Renault offers three years’ free servicing on electrified family SUVs during its September Event

September Event offers up to three years’ free servicing on Renault Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid, Austral E-Tech full hybrid and Scenic E-Tech 100% electric* Applies to orders placed from September 13th to 23rd using Mobilize Financial Services’ PCP and HP finance packages Competitive finance offers include two-year 0% APR PCP on all models, four-year 4.9% APR representative on Austral E-Tech full hybrid and Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, and four-year 6.9% APR representative on Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid Renault is offering customers three years’ free servicing on selected models from its award-winning range of electrified family-friendly SUVs as part of its September Event. Retail customers placing an order for a new Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid, Austral E-Tech full hybrid or Scenic E-Tech 100% electric between September 13th and 23rd via a four-year or two-year Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or four-year Hire Purchase (HP) deal will automatically receive a free service plan that covers the cost of all routine servicing for the first three years. The free service plan, worth up to £396, represents a saving of up to £600 when compared to the cost of booking each service annually, and offers customers inflation-proof peace of mind and predictable running costs. Combined with Renault’s competitive finance offers – which include a two-year 0% APR1 PCP on all models in the range, 4.9% APR representative2 on Austral E-Tech full hybrid and Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, and 6.9% APR representative3 on Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid – there’s never been a better time for customers to get behind the wheel of a new 74-plate Renault, while enjoying even lower cost of ownership. The Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid embodies the best of Renault’s latest C-segment vehicles in terms of modular design, connectivity and efficiency. It has all the qualities necessary to appeal to families looking for a level of electrification, while keeping a firm hold on running costs. Weighing in at less than 1,500 kg and equipped with an innovative full hybrid powertrain, Symbioz has emissions from only 105 g/km of CO2 and delivers up to 60.1 mpg. A highly connected and innovative SUV for the modern, electrified world, the Austral E-Tech full hybrid marries its bold, sporty SUV design and efficient drivetrain with an innovative, contoured cockpit and a range of advanced technologies. Powered by a 200hp petrol hybrid powertrain with a 400V 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, it offers an electric-only mode for quiet and zero emissions driving, while the battery recharges when decelerating and braking to deliver a truly electric experience with no need to plug in. Designed to combine all that a family needs to travel freely and safely with a focus on sustainability, the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric features a compact motor (with 170hp or 220hp) and a choice of 60kWh or 87kWh battery packs for an all-electric range of up to 379 miles. The long wheelbase ensures an exceptionally spacious cabin yet is lighter and more compact than the average C-segment vehicle. Its pioneering Solarbay opacifying glass roof and ingenious rear armrest – including storage for devices, screen stands and cup holders – create an inviting, comfortable and practical space for families. The September Event runs from Friday 13th to Monday 23rd at Renault retailers.

Innovative, holistic, future-forward: BMW Group Design team implements new organisational structure

Adrian van Hooydonk reorganises BMW Group Design, brings in Maximilian Missoni Two BMW Design studios going forward Digital experience and Colour and Material Design enhanced Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market. Munich. The BMW Group is completely reorganising its Design division under the leadership of Adrian van Hooydonk. Like the NEUE KLASSE, which represents the redefinition of the BMW brand with its “electric, digital, circular” philosophy, a new cross-brand design team will be launched on 1 October 2024 to meet changing demands for future-oriented vehicle design. The new organisation, focused on the transformation of the company, will remain the industry benchmark. For example, Colour and Material Design will be consolidated across all brands, while the BMW brand team will be divided into two studios and the future topic of “Advanced Design” strengthened. “Technology and customer preferences are currently changing faster than ever,” says van Hooydonk. “Automotive design has become more diverse. Designing digital experiences and sound also plays an increasingly important role, along with sustainable and recycled materials. The design showcases all the innovative potential of our products and brands,” van Hooydonk continues. “That’s why, more than ever, every single detail matters, as well as the holistic and harmonious integration of the various elements.” Van Hooydonk is bringing Maximilian Missoni into the BMW Group Design team to oversee the design of upper mid-size and luxury class BMW models, as well as BMW Alpina. After holding various managerial positions at Volkswagen and Volvo Cars, Missoni was most recently Head of Design at Polestar. Oliver Heilmer, previously Head of MINI Design, will be responsible for the design of all compact and mid-size BMW models going forward, as well as BMW M. Claudia Braun will head the newly created cross-brand department for Colour and Material Design for BMW, MINI and Royce Motor Cars. She has already been managing colour and materials for the BMW brand since April 2024, bringing experience from Porsche AG, Daimler AG and Volvo Cars. Domagoj Dukec, formerly Head of the BMW Design Studio, will now assume responsibility for Rolls-Royce Design, including Bespoke and Coachbuild. Anders Warming, previously Head of Design Rolls-Royce, will oversee all Advanced Design topics, as well as the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary. Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will now be in charge of design for the MINI brand. Christian Bauer will continue to lead the digital customer experience into a new era across all brands. Adrian van Hooydonk: “I am delighted to continue driving the design and further development of our vehicles and brands forward, together with a first-class team of highly qualified design professionals.” If you have any questions, please contact:BMW Group Corporate CommunicationsLaura KanamüllerPress spokesperson, BMW DesignTelephone: +49-151-601-51110E-Mail: Laura.Kanamueller@bmw.com Almut StollbergHead of Communications Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital CarTelephone: +49-151-601-96543Email: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.com Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.comEmail: presse@bmw.de The BMW GroupWith its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. www.bmwgroup.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroupX: http://twitter.com/BMWGroupYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupViewInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to reveal the new Transporter generation on Sunday, 15th September at 18:00 BST

Milton Keynes, UK (13 September, 2024) – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to reveal the new Transporter generation at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, on Sunday 15th September at 18:00 BST. The world premiere will be livestreamed on Volkswagen’s YouTube channel and is available for all to join at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oD44kchLng For over 70 years, the Transporter has been an icon of efficiency and reliability. Carrying the unmistakable style of its six predecessors, with a clear and striking exterior design, the seventh-generation Transporter brings improvements in every area, offering more space, an increased payload and towing capacity and a professional cockpit landscape. For the first time, the range includes three turbocharged diesel engines (TDI), a plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) and three electric drives (e-Transporter and e-Caravelle), providing the right choice of van for everyone. (ends) About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:Over 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 sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, through the Multivan passenger carrier, and Caddy California, new California and Grand California campervans, to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models, and the Amarok. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always been, but the range is now wider, and more connected, modern and safer than ever. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to working in partnership with individuals and businesses, providing them with the best products and aftersales support, whether they’re buying one or a thousand vans. For more information visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk Press contactVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press TeamLaura 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

Hyundai and GM sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on vehicles, supply chain and clean-energy technologies

Hyundai Motor and GM to investigate joint product development, manufacturing and future clean energy technologies Both companies to target improved efficiencies and increased competitiveness through collaboration NEW YORK, September 12, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) have signed an agreement to explore future collaboration across key strategic areas. GM and Hyundai will look for ways to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster. Potential collaboration projects center on co-development and production of passenger and commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines and clean-energy, electric and hydrogen technologies. The two leading global OEMs also will review opportunities for combined sourcing in areas such as battery raw materials, steel and other areas. The framework agreement was signed by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. Barra said a partnership between the two companies has the potential to make vehicle development more efficient by driving greater scale and supporting disciplined capital allocation. “GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams. Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently,” said Barra. Hyundai and GM’s flexibility and agility will allow both companies to explore the development of their shared capabilities. “This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies,” said Chung. Following the signing of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, assessment of opportunities and progression towards binding agreements will begin immediately.

Lando Norris takes on Silverstone Circuit in a life-size LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™

The LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive have embarked on the ultimate challenge; creating a life-size, driveable LEGO® Technic™ version of the iconic McLaren P1™ supercar McLaren Formula 1 Team driver Lando Norris puts the one-of-a-kind car to the ultimate test, completing a lap around the iconic Silverstone Circuit, a track holding many memories of historic moments for McLaren The life-size car features an incredible 342,817 LEGO Technic elements and an electric motor; it is the first big build the LEGO Group has ever made, that’s capable of steering and driving an entire lap of a racetrack The 1:8 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1™ set is now available at www.LEGO.com/McLaren The LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive have embarked on the toughest LEGO Technic challenge to date, recreating a one-of-a-kind, fully drivable McLaren P1™ made from LEGO Technic elements. And if that wasn’t enough, McLaren F1™ driver, Lando Norris has been enlisted for the ultimate challenge, to complete a lap of the iconic British racetrack, Silverstone, in the 1:1 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1. This life-size replica of the McLaren P1™ is made from 342,817 LEGO Technic elements, weighing approximately 1220kg, with some truly remarkable displays of engineering. The car has fully functional steering, making it the first LEGO big build ever capable of steering and taking on tricky racetrack corners. The build features an electric motor consisting of LEGO Technic Function batteries and an electric car battery, allowing it to travel further than any other LEGO model before it. The big build process came to life with 23 specialists from design, engineering and building from the LEGO group and McLaren Automotive, with 8,344 hours of development and construction and requiring 393 different types of LEGO Technic elements. With the car assembled, all that was left to do was to embark on the ultimate challenge, and with it being a McLaren supercar replica, who better to get behind the wheel than McLaren F1™ Driver, Lando Norris. The British driver was more than up to the task, taking on the twist and turns of the 5.891km (3.66 miles) track and completing the lap around the Silverstone Circuit. With the enormity of this challenge, Silverstone was the perfect setting given McLaren’s rich history with the home of British racing. Fans can see the full video of Lando Norris completing the Ultimate Challenge in the life-size LEGO Technic McLaren P1™ by visiting lego.com/en-gb/themes/technic/mclaren-p1. “Having worked on the original P1 programme for McLaren, it’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1™ brought to life so realistically by the LEGO Technic team for the full-scale model. The car was an icon of its time. I hope that through this collaboration with the LEGO Group, we are able to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.”Ben Gulliver, Test & Development Director, McLaren Automotive. “This project marks the latest in a long list of collaborations between the LEGO Group and McLaren, bringing together McLaren engineers and the LEGO Model Production team from conception all the way to the final build. “McLaren’s automotive and engineering expertise has been invaluable in helping us produce a model as authentic to the original McLaren P1™ as possible, allowing us to turn a dream into a reality.”Lukáš Horák, Senior Project Manager of Installations, LEGO Group. The LEGO Technic McLaren P1™ 1:8 set is available at www.LEGO.com/McLaren and LEGO Stores priced at £389.99 / €449.99 / $449.99.

Models of the Marque: the 1940s the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

The latest in the ‘Models of the Marque’ series showcases the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. Launched in 1949, it marked a profound change for Rolls-Royce, reflecting the realities of the post-war market. A brief history of the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, launched in 1949 The first complete motor cars ever produced by Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn models’ design, construction and engineering still influences marque today Fifth in a series celebrating landmark models from the marque’s history Year-long retrospective marks the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904 “For the first 40 years of its existence, Rolls-Royce built only rolling chassis, onto which independent coachbuilders installed bodywork specified by the client. It wasn’t until the late 1940s that the marque produced its first complete motor car – the Silver Dawn. Launched in 1949, it marked a profound change for Rolls-Royce, reflecting the realities of the post-war market while giving the marque more control than it had ever enjoyed over the exterior design of its products. It was also the second model to be built on a single, variable underlying structure, foreshadowing the Architecture of Luxury upon which all Rolls-Royce motor cars of the modern era are built.”Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Although Rolls-Royce suspended motor car production between 1939 and 1945 to focus on building aero engines, design work on a new model continued in the background. During the 1930s, Rolls-Royce offered three models, each of which included numerous parts that were unique to it and could not be shared between them. This significantly increased the manufacturing costs per car, which quickly became unsustainable during the austerity of the post-war years. Rolls-Royce therefore faced the problem of reducing production costs without compromising quality or performance. The solution was new models that could share common parts, a new engine that could be offered in straight-four, six or eight-cylinder variants, and a single chassis that could be configured in variable dimensions. The latter can be seen as a precursor of the proprietary aluminium spaceframe, known as the Architecture of Luxury, that underpins every motor car built at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood today. These ideas came together in a development programme for what would be known as the ‘Rationalised Range’. In 1946, Rolls-Royce launched the first such model: the Silver Wraith. This was a direct replacement for Phantom III, introduced in 1936. Like its predecessor, and indeed all the pre-war models, Silver Wraith was a rolling chassis designed to be fitted with third-party, coach-built bodywork. Rolls-Royce knew that to be commercially successful in these more challenging times, it needed a model that was less expensive and could be produced in greater numbers than was possible with traditional coachbuilding. So, for the first time in its history, Rolls-Royce decided to produce a complete motor car, with coachwork assembled in-house. In the same way that Silver Wraith replaced Phantom III, this new model would assume the mantle of the small-horsepower cars the marque had built in previous decades. The second model in the ‘Rationalised Range’, the Silver Dawn, was launched in 1949, initially only as an export car mainly for the North American and Australian markets; it became available to UK clients in 1952. Of the 761 Silver Dawns produced, most were supplied with the ‘Standard Steel’ four-door saloon bodies produced in-house. But in deference to clients’ requirements, Rolls-Royce also offered the Silver Dawn as a rolling chassis, with some 64 coach-built examples completed in a production run that lasted until 1955. As further proof of the Rationalised Range approach, by 1952, clients could specify both the smaller, complete Silver Dawn and larger Silver Wraith rolling chassis with automatic gear selection. Indeed, Silver Dawn would be among the very last Rolls-Royce models to be offered with a manual transmission. It would be more than half a century before the advent of the satellite-aided, eight-speed ZF automatic transmission fitted to all of today’s V12 Rolls-Royce motor cars – but the die had been cast. Towards the end of its lifespan, Silver Dawn’s rear section was reworked by the then newly hired John Blatchley, who had learned his craft with renowned London coachbuilder Gurney Nutting before joining Rolls-Royce. His deft eye for detail not only allowed for greater luggage capacity, but also enhanced the motor car’s looks considerably; perhaps not surprisingly, he would go on to become the marque’s Chief Styling Engineer. In 2015, the nameplate was revived with Dawn, which was the best-selling drophead in Rolls-Royce’s history by the time production ended in 2023. The ‘youngest’ Silver Dawn is now almost 70 years old. Yet even now, it offers an exhilarating experience for the driver and a restful ride for passengers over long distances in modern traffic conditions. It was and is, in every sense, entirely a Rolls-Royce.

Top industry leaders register for London EV Show 2024: claim your spot today

London, September 12: The fourth edition of the London EV Show is generating an overwhelming response from global leaders in electric mobility, with top-tier companies lining up to exhibit their latest technology, groundbreaking innovations, and new models at Excel London from November 26-28. So far, the current edition has secured registration of more than 100 exhibitors. Some of the industry titans who have registered as Platinum Sponsors for the show include Autel Europe UK Limited, known for their automotive intelligent diagnostic, inspection, and analysis products; Ekoenergetyka, an innovative leader in high-power charging infrastructure; Lotus Flash Charge, a key player in luxury EV charging and hyper charging networks; and Power Electronics, the world’s leading manufacturer of solar inverters and a major player in DC charging solutions. Gold Sponsors for #LEVS24 include names like XPEL, a provider of protective films and coatings; Alpitronic, specializing in power electronics devices and testing solutions for e-mobility; Star Charge, offering smart energy turnkey solutions; Lucy, representing companies within the Lucy Group including Lucy Electric and Lucy Zodion; and Vestel, contributing to the future of transportation with automotive electronics and EV chargers. Among the Silver Sponsors for the show are names like INFYPOWER, a high-tech renewable energy company focused on power electronics; Sichuan Injet New Energy Co., Ltd., a professional industrial power supply manufacturer; Metergram, experts in digital infrastructure for EV charging; NAL, a supplier of innovative infrastructure products; Tofco, with extensive experience in the highways industry; LCTC, a leading EV charger manufacturer; SUYIN, offering advanced connector solutions for EV charging systems; TOPBAND, specializing in intelligent control system solutions; Elywhere, providing sustainable energy solutions from Norway; and Ev-Pay, delivering innovative payment solutions for EV charging. #LEVS24 Bronze Sponsors include names like Bender, a provider of smart and safe electrical solutions for eMobility; EN Plus EV Charging, a leading Chinese EV charge point export manufacturer; Proteus Switchgear, a UK manufacturer of low voltage distribution units for EV charging; Payter, a fintech offering ad-hoc payment solutions for the EV charging market; SMK Electronics (Europe) Ltd, specializing in smart mobility components; Elbagate, Europe’s largest busbar manufacturer; Verve Connect, offering synchronized management of EV charging solutions across regions; Suntree, a high-tech enterprise integrating research, production, and service in EV infrastructure; BSI; ICEE, specializing in EV infrastructure enclosures; HELLONEXT, a leader in sustainable energy solutions including EV charging and hydrogen; TVR Instruments Ltd, providing earth leakage relays for EV charging stations; Solutions30, offering EVC infrastructure solutions across Europe; Pelican Engineering, a leading supplier of EV chargers and energy storage systems; ATEQ, a manufacturer of pressure decay and flow test instruments; Lewden, recognized for smart electrical power distribution solutions; TSG UK Solutions, providing turnkey solutions for the EV charging market; Dold Industries, offering network monitoring solutions; Solidstudio, experts in digital solutions for EV charging; PLP, creators of precision-engineered solutions for energy and communications; Energy Networks Association, representing major electricity network operators in the UK and Ireland; Leap24, focusing on fast-charging solutions for electric commercial vehicles; and Borough Smart. Check the link for the entire list of exhibitors. Interested in exclusive 1-2-1 meetings with C-level executives from our top sponsors and exhibitors? Join our Mobility Business Connect program. Contact us at press@valiantandcompany.com to secure your spot. Keen to showcase your unique ev-products to a global audience, Book Your Stand.

Royal Automobile Club announces finalists of Motoring Book of The Year

The judging panel of the world’s most important motoring and motor racing book awards have chosen this year’s finalists, and they cover everything from Formula 1 mavericks to single-seaters that rely on nothing but pedal power. The Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Book of The Year Awards is taking place for the eleventh year in a row. The world’s leading motoring writers and publishers will gather at a special event in London’s Pall Mall on Wednesday 30 October, where the winners – including the overall Book of The Year winner – will be revealed. We founded these Awards in 2013 to recognise excellence and celebrate success in the motoring literary world,” said Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club. “We are proud to lend our considerable support to the industry so that motoring book ideas and publications continue to thrive and be credited. The Club is thrilled at the interest the Awards generate, and also with the high quality of entries we receive each year. We would like to extend an enormous thank you to the judges, who this year had an especially tough time sifting the entries down to the final shortlist” Titles under consideration were published between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. There are four categories: one each for motoring- and motor racing-related subjects at affordable prices, and the same for more expensive titles that can include limited and bespoke editions – covering the entire spectrum of book publishing. The overall trophy is awarded to the title (in any category) the judges consider stands above every other. In addition, the Club will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution to the UK’s motoring book industry, as well as the Graham Robson Trophy for Best Debut Author. Chairman of the judging panel Simon Taylor said: “Our judges had dozens and dozens of books to assess. Almost everything has merit, and we applaud anyone who has the inspiration and tenacity to have a car book published. It’s been a delight to see such impressive and diverse titles across all categories, as well as so many debut authors. In our finalists, though, the calibre of research and authorship is exceptionally high.” In strictly alphabetical order, here is the shortlist in each category – with one of them certain to scoop the coveted overall Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of The Year Award. Books About Motor Cars & Motoring Costing No More Than £50 MG Century: 100 Years―Safety Fast! by David Knowles, published by Motorbooks at £45. Morgan: An English Enigma: The Vintage and Classic Years by Martyn Webb, published by The Crowood Press at £45. Three Men in a Land Rover: 40,000 miles, 40 countries, one unique adventure by ‘Waxy’ Wainwright, Mike Palmer and Chris Wall, published by Porter Press International at £35 * * * Books About Motor Cars and Motoring With No Price Limit BMW Behind the Scenes by Steve Saxty, published by Seven Spoke Publishing at £239.95. Nash-Healey: A Grand Alliance by John Nikas with Hervé Chevalier, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books at £195. The Austin Pedal Car Story: The fascinating history of Austin’s J40 and Pathfinder from 1946 to present day by David Whyley, published by Porter Press International at £85. * * * Books On A Motor Sporting Subject Costing No More Than £50 Emeryson: The Life of Paul Emery. His Cars, Engines And Racing by Graham Rabagliati, published by Enigma Publishing at £50. Goldie: The Amazing Story of Alfred Goldie Gardner, the World’s Most Successful Speed-Record Driver by John Mayhead, published by National Motor Museum Publishing at £20. McLaren Formula 1 Car by Car: Every Race Car Since 1966 by Stuart Codling, published by Motorbooks at £45. * * * Books On A Motor Sporting Subject With No Price Limit Benetton: Rebels of Formula 1 by Damien Smith, published by Evro Publishing at £60. Derek Warwick: Never Look Back by Derek Warwick with David Tremayne, published by Evro Publishing at £60. The Last Eyewitness: The pioneering motor racing photography of Maurice Louis Branger 1902-1914 by Doug Nye, published by Porter Press International at £195. Best Debut Author Happy Lucky Days: My Life in Racing by Bob Evans, published by BHP Publishing at £32 JaguarSport XJR-15 A personal history of the design and development of the legendary supercar by Peter Stevens, published by Porter Press International at £149 Three Men in a Land Rover: 40,000 miles, 40 countries, one unique adventure by ‘Waxy’ Wainwright, Mike Palmer and Chris Wall, published by Porter Press International at £35 The award committee consists of six expert judges who are independent of the Royal Automobile Club, and represent the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics, including Mick Walsh of Classic & Sports Car, Gordon Cruickshank of Motor Sport and Mark Dixon of Octane – plus Ian Titchmarsh from the British Racing Drivers’ Club and, representing the retail sector, Ben Horton, of specialist bookseller Horton’s Books, and Christian Whitehead, of famous Oxford bookstore Blackwell’s. The judging panel is chaired by respected motorsport writer, commentator and historian Simon Taylor. The Motoring Book of the Year Awards form just one part of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week from 28 October to 2 November 2024. It is centered around the historic clubhouse on London’s Pall Mall, and culminates on Saturday 2 November with the St James’s Motoring Spectacle – a festival of cars past, present and future, for which Pall Mall is closed to through-traffic all day, and which is absolutely free-to-enter for members of the public and their families. A few hours afterwards, at dawn on Sunday 3 November, the annual RM Sotheby’s London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run – also organised by the Royal Automobile Club – begins in nearby Hyde Park. The Run remains the world’s longest-running motoring event, and this year celebrates its 128th year.. The Royal Automobile Club The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself.…

Driver aged 102 to star in forthcoming GEM Safer Driving Update webinar

102-year-old John Gill first drove a car in 1936 He was never required to display L-plates or take a driving test Safer Driving Update to be presented by Valerie Singleton OBE Date is Tuesday 24 September 2024 at 2pm It’s free to attend. Places can be booked HERE. A forthcoming webinar from GEM Motoring Assist will include a road trip with a 102-year-old driver at the wheel. John Gill, from Ponteland in Northumberland, agreed to be filmed at the wheel of his Vauxhall Meriva for a journey along part of Hadrian’s Wall. As part of the pre-recorded road trip, he was also interviewed about the secrets of his unblemished and incident-free driving career spanning almost nine decades. “I’m a teetotaller to start with,” he told GEM in a recent interview. “I’ve always been a bit young for my age, even at school, and I seem to have the body of an 80-year-old, so I’m hoping that I can renew my licence at 103. “A safe journey comes from concentration, obviously. Mainly the question of observing traffic, not just the car in front, but several cars ahead. I have noticed that even my own children don’t always do what I would do. I think I’m a more cautious driver than they are. I leave plenty of space between myself and the vehicle ahead.” GEM’s Safer Driving Update webinar, presented in partnership with the Older Drivers Forum and hosted by Valerie Singleton OBE, will include useful information on eyesight issues, a brand new ‘black box’ pay-per-mile insurance opportunity for older drivers, developments in older driver assessments and advice on how to broach the topic of safety with an older driver who be at risk without knowing it. A special section of the webinar will be devoted to the road safety benefits of installing a dashcam, as well as an explanation of how to share video evidence with the police. The event takes place on Tuesday 24 September at 2pm, and is designed to provide a wealth of useful information for Webinar presenter Valerie Singleton OBE wasn’t even born when John Gill first drove a car. She is pleased to continue her long and successful relationship with GEM, and remains a regular contributor to GEM’s quarterly membership magazine, Good Motoring. This will be the third of four webinars to be offered in partnership with the Older Driver Forum in 2024. Other contributors are: Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum Bryn Brooker from Nextbase Dashcams Richard King from Ticker Insurance Nigel Lloyd Jones from the Gloucestershire Older Driver Forum On the webinar agenda will be: Driver eyesight – stay safe and legal How a dashcam can improve safety and save lives Check your car before winter Worried about someone’s driving? Car insurance – how a ‘black box’ could save you money GEM welcomes any senior drivers, their relatives and others with an interest in the subject to join the webinar, which is free to attend. Register HERE for the webinar:

New Fabia, Scala and Kamiq Edition models ramp up value for money

Fabia, Scala and Kamiq ranges benefit from significant specification boost Added customer value of up to £1,900 as Škoda upgrades equipment levels New Fabia range features four trim grades: SE Edition, Design Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition New Scala and Kamiq range feature three trim grades: SE Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition Scala and Kamiq models now come with 9.2-inch Navigation display and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard All new Edition models open for order on 19 September Milton Keynes, 12 September 2024. Škoda is ramping up the value on its award-winning Fabia, Scala and Kamiq models with all versions set to receive a significant boost in standard equipment. To celebrate the ongoing success of the brand’s most compact models, Škoda is rewarding buyers with the introduction of new Edition models, which deliver even greater value for money. Fabia Edition modelsThe updated Fabia range will consist of four trim grades: SE Edition, Design Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition. All four feature enhanced specification that add significantly higher levels of standard equipment. For example, the new SE Edition comes with Keyless start/stop, Cruise control, dual-zone climate control and electric rear windows as standard. The new Design Edition comes with metallic paint, corner front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, rain assist and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. This is in addition to the specification of the Fabia Colour Edition, which it replaces. Fabia SE L Edition models replace the previous SE L model and adds a rear-view camera, corner fog lights, rain assist and electric folding door mirrors to the standard specification. The range-topping Monte Carlo Edition models get the biggest boost in specification, gaining a 9.2-inch navigation display with three-year care connect and infotainment online subscription, Voice control, full LED headlights and front parking sensors along with a rear view camera. Drive mode select and Keyless entry are also now part of the standard specification. This is in addition to the extra equipment already added to the Fabia SE Edition model. Starting OTR prices for the new Fabia range (+£150 RRP over current trim offering) Fabia SE Edition £19,880 Fabia Design Edition £20,680 Fabia SE L Edition £22,615 Fabia Monte Carlo Edition £23,115 Scala and Kamiq Edition modelsŠkoda’s popular Scala and Kamiq ranges will benefit from a similar specification boost and will also see new Edition models replace existing trim grades. As part of the range update, both Scala and Kamiq line-ups will feature three trim levels: SE Edition, SE L Edition and Monte Carlo Edition, all of which will come with a significant increase in standard equipment. The entry level SE Edition now includes metallic paint, rear-view camera, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 9.2-inch navigation display with three-year care connect and infotainment online subscription and Voice control. New SE L Edition models build on the generous specification of the previous SE L model, adding metallic paint, heated front seats, rear view camera, front parking sensors, keyless entry and Drive mode select. The new sporting flagship Monte Carlo Edition includes metallic paint, heated three-spoke sports steering wheel, heated front sports seats, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging and front parking sensors – all of which were optional on the previous trim grade. Starting OTR prices for the new Scala range (+£150 RRP over current trim offering) Scala SE Edition £22,255 Scala SE L Edition £24,055 Scala Monte Carlo Edition £27,955 Starting OTR prices for the new Kamiq range (+£150 RRP over current trim offering) Kamiq SE Edition £24,190 Kamiq SE L Edition £27,335 Kamiq Monte Carlo Edition £29,435 All new Edition models will be available to order from 19 September, 2024, with first deliveries expected by the end of the year. For more images, videos and other media assets, please visit www.skodamedia.com.