Rally icons return to 2025 Hagerty Hill Climb at Shelsley Walsh

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Hagerty Hill Climb returns to historic Shelsley Walsh on 17th May 2025 Shelsley Walsh celebrates its 120-year anniversary in 2025 Ralli 22 to bring an incredible collection of iconic rally cars to thrill spectators General admission tickets cost just £30 per car with camping available on site for the first time ‘Run What You Brung’ ticket cost of £150 includes three guaranteed runs up the hill Hagerty Drivers Club members get 25% discount on entry fee Non-competitive event provides great opportunity to enjoy the famous course Bicester: 24th April 2025The Hagerty Hill Climb returns to Shelsley Walsh to celebrate 120 years of this historic motorsport course. Taking place on Saturday 17th May, this highlight of the motoring calendar promises the best motorsport action and a wonderful family day out. One of the oldest motorsport events in the world, Shelsley Walsh has been hosting its hill climb since 1905 and is the only one to still use its original course. Returning for this year’s event is an impressive collection of Group B and World Rally Championship rally cars supplied by members of the Ralli 22 Club, the majority of which will be taking part in hillclimb demonstrations. The list of cars taking part is a spectacular collection of some of the greatest cars ever to compete on rallying stages in the UK and around the world, including: Audi quattro Group B Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC Lancia Delta Yellow Group A MG Metro 6R4 Group B Porsche 911 GT3 Renault Maxi 5 Turbo WRC Rover SD1 Group A Subaru Impreza Group N For those who prefer to be a part of the action, guests can drive their own car up the hill for just £150 with a guarantee of at least three runs on the famous course. All cars are welcome, no previous experience is required, and owners can drive as fast or as sedately as they wish. Hagerty Drivers Club members qualify for a 25% discount on the entry fee and for the first time at the event, will enjoy access to the HDC members enclosure, the perfect place to take a quiet moment away from the action and enjoy a range of refreshments. General admission tickets for spectators are just £30 per car, making it a great value day out with many excellent vantage points to enjoy all the action. This year the event will also provide a free camp site for ticket holders who wish to stay on the night of Friday 16th May ensure they are get an early spot on the course on the Staturday. Those who bring a classic car will also get to park in a central display area for guests to admire your pride and joy. There will also be lots to see and do in the paddock, one of the few places where you will be able to see everything from vintage cars to modern race and rally cars. The paddock will also feature an amazing Scalextric track run by the Mission Motorsport charity where guests can take part in a six-car race for just £5. The person with the fastest lap at the end of the day will win a Scalextric Set worth £150. “Hagerty has always encouraged owners to use and enjoy their cars,” says Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International. “The Hagerty Hill Climb at Shelsley Walsh presents a very special opportunity to sample one of the oldest forms of motorsport in a relaxed environment. Best of all, members of our Hagerty Drivers Club can enjoy additional savings and benefits, and non-members can find out more about the club and become a member on the day.” Another new feature of the 2025 event is the first Hill Climb Classic Car Show with a range of trade stands. Classic Car Clubs are also invited to take advantage of a special club stand offer, which includes discounted tickets and a number of free tickets as part of the package. For more information click here. Tickets for the 2025 Hagerty Hill Climb can be bought here.Information on the Hagerty Drivers Club can be found here.Media accreditation can be applied for here. ENDS Editors NotesAbout Hagerty With a headquarters based in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty’s purpose is to save driving and car culture for future generations and its mission is to build a global business to fund that purpose. Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs as well as a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Marketplace, Hagerty Drivers Club®, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, Hagerty Drivers Foundation, Hagerty DriveShare™, Hagerty Valuation Tools®, Hagerty Media, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social®, The Amelia, the Detroit Concours d’Elegance, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, Motorlux, RADwood, Broad Arrow Group and more. In the UK, Hagerty operates the renowned Festival of the Unexceptional event, in addition to RADwood UK and the Hagerty Hillclimb. For more information on Hagerty please visit www.hagerty.co.uk.Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.For further information, call 0333 323 0989 or visit www.hagertyinsurance.co.ukMedia enquiries: media@tonic-collective.com

Renault Group Q1 2025 revenue at €11.7 billion, driven by a strong product performance

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. 1st quarter of 2025: Group revenue at €11,675 million, -0.3% and +0.6% at constant exchange rates1 vs. 2024 Q1. Automotive revenue at €10,128 million, -3.0% and -2.2% at constant exchange rates1 vs. 2024 Q1. Solid product mix effect at +3.7 points. Strong commercial successes: Renault Group recorded 564,980 sales in 2025 Q1, up 2.9% versus 2024 Q1. In Europe2, Group sales were up 2.8% with 402,413 units sold (PC + LCV3) strongly outperforming the market (-2.0%), driven by a very solid performance on Renault brand passenger cars. Dacia outpaced the market in Europe, with Sandero remaining #1 in sales and Bigster starting to boost orders. On International market, Renault brand has increased its sales by 11.6% supported by very strong growth in Latin America (+21.1%), Morocco (+45.5%) and South Korea thanks to the International game plan. The commercial policy remained focused on value with a retail channel mix at 58.5% of sales4, 16.8 points above market and a C‑segment & above mix at 40.6% of sales5. Renault Group maintains residual values meaningfully higher than its direct competitors thanks to a holistic approach to pricing. Renault Group is pursuing its electrification6 offensive7, with a mix of electrified sales at 44.2% in Europe (+15.3 points vs. 2024 Q1), with a hybrid mix at 31.0% (+10.2 points vs. 2024 Q1) and an EV mix at 13.2% (+5.1 points vs 2024 Q1) thanks to Renault 5 E-tech, Spring and Scenic E-Tech. Renault brand posted a 61.2% electrified sales mix in Europe, up +15.0 points vs 2024 Q1 and +6.6 points vs 2024 Q4: with hybrid sales up 46.1% at 44.1% mix and EV sales up 87.9% at 17.1% mix (+6.4 points vs 2024 Q1). Renault brand was #2 in full hybrid (HEV) in Europe. Strong orderbook in Europe around 2 months of forward sales reflecting the success of our launches. Renault Group confirms its 2025 financial outlook: Group operating margin ≥7% (it includes around 1 point of estimated CAFE8 negative impact) Free cash flow ≥€2bn (including a negative impact due to RNAIPL9 R&D Capex, expected to be around €200m10) In 2025, Renault Group will launch 7 vehicles (of which Renault 4 E‑Tech electric, Dacia Bigster, and Alpine A390 for Europe and a C-SUV for the international market) and 2 facelifts (Renault Austral and Renault Espace). In addition, Renault brand will introduce Grand Koleos and Kardian in new geographies. “In 2025 Q1, Renault Group outperformed the market with a 2.9% growth in worldwide sales despite a challenging environment. This growth is driven by the success of our recent launches. In Q1, they represented 28.3% of our invoices and they will continue to increase in the coming quarters, thanks to the gradual ramp-up of our new products. By the end of 2025, Renault Group will benefit from the freshest line-up in the European market while expanding its coverage with its International game plan. The strength of Renault Group also comes from its derisked strategy to offer both electric and ICE & hybrid vehicles whatever the pace of the energy transition. This agility and flexibility combined with a strong product offensive will allow us to benefit from a competitive edge. Cost management continues to be a key priority. In a very unstable macroeconomic environment, Renault Group has decided to proactively engage additional cost reduction measures. These efforts will enhance our competitiveness.” said Duncan Minto, Chief Financial Officer of Renault Group. Boulogne-Billancourt, April 24, 2025 Commercial results: First quarter highlightsRenault Group recorded 564,980 sales in 2025 Q1, up 2.9% versus 2024 Q1. In Europe11, Group sales were up 2.8% with 402,413 units sold (PC + LCV12), in a market down 2.0%. Renault Group is 3rd in PC + LCV in Europe. Renault brand worldwide recorded 389,016 sales in 2025 Q1, up 6.5% versus 2024 Q1. In Europe11, the brand increased by +3.8% with 246,036 vehicles sold, in a market down 2.0%. In Europe, Renault passenger cars sales were up 17.7% and strongly outperformed a market down 0.5 %, thanks to the success of Renault 5 and hybrid vehicles combined with the continued growth in C-segment & above. Renault brand is 3rd in PC + LCV in Europe. Growth was especially high in: Spain (+38.4% versus 2024 Q1), Germany (+20.9% versus 2024 Q1), and United Kingdom (+9.2% versus 2024 Q1). Renault brand is pursuing its electrification strategy13: EV sales increased by 87.9% in 2025 Q1, versus 2024 Q1. EV mix represented 17.1% in 2025 Q1 versus 10.7% in 2024 Q1. Renault 5 E-tech is the leader on its segment in Europe14. Hybrid sales increased by 46.1% in 2025 Q1 versus 2024 Q1. The brand confirms its 2nd position in the Hybrid European market (HEV), thanks to Clio, Captur and Symbioz, the leader in the hybrid C-segment. C-segment and above mix represented 40.6% of passenger cars sales for Renault brand in Europe (+ 4.0 points versus 2024 Q1). On LCV, in a market down -11.8%, the brand remains 2nd in Europe despite the end of sales of Express last year (not yet fully offset by Kangoo) and the necessary timeframe required to achieve the full product diversity of new Master. In the international market, Renault brand sales increased by 11.6%, thanks to: +21.1% in Latin America thanks to Argentina (+89.3%), Colombia (+40.2%) and Brazil (+11.2%) A strong commercial performance in South Korea thanks to the success of Grand Koleos +45.5% in Morocco thanks to Clio success and Kardian launch. Dacia outpaced the market with sales up 0.6% in Europe1 versus 2024 Q1, with 154,378 units, in a market down 2.0%. Sandero is again the best-selling car across all channels in Europe in 2025 Q1, with 67,616 units sold. Duster sales increased by +11.8% with 49,941 units sold and remains the best-selling SUV for retail in Europe. Bigster embodies the Dacia offensive on the C-SUV segment. It records more than 13,000 orders in 2025 Q1, even before its arrival in the network. Worldwide, Dacia recorded sales down 2.0%, mainly due to the Duster which is now sold under the…

First plug-in hybrid campervan from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles goes on sale

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Order books open today for the new California eHybrid 4MOTION, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first plug-in hybrid campervan Prices start at £71,2951 for the California Beach Camper eHybrid, £78,4951 for the California Coast trim, and £85,3951 for California Ocean Attractive finance packages start from £739 per month on 0% APR with Hire Purchase2 Configure all models using the California configurator: here Milton Keynes, UK, 24 April 2025 – The new California eHybrid 4MOTION, the first plug-in hybrid variant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ iconic campervan, is now available to order from a UK Van Centre, with prices starting from £71,2951 or £739 per month on 0% APR with Hire Purchase.2 Continuing the Volkswagen campervan legacy as the iconic vehicle enters into the electric era for the first time, the new California eHybrid 4MOTION is the ideal companion for every adventure. Featuring a combined output of 245 PS, its powerful and efficient powertrain combines an electric motor with a high-tech 1.5 TSI engine, for flexibility and reliability, no matter the journey. For everyday adventuring, the 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery delivers an impressive WLTP range of 54 miles3 of pure electric travel, while offering a towing capacity of up to 1,600kg, perfect for those with motorbikes or boats in tow. Available in a choice of highly-specified trim levels – Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean – the new eHybrid California benefits from the same exceptional flexibility as the petrol and diesel variants. Two sliding doors as standard ensure comfortable and easy entry and exit, creating a three-zone concept for campsites, while enabling greater versatility for outdoor eating with the redesigned kitchen and external folding table. To mark order books opening, until 30 June 2025, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering a number of compelling finance offers on the new plug-in hybrid variant. The Beach Camper 245PS eHybrid 1.5 TSI 4MOTION is available on 0% APR from £739 per month on a 48-month, 10,000-mile Hire Purchase agreement from Volkswagen Financial Services.2 Representative example based on a 48-month,10,000 mile per annum Hire Purchase agreement California Beach Camper 245PS eHybrid 1.5 TSI 6-Speed DSG 4MOTION California 2.0TDI Ocean 7-speed Automatic 150PS Duration 48 months 48 months 47 monthly payments of £739.00 £805.00 Deposit contribution £0.00 £0.00 Customer deposit £35,823.00 £38,941.00 On the road retail cash price £71,295.00 £77,581.00 Total amount of credit £35,472.00 £38,640.00 Total amount payable £70,556.00 £76,776.00 Option to purchase fee^ £0.00 £0.00 Representative APR 0.0% APR 0.0% APR Rate of interest 0.00% 0.00% 2Ordered by 30/06/2025. Minimum 50% deposit. Maximum 48 month contract. Indemnities may be required. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Financial Services.^Payable at the end of your agreement. All variants also benefit from Volkswagen’s 5+ Promise4 standard Warranty and Service Plan, at no extra cost, for peace of mind. The plan includes five services (comprising three Oil Services, two Oil and Inspection Services with Pollen Filter), a five-year Warranty, and five years’ Roadside Assistance. The California eHybrid 4MOTION is open for orders from 24 April, with the California configurator here, and full details available at www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk. Generous level of standard equipment, includes: 16″ “Syracuse” Alloy wheels in silver on Beach; or 17″ “Dundrod” Alloy wheels on Coast; 18″ “Toshima” Alloy wheels 7.5 J x 18, in silver on Camper Sliding doors on the left and right passenger compartments Multifunction leather steering wheel with paddle shifters Mini Kitchen Digital Cockpit Pro Mobile Phone Interface California on Tour app 2 USB-C ports at the front, 4 USB-C charging sockets in the passenger compartment 45W Charging cable Mode 2 Type 2 Voice control plus Digital radio reception (DAB+) Camper parking heater for continuous operation and fuel-powered auxiliary heater Armrests on the front swivel seats, on both sides, with electric lumbar support Daytime running lights with assistant headlights as well as “coming home” and “leaving home” functions Ambient lighting in the door area Awning in black (housing and rail) left Park Assist with front and rear parking sensors “Front Assist” with pedestrian and cyclist detection Anti-theft alarm system with interior surveillance, back-up horn and towing protection “Lane Assist” Lockable wheel bolts (ends) Notes to Editors1All prices are Total RRP OTR, including VAT – correct at time of publication.218s+. Subject to status. Minimum 50% deposit. Maximum 48 month contract. Ordered by 30/06/2025 from participating Van Centres. Indemnities may be required. Subject to changes in vehicle or equipment prices. May be varied or withdrawn at any time. Freepost Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Financial Services.3Tested according to WLTP technical procedures.4Servicing: For Petrol, Diesel and eHybrid models, covers first 5 consecutive services, 5 Pollen filters & 3 x MOTs. For electric models, covers first 3 consecutive inspection services, 3 x Pollen filters & 3 x MOTs. Additional work, including wear and tear, is excluded. Servicing must be carried out in line with the requirements of the service schedule and all servicing and warranty work must be carried out at a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Authorised Repairer. Administered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Financial Services. Warranty: covers all models up to 5 years old or 124,000 miles. Warranty exclusions apply including shorter warranty period for components subject to wear and tear, mechanical adjustments (6 months/6,500 miles) and windscreen (1 month/600 miles). Administered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK. Roadside Assistance: excludes costs of parts, garage, labour or other costs in excess of specified limits. Other limitations & exclusions apply. See Roadside Assistance Handbook for full details: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/idhub/content/dam/onehub_nfz/importers/gb/downloads/roadside_assistance_handbook.pdf. Administered by AA. About Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesOver 70 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range of commercial as well as passenger carrying and lifestyle models – from the compact Caddy, the new Transporter and sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, through the Multivan passenger carrier, and Caddy California, new California and Grand California campervans, to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models, and the Amarok. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always…

Škoda confirms UK price and specification for new Elroq vRS, the brand’s fastest ever production car

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Fastest production Škoda ever with dual motors and combined output of 340 PS Priced from £46,560 (OTR) with order books open in mid-June, with first deliveries expected in the summer Design features 20-inch Draconis black alloys and exclusive vRS Hyper Green paint option Adaptive DCC suspension, upgraded brakes and sports suspension fitted as standard vRS Lounge Design Selection offers microsuede and artificial leather sport seats with massage function 339 miles (WLTP), 185 kW DC charging and battery preconditioning System uses new Illuminated Tech-Deck Face design element Milton Keynes, 24 April 2025 – Ahead of its arrival in the UK this summer, Škoda has confirmed final pricing and specifications for the new Elroq vRS – the brand’s fastest-accelerating production model to date. The new sporting flagship of the Elroq range will start from £46,560 (OTR) when order books open on mid-June. As befits a model at the top of the Elroq range, the new vRS comes with a high specification that includes a raft of standard features. In keeping with other vRS models, the Elroq vRS is instantly recognisable as the line-up’s sportiest variant. Sculpted bumpers feature a bold reflective strip across the rear, while the signature Hyper Green paint (reserved only for vRS customers) provides a standout option among a broader colour palette. New 20-inch Draconis black alloy wheels are fitted as standard, along with black exterior accents on the window trims, roof rails and mirror caps. Larger 21-inch Vision anthracite wheels are available as an option. Completing the exterior look is a striking Tech-Deck Face grille – a key feature of the brand’s new Modern Solid design language – finished in gloss black with illumination as standard. Inside, the Elroq vRS continues the theme with a sporty vRS Lounge Design Selection that is unique to the trim. The front sports seats – electrically adjustable with memory and massage function on the driver’s side – offer integrated headrests for extra support through corners and are finished in soft microsuede and artificial leather material. Lime green stitching and carbon-effect inlays add visual flair, along with a three-spoke heated sports steering wheel. In terms of technology and connectivity, the Elroq vRS features a five-inch digital cockpit display, a 13-inch central touchscreen, and an augmented reality head-up display that projects essential driving info onto the windscreen. This allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while fully exploiting the vRS’s performance potential. vRS models also come with area view camera and CANTON sound system as standard. To ensure that the Elroq vRS delivers a driving experience that matches its striking looks, it comes as standard with adaptive DCC chassis control, with driving modes fine-tuned for both dynamic driving and refined cruising. Upgraded brakes with improved heat resistance feature large two-piston calipers for added stopping power, while sports suspension is fitted as standard. The Elroq vRS is fitted with an all-wheel drive 84 kWh battery (79 kWh net), the largest capacity pack available in the new Elroq line-up. It delivers power to the wheels via a dual-motor set-up that has a combined output of 340 PS. Thanks to this, the new Elroq vRS is capable of sprinting from 0–62 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Despite its strong performance, the Elroq vRS still manages a projected WLTP range of up to 339 miles and supports DC rapid charging at speeds of up to 185kW charging from 10 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes. A standard 11kW AC home charger can recharge it fully in around eight and a half hours. As with other vRS models in the Škoda range, the Elroq vRS isn’t just about straight-line speed. It’s been designed with day-to-day usability in mind, offering a 470-litre boot that expands to 1,580 litres with the rear seats folded. A virtual pedal enables hands-free tailgate opening, while a variable boot floor and net programme are also fitted as standard. Order books for the new Elroq vRS open on mid-June, with first deliveries expected this summer. A full set of media assets relating to the Elroq vRS and all other Škoda models is available at www.skodamedia.com. – Ends – Contact Pietro Panarisi Head of PR & CommunicationsM +44 7814 674 661Pietro.panarisi@skoda.co.uk Charlotte Moss PR ManagerM +44 7748 111 959Charlotte.moss1@skoda.co.uk Škoda Auto is successfully steering through the new decade with the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030. aims to be one of the five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030 with an attractive line-up in the entry-level segments and additional e-models. effectively leverages existing potential in important growth markets such as India, North Africa, Vietnam and the ASEAN region. currently offers its customers twelve passenger-car series: the Fabia, Scala, Octavia and Superb as well as the Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Elroq, Enyaq, Slavia, Kylaq and Kushaq. delivered over 926,000 vehicles to customers around the world in 2024. has been a member of the Volkswagen Group for 30 years. The Volkswagen Group is one of the most successful vehicle manufacturers in the world. is part of the Brand Group CORE – the organisational merger of the Volkswagen Group’s volume brands – to achieve joint growth and to significantly increase the overall efficiency of the five volume brands independently manufactures and develops components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions as part of the Volkswagen Group; these components are also used in vehicles of other Group brands. operates at three sites in the Czech Republic; has additional production capacity in China, Slovakia and India primarily through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine with a local partner. employs approximately 40,000 people globally and is active in around 100 markets. 20250424MA