Don’t drive tired on your bank holiday journeys, says GEM

Industry News

Up to 20% of road crashes are related to fatigue Widespread programme of motorway roadworks likely to cause extra delay Get a good night’s sleep before a journey, share the driving and stay hydrated Stay safe on your bank holiday journeys this weekend by ensuring you’re properly rested before setting off, says breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist. The advice comes as families from across England and Wales make ready for bank holiday journeys to theme parks, seaside resorts and beauty spots. Experts say up to 20 per cent of all road collisions – and a quarter of all fatal crashes – are related to fatigue1. That’s why GEM is advising drivers to reduce risk by getting a good night’s sleep before a long journey and to build in breaks along the way. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst says: “The bank holiday weekend is sure to see heavy traffic on much of our motorway network, as well as on routes to the coast and to tourist attractions. There’s also a large-scale programme of roadworks as additional emergency areas are constructed along long stretches of smart motorway, so do allow extra time for your journey. “Being tired when you’re driving raises the risk of a collision, especially if you’re driving early or late – or even through the night – to avoid the queues. “Watch out for the obvious warning signs that you’re tired. These include difficulty focusing on the driving task, fidgeting and frequent yawning. As fatigue grows, it will be harder to focus on driving. You may also find yourself drifting to the left or right, and unable to maintain a constant speed.” GEM offers a few simple tips for drivers to reduce the risk of a fatigue-related collision: Get a good night’s sleep before you drive a long journey. Build in time to reach your destination (or your night-stop) without rushing. Remove time pressures wherever possible. If possible, share the driving. Just check that your co-driver has the right insurance cover. Stay hydrated. This assists in keeping you awake and alert, particularly on long, hot journeys. Take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the car, do some exercise, stretch or walk. If necessary, have a caffeine drink or two to boost your alertness. If you are driving all day, schedule a proper hour-long break in the middle of the day, as this serves to split the day’s driving into two shorter and more manageable halves. Avoid driving alone for long distances if possible. Don’t press on into the night. Avoid driving at times when you would usually be asleep.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launches Canine Campervan Guide for the UK’s dog owners

Industry News

More than half of UK families (55%) plan to staycation in the UK this year One in five will camp somewhere across the British Isles this summer The UK is a nation of dog lovers, with one third of Brits owning at least one dog Ready for this year’s National Dog Day, on 26 August, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launches its Canine Campervan Guide, inspiring pet-friendly adventuring Guide contains tips for campervan getaways with pets and the best dog-friendly locations to explore this summer Milton Keynes, UK (22 August, 2024) – Ready for this year’s National Dog Day, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching its Canine Campervan Guide, to inspire adventurers and their four-legged friends, after its survey finds more UK families than ever (55%) are considering a staycation in the UK1. As the nation’s most beloved pet – with a third of Brits owning at least one dog2 – organising travel arrangements can be an annual challenge for UK holidaymakers. The UK’s staycationers plan on either walking (69%) or hiking (24%) during their holiday, making it the perfect getaway for both them and their pet pooch.1 Providing guidance and inspiration for dog owners this summer, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Canine Campervan Guide combines tips and tricks for campervan getaways with pets, and a range of dog-friendly, lesser-explored destinations to discover. These include: Packing for your pooch: before setting off on the road, make sure to pack a lead and seatbelt harness, dog bed, towel, portable water bowl, food for the duration of the trip, and a goody bag of toys and treats to keep your dog entertained along the way. Make sure your dog is comfortable and secure: in case of any sudden stops, ensure your dog is suitably secured in the campervan, using a seatbelt harness or fixable crate. Plan frequent pit stops: encourage regular rest breaks and hydration stops, to give your dog a chance to stretch their legs. For further tips and dog-friendly locations to explore, the Canine Campervan Guide can be found here. As icons of freedom and adventure on the road, Volkswagen campervans are the ideal vehicles for a getaway with pets, with the space, facilities and home comforts for any dog-friendly adventure. The Volkswagen California 6.1 features a fully-fitted kitchen with a cool box, sink and stove kitchen unit and, as night falls, the campervan can be transformed to comfortably sleep four. With space for the entire family and their canine chum, the folding bench seat and swivelling front seats provide a highly flexible and adaptable interior, while integrated accessories – such as a stowable camping table and chairs – save on space when not in use. At 6.0-6.8m, the larger motorhome variant, the Grand California, features a transverse bed which sleeps two adults, and an optional over-cab bed with space for two children. A built-in wet room and fully-fitted kitchen, living and dining space, provide even more home comforts on the road, without ever having to leave their dogs’ side. Clever details, such as an external temperature controlled shower, allow Grand California users to hose sand or mud off their dogs after a long day of exploring, while easily accessibly storage cabinets and spacious interior provides plenty of room to comfortably store all the essentials for a dog-friendly adventure. Putting the Volkswagen campervan to the ultimate ‘canine camping’ test, leading dog influencers, Jess (@foxredpeggy) and Alice (@hectorthechocolabo), experienced the Grand California’s dog-friendly features for themselves. Watch here to find out how they got on. To find out more about Volkswagen’s range of campervans, visit: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles.html (ends) Notes to Editors1 Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK parents, conducted in December 2023, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.2 Statista survey, published January 2024, covering 2023. More information can be found here. 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 03724/AA

Bentleys old and new grace Monterey Car Week

Industry News

Immaculately restored 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe becomes first Bentley-entered car into Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance New Continental GT Speed coupe and Convertible make US public debut at Monterey Car Week Speed Six Continuation Series seen on-road for the first time Bentley Environmental Foundation announces new kelp forest initiative with partner SeaTrees (Crewe, 21 August 2024) Bentley’s annual showcase at Monterey Car Week continued this year, with a trio of firsts that showcased the breadth of the marque’s automotive diversity. The new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed made its US debut at the event, with a personalised example from Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, spearheading a fleet of more than 30 pre-production examples at the event. Journalists and customers were able to sample the new GT Speed on the road for the first time anywhere globally, ahead of demonstrators being made available across Bentley’s worldwide retailer network. The Continental GT Speed was not the only Bentley Grand Tourer making a debut at Monterey Car Week. Following a two-year, bare-metal restoration, Bentley’s own 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe – one of just 15 examples created by Mulliner in the 1960s – became the first Bentley ever entered into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by the marque itself. Monterey Car Week was the first time the car, registration UFF 366, has been presented by Bentley after a painstaking rebuild as part of the three-year rejuvenation of Bentley’s Heritage Collection. The S2 Drophead Coupe is a forebear of the new Continental GT Speed Convertible that also appeared in the US for the first time, in two distinct ways. The new Continental GT Speed family utilises Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain – created around an all-new V8 engine paired to an electric motor – becoming the next member of a Bentley V8 bloodline that started with the S2, which introduced a 6.23-litre V8 to replace the straight-six engine of the S1. Meanwhile, the new GT Speed returns Bentley’s design DNA to a clean pair of large headlamps, replacing the previous use of four smaller units that have defined the face of the Continental family – and indeed every mainstream Bentley – since 1963. The S2 was the last Bentley to use this elegant design. The latest project from Mulliner’s Classic division, the Speed Six Continuation Series, was also used on the road for the first time. An exact continuation of the Speed Six which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930, Speed Six ‘Car Zero’ is a newly-built example crafted by hand to the original drawings, original materials and using original manufacturing techniques. The car has been driven for several thousand miles during engineering development and sign-off, ahead of the trip to Monterey to offer an authentic Speed Six experience to Mulliner customers who have ordered one of the 12 examples to be created. Bentley’s presence at Monterey Car Week continues to be one of the most comprehensive of any brand. Nearly 90 Bentleys were brought together on the Peninsula for the week, and more than 3,000 customers and friends were hosted by Bentley across different events and evenings. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering formalised the arrival of the new Continental GT Speed in the USA, alongside a new Bentayga S Black Edition finished in satin silver with orange accents. The Friday evening saw Bentley return to Seal Rock for its iconic Beach Dinner, in conjunction with brand partner The Macallan, at which it was announced that the Bentley Environmental Foundation will fund a US kelp forest initiative with its partner SeaTrees, restoring vital CO2-absorbing kelp forests along key coastal sites. Several hundred VIPs joined Bentley’s famous Signature Party on Saturday night, and Bentley again welcomed guests at The Bench for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday – where a small group of Bentley executives served as Honorary Judges and the 1961 S2 Drophead was showcased, while a new Continental GTC Speed appeared on the Concept Lawn. Meanwhile, a pair of Mulliner designers hosted specification sessions with clients across the events, with scores of new Bentleys imagined. UFF 366The Bentley S2, which succeeded the first-generation S-Type, was hailed as one of the most luxurious and innovative saloons in the world at its launch in 1959. On this platform, Mulliner created the rarest version – the S2 Drophead Coupe, of which only 15 examples were built Bentley’s S2 Drophead Coupe was acquired from a French owner in 2022, as part of the work to rebuild the in-house Heritage Collection. However, the car was in poor condition, and needed two years of restoration work with Bentley Heritage partners P&A Wood to bring it to Concours condition. UFF366 was originally delivered in 1961, finished in Regal Red with a tan interior and a gold fine line. While originally being built as right-hand drive, at some time in its life the car was converted to left-hand operation and repainted in dark blue. During the restoration, the body was taken back to bare metal and previous poor-quality repairs were cut out and rebuilt correctly. Meanwhile, the engine, gearbox and rear axle were completely stripped, worn parts replaced and the systems rebuilt. The wiring was rebuilt from scratch, using the original drawings and even using identically-coloured wires as per the original specification. The wood set was restored by specialists, while the interior was retrimmed in Connolly Vaumol leather to match the original light tan using a shade called Fawn. The decision was taken to keep the car blue, but to repaint it in an original 1960s Bentley colour – the lustrous Ming Blue. The original gold fine line was then reapplied by hand, along with blue and gold trims to the hub caps.

Subaru voted top manufacturer in Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2024

Industry News

Subaru claim top spot in Auto Express Driver Power Customer Satisfaction Survey Brand claims first position in five categories and second for value for money Subaru achieved an overall rating of 90.66% based on collated customer responses 21st August 2024 – Subaru has been voted the top manufacturer in the renowned Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction Survey for 2024. The Japanese brand claimed the top spot beating more mainstream and prestige brands in the list of 32 manufacturers. The Auto Express Driver Power Survey is an independent study, based purely on customer feedback. The information collected covers many data points including practicality, safety, reliability and quality, among many others. Thousands of owners responded to the poll about their cars, allowing the experts at Driver Power to collate useful insights, and produce an overall score for vehicle manufacturers. Paul Barker, Editor of Auto Express, said: “Subaru may not be the most high-profile of brands, but owners have made it clear they’re delighted with their car’s practicality, safety, reliability and quality, among other key attributes.” Subaru has built a long-lasting reputation for safe, tough and fun vehicles, with true go-anywhere capability. It also has a customer base primarily located in more rural locations across the UK, which the cars are specifically designed to cater for. But as Auto Express went on to mention “There’s clearly something special about a brand that provides such exceptional levels of satisfaction to its target audience.” Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director at Subaru (UK & Ireland) said “We are extremely pleased to see Subaru ranked top of the prestigious Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey this year. It is a testament to the brand, our professional dealer partners across the UK and the loyal Subaru customer base, that the owners and drivers felt strongly enough to rank us so highly.” She went on to say “Producing great value All-Wheel-Drive vehicles that are safe and reliable are not just statements used in our marketing, they are pillars that the Subaru brand lives by.”

Bentley to showcase the exclusive Bacalar and Batur from their Coachbuilt by Mulliner division together at Salon Privé 2024

Industry News

Salon Privé is delighted to confirm the presence of the bespoke & coachbuilding arm of Bentley Motors, Mulliner, at this year’s Blenheim Palace event, held later this month on 28-31 August. The British luxury brand will be showcasing the prototypes of these ultra-bespoke creations, the Bentley Bacalar and the Bentley Batur. Both are extremely rare Bentleys, and are being presented at Salon Privé for guests to inspect and see in action during the famous Salon Privé Parade. Bentley Motors will showcase two striking Coachbuilt by Mulliner cars at Salon Privé 2024 The Bentley Batur is one of just 18 and the Bentley Bacalar is one of just 12 customer cars Both cars to take part in the famous Salon Privé Parade 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 tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ The Bentley Bacalar marked the return to bespoke coachbuilding for Bentley Mulliner, which lays claim to being the oldest coachbuilding company in the world. Revealed in 2020, the two-seat Bacalar was created to be “the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury”, with the roofless ‘Barchetta’ design featuring an ultra-modern and extreme wrap-around cockpit and a semi-enclosed rear compartment for bespoke luggage from renowned Italian leather goods company Schedoni. Just 12 Bentley Bacalar were designed, engineered and hand-crafted to individual customers’ taste. Both the design DNA and use of sustainable materials were inspired by the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car, launched to celebrate Bentley’s centenary in 2019. Produced in the world’s first certified carbon neutral facility for luxury car production, materials included rice husk ash paint and 5,000-year-old Riverwood. The Bentley Bacalar was named after Mexico’s Laguna Bacalar. Located on the Yucatan peninsula, it is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and continued Bentley’s strategy of naming its cars after remarkable landmarks which began with the Bentayga in 2015. The owner of this Bentley Bacalar chose the striking colour of Scarab Green. The Bentley Batur coupe, revealed in the summer of 2022, was the first to preview Bentley’s new design language. Crafted by Mulliner Coachbuilt, it was limited to just 18 examples. Customers were introduced to a level of personalisation, materiality and colour never seen before on a coachbuilt vehicle, using techniques pioneered and mastered by Mulliner. The Bentley Batur became the most powerful W12 in the firm’s history, with its iconic producing 750PS and 1,000Nm of torque. The chassis was also the most advanced in Bentley’s history, with a calibration exclusive for this car. As with the Bacalar, each of the 18 Bentley Batur customers enjoyed an unrivalled co-creation experience with a dedicated Mulliner Designer, to ensure each customer benefits from a true one of one creation personal to them. The stunning Aqua-Marine Batur prototype is to be on display at this year’s Salon Privé, a fitting choice of colourway given that the Batur is named after Lake Batur on the island of Bali, Indonesia. The crater lake in Kintamani is 88 metres deep and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot springs and agriculture. Bentley Mulliner has three portfolios: Curated by Mulliner. Bespoke and Coachbuilt by Mulliner. Curated by Mulliner presents clients with the most luxury-focused derivatives of the Continental, Flying Spur and Bentayga models, whilst Mulliner Bespoke offers the next level of personal commissioning with an exclusive tailoring service for each of our clients. Finally, the Coachbuilt by Mulliner division create the most exclusive portfolio of vehicles from the factory. On the classic side, they are famously responsible for the rebirth of the 1929 Team 4 ½ litre supercharged Bentley Blower, followed by the 1930 Bentley Speed Six, both in continuation form and built to Le Mans factory racing specification, limited to just 12 customer cars of each respectively. For the modern era of coachbuilding, they have created the Bacalar and Batur, both being rare, unique and iconic to the brand – with more ultra-exclusive models to follow in the future. Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: “We are delighted to welcome Bentley to Salon Privé with these two remarkable creations from Mulliner. The Bentley Batur is one of just 18, and the Bentley Bacalar is even rarer, being one of 12. To have them both together at Blenheim Palace for our guests to inspect is very exciting, and I can’t wait to see them underway in the Salon Privé Parade.”

Arnold Clark is official partner of SCOTY Awards 2024

Industry News

The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers is thrilled to confirm that motoring giant Arnold Clark is the official partner of the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2024. The SCOTY Awards are the pinnacle of the motoring year in Scotland and beyond, and SCOTY rewards the best cars launched in the previous 12 months. For 2024, the awards will be proudly held in association with Arnold Clark at the Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh on Thursday 28 November. ASMW President Alisdair Suttie said: “We are delighted to host the Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2024 in association with Arnold Clark. It’s the big ticket motoring awards of the year, so who better to hold it with than the biggest name in Scottish motoring. With such a diverse range of cars, and ways to power them, 2024 is set to be a fantastic year for SCOTY.” Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director, said: “The Scottish Car of the Year Awards is one of the biggest nights in the calendar for the automotive industry and we’re very excited to be this year’s official partner. “Events like this are great for the industry, but also really useful for customers, providing expert insight into the cars that they believe stand out from the crowd, meaning they can visit one of our branches armed with extra knowledge to help them find the right car. “We can’t wait to see which cars will shine and earn the judges’ praise this year.” The Scottish Car of the Year Awards started in 1998 and the Hyundai IONIQ 6 was named the 2023 winner.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz 7-seat to make UK debut at CarFest 2024

Industry News

UK debut of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles all-electric ID. Buzz 7-seat Test drives of the ID. Buzz 5-seat also available during the three-day event Visitors to CarFest 2024 can benefit from exclusive Try Before You Buy offer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ stand, the Buzz Stop, curated by renowned artists Craig & Karl, features design inspiration from ID. Buzz, including the honeycomb grille CarFest takes place 23-25 August 2024 at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire Milton Keynes, UK (21 August, 2024) – The highly-anticipated Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz 7-seat will make its UK debut at CarFest 2024 from 23-25 August 2024. Visitors to CarFest, the UK’s biggest family fundraising festival, will be the first to see the longer wheelbase variant in the country, as well as being able to test drive the ID. Buzz 5-seat at the on-site Test Drive Centre. During the three-day event, which takes place at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will provide CarFest visitors an exclusive, enhanced Try Before You Buy offer for the ID. Buzz 5-seat. The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand, the Buzz Stop, has been designed by globally-renowned design duo, Craig & Karl. Situated at stand number CF2, the new Buzz Stop will capture everyone’s attention with its bold design, bright colours and use of different media, inspired by design features from the ID. Buzz. The new ID. Buzz 7-seat will take centre stage at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ CarFest stand, as well as entertainment for everyone, including a live DJ, seating areas, and a children’s colouring wall. Prices for the ID. Buzz 7-seat model start at £59,545 ‘on the road’ with deliveries to start later in 2024. The ID. Buzz 7-seat delivers family-friendly flexibility, with five-, six- and seven-seat configurations available, with all rear seats benefiting from three-point safety belts and ISOFIX mountings for child seats. The second row of seats slide and recline for extra comfort, while on seven-seat models the third row can be removed completely. The increase in wheelbase allows for the installation of an 86kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of up to 291 miles1. Measuring 4,962mm long, ID. Buzz 7-seat features a 250mm increase in length over the standard model. This has allowed the sliding rear doors to be increased by 192mm, resulting in even easier entry and exit for rear seat passengers. The 7-seat model provides 306 litres of space behind the third seat row, increasing to 1,340 litres of luggage space behind row two and 2,469 litres when the second and third row seats are folded, making it perfect for carrying bikes, surfboards and kit for all the family. In addition, the Multiflex board adjustable boot floor creates a second loading level and, when the rear seats are folded down, a completely flat load area. As with the rest of the ID. Buzz line-up, the 7-seat features a number of technology and specification upgrades. For instance, the latest ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system now benefits from a larger 12.9-inch screen with enhanced graphics and a faster, more powerful processor. For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk For more information on CarFest 2024, please visit the website: www.carfest.org Tickets available on the website here (ends) Notes to Editor:1Official test (WLTP) electric range for the ID. Buzz 7-seat. Max range (offical WLTP) for ID. Buzz 7-seat is 291 miles. 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 03624/JBE

All-New Dacia Spring named ‘Bargain of the Year’ by world renowned automotive industry experts

Industry News

The All-New Dacia Spring is named ‘Bargain of the Year’ by the Best Cars of the Year expert judging panel 100% electric All-New Dacia Spring praised for its affordability and practicality The UK’s most affordable new electric car is now available to order at www.dacia.co.uk or from any official retailer, priced from only £14,995 on-the-road The All-New Dacia Spring is a big deal in every sense after being judged ‘Best Car Bargain of the Year 2024/2025’ by the independent organisation, Best Cars of the Year. Comprising of industry-leading car designers, engineers and executives together with motorsport icons and automotive media professionals, the Best Cars of the Year judging panel singled out the pure-electric All-New Spring for its value and versatility. A star of the Best Cars of the Year stand at the recent British Motor Show, the All-New Dacia Spring is priced at only £14,995 on-the-road, making it the UK’s most affordable new electric car. Ahead of the first customer deliveries later this year, orders are now open and static left-hand-drive versions are displayed in Dacia retailers nationwide for customers to see, touch and feel. The success of the All-New Dacia Spring in Best Cars of the Year’s annual New Car World Championships follows the Dacia Jogger picking up the same award at last year’s ceremony. On Best Cars of the Year declaring the All-New Dacia Spring an unbeatable bargain, judge Dr Andy Palmer said: “The Dacia Spring is great for several reasons – particularly among those looking for an affordable, practical efficient electric vehicle. It’s especially suited to urban environments and short to medium commutes. So, upon full consideration, I’m going with the new Dacia Spring.” Rewriting the EV rulebook, the All-New Spring combines its incredible value with a comprehensive standard specification and everyday usability. It offers a choice of Expression and Extreme trim levels and has a range of up to 140 miles (WLTP mixed cycle) or 186 miles (WLTP urban cycle). The Spring can be ordered with a 45 hp, or a more powerful 65 hp/48 kW motor. Using its 7kW charger, the compact 26.8 kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 100% on a suitable domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or in just four hours on a 7kW charger. The standard specification includes such features as a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, Media Control system with USB port, electric front windows and remote central locking.

Hyundai ranked among “most innovative volume brands”

Industry News

Hyundai ranked “most innovative volume brand” in Autonomous Driving & ADAS category, according to Center of Automotive Management Company also placed second “most innovative volume brand” overall Hyundai Connected Mobility enhances in-car experience through advanced digital services, mobility solutions and flexible access to vehicles Offenbach, 20 August 2024 – The Center of Automotive Management (CAM), an independent automotive research institute, has named Hyundai Motor the “most innovative volume brand” in the Autonomous Driving & ADAS category and the second “most innovative volume brand” overall in the 2023/2024 AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Awards. This ranking was determined through a rigorous evaluation of approximately 1,000 innovations from OEMs across various categories, focussing on factors such as originality, maturity, and customer benefit. Innovation through Hyundai Connected MobilityIn recent years, Hyundai has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving beyond automotive manufacturing into a leader in smart mobility solutions and cutting-edge technologies. The company has heavily invested in research and development to create innovative solutions that envision the future of mobility beyond traditional transportation. In 2023, Hyundai Motor Europe announced the establishment of a new entity: Hyundai Connected Mobility (HCM). This division is dedicated to enhancing user experience and fostering a safer, smarter and more connected way of moving. The strategic innovations driven by HCM, alongside Hyundai’s broader developments in recent years, have been instrumental in earning this recognition from CAM. “We are very proud of our recognition by the Center of Automotive Management as the ‘most innovative volume brand’ in Autonomous Driving and ADAS” said Marcus Welz, CEO at Hyundai Connected Mobility. “This award reaffirms our commitment to transforming mobility and redefining the in-car experience by creating connected ecosystems that place customer needs at the forefront.” By embracing the concept of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), HCM aims to deliver personalised, value-added services through digital and connected car technologies. For example, its Bluelink® Services offer a suite of connectivity features, enhancing the driving experience with real-time data, remote access, and various in-car features. Other digital services, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, Features on Demand (FODs), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications, also play an important role in the customer experience. These comprehensive connectivity and infotainment solutions were key factors in CAM’s innovation ranking. Additionally, MOCEAN Subscription, under HCM, provides flexible car access through a digital platform, allowing users to experience Hyundai’s line-up without the long-term commitment of ownership. By offering convenience and flexibility, this service appeals to a broader audience. HCM leverages the full breadth of Hyundai’s global ecosystem. Connected to Hyundai entities worldwide, HCM benefits from a close relationship with customers and their feedback. Through this synergy, HCM aims to improve the customer experience, delivering solutions that align with changing customer needs.

Marking 80 years since D-Day: Goodwood Revival to welcome an impressive contingent of military machines

Industry News

Goodwood Revival to mark 80 years since D-Day with a special on-track parade Parade to welcome over 100 military machines including the MASB 27 anti-submarine boat Goodwood Revival takes place Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September Friday and Saturday tickets are now sold out. Limited Sunday tickets remain at goodwood.com Goodwood is proud to announce that this year’s Goodwood Revival will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a special on-track parade. More than 100 military machines, which were instrumental during the D-Day landings of Second World War, will attend the Revival – both on track and on display at Lavant Infield – to form the largest gathering of military vehicles at Goodwood. We are particularly honoured that the parade will welcome D-Day veterans John Dennett (Royal Navy) and George Chandler (Coastal Forces), as well as Chelsea Pensioners on Sunday 8 September. From Supermarine Spitfires to magnificent Amphibious crafts, the parade will bring together an impressive collection of military machines to mark the significant anniversary, including Jeeps, Tanks, Half-Tracks, DUKW’s – GMC type nomenclature – motorbikes, aircraft and even boats. Leading the parade will be Field Marshal Montgomery’s Rolls-Royce Wraith Staff Car, which has recently been restored to its original 1940s glory by Richard Hammond. Manufactured in 1939, the unique Rolls-Royce became the first civilian vehicle to disembark on the beaches of Normandy and was used by Montogomery throughout his campaigning in Europe – making it the perfect vehicle to lead the parade at the Revival. Among those joining the display are the M36 Jackson, Valentine Amphibious Tank, Sherman Tank, M4 High-Speed Tractor and M8 Greyhound. Forming a spectacular focal point of the display will be the 63-foot MASB 27 anti-submarine boat, which was deployed during D-Day for air-sea rescue duties and aided in the transport of troops and armoured machinery from ship to shore. Representing the aerial contingent will be Supermarine Spitfires and Auster Aircrafts, as well as a Hawker Glider and two Douglas C-47 Skytrains that dropped paratroopers into Normandy during the D-Day offensive. All aeroplanes will be on display at the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation exhibition across the weekend. The Spitfires will also join in the Revival’s air display at 8am each morning and in the early evening on Saturday. The commemorative parade follows the events that took place earlier in the year on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June, including the lighting of a beacon by The Duke of Richmond on St Roche’s Hill (The Trundle). R.A.F Westhampnett played a significant role in D-Day as a forward airfield for the Royal Air Force, acting as a base for fighter aircraft and providing support and protection for the allied landings in June 1944, whilst Goodwood House was transformed into a hospital at the outbreak of the Second World War. The Duke of Richmond said: “I am incredibly proud that the Goodwood Revival is marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with our largest parade to date. As R.A.F Westhampnett, the Motor Circuit served as a base for operations during this time, and we are honoured to be welcoming veterans as part of the parade, recognising their vital contribution during the Second World War. Featuring a range of impressive military machines, the parade will bring the Revival community together to remember and reflect on this important moment in history.” Taking place on Sunday, the D-Day parade will join the full race schedule which is set to take place exclusively on sustainable fuels. The confirmed list of military machines taking part in the parade and on display will be available in the event’s Entry List which will be announced in the coming weeks. Friday and Saturday tickets are now sold out with limited tickets remaining for Sunday at goodwood.com.