Peak Analogue® is here: Introducing the 355 by Evoluto® a remastered and re-engineered Italian icon

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Introduction of Peak Analogue®, the 355 by Evoluto®Evoluto Automobili unveils the 355 by Evoluto®, a programme that reimagines the iconic 90s Italian supercar, combining advanced driving dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, and class re-defining engineering. Peak Analogue®The 355 by Evoluto® has been reimagined to deliver a Peak Analogue® driving experience – serving as an antidote to the digital direction of modern supercars. State of the Art Engineering ProgrammeThe 355 by Evoluto®, has been meticulously remastered through a re-engineering and development programme, typically reserved for major car brands and OEM’s. Enhanced PerformanceThe 355 by Evoluto® features a 420hp high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, new engine management, and bespoke tuning, providing increased power, and response all the way to 8,500rpm. Modern Design and CustomisationEngineered in the UK by DRVN Advanced Engineering and designed by the world famous Ian Callum, the 355 by Evoluto® is more than a restoration, it boasts all new exterior carbon body with an entirely new interior and extensive options for customer personalisation. Carbon Fused ChassisThe original car undergoes a comprehensive carbon fusing programme, improving torsional stiffness by 23%, resulting in enhanced driving dynamics and minimised body flex for vastly improved chassis composure. Limited Edition and AvailabilityOnly 55 units of the 355 by Evoluto® will be commissioned, each tailored to the customers’ preferences. Launch and PreviewsAn exclusive launch event and preview is to be held at our private DRVN House during Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car will make its international debut at the world famous and prestigious Monterey Car Week in August 2024. July 10th 18:00 BST, 2024, United Kingdom:Evoluto Automobili is proud to introduce the new 355 by Evoluto®. Delivering a significant advancement in driving dynamics, light-weighting and engineering quality. The re-engineered Italian icon combines a Peak Analogue® driving experience with exceptional design, state-of-the-art technology, and indulgent luxury all brought together through an OEM standard engineering programme. The 355 by Evoluto® represents a new era in the realm of bringing automotive classics back to life, distinguishing itself through a design and re-engineering process usually reserved for an OEM-grade new product engineering programme, a first in this sector. With a level of sophistication typically reserved for major luxury automotive brands. This meticulous process ensures that every aspect of the 355 by Evoluto®—from its enhanced performance and reliability to its cutting-edge technology and luxurious design—meets the highest standards of quality and precision, setting a new benchmark for excellence. Evoluto’s bespoke automotive services are applied to one of the most iconic supercars of the 90’s. Beginning with a customer-supplied Ferrari 355, serving as the donor car, each commission undergoes a personalised journey, meticulously disassembled to its core chassis, thoroughly assessed, cleaned, strengthened with carbon fusing, and prepared for the next stages of customisation. The enhancements honour the legacy of the legendary Italian supercar while integrating cutting-edge advancements that propel it into the future of high-emotion driving. Carbon Fusing – Remarkable Composure: The 355 by Evoluto® is a ground up commission that begins with the core integrity of the donor chassis. Through an extensive torsional rigidity study, a comprehensive carbon fusing programme is implemented, achieving a remarkable 23% increase in overall torsional stiffness. This enhancement ensures that all critical hard points on the chassis are fortified and chassis flex is minimised, providing a robust foundation for the enhanced driving dynamics Evoluto® aimed to achieve. Performance – Elevated Power and 21st Century Reliability:The 355 by Evoluto® is engineered to offer an extraordinary blend of increased performance and 21st century reliability. The soul of the car is the naturally aspirated flat plane crank V8 engine, now delivering an impressive 420hp, revving up to 8,500rpm. With over 200 new and redesigned engine components, the thoroughly reworked powertrain provides increased power, response and 21stcentury reliability. Upgrades include an all new engine management system and Evoluto® bespoke tuning. Evoluto’s new coil-on-plug ignition solution improves performance by delivering precise ignition timing, stronger spark energy, increased fuel efficiency and 21st century reliability through direct control of each cylinder’s ignition. The result is an explosive throttle response and an enhanced connection between engine and driver. The original engine is distinguished by its use of a quill shaft; a notable feature that connects the engine to the transmission, enabling a more compact and efficient design. The upgraded engine enhances this concept with a proprietary Evoluto® designed quill shaft, which reduces vibration, provides 21st century reliability through thermal optimisation, and improves engine performance by a more efficient transfer of power. Furthermore, Evoluto’s fully CNC ported head with larger inlet valves enhances engine performance by improving airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to increased power output and better thermal management. These upgrades also contribute to 21st century reliability by reducing mechanical stress and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance. As one of the best sounding Italian supercars – Evoluto® has paid particular attention to both the acoustic and performance attributes of an all new light-weight titanium sports exhaust system. Equal length headers improve performance by ensuring exhaust gases from each cylinder arrive at the collector at evenly spaced intervals, enhancing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This leads to more consistent cylinder pressure, balanced power output, and improved engine breathing. The result is increased horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs, along with optimised engine tuning and an emotional acoustic profile. Additionally, Evoluto® has developed solid cam lifters coupled to a bespoke inlet camshaft, that increase performance by enabling higher RPM stability and delivering precise, consistent power. This enhancement further increases power output and responsiveness and the ability to fine-tune the engine’s performance to match Evoluto’s target driving characteristics. The engine enhancements are designed not just for more power, but also to deliver 21st century reliability, making the car both a joy to drive and a reliable companion on any journey. Optimised Weight and Handling:With a target weight of 1250kg, the 355 by Evoluto® promises exceptional agility and responsiveness. Each donor Ferrari 355 is subject to extensive strengthening of the chassis through strategic application of carbon bracing and fusing in key areas of the platform. Additionally, the carbon fibre body panels significantly reduce weight while enhancing stiffness, contributing to the 23% improvement in torsional rigidity. The material choice ensures hard points critical to the vehicle’s dynamics and suspension tuning are improved for enhanced handling and stability. New Electronic Architecture:The 355 by Evoluto® features an entirely new wiring and electronic architecture developed in-house, this comprehensive overhaul of the wiring harness delivers numerous benefits, including 21stcentury reliability and improved performance. The Evoluto® proprietary design ensures optimal power distribution and communication between the car’s systems, reducing the risk of electrical failures and…

No slowing down for KYMCO at 60 as it speeds up UK and Irish dealer presence

Industry News

KYMCO UK signs nine new dealer contracts Irish ATV expansion continues in the North and in the Republic Reputation earned for high-quality manufacturing since 1964 Motorcycle manufacturing since 1970 & independent KYMCO models since 1997 KYMCO UK has welcomed nine new franchise dealerships across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, since the beginning of 2024 – leading to continued rapid dealer growth during the manufacturer’s 60th year in business. Neil Keeble, National Sales and Marketing Manager of KYMCO UK, said: “The addition of nine new authorised franchised dealers in the UK and Ireland proves that KYMCO is showing no signs of slowing down in its 60th year. “In fact, continued growth in dealers offering KYMCO’s motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in the UK and Ireland, shows that our reputation of selling high quality manufactured products at competitive prices is of ever increasing value to consumers.” The nine new dealers offering the sales of new KYMCO products include five offering new motorcycles and scooters, and four specialising in the sales of new ATVs. KYMCO UK’s Irish ATV dealer expansion includes D A Forgie’s Lisburn branch – its second dealer in Northern Ireland, while Kilkenny Quads is its first outlet in the Irish Republic. Keeble concluded: “It’s KYMCO’s 60th year – but 2024 also marks 26 years of KYMCO sales in the UK, 16 years since KYMCO UK was formed, and six years since we began operating KYMCO’s mobility, motorcycle and ATV divisions together. “As we continue to grow these three business divisions in the coming years, KYMCO UK encourages any interested dealers looking to represent the brand to contact me directly. Finally, we are excited to see what the future brings, starting with the launch of the next generation Euro 5+ KYMCO motorcycles and scooters later this year.”

Daimler Truck UK unveils new headquarters

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Daimler Truck UK Limited and Daimler Truck Financial Services Limited marked the start of the latest chapter in their history, with the official opening of their new head office. The move follows the formation of Daimler Truck UK Limited, the wholesale distributor for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO Trucks in Great Britain, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Northern Ireland, earlier this year. The opening of the new site at Willen, Milton Keynes, represents a significant change. Previously the businesses were run from premises at nearby Tongwell, shared with the UK headquarters of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, Vans and Financial Services. Now, for the first time, the two companies are sole occupants of their own home. The smart new building was already in use, with Daimler Truck UK’s Parts Logistics Centre based in its 140,000 sq ft of warehouse space. Following completion of work to create a state-of-the-art office suite for all Truck colleagues, the entire operation is on one site again. Sustainability is a top priority. The building has secured the highest possible 85% BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating – features include high ceiling clearance with natural light panels in the warehouse, which reduce energy consumption and optimise working conditions, and a rain water collection system that feeds the washrooms in the office area. The vision includes a plan to provide sustainable electric truck charging via solar panels in the near future. Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK and Nick Andrews, Managing Director of Daimler Truck Financial Services UK cut the tape to officially declare the new building open. They were joined for the occasion by representatives from Daimler Truck’s global headquarters in Stuttgart – Jean Marc Diss, Head of Sales & Marketing, and Florian Schulz, Head of Sales and Customer Services FUSO Europe. Heiko commented: “The opening of this site represents the final step in the process of dedicating ourselves entirely to the needs of truck operators, and our Dealer network, in the UK. Separating our business from the car and van divisions was a complex and challenging task but has brought the benefit of allowing us to focus on what we do best – bringing our industry-leading vehicles, and the entire ecosystem of support services that back them up, to more customers than ever before.” Nick Andrews added: “We can now work even more closely with our Sales and Aftersales colleagues to bring our full suite of products to UK truck operators, to help find the most cost-efficient solutions to the wide range of challenges faced by the transport industry today and into the future.”

T.50s set for Goodwood Festival of Speed debut with Dario Franchitti piloting ‘Fan Car’ at famed Hillclimb event

Industry News

GMA T.50s prototype to make Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS) debut followed by millions of fans around the world FoS Supercar Paddock to showcase GMA’s T.50s Niki Lauda track car, T.50 and T.33 supercars all together at Goodwood FoS for the first time Gordon Murray Heritage display to feature special milestone vehicle line-up ahead of the upcoming 60th anniversary of founder’s design and lightweighting ethos Surrey, UK, 10 July 2024 – Leading luxury supercar manufacturer, Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), has announced plans for an exceptional display of its family of supercars at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, including the event debut of the exclusive track-only T.50s Niki Lauda prototype. Taking centre stage will be the recently crowned ‘Best of the best’*, GMA T.50s Niki Lauda ‘Fan Car’. An uncompromising track-only design with a kerb weight of less than 900 kg, the T.50s can produce an enormous 1200 kg of downforce, thanks in part to its 1,758 mm-wide delta wing. A perfect blend of passion and performance, its 772 PS engine revs to a staggering 12,100 rpm, providing owners of the £3.1m (plus local taxes) car with a machine in which every engineering decision has been made to deliver the world’s best driving experience. Also featured within the Supercar Paddock this year will be GMA’s T.50, ‘the greatest supercar of all time’, revving to an astonishing 52,000 rpm per second when on track, and the timelessly beautiful GMA T.33 coupe, both road-going members of the GMA collection. The T.50 is the most driver-centric road car ever built, weighing just 997 kg, yet powered by the world’s lightest and highest-revving, naturally aspirated road-going V12, revving to 12,100 rpm (52,000 rpm per second) and developing 670 PS. It features the most advanced and effective aerodynamics ever seen outside a circuit, ensuring an optimum balance of speed and driveability. The T.33, meanwhile, harnesses the knowledge gained from the development of the T.50 to create the world’s most beautiful and accomplished two-seat, mid-engined supercar. Influenced by the cleanly-styled and perfectly proportioned cars of the 1960s, the T.33 does without the T.50’s distinctive fan, enabling more classic styling to be employed. Providing form, function, and everyday usability, the car’s graceful exterior allows it to achieve aerodynamic performance thirty percent more efficient than a traditional ground effect supercar, while leaving the upper surfaces clean and streamlined. In addition, this year sees a special celebration of GMA founder Professor Gordon Murray CBE, with a display from his personal heritage collection, ahead of his 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025. Located at the Goodwood Road Racing Club (GRRC), this special line up will feature: 1956 Maserati motorbike (52 kg, 50cc two-stroke, 2 bhp)At 16, in South Africa, Gordon Murray could get his motorcycle licence: “Everybody wanted a buzz bike – they were all Italian two-strokes and new. My mum said, ‘no way’, and my dad said, ‘Mum says no, so you can’t have one’. “About three months after my 16th birthday, my dad came home and said, ‘I’ve brought you a second-hand Maserati. It’s a non-runner, it’s down at my garage’. This was at least a mile and a half away. ‘If you want it, you better go and get it’. I ran all the way there and pushed it back home. “I rebuilt the engine and gearbox, and then crashed it. We typically wore no helmet, no shoes, and no gloves most of the time. They were capable of 30mph downhill… with a following wind!” 1967 IGM Ford (T.1) (440 kg, 1.1-litre four-cylinder, 90 bhp)The IGM Ford was the first car Gordon Murray designed and built to go racing in 1965/66, in South Africa. Referring to textbooks, sent from the UK, Gordon built and tuned the engine using a Ford l05E motor for the base. The livery of the car was originally dark green, but for the second year of racing it had slight modifications to improve performance, alongside a colour switch to orange. The T.1 competed on circuits and hill climbs, winning nearly half the races it entered. 1974 Brabham BT44 (T.6) (575 kg, 3.0-litre Cosworth V8, 460 bhp)This Brabham is technically two cars in one – both of which have significant historic importance. It began its life as a Brabham BT42, chassis number BT42/2. Built for the 1973 season, the BT42 was Gordon Murray’s first ever Formula 1 design. That season, it was raced by Wilson Fittipaldi in eight races, finishing fifth in the Dutch Grand Prix and running as high as third in Monaco. The factory sold the car in 1974 to a company that rented it out to aspiring F1 drivers. 10 years later it was bought by the renowned car restorer, Phil Reilly. He turned the car into an immaculate BT44 and it achieved great success in historic racing, before becoming part of the Gordon Murray Heritage Collection. The Brabham BT44 was the design with which Gordon achieved his first Formula 1 victory in the South African Grand Prix with Carlos Reutemann in 1974. This is now the only Brabham BT44 in the world. T.50 mule vehicle – ‘George’ In September 2020, ‘George’ had its very first shakedown test. Based on a modified Ultima chassis, and fitted with the mighty Cosworth GMA V12 engine, George was at the centre of important early testing, evaluating engine and electrical calibrations, and paving the way for the XP programme that followed. George facilitated extensive development work and provided data that also aided advancements for GMA’s T.33, and T.33 Spider supercars. Why was it called George? Going back to his McLaren days, Gordon always named his test mules after British monarchs. 2020 GMA T.50 (997 kg, 12,100 rpm 3.9-litre Cosworth GMA V12, 670 PS) The T.50 is the world’s lightest, most driver-focused supercar. With a bespoke 670 PS, 3.9-litre Cosworth V12 engine that revs to 12,100 rpm, an Xtrac six-speed manual transmission, and fan-assisted aerodynamics, the T.50 delivers one of the best ever driving experiences. It rewrites the supercar rulebook and could be the last great ‘analogue’…

Five stars for the new Passat: top marks for best-selling model in Euro NCAP safety assessment

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Excellent results in all four assessed categories All-round family car provides high occupant protection for children The new generation of the Passat also achieves the highest rating of five stars Wolfsburg – The new Passat has been awarded the top rating of five stars in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) consumer protection programme. This makes the vehicle one of the best-rated mid-sized models of 2024 in the independent European testing body’s overall ranking. After 2010 and 2014, the completely newly developed Passat also receives the highest award from Euro NCAP. Now in its the ninth generation, the success story of Volkswagen’s best-selling Passat continues. The Passat, which is available exclusively as an estate model, impressed the experts at Euro NCAP with a host of important safety innovations.The safety assessment carried out by Euro NCAP, an independent European institute for consumer protection, covers four categories: the Passat achieved its best result in the Adult Occupant Protection category with a rating of 93 per cent. It also achieved very good results in the other three categories: Child Occupant Protection (87 per cent), Vulnerable Road Users (83 per cent) and Safety Assist (80 per cent). Many assist systems fitted as standard. Even at the entry level, the Passat includes numerous assist systems at no extra cost. These include Side Assist (lane change system), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), ACC stop & go (Adaptive Cruise Control), oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals if there are obstacles in the front or rear areas), Rear View (rear view camera system) and Dynamic Road Sign Display using the front camera, as well as LED headlights and tail light clusters. Safety first, both inside and out. Particularly worth highlighting is Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, which increases the level of protection for vulnerable road users in the event of an impending collision. Within the system limits, the exit warning system can prevent an occupant from opening one of the doors when another road user (bicycle, motorcycle, etc.) is approaching from behind and additionally issues acoustic and visual warnings. Another important technology in the Passat is Car2X, which allows the vehicle to exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. The Passat is both business class and an all-round family car. When it comes to occupant protection, great importance is attached to the safety of children. In both the frontal and side impact tests, the Passat was found to provide very good protection for all critical body areas of the two child dummies and was awarded the maximum score. Since 2023, the Euro NCAP test criteria have become even stricter: the new requirements include, for example, the ability to detect any children left in the car – this criterion is also fulfilled by the new Passat generation. Bestseller, especially as an estate. In its more than 50-year history, the Passat has been sold over 34 million times. In Europe, it is the estate version in particular that has been extremely popular over the years, and Volkswagen now offers the car only as an estate model.And this enjoys great success: in Germany, the Passat Variant topped the rankings in the mid-sized class in 2023, with 45,494 new registrations. The detailed Euro NCAP test is available at www.euroncap.com. About Volkswagen Passenger CarsThe Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence and produces vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered about 4.9 million cars. These include bestsellers such as the Polo, T- Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat as well as the successful all-electric models of the ID. family. Last year, the company handed over about 394,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide. About 170,000 people currently work at Volkswagen around the world. With its ACCELERATE strategy, the company is consistently driving forward its development into the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. Media contactVolkswagen Communications Product CommunicationsMartin HubeSpokesperson ID.2 | Passat I Arteon I Touareg | PHEVTel. +49 (0) 152 22995699martin.hube@volkswagen.de LinkedIn / Youtube / Instagram / Facebook / Threads / TikTok More atvolkswagen-newsroom.com

An icon reimagined: McLaren and LEGO Group unveil the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™

Industry News

The British supercar maker McLaren Automotive and the LEGO Group today unveil their latest collaboration paying tribute to the world’s most pioneering hybrid hypercar, with the introduction of the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™. The McLaren P1™ redefined automotive high-performance as the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar of its time. The P1™ leveraged McLaren’s advanced motorsport-based engineering, featuring ground-breaking advances in weight reduction, packaging, high-speed performance, powertrain and aerodynamics. Created with the intention of being ‘the best driver’s car in the world on both road and track’, the design and technical specifications of the McLaren P1™ provided the ideal foundation to deliver on this ambition. The remarkable hypercar is recognised as a landmark both for McLaren and the development of high-performance hybrid vehicles. The incredible engineering and technology underpinning the performance, style and functional design the McLaren P1™, made it the perfect challenge for the LEGO Technic team to replicate in 1:8 scale. Unveiled as part of the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series, the all-new 1:8 scale LEGO Technic version consists of 3,893 elements and each car features a unique serial number which unlocks special behind-the-scenes content. The model has a 7-speed gearbox with 2 shifter drums, suspension, V8 piston engine, adjustable rear wing, and opening dihedral doors with advanced mechanism – all guaranteeing an immersive building experience from start to finish that is authentic to the real McLaren P1™. The model was created by the LEGO Technic design team in close collaboration with McLaren Automotive and both teams were focused on implementing as much cutting-edge functionality in the model as possible, as a tribute to both the real P1™ as well as the engineering excellence that McLaren is known for. “It’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original P1 brought to life by the LEGO team for the LEGO Technic McLaren P1™. I hope this collaboration inspires the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.”Tobias Sühlmann Chief Design Officer, McLaren Automotive “From the exterior with aerodynamic shapes to the interior and V8 piston engine – the real McLaren P1™ is an incredible car. We wanted to capture these details in the best way possible with our LEGO Technic model and we did not want to compromise in any way “Therefore, we worked on multiple variations of the car to test different designs. We also faced a huge challenge with the iconic butterfly doors because they needed a new mechanism to stay open. It was a great experience to recreate the McLaren P1™ and I’m hoping all supercar enthusiasts out there are ready to explore the details and intricacies of the real McLaren P1™ in LEGO Technic form.” Kasper Rene Hansen, Designer, LEGO Group The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set will be available at www.LEGO.com/McLaren and LEGO Stores from 1st August 2024 priced at €449.99 / £389.99 / $449.99. When purchasing the set between 1st – 7th August 2024, LEGO Insiders will receive the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 Logo as a gift with purchase.

How to watch the Festival of Speed this weekend

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Don’t miss out on the action – how to watch the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard this weekend The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes place this weekend – Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes place this weekend – Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July – and is set to bring together an exceptional array of cars and motorcycles, with premieres and debuts around every corner. In 2024, MG will take centre stage, with a soaring Central Feature to mark their centenary, while the theme – ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power’ – will celebrate the advances in technology that have shaped motorsport and motoring from its origins to the present day, and into the future, in a frenzy of power, speed and noise. Key things to see each day: Thursday Alex Albon Kush Mani Friday Logan Sargeant Kush Mani RB17 unveil Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin Valiant Richard Petty balcony moment Saturday Michael Dunlop balcony moment Lia Block Jack Doohan Sunday Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrations – Coulthard, Horner, Klien, Pérez, Ricciardo, Verstappen James Vowles Sophia Flörsch For those who can’t make the action in person this year, here’s how you can tune in from home: LivestreamCatch all the action – both on and off-track – across the Goodwood Road & Racing channels: LivestreamFacebookYouTubeTwitch TVThe Festival of Speed Highlights programme will be available to watch on ITV1, showcasing some of the very best bits from the weekend: Monday 22 July, ITV1, 22:45 BSTTuesday 23 July, ITV1, 23:00 BST All you need ahead of the event Timetable Event Map Entry List

UK enjoys 70 years of Volkswagen Transporter practicality and style

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First Transporter launched at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl’s Court, London in 1954 A cumulative total of 13 million examples of the iconic model sold over six generations From 786 UK sales in 1954 to 17,521 in 2023 – enduringly popular with British business The new Transporter will be revealed at the IAA in Munich in September this year. Milton Keynes, UK, 10 July, 2024 – The Volkswagen Transporter has celebrated its 70th birthday, marking the platinum anniversary of its public debut in the UK. The Transporter – also known as Bulli, Kombi, VW bus or microbus – was first launched to the world at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl’s Court, London in 1954, and since then more than 13 million have been sold. For six generations, globetrotters have travelled the world in it, businesses have relied on it and families have driven it every single day. Now 70 years on and the Transporter’s enduring popularity continues, from 786 UK sales in 1954, to 17,521 in 2023. The future is bright for the icon, with the latest iteration, T6.1, launched in 2019, showcasing a new dashboard, greater connectivity and a facelift with updated headlights and grille. To celebrate the landmark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has collated the ultimate guide to the historic vehicle. T1: 1950 to 1967Revealed as a hand-built panel van prototype in 1949, the T1 eventually launched as a rear-engine panel van, passenger van and eight-seat vehicle. The engine and gearbox came from the Volkswagen Beetle and it offered a maximum payload of 750kg. In 1951, the iconic “Samba” model was revealed with all-round windows and folding sunroof, and a year later a pick-up version was unveiled. Production moved from Wolfsburg to Hanover in 1956, with some models built in Brazil. By 1967, around 1.9 million people had purchased the T1 with its “splittie” windscreen, making it a global success. T2: 1967 to 1979With the T1 forging its name as something of a cultural icon during the swinging sixties era, the successor had a lot to live up to. The T2 took the design and utility of the van forward with a new front end and air intake grille. A sliding door was now standard, and the pop-up roof camper version became an instant hit with globetrotters. In 1972, the T2 went electric with a zero-emission version available to buy. During its run, 2.14 million vehicles were built at the Hanover plant. Production continued until 2013 at the Volkswagen plant in Sao Paulo. T3: 1979 to 1992The T3 took the famous vehicle into the modern era with a wider body offering, more passenger and cargo space and improved safety. A flat engine, available in diesel, was introduced adding to the spaciousness while a new chassis offered car-like handling. In 1985, a raft of innovations were added: catalytic converters, turbochargers and all-wheel drive, while the California and Caravelle became popular. In total, 1.3 million T3s were made in Hanover. T4: 1990 to 2003This generation marked a technical revolution with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles making the T4 front-engine and front-wheel drive for the first time. With this came a new design, longer front end, new suspension, more varied engine choice and even better handling. The Transporter was also available in two wheelbases for the first time. Following a 1996 mid-model refresh, the T4 was phased out in 2003 having sold 1.9 million models across the range, which had grown to feature the panel van, kombi, double cab, pickup and chassis with single and double cab, Caravelle, Multivan and California. T5: 2003 to 2015The T5 was an evolution of exterior design with greater focus placed on the interior and the driver’s workplace as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engines and an all-wheel drive system. The California was built in Hanover for the first time, while Caravelle and Multivan continued to be popular choices alongside a number of limited-edition models. In total, 1.65 million T5s were produced. T6 / T6.1: 2015 to 2019 / 2019 to presentNew engines, intelligent driver assistance systems, new infotainment and a front-end redesign have defined the modern T6 era – while the two-tone paint scheme serves as a nod to the original model. In 2019, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought the iconic van into the digital age with a new dashboard design, a raft of technology and connectivity updates as well as a new power steering system and additional efficient, clean turbodiesels. The New Transporter: Available in 2025The new Transporter will be unveiled at the IAA in Munich later this year, and available to the market in early 2025. The newest iteration of this iconic vehicle will have a significantly longer and wider load compartment, with a digital cockpit landscape as standard to meet all the requirements of today’s working world in the commercial vehicle. The British connectionDecades before the Transporter took off in the UK, a senior British army officer, Major Ivan Hirst was placed in charge of redelivering the Volkswagen factory, post-war. He brought the idea of introducing a load-carrying vehicle inspired by the classic Beetle platform. This extended onto the creation of a flat-bed truck – dubbed the Plattenwagen – to move parts around the factory. In the mid-1940s, Ben Pon, a Dutch importer, gravitated towards the truck which led to the proposed idea of a more developed panel van version. For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk. (ends) Press contactVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team Laura Bignall 07557 758617Jess Bowden-Eyre 07734 855245Amy Allen 07983 535116 Press and Public RelationsVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesYeomans DriveBlakelandsMilton KeynesMK14 5AN Telephone 01908 601478www.vwpress.co.uk About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: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 evergreen Transporter and…

GKN Automotive signs Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Recurrent Energy, covering 65% of European electricity load

Industry News

GKN Automotive has signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Recurrent Energy covering 65% of its European electricity load This development is a key step in the company’s SBTi-approved targets to reduce its direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero across the entire value chain by 2045 The agreement facilitates the supply of approximately 2 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity to the European grid over a 10-year period London, UK, 10 July 2024 – GKN Automotive, the global leader in drive systems, has announced a significant step towards decarbonising its electricity usage by signing a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA)1 with global renewable energy developer and subsidiary of Canadian Solar, Recurrent Energy. The 10-year VPPA agreement will cover 65% of GKN Automotive’s European electricity load and 30% of its global load, significantly contributing to the company’s commitment to using 50% renewable electricity globally by 2025 and 75% by 2030. The joint agreement with Recurrent Energy will establish The Rey I project, a new2 large-scale solar farm in Spain, which will contribute towards the increased supply of renewable electricity to the Spanish grid – simultaneously contributing to the decarbonisation of the European grid. The project will facilitate the supply of approximately 200,000 MWh of renewable electricity to the European grid annually, reaching approximately 2 million MWh over the 10-year agreement. GKN Automotive will receive Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) equivalent to 65% of its European 2023 electricity usage. This development is a key step in the company’s SBTi-approved targets to reduce its direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero across its entire value chain by 2045. GKN Automotive is actively pursuing further VPPAs across Europe and South America, with the aim of further decarbonising its electricity usage across its global operations. Dr. Clare Wyatt, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer at GKN Automotive, said: “Signing this VPPA with Recurrent Energy underscores our commitment to achieving our 2045 net zero ambition and contributing to the decarbonisation of the industry. It reflects our intention to continue to drive a cleaner, more sustainable world, through supporting projects that add to the supply of renewable electricity.” Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, added: “Recurrent Energy is pleased to support GKN Automotive’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Recurrent Energy has a long track record of executing projects at scale for major worldwide customers, and we thank GKN Automotive for trusting us with their first VPPA in Europe. This virtual power purchase agreement exemplifies the dedication of both companies to invest in renewable energy projects that not only benefit operations but also contribute to the broader goal of combatting climate change.” Schneider Electric, a global leader in corporate renewable energy procurement and carbon management, advised GKN Automotive in the project selection and VPPA negotiations. John Powers, Vice President, Global Renewables at Schneider Electric, said: “We are excited to support our client in this landmark renewable energy endeavor. This collaboration demonstrates the immense potential of VPPAs in driving sustainability efforts and accelerating the transition to renewable energy on a global scale.”

Media advisory: Global unveil of first INEOS Grenadier by Arcane Works at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Industry News

INEOS Automotive is unveiling the first model by Arcane Works, a unique service curating exclusive, limited editions of INEOS Automotive’s award-winning Grenadier 4X4, at 10.45am (BST) on Thursday 11 July. The new bespoke service and latest addition to the Grenadier model line-up will be unveiled during a short press conference at INEOS Automotive’s Outpost stand (between the cricket pitch and Entry Gate 1), alongside a range of never-before-seen special editions, one-off experimental projects and prototypes. The growing range of Grenadier models will also feature in a very special run up the hillclimb route at around 1:40pm. The exclusive INEOS off-road driving course in the nearby Goodwood Halnaker Chalkpit returns for 2024, allowing media to get behind the wheel of a Grenadier throughout the festival. This year, the line-up of test vehicles also includes the newly-launched Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pick-up. Pre-booking for quarry drives is recommended as demand is high. Please call Sophie Charman (+44 7706 364464) or email ineos@pfpr.com to reserve a slot; or visit the INEOS Outpost stand.