Nissan ‘Feel Electric Festival’ returns to Covent Garden ahead of Formula E race weekend

Industry News

Nissan brings Formula E excitement and NISMO style to London’s iconic Covent Garden for five days from 17 July Building on the success of last year, the event is bigger, better and bolder, with even more for the public to see and do Two Nissan Formula E cars on display, plus E-Prix racing in Formula E simulators Immersive 3D art installation and Nissan E-Prix memorabilia Create your own custom NISMO streetwear in a pop-up store Sample our Sakura-inspired Japanese sushi in a cherry blossom garden LONDON (Friday 12th July 2024) – Nissan is once again electrifying London’s iconic Covent Garden through its popular ‘Feel Electric Festival’ ahead of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 10 finale in the city. From 10am on Wednesday 17 July until 8pm on Sunday 21 July, the public will be able to explore the world of Formula E, immerse themselves in NISMO art, and experience a taste of Japan for free. Nissan is transforming Covent Garden’s East Piazza for five days through a combination of tech and style: the centrepiece is the Nissan Formula E Team’s ‘Feel Electric Quest’ Lab, which offers visitors the chance to prove their driving skills on a bank of race simulators, create their own Manga-style racing avatar, learn about Formula E car technology and test their knowledge in an interactive quiz. Two Nissan Formula E race cars will be on display, with one shown within a life-sized, London-themed 3D poster designed by the renowned graphic artist and illustrator, Jalcalara (Juan Alcalá). Alongside, custom art and race memorabilia created by Nissan Formula E Team at previous E-Prix will be displayed, including a crystal cherry blossom helmet and a bespoke kimono from the first-ever Tokyo E-Prix. Visitors will be able to create their very own custom clothing at the pop-up NISMO streetwear store, which is set among traditional Japanese ‘Sakura’ cherry blossom trees. These also provide the perfect spot to sample complimentary sushi from the famous Sushi Samba restaurant. Add in regular prize giveaways and the Nissan Feel Electric Festival is a must-see this month. It’ll be open from 10am until 8pm every day from 17-21 July and entry is completely free. Diana Torres, Managing Director Nissan GB, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Formula E back to Covent Garden with the 2024 Nissan Feel Electric Festival. As a brand, we’re committed to an electrified future and Formula E is an integral part of our mission to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. This year, the festival is bigger and better than ever, and a fitting celebration of one of our most successful Formula E seasons to date.”

Car ownership becoming even more vital for young people, but getting behind the wheel is more challenging than ever

Industry News

Despite industry concerns, owning a car remains important to most (90%) 17-24s; more than two thirds intend to use their car more or the same as last year. Young people face barriers to entry in wake of rising used car costs, driving test back logs, and increased insurance premiums. Industry can make getting behind the wheel of their first car easier by making the car buying journey more transparent, flexible and convenient. 12th July 2024, London: Contrary to speculation, the latest consumer analysis from Auto Trader reveals that car ownership not only remains vital to young people, but the need to own a car among 17-24-year-olds is increasing. However, from a backlog in driving tests to the rising cost of motoring, young people face significant barriers to ownership, making the need for a more transparent, connected and convenient car buying experience more important than ever to help young drivers get behind the wheel of their first car. In a study of over 2,000 17-24-year-olds i, 90% said car ownership was important to them, citing the need to ‘get around’ (70%) and the independence (67%) it gave them as their primary reason for wanting a car. However, this age group isn’t motivated just for practical reasons; the UK has always been a nation of car lovers, and the younger generation is no exception, with over half (54%) wanting their own set of wheels for the pure enjoyment of driving. The UK’s unreliable public transport network was also highlighted as a major factor. Of the 50% who cited it as a major reason why car ownership is important to them, 80% pointed specifically to the ongoing train strikes. Reassuringly for the automotive industry, the need for ownership shows no sign of waning among this age group. In fact, 70% of the 17-24-year-olds surveyed said that having their own car has become even more important over the last 12 months, which is more than double the percentage of drivers aged over 45 (31%) who felt the same. Young people also believe they’re driving more, with nearly four times the proportion of young people (43%) claiming to use their car more today than they did a year ago compared to their older counterparts (12%). Mounting barriers for young drivers.Whilst demand remains exceptionally strong among young people, they’re facing growing challenges to getting behind the wheel. Indeed, according to the DVLAii, the already lengthy backlog for driving tests is only set to grow, with current forecasts suggesting that by the end of 2025, the gap between demand for tests and the number available will be over 1,100,000. Even once they’ve passed their test, however, many face being priced out of the market, with data from Auto Trader revealing a dearth of affordable cars. This is largely due to the shortfall in new car production during COVID, which continues to flow through the retail market, placing significant pressure on stock levels. In fact, whilst most (58%) of the 17-24s surveyed who had already bought a car had paid less than £11,000, the volume of stock on Auto Trader in this price bracket has fallen by almost half (46%) since January 2016. During the same time frame, stock levels on Auto Trader in the under £5,000 price bracket have dropped by three quarters (75%). The affordability issue has been further compounded by rising insurance costs, which have accelerated at twice the rate for younger people than the average driveriii. 18-year-olds have seen their premiums increase 84% over the last 12 months, whilst the average 17-year-old has faced a hike of 98%. Removing existing barriers.Whilst these obstacles are likely to remain for the foreseeable future, there’s an opportunity for the industry to assist them into car ownership by removing traditional obstacles that disproportionately affect younger buyers. This includes improving transparency around finance. In a separate piece of research conducted by Auto Traderiv, over a third of younger consumers who bought with cash did so because they weren’t aware of any finance options available, while nearly two in five didn’t understand the finance options (four times as many as drivers over 55), and half thought it would take longer to get the car if they chose finance. Enabling young people to buy their first car in a more convenient and flexible way will also help. Auto Trader’s researchv shows younger drivers want to complete more of the car buying journey digitally; over half (53%) have checked if a car advertised online is available versus a fifth of over 65-year-olds, whilst 42% want to complete tasks online, such as paying a deposit to reserve a car versus 26% of older drivers. Commenting, Auto Trader’s Head of Strategy & Insight, Marc Palmer, said: “There’s been some recent suggestion that young people aren’t interested in having their own car anymore, but that simply isn’t the case. The desire for the independence and freedom that a car offers is as strong, if not stronger, for young people today than it has been for decades. But what has changed is how difficult it is to get behind the wheel of their first car, which we as an industry need to respond to. Unless we make the car buying process more transparent, more convenient and more sensitive to the barriers young people currently face, an important and growing audience will struggle to enter the market.”

Daimler Truck UK sells Wentworth Park site

Industry News

Daimler Truck UK has secured the future of its flagship Wentworth Park complex in South Yorkshire, by completing a sale of the land to new owner Culina Asset Management (CAM). Under the terms of the agreement, CAM will occupy the 34-acre site, close to Junction 36 of the M1, and will continue the running of its extensive workshop. Wentworth Park is the home of national programmes for re-marketing and sales of used Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Canter trucks, as well as the brand’s demonstrator fleet. Daimler Truck UK will continue to run these functions with a presence on-site, so services to customers will continue largely unchanged. Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK said: “We’re delighted to announce the completion of this sale, which will allow Wentworth Park and all the services we offer from this impressive site to continue to flourish. “By collaborating with CAM we can maintain all of the important brand functions we carry out here, while passing responsibility for the workshop to a trusted partner with an impeccable track record.” CAM will continue to provide workshop services as required to Daimler Truck UK but also use the facilities for its own purposes. The operator’s extensive fleet currently numbers some 5,000 tractor units, some of which are Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and 8,000 trailers. Culina Asset Management Managing Director David Meir said: “This one-off opportunity to occupy and operate Wentworth Park is seen by CAM as key to the continued strategic development of our offering to both internal and external customers.”

Masterclass to navigate the EV communications battleground

Industry News

The Motor Industry Communicators Association has announced its next Masterclass, aiming to cut through the current EV noise and disinformation and to rise above the tribal nature of debate. The autumn EV Masterclass’s presenter line-up, and briefing at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, will help to clarify the many issues and viewpoints shaping the EV landscape. Taking place on October 2 on the University of Warwick campus, the masterclass’s aim is to develop attendees’ broader understanding of the entire EV ecosystem beyond members’ roles and brands’ view. First the case for EVs versus other powertrain technologies will be laid out, highlighting the communications challenge stemming from unpredictable markets and confused customers. The Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Prof Dave Greenwood and Emission Analytics’ Nick Molden will set the scene with contrary views on the ideal vehicle propulsion solutions. Having defined the technological options and communications requirements, Polestar and AutoTrader will add all-important vehicle manufacturer and consumer viewpoints on the EV transition. An informative agenda, running from 0930 to 1530, will include Q&As, networking and a behind-the-scenes tour of the University of Warwick’s automotive innovation projects influencing the UK’s future EV roll out and adoption. Free to MICA members and £65 to guests, go to www.mica.org.uk home page to stay at the forefront of the latest EV communications strategies and tactics to book.

Kingsley Re-Engineered confirms new ownership structure as it enters a new era of redefining classic Range Rovers and iconic Land Rovers

Industry News

Kingsley Re-Engineered (Kingsley), a leading authority in bespoke Range Rover Classics and iconic Land Rover builds, can confirm that it is under new group ownership and management. Marking a transition in the company’s second decade of operations, Kingsley now has a new custodian and one that is deeply passionate about classic Range Rovers and the iconic Land Rover marque. With the new custodians and under the direction of a new management team, Kingsley intends to elevate the Range Rover Classic to a new level. This includes a significant investment programme to enhance the Range Rover Classic product offering, customer journey and bespoke specifications available. The investment and company overhaul, which is already underway, also extend to Kingsley’s branding, alongside the introduction of a new classic Land Rover Defender and Series product line, set to be announced later this summer. John Sawbridge Managing Director of Kingsley Re-Engineered said: “Kingsley has been the absolute benchmark in Range Rover Classic restorations since it was established in 2001. Several specialists have offered similar bespoke build processes, but none can match the level of quality of Kingsley. We’re here to maintain and build upon the legacy created by the incredible craftsmanship at Kingsley and with further investment, we will significantly improve the product offering and service demanded by our discerning clients. “The next era of Kingsley begins with a focus on independent thinking; new strategy and clarity; a passion for precision with unquestionable pedigree and world-class OEM input. Our employees, who are at the core of Kingsley, are completely behind us in continuing to drive the next era of the company. This is Kingsley for a new age, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on.” Since its inception in 2001, UK specialist Kingsley has been responsible for restoring, rebuilding and maintaining over 500 classic Range Rovers and iconic Land Rovers through its various maintenance and rebuild programmes; establishing itself as a true leader and specialist in the field. During this time, the company has addressed various Achilles’ heels of the Range Rover Classic – offering rust prevention, new engine and gearbox combinations, plus utilising its cutting-edge in-house paint booth for bespoke colour specifications – to resurrect and rebuild Range Rover Classics for the modern day. The new group ownership structure aims to merge the fundamental attributes of bespoke builds from Kingsley and elevate them to a world-class standard, ensuring they are unmatched in terms of quality, bespoke options, and functionality. Kingsley, registered under Kingsley Cars LTD, is a limited company based in the UK and started the new ownership transition in February 2024. This includes new appointments in the Board structure and management team, plus the removal of the previous leadership team. All current and future builds will continue to be hand-crafted from the company’s Oxfordshire-based HQ. All emails and telephone numbers are also to remain the same. To contact the sales team, please call +44 (0) 1865 884 488 or use the sales@kingsleycars.co.uk email address.