McLaren Automotive’s first high performance sports car goes into production

UK sports car manufacturer McLaren Automotive has announced production of its first high performance sports car at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. The MP4-12C is a lightweight, mid engine, two seat vehicle aimed at setting new standards for car and customer. "The start of production is a significant milestone for us," said executive chairman Ron Dennis. "It confirms our intention to challenge convention at the highest levels of automotive design."

The British company also announced that its £40million McLaren Production Centre, a 32,000m² high tech manufacturing facility, is due for completion in May this year. The centre, which has been entirely supported by existing shareholders, will support up to 800 jobs and is expected to be manufacturing approximately 4000 cars a year by 2015. "This high tech facility will deliver jobs, expertise and innovation in manufacturing and engineering," noted Dennis. The company's ambition is to compete head to head against the world's best sports car brands with a range of two seat cars, while introducing innovative technologies, business practices and customer experiences that 'rewrite the rule book' for the automotive industry.