KGM Motors UK dealership Bulldog Twyford to take on the big Jurassic Coast hike for Cancer Research UK

KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is delighted to announce that Caroline O’Sullivan, Brand Manager of KGM dealer partner Bulldog Twyford, Reading, will be participating in the Jurassic Coast full marathon for Cancer Research UK on 13th July 2024. Caroline’s journey will span 25.9 miles, starting from Corfe Castle and following the picturesque Hardy Way before traversing several miles of the stunning Dorset Coast. This challenging hike will involve a climb totalling 2,762 feet around England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participating in the event for the first time, Cancer Research UK is a cause very close to Caroline’s heart. “My mum passed away from cancer at the age of 59 in 2001, and at the time, there was no MRI scanner available,” said Caroline. “Since then, treatments have made incredible advancements. My sister-in-law, who has terminal cancer, is still with us thanks to ongoing research, and I am five years in remission from breast cancer, all because of this amazing charity. Sadly, I have lost three very close friends to cancer in the past year, which is why raising money for this cause is so important to me.” Caroline will be taking on the hike with her friend Vanessa, and the pair have been preparing with walks from Windsor to Virginia Water through Windsor Great Park, covering distances up to 18 miles. Growing up in Swanage, where the event takes place, and with her dad still living in the area, Caroline has had the opportunity to train on half of the route several times. Reflecting on her past fundraising activities, Caroline shared, “Previously, I completed the Thames Path for Macmillan in 2022 and have participated in the Race for Life over the past few years. This year, I chose the Jurassic Coast hike not only because my dad lives in the area and I grew up in Swanage, but also because I wanted a more demanding challenge compared to the flat terrain of the Thames Path. Although I love walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery, I know this hike will truly push my limits, but I am ready to tackle this new challenge!” Grateful for the support from her colleagues at Bulldog Twyford and KGM UK, Caroline acknowledged: “I am so appreciative for the support I have had from my sponsors, especially KGM, who have generously contributed £250. And thanks to everyone’s kindness, I have already raised over £1200, surpassing my original goal of £1000 and exceeding the amount I have raised previously. There’s no backing out now!” To learn more about Caroline’s Jurassic Coast fundraiser for Cancer Research UK please visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-an-event/big-hike/big-hike-jurassic-coast#accordion_20220103 If you wish to make a donation, please visit: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/carolinas-big-hike

Bentley celebrates Pride in the North West with uniquely wrapped car

One-of-a-kind Continental GTC designed specifically to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and diversity in all its forms Eye-catching convertible launches in Bentley’s hometown, at Crewe Pride, 6 July Fourth dedicated Pride Car uniquely created by Designer Rich Morris, featuring Progress flag colours Design continues the story of the Unifying Spur, focusing on acceptance and celebrating our differences Bentley will be attending Crewe, Nantwich and Manchester Pride events and community outreach activities, as part of the year-round support for the LGBTQ+ community LGBTQ+ colleagues, their partners and allies linked to Bentley network taking part in colourful parades (Crewe, 5 July 2024) Bentley Motors has today reconfirmed its year-round support for the LGBTQ+ community with the fourth dedicated Pride Car, uniquely wrapped for the North West Pride parades in the UK. Specially created by Designer Rich Morris, the brightly coloured Continental GTC represents love, new life, and acceptance. The eye-catching convertible features colour and linework inspired by the original Unifying Spur. A chaotic single black line covers the car with faces emerging from the scribble. This symbolises the negative emotions that a person can go through when trying to come to terms with who they are, whether that is their gender or sexuality. This is covered by bright splashes of paint from the progressive Pride flag colour pallet which covers the car, inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival of colour, which celebrates spring, love, and new life. The colours cover the faces to show how make up and styling can be used to help an individual become the person they want to be. This promotes a world where LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice, in a culture that is universally celebrated. Colleagues, along with their partners and allies linked to the colleague-led Bentley network will take part in the Crewe, Nantwich, and Manchester Pride parades, helping to reinforce the message that the company has a culture where all employees feel comfortable bringing their true, authentic selves to the workplace.The parades themselves celebrate the progress made whilst continuing to raise awareness, bring hope to those in need and to inspire others to challenge discrimination. Designer Rich Morris, who created the art work explained:“It has been an honour to work on this project for Bentley, following the success of my Unifying Spur design in 2021. This design symbolises the darkness and uncertainty one may experience during self-discovery. It employs colours and linework inspired by both the Unifying Spur and the Hindu festival of Holi, the festival of colour, which celebrates spring, love, and new life. This year’s car is about individuals embracing and being their true, authentic selves.” Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEI Officer at Bentley Motors, added:“Our fourth dedicated Pride Car holds a special place in our DEI journey, which began in 2020 with the first car that bravely initiated the conversation. This initial step served as a catalyst, inspiring the creation of BeProud and sparking our ongoing DEI efforts. This latest Pride Car symbolises far more than just Pride — it represents our commitment to acceptance, intersectionality, and belonging and year around support. “This year’s Pride Car is a celebration of these values, merging the inclusive symbolism of the Progress Flag with the vibrant, joyful spirit of Holi. It embodies our dedication to diversity and unity, striving to cultivate a culture where everyone feels they belong. This car stands as a powerful testament to our mission, encapsulating what #BelongingAtBentley truly means.”

McLaren Automotive and Divergent announce collaboration for additive manufacturing advancement

McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year collaboration with California-based industrial digital manufacturing company Divergent Technologies, Inc. (Divergent). The collaboration will further develop the usage of additive manufacturing to enhance vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency. Divergent’s unique approach to the design and manufacturing of complex structures will allow McLaren to integrate new and more complex designs into its vehicle architecture, whilst achieving better manufacturing efficiencies and supporting a more sustainable supply chain. Initially, McLaren Automotive will utilise the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPSTM) to additively manufacture chassis components for its next generation supercars, allowing McLaren to further reduce weight and improve dynamic performance – all areas which are core to the McLaren DNA. The agreement marks the beginning of a relationship between the two companies with the shared objective of furthering adoption of DAPSTM in the automotive industry to deliver transformational vehicle design and performance to customers. “We’re excited to work with Divergent who, like McLaren, have demonstrated a commitment to manufacturing and engineering innovation. This technology will help us to further reduce weight in our complex structures, which will ultimately benefit the driving experience of our customers and support McLaren’s mission to push the boundaries of performance.”Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive “Our collaboration speaks to McLaren’s commitment to adopting the highest performance technology to push the envelope on customer experience. DAPS offers automotive manufacturers the means to harness computing power to deliver fully optimized, digitally manufactured structures with unparalleled design freedom.”Kevin Czinger, CEO, Divergent

eBay makes Goodwood hillclimb debut with TV star George Clarke behind the wheel of the eBay Lounge

eBay is returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard this year to complete its first ever hillclimb, with TV presenter and architect George Clarke at the wheel George will drive the eBay Lounge – a converted 1975 Mk1 Ford Transit, designed with legendary car designer Peter Stevens – up the Hill on Thursday 11th July eBay has reinvented its award-winning stand from last year and will host interactive competitions and talks by professional drivers and automotive experts The eBay ‘Garage’ at Goodwood Festival of Speed aims to ignite the DIY spirit of attendees and is located next to Future Lab presented by Randox London, 5th July 2024. eBay, one of the UK’s largest online automotive marketplaces, will take part in Goodwood Festival of Speed’s iconic hillclimb for the first time at this year’s event. It will send its newly converted 1975 Mk1 Ford Transit up the famous Hill on Thursday 11th July with TV presenter and architect George Clarke behind the wheel. The converted 1975 Mk1 Ford Transit was designed with the help of Peter Stevens, designer of the McLaren F1. Named the eBay Lounge, it has been lovingly restored using period-correct running gear, brakes and suspension, all sourced from the online marketplace, with the interior undergoing extensive changes, allowing it to operate as a pop-up eBay Store and event support vehicle. eBay will be inspiring petrolheads with the eBay Garage – an interactive stand space, where festival goers can immerse themselves in the world of vehicle parts and accessories. This year, the eBay Garage is set to ignite the DIY spirit with a series of talks on the eBay Live Stage with content creators and restorers including Becky Evans, Mat Armstrong, and Workshop Diaries presenter and mechanic, Edd China. The eBay Garage will also include a selection of experiences, including Order Point, which allows them to check out the variety of parts that fit their vehicle. Visitors can also take part in a number of games, including the eBay Assured Fit Challenge, which will see opponents compete against one another to test their ability to fit all of the right parts on a car. Each provides a chance to win exclusive eBay goodies and merchandise, as well as to shop online for parts and accessories. eBay is the ultimate one-stop-shop for all car parts and accessories. The Certified Recycled programme provides the ultimate peace of mind when buying second hand parts for those who may be interested in restorations of their own or simply possess eBay’s DIY spirit, as all items are inspected, warrantied and sourced from end-of-life vehicles from approved suppliers. For more information please contact ebay@performancecomms.com

Zenvo Automotive to showcase Aurora models at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Aurora Agil and Tur to make European public debut at the prestigious British event, 11-14 July The launch of the Aurora models will be supported by a new era of uncompromised customer-focused ownership for the hypercar market Production of Aurora to commence in 2026 at Danish brand’s Præstø headquarters Zenvo TSR-GT to make global debut, on display in the Supercar Paddock and in action on the famous Hill Climb Denmark, 05 July 2024: Zenvo Automotive will showcase its all-new Aurora models at the 2024 edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Agil and Tur will feature as part of the brand’s first dedicated display at the iconic British event, marking the European public debut for both models. Alongside this next chapter in the exciting product journey for Zenvo Automotive, the first example of the limited edition TSR-GT will also make its dynamic debut in each daily Supercar Run on the iconic Hill Climb. Aurora marks the lightest and most powerful road car Zenvo Automotive has ever produced and is the start of a new era for the Danish hypercar brand. At the heart, beneath the aerodynamically refined carbon fibre bodywork and Formula 1-derived technology, both models feature the bespoke 6.6-litre quad-turbo V12 hybrid powerplant. Producing at least 1,250bhp, the newly developed engine by MAHLE Powertrain will provide exceptional performance figures, while also ensuring maximum driver engagement. Developed in parallel, the two all-new Aurora models have been designed to provide drivers with the option of different approaches to hypercar design and performance. The results are uncompromised ideals which is, in itself, very Danish by design; simplistic, sculptural, efficient. Rather than chasing numbers or focused on outright performance, the clear target for the Aurora project has been to build a true drivers’ car. The aggressively styled Agil model has been developed with a track focus, generating enhanced downforce and targeting laptimes. By contrast, the elegant and classically beautiful lines of the Tur lean more towards a traditional GT car. Despite these differences, both cars have been designed and developed with the same objective, to deliver customers a hypercar without compromise. Since the covers were removed during Monterey Car Week last summer, both models have met with widespread acclaim, while the company has been working to establish and build a core service and support network across the globe. With the launch of the Aurora, Zenvo Automotive will provide a new level of customer-centric ownership. A total of 13 global partner locations have now been confirmed – each specifically chosen for their demonstration of exceptional customer service – and they will provide on-going support and reassurance to owners in market, with factory backing at every stage. The next phase of development for the Aurora project will be detailed in the coming weeks. Production of the Aurora will commence in 2026, hand-built at the company’s Præstø headquarters.

Auto Trader response to election result

Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: “All too often in the recent past, we’ve seen short term political advantage prioritised at the expense of the serious long-term decision-making the country needs to meet net zero goals. Given the size of their mandate, we’d like to see Labour do more to support the transition to greener vehicles. That means protecting the existing salary sacrifice and BIK incentives to support the new electric car market, and targeted financial incentives on used electric cars to support greater adoption. “We also need to be proactive and transparent about future changes in road pricing and taxes for electric cars so consumers can plan accordingly, as well as supporting the industry to install more chargers by speeding up planning and encouraging more creative ways to charge EVs near people’s homes.”

Auto Trader’s Show on the Road returns with series two, set to drive even more consumer engagement with new celebrity guests

Auto Trader’s consumer facing podcast returns following huge success of the first series, which was listened to for over 1.9 million minutes. Season two’s celebrity guests include broadcaster Roman Kemp, pop star Olly Murs, former racing driver Billy Monger, and author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher. Podcast marks another significant marketing investment to help drive more car buyers to retailers’ adverts. 5th July 2024, London – Auto Trader’s hugely successful consumer facing podcast, Show on the Road, returns for its second series this week. The celebrity packed podcast marks another significant investment in marketing by Auto Trader, and forms part of its commitment to create greater brand engagement among consumers, and to drive even more car buyers to its retailer partners’ stock. The nine-part series, hosted by celebrated host and Auto Trader presenter, Alex Legouix, takes celebrities out of the studio for a personalised road trip around the places that shaped them, visiting the locales that have defined their personal and professional lives. With many unexpected stories unearthed along the way, each episode offers a unique insight into the lives of the celebrities, away from the usual studio setting. The guests for series two span multiple lifestyle interests, from social activism to musical performance, and even content creation, helping to secure a diverse consumer audience. As well as the co-host of the BBC’s The One Show Roman Kemp, who features in the first episode, celebrity passengers include physician and television personality Dr. Alex George; science focused content creator Big Manny; racing driver and now commentator, Billy Monger; presenter, Zara McDermott; musician, Olly Murs; author and podcast host, Giovanna Fletcher; content creator and disability activist Lucy Edwards; and influencers Caitlin Sheil and Leah Joseph. Series two follows the massive success of the first series, which was listened to for over 1.9 million minutes (1,319 days) and achieved over 18 million impressions across the campaign. Building on its success, series two will help to attract new and wider consumer audiences to the Auto Trader platform which this year alone has recorded over 506.5 million visits, a 9% rise on the same period last year. Show on the Road will be promoted through an extensive multi-channel campaign, including radio advertisements, host-reads on other well-known podcasts, digital media, and featured on public transport around Manchester, including tram wraps. What’s more, series two will also be available to view on video with a new dedicated Show on the Road YouTube channel which will host all episodes in full, which will be publicised with bespoke social activations for each talent. It will also be promoted across Auto Trader’s owned channels and platforms, which include onsite, email, and organic social activity across YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, targeting its 2.3 million followers and subscribers. Commenting on the new podcast, Auto Trader’s Consumer Marketing Director, Laura McNally, said: “Our ambition is to reach all UK car buyers to drive awareness of not just the Auto Trader brand, but of car ownership more broadly. We’re in the very privileged position of being able to continue our marketing investment, and work towards meeting that objective. We were thrilled by the success of the first series of Show on the Road, which marked an exciting chapter in our consumer marketing strategy and played an important role in driving even greater engagement with our platform. I have no doubt this second series will build on that success and will prove to make a real difference for our retailer partners.” Both series of Show on the Road can be listened to via Spotify or Apple, as well as Auto Trader’s bespoke landing page and dedicated YouTube channel, which includes trailers and information on the vehicles featured in each episode.

Arnold Clark joins the GWM ORA retailer network

GWM ORA UK appoints Arnold Clark as a retail partner Two sites open in Glasgow Linwood and Stirling GWM ORA UK has 40 customer service points now live across the UK Explore the GWM ORA retail network here: www.gwmora.co.uk/find-a-retailer/ 04/07/24: GWM ORA UK welcomes Arnold Clark as latest retail partner, with two new sites opening in Glasgow Linwood and Stirling. Arnold Clark is one of the largest car dealer groups in Europe supplying more than 200,000 cars a year. Earlier this year GWM ORA UK revealed its intention to speed up the expansion of its network ensuring customers don’t have to travel too far for maintenance and repair, while establishing a strong network of physical retail spaces across the UK. The new Arnold Clark sites bring GWM ORA to 40 customer service points across the UK made up of sales, aftersales and test drive centres. Toby Marshall, Managing Director of GWM ORA commented: “Expanding our retail network is something we’re dedicated to delivering and we are well on track for our targets this year. The appointment of a known household brand like Arnold Clark, is testament to the reputation GWM ORA is building across the UK.” Gavin McKenzie, Arnold Clark GWM ORA Brand Director said: “We’re delighted to welcome GWM ORA to the Arnold Clark family. While they may be a relatively new manufacturer to the UK, they are an established brand with a fantastic reputation, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. Our new branches are now up and running in Glasgow and Stirling and our employees are thrilled to welcome our customers through the doors and share the fantastic range of GWM ORA models we have available – as well as previewing the exciting new models which are coming later in the year.” The ORA PURE+ comes equipped with a high level of specification as standard, including: a 48kWh battery with 193 miles of WLTP range, wireless phone charging, facial recognition, electric front seats, app integration and ‘Hello ORA’ intelligent voice assistance. Whilst the ORA 03 PRO+ offers an upgraded 63kWh battery with 260 miles of WLTP range and additional features like: heated, cooled and massage front seats, heated steering-wheel, panoramic sunroof, powered gesture tailgate, rear privacy glass and advanced automatic parking assistance. The brands next model, ORA 07, will debut the GT variant at Goodwood Festival Of Speed on Thursday 11th July.

Caterham and the Royal Air Force create one-off tribute to the esteemed Puma HC2 helicopter

A special, one-of-a-kind Caterham Seven 360R has been built with repurposed components from a Puma HC2 helicopter Joint project between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Caterham in support of Mission Motorsport and the RAF Benevolent Fund Car to be auctioned via Collecting Cars raising money for injured servicemen and women The car will make its first public appearance at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix Unveiling of the car will take place at 10:00am GMT at the Military Village Friday, 5 July 2024: Caterham and the RAF have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the remarkable aircraft. The Caterham Seven 360R has been created to raise money for injured servicemen and women and will be on display for the first time at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix. To be auctioned off through Collecting Cars, it’s hoped the joint project between the Royal Air Force, Caterham, Mission Motorsport and Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund will raise more than £100,000. This project between Caterham and the RAF is in support of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division, allowing those part of the program external opportunities to grow their skills. Operated by Joint Aviation Command (JAC) at RAF Benson, XW232 entered service in 1972 and operated around the world. Upon reaching the end of its service life recently, teams at Benson and Caterham decided to create a tribute to the Puma and its servicemen and women. Based on a Seven 360R, the external finish remains as it was when taken from the aircraft, while the remaining panels have been painted in matching ‘NATO Green’. The chassis also mirrors the aircraft beneath the surface, finished in ‘Desert Sand’. Aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors have been used as panels for the Seven’s exterior as well as the internal rear bulkhead, where the door jettison handle remains in place. Details from the Puma are carried through to the interior. The aircraft’s quilted soundproofing lines the door panels, tunnel top, and forms padding for the carbon fibre seats. The helicopter’s evacuation instructions have been preserved, stitched into the lining. A unique satin black dashboard features to match the Puma’s military grade switchgear, replacing the regular dash switches. The 360R also features a helicopter-style three-stage ignition sequence for added theatre to start-up, while the aircraft’s navigation clock forms the centrepiece of the dash. Underneath the bonnet, the ammunition box now contains the car’s battery. Assembly of the car was a joint effort between Caterham and serving personnel from RAF Benson. The names of all those involved in this project are featured on the bonnet. Puma HC2 medium support helicopters are used for a variety of combat roles including tactical movement of troops and weapons, as well as the extraction of casualties on the frontline. They are also employed for humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Corporal McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating. “Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF.” Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because it was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts. “It was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.” Squadron Leader Morley said: “Royal Air Force Benson Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team will be attending multiple events throughout the summer, promoting STEM in both the military and industry. Along with support from RAF Engineering & Cyber Recruitment the team have an amazing opportunity to host and present this one-off Caterham car made with former RAF Puma components. “The car has been assembled by RAF personnel with the help of Caterham and highlights the amazing skills of the engineering teams that both maintain the RAF Puma’s and that work in industry. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the history of the RAF Puma Force while showcasing the opportunities that are available within the RAF and wider STEM community.” Bidding for the car opens 15 August and ends 12 September through Collecting Cars. The car is scheduled to be displayed at several events throughout the Summer. For more information, visit caterhamcars.com.

Kia makes record-breaking start to 2024

Kia UK sets new best-ever sales for first half of the year Q2 and June also marked as record periods for the brand Kia registers more than 60,000 new cars in the UK this year Current year-to-date market share of 6.0% Electrified vehicles contribute 49% of Kia’s first-half UK sales Sportage best-selling car in UK in June Kia UK Limited has achieved a record-breaking start in 2024, registering a greatest number of cars in the first six months of the year throughout the brand’s UK lifetime. Continuing its positive sales momentum from 2023, Kia registered 60,366 new cars in the UK throughout first-half of the year, establishing a market share (M/S) of 6.0%. Kia’s competitive range of compact SUV’s continued the brand’s reign at the top of the C-SUV segment, with sales of Sportage, Niro and XCeed combining to give Kia a total of 39,190 sales and a 14.3% segment share YTD, and ensure Kia kept its position as the best-selling brand in one of the UK’s most sought-after vehicle classes. The Kia Sportage continued its dominant form as one of the UK’s most popular cars, too, throughout the first six months of 2024, finishing June as the best-selling new car of all. YTD, the model ranks as the second best-selling car on sale (24,239 units sold). June itself was a record-breaking month for the brand, as Kia registered more than 10,000 new cars in the UK (10,321), making it Kia’s best-ever June performance on record. Kia has achieved multiple records throughout 2024 thus far, starting the year especially strongly with a record-breaking first quarter. Kia finished the first quarter as the fourth best-selling brand in the UK, and the second best-selling brand for electrified vehicles, both of which are positions the manufacturer has held on to throughout Q2. Similar to its impressive performance in June, the Sportage opened 2024 strongly for Kia, establishing itself as the best-selling model in the UK in January. Globally, the Sportage remained a firm-favourite – as Kia posted global sales of 267,536 units, led by the family SUV. In April, following Kia’s best-ever Q1 performance, during a record month the brand logged its 1.5 millionth sale in the UK; an EV6 ‘GT-Line S’ in Yacht Blue, an historic achievement in Kia’s 20-year UK history. Simon Hetherington, Commercial Director at Kia UK Limited, commented: “To complete an incredible number of record breaking achievements in the first half of the year is massively significant, and allows us to continue into Q3 with momentum firmly on our side. A landmark February, April, June, Q1, Q2, and first-half as a whole, is an impressive success story, and one which fills the brand and our national dealer partners with even more confidence looking forward. With the Sportage cementing itself as the UK’s favourite car last month, and continued sales of Kia’s vast range of electrified and fully electric vehicles, we are certain that as a brand our growth will continue.” 2024 remains far from over, as the brand is set to introduce another exciting electric vehicle to the UK market in the second half of the year. The Kia EV3 is due for UK arrival in Q4 2024, and is the latest model in the brand’s bold EV strategy. Offering a best-in-class range of up-to 372 miles, and best-in-class space, pricing and specification for the new model will be revealed in Q3 this year.