Driving instructor waiting lists leave learners in the lurch

Two thirds of instructors have a wait list, some over six months 70% of instructors say driving test delays are behind the backlog Pre-17 driving lesson bookings surge as learners look at ways to get ahead With recent figures showing there are still long waits for driving tests, new research has revealed that even finding a driving instructor might prove difficult for many learners. The UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, questioned 150 driving instructors, and found that two thirds (67%) currently have a waiting list for on-the-road lessons. Although the average wait time is two months, 7% said learners would be waiting over six months to get a lesson with them, and 15% said they had waiting lists of over four months. When asked about the main reasons for wait times, 70% of instructors said the lack of driving test availability was leaving learners in limbo for longer, meaning others were unable to start their learning-to-drive journey. Over half (56%) said things had never returned to normal post-Covid. One in four (27%) said there was a lack of driving instructors, and one in five (20%) felt the issue lay with youngsters needing more lessons to be able to pass their test. Young Driver has experienced a surge in bookings this year, as parents look to get youngsters learning to drive before they reach their 17th birthday, with over 50,000 lessons being delivered in the first seven months of 2024 – a 16% increase on 2023. Children as young as 10 can learn in dual control cars, with government approved instructors. They learn the basics of changing gear, steering and controlling the vehicle on private properties at venues across the country. Over 1.4 million lessons have been given since the scheme launched in 2009, and research shows early driver tuition can also dramatically reduce the accident rate for newly qualified drivers. Sue Waterfield at Young Driver said: “Driving is a key life skill. When we recently questioned 1,000 members of the public, 36% of people agreed it was vital, putting it in the top three life skills we should all have. So, it’s a real problem if our young people are finding there are barriers to getting behind the wheel – whether that be financial or practical, including lack of availability of lessons and tests. That’s why people are seeking our pre-17 lessons to start building those key skills ahead of time. “It makes sense to learn over a longer period, without the pressures of the real road. That way, when they get to 17, youngsters already know all the ‘below the dashboard skills’ so they have an advantage. That means they’re likely to need fewer on-the-road lessons and can start getting behind the wheel with mum or dad and building up their experience levels more quickly. We’ve had pupils who only needed 10 lessons when they reached 17, because they’d had lessons with us beforehand, and they were able to pass their test just weeks after their birthday.” The Young Driver survey also revealed that people felt driving opens up doors in terms of employment, education and socially. A third (34%) of non-drivers felt they’d missed out on opportunities because of their inability to drive. For more information about Young Driver, which operates at 70 venues across the country, go to www.youngdriver.com

Iconic electrified DeLorean DMC-12 to star at Salon Privé 2024

Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 will electrify Salon Privé 2024 ‘Plug and play’ kit finally gives a drivetrain to match Back to the Future star car’s sci-fi looks. Electric conversion halves the DeLorean’s 0-60mph time Guests will have a rare opportunity to inspect the electrified automotive icon up close Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace to be held on 28-31 August 19th year of Salon Privé in 2024: ‘The UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party’ Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva runs on 28-31 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ An electrified DeLorean DMC-12 is to be one of the star cars at Salon Privé 2024 after internationally renowned EV technology company Electrogenic confirmed its attendance at the world-famous Blenheim Palace summer season spectacular. The iconic hero car of the Back to the Future films “now finally has the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved,” with Electrogenic’s custom ‘plug and play’ EV conversion kit transforming the 1980s supercar. It offers more than 150 miles of real-world electric motoring and can use the latest CCS rapid chargers for speedy top-ups. The DeLorean DMC-12, the vision of former GM executive John DeLorean, was designed in partnership with Lotus, built in Belfast, and launched in mid-1981. Boasting dramatic wedge styling and crowd-pulling gullwing doors, the composite-construction car’s headline feature was its stainless-steel bodywork, guaranteed not to rot. The tech has stood the test of time; remarkably, three-quarters of the 9,000-plus DeLoreans built are still on the road. The low-tech Renault V6 engine was always the weakest link of the DeLorean DMC-12. Strangled by catalysts to meet strict US emissions regulations, it produced just 130hp, meaning performance was infamously tepid. Electrogenic’s drop-in conversion, which is fully reversible, replaces the lukewarm V6 engine with an electric motor producing nearly 220hp. This motor drives a fixed-ratio gearbox that drives the rear wheels. It has a 43kW battery pack, which is fitted in place of the fuel tank under the front luggage compartment and above the electric motor in the rear. Performance is transformed. The petrol-powered DeLorean huffed and puffed to 60mph from rest in just over 10 seconds; the Electrogenic DMC-12 takes under 5 seconds. It is the first Electrogenic car to have launch control, too. There is instant torque and ample power reserves at any speed on the move. It also has adjustable regenerative braking and selectable drive profiles, from range-enhancing ‘Eco’ to ultra-sharp ‘Sport’. Given its starring role in Back to the Future, the EV has fittingly futuristic extra features, too, including touchscreen Apple CarPlay and a bespoke virtual dashboard that displays drive modes, battery usage, and charge status. The air conditioning system has been enhanced, and the EV system has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, so owners can charge a laptop, power a fridge, or even charge another car on the go. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond says the DeLorean DMC-12 is set to be a sure-fire star of Salon Privé 2024. “Our engineering team has been blown away by the response it gets from the public; it generates interest and excitement like nothing else. You’re constantly being stopped by DeLorean fans asking for pictures or wanting to take a closer look at the car. It’s clear that the DMC-12 holds a special place in the hearts of many.” Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: “The world-famous DeLorean is always a huge draw, and this incredible development from Electrogenic creates arguably the finest DMC-12 ever. The engine was always its weakest link, so replacing it with a powerful, long-range electric drivetrain arguably turns it into the high-tech sci-fi car it should have been. “That Electrogenic is a British firm based just up the road from Blenheim Palace in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, makes its appearance at Salon Privé 2024 even more fitting. I can’t wait to see the reaction to this fantastic development, which our guests from the UK and internationally will find fascinating.” Salon Privé Week 2024 27 August – Salon Privé MotorAvia 28 August – Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients 29 August – Salon Privé Concours Awards presented by Aviva Private Clients 30 August – Salon Privé Style Friday presented by Boodles 31 August – Salon Privé Supercar Saturday and Club Trophy presented by Lockton Tickets can be purchased via the website: www.salonpriveconcours.com Charity PartnerSalon Privé are proud to support the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). By supporting NSPCC, we hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in raising much needed funds to support its life changing services. Donations from the event will go towards supporting the NSPCC’s mission to protect children from abuse and neglect, providing vital services and support to those who need it most across the UK and Channel Islands. Media AccreditationEventageous PR Ltd. Rebecca Leppard – PR DirectorT: 01452 260 063M: 07749 852481E: rebecca@eventspr.co.ukW: www.eventageouspr.co.uk For all event information, please visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/You can also follow on Facebook: @salonpriveuk / Instagram: @salonpriveuk / Twitter: @salonpriveuk

Audi UK PR & Communications update – media notice, not for publication

Not for publication Milton Keynes, August 12, 2024 – Audi UK PR and Communications is delighted to welcome Jane Halsey to the department to take on the role as Lifestyle and Corporate Communications Manager. Jane joins the team as maternity cover for Camilla Foster as she leaves at the end of August. Jane brings with her 20+ years of PR experience, having worked most recently at CUPRA but also before that for a motorsport team and another premium German car brand. It is actually full circle for Jane, as she started out at Audi UK working for the supplier who handled the press fleet before coming inhouse, so she is well aware of all aspects of the role and has excellent relationships with many media. Gavin Ward, Head of PR & Communications, said: “Audi is number one in terms of lifestyle PR compared to its competitors, and this is in no small part to the efforts of Camilla and the management of her team. I am delighted then to be able to appoint someone of Jane’s experience and capability to Audi so that we can build on all the good work thus far and continue with excellent media partnerships and lifestyle activations, not to mention the work involved in the Audi ambassador programme.” Contact details for the wider team are available at the bottom of the page. Jane will manage lifestyle and corporate communications, assisted by Julie Greenburg and Aurelie Bayley. Your other key points of contact remain the same, with Johnny Burn handling all product and business queries and Louise Vukomanovic and Michelle Betty handling all things press fleet and Royal Household. All of the Audi events programme incorporating media as well as retailer, investor, and customer events, is overseen by Anastasia Vadera, supported by Kirstin Hutchinson, Nathalie Southerden, Ashlea Downie and Jordan Green.

Driving for work – Are you Safe2Drive?

Safe2Drive, a Glasgow based business set up by industry road risk experts, Allan Gibbons, Scott McLennan and Sinead Moy are pleased to learn that they have been shortlisted for two Glasgow Business Awards The awards, run by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, is an annual celebration of the city’s business community and all it has achieved during the last year. Safe2Drive have been shortlisted for two categories. The Glasgow Business Award for Best Use of Digital TechnologyThe Glasgow Business Award for Innovation in Business The 17-category winners will be announced at a black-tie event on the 3rd October at Double Tree by Hilton Glasgow Central and is organised in partnership with the University of Strathclyde Allan Gibbons, Managing Director of Safe2Drive, commented “We are over the moon to have been shortlisted in the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Awards. “The shortlist is testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in our risk management business. The detailed intricacies of our work are crucial to ensure businesses, and their drivers remain legally compliant and help keep our roads and road-users safe.” The Safe2Drive founders built their business with their 25 years plus knowledge of the sector and offer a best-in-class bespoke system that bridges the shortfalls identified in the marketplace.

Peak Analogue® arrives in the USA: the 355 by Evoluto® is heading to Monterey Car Week

Global public debut during the exclusive Monterey Car Week opening event, Motorlux The 355 by Evoluto® to take part in dynamic shakedown and real-world road testing in California First customer cars begin their restoration in Q1 2025 August 12th, 2024, United Kingdom:Evoluto Automobili has arrived in Los Angeles, marking the brand’s first visit to the USA. Ahead of the global public debut during Monterey Car week of the 355 by Evoluto®. While in Los Angeles customers have been invited to an exclusive private viewing of the car ahead of first production beginning in Q1 2025. The 355 by Evoluto® is the first remastered icon from the brand. Bringing together the best in British design and engineering to create a modern-day Peak Analogue® driving experience. Blending modern engineering with the passion for engaging driving. A team of 250 petrolheads have brought this car from concept, through feasibility, CAE Simulation, Detailed Engineering, Chassis Development, Design for Manufacture, ready for production assembly. While in America, the 355 by Evoluto® will begin its final dynamic road testing ahead of the first customer cars beginning their transformation. The DRVN Advanced Engineering team using advanced computer aided simulation have designed, set, and engineered the dynamic targets of the car. Real world testing will validate the simulation and ensure that customers experience Peak Analogue® driving, as the vehicle’s dynamics and suspension are finely tuned and crafted for enhanced handling and tactile, communicative feedback and performance. Along with computer aided dynamic target setting, the location of the bonded structural carbon panels not only increased the tortional stiffness of the car by 23% but also increased the body efficiency by 13%, these were all targeted changes made to improve how the car handles on the road. While in Monterey the 355 by Evoluto® will be attending:– Motorlux – The Ultimate Car Week Kick Off – Wednesday 14th August– The Preserve Concours & Cocktails – Hosted by Luxury Rally Club – Thursday 15th August– Exotics on Broadway – The largest single day free event – Saturday 17th August Be sure to also look out for the 355 by Evoluto® attending car meets all week in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, and Monterey. Iain Muir, CEO, DRVN Automotive Group, commented “It is with immense pleasure that the Evoluto team can share our car with the most important annual collection of petrolheads on the West Coast of the USA. Having seen the reaction from our VIP guests at Goodwood Festival of Speed and in Los Angeles, I cannot wait to see the reactions in California. Peak Analogue® is our passion and we believe Monterey Car Week is the perfect place to share that ethos for the first time in the USA. We will be back to see East Coast petrolheads very soon.” The car will be joined in Monterey by DRVN Group CEO, Iain Muir, and Technical Director Amjad Ali. Both will be available for interview throughout the week. Please contact Communications Manager, Rob Borrett with interview requests for an exclusive audience with the car. Further information available at www.evolutoautomobili.com

The stars in your own car – Brits’ ideal holiday companions revealed

Clarkson to do the driving, Kay, Fry and Mortimer for the stories New research has revealed the celebrities with whom the British people would most like to share a UK holiday journey. Of the famous names known for their driving or love of cars, Jeremy Clarkson is the nation’s top choice to get behind the wheel, with TV and sports stars, along with a particular royal, also among the favourites. The research, carried out for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, also asked people who they would like to join them as fellow passengers to ensure the journey was a happy one. Peter Kay, comedian and star of the TV sitcom ‘Car Share’, came out on top, followed by two other TV stars loved for their broad knowledge and variety of stories – Stephen Fry and Bob Mortimer. The research found that although there is agreement between men and women on their favourite driver, the top five varies between the sexes. Jeremy Clarkson is top choice for both men and women, with David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton also in both top fives. However, the rest of the top five differed, with men choosing comic actor and car fanatic Rowan Atkinson and Clarkson’s long time co-presenter James May. Women opted for style and prestige, with James Bond star Daniel Craig and Princess Anne completing their top five. The nation’s favourite holiday driver – the top five Favourite holiday drivers – top five choices Chosen by: All adults Men Women 1 Jeremy Clarkson Jeremy Clarkson Jeremy Clarkson 2 David Beckham Rowan Atkinson Lewis Hamilton 3 Lewis Hamilton David Beckham David Beckham 4 Rowan Atkinson Lewis Hamilton Princess Anne 5 Princess Anne James May Daniel Craig As with the choice of driver, Kwik Fit found that men and women are aligned when picking their favourite passenger to keep them entertained. Peter Kay is the top choice for both, perhaps appropriate after he created the award winning sitcom Peter Kay’s Car Share, based entirely on the hilarious conversations between two work colleagues during their car journeys. Men opt for people known for storytelling in their top four choices, with Kay joined by Stephen Fry, and comedians Bob Mortimer and Frank Skinner. Their top five is completed by Harry Potter actress Emma Watson. The research found that women are more likely to want to spend some of their journey enjoying music with their top choices more geared towards singers. Adele, Ed Sheeran and Stacey Solomon join Peter Kay and Stephen Fry in their top five. The nation’s favourite holiday car sharers Favourite holiday companions Chosen by: All adults Men Women 1 Peter Kay Peter Kay Peter Kay 2 Stephen Fry Stephen Fry Adele 3 Bob Mortimer Bob Mortimer Stephen Fry 4 Adele Frank Skinner Ed Sheeran 5 Ed Sheeran Emma Watson Stacey Solomon 6 Emma Watson Ed Sheeran Bob Mortimer 7 Claudia Winkleman Dua Lipa Rylan Clark 8 JK Rowling JK Rowling Harry Styles 9 Stacey Solomon Adele Claudia Winkleman 10 Frank Skinner Davina McCall Emma Watson While there were many consistent favourites throughout the country and across different age groups, there were some notable differences. The choice of Scots suggests many of those north of the border are looking for some excitement on their holiday journey. Their top pick for holiday driver is actor Jason Statham, known for his roles behind the wheel in a variety of action films including The Transporter and The Italian Job. Although Peter Kay was top choice of passenger for most people, he lost out to Ed Sheeran in the singer’s home region of Eastern England, as well as in Northern Ireland. In London, Kay didn’t make the top five, despite his sell out residency at the O2. Top spot in London goes instead to local girl Adele. Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s been fun to see who the nation would choose as their driver and fellow passengers to ensure happy journeys this summer holiday. The choices give an indication of how we like to spend our time in the car – sharing stories and songs – but we don’t need celebrities with us to do that. “While it might be nice to imagine handing over driving duties to a celebrity, the reality for most of us holiday motorists is that we are ultimately responsible for the happiness of our passengers. As well as making sure they’ve got the right audiobooks and music downloaded, drivers mustn’t forget to make all the pre-travel checks on their car. The one sure fire way to remove any happiness from a holiday journey is to end up stranded on the hard shoulder.” For advice on pre-travel car checks, drivers can find a wide range of information at kwik-fit.com and can also book a free vehicle health check. For the latest news and updates from Kwik Fit, customers can also follow the company on Twitter at @kwik_fit. Notes to editors1 – Research carried out by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2000 UK adults – 28 June – 2 July 2024 About Kwik FitEstablished in 1971, the Kwik Fit Group is one of the largest independent automotive parts, repair and replacement specialists in the world. Kwik Fit has over 600 service centres across the UK, as well as a nationwide fleet of mobile tyre fitting vehicles, and specialises in tyres, brakes, exhausts, MOT and servicing. Details of its range of products and services can be found at kwik-fit.com For further information please contact: Brandon StockwellGullwing CommunicationsTel: 07768 747907Email: brandon.stockwell@gullwingpr.com

New functions, extensive updates: My BMW App offers decision-making tool for switching from combustion engine to electric power

Electric mobility in the spotlight Electric Vehicle Analysis helps customers make an informed decision when choosing a drive type Seamless navigation experience when switching between vehicle and app Charging Wallet with charging tariffs More than 13 million app users globally 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. The My BMW App and MINI App are being continuously expanded and improved, with a total of five updates carried out a year. The apps are growing increasingly important for customers, especially when it comes to electric mobility and vehicle charging. Decision-making tool for the switch to electric mobility: Electric Vehicle Analysis.The new Electric Vehicle Analysis function allows customers who drive a BMW with a combustion engine to simulate how well an all-electric BMW would suit their personal driving profile. To carry out the simulation, the customer selects an electric BMW model as an alternative vehicle in the app. Once the combustion-engined model has made at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000 kilometres (approx. 1,250 miles), the analysis clearly shows the number of journeys that could have been completed with the selected electric vehicle on a single charge. This is intended to combat the range anxiety and concerns about the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles that are still prevalent* today. For the simulation, the app uses the real-world driving data for the combustion-engined model in question, as generated by the My Trips function. Thanks to this individual database, Electric Vehicle Analysis is able to provide the customer with a sound basis for deciding which drive type to choose in their next vehicle.The function will be upgraded in future to expand the reach of the analysis. Evaluations of the time vehicles are not in use and of long-distance journeys will be added, combined with information on charging facilities and the time required for charging. To use Electric Vehicle Analysis, customers must have a BMW with a combustion engine and BMW Operating System 7 or later and also consent to their driving data being used for the purpose of the analysis. “Electric vehicles can already be incorporated perfectly into the daily routine of many customers – it’s just that the majority of them haven’t tried it yet,” says Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalisation. “Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps our customers to make an informed judgement in their choice of drive system.” New functions for seamless interaction between vehicle and app.The latest update introduced a series of features designed to produce a seamless route-planning experience when switching between vehicle and app. Options such as avoiding motorways, ferries or toll roads can now also be set in the app, for example, and are always automatically synchronised in both directions. In addition to this, the My BMW / MINI App with charging-optimised route planning for all-electric vehicles now also makes it possible to add individual charging stops, and these are then synchronised with the vehicle. The apps also notify the user of facilities in the vicinity of charging stations, such as restaurants, cafés, banks and supermarkets, complete with detailed information on them. New Charging Wallet for managing charging tariffs.Drivers of electric vehicles are now able to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from a large number of providers in the app’s new Charging Wallet. When the app user selects a charging station, the applicable prices for the selected charging tariffs are shown, depending on availability, allowing the user to choose the cheapest tariff for them. Wide-reaching app functions are being continuously improved and expanded – with high levels of user satisfaction. 13 million customers around the world use the My BMW App and MINI App, with one million of these based in Germany alone. Both apps have an average rating of 4.8 stars in the App Store.The apps keep drivers informed of the current status of their BMW or MINI, as well as allowing them to lock and unlock the doors, switch on the climate control, send destination addresses to the navigation system, or use the Remote 3D View feature to call up an image of the vehicle’s immediate vicinity or its interior. They can go to the Services & Store tab to check out the available digital services or obtain ConnectedDrive Upgrades. If the BMW or MINI Digital Key Plus has been set up, previously stored manoeuvres and parking functions can be carried out from outside the car while standing nearby Servicing and maintenance requirements can also be managed from the two apps. For example, users receive a push notification if their car needs to be serviced and can make an appointment directly in the app. The app also provides support during the service process, including check-in, service videos, status tracking and payment. Accident and breakdown assistance can likewise be accessed quickly using the app. The availability of individual functions varies according to the vehicle specification and country involved. cf. for example statista survey on “reasons against buying an all-electric vehicle” Press ContactChris OverallBMW GroupTel: +44-1252-92-1809chris.overall@bmw.co.uk

smart to enrich its portfolio with the smart #5

The all-new smart #5 will be the brand’s most spacious vehicle as it enters a new segment smart presents first design sketches of the smart #5[1] production model The World Premiere of the smart #5 will take place in Brisbane, Australia on August 28 Images: here Milton Keynes, August 12, 2024 – smart is expanding its product portfolio with a third model, following the smart #1 and smart #3. With the all-new smart #5, the brand is bringing the smart Concept #5 to life, after it was unveiled in April this year. As a multi-purpose, mid-size SUV, the smart #5 will open up a new segment for smart, catering to new target groups and consumers with an active lifestyle. The World Premiere will take place in Brisbane, Australia on August 28, and the vehicle will be available in Europe from 2025. Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH:“With the smart #5, we have created our most spacious and versatile vehicle to date. The #5 is a great expansion of our existing portfolio and will make the smart brand an attractive choice for more and more customers in Europe.” smart’s portfolio is growing with the all-new smart #5smart is resolutely continuing its product offensive. In April this year, thesmart Concept #5[1] provided a promising preview of a larger multi-purpose vehicle from the brand at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Now, the first sketches of the smart #5 reveal that the production version will consistently build on the ideas of the concept car. Designed by Mercedes-Benz Design, the vehicle will adhere to the smart design philosophy ‘love, pure, unexpected’, combining the unconventional smart aesthetic with robust functionality. The vehicle’s exterior design is characterized by its boxy, upright silhouette, a distinctive roofline, and unexpected outdoor elements. Offering a great amount of space and premium comfort, the smart #5 is designed to take its users outside of the city, reflecting the rising demand among customers leading active and flexible lifestyles. Extensive tests under extreme conditionsOver the past few months, the smart #5 has already demonstrated its outstanding outdoor capabilities in rigorous off-road and winter tests[2]. In particular, the performance of the electric powertrain, with the charging capability of the batteries successfully tested under very cold conditions. The driving dynamics, along with the assistance and safety systems[3], were also extensively evaluated in challenging off-road environments. These tests underscore smart’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible products and premium quality. In preparation for entry into the European market, the vehicle will undergo an additional, highly comprehensive testing program in Europe. The European market launch is planned for 2025. About smart:smart Europe GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of smart mobility International Pte. Ltd. and was founded in June 2020 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, near Stuttgart. smart Europe’s international team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products and services of the brand in the European market. With Dirk Adelmann as CEO and Martin Günther as CFO, the company is developing its full potential in Europe with a highly efficient and customer-oriented business model. The international smart joint venture was established between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Co., Ltd. smart positions itself as a leading provider of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment. [1] Concept car, not available for sale.[2] Professional driver, closed road. Do not attempt. Please avoid dangerous traffic situations and observe the applicable laws and regulations.[3] All smart driver assistance and safety systems are aids and do not release the user from their responsibility as a driver. Observe the information in the operating instructions and the system limits described there. ContactDafydd WoodRegionsmart UKE-mailmedia.uk@smart.com

Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric gives Tesla drivers a cheeky digital heads-up on its Model Y-beating range and price

The Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric showcases its Tesla Model Y-beating range and price through an innovative digital billboard at a popular London charging station Reactive billboard shows the Auto Express article titled “New Renault Scenic embarrasses Tesla Model Y on price and range”, then swaps to cheeky messages when a Tesla driver approaches Scenic E-Tech 100% electric can cover up to 379 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, which is over 40 miles more than any Tesla Model Y variant, and is nearly £5,000 less than the entry-level Model Y Scenic E-Tech 100% electric available in Comfort Range or Long Range specification, starting from £37,495 OTR The Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric is showing Tesla drivers what they are missing through an innovative digital billboard campaign that highlights how the latest all-electric Renault betters the American brand’s Tesla Model Y. Stemming from an article in Auto Express titled “New Renault Scenic embarrasses Tesla Model Y on price and range”, the campaign sees the digital billboard display a series of bespoke messages to Tesla drivers. Positioned next to charging points at a London service station, the billboard – on detecting an approaching Tesla – replaces the default creative of the Auto Express article with such phrases as “This is awkward”, “Elon-ger” and “You’re probably good at other things”. The billboard and how it playfully changes when it detects a Tesla driver will be visualised on TikTok and Meta. The cheeky messages will certainly give Tesla drivers something to think about. With a range of up to 379 miles (WLTP), the techno Long Range version of the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric can cover over 40 miles more on a single charge than any variant of the Tesla Model Y and nearly 100 miles more than Tesla’s entry-level, rear-wheel-drive version. Priced from £40,995 OTR, Renault’s techno Long Range version also significantly undercuts the price of the entry-level Model Y by nearly £5,000. The campaign was developed in conjunction with Publicis London, the long-term creative partner of Renault UK. It is another reminder of the incredible impact of the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, which since its announcement late last year has won a multitude of awards, including the ultimate accolade of Car of the Year 2024. Lawrence Hamilton, Head of Marketing Communications, Digital & CRM, Renault UK, said: “The Scenic is a true game-changer and that is especially evident by the Auto Express article, which recognises that it beats what has long been the benchmark in its sector in two key areas. This campaign is a great way to spread this message far and wide, being just as innovative and forward-thinking as the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric.” Designed to combine the generous space, comfort, usability and connectivity that a family needs to travel freely and safely, the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric features a compact motor (with 125kW/170hp or 160kW/220hp) plus a 60kW or 87kWh battery pack for a range of up to 379 miles. The 87kWh version is available with a choice of three trim levels – techno, esprit Alpine and iconic – while the 60kWh Comfort Range model comes exclusively in techno trim. The range starts from £37,495 OTR. For more information on the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, visit: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/scenic.html

A roaring first half of the year for used car sales

Ian Plummer, Commercial Director, Auto Trader: “The maturing electric market’s been a bright spot this year, particularly those ‘middle-aged’ models which have benefitted from a significant softening in price. Used EVs are currently selling at their fastest rate in eight months, while those aged 3-5-years-old, which are now broadly at price parity with their petrol counterparts, are the fastest selling segment of the used car market, and by some margin. Clearly, when the price is right, buyers are eager to make the switch. “More broadly, the used market has had its challenges in 2024, but the first half of the year got off to a roaring start and it’s comfortably sustained its momentum. Retail prices returned to seasonal norms, used cars sold at near record pace, and as reflected in the additional 40m visits to our platform over the period, consumer demand has been strong, helping to fuel the uptick in sales. With such solid market fundamentals, combined with improving economic and political stability, we’ve every expectation the market will continue on its trajectory, and predict overall sales will be up around 5% by the end of the year.”