Motor Ombudsman study shows driving under pressure is costing the nation’s motorists at least £112 million every year in lost tyres

Industry News

A study by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed that the nation’s drivers may be unnecessarily forfeiting the use of at least £112 million worth of tyres every year due to under-inflation An estimated 57% of cars on UK roads are running with pressures at 10% less than those recommended by vehicle manufacturers, resulting in accelerated tyre wear and lower lifespans Findings have also shown that over a third of UK car drivers (37%) would not feel confident topping up the air in their tyres The research has been published as part of The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign. The initiative has been designed to highlight the importance of drivers prioritising checking their vehicle’s tyres to ensure they are both safe and legal all year round, especially ahead of the summer holiday getaway London, 11 June 2024 A study by The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for the automotive sector, has revealed that drivers using their cars with tyres that are inflated below vehicle manufacturer-recommended levels, is costing the nation’s motorists at least £112 million annually in wasted rubber. As well as presenting many hidden dangers, and increasing fuel consumption, running with less air than needed – also known as ‘under-inflation’, means that tyres wear out far quicker than they should, thereby reducing their lifespan. According to figures from the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA), and charity TyreSafe, it is estimated that 57% of cars on UK roads have tyre pressures at 10% less than what is recommended by vehicle manufacturers. With around 33 million cars in circulation, this equates to around 19 million cars, or approximately 75 million tyres that are below par in terms of the levels they should be inflated to1. With a 16-inch tyre being one of the most commonly-seen tyre sizes on cars across the country, and priced at an average of £85 per tyre2, the total bill handed to the nation’s drivers for tyres worn down prematurely, is at least an avoidable £112 million every year, equating to a preventable annual loss of 1.3 million tyres3. Furthermore, as part of The Motor Ombudsman study, a survey of 1,000 UK car drivers was also carried out to gauge their level of confidence when it comes to maintaining a car. The findings showed that more than a third of respondents (37%) said they would not feel comfortable topping up the air in their tyres, which may be due to leaving them under or over-inflated, whilst over half (51%) explained they would shy away from measuring the tread depth to ensure it was above the legal limit of 1.6mm. The findings of the study have been published as part of The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Make Time for Tyres’ tyre safety awareness campaign, ahead of the summer holiday getaway, where millions traditionally take to the road for their vacation. The Motor Ombudsman initiative, which is supported by both TyreSafe, and tyre safety campaigner Sophie Lyden, has been designed to highlight the need for drivers to spend time looking at their vehicle’s tyres to ensure they are both safe and legal, and to visit a Motor Ombudsman-accredited business for any routine maintenance or ad hoc repairs to their car4. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Under-inflated tyres carry a number of risks and costs. The purpose of our study and ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign, is to draw attention to the importance of drivers and vehicle owners caring for their tyres, so that they stay safe at all times, and benefit from using them to their full potential. Avoiding any unnecessary expense is especially pertinent with the current financial pressures on the nation’s motorists.” Speaking about the campaign, Stuart Lovatt, Chair at TyreSafe, explained: “Under-inflation compromises tyre and vehicle performance, and can ultimately cost drivers and vehicle owners dearly, as The Motor Ombudsman study has clearly shown. We strongly urge motorists to observe the pressure levels recommended by vehicle manufacturers. This is because, they have been calculated with absolute precision to ultimately keep vehicle users safe when on the road.” Backing the initiative, Sophie Lyden, tyre safety campaigner, and Depot Manager at Westgate Tyres in Morecambe, Lancashire, added: “Regardless of the length of journeys being undertaken, whether it is a short commute, or a longer trip away, drivers should check their tyres at least once a month to ensure that they are safe and legal. This includes the tread depth, pressure, and their overall condition at the four corners of the car, and of course, they should also take a look at the spare in the boot, should they have one. “If motorists are unsure as to what to look out for, and how to carry out basic safety observations, they should seek help from a Motor Ombudsman-accredited business like ourselves. These small checks only take a few minutes, but the repercussions of not giving tyres the due care and attention they deserve, is far more costly in the long-run in terms of time and repairs. We therefore advise all motorists to keep an eye on their tyres for the benefit of all occupants and road users.” To access The Motor Ombudsman’s information resources and tips on tyres, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Tyres.

John Rettie 1949-2024

Industry News

We are sad to announce that Vice President of Newspress USA, John Rettie, has died. Many of you will know John. One of life’s ‘characters’ he was a key component of Newspress USA from the very beginning. He was also among the first subscribers to register for Newspress.co.uk when it first went online in the mid-1990s. Regarded as a photographer par excellence, he used his considerable reputation and network to help get the USA version of Newspress off the ground. With the continued help of his son, Nick, Newspress USA goes from strength to strength. John’s death is made all the more poignant for us in view of the fact that Nick moved from the family’s home in California to Washington D.C. in 2014 to work for Newspress USA Inc. And, 10 years on, Nick is settled in Virginia with a wife and daughter and a dog. So, for Newspress, the Retties really are part of the family. You might assume then that John was an American. No, he was a proud Brit. Born in London in July 1949, his early years were in Kent, where he attended Beckenham & Penge Grammar School. After school he studied Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds, but those skills would only really come into his own when he was talking about cars and what made them go. His real passion was photography. Indeed, taking a looking at his career profile, you read that he has been a freelance photographer for the past 54 years. Whether full-time, or a side hustle, John was never more at home than when he was behind a lens. He started out photographing rock groups, car rallies and models for the university newspaper. He gained a reputation and was already capturing the great and the good in the rock industry during a ‘golden age’ between 1969 and 1971. As the university newspaper photographer, he was one of only two photographers to cover The Who ‘Live at Leeds’ concert, which became one of the most popular live albums in history. He was never shy in reminding us of that, and also his part in the glory days of Seventies rock and roll. In 1969, John made his first visit to the U.S. where he worked in Newark for seven weeks before embarking on a one-month Greyhound bus trip around the States. He returned the following year to California and started photographing motor sport events as a professional, covering TransAm and CanAm races in California as well as the Baja 1000. In 1971 John began his professional automotive career in the UK with Safer Motoring, the VW enthusiast magazine, while still imbibing his passion for photography. Following a two-year stint as assistant editor he became a freelance writer and photographer. He travelled the world extensively between 1973 and 1985 covering motorsport, car launches and numerous other aspects of the auto industry. John also ran three small businesses during this period. In England, he formed JGR Plastics in order to make cowls for the rear deck lid (boot) of a VW Beetle. He ran this mail-order and wholesale business between 1973 and 1985. While traveling back and forth between California and the UK, he was often asked to find parts for British cars so he started Carzanpartz to import cars and parts into California – mainly for Mini Cooper and Lotus enthusiasts. John helped found and was president of Deitrich, Ober and Rettie, Inc, a small, six-person public relations and advertising agency in California between 1976 and 1986 with several clients in the auto industry including BFGoodrich, Cosworth, British School of Motor Racing and Chevrolet. During that period, he also worked as technical editor on Hot VWs magazine (Costa Mesa, CA) between 1977 and 1979 and was editor of Import Auto Parts and Accessories magazine from 1981 until 1984. In 1985 John started working for Ward’s Communications (Detroit, MI) as west coast bureau chief, then he joined J. D. Power and Associates as senior editor of three newsletters in 1988 and in 1990 he was promoted to Editorial Director. John instigated and managed the launch of J. D. Power and Associates’ initial website and the JDPowerGuide to Automobiles CD-ROM, which was J. D. Power’s first ever consumer publication. He also helped launch PowerGram, a daily news service, and was a key figure in starting a joint venture in Britain with the BBC, which resulted in the launch of the annual customer satisfaction study in that country. But the pull of the camera was too much. After nine years at J. D. Power, John returned to working as a freelance writer, photographer, consultant and analyst in October 1997. Since 1995 he wrote a monthly column on digital photography for Rangefinder, a well-regarded magazine for professional photographers. In 2007 he started writing a column on web technologies for a new magazine After Capture which, as its name suggests, covers the needs of photographers and graphic artists after they’ve captured a picture. John has contributed to many magazines and websites including Road & Track, Auto Express (UK) and New Car Test Drive and Auto Trader UK. He was a member of the jury for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Award from its instigation until 2005. And he was one of only 13 U.S. members of the 135-strong international jury for the Car of the Century contest, held in 1999. John was president of the Motor Press Guild, based in Los Angeles in 1992, 2004 and 2005. While president in 2005 he started the Automotive PR Survey sponsored by MPG. Then in 2011, Newspress phoned him up to ask whether he would be interested in helping to launch Newspress USA. For us at Newspress John’s death is a big shock. John was part of the furniture and as he approached his twilight years his involvement with Newspress may have scaled down, but his enthusiasm for it and for life never waned. John lived life on his own terms and would regularly ‘disappear’ to take trips in…

Automobili Pininfarina takes centre stage at Bruce Wayne-inspired luxury house in ‘Gotham City’

Industry News

Exclusive ‘Wayne Enterprises Experience’ staged in Manhattan townhouse envisions the home of Bruce Wayne, billionaire alter ego of DC’s ‘Dark Knight’, Batman Bruce Wayne’s hypercar – a pure-electric Automobili Pininfarina Battista – showcased in the street-level garage Four one-off Bruce Wayne-inspired models, ‘Gotham’ and ‘Dark Knight’ specifications of both the Battista and B95, on sale to VIP guests Pioneering event brings together luxury brands from the worlds of personal mobility, fashion, technology and jewellery for a unique immersive retail experience Find out more at BruceWayneX.com (NEW YORK CITY – 11 JUNE 2024) – A luxury townhouse inspired by fictional Gotham City billionaire Bruce Wayne has opened its doors, and the Automobili Pininfarina Battista hyper GT leads a world-class exhibition of highly-curated luxury and tech products inside. All are designed to demonstrate the world of Gotham’s famous philanthropic resident. The unique opportunity to see the sophisticated bachelor pad of the civilian persona of DC’s ‘Dark Knight’, Batman – created in downtown Manhattan, New York – is part of a by-invitation-only ‘Wayne Enterprises Experience’ immersive event taking place this month. Staged by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Relevance International, the experience on West 17th Avenue is hosted within a luxurious seven-storey townhouse. Every product on show has been carefully selected to reflect the lifestyle of its fictitious resident and includes the latest designs from the worlds of personal mobility, fashion, technology and jewellery. And every item – including four specially created versions of the all-electric Battista and B95 hyper Barchetta – is on sale. First revealed on 30 April, they are ‘Gotham’ and ‘Dark Knight’ variants of each car. Only one of each model is available. Visit BruceWayneX.com for full details and the opportunity to reserve a car. The pioneering Wayne Enterprises Experience has been created alongside DC’s celebrations to mark 85 years of the Batman franchise, honouring one of the world’s most iconic and enduring pop culture characters. Every element of the experience is inspired by Bruce Wayne, and guests are hosted on their tour by other Gotham City residents, Alfred Pennyworth and Lucious Fox. Paolo Dellachà, Chief Executive Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Automobili Pininfarina and Bruce Wayne is the perfect partnership. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire visionary entrepreneur committed to technological progress, and we have created unique and bespoke versions of Battista and B95 which include new features developed for his exclusive tastes and needs. These are cars he would certainly have in his Gotham City garage.” Paolo added: “This ultra-exclusive event brings the incredible design-focused world of Automobili Pininfarina to a new audience, giving them a unique opportunity to see our amazing hypercar, buy one of the four bespoke models we’re creating, and learn about the future of our brand.” Automobili Pininfarina has created two exclusive versions of the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT, named ‘Gotham’ and ‘Dark Knight’, each featuring unique and previously unseen specifications. All four cars are powered by a high-capacity 120kWh lithium-ion battery and four motors to generate 1,900hp. That’s enough to propel each pure-electric model from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in less than two seconds – faster than a current Formula 1 car. Each has been meticulously curated by the Automobili Pininfarina engineering and design teams in Cambiano, Italy, and includes all-new Wayne Enterprises-inspired design features and tech. For example, navigation instructions are voiced by the Wayne family butler Alfred Pennyworth, while the infotainment system displays a customised welcome sequence with the Wayne Enterprise logo. All four designs reflect Wayne Enterprises’ pursuit of innovation and Bruce Wayne’s own personality. The Battista models feature new performance-enhancing specifications to improve aerodynamic efficiency, including tailgate shark fins and louvre-style openings in the front and rear carbon fibre wings. To emphasise Automobili Pininfarina’s ‘Dream Cars, Made Real’ philosophy, for the first time on Battista, the cabin includes panoramic glass roofs for both driver and passenger, while the interior features bespoke ambient lighting. All models display unique Wayne Enterprise logos on the exterior and interior, as well as aluminium chassis and door plates inspired by Bruce Wayne. Gotham specification in detailThis design is intended to reflect the more gentle, civilian sophistication of Bruce Wayne. Both the B95 and Battista models are upholstered in a distinctive tan leather and stitching that includes bespoke quilting in the centre panels. The Gotham Battista’s bodywork is finished in a stunning Argento Vittorio gloss paint, complemented by the Nero Torino Goccia gloss roof. To finish the look, the brand’s iconic ‘F’ logo is backlit and made of brushed and polished anodised aluminium. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels are finished with a Prezioso Evoluzione gloss black face and matt black channel rim. The Gotham B95’s wheels closely match those of the Gotham Battista, except they are finished in a matt black inner and gloss black outer ring, with Titan callipers and a brushed aluminium anodised black rim centre lock ring to complete the look. Dark Knight specification in detailBy contrast, the Dark Knight design reflects Bruce Wayne’s use of technology to maintain an edge in his fight against Gotham City’s criminal underworld. These vehicles feature black Alcantara and black leather upholstery, with a unique black and gold duo-tone contrast stitch. The Dark Knight Battista’s bodywork is finished in Nero Profondo gloss paint, with a Nero Torino Goccia roof. Glorioso ceramic-polished rims complete the look. The Dark Knight B95’s exterior matches the Battista, also featuring ceramic-polished rims. All four designs reflect Wayne Enterprises’ pursuit of innovation and Bruce Wayne’s own personality. From the subtle use of the Wayne Enterprises corporate logo throughout the vehicles, to customised seat embroidery and the voice inspired by Alfred Pennyworth, these dreams cars are the embodiment of the Gotham City icon’s persona. Automobili Pininfarina Automobili Pininfarina stands at the vanguard of pure Italian luxury experience with its bespoke curated approach, allowing for precise tailoring to the specific preferences of discerning clients. Each vehicle is a hand-crafted masterpiece and a reflection of the client’s personality with inspiration from Automobili Pininfarina’s artisans. Ends. Press Contacts Richard YarrowPR Director(M) +49 (0) 160…

Yates and Morrow share the spoils, while Dewhirst continues his winning streak

Industry News

Snetterton, Saturday 8 June 2024The third round of the 2024 Ferrari Challenge UK race series commenced today at Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk. Heady sunshine followed initial showers, and the resulting conditions set the stage for a fascinating spectacle of competitive racing action as the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell drivers pushed their Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO race cars to the limit. Qualifying 1. In Trofeo Pirelli, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) extracted the most from his qualifying session, stringing together an impressive lap of 2:09.727 to outqualify Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) by nearly 1 sec. In Coppa Shell, the experienced Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham), unphased by the slippery conditions, set a flying lap of 2:15.607 to finish top of his class. Trofeo Pirelli. Clear skies and sunshine following a wet qualifying session produced an almost-dry track for the race start. Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) started well, diving down the inside of turn one to slip past an unsuspecting Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst). Undeterred, the 2023 Trofeo Pirelli championship winner retaliated quickly to push back past Pillai and focus his efforts on fellow Charles Hurst stablemate Yates, who was working hard to consolidate his lead. Further back, Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) quickly adjusted to the improved track conditions, pouncing upon a mistake from Pillai to move up into the podium places. Upfront, the battle for 1st place continued. Morrow worked diligently to improve his lap times and by the midpoint was within half a second of Yates. As the clock counted down, the battle between the pair grew more intense, reaching a crescendo just 7 minutes before the end when a wide entry by Yates into Riches allowed Morrow to strike. Yates worked valiantly to close back in on the reigning champion, but it was Morrow who kept his cool and maintained his impressive pace to secure victory and extend his now 4-race unbeaten run at Snetterton. Coppa Shell. A blistering start from Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) catapulted him from 4th to 1st place before the exit of Riches. Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) also sought to capitalise on the opportunity, moving past Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) to secure 2nd position despite the Nottingham driver’s best efforts. Dewhirst wasn’t finished there, and quickly found his race pace as he closed the gap with Rees: making a move 7 minutes in when he capitalised upon a mistake by the frontman to secure the race lead. Despite the best efforts of Rees, it was Dewhirst, buoyant from his recent victory in Oulton Park, who pulled out a string of clean, consistently quick laps in the latter stages of the race to consolidate his position and secure his second race win of the season. Snetterton, Sunday 9 June 2024A dry Snetterton race circuit was the crucible in what proved to be another exciting day of racing action as Race 2 in round three of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series took place at Snetterton today. Qualifying 2. In Trofeo Pirelli, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) once again showed his skill behind the wheel of his Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo to set a second successive pole, posting a time of 1:52,302. In Coppa Shell, Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) followed suit and perfected his quickest dry lap to secure a lead time of 1:54,906. Trofeo Pirelli. Action quickly followed lights out as the second Race of the weekend commenced. Polesitter Gilbert Yates and Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) confidently established themselves in the dry track conditions and pulled away from the rest of the pack. Further down the order, Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) applied pressure against a determined Pranav Vangala (HR Owen). The pair battled relentlessly for the duration of the race, before Pillai eventually turned the screw and passed Vangala to reach 3rd position in the order. However, a 5 sec time penalty against Pillai for an earlier indiscretion on Vangala motivated the HR Owen driver, who successfully cleared his Colchester rival with several laps to spare. Upfront, Gilbert Yates did not suffer from the same tyre temperature issues which saw his car fade in the latter stages of Race 1, and masterfully guided his car to ensure that Morrow was kept firmly in the rear-view mirror. Yates crossed the line to secure his first win of the weekend, with honours even between the pair in a gripping battle for the 2024 Trofeo Pirelli title – with both drivers sitting on 69 points apiece. Coppa Shell. For the second time this weekend, Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) propelled himself up the order from 2nd into 1st place before the entrance into turn one. Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds) also made swift progress, moving from 6th to 3rd before the end of the first lap. Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester) was not willing to let Howell get past that easily, and contact following a battle between the pair resulted in an unfortunate puncture for the Manchester driver. Further back, Mike Dewhirst’s (Dick Lovett Swindon) lap times continued to improve and, with 15 minutes to go, he capitalised on an opportunity to move past Howell and up into the podium places. Confidence abound, Dewhirst kept getting faster and quickly passed a spirited Redman to secure 2nd. Rees appeared to have done enough to secure the race win, but an invigorated Dewhirst proved otherwise and caught him with just 2 minutes remaining, to bring home his second victory of the weekend in an impressive debut season. Rees leads the Coppa Shell standings on 88 points, with Dewhirst close behind on 77 points. Next Race. The penultimate round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series takes place at Donington on Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 July 2024. Qualifying and Race sessions will be broadcast live via live.ferrari.com. For further information, please contact:Jason Harris, Regional Manager – CommunicationTel: 01753 878704Mob: 07748 333389Email: jason.harris@ferrari.com

Subaru (UK) Ltd welcomes Motability Scheme customers back into showrooms

Industry News

Subaru (UK) Ltd returns to Motability Scheme Forester and Outback are available to order from June New Subaru Crosstrek will be added to the Scheme soon 10th June 2024 – After a prolonged hiatus away from the Motability Scheme, Subaru (UK) Ltd is delighted to announce that the brand will once again be accepting Motability Scheme customers for new vehicle purchases on selected models from June 2024. Available from Subaru dealers across the UK, the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are now available on the Motability Scheme with an advance payment of just £3,749. The new Subaru Crosstrek, which went on sale in early 2024 will also be joining the Scheme in due course with prices yet to be confirmed. Alex Sheward, National Sales Manager, Subaru (UK) Ltd said “We are delighted to be back on board and part of the Motability Scheme. Not only does this offer customers on the Scheme more vehicle choices, especially for those prioritising All-Wheel Drive, but this also provides our Subaru dealers with incremental sales and aftersales opportunities with this additional consumer channel.” James Douglas, Manufacturer and Network Partnership Director, Motability Operations said: “We know the Motability Scheme is life-changing for our 760,000 customers across the UK. That’s why we are so committed to delivering the best value and choice of vehicles for them.” He continued, “We are pleased to once again be working with Subaru (UK) Ltd, so we can increase the range of vehicles available on the Scheme and suit all our customers’ needs.” All Subaru Outback and Forester models benefit from industry-leading levels of safety equipment, driver support systems, and permanent All-Wheel-Drive, providing drivers with confidence and reassurance, no matter the conditions. These provide added protection for its occupants in the event of any impact and assist the driver when making manoeuvres in restricted areas.

HORSE commits to ‘2030 Sustainability Plan’

Industry News

HORSE unveils stringent ESG sustainability commitments as it works towards net zero by 2050 Commitment to Net Zero Standard already submitted and approved by SBTi Far-reaching action plan spans network, operations and product range Key pillar aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability throughout the supply chain HORSE, a global leader in innovative and low emissions powertrain systems, has launched its ambitious ‘2030 Sustainability Plan’, which commits the business to a wide range of stringent carbon-reduction and social-impact targets. The company has already begun pursuing its pledges in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan, with a commitment to Net Zero Standard already submitted to the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative). The ultimate target is to become a carbon net zero sustainable mobility company by 2050. By 2030, there are a number of key milestones that will already have been met by the company, covering operations, product range, as well as reducing emissions through the supply network. Low emissions powertrainsA cornerstone of HORSE’s commitment is ensuring that 60% of total global sales are low-carbon engines by the end of the decade; with hybrid and flex fuel powertrains being joined by next-generation hybrid, lightweight range extenders, and synthetic and hydrogen-fuelled power solutions. This commitment to sales of low carbon engines will result in a significant 29% decrease in emissions from sold product per kilometre (well to wheel), compared to 2023. To achieve this, HORSE will increase the number of hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains it builds, plus add to its flex-fuel units. This includes E85 and E100 ethanol engines, as well as those powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). Patrice Haettel, Chief Executive Officer at HORSE, said: “We have embedded sustainability into everything we do, it is what will defines us: we are a company with a clear and firm commitment to both people and the planet. Our technologies contribute to the reduction of mobility’s carbon footprint and the energy transition needed to drive decarbonisation. We believe that we must do more than simply create low-emission propulsion solutions. We have to act as a transformation agent within the automotive sector to provide sustainable, responsible, and inclusive mobility. “As we move towards our 2050 goal of becoming carbon net zero, we understand there will be many challenges to overcome. However, with our spirit of innovation and expertise, along with a highly trained workforce, we are perfectly placed to achieve our ambitious goals over the coming decades.” Positive production processes The plan goes much further than just HORSE’s end product, with it also targeting reductions in carbon emissions at plants and its downstream network. This will result in a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions between 2023 and 2030. By 2030, every HORSE facility around the world will use only renewable electricity to power operations. Currently, more than two-thirds of its factories already use renewable electricity. Further improvements will be made to increase sustainability in the production process, with as much as 73% of the aluminium content being sourced from recycled materials, up from today’s figure of 66%. In addition, all production facilities will put in place a biodiversity assessment and planning processes that ensure a positive impact for the local environment. People at its heart At the heart of HORSE’s sustainability goals is an engaged, safe workforce that is fully committed to this journey. Within this commitment, all sites around the world will be certified under the Great Place to Work scheme. HORSE has earmarked €3 million for social contribution projects in and around its production facilities. This funding will help empower employees and the local community to make positive impacts on their lives and nature. Ethics as the guiding principleHORSE will also ensure responsibility for sustainable production extends to its supply chain, with all partners being expected to meet its ESG requirements by 2030. These ethical and governance standards extend throughout its value chain and its commercial partnerships with third parties. HORSE: a leader in Innovative Power Solutions HORSE was created to provide highly efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions, and technologies to meet the varying power generation needs around the world. HORSE operates eight production plants across seven countries, three R&D centres and a head office based in Madrid, Spain – the company produces 3.2 million units per year for its customers around the world.

All-new Kodiaq iV PHEV with all-electric range of up to 75 miles available to order

Industry News

Second-generation plug-in hybrid system delivers significant electric range increase Up to 75 miles of all-electric driving range in E-mode Combined output of 204PS delivers agile performance Six-speed DSG gearbox as standard with three hybrid driving modes SE and SE L trim levels available from launch with the five seat plug-in hybrid Kodiaq Available to order now from £41,935 OTR Milton Keynes, 10 June 2024: Škoda is expanding its range of plug-in hybrid offerings with the introduction of a new Kodiaq iV model, which will start from £41,935 OTR. The technology, which has been part of the Škoda range since the introduction of the Octavia iV in 2021, is being offered on the Kodiaq for the first time and comes with a significant all-electric driving range boost along with even greater efficiency. Available to order now, the new Kodiaq iV features a drivetrain that was part of the SUV’s design process from the very start. This has allowed Škoda’s design and engineering team to perfectly place the components to deliver an optimum driving range without compromising the driving experience. New PHEV drivetrainŠkoda’s second-generation plug-in hybrid system is comprised of a four-cylinder turbocharged 1.5 TSI 150PS engine and a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that generates 116PS and 330Nm of torque. To ensure that the whole drivetrain assembly is as compact as possible, the motor is built directly into the DQ400e DSG gearbox, and is separated from the engine by a clutch. As with the first-generation PHEV drivetrain, the motor can move the car alone or in combination with the engine. The motor is also used to start the engine and replaces the traditional alternator. The second-generation PHEV system makes local emission-free travel possible in electric mode for up to 75 miles (five seat, SE model), but also gives drivers the option of using the petrol engine in hybrid mode working alongside the electric motor for longer distances. Key to the significant improvement in range (over the first-generation system) is a larger battery pack. The new Kodiaq iV is fitted with a 25.7kWh pack (19.7kWh usable) that is located under the rear seats. Equipped with integrated water cooling, the pack stores energy to drive the electric motor, accumulates energy gained from regenerative braking, and supplies energy for the heating and air conditioning compressor. ChargingAnother significant feature introduced on the second-generation PHEV drivetrain is faster charging. For the first time, a Škoda plug-in hybrid can accept a DC rapid charge. With a peak speed of up to 50kW, it means that the pack can be charged from 10-80% in around 26 minutes. What’s more the addition of a CCS socket means that the Kodiaq iV can be charged at any public rapid charging station. As with Škoda’s previous PHEV models, the Kodiaq iV can also be charged on an AC supply via an industry-standard Type 2 plug. The maximum charge rate on AC is 11kW, which delivers a charge time of around 2hrs 30 minutes. Driving modesThe new Kodiaq iV uses the 1.5 TSI petrol engine and electric motor in three different ways that suit the selected driving mode. Drivers can change this mode by selecting the ‘Hybrid’ icon in the infotainment menu. E-modeThis mode delivers electric-only drive. The car always starts in this mode if the battery is sufficiently charged and the outside temperature is higher than -10°C (the mode is not active below this temperature). Hybrid modeIn this mode, the vehicle’s control unit continuously assesses the driving situation and can use either the electric motor, engine, or both to minimise fuel consumption. The system will always find the most effective and efficient way of combining the outputs from the motor and the engine. Sport modeThis mode delivers a more dynamic driving experience that harnesses the maximum possible power of the petrol engine and electric motor. In addition, this mode is directly linked to the sport setting in the ‘Driving Mode Select’ menu. The system output will peak at 204PS and 350Nm of torque. Price and equipmentThe Kodiaq iV is offered with two trim level options, SE and and SE L. Both come with a five-seat configuration and feature generous specification levels. Kodiaq iV SE from £41,935 OTRThe new Kodiaq SE features 18-inch Mazeno alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, heated front seats and KESSY – keyless start/stop system. SE models come with Loft design selection as standard, along with a 13-inch satellite navigation touchscreen display, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and tri-zone climate control. The SE model also comes with a range of safety systems as standard, including Front Assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Blind Spot Detection with door exit warning and Front Cross Traffic Assist. Kodiaq iV SE L from £44,635 OTRSE L models add 19-inch Rapeto alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), and all-weather light with cornering function. SE L models also feature ecoSuite black design selection with perforated black artificial leather and real leather, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, electrically operated boot and keyless entry and start/stop system. The new Kodiaq iV is available to order now and is expected to have significant appeal with fleet drivers. Thanks to its impressive all-electric driving range figure, both models attract a Benefit in Kind rate of just 5%. Drivers who have access to home-charging facilities and access to low-rate overnight charging tariffs can make further savings, especially when driven in electric-only mode. More images, along with other media assets are available to download at www.skodamedia.com.

Ariel Motor Company announces all-new vehicle – the Ariel Dash e-bike

Industry News

Lightweight titanium and carbon fibre e-bike available as Urban or Adventure model Engineered ground up by Ariel to exacting automotive and aerospace standards Celebrates the world’s first series production vehicle, built in 1871 – the Ariel Ordinary Marks a return to bicycle manufacturing for Ariel after 92 years Only 10.9 kilogrammes overall weight Ultra clean design with in-frame battery and no visible hoses or cables Multi material frame made from 3D printed titanium, titanium tube, and carbon fibre Carbon fibre forks 250W 55Nm Mahle hub motor ‘My Smartbike’ app integrates Dash functions, navigation, and performance log Integrated battery with up to 50-mile range Battery range extender provides up to 95-mile range Hand assembled and signed-off by a single Ariel technician Priced from £8,320 + VAT Images: Download Ariel Dash images here The result of five years’ research & development, intensive design and automotive-level engineering, the Dash was developed by the same in-house Ariel team responsible for the iconic Atom and Nomad cars, the Ace motorcycle and the HIPERCAR EV. Drawing on 25 years of high-performance automotive expertise and utilising technologies that evolved from Ariel’s engineering innovation, the Dash is a completely new, ground up design. The bike showcases ultra-lightweight materials, state-of-the-art technology, and reflects Ariel’s obsessive attention to detail in every part of the design. With an ethos and history of delivering deeply involving driving experiences on four wheels and two, the Ariel Dash embodies Ariel’s core principles of functionality, performance, and hand-built quality to give the best and most enjoyable riding experience possible. As with all Ariels, the Dash reflects the company’s core values of SERIOUS FUN. Ariel Dash – SummaryThe Ariel Dash is designed, engineered and tested to automotive standards. Available in two distinct forms – the Dash Urban and the Dash Adventure – both feature titanium / carbon frames. Different frame geometry, drivetrain, and specifications are employed to suit the handling characteristics, riding positions and use scenarios of each model. The Dash Urban is a city-focused road bike that uses single speed, belt-drive technology to deliver a simple and easy riding experience with a power-assisted range of up to 45 miles, or 80 miles with the range extender. The Dash Adventure is a go-anywhere road / trail / gravel bike fitted with chain-drive and 12 gears to enable riders to tackle any terrain. The Adventure will deliver around 50 miles of power-assisted riding and 95 miles with the range extender. The frame weighs just 1.3 kilos and is made from a mix of titanium tube and carbon fibre with 3D-printed titanium nodes at every joint. Hand-welded and chemically-bonded, the frame exemplifies the unique Ariel mix of cutting-edge technology coupled with handmade skills and craftsmanship. Ariel’s ‘Less is More’ approach is underlined by there being no visible wiring, hydraulic hoses, or cables on the bike. All brake, gear and control systems are routed through the frame internally, as well as through the forks and handlebars, resulting in an ultra-clean and efficient design. The multi-material frame is coupled with carbon fibre forks and lightweight components throughout. The Dash Urban and Dash Adventure both use Mahle powertrains, of different specification, with 250W rear hub motors, internally mounted 36-volt battery packs and the option of additional range extender batteries. The Dash will be made to order for each individual customer. Built alongside the Atom and Nomad cars at the Ariel factory in Crewkerne, Somerset, each bike – as with the cars – will be made by a single technician, who will place their nameplate on the bike only when they are satisfied with the build. This tailored and hand-made approach enables Ariel to focus on skilled craftmanship and personalised service, staying true to the company’s reputation as the ‘Savile Row of the Automotive World’. At just 10.9 kilos and with an almost 100-mile range the Ariel Dash sets new standards in usability, comfort and performance for e-bikes. Ariel Bicycles – the world’s first production vehiclesThe Ariel Dash e-bike celebrates not only the first Ariel, but the very first series production vehicle in the world – the Ariel Ordinary – introduced more than 150 years ago in 1871. Known now as a Penny-Farthing or High Wheel, the Ordinary was designed by engineer and entrepreneur James Starley and had a 48-inch front wheel, revolutionary tensioned wire spoked wheels, a lightweight hollow steel tube frame, and was the first to use rubber tyres. At just 23 kilos the Ariel was both fast and light. Acknowledged as the father of the bicycle industry, Starley went on to develop and patent the tangentially spoked wheel still used today, the differential and rack and pinion steering, as well as developing and perfecting chain drive. The Ariel Ordinary was at the very beginning of a revolution in transport that quickly developed through bicycles, powered tricycles, quadricycles and into early cars. Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel: “The importance of the Ariel Ordinary cannot be underestimated. It is essentially the first mass production vehicle of any kind and marked the very beginning of the automotive industry. We’re lucky to have Ordinary number 47 in our collection, from the first year of production in 1871, and I think Starley would be impressed by the technology used in making the Dash, particularly printing titanium from a computer.” From the very first Ordinary, Ariel continued bicycle production for more than 60 years with gents, ladies and racing cycles, breaking many records along the way. In 1873, the first ever hour speed record, possibly the first speed record, was set by James Moore riding an Ariel Ordinary 14½ miles (23.33 kilometres) in an hour at the Molineux Grounds (now the Molineux Stadium) in Wolverhampton. By 1893 Ariel factory rider J W Stocks had become the first rider to exceed 25 miles in one hour on an Ariel, then increasing the world record to 32½ miles in an hour in 1897, as well as winning the Catford Gold Vase with a score of 296 miles 1,715 yards in 12 hours averaging nearly 25mph. The…

Elli enters the industrial energy storage business

Industry News

Stationary large-scale storage systems are an important component in tomorrow’s energy system. The demand for storage solutions will increase throughout Europe in the coming years, with experts expecting growth by a factor of 100 in Germany alone Elli will develop and operate energy storage projects on an industrial scale together with partners. The company is thus opening up a new business area and further expanding its range of energy services In the first step, individual projects with up to 350 MW of capacity and 700 MWh of storage capacity are planned. A first storage project could be launched in Germany as early as 2025 Wolfsburg, June 7, 2024 – The Volkswagen Group is entering a new business segment with the Elli charging and energy brand and will develop, build and operate large-scale stationary storage systems together with partners along the value chain. In the future, Elli’s industrial energy storage systems will be used to supply customers and for arbitrage transactions on the electricity market. In this way, Elli is driving the transformation into a smart energy company and making a significant contribution to stabilising and increasing the efficiency of the power grids. The first Elli battery storage projects could be set up as early as next year. The largest projects in the Elli project pipeline currently have a capacity of up to 350 MW and a storage capacity of 700 MWh. Such projects would almost double the total storage capacity installed in Germany, which currently amounts around one GWh. “Germany and Europe need sufficient storage solutions to meet the increasing demand and to compensate for the volatile feed-in of renewable energies. Our investment in stationary battery storage systems is therefore a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of the energy supply,” says Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall. The need for storage solutions is enormous: in 2023 alone, around 10,500 GWh were not generated from renewable electricity sources in Germany due to a lack of intermediate storage options.1 This amount of electricity would have been enough to power more than 3.2 million electric vehicles with electricity from renewable sources for a year. In order to compensate for the volatility of renewable energies, the Fraunhofer Institute estimates a demand for battery storage systems of over 100 GWh by 2030.2 By entering the business of industrial energy storage, Elli confirms its leading role in the mobility and energy transition. “We see high financial potential in this business area and the opportunity to develop Elli into a holistic energy provider in Europe,” explains Giovanni Palazzo, CEO Elli. You can find out more about charging and energy at www.volkswagen-group.com and www.elli.eco. 1) www.bundesnetzagentur.de, Quarterly report on grid congestion management | 06/20242) Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, ISE, www.ise.fraunhofer.de, 2.5.2022 Julia PirlichVolkswagen Group Charging GmbH (Elli) Head of Corporate Communications+49 (0) 175 3713564julia.pirlich@volkswagen.de | www.elli.eco | www.volkswagen-group.com Katerina VojtechovaVolkswagen Group Technology Spokesperson Charging and Energy+49 (0) 175 2202136katerina.vojtechova@volkswagen.de | www.volkswagen-group.com Kate ThompsonGroup Corporate Communications (UK)+44 (0) 7713 265562 / kate.thompson@vwg.co.uk | www.volkswagen-group.co.uk About the Volkswagen Group:The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability. In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion). About Elli:The Elli brand, with around 370 employees, takes care of customers’ needs at the interface between energy and mobility. Elli, as part of the Volkswagen Group, offers a broad range of energy and charging solutions in Europe and acts as a mobility service provider. The current product portfolio includes charging solutions for private customers and companies – from the company’s own home chargers and the flexible fast-charging stations (Flexpoles) to charging services and innovative smart green electricity tariffs. For charging in public spaces, Elli provides digital solutions and services for a seamless charging experience. Elli, which was founded in 2018, has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich.

Alpine takes on the legend of Le Mans, with ambassador Zinedine Zidane

Industry News

The FIA World Endurance Championship heads to Le Mans this week for the crown jewel of its calendar. The Scrutineering this Friday in the city centre is the first high point of the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Returning to the premier category, Alpine’s A424 Hypercars will debut at the Circuit de la Sarthe this Sunday’s Test Day. In the setting of this iconic race, Alpine will also reveal its A290 hot hatch to the world on 13 June at 12:30. Alpine will also be centre-stage with a demonstration run of its hydrogen-powered Alpenglow Hy4 and the much-anticipated participation of its ambassador Zinédine Zidane, who will give the start of the race. The revival of the brand founded by Jean Rédélé began in 2013, with the A450, A460, A460B, A470 and A480 competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. LMP2 successes in 2016, 2018 and 2019, together with a wealth of experience acquired, have been the hallmarks of this period leading up to Alpine’s return to the highest level of the discipline. Before taking on the crown jewel of the calendar at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Alpine Endurance Team took stock of its A424 Hypercar in its first three FIA World Endurance Championship races at Losail, Imola and Spa-Francorchamps. Since mid-May , the team has tested at Circuit Paul Ricard, where Ferdinand Habsburg was able to get back behind the wheel after his recovery. Les Bleus then undertook a complete service of their two Hypercars, and to prepare for any eventuality in a race presenting incomparable challenges for both drivers and machines, the team also conducted detailed preparation work on spare parts before a final shakedown last Friday. On Monday, Alpine Endurance Team settled into its quarters at the circuit. Before taking to the track, all competitors must attend the Scrutineering, the first administrative and technical checks to allow the FIA and ACO stewards to meticulously inspect the key elements of each car entered. This first high point occurs on Friday at 2:40 pm in the city centre for Alpine and its two crews, whose entire equipment will also be checked. After a procession on Saturday afternoon in the Le Mans city centre, the Alpine A424s will take to the Circuit de la Sarthe on Sunday for the first time in the two three-hour Test Day sessions. Although Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Paul-Loup Chatin are all well-versed in the circuit’s subtleties, these initial tests will be crucial in helping them find their bearings on this 13.626 km long track, famed for its Mulsanne Straight. The drivers will take turns fine-tuning their setups, perfecting their pit stops, and studying the behaviour of the different tyre compounds supplied by Michelin. The team will also have an imperative: allow Mick Schumacher to continue the process imposed on every Le Mans rookie thanks to the team’s expertise and that of his teammates, three of whom have already had category wins at Le Mans. The pace of preparations will then build up. After an initial day analysing the data collected, the work will continue on Tuesday with the traditional Pit-Walk for the public. The action will resume in the first free practice session on Wednesday before the one-hour qualifying session, followed by two more free practice sessions on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon before the Hyperpole, where the top eight in each category will compete in a high-speed battle to determine the top-eight grid positions in each category. After a final night practice session and the famous driver parade in the city centre on Friday, Alpine Endurance Team will return to the track on Saturday morning for a 15-minute warm-up. A few hours later, the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be given by Alpine equal opportunities programmes ambassadeur Zinédine Zidane with an impressive field of 62 cars, including 23 competing in the Hypercar category. For Alpine, the target will be simple: keep on learning in the longest, most challenging and undoubtedly most spectacular race of the year, where the first challenge will be to finish. As a common thread throughout the event, Alpine will reveal the A290, the 100% electric hot hatch from its Dream Garage. A few hours before the start, the A-arrow brand will also participate in a hydrogen demonstration with Alpenglow Hy4, in which Zinédine Zidane will be a passenger. The two models embody the future of the brand’s design, as well as being a rolling laboratory and an avenue of exploration for sustainable technologies at the forefront of sporting innovation. There will also be other surprises in store, so stay tuned! Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team“Here we are! Although preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans have been underway for several months, we arrive at Le Mans with a true sense of excitement, even more so than in previous years. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I have been impressed by every team member’s incredible work capacity and unwavering commitment before we take to the Le Mans track for the first time. In the context of our first participation with a new car, we have a good amount of knowledge to gauge the potential of our package so far. We’ve also done several simulations, but there’s nothing like real laps on track to validate or assess the extent of the work still to be done before next week. There won’t be much running time this Sunday, so we’ll focus on two key areas: aerodynamic balance on this very atypical track and tyre endurance over several long stints. Although we know that conditions will change very quickly as the track is ‘green’ before the rubber is laid down, this will allow us to build up the drivers’ confidence so that they can give us valuable feedback. Reliability will be just as important for us to get off to a good start in what promises to be a very…