do not require any significant previous experience, education or knowledge of cars even.
They will require a certain attitude and attention to detail. But that's it. They'd face the same challenges anywhere in the UK.
So why not locate somewhere like Wales where wages are low and any employees are likely to stick around longer due to the lack of similar work on their doorstep. Its a great location if they can get the car to production.
I think this is a bit too simplistic. Yes, for someone employed to fit the wheels once trained in the use of a torque wrench okay. But for someone employed in fitting the suspension, a knowledge of what the components do is a necessity. Even a basic track adjustment requires a degree of knowledge of how it all works and that is gained through working in the trade. Similarly, say fitting the engine and a mounting bolt is cross threaded (easily done) will require some engineering expertise to correct it.Also almost all of the assembly jobs do not require any significant previous experience, education or knowledge of cars even.
They will require a certain attitude and attention to detail. But that's it. They'd face the same challenges anywhere in the UK.
So why not locate somewhere like Wales where wages are low and any employees are likely to stick around longer due to the lack of similar work on their doorstep. Its a great location if they can get the car to production.
There have to be some proper skills and knowledge of ABS, airbags, ECUs and so on. You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
N7GTX said:
Gazzab said:
8nil said:
.....unless I have missed someone else mentioning this earlier.....
TVR have 'onboarded' a CEO...
LinkedIn is your friend.....
Well spotted. Jim Berriman. Has a relatively corporate background eg JLR and Rolls albeit not in particularly senior positions. So am not sure what he brings to the party - maybe he doesn’t want paying much? TVR have 'onboarded' a CEO...
LinkedIn is your friend.....
I notice that Patrick Buckland is listed as a shareholder of TVR on linked in.
N7GTX said:
I think this is a bit too simplistic. Yes, for someone employed to fit the wheels once trained in the use of a torque wrench okay. But for someone employed in fitting the suspension, a knowledge of what the components do is a necessity. Even a basic track adjustment requires a degree of knowledge of how it all works and that is gained through working in the trade. Similarly, say fitting the engine and a mounting bolt is cross threaded (easily done) will require some engineering expertise to correct it.
There have to be some proper skills and knowledge of ABS, airbags, ECUs and so on. You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
I disagree. Having worked as a technician and engineer on small and large volume production lines - being taught how to do one or a small set of specific tasks does not require experience. It requires being taught how to do that thing (you really don't need to know how it goes together) and when to ask for a supervisor when it goes wrong. You can absolutely take a former miner and show them that. Thats the whole point of a production line rather than a vehicle being produced in a bay. There have to be some proper skills and knowledge of ABS, airbags, ECUs and so on. You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
Troubleshooting and rework bays will obviously require more knowledge and skills, but not that beyond a good mechanic.
Edited by crosseyedlion on Sunday 1st December 18:24
crosseyedlion said:
N7GTX said:
I think this is a bit too simplistic. Yes, for someone employed to fit the wheels once trained in the use of a torque wrench okay. But for someone employed in fitting the suspension, a knowledge of what the components do is a necessity. Even a basic track adjustment requires a degree of knowledge of how it all works and that is gained through working in the trade. Similarly, say fitting the engine and a mounting bolt is cross threaded (easily done) will require some engineering expertise to correct it.
There have to be some proper skills and knowledge of ABS, airbags, ECUs and so on. You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
I disagree. Having worked as a technician and engineer on small and large volume production lines - being taught how to do one or a small set of specific tasks does not require experience. It requires being taught how to do that thing (you really don't need to know how it goes together) and when to ask for a supervisor when it goes wrong. You can absolutely take a former miner and show them that. Thats the whole point of a production line rather than a vehicle being produced in a bay. There have to be some proper skills and knowledge of ABS, airbags, ECUs and so on. You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
Troubleshooting and rework bays will obviously require more knowledge and skills, but not that beyond a good mechanic.
Edited by crosseyedlion on Sunday 1st December 18:24
Yes, I'm not so sure that the TVR production line will be full of robots and high tech equipment. There will still be that 'bespoke' factor of the (almost) hand-built car. And the interior is surely going to need some specialist skills. 
All depending on whether Pello come up smelling of roses though.
All depending on whether Pello come up smelling of roses though.
AAGR said:
Regarding production methods and process - how many of you ever visited Blackpool and saw 'your' cars being built ?
I did, several times, and reckon that any idea of system, inspection, and authentication was just a joke.
I did, the first buyers of each new model were the system inspectors and testers. I did, several times, and reckon that any idea of system, inspection, and authentication was just a joke.
El stovey said:
I did, the first buyers of each new model were the system inspectors and testers.
Clearly my Sagaris was extra special as on the Build Sheet under Special Notes it says "Jeremy please check quality carefully" I can only assume therefore the quality of mine is equivalent to that of a Bugatti ChironPuffsBack said:
El stovey said:
I did, the first buyers of each new model were the system inspectors and testers.
Clearly my Sagaris was extra special as on the Build Sheet under Special Notes it says "Jeremy please check quality carefully" I can only assume therefore the quality of mine is equivalent to that of a Bugatti Chiron
m4tti said:
You’ve got to have more for us than that. Sound track, fit and finish, how quick did it feel, what did it handle like on general roads 
I really liked it - The car I drove was LHD (unfamiliar to me) and the test drive route was through zones 1 & 2 London (so not the easiest of places to get an appreciation of handling). However, an ~800kg car feels awesome - I liked many things: with the small wheels (16") you could feel the tyres working as part of the suspension to absorb the pot holes and drain covers etc. It's obviously been designed to give a deliberate retro/emotive experience and to me it pulled off the 'classic feel' really well - for example, you have to really get to know your brake pedal!
It felt quick enough to me(!) but I'm sure you'll appreciate we couldn't really test that properly in the city. The exhaust is okay (obviously only a V6 sound track) - Due to the small size of car and with the engine being behind you reminded me like a beefed up Lotus. The test drive car had exhaust valves so you could go into subtle mode on demand which I liked.
The car is more dramatic in person than in the pictures (much like every said when they saw the Griff).
The hard top 'canopy' seemed aeroplane inspired which was a neat trick - you'd never get in over the high sills otherwise. I'm 6'4" and just fitted ok but I'd need an even lower seat (I.e. straight onto the tub) to spend a long time in there. I'd prob take the removable steering wheel as well. I thought they'd done a pretty good job with the interior - need to remember it's not a Pagani, but all the carbon work I saw looked smart.
It has small sliding windows and rear view mirror is quite close to your face, which may give a sense of claustrophobia to some but I didn't mind. There are basic creature comforts like A/C and blue tooth radio but no infotainment on the dash - just the essential toggle switches (I liked that).
In terms of the fit and finish, I didn't really scrutinise the panel gaps but I thought it all looked okay (for a hand built fibreglass car) to me. They're still developing manufacturing processes, so expect the bonnet pins to evolve before main production runs.
It certainly felt like a sense of occasion. Driving near Chelsea Barracks saw a McLaren F1 race car being unloaded from a lorry (must be some car show happening). The crew heard us coming and all stopped to watch the Jannarelly go past (so it must look pretty cool).
Final point - I love the configurabilty. Hard top, roadster, targa.. all as you wish with just a few bolts. I'm sure I'll think of more later...
Edit to add you a piccy
Edited by V8 GMS on Tuesday 3rd December 10:44
cirks said:
shorts! said:
What's a Trackhawk?
Hi Dominic - hope you're keeping wellAs tvrolet says, it's something which moves two large dogs from A-B quite quickly. Pretty impressive vehicle
So how are you liking yours? Had it on hooligan track mode yet with the traction control off?
While part of me would still rather have a ‘sports car’ I’ve put loads more miles on this than I might have done had the TVR appeared, probably had just as much fun and undoubtedly far more maniacal laughing at the absurdity of it all.
N7GTX said:
You can't just take a former miner and expect him to know all this.
Is that insulting the welsh, thinking they are just ex-miners? There's not really been any mining for the last 20 years.Ebbw Vale is absolutely crammed with business parks
https://businesswales.gov.wales/enterprisezones/zo...
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