Car Showroom Poet publishes debut book after life-changing coaching from Ben

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Automotive industry charity, Ben, today reveals that a former car valuer turned performance poet, John Cassidy from Nottingham, has released his debut book of automotive-inspired poetry, parody and satire, following a transformative coaching journey. John, a talented writer and performer who is also neurodivergent, walked away from a dealership career in late 2024 after recognising his heart was no longer in it. Feeling increasingly detached and overwhelmed, he reached out to Ben for coaching at a pivotal moment in his life. Now known as The Car Showroom Poet, John’s new book marks a remarkable personal and professional rebirth, enabled by Ben’s tailored support. Through six coaching sessions, he gained the structure, belief and clarity needed to bring his creative ambitions to life. He was then able to break down overwhelming goals into manageable steps, completing a book manuscript and also prepared his one‑man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025. The book, now on sale through Amazon, blends reflective memoir, poetry, parody, satire and the lived experience of working in the automotive industry. John said: “Reaching out to Ben felt like someone finally saw me and understood that my journey, although unconventional, was valid. Coaching helped me break my ambitions of writing a book into bite‑sized steps, turning inner chaos into real progress. “By the time we finished my final coaching session, I held a completed manuscript in my hands, ready for publishing. The process helped me refine my writing and helped me believe in myself – that I am a writer. My book is truly unique and will appeal to car and poetry enthusiasts, but it also straddles memoir, songwriting, media and comedy. I would recommend Ben’s coaching to anyone in the industry who feels stuck in their personal or professional lives – it truly changed my life.” To read and watch John’s full story, visit www.ben.org.uk/johncstory. Ben’s free and confidential coaching service is open to anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry. For more information, visit www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching. To purchase your copy of The Car Showroom Poet book, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1806233428 -ENDS- Note to editors:About Ben:Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing health and wellbeing support for life for them and their family dependents. Ben delivers life-changing and often lifesaving support for those who are struggling or in crisis. Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online and digital self-help, through its helpline, support and specialist services. Ben’s support empowers automotive people to better manage their health and wellbeing, helping them to think well, feel well, live well and, in turn, work well. Ben’s provides tailored support, relevant to the needs of each individual, based on a wide range of support options available and addresses every aspect of a person’s life. For more information about Ben, visit www.ben.org.uk. For further information, please contact:Leila Moss-KellyCommunications Lead, Benleila.moss-kelly@ben.org.ukDirect dial: 01344 298 126

Alpine A290 now available with 1.9% APR Representative finance and up to £1,000 deposit contribution on top of £1,500 Electric Car Grant

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. 1.9% APR Representative PCP and HP finance available on all Alpine A290 models, with a generous deposit contribution of up to £1,000 A290 GT now available for £295 a month(1) over 48 months on a 1.9% APR Representative PCP Reduced rate finance deals coincide with the Government’s Electric Car Grant which sees a further reduction of £1,500 applied automatically Exclusive offers available from now until 25th August at participating Alpine retailers Alpine is making it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of the award-winning A290 this summer, with exclusive finance offers available from now until 25th August at Alpine retailers nationwide. During this period, customers can take advantage of a reduced 1.9% APR Representative on both PCP and HP finance options. These enticing offers coincide with the availability of the Government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant (ECG), which is automatically applied to all Alpine A290 models. That means customers can have 2025’s Car of the Year for only £294.97 a month(1) on a 1.9% APR Representative PCP over 48 months, after a £4,624 customer deposit and a £1,000 deposit contribution from Alpine. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a Hire Purchase agreement, with payments of £428.52 a month(2) over 48 months at 1.9% APR Representative, after a £11,200 customer deposit, allowing them to own the vehicle outright at the end of the term without the need for a final payment. These finance offers are available on vehicles ordered by 25th August 2025, giving customers two weeks to benefit from exceptional value on one of the most exciting electric cars on the market. Blending Alpine’s motorsport DNA with zero-emissions motoring, the A290 delivers engaging handling, a driver-focused cockpit and up to 236 miles of electric range (WLTP). Available in four trims – GT, GT Premium, GT Performance and GTS – it offers a choice of 180hp or 220hp motors paired with a 52kWh battery. Nicola Burnside, Managing Director of Alpine UK, said: “The A290 has already set a new benchmark for electric hot hatches, and these compelling offers make it even easier for customers to experience Alpine’s unique blend of performance, fun and emotion. With the Electric Car Grant and lowered finance rates, there has never been a better time to join the Alpine family.” ENDS 1 Alpine A290 GT Personal Contract Purchase example Duration 49 months Monthly Payments £294.97 Customer Deposit £4,624 Alpine Deposit Contribution £1,000 Cash Price (inc. ECG) £32,000 Total Amount of Credit £26,376 Optional Final Payment £13,762.80 Total Amount Payable £33,545.35 Fixed Interest Rate (per annum) 1.9% Representative APR 1.9% Cost of Credit £1,545.35 2 Alpine A290 GT Hire Purchase example Duration 48 months Monthly Payments £428.52 Customer Deposit £11,200 Alpine Deposit Contribution £1,000 Cash Price (inc. ECG) £32,000 Total Amount of Credit £19,800 Optional Final Payment £0 Total Amount Payable £32,768.96 Fixed Interest Rate (per annum) 1.9% Representative APR 1.9% Cost of Credit £768.96 Terms and Conditions 1 Offer shown for Electric Vehicles includes Electric Car Grant (ECG). PCP Finance provided by Mobilize Financial Services, Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, WD3 9YS. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands) and over 18. Offer based on 6,000 miles p.a, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers. Prices and offers shown are available on specified new vehicles when ordered between 8th August 2025 – 25th August 2025 and registered and financed by 30th September 2025. Participating dealers only. Your Alpine dealer is a credit broker and not a lender. Lenders will pay commission to your Alpine dealer; rates may vary but will not influence the interest rate you pay. 2 Offer shown for Electric Vehicles includes Electric Car Grant (ECG). HP Finance provided by Mobilize Financial Services, Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, WD3 9YS. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be a UK resident (excluding the Channel Islands) and over 18. Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers. Prices and offers shown are available on specified new vehicles when ordered between 8th August 2025 – 25th August 2025 and registered and financed by 30th September 2025. Participating dealers only. Your Alpine dealer is a credit broker and not a lender. Lenders will pay commission to your Alpine dealer; rates may vary but will not influence the interest rate you pay. ABOUT ALPINEFounded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine has established itself with its French-style sports cars. The brand introduced the new A110 in 2018, faithful to Alpine’s timeless principles of compactness, lightweight, agility and driving pleasure. The Alpine Business Unit was created in 2021, building on the heritage and savoir-faire of its historic Dieppe factory and the engineering expertise of the Alpine Racing and Alpine Cars teams. The dedicated brand innovates authentic and exclusive sports cars within Renault Group. This expertise enables the brand to compete in two FIA championships: Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship. Alpine is also present in other racing disciplines through its customer racing programme in Rally, Cup and GT4. 2024 marks a turning point in Alpine’s ambitions as it inaugurates Its 100% electric “Dream Garage” with the launch of its hot hatch, the A290, followed by its first sport fastback, the A390, in 2025. For further information please visit press.alpinesportscars.co.uk, www.alpinecars.com or @RenaultUKPR or contact: JIM HOLDERDirector of Communicationsjim.holder@renault.co.uk – 07779 227930 ARCHIE FINNIEPress Officerarchie.finnie@renault.co.uk – 07887 468977

BYD gears up for ‘Back to School’ with UK wide new and used car promotion

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Entire BYD range is available with 0% APR, £1,100 off and complimentary first service All 82 BYD UK retailers to take part in event, preparing families for the new school year Offer also available on any Approved Used BYD car when purchased through the BYD UK retail network Offer runs from 15th to 25th August 2025 With the nation preparing to go back to school in September, BYD is launching its ‘Back to School’ sales promotion for UK families. From 15th to 25th August, the complete BYD model range is available with 0% APR, a £1,100 discount and complimentary free servicing. The BYD fully electric range spans from the DOLPHIN SURF city car to the SEALION 7, and SEAL U DM-i plug-in hybrid, meaning there is a car size and style for every occasion – from the daily school run, to a family adventure at the weekend. Steve Beattie, Sales & Marketing Director, BYD UK, said: “September is a big milestone in the UK, as families across the country prepare to start the new school year. It’s a great opportunity for a fresh start, and why shouldn’t that include a shiny, new electrified car? BYD prides itself on offering high-tech, high-quality and high-value cars; so if you want to look good at the school gates, one of ours is a sure-fire way of getting noticed, for all the right reasons, in the new term.” BYD UK officially launched in March 2023, and since then has launched five fully electric models and one plug-in hybrid, becoming the UK’s fastest growing automotive brand and surpassing 30,000 sales in just over two years. While BYD passenger cars launched in 2023, BYD has been present in the UK for over 10 years with its electric buses. The company now has more than 2,500 BYD electric buses on UK roads, with over 70% market share in London alone. To find your local BYD retailer, visit: https://www.byd.com/uk/find-store #### About BYDBYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1994 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From power acquisition and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 100 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com. About BYD AutoFounded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, the DM-i and DM-p hybrid technology, the e-Platform 3.0, the CTB and iTAC technologies, the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, the XUANJI Architecture, and the Super e-Platform. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 12 years in a row. About BYD EuropeBYD Europe is headquartered in the Netherlands and is the first overseas branch of BYD Group, with a commitment to evolving the international brand BYD Auto to deliver safe and efficient sustainable solutions in new energy vehicles through world-leading technological innovations. For more information, please visit www.byd.com. Contacts: Mike GaleHead of PR, BYD UKE: michael.gale@byd.comM: +44 7908 905678 Rachel GoodwinPR Manager, BYD UKE: rachel.goodwin@byd.comM: +44 7399 678373

Kia UK simplifies important Picanto and XCeed line-ups

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Kia Picanto and XCeed move to three-tier model structure Both models offered in ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ New structure echoes new Sportage, and will be repeated on most Kia ICE models going forward New Picanto and XCeed variants on sale now Kia has rationalised the line-ups for the Picanto and XCeed, two of its most popular internal combustion engine (ICE) models, to simplify the overall buying experience for customers. Similar to the brand’s EVs, the Picanto and XCeed move to an easily understandable three-grade line-up, consisting of a ‘Pure’ entry level, a ‘GT-Line’ mid-level and a ‘GT-Line S’ range topper. The new three-tier line-up for Picanto and XCeed replaces the earlier ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grade structure. Already introduced on the new Sportage, the new ‘Pure’ entry point to the Picanto and XCeed ranges merges the previous ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades. This change is based on customer demand for certain features, and makes the Kia line-up easier to navigate. ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ adopt the same sporty styling as ever, and a similar specification to before. Kia Picanto MY26: new trim levels, engine option and paint choices Picanto now offered in ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ One engine with a choice of two transmissions New Yacht Blue premium paint option on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ The Picanto has consistently held its position as one of Kia’s UK best-sellers over its 21-year lifespan. First launched in 2004, Kia’s smallest UK and European model has seen three all-new generations and four mid-life facelifts, most recently in July 2024. This also makes Picanto Kia’s third oldest nameplate still on sale in the UK, after the Sportage and Sorento. Proving its continued popularity, the Picanto is currently the second best-selling car in the A-segment year-to-date (and the best-seller to retail customers). The Picanto is also Kia’s second best-selling car in the UK so far in 2025, accounting for more than 12% of the brand’s overall sales. The first examples of the new model year 2026 (MY26) Picanto will be delivered to customers from September, with customers able to order from the new three-tier specification structure now: ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’. The Picanto is also available exclusively with a new 1.0-litre Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) petrol engine, producing 67bhp, with the option of a five-speed manual (5MT) or five-speed automated manual transmission (5AMT) on every trim level. Whereas the Picanto was previously available in a total of eight different variations, the new line-up of three trim levels and two transmissions brings the total number of Picanto variations down to six. The MY26 Picanto is also welcomes a new Yacht Blue premium paint option on ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ variants, meaning the Picanto is offered in a total of six premium paint options, costing £600 including VAT. All variants of Picanto are finished in Clear White as standard, with no additional cost. MY26 Kia Picanto ‘Pure’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5MT £16,695 ‘Pure’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5AMT £17,395 ‘GT-Line’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5MT £17,845 ‘GT-Line’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5AMT £18,545 ‘GT-Line S’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5MT £19,545 ‘GT-Line S’ 1.0 GDi 67bhp 5AMT £20,245 Kia XCeed MY26: simplified line-up, mild hybrid tech, and performance boost XCeed now offered in ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’ Improved entry-level specification Sportier 1.6-litre T-GDi engine offered on ‘GT-Line S’, producing 177bhp Reduction in CO2 and greater efficiency across the line-up New 1.0-litre powertrain now offers 48V mild hybrid assistance The Kia XCeed was first launched in July 2019, with a mid-life update in 2022. Alike the A-segment Picanto, the XCeed has proven popular in the UK in recent years. So far in 2025, the XCeed has accounted for almost 30% of overall Ceed family sales, and is a crucial part of Kia’s three-pronged approach in the C-SUV market, alongside the Sportage and Niro model family. The XCeed moves to the same three-tier structure as the Picanto, with ‘Pure’ merging the earlier ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades for a more generous specification at a value-for-money price point. The line-up progresses to ‘GT-Line’ and is topped by the ‘GT-Line S’ model. The new XCeed ‘Pure’ receives the following specification additions over the current entry-level ‘2’ variant: Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with LED indicators Rain sensing front wipers Black cloth and artificial leather seat upholstery Electric driver’s seat lumbar support Electric one-touch front and rear windows Automatic air conditioning and defog system Auto-dimming rear view mirror Paddle shifters (DCT only) Drive mode select (eco, normal and sport) The MY26 XCeed also receives new engine options. The 1.5-litre Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDi) is replaced by the option of a more efficient 1.0-litre T-GDi on all grades, producing up to 113bhp and 200Nm torque. This new unit reduces CO2 output across the range by varying amounts, depending on trim level. The 1.0-litre T-GDi additionally improves the XCeed’s WLTP ‘Combined’ cycle efficiency on every variant. On the most popular XCeed ‘GT-Line’, for example, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) CO2 output is reduced by 5g/km to 137g/km, and WLTP ‘Combined’ efficiency improves from 44.8 to 47mpg. Offering greater performance, the XCeed ‘GT-Line S’ is now offered with a new 1.6-litre T-GDi engine. The new unit produces up to 177bhp and 265Nm torque, and can power the XCeed from 0-to-62mph in 8.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 130mph. All XCeed variants are front wheel drive, and are all offered with the choice of a six-speed manual (6MT) or seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), except for the ‘GT-Line S’, which is available exclusively with a 7DCT. In addition, the 1.0-litre T-GDi unit in the XCeed benefit from 48V ‘mild hybrid’ assistance, further improving economy and efficiency. MY26 Kia XCeed ‘Pure’ 1.0 T-GDi 113bhp 48V 6MT £25,165 ‘Pure’ 1.0 T-GDi 113bhp 48V 7DCT £26,265 ‘GT-Line’ 1.0 T-GDi 113bhp 48V 6MT £26,565 ‘GT-Line’ 1.0 T-GDi 113bhp 48V 7DCT £27,665 ‘GT-Line S’ 1.0 T-GDi 113bhp 48V 7DCT £31,215 ‘GT-Line S’ 1.6 T-GDi 177bhp 7DCT £33,125 Both…