The all-new Škoda Elroq: Taking sustainable interior materials to the next level

Industry News

The all-new Škoda Elroq introduces advanced sustainable interior materials, including Recytitan and Technofil Embodying Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, the Elroq’s interior is characterised by simplicity, spaciousness, and clean lines Mladá Boleslav, 20 August 2024 – The all-new Škoda Elroq brings a fresh perspective to sustainable automotive design with its innovative use of interior materials such as Recytitan and Technofil. In line with the brand’s Modern Solid design language, the Elroq’s interior emphasises simplicity, spaciousness, and clean lines. At the same time, the selected materials underscore Škoda’s commitment to environmental protection and reducing the CO2 footprint of its vehicles: the seats and upholstery fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and, for the first time, recycled clothing. These are carefully reprocessed into high-quality new yarns and fabrics for the Elroq. The Czech car manufacturer is taking the next step towards realising its sustainability goals. Four Design Selections, incorporating even more sustainable materialsThe new Škoda Elroq boasts a spacious interior defined by clean, simple lines that embody the brand’s Modern Solid design language. Customers will have the choice of four Design Selections: Studio, Loft, Lodge, and Suite, each incorporating a greater proportion of sustainable materials. The Loft Design Selection, for example, uses Recytitan—a material comprising 78% recycled PET and, for the first time in Škoda models, recycled clothing. The dark grey-blue fabric is complemented by dark artificial leather details and yellow reflective stitching. The Lodge Design Selection features a material called Technofil. This material also contains ECONYL® yarns made from regenerated nylon obtained for example from old fishing nets and fabric scraps. This Selection is distinguished by black fabric paired with light grey artificial leather, highlighted by orange contrast stitching and matching orange seat belts. Fabric scraps, fishing nets and bottles re-used in Škoda interiorsŠkoda is continuously advancing its use of innovative and sustainable materials across all products. To further increase the sustainability of the Elroq’s Design Selection Loft, the brand uses Recytitan for the door panels, seat covers, dashboard, armrest, and knee pads. It is composed of 78% recycled PET, sourced from items such as plastic water bottles. The remaining material is derived from new PET (16%) and for the first time also mechanically recycled fibres recovered from post-consumer clothing (6%). The fibre blend undergoes processing without chemical treatments. The careful attention to detail during the spinning and warping of yarns ensures a perfect balance of comfort, durability, and sustainability. In the Lodge Design Selection, Škoda uses Technofil material, which is composed of 75% recycled ECONYL® fibres and 25% polyester. This innovative fabric reuses nylon waste, such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, and carpets destined for landfill, transforming them into new nylon yarn. Known for its excellent friction and abrasion resistance, ECONYL® nylon is also 100% regenerable, allowing yarns to be recycled, remoulded and respun repeatedly without ever losing quality.

MINI John Cooper Works: Unveiling the future of performance in fall 2024

Industry News

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the UK market. Munich. Known for their exhilarating performance and racing heritage, the new John Cooper Works lineup will feature both petrol-powered and all-electric versions, marking a new chapter in the evolution of MINI. The New MINI John Cooper Works: Power and PrecisionThe MINI John Cooper Works models have long been celebrated for their unmatched driving dynamics and racing pedigree. The New MINI JCW Family lineup continues this legacy, offering enthusiasts a choice between the thrill of petrol power and the cutting-edge performance of all-electric technology. Each version has been meticulously engineered to deliver the unmistakable JCW experience, characterized by sharp handling, impressive acceleration, and an unwavering connection to the road. The petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works is designed to ignite passion in every turn, with an engine that delivers relentless power and a chassis tuned for precision. The all-electric JCW variant will offer a new dimension of performance, combining instant torque with the refined agility that defines the JCW brand. Both versions promise to deliver a driving experience that is as engaging as it is exhilarating, whether on the open road or the racetrack. Victory at the 2024 24 Hours of NürburgringThe New MINI John Cooper Works lineup has already proven its mettle on the world stage, with the MINI John Cooper Works PROtotype clinching a category victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This prestigious endurance race is known for testing the limits of both man and machine, and the JCW PROtotype’s triumph is a testament to the vehicle’s exceptional performance and durability. The Nürburgring victory solidifies MINI’s position at the forefront of high-performance motoring. The JCW PROtotype demonstrated its ability to dominate under the most demanding conditions. This achievement not only celebrates MINI’s racing heritage but also sets a new standard for the capabilities of the JCW models, both now and in the future. Goodwood Festival of Speed: A Thrilling DebutShortly after the impressive success at the Nürburgring, the New MINI John Cooper Works E PROtotype made its grand debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. The JCW E PROtotype captured the attention of enthusiasts and industry experts alike with its dynamic demonstration on the famous hill-climb course. The Goodwood Festival of Speed provided the perfect platform for MINI to showcase the JCW E PROtotype, demonstrating the brand’s continued commitment to performance and innovation. The car’s thrilling run at Goodwood was a highlight of the event, underscoring the potential of the all-electric JCW models to deliver the same exhilarating experience that fans have come to expect from the brand. Bulldog Racing: The Power Behind the PerformanceCentral to the success of the MINI John Cooper Works PROtotype this year and last year’s podium finish with one of only few manual transmissions racecars at the 2023 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, is the expertise of Bulldog Racing. Based in Nürburg, this esteemed racing team has been the driving force behind the development of these high-performance John Cooper Works race cars. With a deep-rooted passion for motorsport, Bulldog Racing has expanded its focus beyond internal combustion engines, developinig the electric MINI JCW PROtotype. Both cars are on display during the DTM race on the Nürburgring from August 16th – 18th. Bulldog Racing’s involvement has been instrumental in ensuring that the new JCW models meet the rigorous demands of both the racetrack and the road. Their teamwork has led to the first podiums for MINI John Cooper Works at the 2023 and 2024 toughest endurance race of the world, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The team’s dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of the MINI John Cooper Works racecars, from their engineering precision to their race-winning performance and reliability. Looking Forward to Fall 2024As the official unveiling of the New MINI John Cooper Works models approaches, excitement continues to build. The new lineup promises to deliver the ultimate driving experience, with options to suit every enthusiast, whether they prefer a petrol engine or an electric drivetrain. The achievements of the MINI John Cooper Works PROtotypes at the Nürburgring and Goodwood are just a glimpse of what’s to come.

A feast for the senses: upgrade for the Audi RS 3

Industry News

Sporty exterior: sharper appearance, striking diffuser, motorsport-inspired wheels, and carbon details Enhanced vehicle dynamics: new standard tyres and more precise tuning of chassis control systems for optimized cornering Progressive interior: RS sport seats for excellent lateral support, double-flattened steering wheel, and new displays and design elements RS 3 Sportback (£59,510) and RS 3 Saloon (£60,510) on sale in September UK line-up comprises RS 3, RS 3 Carbon Black, and RS 3 Carbon Vorsprung For additional information please visit https://press.audi.co.uk/en-gb/ Ingolstadt, August 20, 2024 – Audi Sport has heightened the senses of the RS 3. This is visible at first glance: The strong lines at the front, the motorsport-inspired wheels, and the RS front sport seats visually enhance its character. This is accompanied by the deep-throated roar of the five-cylinder engine with its signature firing sequence. The 2.5 TFSI, combined with the optimized chassis setup and new tyres, gives the RS 3 even more appetite for corners. You can feel the difference also on the inside, thanks to the new steering wheel and the high-end materials. The Audi RS 3 – an experience for the senses. Expressive design evokes the performance The RS 3’s product upgrade brings with it a significantly sportier appearance. The dominant feature of the assertive front design is the hexagonal Singleframe with a striking border. Flatter and considerably broader than before, it emphasizes the dynamics of the compact sports car with its rhombus-pattern grille. The same goes for the two functional side air intakes – accentuated by vertical black blades – and the three apertures above the front splitter, which now spans the entire vehicle breadth and lets the RS 3 sit even lower – reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak from 1987. With redesigned daytime running lights, the headlights also accentuate the car’s performance. The digital signature, which displays a checkered flag in the RS 3, comprises 24 elements. Furthermore, in combination with the matrix LED headlights (standard on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung), drivers can choose between three additional daytime running light designs in the MMI touch display for the first time. The rear of the RS 3 also features references to motorsport and has a much stronger presence than before. Vertical side reflectors continue the design theme of the air intakes at the front. The large functional RS-specific diffuser incorporates a red reflector in its centre and, on its sides, the two oval tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system, which look even larger in their black frames. Like the headlights, the taillights also feature a new graphic: Arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out with the coming home/ leaving home function embody the progressive taillight design. The expressive exterior is accentuated by the RS-specific exterior colours Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey, the new metallic paints Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, and, for the first time, Daytona Grey in a matt finish. On all UK models, the Singleframe and diffuser have a gloss black finish. Continuing this theme, the RS 3 comes with matt-black 19-inch aluminium cast wheels in a 5-Y-spoke design as standard. On Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, the rims are a motorsport-inspired design, with 10 striking cross spokes, either in matt dark grey or in glossy metallic black in bi-colour design. Even more individuality is offered by the carbon and high-gloss black detailing on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, which adorn the front air intakes, the side skirts, and the blade above the diffuser. Dark interior with double-flattened steering wheel and front sport seatsIn the interior, too, which is dominated by dark colour tones, everything is geared for performance, with the new steering wheel, RS sport seats, and sporty displays. Flattened above and below, the perforated leather steering wheel has a substantially sportier look. Meanwhile, the RS sport seats give even better support. The seat centre panel with RS honeycomb stitching is made of Fine Nappa leather, with Dinamica microfibre accents and contrasting stitching in black, express red or micrommata green. New light features, effect paint, and carbon The standard contour and ambient lighting illuminate the new design features: the storage box in front of the flatter-designed shifter, the centre console with cup holders, and the doors. A delightful night-time feature is the so-called planar lighting, whereby a light source in the door panel back-lights hundreds of lasered rhombus shapes of various sizes, which dynamically light up when locking and unlocking the RS 3. This underscores the sporty-evocative design. The door handles, air vents as well as the cover clip of the steering wheel and the shift paddles are finished in a vanadium look, which shimmers according to the light conditions. RS displays with focus on performanceThe 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus with Sport, Performance, and Runway views was already standard. In Runway mode, speed is visualized in reverse order, with the highest revs in the foreground and idling speed in the background. These features are now joined by the new rev counter, which prominently displays the revolutions per minute in the centre of the instrument cluster. In addition, there are displays for power output, torque, g-forces, acceleration, and lap times. In manual transmission mode, the RS-specific blinking shift indicator changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, motorsports-style, to indicate the ideal time to change gears. On top of this, the temperature ranges of coolant, torque splitter, brakes, engine oil and transmission oil are shown in colour on the 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel. Furthermore, the RS 3 now features an app store with many applications that can be used directly on the vehicle display. The selected contents are installed on the RS 3 infotainment system – independently of the smartphone. Five-cylinder engine with more distinctive sound The Audi RS 3 is powered…

Bentley to help the kelp with support for Californian environmental project

Industry News

Bentley Environmental Foundation to fund US kelp forest initiative Kelp restoration programme focussed on key coastal sites Lab-grown Sunflower Stars project reduces the proliferation of Purple Urchins that feed off living Kelp Initiative announced at customer beach dinner hosted by Bentley Environmental Foundation during Monterey Car Week Bentley Environmental Foundation launched in 2023 as part of the company’s Beyond100 strategy Californian project driven by Foundation launch partner SeaTrees (Crewe/Monterey, 19 August 2024) Bentley Motors today announced funding for a major environmental initiative off the Californian coast run by SeaTrees – a founding partner of the newly-formed Bentley Environmental Foundation. The project will help restore and monitor kelp forests across three key sites, and will reintroduce Sunflower Stars to save California’s declining Kelp forests. The project was revealed during a beach dinner for Bentley customers at Monterey Car Week in California. It was hosted by the Bentley Environmental Foundation, set up last year as part of the company’s Beyond100 strategy as a long-term commitment to support global sustainability issues. More than 90 per cent of kelp has been lost in California due to climate change, a trend exacerbated by the disappearance of sunflower stars and the proliferation of purple sea urchins. An innovative element of the project will be to grow Sunflower Stars under laboratory conditions. The invertebrates are a natural predator to urchins and, once released into the sea, will help regulate their population and maintain the balance of the trophic food web. Kelp is critical to climate change as it absorbs carbon dioxide from both the atmosphere and the ocean, and is a natural habitat for hundreds of marine creatures. The large brown algae also helps protect coastal communities and offers cultural and recreational value. The Foundation project will support SeaTrees in collaboration with Reef Check California and the Sunflower Star Laboratory. Their marine ecosystem projects create the right conditions for kelp to grow and support research into kelp forest recovery. SeaTrees will also promote the work of both bodies to a wider audience, encouraging others in similar initiatives. The California project is just the latest step in Bentley’s sustainability journey towards a carbon neutral future. The Bentley Environmental Foundation already partners with the Californian-based non-profit Sustainable Surf, which is the organisation behind SeaTrees, to help regenerate the health of our ocean planet. A project in Kenya has involved the planting of one million mangrove trees, with seagrass and kelp regeneration projects in Portugal and Spain too. Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEI Officer, responsible for the Bentley Environmental Foundation, said: “At Bentley, we are committed to driving forward innovative environmental initiatives and solutions. By partnering with SeaTrees and other pioneering organisations, we are bringing to life our long-term commitment to preserve and regenerate our planet for future generations. The Foundation’s support for the kelp restoration project in California underscores this commitment, and will continue to help transform and conserve the world’s vitally important blue carbon ecosystems. This initiative is testament to our Beyond100 strategy and our ongoing commitment to global sustainability, with the Foundation as a key pillar for catalysing positive environmental change.” Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of SeaTrees, added:“Partnering with the Bentley Environmental Foundation is a game-changer for our kelp restoration efforts in California. The funding and support from Bentley allow us to tackle the urgent crisis facing our kelp forests with a multifaceted approach. Their support not only aids in the recovery of crucial marine habitats but also underscores the importance of innovative collaborations in addressing climate change and protecting our oceans for future generations.”

Miles of smiles at SGMW heritage driving day

Industry News

A new take on an old favourite made the Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ annual heritage day a most memorable one. This was the seventh time SGMW had held the event at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire. This year the group also opened it up as a driving day for new manufacturers which do not have heritage fleets. SGMW secretary Chris Rees, the driving force behind the event, said: “This is my personal highlight. I love the heritage driving day.” An excellent turnout saw 20 SGMW members joined by 29 PR friends representing 14 brands. They enjoyed driving a total of 32 cars, including a dozen heritage models, with a varied mix of the latest electric vehicles, rugged off-roaders and pick-up trucks and a stunning array of classic heritage models. Abarth – 500e Convertible. BYD – Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal. Fiat – 600 Hybrid and 600e. Ford – Capri L, Racing Puma and latest Puma. Genesis – GV60, electrified GV70 and electrified G80. Honda – Civic Type R (FK2), S2000 and latest Civic Hybrid. Ineos – Grenadier 3.0 petrol and 3.0 diesel. Isuzu – D-Max AT35 Arctic and D-Max AT35 Basecamp. Jeep – Avenger MHEV. Kia – Stinger GT-S, Picanto Strike Mark 1 and latest Picanto GT-Line. Lexus – LBX. Mazda – MX-5 Mark 1 and MX-30 R-EV Edition R. Toyota – first generation Prius Hybrid and latest Corolla Excel 1.8 Hybrid. Volvo – P1800, 262C, 850 T-5R and XC90 V8, all heritage models. SGMW members also brought their own cars to display on the day. The classic stars were a vintage Volkswagen Beetle Herbie tribute, a stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Ti and an immaculate Mazda Eunos. The modern era was also well represented, with a varied mix of cars including an Alpine A110, Volkswagen Polo Blue GT, Jaguar XF Sportbrake, Saab 9-3 convertible and Abarth 595. As is tradition, attendees voted for their favourite member’s car and manufacturer’s car of the day. Stu Bird’s Beetle Douglas Special took the member’s best car prize, pipping Julian Rendell’s Alfa. The Beetle stole the show with its looks, sound and wealth of fun, intricate details harking back to the original movie star car. It completed a hat-trick of wins for Stu whose Volkswagen T2 Westfalia camper van won last year and his SEAT Terra van in 2022. Volvo’s P1800 was best manufacturer’s car, a worthy winner that had members lining up to drive it all day long. The SGMW quiz went down to a tiebreak question, with David Wilkins the victor over Peter Nunn. The heritage driving day is as popular with PRs as it is SGMW members, a chance to chat and drive cars in a relaxed setting. Simon Branney, Genesis Motor UK head of PR and communications, said: “Definitely one of the highlights of the summer, if not the whole year, is the SGMW heritage driving day. “Even though there are no Genesis heritage products, as we have only been going for three years, the group has been very welcoming and supportive of the Genesis brand, product and team. “It’s a super-relaxed day with super-friendly journalists and even super-friendly PR colleagues – it’s an easy win for both the group and the PRs that get to come to it.” Tom Lynch, Volvo Car UK head of communications, said: “We have a deep and rich heritage stretching back nearly 100 years but it is also lovely to see people in the industry driving each other’s cars and getting you guys out in the cars. “It is a good, enjoyable day out and that is why we like to come to your heritage day.” Will Rees, Kia UK press officer, said: “It is a nice, chilled-out event and a great day out of the office. “It is about getting to chat with other PRs and a lot of SGMW members we don’t see regularly on driving days. It is nice to catch up with everyone.” Rachel Goodwin, head of PR for BYD in the UK, said: “It was a great day. It is really useful for PRs to drive competitors’ products and useful for us to keep in touch and see all you guys and making sure everybody is driving our cars. “We are trying to build a brand so we need to be in as many places as possible.” Graeme Fudge, Mazda UK PR director, said: “It is a nice day out and you get to drive a lot of competitors’ cars. Beaulieu is also a lovely location.” Memorable motors, lots of laughs and a great setting make SGMW heritage day a winner. (ends story) Picture captionsWinning cars – SGMW member Stu Bird with his Volkswagen Beetle Herbie tribute and Barnaby Jones, Volvo Cars UK product communications manager, with the P1800. Hot hatches – Ford’s Racing Puma with the Honda Civic Type R in the background. Ford brought a Capri, right, and Racing Puma, centre, as well as the latest Puma. Toyota’s first generation Prius launched its hybrid revolution. (ends captions) For more information on this event and SGMW please contact: Andy Russell – SGMW publicity officerandy@andyrussellmedia.co.uk (mobile 07745 557001) THE SOUTHERN GROUP OF MOTORING WRITERSThe SGMW represents motoring writers living or working in the region around the M25 motorway, stretching from Norfolk in the north to Portsmouth and Brighton in the south and from Reading and Oxford in the west to Kent in the east. The group’s main role is to assist and enable communications between its members and the motor industry. It currently has 31 members working on local, regional and national newspapers, magazines, books, websites, social media and television to provide the public and specialist industry sectors with the latest motoring information.

Salon Privé X Hackett London Press Release

Industry News

We are delighted to introduce Hackett London as the Official Menswear Partner of Salon Privé. At Salon Privé, everything we do is about the detail. Known throughout the automotive world as the most curated, tailored event, we strive to be the Platinum standard in lifestyle community event experiences. Hackett London embodies these values and is well known for its excellence in craftsmanship and distinction in detail. In addition to personal tailoring and made-to-measure, Hackett London specialises in classic English tailoring for the modern man. “It seems appropriate that Hackett London is partnering with Salon Privé this year and dressing our team on Blenheim Palace’s lawns. Hackett London, Salon Privé and Blenheim Palace, three British brands epitomising luxury at the highest level, it could not be a better, more quintessentially British collaboration,” comments Andrew Bagley, co-founder of Salon Privé. About Hackett LondonFounded by Jeremy Hackett in 1983, Hackett London has become a global leader in menswear, blending timeless British style with modern sophistication. Our brand offers a wide range of collections, from sports and casual wear to formal attire, each piece reflecting our commitment to quality and style. The Hackett London collection is the cornerstone of our brand, while Hackett Sport provides premium activewear for off-duty moments. Hackett Heritage draws inspiration from classic British sports like rowing, rugby, sailing, and motorsport, with each piece embodying our dedication to tradition and elegance. Our Savile Row collection and bespoke service represent the pinnacle of our craftsmanship, utilising the finest fabrics from the world’s most prestigious mills. Our Bespoke garments are meticulously crafted and personalised onsite at our Savile Row townhouse. Hackett continually evolves, redefining modern menswear by infusing British heritage with contemporary elegance. Designed for the global citizen, our clothing effortlessly transitions from the office to social gatherings. With over 1,000 points of sale worldwide, Hackett connects with customers around the globe through a distinctive British touch and a steadfast dedication to quality. “I am thrilled with our association with Salon Privé. It is the perfect fit for Hackett as like me, many of our customers share a passion for classic cars” explains Jeremy Hackett, Chairman of Hackett London.

Nissan teams up with the world’s most popular MTB podcast – The Ride Companion – to create mobile Primastar podcast studio

Industry News

Nissan and The Ride Companion work with specialist UK converter MTB Vans to create high-spec Primastar mobile podcast studio Unique configuration enables off-grid podcast and video recording with pro mountain bike riders and industry insiders, meeting the Ride Companion’s content production needs Interior modifications include full fit out of the load area with bike and equipment storage and recharging, Starlink mobile Wi-Fi connectivity, LED lighting, a content editing workstation, water tank, and pressure washer Off-road tyres and a powerful LED light bar help the team access and record from remote trails LONDON (Monday 19th August 2024) – Nissan and The Ride Companion, the world’s most popular mountain bike podcast, have ‘defied ordinary’ by transforming a Nissan Primastar van into a versatile mobile content production support vehicle. The Ride Companion’s founders Davi Birks and Olly Wilkins will use the custom Nissan Primastar to help them produce shows whenever they’re away from their Surrey Hills studio, travelling the length and breadth of the UK to meet guests and ride the country’s best trails and bike parks, as well as attending national and international mountain bike races. Working to a brief from Davi and Olly to build ‘the ultimate ride companion’, Nissan collaborated with specialist LCV converters MTB Vans. Using a high-spec Nissan Primastar Tekna+ L1H1 as a base, the conversion process took less than two weeks from start to finish, culminating with a slick custom vinyl wrap on the sides and rear of the van by MotoShack. The Ride Companion co-founder Davi Birks said: “We’re absolutely stoked to be working with Nissan on this project. It’s sometimes tricky to get guests to the studio because world-class riders are so busy, but now we can take the show to them and record wherever we like. Vans are a massive part of mountain bike culture and our custom Primastar is so sick: it’s easy to drive, has all the features and space we need, so it’s the perfect way to transport all our bikes and kit. It’s The Ride Companion’s ultimate ride companion!” MTB Vans founder and owner Joel Aindow said: “It was a real pleasure to work with Nissan to customise the Primastar for Davi and Olly. A shout out from them on the podcast in 2020 helped me get the business off the ground, so it was awesome to do a special build for them. This is the first Primastar we’ve worked on, but we’re very happy with the result: the quality is really solid, and the space is great for a short wheelbase van, so the conversion was straightforward, which is crucial when you’ve got loads of projects on the go. It’s definitely a good option for builds and great value compared to some brands.” David Jackson, Communications Director at Nissan said: “This is a great example of collaboration between Nissan, The Ride Companion and MTB Vans that has produced an extremely well thought out and effective product, with the Primastar van at the core. We know there’s a lot of mountain bikers out there, so this has been a great opportunity to demonstrate how Nissan vans can be tailored to create the perfect space for an adventurous lifestyle. “We’re delighted to be working with The Ride Companion and are excited to see the finished product in action!” About The Ride Companion conversion Bespoke storage tailored to meet the mountain biking and content production needs of The Ride Companion team, including racking for helmets, tools and equipment, a slide-out tray and mounting points for two mountain bikes, plus secure shelving for cameras, mics, tripods and lights. Thermally insulated lined load area, with rubberised, water-resistant flooring, carpeted walls, and a stylish suede-effect ceiling panel with concealed LED lighting in TRC’s signature teal colour. High-speed, off-grid mobile internet connectivity using a satellite-based Starlink system and integrated Wi-Fi router, plus a compact desk attached to the bulkhead, so the TRC team can research topics and upload fresh content wherever they are. 240V power supply and multiple plug and USB sockets to power and recharge production kit and two electric mountain bikes, based around a CTEK split-charge / monitoring system and a 160Ah LiFePO4 battery, which is continuously trickle charged by a roof-mounted solar panel. A 25-litre water tank connected to a Worx Hydroshot pressure washer, so bikes and equipment can be rinsed off after muddy rides. A versatile full-length roof rack, which provides secure mounting for a 7m2 Fiamma sun awning, the 200W solar panel, and a high-power 9500-lumen LED light bar. General Grabber AT3 multi-terrain tyres, mounted to the Primastar Tekna+’s standard-issue 10-spoke alloy wheels, to make it easier to access locations off the beaten track. About Nissan PrimastarNo matter what your business needs, the Nissan Primastar is a capable, roomy, and reliable workhorse. As a Panel Van it’s available in two length and two roof heights, with a well-shaped and easily accessible load space providing between 5.8m3 and 8.9m3 of capacity. A six-seat Crew Van variant is also available, in two lengths, with 3.2 or 4.0 m3 of load space. The latest 2024 variant comes in two grades, Acenta or Tekna, with many features as standard such as full LED front lights, a car-like cabin with automatic air con and an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. New ADAS have been made standard on the vehicle, improving both usability and safety, earning it a coveted Gold rating by EuroNCAP. Its 2.0-litre engine is efficient and powerful, offering power of up to 170hp and 380Nm of torque. A dual-clutch, six-speed automatic transmission is available along with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Every Primastar benefits from Nissan’s exceptional five-year / 100,000-mile warranty, making it the smart choice for working professionals. The Nissan Primastar is available from £30,590, basic price, including delivery. For more information about the Nissan Primastar, please visit the Nissan UK website. To listen to The Ride Companion, just search ‘The Ride Companion’ on any of the main podcast platforms, or check out their YouTube and Instagram…

BMW and UK National Parks Celebrate Achievements to Date of Recharge in Nature Partnership

Industry News

A year and a half in, BMW UK and UK National Parks are celebrating the progress their Recharge in Nature partnership is driving for people and planet 78 new electric vehicle (EV) charge points have now been installed across seven of the UK’s 15 National Parks Projects supported by the Recharge in Nature project have boosted wellbeing and nature restoration in Dartmoor, Eryri (Snowdonia), South Downs and North York Moors National Parks, with further projects planned for this year at other National Parks BMW and UK National Parks are celebrating the progress achieved to date by its Recharge in Nature partnership, revealing the project’s impacts for the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, nature restoration and wellbeing. The Recharge in Nature Project will see BMW UK invest a total of around £1 million in biodiversity and community projects, as well as putting all 15 of the UK’s National Parks firmly on the EV map by installing 135 new charging points, with a further investment of around £1 million. Already 18 months into the partnership, 78 new electric vehicle charge points have been installed in the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Dartmoor, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. BMW is working closely with UK National Parks to ensure that these charging points bring as much benefit as possible to locals and visitors by being placed in high traffic areas or areas where infrastructure is lacking. So far, the newly installed charging points have saved over 42 tonnes1 of CO2, according to Pod Point data, comparing the electric driving they have enabled to equivalent petrol or diesel miles1. The nature restoration and community impact projects are suggested and delivered by the National Parks, ensuring BMW’s support is going exactly where it’s needed most. For example, in the South Downs National Park, visitors could be more likely to spot frogs, toads, dragonflies and hedgehogs this year, thanks to the project’s work to restore 10 vital dew ponds. Due to hotter, drier summers, 70 per cent of South Downs National Park’s ponds were in a poor condition or had disappeared completely. In Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), beautiful Llyn Tegid – the largest natural freshwater lake in Wales – is now better protected against pollution. Through engagement with local farmers, Recharge in Nature has supported a range of natural flood management initiatives including creating three new dew ponds and eight leaky dams, and planting over 20,000 new trees. These measures help reduce the speed of rainwater run-off and so lower the amount of phosphates leaching into the lake, which would damage its delicate ecosystem and encourage the growth of algae. This will help Llyn Tegid stay healthy for recreation and tourism, and for precious wildlife like the glutinous snail – a tiny creature that’s only found here. Young people have been at the heart of a project funded in the North York Moors National Park, where they have improved their wellbeing, employability and potential to become tomorrow’s conservationists through 3,000 hours of volunteering. In addition, funding for a new Youth Engagement Ranger in Dartmoor National Park has helped give 1,329 young people, many of whom might otherwise not have opportunities to visit the Park, a chance to experience and explore the great outdoors. More creative initiatives lie ahead this year. The seeds of a temperate rainforest will be sprouting in Exmoor National Park to support nature recovery, carbon capture, water systems, soil and wildlife. Building on successful work piloted by local NHS Trusts, more people will have a chance to experience the wellbeing benefits of nature in the Peak District National Park through the ‘Peaks of Health’ project. It will work alongside community-based health and wellbeing organisations to help combat barriers to accessing the countryside including lack of transport, social isolation, older age or physical and mental health challenges. Meanwhile a project in the New Forest National Park is engaging local young people in nature, encouraging them to be future custodians of the Park. Access and more sustainable travel are the focus of two further Recharge in Nature projects. In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, volunteers and visitors will have a new wheelchair accessible electric bus service. In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, visitors and residents will find it easier to access some of the area’s most scenic locations this summer thanks to a new shuttle bus service stopping through busy visitor locations seven days a week, up to eight times a day. The service will support more people to travel by public transport and mean less congestion at the Park. Finally, in Northumberland National Park, local communities and visitors will be able to take part in activities that highlight the Park’s aims of conserving and enhancing nature and taking climate action, as two new Nature Rangers are appointed thanks to Recharge in Nature funding. Guy Griffiths, one of the recently onboarded Nature Rangers at Northumberland National Park, said: “The BMW Recharge in Nature funding has opened up a fantastic opportunity for the other new ranger and I, as we embark on a career in the environment sector with National Parks. The Nature Ranger roles provide excellent experience in connecting people with nature and a wealth of training and development opportunities which give us real hands-on experience. Our aim is to protect Northumberland National Park and create a welcoming Park for everyone visiting this summer.” Pembrokeshire Coast National Park volunteers and visitors will have a new wheelchair accessible electric bus service, with another bus service being planned for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Finally for this year, a project in the New Forest National Park will support local young people to discover, understand and act in ways that will make a positive difference to the future of the landscape. Graham Biggs, Corporate Communications Director, BMW UK, said: “It’s a pleasure to reflect on Recharge in Nature’s successes so far and to celebrate the tangible impacts of this partnership. In the months ahead we are looking forward to our continued investment in driving more locally delivered biodiversity and community projects, across…

Luxury automotive wall art business celebrates 400ᵗʰ customer

Industry News

NOTTINGHAM – AUGUST 19th, 2024 – Limited100.co.uk, the East Midlands-based luxury car prints business, is an online-only direct-to-consumer store that’s been a hit with petrolheads around the world, from the UK to USA, Thailand to Australia and beyond. Powered by Shopify, the automotive home décor business was founded by car enthusiast and marketing professional Simon Wright, in 2020. Simon added: “I started Limited100 because after moving into my first home I was searching online for some artwork of a Lamborghini Miura, which I regard as the most beautiful car of all time. I couldn’t find anything of super high-quality that was handmade, so I decided to create a company of my own that celebrates the handbuilt artisanship that Britain is so synonymous with. “At the business’s conception, I began working with a carefully curated group of award-winning photographers and to ensure exclusivity, each print we produce is limited to 100 units ever (hence our name). The edition number is picked at random for each order, unless a customer reaches out for something specific. For example, edition 8/100 is popular with our Japanese customers, and we recently had an order for someone’s 50th birthday, so as a thank you for their custom we gave them edition 50/100. Proudly Made in Britain“In 2020 I applied for Made in Britain status, and eligibility requirements included manufacturing and assembling a physical product in the UK, and that 80% of our value chain is in the UK. Because our printing and framing are completed in Nottingham from UK-sourced materials, our application was approved and we now display the Made in Britain logo on our website, the backs of our frames, and certificates of authenticity.” “Our automotive prints are available in a range of sizes, from A3 all the way up to 5 metres wide. Formats include print-only, framed, canvas, aluminium composite and acrylic glass. Fully bespoke, we can print any format our customers request. Celebrating our 400th customer“Limited100’s client base is diverse, ranging from interior designers, to homeware gift buyers, supercar dealerships, mancave garage projects, and even James Bond enthusiasts. Our 400th customer was an employee from Portugal, buying one of our Ferrari F40 prints for their CEO’s 40th birthday.” About Limited100Love cars? Make your house your home with our exclusive, handcrafted automotive wall art. Visit Limited100.co.uk and explore an unmatched selection of limited edition prints from a carefully curated group of award-winning photographers. Any size, any style, delivered with care anywhere in the world, but each image is always limited to 100. Key contactSimon WrightFounder, Limited100+44 (0)7511 954 995simon.wright@limited100.co.uk Social mediahttps://www.instagram.com/limited100hq/https://x.com/Limited100HQhttps://www.facebook.com/Limited100HQ/https://www.linkedin.com/company/42823057/

Maserati MCXtrema Lands in North America: First Customer Delivery at Laguna Seca During Monterey Car Week

Industry News

Maserati’s most powerful performance vehicle makes its North American track debutwith a special first customer delivery at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Modena, Italy – August 18, 2024 – In a historic moment at Laguna Seca during the illustrious Monterey Car Week, Italian luxury performance brand Maserati delivered the first customer MCXtrema, its most powerful track-only super sports car, as part of a curated experience during the brand’s Car Week activities. This milestone moment marked the first time MCXtrema has graced North American soil. Maserati MCXtrema: A New Chapter in Performance ExcellenceThe Maserati MCXtrema, the Trident’s 730-horsepower ‘beast,’ has returned to Monterey, this time on track for its final stop during the Monterey Car Week tour. Intended to break the mold, the MCXtrema embodies Maserati DNA and the performance that defines every creation from the iconic Italian brand. With only 62 units produced globally, this limited-edition spectacle blends exquisite design with unparalleled racing dynamics. This special occasion at Laguna Seca served as the V6 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno race engine’s debut in North America, where it was heard roaring to life and racing around the track for the first time. The MCXtrema underwent a series of rigorous tests, culminating with this delivery of the premier example in late summer 2024. Given its track-only nature, it was fitting that the first customer delivery occurred at one of the most famous circuits in the world during Monterey Car Week. A Grand Debut During Monterey Car WeekFollowing its presence on the Maserati stand at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, this delivery moment was highlighted by the presence of Maserati Chief test driver Andrea Bertolini, renowned for his success in the GT class with four world titles aboard the legendary Maserati MC12. Bertolini took the MCXtrema on its inaugural laps on the iconic Laguna Seca track, displaying the car’s capabilities with its new owner beside him before handing over the keys for the first time. This ceremonial handover celebrated the car’s remarkable journey from concept to reality, with Bertolini’s pivotal role in its development through rigorous simulation testing. “Seeing the MCXtrema come to life has been a rewarding journey. Maserati unveiled the concept here in Monterey just a year ago, and now, we’re delivering the first one at Laguna Seca,” said Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse. ”It’s been a labour of love, with countless hours of hard work and dedication from our team. This car truly embodies the spirit of Maserati, combining the most advanced technology with our signature Italian craftsmanship. It’s an honour to be part of this milestone and to share it with our passionate customers. Very much out of respect for our customers, confirming the ownership of the MCXtrema continues to be an exclusive selection process – from beginning to end. When we decided to develop one of the most powerful track only cars in Maserati’s long history, we also wanted to identify the 62 unique individuals not as owners, but as custodians of a rich legacy.” Crafted for ExcellenceThe Maserati MCXtrema showcases the pinnacle of automotive innovation, blending Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This track-only masterpiece is one of Maserati’s most powerful performance cars, developed with extensive virtual analysis to ensure optimal performance. Approximately 200 hours were spent in the Maserati dynamic simulator, complemented by 1,000 hours of detailed virtual analysis across various simulations. Built on four years of MC20 development and subsequent engine advancements, the Maserati MCXtrema excels in track performance. Designed by Maserati Centro Stile and 100% made in Italy, it merges beauty with functionality for superior aerodynamics and handling. Exclusive MCXperience servicesMaserati has decided to make the universe of MCXtrema owners even more distinctive with MCXperience, a customer experience designed to offer a series of services reserved for the customers of the ‘beast’: an exclusive club for them to fully immerse themselves in the Maserati racing world, alongside professional drivers and the technicians at Maserati Corse Services. MCXperience also offers the Concierge service for access to on-track experiences, as well as the MCXtrema Racing kit, designed for drivers by Maserati Centro Stile togheter with Sparco, a global leader in motorsport technical clothing and equipment, for them to feel like real racers in the MCXtrema. For more information, visit www.media.maserati.com/models/mcxtrema. Maserati S.p.A.Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the new convertible of the Trident; all models characterized by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. Today the full-electric range includes also the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV, and the latest addition, GranCabrio Folgore. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028. For further information:MASERATIRoberta Marchetti – Maserati Corse Communications Manager – roberta.marchetti@maserati.comMatt Rindone – Head of PR & Communications, Maserati North America – matthew.rindone@maserati.com