HGV market holds steady as rigid uptake rises

Industry News

UK NEW HGV REGISTRATIONS 15 August 2024 (data for Q2 2024) Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2lu6oosxxxn26zldqr4jj/APhKuhQOaEbbHxYt-FlQWyY?rlkey=9nxjcslnlmynn9qkmzp762070&st=samgytan&dl=0 UK new heavy vehicle market grows 2.6% in Q2 as overall uptake stabilises following bumper 2023. Rigid demand rises 9.7% and takes greater share of registrations as market continues to normalise. Zero emission truck uptake rises 30.0% in the quarter but still only 0.6% market share. Thursday 15 August, 2024 New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations rose 2.6% in Q2 2024, reversing the decline recorded in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Spring saw 11,469 new HGVs enter service, with growth driven by a rise in rigid truck uptake as the market continues to normalise following the fulfilment of pent-up demand in 2023. Rigids rose 9.7% in Q2 to reach 6,640 units, taking a 57.9% market share, up from 54.2% in the same quarter last year. Conversely, artic volumes declined by -5.7% to 4,829 units. The weighting of the market towards rigids was reflected in the composition of the top body types, with businesses investing more in box vans (up 17.3%), curtainsiders (up 14.9%), tippers (up 11.4%) and refuse vehicles (up 14.1%), while tractor unit volumes fell -7.4%. Nationally, England took the lion’s share of new HGV registrations, with volumes rising 1.6% to reach 9,827 units. Northern Ireland recorded the largest growth, up by 30.6%, which saw it overtake Wales to become the UK’s third largest HGV market. Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) uptake also continued to grow, buoyed by ever-expanding choice. Uptake rose by 30.0% to achieve a 0.6% share of market, up from 0.4% in Q2 last year. However, market share remains low compared with the car and van sectors1, demonstrating the ongoing challenge in convincing operators to switch from fossil fuels. With just over a decade to go until the end of sale of non-ZEV HGVs weighing less than 26 tonnes, operators continue to face a grant system that is lengthy and covers fewer than half of all available models. Progress on the rollout of HGV-specific charging facilities also remains lacklustre. Reforming the grant, plus investment in infrastructure within a national plan, would provide more confidence to operators and encourage greater uptake. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The truck market’s return to growth after a slower start to the year demonstrates its robustness and resilience – particularly as overall uptake continues to keep pace with last year and the pent-up demand that fuelled volumes. The UK’s place as Europe’s second largest zero emission truck market also demonstrates Britain’s potential to be a leader in the ZEV truck transition. Delivering that ambition, however, requires compelling incentives and infrastructure which will put operators on a confident path to 2035 and beyond.” Notes to Editors ­ 1 BEV H1 2024 market shares: Cars 16.6%; LCVs 4.7% About SMMT and the UK automotive industryThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. With 198,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. Many of these automotive manufacturing jobs are outside London and the South-East, with wages that are around 13% higher than the UK average. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods with more than 140 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports. The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors – including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel. More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/ Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives. SMMT media contacts Paul Mauerhoff 07809 522181 pmauerhoff@smmt.co.uk James Boley 07927 668565 jboley@smmt.co.uk Rebecca Gibbs 07708 480889 rgibbs@smmt.co.uk Scott Clarke 07912 799959 sclarke@smmt.co.uk Emma Butcher 07880 191825 ebutcher@smmt.co.uk

Swift awarded Best Affordable Hybrid by Best Cars of the Year

Industry News

The new Swift Hybrid went on sale just three months ago and Suzuki is very pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Best Affordable Hybrid 2024/2025 by Best Cars of The Year. The judging panel awarded new Swift as clear winner of its category thanks to its standard hybrid technology across the range, low running costs with combined fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg and, most importantly, its affordable price of well below £20,000. Mike Rutherford of Best Cars of The Year comments: “Suzuki has to be applauded for making every model available as a hybrid – at a time when consumers are increasingly attracted to this affordable, highly flexible petrol-electric tech. “Throw impressive Japanese build quality, a great dealer network and a sub-£20,000 starting price into the mix and it’s no wonder the little Swift appealed to our judges. It’s a car for the real-world.” Customer orders for new Swift have already passed 3,700 units, proving once again the strong popularity of Suzuki’s range of cars offering low cost of ownership, all the technology you need and hybrid as standard. New Swift is also available with optional CVT gearbox and Allgrip Auto 4×4 technology for customers needing additional traction during the winter in rural areas. The new Swift will be on display alongside the other category winners and the overall Best Car of The Year at the British Motor Show being held at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. The British Motor Show opens to the public on Thursday 15th August through to Sunday 18th August. Strong Residual Values.A very important aspect to consider when buying a new car is what it will be worth when the time comes for a change and the new Swift Motion with CVT has been forecasted with a very strong residual value of 52% by industry leading specialists CAP HPI. This figure equates to a retained value of £10,200 after owning the car for four years and 40,000 miles. (CAP Forecast May 2024). Alternatively Swift Motion with manual transmission is just three per cent behind at 49% or £8,975 retained value over the same ownership period. Up to Seven Years Warranty.Low cost of ownership is also bolstered for all Suzuki customers with the inclusion of up to seven years warranty. This warranty is offered free of charge once the car reaches the end of its standard three year manufacturer warranty period and is then booked in for its next scheduled service within the Suzuki Dealer network. This warranty stays in place until the next qualifying service and is then simply renewed again up to a maximum vehicle age of 7 years / 100,000 miles – whichever comes first. As an enhancement to Suzuki’s well renowned product reliability record, up to seven years warranty offers ‘Peace of Mind as Standard’ as well as helping to secure customer retention within its network of new car dealers and authorised repair centres.

Ben to welcome new CEO, Rachel Clift, and thanks outgoing CEO, Zara Ross

Industry News

Ben, the automotive industry charity, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Clift as its new CEO, effective from 1st November 2024. Rachel will succeed Zara Ross, who has served as Ben’s CEO since July 2016 and has now decided to retire. Zara Ross has been a pivotal leader in Ben’s history, steering the charity through significant transformation and growth over the past eight years. Zara’s tenure is marked by numerous accomplishments, including: Instigating significant strategic reviews with the Board of Trustees Navigating the organisation through some major challenges, including the Covid pandemic Minimising the impact of the Covid pandemic on the charity’s vital work and ensuring vulnerable stakeholders were safeguarded Establishing a culture of quality, support and innovation throughout the organisation Increasing efficiency through technological advancements Overseeing a major refit at Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre. Zara’s vision and commitment have significantly shaped the direction of Ben, leaving a lasting legacy. The Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt thanks to Zara for her exceptional leadership and dedication. Whilst Zara will be leaving the role of CEO on 31st October 2024, she will continue to work with the organisation as Transfer Programme Director to support the transfer of care and village services to new operators, until that is finalised. After a rigorous recruitment process which included external applicants, Ben’s Board of Trustees appointed Rachel Clift (Ben’s current Health & Wellbeing Director) to the role of CEO. Rachel will formally assume the role from 1st November 2024. Rachel joined Ben in September 2018 and has significantly transformed its Health & Wellbeing offer to the industry, having almost tripled the charity’s reach and impact. Rachel’s proven leadership and dedication to the organisation make her ideally suited to guide Ben into its next chapter. Ben’s Board of Trustees has ambitious plans to further treble the charity’s impact by 2030, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of those who work in the automotive industry. Under Rachel’s leadership, Ben is poised to further enhance its services and support thousands more industry people and their families. Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry and Chair of Ben’s Trustee Board, said: “We are confident that Rachel will bring the expertise, inspiration, drive, and leadership needed to steward Ben through its next strategic phase. We look forward to working with her to achieve our ambitious goals and continue to support the automotive industry, its people, and their family dependants. I would also like to say a heartfelt and personal thank you to Zara for her unwavering commitment to Ben over the past eight years.” Zara Ross said: “Being CEO of Ben for the past eight years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I have enjoyed leading such an ambitious charity which puts those we support at the heart of everything. I’m confident that I’m leaving the organisation in very capable hands – I have no doubt that Rachel will rise to the challenge, leading Ben to even greater things for the future. I will greatly miss my Ben colleagues, all Ben stakeholders and those in the wider automotive community – I wish you all the very best.” Rachel Clift said: “I’m thrilled to be assuming the role of CEO at Ben and I’m excited about leading the charity through its biggest phase of transformation yet. I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Zara for her support and dedication, I and all of us at Ben wish her good health and happiness in her retirement. We look forward to revealing more about what’s next for Ben and our ambitious growth plans very soon.”

Off to a flying start: aircraft and judges announced for Freddie March Spirit of Aviation

Industry News

Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars returns to Goodwood Revival for 2024 Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes to join the concours Judges for the pageant of planes include Katherine Moloney, Mack Rutherford, Squadron Leader Alan Jones, Paul Beaver and Steve Parrish Goodwood Revival takes place Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September Limited Friday & Sunday tickets remain at goodwood.com The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars returns to Goodwood Revival this year, bringing together some of incredible examples from aviation history. A hallmark of the Revival, it is a spectacular concours d’elegance of pre-1966 aircraft, honouring Freddie March, the 9th Duke of Richmond, who was an aircraft engineer, racing driver, and entrepreneur. In the spotlight will be a rare collection of Supermarine Spitfires, which were instrumental during the D-Day landings of World War II, including the 1943 IXb and 1944 LF Mk.IXe, MK 9 and MK IX. Also on display will be the Douglas C-47 – responsible for carrying paratroopers into enemy territory – Grumman Wildcat FM2, Hawker Hurricane – one of the most famous British fighters of the Second World War – Swordfish Mk1 and the Westland Lysander 111A. With an impressive array of aircraft on display, this year’s competition will be fiercely contested as judges from across the aviation industry come together to select ‘Best in Show’. Katherine Moloney joins the panel of judges tasked with the challenging decision of selecting the best aircraft over the weekend. As the founder of Elevate(her), a platform designed to educate, inform, and inspire women in aviation, Katherine has been immersed in the industry since she was 18. Now serving as the director of Transair Flight Equipment, a Department for Transport ambassador, and an aviation content creator with nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok, she is a frequent flier at Goodwood Aerodrome. Also making his debut on the judging panel is Mack Rutherford, Guinness World Record holder as the youngest person to fly solo around the world. At just 16 years old, Mack captured global attention when he embarked on his journey in March 2022, and returned to his starting point in Sofia, Bulgaria, five months later. Since then, Mack has leveraged his remarkable achievement to inspire other young people to pursue aviation through public speaking and content creation. Returning to the judging panel this year is Squadron Leader Alan Jones, a seasoned judge of the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours. As the Director of the Solent Sky Museum in Southampton, Alan has played a key role in showcasing the remarkable history of aviation in Hampshire and the Solent region, preserving over twenty airframes from aviation’s golden age. The Solent area was home to more than 26 aircraft manufacturers, including the renowned Supermarine Spitfire, which was designed and built in Southampton. Also joining the panel is aviation historian, broadcaster and writer, Paul Beaver, who specialises in aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s. Paul founded his own vintage aeroplane company, Monty’s Messenger Ltd, operating a Miles Messenger marked as Field Marshal Montgomery’s aeroplane at the time of D-Day. Steve Parrish, former British Motorcycle Champion and regular competitor at Goodwood, will join this year’s Freddie March Spirit of Aviation judging panel. After being introduced to helicopters while traveling to races with Barry Sheene, Parrish pursued his pilot’s licence and has since owned several light aircraft. Steve also serves as a commentator for the Red Bull Air Race series on Channel 4. At 8am each morning, the event will open with a magnificent early morning fly past consisting of a line-up of spectacular aeroplanes including a Spitfire, P47 Thunderbolt and P51 Mustang. Gates open to the public at 0830hrs and at 0730hrs for those who are part of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. The following aircraft will be display on the Infield behind the Aerodrome Café across the weekend: 1943 Auster AOP Mk 111 1945 P-47D Thunderbolt 1944 Auster AOP Mk5 1943 Piper Cub L4 1948 CA-18 (P-52 Mustang) 1943 Supermarine Spitfire IXb 1941 de Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth 1944 Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.IXe 1944 Douglas C-47 1944 Supermarine Spitfire MK 9 1944 Douglas C-47 1944 Supermarine Spitfire MK IX 1944 Grumman Wildcat FM2 1944 Supermarine Spitfire MK IX 1940 Hawker Hurricane 1943 Swordfish Mk1 Horsa Glider (Static Replica) 1939 Westland Lysander 111A The full list of aircraft on display at the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars will be available in the event’s Entry List which will be announced in the coming weeks. Saturday tickets are now sold out with limited tickets remaining for Friday and Sunday at goodwood.com.

New Artura Trophy EVO car and Pro driver category brings added excitement to the McLaren Trophy racing experience

Industry News

Dramatic new Artura Trophy EVO race car eligible for McLaren Trophy from 2025 season More power from 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 to provide overtaking boost to drivers Wider tyres and revised suspension increases mechanical grip New car coincides with new Pro category for Silver drivers New McLaren Trophy Academy programme for talented young Pro category drivers with opportunity to join the McLaren Factory Driver programme McLaren Motorsport today reveals the new Artura Trophy EVO, which is set to increase levels of performance and excitement in the McLaren Trophy from 2025 with additional levels of power, grip, and driver engagement, while a new Pro category and McLaren Trophy Academy Programme will bring additional energy to the championships. The Artura Trophy EVO parallels the performance enhancements to the new Artura Spider and coupe with changes that have resulted in a more aggressive race car capable of faster lap times. Eligible for entry to the McLaren Trophy championships from the 2025 season – which includes the new McLaren Trophy, America – the Artura Trophy EVO takes the unrestricted power of its predecessor to new levels. Drivers will now benefit from a ‘Push to Pass’ button that increases the 585PS available from the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine to 620PS. Deployment of this system will be regulated to increase strategy options available to the competitors. The Artura Trophy EVO is easily distinguished from its predecessor by a more aggressive appearance designed to house wider tyres which will make the most of the additional power now available to the driver. In addition, aerodynamic styling includes a more prominent frontal area incorporating a modified front bumper and bonnet outlet to improve brake and engine cooling. Wider wheelarches now house 285 section tyres at the front and 315 at the rear, with the front arches incorporating larger louvres to reduce front lift. The wider tyres (up from 265 and 305 section respectively) help transmit the additional power via new uprights controlled by 2-way adjustable dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, to offer teams a greater window of adjustability. The addition of prominent buttress scoops improves cooling to the rear brakes, whilst new billet uprights generate better brake-feel for the driver as well as greater durability in close racing. The changes to the Artura Trophy EVO are so extensive that new cars will be built from production line models, making this a bespoke racing car for the McLaren Trophy one-make championships. Customers of existing Artura GT4 or Artura Trophy cars will be able to upgrade their cars into the full Artura Trophy EVO specification. The changes provide a marked increase in traction and stability and have been designed to give drivers greater confidence in the car, which along with the push-to-pass technology will offer drivers competing in the McLaren Trophy championships with even more exhilarating racing. The more powerful and faster Artura Trophy EVO coincides with the introduction of a new Pro category to both championships. Open to Silver solo or Silver/Silver pairings, the Pro class aims to nurture professional drivers aiming for a career in GT racing. To assist in their progress, all McLaren Trophy Silver class drivers aged 26 or under will also automatically enrol into the McLaren Trophy Academy. Designed to source and develop McLaren champions of the future, the McLaren Trophy Academy is a development programme that will host workshops during race weekends. These will be aimed at developing young drivers, sharing expertise from McLaren Motorsport to focus on driving skills, motorsport engineering and media training. Membership of the McLaren Trophy Academy also provides a pathway to the McLaren Factory Driver programme; the champions of the Pro category in both Europe and America will automatically win a place at the annual McLaren Young Driver Shoot Out, the winner of which will be selected to become a McLaren Graduate and begin the process to become a McLaren Factory Driver. Established with a European-based series in 2023, the McLaren Trophy expands to north America in its third season, running parallel championships in both continents. Open to novice and established drivers, it is designed to challenge amateur and professional racers and as a path to international GT racing, in which McLaren has expanded its presence with representation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA. This year Brendan Iribe, who made his racing debut in a McLaren one-make championship, fulfilled his ambition to race a McLaren GT3 EVO at Le Mans. “The team at McLaren Motorsport has created a stunning car in the new Artura Trophy EVO, which was designed to build upon our existing McLaren Trophy product following feedback from teams and drivers. It looks spectacular and with the introduction of the new Pro category and McLaren Trophy Academy will add even more excitement to the championships. The car has also been developed to inspire confidence in drivers of all abilities, which will result in thrilling racing action. With the new McLaren Trophy, America championship joining its existing European counterpart next year and McLaren returning to Le Mans, this is a very exciting time for us in GT racing and the opportunities for our drivers has never been better.”Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO and Motorsport, McLaren Automotive

The first Polestar manufactured in the USA: Production of Polestar 3 starts in South Carolina

Industry News

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – 14 August 2024. Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) announces that production of its luxury SUV, Polestar 3, has started in South Carolina, USA. This makes the Polestar 3 the first Polestar to be produced on two continents. The factory in South Carolina produces cars for customers in the US and Europe, complementing existing production in Chengdu, China. Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO, comments: “Manufacturing Polestar 3 in the USA is a crucial step for us. Now we offer customers in America an electric SUV that is built in America. Exporting the South Carolina produced Polestar 3 to Europe will strengthen our business on a broader scope. Polestar 3 has received superb reviews from global automotive media, with strong customer test drive interest.” “I strongly believe this is the best looking and best driving SUV in the market today.” The Company is also taking additional steps to diversify its wider manufacturing footprint, with production of Polestar 4 set to start in South Korea from the middle of 2025. Polestar’s asset-light approach to development and manufacturing enables it to benefit from the competence, flexibility and scalability of its partners and major shareholders. Polestar 3 is the performance SUV for the electric age, combining Scandinavian design, cutting edge technology and excellent driving dynamics. It features the latest in high-tech components – like centralized core computing powered by NVIDIA and a long list of advanced safety systems. Test drives of the Polestar 3 can be booked from your local Polestar Space or via https://www.polestar.com/test-drive/booking/.

Bespoke, new Continental GT Speed leads US debut

Industry News

The new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed has arrived in the US, Bentley’s biggest market Leading the charge is a unique, bespoke example commissioned through Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation division New Continental GT Speed coupe and Convertible to make US public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 16th August Start of official US tour for new model, including customer test drives Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain features 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with powerful electric motor 782 PS (771 bhp) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb.ft) make the new GT Speed the most powerful and most dynamic Bentley yet Speed Six Continuation Series and 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe travel to the USA for Monterey Car Week (Crewe, 14 August 2024) Bentley’s new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed is to make its US debut this week, at the prestigious The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – part of Monterey Car Week. The launch will feature the first new Continental GT Speed to include bespoke content added by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation and coachbuilding division. Responsible not only for bespoke work to mainstream Bentley models, now including the new Continental GT Speed, Mulliner also created the Blower and Speed Six Continuation Series and the exquisite and highly limited Bacalar, Batur and Batur Convertible coachbuilt Bentleys. Personally Commissioned Through MullinerFrom launch, the new Continental GT Speed is available with personalised details through Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide. This permits customers to explore their imagination away from the typical options list, which alone can create tens of billions of possible specification combinations. For Monterey Car Week, an orange-themed GT Speed created through Mulliner will lead the fleet. The exterior paintwork is finished in Orange Flame Satin, one of 15 satin colours in Bentley’s paint range that each take up to 55 hours of craftsmanship to apply and finish to the perfect standard. In contrast to the orange bodywork, all exterior brightware is finished in gloss black, with matching black-painted 22” ten-spoke wheels with self-levelling badges. The visual impact of the specification is matched aurally, thanks to a sports exhaust and the Naim for Bentley audio system. The interior is where the Personal Commissioning Guide elements come to the fore. Starting from a cabin crafted in Gravity Grey (a new shade for the new Continental GT Speed) and Brunel leathers, accents of contrast orange bring the cockpit to life. The Diamond Quilted areas to the seats, doors and rear quarter panels feature contrast-stitching in Gravity Grey. The same colour is used with a Piano finish in conjunction with Piano Brunel for dual finish painted fascias, with the centre console matching in Piano Brunel – both colours exactly matched to their respective hides. Accents in Mandarin – a bright orange – are then applied as a painted pinstripe to the fascias, door waistrails and the vanes of the upper ‘bullseye’ air vents. The split line through the two colours of the fascias carries a dark tint finish. The same Mandarin orange accent graces all four seats through contrast piping, carrying the orange theme from the exterior into the cabin. Bentley at Monterey Car WeekA fleet of more than 30 new Continental GT Speeds has now arrived in North America, ready to start a nationwide dealer tour and a programme of customer drives and events to demonstrate the incredible potency of Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. The latest evolution of the Continental GT family features an all-new 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a powerful electric motor and 25.9 kWh battery, for an astonishing suite of performance statistics. The new Grand Tourer is a true everyday supercar and can accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, achieve a top speed of 208 mph, and yet travel 50 miles on electric power alone on the EU drive cycle – while creating only 29 g/km of CO2 and with a total range of more than 500 miles. Bentley will continue its significant presence across Monterey Car Week for 2024. Along with the squadron of new Continental GT Speeds, two very special Bentleys have made the journey to California for the event Following a global dynamic debut at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Speed Six Continuation Series will appear on-the-road throughout Monterey Car Week. After the Bedford Grey ‘Factory Works’ car graced Goodwood, the Parsons Napier Green ‘Car Zero’ – which has recently completed the engineering test and development programme for the project – will be used for customer, media and VIP passenger rides across the week. The Bentley Heritage Collection’s 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe – one of just 15 ever made – will also join the event, fresh from a two-year restoration programme. The car represents Bentley’s first ever entry into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, taking pride of place in the Post-War Touring class. Meanwhile, Bentley’s iconic Friday night dinner on Seal Rock Beach returns, sponsored this year by the Bentley Environmental Foundation and featuring some exciting new developments for the initiative. The new GT Speed coupe and Convertible will be joined by the S2 Drophead Coupe and Speed Six to form a Guard of Honour at Bentley’s famous Signature Party at the Beach & Tennis Club – the place to be on the Saturday night of Monterey Car Week. The new Continental GT Speed The fourth generation Continental GT Speed follows in the 21-year tradition of the Continental GT family by redefining the ultimate blend of supercar performance, handcrafted luxury and everyday usability. A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean modern detailing follow the new design DNA established by the coachbuilt Bentley Bacalar and Batur. Outstanding performance is brought by the all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, from a 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor. The performance of the powertrain is matched by a new chassis system, with new two-chamber air springs paired with new dual-valve dampers, along with Bentley Dynamic Ride (48V active anti-roll control), eLSD and torque vectoring. Incredible…

McMurtry Fan Car sets RECORDS at LAGUNA SECA Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb on USA debut

Industry News

Two records achieved for British built McMurtry Spéirling electric fan car It was McMurtry’s dynamic debut in the USA as part of a suite of car week activities Goodwood Festival of Speed record holding combination Max Chilton and the McMurtry Spéirling were in action Old Hillclimb record surpassed by 6 seconds (Previous record set by Lotus Type 77 F1 car), 28.6s vs 34.69s. New record set on shorter 2024 layout, 21.958s, during the top 3 shootout The unique fan downforce system draws power from the bespoke McMurtry battery system incorporating high performance Molicel lithium-ion cells The McMurtry Spéirling PURE hyper-track car starts at £895k + taxes & delivery. (Equivalent approx $US 1.142m) Video here: https://youtu.be/Lftw6dv4KG4 The British built McMurtry Spéirling electric fan car claimed two records and maintained its 100% win rate in competition at the ‘Laguna Seca Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb’ on Sun 11th August. It’s the same hyper-track car and driver combination which holds the outright record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Max Chilton, former F1 and Indycar driver, was at the wheel for the two day event as part of the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion. This event was also McMurtry’s US dynamic debut, a country home to a number of existing McMurtry customers who are looking forward to test driving the prototypes that the team have bought here for car week. The first Hillclimb record beaten by McMurtry was the longer layout used at previous events. Max Chilton and the McMurtry Spéirling achieved 28.6s compared to the previous record set by a 1976 Lotus Type 77 Formula One Car at 34.69s. The 6 seconds advantage was achieved using the unique McMurtry fan downforce system to enhance grip coupled with the instant torque of the 1000bhp electric powertrain. The McMurtry Spéirling also set a new record on the revised shorter layout, introduced for 2024. A 21.958s was achieved in the top 3 shootout, where timing strips were installed to record the rapid ascents from many competitors. Second place finisher was a 1967 Ford Falcon race car with a 29.004s and third place was a 2022 Ferrari SF90 with a 29.822. McMurtry are using the coming weeks primarily for private customer test drives and also showcasing the cars in public at a number of events: The Motorlux party on Wed 14th Aug at the Monterey Jet Centre. 17.00-22.00. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on Fri 16th Aug. 9.00-16.00. Demo Laps on Laguna Seca Full Circuit, Sat 17th Aug, 11.50-12.00. L’Auberge Carmel, Sun 18th Aug 9.00-22.00 The Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb uses the legendary Corkscrew corner plus turns 11, 10 and 9, driven the wrong way to normal racing. The Laguna Hillclimb was inspired by the spectacle and variety of entrant’s the Goodwood Festival of Speed and was started 3 years ago. The McMurtry Spéirling generates 4,400 pounds of downforce from 0mph, using onboard fans, to give hard to believe dynamic performance. Using advance P50B battery cells from Molicel, the customer version of the cars will perform 20mins of track running at GT3 pace before recharging again in 20mins. With the potential to run much faster, as demonstrated by this and other records achieved. Max Chilton said “The Corkscrew is one of the most famous corner’s in the world. Normally it’s a blind approach on entry, so in the reverse hillclimb it’s unsighted on the exit. You have to shoot up the 18 metres elevation change and then hope you’ve picked the right line as you launch over the top. Luckily I had fan downforce to help keep me stuck to the ground. It’s been quite a special experience to compete in and set a record in the Laguna Seca Hillclimb” The McMurtry Spéirling is the basis for an even more capable track car, which is now available to order – the McMurtry Spéirling PURE. The McMurtry Spéirling PURE utilises the same unique downforce-on-demand system to provide exceptional downforce and grip right from 0mph.The 1 000bhp electric powertrain, offers selectable performance drive modes from GT3 to F1 and Indycar levels pace. The next driving demonstration will be back at Laguna Seca during the Monterey Motorsports Reunion on is on Saturday 17th August at 11.50-12.00. Two cars will take to the track piloted by McMurtry Managing Director Thomas Yates, and experienced historic racer, Philip Kadoorie, to show that this seemingly unattainable performance level is still accessible by normal driving enthusiasts. Thomas Yates, Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive, said “The Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb has been such an enjoyable way to showcase the cars in motion for the first time ever on US soil. The level of excitement from everyone here at Laguna Seca has made it very memorable. You’ll be seeing plenty more of McMurtry in the US over the coming years.” Spéirling PURE track car objectives To make record breaking performance accessible to track driving enthusiasts. To bring back legendary fan car technology To restore passion for small and lightweight cars McMurtry Company Objectives McMurtry’s ambition is to become one of the world’s most prestigious and long-standing automotive brands, founded on motorsport innovation. Inspired by legends of the past, we champion small and lightweight. We proudly showcase British innovation and engineering design.

eBay UK reveals priciest car parts & accessories of 2024 so far

Industry News

eBay discloses the most expensive car parts & accessories sold on its UKmarketplace this year – highlighting the unique variety of items available The most expensive part purchased was a 5.2 litre V10 engine from an Audi R8, with only 38,598 miles The list included the private numberplate ‘ELON X’ – a must for any Tesla fan Other purchases in the top 10 include an incomplete 1965 Ford Mustang project car, and super-lightweight Porsche carbon bucket seats London, 14 August 2024 – eBay, a leading online automotive marketplace in the UK, has revealed the most expensive parts and accessories sold on its platform for the first six months of this year, with performance engines, carbon fibre parts, high-end performance cars and exclusive number plates dominating the top 10. First, second and third places on the rundown of biggest buys this year so far belonged to the performance car sector. Coming in first place was an Audi R8 5.2 V10 petrol engine, which was bought for £16,567. This was followed in second and third place by two sets of Porsche carbon bucket seats, the first pair being for a 911 GT3 at £13,085 and the second being for the smaller Cayman GT4 at £11,962. At the other end of the automotive spectrum, fourth place was secured by a battery pack for a Tesla Model S at £8,606 – a huge discount over the high costs of a brand-new Tesla battery. The list also included exclusive vehicle registrations, such as ELON X – a must for any Tesla fan – which was bought for £8,606 and DIESEL, which was bought for £8,135, demonstrating the breadth and scale of items available on the online marketplace. Although you might expect the prancing horse of Ferrari to feature on the list, the most expensive item from the Italian supercar-maker wasn’t a famous engine or carbon fibre body part, but a complete set of tailored luggage for the company’s 512TR. The lucky buyer purchased this for £8,518, placing it sixth overall. Other interesting parts and accessories include a complete 5.0 litre V8 engine for an L405 Range Rover (£7,884), and even a full, incomplete 1965 Ford Mustang project car (£7,450). Laura Richards, Category Lead at eBay car parts and accessories, said: “Like a lot of eBay users, we are passionate car enthusiasts at heart. We see some incredible listings being posted, and subsequently sold, on eBay – it’s always interesting to see what sells on the site. “With tens of millions of car parts and accessories available, from the basics, such as tyres and oil, right up to specialist and high-performance parts that you see on the list, eBay is a perfect one-stop-shop solution to help our customers find the parts and accessories they need for their vehicles.” Top 10 car parts and accessories sold on eBay UK during 2024: Rank Make / Model Part Price paid 1 Audi R8 V10 Engine – 38,598 miles £16,567 2 Porsche 911 GT3 (991) Carbon Bucket Seats £13,086 3 Porsche GT4 (918) Carbon Bucket Seats £11,962 4 Tesla Model S High Voltage Battery £8,606 5 NA Private Registration – ELON X £8,606 6 Ferrari 512 TR Schedoni Luggage Set £8,518 7 NA Private Registration – DIESEL £8,134 8 Range Rover V8 (L405) V8 Engine – 32,537 miles £7,884 9 Porsche 991 Turbo S (991) PDK Gearbox £7,650 10 Mercedes E63 Engine and Gearbox £7,650 *Prices converted from $USD to £GBP on 23rd July 2024. Ends About eBayeBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com. Press Contactsebay@performancecomms.com

Landmark Ferraris trace Maranello’s race-to-road lineage at Salon Privé

Industry News

Salon Privé Concours Ferraris of the ‘50s and ‘60s class is set to showcase Maranello’s remarkable progress from a purely competition-focused manufacturer to one now renowned for building some of the greatest road-going sports cars in the world. Storied, late-model 166 MM leads star-studded Ferraris of the ‘50s and ‘60s class The last 500 represents the pinnacle of the company’s road-car evolution by the mid -‘60s Headliners joined by bevy of lauded Ferrari models from ‘50s to ‘90s, such as: braces of F50s and 275 GTBs, a 288 GTO, 400 Superamerica, and Testa Rossa Blenheim Palace to host Salon Privé Concours in its 19th year Salon Privé Concours, presented by Aviva Private Clients, runs from 28th-29th August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ In the 1950s and ‘60s, that journey could be perfectly book-ended by two of Salon Privé’s star models in its Ferraris of the ‘50s and ‘60s class, presented at Blenheim Palace later this month: a 1953 166 MM and a 1966 500 Superfast. As with all other entrants in this class, the 166 and 500 have attained a Classiche Certificate of Authenticity from the Ferrari factory in Modena. Authenticity is only awarded to running cars that satisfy exacting originality criteria for chassis, engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, wheels, bodywork and interior. It ensures Salon Privé’s Ferraris of the ‘50s and ‘60s class features only the very finest classic Ferraris. 1953 Ferrari 166 MM/53 Spider by Vignale – chassis #0308MWhen first presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1949, the 166 MM (‘MM’ in tribute to a 166 C Berlinetta that had won the Mille Miglia the previous year) was to be Ferrari’s challenger in the long-distance racing arena. Initially produced with bodies by Milanese carrozzeria Touring, using its famed ‘Superlight’ construction method, the 166 MM was powered by a 60° V12 engine displacing a mere 1995 cc, or 166.25cc per cylinder, gifting the car its moniker. The engine was an advanced unit, by any measure, with a single overhead cam in each cylinder bank and a trio of Weber 32 DCF carburettors feeding its thirst and contributing to an output of 140hp. That equated to a remarkable top speed of 220km/h (136mph). Ferrari quickly capitalised on the 166 MM’s speed and lightness, the model winning the three most essential motorsport events of the time: the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and 24 Hours of Le Mans. But by 1953, despite being in its final year of production, the 166 MM evolved visually and technically. Changes to its V12 engine, including upgraded roller-cam followers and revised Weber 36 IF4C carburettors with four chokes, raised power by up to 20hp, to 160hp. Other coachbuilders started to produce bodies for the upgraded model (now known as ‘166 MM/53’), too: Pinin Farina produced a rakish Berlinetta version, as did Vignale, along with a Spider. And it’s one of the Vignale cars appearing at Blenheim this month. Originally ordered as a Berlinetta, its first owner, Porfirio Rubirosa, had it rebodied as a Spider – the fifth of six such cars built – before taking delivery. A Dominican diplomat, Rubirosa was a larger-than-life character who enjoyed a jet-setting lifestyle; as well as being a successful professional polo player, he was romantically involved with many of the era’s biggest Hollywood stars, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe. However, Rubirosa’s competition career with chassis 0308M wasn’t quite so high-profile and only included one race: the 1953 12 Hours of Reims. Sharing the drive with Pierre Leygonie, the pairing achieved the ninth-fastest lap of the race before mechanical problems forced a retirement. Soon after the race, Rubirosa was dismissed from his post in Paris, and 0308M was returned to Maranello to be prepared for sale. After Ferrari sold the car, it was campaigned through 1954 and ’55 by French driver Fernand Tavano, before returning to the factory once again. After a spell with Belgian Ferrari concessionaires Garage Francorchamps, the 166 MM passed through three more owners in Belgium and France between 1956 and ’58, during which time it was entered in a series of hill climbs and grands prix. In 1958, London dealership, The Chequered Flag, imported the car and sold it to John Vivian Stanbury, who had recently been appointed chief designer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. But in 1960, 0308M was bought by Bernard Worth, who was to keep the car for the next 63 years. Always registered as ‘72 SMK’, it has participated in a remarkable variety of events during that time, including club races during the mid-1960s; the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain Inaugural Meeting in 1967; the Le Mans Cinquantenaire Festival in 1973; two editions of the 1000 Miglia Storica during the 1980s; and the Le Mans Legend race in 2001. In recent years, it has been a regular attendee at the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain annual meeting and other prestigious shows. Since being purchased by its current owner, Lord Bamford, in 2023, the car has undergone a sympathetic restoration undertaken by Clark & Carter to take the vehicle back to how it was initially specified by Rubirosa when it was new. 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast – chassis #8897SFThere couldn’t be a starker contrast to the pared-back, competition-focused 166 MM than Salon Privé’s opulent (by Ferrari’s standards) 500 Superfast. Built for a rarified clientele, but with a weather eye to the prosperous US market, only 37 500 Superfasts left Ferrari’s factory, and of those, only eight were right-hand-drive UK market cars. Salon Privé’s car – chassis 8897 – is not only one of those but also the very last 500 Superfast to be produced by Ferrari. In the UK, its exclusivity would have been sealed with a new list price in 1966 of £11,518 – almost twice that of its 275 GTB/4 sibling. The 500 Superfast had its origins in Ferrari’s Lampredi-engined 340-/342-/375-series cars of the early 1950s, which was then further developed into the 410 Superamerica range from 1956-’59, complete with its independent coil-sprung front suspension, and…