The new Audi e-tron GT: An electrifying masterpiece

Industry News

More distinctive: The model family now includes the Audi S e-tron GT, the Audi RS e-tron GT, and the Audi RS e-tron GT performance More variable: Newly developed suspension makes for an ideal balance between driving comfort and dynamics More powerful: Significant advances in range, performance, and charging For additional information please visit https://press.audi.co.uk/en-gb/ Ingolstadt/ Neckarsulm, June 18, 2024 – The Audi e-tron GT quattro has been the electric and sporty flagship model in the brand’s product portfolio since its premiere in 2021. The four-door Gran Turismo combines evocative design with a powerful drive system and dynamic handling. The new versions significantly improve the sporty vehicle’s range, performance, charging, and handling. With the RS e-tron GT performance, Audi is debuting its first fully electric RS performance model. The new models in the Audi e-tron GT family are available to order in August. “With the e-tron GT models, we are setting new standards in performance. The increased charging power and electric all-wheel drive ensure improved long-distance capability and considerably more performance. The newly developed chassis offers an unprecedented range between driving comfort, ride comfort, and driving dynamics,’ says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. The new variants of the e‑tron GT series combine a progressive design with innovative technology, each having a distinctive look. For example, the new Audi S e‑tron GT stands for elegant sportiness. Its front end is homogeneous and expressive at the same time. A black mask encircles the fully closed, inverted Singleframe, which reflects the specific design language of the e‑tron models. Embossed structures give the grille a precise, three-dimensional appearance. A strip of body-colour paint above the Singleframe gives the Gran Turismo an even sportier and visually deeper look. The air curtains, which ensure optimized airflow around the front wheel in the front apron, are more strongly shaped. An elegantly designed aerodynamic diffuser with vertical fins dominates the rear end. A black inlay above the rear diffuser adds even more visual texture and acts as a link between the diffuser and rear bumper. The new Audi RS e-tron GT is now sportier as well. Its front end alone features a much more radical look. The inverted Singleframe comes in the typical RS 3D honeycomb structure. The apron framing the black mask visually opens the RS e-tron downwards. The vehicle appears lower, seeming to hug the street in combination with the functional L-shaped blades. The rear end of the RS e-tron GT borrows elements from motorsports. The streamlined diffuser echoes the theme of three-dimensional efficiency elements in the front, such as the L-shaped blades, in the rear of the vehicle. The blades come as standard in black or carbon fibre. Another detail from racing is a vertical, red reflector sitting between the aero channels. The Audi RS e-tron GT performance is the first fully electric RS performance model. It features unique design elements and stands out from the RS e-tron GT with a matte, darkened carbon roof in combination with optional carbon camouflage elements. This is on Carbon Black or Carbon Vorsprung trims only. These elements are a first from Audi and are intended exclusively for the RS performance. The carbon camouflage is used in the embossed bumper structures, the door trim, parts of the diffuser, and the side mirrors. The new corporate identity (CI) also contributes to the exterior upgrade for the e-tron GT family. The four rings now come in a premium-quality, two-dimensional design positioned between the radiator grille and the front apron. The range of colours features nine exterior finishes. In addition to solid Arkona White, it includes the metallic or pearl effect colours Ascari Blue, Daytona Grey, Florett Silver, Kemora Grey, Mythos Black, and Progressive Red. Nimbus Grey is available as an exclusive finish for the RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance, while the new colour Bedford Green is on offer for the RS e-tron GT performance. The standard Black Optics package includes Audi rings in the front and rear, air intakes, wing mirror housings, and diffuser element (S e-tron GT). The dark Audi rings, the L-shaped blades, and the two inlays on the aero channels come as standard in the RS models. The Black Optics package features L-shaped blades on the bumper and black aero channels in the diffuser. Audi has also reworked the wheel range. New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are available for the S e-tron GT. In addition, Audi has added two new six-twin-spoke wheels for the RS models. The forged and milled 21-inch wheels are reminiscent of the so-called “AVUS wheel”, which Audi unveiled in 1991 on the Audi Avus quattro study. With its clear and uncompromising lines, this iconic wheel belongs to the DNA of the Audi brand. The entire wheel surface is matte and darkened for the RS e-tron GT performance, which intensifies the vehicle’s sporty ambitions. The interior: Sporty elements and sustainable materialsAudi’s new CI also shapes the interior with redesigned seats, steering wheel, entry sills, and digital content. The light projection from the door has also been adapted. When the driver’s door opens, a red diamond with a red shadow appears; the S version features a white diamond with a red shadow. New wooden inlays in natural linear anthracite birch are available on the RS e-tron GT family; for the RS e-tron GT performance, they are also available in matte carbon camouflage to match the exterior. New interior features include applications in Vanadium, an anthracite-coloured effect finish that appears differently depending on the lighting. The new e-tron GT versions have a steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom. For the RS models, the steering wheel comes with two red control satellites and, optionally, a 12 o’clock marking. The seats have also been upgraded. The new funnel aperture design is more dynamic and now features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo. The S e-tron GT now comes as standard with the sports seats plus with 14-way adjustment. In combination with the leather-free design package, the sports seats…

New Volkswagen Golf GTI, GTE and Style eHybrid available from UK retailers

Industry News

Iconic Golf GTI offers 20 PS more power than its predecessor GTE and Style eHybrid combine style and performance with added frugality Latest Golf designs, interior and software all included Milton Keynes – Sporty GTI and frugal eHybrid versions of the new Golf are about to go on sale in the UK, alongside the Life, Match, Style and R-Line versions that are already available. The legend rebornThe new Golf GTI offers more power than its predecessor as well as the latest technologies and sharp styling that were revealed earlier this year for the new Golf. With 265 PS – an increase of 20 PS over the previous GTI – the newcomer is capable of sprinting from zero to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds. The comprehensively enhanced new GTI features Volkswagen’s latest IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, which have a range of 500 metres. There is also an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front, as well as redesigned LED tail light clusters and striking 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels. The impressive cabin space includes a revamped infotainment system that is controlled via a visually free-standing 12.9-inch touchscreen or the latest Volkswagen IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Premium sports seats featuring the distinctive GTI check pattern, along with additional red decorative stitching, emphasise the fact that this interior is unmistakably a Golf GTI. The car is equipped with a seven-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) as standard; gears can also be selected manually using paddles on the GTI-badged multi-function steering wheel, which now has physical buttons in response to customer feedback. Other standard features include keyless access, heated front seats, three-zone Climatronic air conditioning, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist. The Golf GTI can be ordered from 20 June for £38,900 RRP (on the road including VAT). The best of both worldsVolkswagen’s new plug-in Golf eHybrids are sure to catch the eye of those seeking style and performance with additional money-saving frugality. Two variants are available: a Style trim that combines the benefits of electric driving with a 204 PS engine and six-speed DSG, plus the exciting GTE that comes with a punchy 272 PS engine and the same six-speed DSG. They use a new 1.5 TSI evo2 engine that features variable turbocharger geometry (VTG) and a highly efficient TSI-evo combustion process. Both these newcomers combine electric power with the same head-turning good looks seen already with the latest Golf models, and the illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front. A new 19.7 kWh battery offers fast DC charging of up to 40 kW, and AC charging of up to 11 kW (previously 3.6 kW), with official electric-only ranges of 89 miles for the Style eHybrid and 82 miles for the GTE – meaning both cars offer everyday electric-only driving for the vast majority of customers. An attractive Benefit in Kind (BiK) rate of just five per cent will also appeal to company car drivers. Other Style eHybrid features include three-zone Climatronic air conditioning, Lane Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist; the GTE adds keyless access, heated front seats, tinted rear glass, front fog lamps and cornering lights. The Golf Style eHybrid can be ordered from 27 June for £36,760 RRP (on the road including VAT). The Golf GTE can be ordered from 27 June for £39,750 RRP (on the road including VAT). (ends) Press contactVolkswagen (UK) Press Team Mike Orford 07467 442062Rob Punshon 07775 311931Grant McPherson 07774 684222Trevor Rickwood 07407 826649Nicki Divey 07802 248310 Volkswagen Press and PRVolkswagen (UK)Yeomans DriveBlakelandsMilton KeynesMK14 5AN www.vwpress.co.uk Twitter: @VWUKPress About the Volkswagen brand: A total of 162,087 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This equated to a market share of 8.52 per cent – an increase of 0.35 per cent compared with the previous year – and made Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the third year running. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence, producing vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries, and employs approximately 170,000 people. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered around 4.87 million vehicles worldwide. These included bestsellers such as the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat, as well as the successful all-electric ID. models. Volkswagen handed over about 394,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide in 2023 and, with its ACCELERATE strategy, is consistently advancing its ambition to become the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. VW24037 TR/rp/mo

Renault Group UK press office announcement : Not for publication

Industry News

Not for publication Archie Finnie joins the Renault Group UK press office in the role of Press Officer Will support the press office team across the Renault passenger cars and LCVs, Dacia and Alpine brands and takes responsibility for press fleet bookings The Renault Group UK press office is pleased to announce the appointment of Archie Finnie to the role of Press Officer. Taking over from Fraser Leggett, who has moved internally to a marketing position at Renault UK, Archie joins on a two-year Graduate Programme working across Renault passenger cars and LCVs, Dacia and Alpine brands. As part of his role, Archie will be the lead contact for press fleet bookings. After recently graduating from the University of Hertfordshire with a degree in Marketing, Archie joins the press office with prior experience of the automotive industry having spent his placement year working at an automotive-focused creative marketing agency. A keen car enthusiast, Archie said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Renault Group UK press office at such an important time for our brands and the overall automotive landscape. With the industry’s focus on electrification, I am particularly excited about being involved in the launch of the forthcoming All-New Renault 5 and the All-New Dacia Spring, which are set to add a great deal of fun and affordability to the EV market. I’ve already enjoyed meeting many of the media at recent events and am looking forward to working with them and growing my industry knowledge.” Jim Holder, Director of Communications, said: “Archie brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to his new role and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team. With a whole host of new products coming through, we have a very busy few months ahead, but Archie is already making great progress in getting to know the Renault Group brands and being a great asset to the team and the media.”

Top 15 Used Car Bargains Under £15k Revealed

Industry News

CarGurus uncovers the top 15 popular used car models that now cost under £15,000 following recent price declines Nissan Leaf, Renault Kadjar and Ford Mondeo represent best bargains with year-over-year price declines of up to 28% Variety of body types offer the potential for significant savings Shoppers can view available models for sale here The 15 used car bargains now under £15,000 have been revealed, uncovering significant savings opportunities for consumers across a variety of body types. CarGurus – a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K.i to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles – has determined the top 15 list by comparing average prices of popular used car models that have fallen the most in the past 12 months. Vehicles included in the analysis have a minimum of 500 listings spanning 2013 model year or newer. Topping the charts with the highest average listing price decline is the Nissan Leaf (EV), which fell by 27.8% to £12,145 – offering a potential savings of £4,675 compared with a year ago. By comparison, the average listing price of a used car in the UK declined by 7.4% (£1,429) over the same period, according to CarGurus data. In second place, the average listing price of a Renault Kadjar declined by 26.6% to £10,960, dropping by £3,976. The Ford Mondeo closes out the top three, declining 25.9% to £10,451, representing a fall of £3,646. For buyers looking to secure a different bargain SUV, the Vauxhall Mokka is number four on the overall list, falling by 25.2% on average over the past year to £12,933 – a decline of £4,361. Among the top 15 list, there are nine SUVs, four hatchbacks, and two saloons. While an EV (Nissan Leaf) takes the top spot, two additional models are available with a pure electric powertrain within budget: the Vauxhall Mokka and the Hyundai IONIQ. Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus, said: “Timing a used car purchase to maximise value for money can be tricky, particularly in recent years where limited inventory has led to higher prices. However, the market is returning to more stable levels, and with that change, there are some great value models to look out for. “Our top 15 used car bargains under £15,000 represent a diverse selection of models, including several popular crossovers and SUVs alongside hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Seat Leon.” # BRAND MODEL BODY TYPE MAY 2024 AVG. LISTING PRICE MAY 2024 AVG. MODEL YEAR MAY 2024 AVG. MILEAGE DEPRECIATION £ VARIANCE % 1 Nissan Leaf Hatchback (EV) £12,144.69 2018 24,909 -£4,674.85 -27.8% 2 Renault Kadjar SUV £10,960.27 2017 49,936 -£3,975.7 -26.6% 3 Ford Mondeo Saloon £10,450.63 2016 71,070 -£3,646.36 -25.9% 4 Vauxhall Mokka SUV £12,933.13 2017 40,002 -£4,360.67 -25.2% 5 Vauxhall Mokka X SUV £10,029.87 2017 43,607 -£3,262.85 -24.5% 6 Seat Leon Hatchback £12,106.91 2017 52,187 -£3,803.51 -23.9% 7 Volvo V40 Hatchback £10,302.43 2016 61,904 -£2,859.26 -21.7% 8 Vauxhall Grandland X SUV £13,107.88 2019 35,474 -£3,442.18 -20.8% 9 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV £13,825.40 2017 59,715 -£3,470.37 -20.1% 10 Citroen C3 Aircross SUV £12,916.65 2019 25,194 -£3,141.88 -19.6% 11 Vauxhall Crossland X SUV £10,943.33 2018 34,418 -£2,655.04 -9.5% 12 Hyundai IONIQ Saloon £14,882.61 2019 31,850 -£3,534.00 -19.2% 13 Renault Captur SUV £11,069.90 2018 39,395 -£2,592.85 -19.0% 14 Ford Focus Hatchback £12,371.85 2017 45,659 -£2,781.13 -18.4% 15 Nissan Qashqai SUV £13,957.67 2017 43,220 -£2,986.66 -17.6% Data based on a minimum of 500 listings on CarGurus.co.uk per model from May 2023 to May 2024.

Evice reveals its reimagined classic Rolls-Royce prototype

Industry News

Evice “R001”, a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, in two-year ground-up development programme Flawless restoration and seamless integration of technology with in-house, next generation 800V architecture Exclusive portfolio celebrates iconic classic models from Rolls-Royce and Bentley First customer car commissioned and set for delivery in Spring 2026 Surrey, UK, 18 June 2024 – Evice was founded in 2023 by three forward-thinking British car lovers1 on a mission to create the definitive electric reimaginings of iconic classic cars. As part of a “ground-up” two-year development programme that includes its in-house 800V electrical architecture, static testing of the first prototype, R001 – a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow – is now underway. Road testing is set to commence this Autumn. The Rolls-Royce Corniche and Bentley T-Series join the Silver Shadow2 in the Evice launch portfolio of iconic models from British motoring history. Evice is meticulously reimagining each model from the ground up, carefully considering, testing and refining every detail with a curated ecosystem of best-in class technology partners and craftspeople. Delivery of the first commissioned model will be made in Spring 2026. Evice Co-Founder and CEO, Matthew Pearson, comments; “The original Roll-Royce and Bentley models were the epitome of style, elegance and refinement and we want to future-proof these icons for years to come. By integrating smooth, silent 800V electric power, we are elevating these classics to new heights, surpassing the capabilities of their previous combustion engines. We choose electric not out of necessity, but out of a desire to make cars that are better, purer, and more enjoyable. “Our ground-up approach to design, engineering, and testing is core to our business, ensuring that every Evice creation is beautiful, effortless, and truly unique. We believe our cars will inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts, breathing new life into the classics sector and setting a new standard for the electric, emission-free future of motoring.” Supported by a sophisticated thermal management system, Evice is pioneering a best-in-class, fully integrated electric architecture. Each model is being re-energised with Evice’s in-house-developed 800-volt electrical system. This technology future-proofs for maximum efficiencies and reduced charging times, as well as enabling a lighter and more compact packaging solution. Smooth, silent and powerful, every system has been designed to capture and improve upon the essence and character of the original car. Active suspension and an upgraded braking system add dynamic composure, all while maintaining the effortless, cloud-like ride synonymous with the Rolls-Royce and Bentley marques. The new 400hp powertrain will allow owners to enjoy a dynamic and effortless driving experience with the confidence of a range in excess of 200 miles, thanks to a 77kWh battery. Six months into a two-year development programme, R001 is being meticulously tested to ensure durability, reliability and seamless compatibility between all systems, with the end goal of an unparalleled driving experience. Ahead of road testing this Autumn, all safety critical systems are being tested and in-house software and hardware are now moving from design to manufacture, ready for installation. Reimagining iconic classics also unlocks the opportunity for sympathetic integration of additional modern features and technology. Heated and ventilated electrically adjustable seats, an air-conditioning system with full climate control and an upgraded audio system with an additional sub-woofer are all standard features. Infotainment screens to support wireless Apple CarPlay and reversing cameras are incorporated discreetly too, hidden from view when desired. As an exclusive, low volume business, Evice offers a curated and collaborative customer journey, ensuring that each commission is tailored and reimagined to the owner’s vision of perfection. The brand’s bespoke program leaves no request unexplored, with every stitch, hue and feature tailored to a customer’s exact specification.

INEOS Automotive’s first global brand advertising campaign: Built for More

Industry News

Global multi-channel campaign introduces the award-winning INEOS Grenadier to a global audience of over 400 million potential customers Within 18 months since start of production, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s flagship 4X4 is already available in over 45 global markets Creative approach challenges audiences to embrace the experience and adventure of being behind the wheel Media buying campaign includes Summer Olympics and UEFA EURO, linking to INEOS’s support for sports teams and events Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “Built for More is a call to drivers to get off their sofa, break free from the confines of digital devices and embrace what the outdoor world has to offer. The Grenadier is a go-anywhere 4X4, engineered to world-class standards and literally built for more of what the world has to offer.” London, 18th June 2024 – INEOS Automotive is launching its first brand advertising campaign Built for More, introducing the award-winning Grenadier 4X4 to a broad global audience with a multi-channel activation across television, print, social, outdoor media and on-demand video streaming. Debuting in the UK, the campaign will have rapid rollout in Germany, North America and Australia, before wider release through online and social media in over 45 markets where the INEOS Grenadier is available. Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “Built for More is a call to drivers to get off their sofa, break free from the confines of digital devices and embrace what the outdoor world has to offer. The Grenadier is a go-anywhere 4X4, engineered to world-class standards and literally built for more of what the world has to offer.” Moving away from the trend for cosmetic SUVs with complicated technology, the Grenadier was devised by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who identified a gap in the market for a hard-working 4X4 that combined best-in-class off-road capability with modern on-road driving refinement for people who enjoy the experience and adventure of being behind the wheel. Since launch, the 4X4 has been joined by the Quartermaster, a double-cab pick-up variant, and in February 2024 a third vehicle line was revealed – The INEOS Fusilier, offering two powertrain options: A range-extender which uses a small, low emission petrol engine to charge the electric battery when external charging isn’t available, alongside an all-electric. Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “The Grenadier has already been embraced by off-road adventurers and enthusiasts, so we are excited to now introduce our 4X4 to a wider global audience. We are the first European OEM to launch at scale this century, so we took our time to ensure production, build quality and a global aftersales network was in place before we took this step. Like the Grenadier, we’re ready to take on the world.” The Built for More brand platform was conceived and created by Wonderhood Studios and is focused on the feeling of possibility that getting behind an INEOS Automotive vehicle can give you. Wavemaker is responsible for the worldwide media buying strategy and launch plan which is designed to reach 400 million adventure-oriented adults with placements focussed on this year’s high-profile sporting events including UEFA EURO fixtures, the Summer Olympic Games in Paris and Formula 1 Grand Prix. This is the first project since Wonderhood Studios was appointed INEOS Automotive’s retained global creative agency, with the wider brief including global social strategy, community management and engagement through Wonderhood Makers, and refreshing the brand’s global visual identity through Wonderhood Design. Guy Hobbs, Executive Creative Director at Wonderhood Studios, comments “We fell in love with the Grenadier so it’s very exciting to be launching this bold new campaign. This project has a perfect Wonderhood shape, crossing all our studios to show what happens when you draw all these disciplines together.” INEOS Automotive appointed Wavemaker as its media agency based on its global expertise as well the ability to tap into localised knowledge via Wavemaker’s industry-leading tools and research. Due to Wavemaker’s global network it also provides ‘boots on the ground’ for an accelerated and effectively communicated strategy in all markets. Wavemaker UK has a long-standing relationship with INEOS, having been appointed as the media agency for its Hygienics brand in March 2022. Isobel Mooney, Managing Partner, Wavemaker UK, says: “It’s been brilliant to take the wheel on INEOS Automotive’s media launch. The brand puts the focal point on ‘adventurous’ in its products and campaigns, and the team are willing to let us take our strategy off-road and really challenge the category norms and conventions, which is very exciting.”

Chinese EV maker BYD scores early Euros goal as ad views soar on Auto Trader

Industry News

Chinese EV maker BYD has scored an early goal as an official partner of the Euro 2024 tournament after the publicity move triggered a surge in interest from would-be car buyers During the first weekend of the tournament from Friday to Sunday there were 26,000 views of BYD models on the Auto Trader platform – a 69% increase week on week More than 10 million viewers of the opening Germany v Scotland match saw BYD displayed as a Euro 2024 partner around advertising breaks in the coverage The BYD Seal was the most viewed BYD model over the weekend and the 2nd most viewed new EV model overall – the top EV was the IONIQ 5There have been 3,365 UK sales of BYD models since March 23, when the Chinese manufacturer entered the UK market. Erin Baker, editorial director of Auto Trader, said: “Our traffic data shows that this tournament is already triggering a step-change in awareness of BYD little more than a year after they entered the UK market. This high-profile media partnership only underlines their ambitions in Europe where they face tough competition from the well-established legacy brands. BYD’s sales are growing rapidly, albeit from a low base, and the Euros partnership has the potential to cement them in the public consciousness.”

The Viking and the Samurai

Industry News

A brand new book telling the inside story of the British Leyland/Rover collaboration with Honda In the 1970s British Leyland was navigating tough times, with regular industrial action, lack-lustre products, financial challenges and competitor pressure piling ever more burden on its business at home and abroad. In the midst of this period, a relationship with Honda was forged, vastly improving BL’s engineering and manufacturing technology and product quality to deliver a new generation of vehicles that would transform the company’s fortunes for over a decade. ‘The Viking and the Samurai’ is an eyewitness account of these events, telling the story of the crucial relationship between British Leyland/Rover and Honda, through the eyes of John Bacchus, the man who negotiated it in the 1970s and then managed it for the next 16 years, until it came to an end with the sale of Rover Group to BMW in 1994. John was at the heart of events throughout the turbulent era of mergers, strikes, nationalisation and privatisation, all overlaid on the challenges of cultural differences. This account was written in 1996 when events were fresh in the author’s mind, but it was never published. Thirty years on from the BMW takeover, its historical importance has grown. It is now time to share this fascinating story with everyone who has an interest in the history of the British automotive industry. The production of this book is itself a collaboration by ex-employees and friends. PURCHASING THE BOOK‘The Viking and the Samurai’ is a high quality, 160-page softback book illustrated with around 100 photographs, including pictures of prototypes which have never been published. The book is priced at £15 (excluding post and packaging where applicable) – ISBN 978-1-3999-8614-4. The Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club has produced the book and is managing its distribution. It is available to purchase online from the Club’s webshop – https://rover200.org.uk/shop. At the request of the Bacchus family, all profits from the sales of this book will be donated to Dementia Research UK.

TUAL drives infrastructure expansion with new Bicester Motion commercial base

Industry News

Leading innovator in electric commercial-vehicle charging solutions becomes the first high-performance battery specialist to join the industry-leading campus The opening of TUAL’s new commercial headquarters launches the latest stage in the business’ expansion TUAL’s Bicester Motion unit in its Heritage area complements the business’ technical development centre and planned assembly line in Glasgow, UK The new site lies at the heart of the Bicester Motion campus – joining cutting-edge e-mobility innovators and pioneers including Polestar and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team Part of the wider Bicester Motion development dedicated to advancing the past, present and future of mobility, which represents a unique ecosystem of businesses – driving innovation in the sector Developed from the ground-up for maximum flexibility, TUAL’s modular powerbank solutions cover a range of critical use-cases for enterprise fleets – helping them take control of charging, overcome grid and vehicle constraints, and remove reliance on public charging infrastructure High-resolution imagery and video can be downloaded here Glasgow, UK, 17th June 2024 – TUAL, leading innovator in electric commercial-vehicle charging solutions, today announces the opening of its new commercial headquarters at Bicester Motion in its Heritage area in Oxfordshire, UK – launching the latest stage in TUAL’s expansion and underlining the growth of the thriving Bicester mobility ecosystem. Complementing the business’ technical development & engineering centre and planned assembly line in Glasgow, UK, the new Bicester Motion unit reinforces TUAL’s operational infrastructure as it continues to advance its scale-up phase. TUAL’s arrival at the site blazes a new trail for the innovative campus, marking the first high-performance battery specialist – and business dedicated to commercial vehicles and enterprise fleets – to establish a presence there. Part of the wider Bicester Motion development dedicated to advancing the past, present and future of mobility, the Heritage area represents a unique ecosystem of businesses – promoting skills and expertise, employment, qualified customer footfall, shared business incubation and aggregate growth. The new TUAL commercial site forms part of The Station Armoury. Here, the business joins a host of innovators and pioneers in the sustainable mobility space – from electric vehicle (EV) brand Polestar and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, to urban electric two-wheeler manufacturer Zapp and synthetic fuel developer Zero Petroleum. Located in one of the UK’s leading regions for scientific and technological innovation, Bicester Motion presents a central location for business and product development, reinforced by robust static- and live-drive environments for showcasing and testing TUAL’s ground-breaking technology. Philip Clarke, CEO and Founder of TUAL: “Bicester Motion provides TUAL with an industry-leading launchpad for accelerating the development of our unique, cutting-edge electric commercial-vehicle charging solutions. From world-class engineering expertise, to a host of on-site specialist partners, proximity to the Advanced Propulsion Centre team, and its inspiring entrepreneurial culture, Bicester Motion is a natural location for us to propel our business forward. “The industry needs to seize the opportunity to electrify commercial vehicles. We intend to scale our commercial operations at Bicester, in parallel with the expansion of technical operations in Scotland, to help businesses make a success of the electric commercial-vehicle transition – now and in the future.” Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion added: “We warmly welcome TUAL to our thriving future mobility community. Their innovative technology has the capability of transforming commercial vehicle EV infrastructure. We look forward to seeing their growth continue to accelerate in their new home.” There is an urgent need for enterprise fleets and OEMs to adopt eLCVs, with lucrative fleet contracts demanding the integration of zero-emission vans and regulatory pressures requiring vehicle-manufacturers to deliver them. Fleet-operator needs are currently not served by eLCV offerings on the market, with driving-range and vehicle-charging challenges creating a significant cost-burden on businesses. With 40% of van use-cases exceeding real-world eLCV range, and 70% of van drivers unable to charge at home or depot, lost productivity from charging downtime can cost fleets up to £150,000 per driver or vehicle over a five-year period. Developed from the ground-up for maximum flexibility, TUAL’s highly modular powerbank solutions have been optimised to help enterprise fleets overcome grid and vehicle constraints. The only on-demand battery system that’s scalable across OEMs, TUAL powerbanks are fully compatible with vehicle manufacturers’ existing platforms – with seamless installation facilitated by integration kits offered with each solution. Further information on TUAL and its portfolio of ground-breaking solutions can be found on the business’ website here. About TUALTUAL is an innovator in electric commercial-vehicle charging solutions, working with enterprise customers across Europe to deliver technology that transforms their productivity, profitability and utilisation. With a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that service a range of use-cases at the core of a fleet’s day-to-day activities, TUAL overcomes grid and vehicle constraints with products built around high-performance powerbanks. Providing scalable, modular solutions, TUAL’s commercial fleet offering allows fleets to take control of charging operations – freeing them from reliance on public charging infrastructure. TUAL’s mission is to deliver intelligent solutions for resolving urgent electric commercial-vehicle charging challenges, playing a critical role in transforming vehicle suitability, driver satisfaction, and fleet profitability in the era of electric mobility. Media contact: media@tual.io About Bicester MotionBicester Motion’s mission is to positively shape the future of mobility. It acquired the 444-acre former RAF Bicester Aerodrome in 2013, which is set in the heart of Motorsport Valley in Oxfordshire and has since created a vibrant and inspirational home of unprecedented heritage, natural beauty and cutting-edge design for a rapidly growing community of more than 50 like-minded mobility leading businesses employing over 500 people across all forms of mobility technology, past, present and future. Companies include NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, Motorsport UK, the governing body of British Motorsport, Polestar’s UK HQ, and record-breaking synthetic fuel manufacturer Zero, amongst many other pioneering specialist brands. Find out more: www.bicestermotion.comMedia contact: olivia@spacecraftconsulting.com

KGM Motors UK gear up for Royal Highland Show 2024

Industry News

KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is excited to announce its participation in the Royal Highland Show 2024, held at Ingliston, Edinburgh, Scotland, from Thursday 20th June to Sunday 23rd June. KGM will showcase its rugged and versatile vehicles, perfect for rural living, including the all-new Torres and Torres EVX. This year is particularly special as the Royal Highland Show celebrates its 240th anniversary, while KGM UK marks its 70th year. This dual celebration will underscore the shared passion of both organisations for being at the heart of the rural community. Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of KGM Motors UK, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the Royal Highland Show 2024, especially during this milestone year for both the show and our brand. We have been attending Scotland’s largest outdoor event for over a decade, which underscores our dedication to supporting rural communities with vehicles that combine durability, reliability, and innovation.“ “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand and showcasing our award-winning lineup and may even have some cheeky show offers and give-aways available.” KGM UK’s line-up at the show will include the robust 7-seater Rexton, the powerful award-winning Musso pick-up and the all-new Torres SUV, which are all designed to excel in challenging terrains, making them ideal for rural lifestyles. The knowledgeable KGM team will be on hand to provide information, answer questions, and help visitors find the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. With a strong connection to agriculture and rural life, KGM looks forward to engaging with visitors and highlighting its commitment to providing reliable and capable vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, and adventure seekers. The brand is excited to connect with all customers, who are also invited to join the KGM UK team for a cuppa!