Connaught Type-D Syracuse
British sports car maker Connaught Motor Company faces further delays in its plan to build a new factory in Llanelli, Wales.
Planning permission for the plant has been repeatedly held back since plans were announced back in early 2007. The latest delay, brought about by a directive from the Welsh assembly government, is thought to be due to concerns regarding sewerage and water quality in Llanelli.
The Carmarthenshire council planning committee has expressed broad support for the plans, however cannot grant planning permission after the issuing of this government directive.
Connaught Motor Company, named after the famous racing team of the 1950s, plans to produce a sports car called the Type-D, along with a 300 bhp narrow-angle V10 and a 162bhp hybrid powerplant to go in it. So far only a handful of hand-made prototypes have been assembled, but with the new plant Connaught hope to produce 1,000 cars a year, creating around 200 jobs in the process.
Bodyshells are expected to be produced on the continent and brought in for final assembly at the Welsh plant, which will also produce the innovative engines. It is thought that Connaught will also attempt to sell the hybrid technology that they have developed for the Type-D.