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.”

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!

1000 Miglia 2024, no one like Vesco and Salvinelli ever before

Industry News

Saturday 15 June – The 2200-kilometre tour de force of the 1000 Miglia 2024 has ended. The 421 competing crews, with their vintage jewels built between 1927 and 1957, travelled the classic route from Brescia to Rome and back in an anti-clockwise direction, just as the heroes of the first editions of the 1000 Miglia did. The leg finishes were Turin (for the first time in its history), Viareggio, Rome and San Lazzaro di Savena, before returning to Brescia with the final parade from the Viale Venezia platform. Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli have accomplished a feat that has never been achieved before in the history of the Most Beautiful Race In The World, becoming champions for the fourth consecutive time in their 1929 Alfa Romeo 6c 1750 Ss Spider Zagato: a record that will be difficult to equal in the future. For Vesco, it is actually his fifth victory in a row (out of seven in total), having also triumphed in 2020 in tandem with his father. “We are happy, how could we not be! – the immediate comment of Andrea Vesco – we prepare to do great things and we are happy because this year we were in front from the first trial and we always kept the lead. We did very well and now we will enjoy this victory”. If the reigning champions were cannibals right from the first block of trials at the Brescia Castle, there was a battle behind them: in the end Gianmario Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli took a well-deserved second place with their 1927 Lancia Lambda Casaro VII Serie, followed by Alberto Aliverti and Stefano Valente, also competing with a 1929 6C. Winning the Ferrari Tribute were Frank Binder and Giordano Mozzi in a 296 GTS, second were Celestino and Antonio Sangiovanni in an 812 GTS. Completing the podium were Gianluigi and Federico Smussi in a 1996 F355 GTS. Mirco Magni and Alessandro Ferruta took first place in the 1000 Miglia Green with a Polestar 2, while the 1000 Miglia Experience went to Ismaele and Marco Luigi Ghilardelli in a Mercedes Amg Gt C. Press Office press@1000miglia.it +39 331 6133162

Concours de l’Ordinaire selection announced for 2024 Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional

Industry News

Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional takes place on Saturday 27th July at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire 2024 event celebrates 10 years of the Festival of the Unexceptional Concours de l’Ordinaire selection now revealed, with rarities ranging from a Lada 2102 estate to a Lancia Zeta 2024 event to feature many special cars, fun activations and special guests Gates open 7am to 7pm to make the event a full day out Further show information can be found here Media Accreditation now open Bicester Heritage: 17th June 2024Hagerty’s world renowned Festival of the Unexceptional celebrates its 10-year anniversary at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire on Saturday 27th July, with thousands of mundane motors on display, and a Concours de l’Ordinaire selection of the UK’s finest base-model cars. Launched in 2014, Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional is a show dedicated to great everyday classic cars that has earned its place as a must-attend event in the automotive calendar. Showcasing much maligned and long-forgotten ‘ordinary’ classic cars of the 70s, 80s and 90s, it remains the only event to celebrate the everyday cars we all know and love. The Concours de l’Ordinaire selection, celebrates the world of mundane motoring with a tongue-in-cheek take on the traditional concours format – think Fiesta over Ferrari and you’ll get the idea. And, as with any Concours event, the judges will be looking for originality, condition, rarity and great ownership stories before awarding the coveted trophies. As a preview to the 2024 event, the Hagerty FOTU selection committee has just announced the Concours de l’Ordinaire star cars, and their owners, both ready to be displayed on the Grimsthorpe Castle concours lawn in July. Leigh Davis – Alfa Romeo 145 1.6 Boxer Martin Lawson – Audi 80 Colin Corke – Austin Mini Metro Antony Buckley – BMW 316 E30 Lewis Dickson – Citroen Visa Champagne Christopher Lloyd – Daewoo Lanos Grant Kelso – Daihatsu Charade Leif Hansen – Datsun 280C Estate Callum Bailey – Fiat Brava Damien Brannigan – Fiat Panda James Gillard – Fiat Punto Jean-Luc Cartwright – Fiat Uno Stephen Ransome – Ford Cortina Andy Curtis – Ford Escort Steven Marshall – Ford Escort L Estate Warren Grove – Ford Fiesta Catharine Bird – Ford Fiesta Freestyle 1.4 Joel Willis – Ford Ka Kris Ray – Hyundai Lantra Pete Marshall – Lada 2102 Estate Michael Dickens -Lada Riva Andy Collins – Lancia Beta John Hart – Lancia Zeta Simon Monks – Mercedes-Benz 190E 1.8 James Green – Nissan Bluebird David Williams – Nissan Laurel Estate Luca Alpert – Nissan Primera Meru Richardson – Peugeot 106 Brent Markham – Peugeot 309 Carl Fravigar – Peugeot 309 Matthew Eade – Peugeot 505 SR Daniel Pacey – Reliant Robin Amy Jaine – Renault Clio Glynn Jones – Renault Clio Oasis Chris Williams – Renault Twingo David Poulter – Rover 418 Dane Smith – Rover 100 Peter Burrowes – Simca 1000 Special Julian Pearson – Simca 1100 Martin Whalley – Subaru Justy Andrew Sutton – Toyota Carina Mitch Lewis – Toyota Hilux Callum Parry – Triumph Acclaim Andrew Burford – Triumph Toledo John Corbett – Vauxhall Corsa Merit James Wilkinson – Vauxhall Corsa LS Jack Sydee – Vauxhall Nova Neville Wright – Vauxhall Nova Saloon Graham Silverton – Volvo 145 Allan Symes – Yugo 45 Judging of these special cars will take place from 10am, with a panel of renowned judges including Steve Cropley, Danny Hopkins and Richard Bremner. Prize giving takes place on the Festival Main Stage at 16.00. Jonny Smith and Richard Porter, hosts of popular automotive podcast Smith and Sniff, will also take to the stage at the 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional, bringing their unique brand of automotive entertainment to the amassed fans of mundane motoring with a trio of interactive stage shows, including: The Wheeltrim of Misfortune A quiz in which contestants spin a giant wheeltrim to decide what category of car expert question they have to answer. Chod Swap Shop A tribute to the ‘80s classic kids’ TV show Swap Shop where Smith and Sniff invite showgoers to bring along FOTU car-related items they would like to swap for something else. Live Smith and Sniff podcast recording An episode of the Smith and Sniff podcast will be recorded live on stage with an audience Q&A session forming a part of the show. Tickets for Smith and Sniff live podcast recordings always sell out fast, but now you have the unique opportunity to witness a live stage recoding of a podcast, and also enjoy a full day at the 10th Festival of the Unexceptional. Tickets are priced at just £35 per car, so make sure to bring friends and family in the same car for a great value day out and, with gates opening at 7am and closing at 7pm, it really is a full day out. For more information on the 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional click here Media accreditation can be requested here. Ends Editors Notes About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY)With a headquarters based in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty’s purpose is to save driving and car culture for future generations and its mission is to build a global business to fund that purpose. Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs as well as a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Marketplace, Hagerty Drivers Club®, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, Hagerty Drivers Foundation, Hagerty DriveShare™, Hagerty Valuation Tools®, Hagerty Media, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social®, The Amelia, the Detroit Concours d’Elegance, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, Motorlux, RADwood, Broad Arrow Group and more. In the UK, Hagerty operates the renowned Festival of the Unexceptional event, in addition to RADwood UK and the Hagerty Hillclimb. For more information on Hagerty please visit www.hagerty.co.uk. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For further information, call 0333 323 0989 or visit www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk Media enquiries: media@tonic-collective.com

Osprey Charging acquires land to establish its largest EV charging hub in Scotland, installing 16 ultra-rapid chargers in Paisley, Glasgow

Industry News

Osprey Charging has purchased its second freehold site – which will become Osprey’s largest charging location in Scotland. Planning approval to construct a 300kW ultra-rapid charging hub has already been obtained and construction work is expected to start in the summer with the site expected to open to the public at the start of 2025. The 16-charger hub will be located opposite the Phoenix Retail Park on the A737 and just minutes from the M8 and Glasgow Airport. This purchase marks another step in Osprey’s mission to deliver high-quality, reliable and easy-to-use public EV charging right across the UK, and will be followed by further acquisition announcements in the coming weeks. Osprey Charging has already installed over 200 rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints in 2024, and are now one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing networks High-res images: https://bit.ly/Osprey_Paisley London, Monday 17th June 2024: Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid charging network, has announced plans for a new ultra-fast 16-charger hub in Paisley – which when completed will be the largest public ultra-rapid charging hub in Scotland. The charge point operator has completed the purchase of a freehold site in Paisley, and planning permission has been granted to install 16 300kW public charge points. Located by the Phoenix Retail Park in Paisley, the 16-charger hub will be situated just off the A737, a short drive from the M8, Scotland’s busiest motorway. On a key route for Scotland’s drivers, the new Paisley super-hub will provide rapid, reliable and high-quality EV charging in a strategic location. The Paisley hub will mark the second occasion of Osprey Charging completing the purchase of a freehold site, following the award-winning Salmon’s Leap hub in Devon, which opened last year. Owning the land where the site will be constructed offers significantly enhanced flexibility for its design, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with Osprey’s long-held values of simple, convenient, safe, accessible for all charging. Osprey expects to announce further site acquisitions throughout the summer. The Paisley hub is ideally situated, with numerous amenities close by that drivers can make use of while recharging their EVs. Located adjacent to the Showcase Cinema and just north of the McDonald’s drive-thru, numerous on-site shops will provide plenty of on-site activity for drivers. Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said:“We’re hugely excited to have completed the purchase of the land for our forthcoming 16-charger ultra-rapid hub in Paisley, which marks our second freehold site in the UK. The purchase of freehold sites is an important strategy for Osprey, as it enables us to build larger public charging locations with greater flexibility over their design. This hub will be crucial in supporting the uptake of EVs in Scotland as well as in meeting growing demand for reliable, accessible and high-quality EV charging across the UK. “In 2024, we have successfully delivered nine high-powered hubs across various UK locations, and the new Paisley hub opposite the Phoenix Retail Park will be another significant milestone in our rapidly expanding network. As the year progresses, our goal is to complete 30 hubs, which will be a monumental stride not only in the advancement of our network but also in fortifying the broader public EV charging infrastructure.” Osprey Charging’s network of public EV chargers continues to grow at a rapid rate, and now encompasses over 1,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers in key urban and rural locations across the UK. Osprey chargers have a reliability rate of 99%, while its straightforward charging experience has seen Osprey recognised as a ‘Driver Recommended Network’ by Zap Map for a fourth time.