Kwik Fit launches motor insurance through Kwik-Fit.Com

Industry News

UK’s leading car servicing and repair company has partnered with one of Asia’s largest insurers From today, Mon 15 July, Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, will be offering motor insurance to car owners via its website. The Kwik Fit brand re-entered the UK motor insurance sector last year, offering policies through price comparison websites. After seeing its offering prove popular and receive positive customer feedback, Kwik Fit is now enabling motorists to get a quote and purchase cover via Kwik-Fit.com Insurance features include cover for misfuelling and lost, stolen or accidentally damaged keys. Policyholders will have their no claims discount protected when hit by an uninsured driver (provided details of the other car and driver are collected), experience deliberate damage or vandalism to their vehicle, or need windscreen repair or replacement when using an approved repairer. Short European trips (up to three days) will be covered as standard, with the option to add cover for a further or extended visit. Optional additional features available to policyholders include three levels of breakdown cover, legal expenses and enhanced courtesy car cover. Kwik Fit is offering its insurance cover in partnership with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe (AND-E); a subsidiary of MS&AD, one of Asia’s largest insurers. AND-E’s UK based subsidiary, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance UK Ltd, is underwriting and administering the policies.* Andy Lane, marketing director at Kwik Fit, said: “We have launched Kwik Fit Motor Insurance cover to provide drivers with greater choice and cover with a company they already trust to keep their cars safe on the road. We’ve had a great response from customers obtaining cover through price comparison websites but we know that many car owners like to go direct to their provider. “We have worked to make the process of getting a quote and confirming cover via our website as simple as possible. We are confident that many drivers will be interested in a Kwik Fit Motor Insurance policy when they come to their renewal date and compare us with their existing provider.”

An extraordinary weekend at the 2024 Festival of Speed comes to a close

Industry News

Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrated 20 years with Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez taking to the balcony on Sunday alongside Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner Romain Dumas won the Shootout in the Ford Supervan 4.2 with a time of 43.98 seconds Monumental Central Feature celebrated MG’s centenary Event’s theme of ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power’ recognised advances in motorsport and automotive technology Motorsport icons including Fernando Alonso, Michael Dunlop and Richard Petty took to the Hill, as well as appearances from F1 Academy rising stars Lia Block and Hamda Al Qubaisi 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica was named the overall winner on the Cartier Style et Luxe Lawn The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard celebrated another incredible weekend, bringing together legendary drivers, riders and showcasing an outstanding collection of cars and motorcycles, with premieres and debuts around every corner. Formula 1 Renowned as the place to see some of the most legendary drivers and riders in motorsport, the 2024 Festival of Speed served as no exception, welcoming both current and former Formula 1 teams, drivers and cars. Celebrating its 20th anniversary and marking Goodwood’s biggest celebration of a Formula 1 team to date, Oracle Red Bull Racing brought together an incredible lineup of drivers from across the team’s history. Making his Festival of Speed debut at the event this year, the Festival of Speed was delighted to welcome current and three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen who took to the Hill on Sunday in the RB16B in which he claimed his first world title in 2021. Joined by teammate Sergio Pérez and Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, as well as former Red Bull drivers David Coulthard, Christian Klien, Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber, the hugely successful Formula 1 team took to the Goodwood balcony on Sunday giving fans the opportunity to salute the seven drivers who between them, hold a phenomenal 97 Formula 1 race wins. Alongside the celebrations for Oracle Red Bull Racing, the event hosted five additional current Formula 1 teams: BWT Alpine F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari HP, McLaren Formula 1 Team, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and Williams Racing. Fans had the rare opportunity to see legendary cars from across the decades and meet the teams and drivers, with crowds flocking to see Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, Logan Sargeant, Yuki Tsunoda, Frederik Vesti, Sophie Flörsch, Kush Maini and James Vowles across the weekend. Both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Williams Racing brought their respective F1 Academy drivers, Hamda Al Qubaisi and Lia Block, with the latter driving a Formula 1 car for the first time in public on the Hill. Motorsport icons and legends Joining us on two wheels, Michael Dunlop – the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT with 29 victories – rode his 2024 IOM TT Superstock bike alongside 23-time winner and lap record-holder John McGuinness and 14-time winner and Mountain Course lap record-holder Peter Hickman. Dunlop also celebrated his recent triumph at the Isle of Man TT with a moment on the balcony of Goodwood House on Saturday. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty attended across the weekend, as the Petty family celebrated 75 years of their involvement with motorsport. Returning to the Festival of Speed, Petty was joined by his famous 1970 Plymouth Superbird, driven by son Kyle, as Goodwood celebrated “The King” and his extraordinary career. Other drivers, riders and motorsport legends who joined us over the weekend included, the Iron Dames Julie Amblard, Karen Gaillard, Célia Martin and Sarah Rumeau, Giacomo Agostini, Karun Chandhok, Mick Doohan, Elfyn Evans, Damon Hill, Jacky Ickx, Sebastian Ogier, Emanuele Pirro, the championship-winning father-son duo of Kenny Roberts Senior and Junior, Kalle Rovenperä, Carlos Sainz Senior and and Kevin Schwantz. Central FeatureMG celebrated its centenary at the Festival of Speed this year, headlining the event with the monumental Central Feature on the lawn outside Goodwood House and a daily extravaganza. Gerry Judah’s highly-anticipated sculpture featured the Cyberster EV roadster and MGB. The two cars from MG’s past and present, perfectly illustrated this year’s ‘Horseless to Hybrid’ theme which recognised the advances in technology and propulsion that have shaped the automotive industry over the last 130 years. World-exclusives, debuts and revealsVisitors were some of the first to witness global marques and manufacturers unveiling their latest projects at the Festival of Speed, including debuts of the new Porsche 911, BMW M5, BMW XM Label Red, BYD SEAL U DM-I, Defender OCTA, All-Electric Ford Capri, Honda Civic Type R, Jaecoo J7, Maserati M20, Pagani Epitome, Pagani Imola Roadster, RB17 and the Yangwang U8, among many others. A step into the futureLocated at the heart of the event and exhibiting some of the very latest technology, Future Lab presented by Randox showcased ‘Technology for a Better World’, with exhibitors grouped into four sub-themes: ‘Protecting the Planet’, ‘Robots to the Rescue’, ‘Future of Flight’ and ‘Our World in Pixels’. The interactive hub welcomed entrepreneurs and innovators, including Dronamics, Drone City, Performit Live, sees.ai, and Shadow Robot who have collaborated with Google DeepMind on their latest robotic hand. The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) returned to the Festival of Speed, following their debut in 2023, and took to the Hill across the weekend with the AV-24, the world’s first fully-autonomous racecar piloted by software from the PoliMOVE-MSU team. On Thursday, Durham University’s Solar Car set the first time for a solar car on the Goodwood Hill. Over at Electric Avenue – the home of electric mobility at the Festival of Speed – the exhibition focused on four zones displaying urban cars, SUV and family cars, performance sports cars and future cars, featuring the likes of the BMW i5 Touring, Honda e:Ny1, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, Maserati GranCabrio Folgore and the Polestar 4. Cartier classicsThe Cartier Style et Luxe concours d’elegance welcomed some of the most intriguing and beautiful vehicles at the event, celebrating incredible automotive design, exquisite restoration and marked a number of…

All-new Dacia Spring: The UK’s most affordable new electric car

Industry News

The fully electric All-New Dacia Spring is priced from only £14,995, making it the most affordable new electric car in the UK Available in right-hand-drive for the first time, with brand new exterior and interior design UK version available in generously-equipped Expression and Extreme trim levels Greater convenience and versatility, with the best loading capacity in its segment and many clever features Customisable digital dashboard featuring a 7-inch instrument display and central 10-inch multimedia display Extremely efficient and lightweight, with a 65 hp electric motor delivering low energy consumption of just 14.6 kWh/62 miles (WLTP) It is the only fully-electric car weighing under one tonne in Europe and offers a range of 140 miles (WLTP) together with flexible charging options, including fast charging from 20% to 80% in 45 minutes The All-New Spring, Dacia’s first all-electric model, is widely credited for making electric mobility accessible to all. First launched in Europe in 2021, it was the third most sold electric car to retail customers in 2022 and 2023. In total, more than 140,000 Dacia Spring have been registered worldwide since its launch. Spring’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint were particularly praised in 2022, when it was awarded the maximum 5-star rating from the independent European organisation Green NCAP. Now available in the UK, for the first time, the All-New Dacia Spring is the perfect solution for people looking for simple, affordable and efficient mobility. Data collected via the vehicle’s on-board connected systems shows that the average daily trip made by Spring drivers covers just 23 miles, at an average speed of only 23 mph. In 75% of cases, cars are recharged at home. Spring has always found its audience because it has constantly evolved since its launch, with a new brand identity in 2022, then a more powerful 65 hp motor in 2023. In 2024, the All-New Dacia Spring passes another milestone, taking those qualities that made it a success to the next level. It is even more attractive than ever, with an entirely renewed and more robust design, and yet still as practical, with exceptional interior storage space for its segment. It is more efficient, thanks to carefully managed weight, while remaining the most affordable full-electric model on the market. Available to order now in the UK, the All-New Dacia Spring is priced from only £14,995 on-the-road, making it the country’s most affordable new electric car. EXTERIOR DESIGNDacia continues its mission to be the best value for money car brand that constantly redefines the essentials. Applying this to All-New Dacia Spring, Dacia wants to encourage drivers to make the shift to all-electric cars in an accessible way. A car’s design – along with efficiency, price and practicality – is one of the essential pieces in the puzzle. The All-New Dacia Spring features the new Dacia design, first seen on the latest generation Duster. It is a robust and assertive style that makes the Spring more attractive than ever. In fact, the only part of the exterior body to remain unchanged is the roof. David Durand, Dacia Design Director commented: “As Spring embraces the brand’s new design language, it is a resolute sign that it is here to stay as a key member of the Dacia family. We gave it a serious and confident design. Building on the success of the previous generation, the All-New Dacia Spring confidently asserts its own identity.” The All-New Dacia Spring is equipped to tackle both the urban jungle and country roads. Particularly compact (3.70m long) and with one of the best turning circles in its segment (4.80m wall-to-wall), it is exceptionally agile, making it particularly easy to drive. The bodywork stands the test of time thanks to the solid-colour protection strips that wrap around the body, especially the bumpers and wheel arches. The All-New Spring can withstand everyday wear and tear without compromising on appearance. Its high ground clearance is an asset when venturing over rough terrain. The highly structured, highly constructed volumes of Dacia’s new design style give renewed strength to Spring. A powerful look that comes from a clean, simple, pared-back silhouette, such as that seen on the highly sculpted bonnet. The new Dacia identity is evident in the two black bands, one at the front, the other at the rear, which meet in a glossy finish, with specific matte stripes at the rear. The two strips are framed by the brand’s iconic Y-shaped light signature, which is particularly striking with the full-LED daytime running lights at the front and the parking lights at the rear. The modern design on the All-New Dacia Spring is underpinned by decals featuring a contemporary style that adorn the front and rear bumpers on the Extreme trim. The 15-inch wheels, fitted with highly crafted wheel covers, add to the robust feel. True to the Dacia philosophy, the All-New Spring cultivates a clever and durable design. This is evidenced, for example, by the lower-door side protections which are light, affordable, easy to install, and easy to replace. As with all new Dacia models, decorative chrome parts have been removed, mitigating further impact on the environment. The same for the roof bars, as they are generally redundant on a small car used mainly for short trips; removing them helps lower the car’s weight, make it more aerodynamic, and therefore improve its range. The All-New Dacia Spring is available in a range of six shades, including newly introduced Brick Red and Safari Beige colours. INTERIOR DESIGNThe dashboard has been totally reinvented, both to incorporate elements from Dacia’s new interior design language, with its emblematic horizontal architecture, and to also integrate a new range of digital screens. Spring now features a customisable digital dashboard with a 7-inch display on all versions as well as a 10-inch multimedia central display on Extreme trim models. The colour palette and materials used for the interior have been reworked to offer superior quality, while reducing the diversity of options to better manage costs – key to the Dacia philosophy. The All-New Spring also…

McLaren celebrates maiden FIA World Endurance Championship podium in Brazil with strong performance from both McLaren GT3 EVO cars

Industry News

Number 95 GT3 EVO claims third place for McLaren Automotive’s first FIA WEC podium at the 6 Hours of São Paulo in Brazil Fourth place finish for number 59 car sees United Autosports team secure 27 championship points Both McLaren GT3 EVOs lock out the second row of the GT3 grid in Hyperpole qualifying session McLaren celebrated its first FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) podium at Brazil’s Interlagos circuit last weekend (13/14 July), home to the São Paulo Grand Prix and many memorable moments from the company’s history. From the start of the weekend the McLaren GT3 EVO cars – run by racing partner United Autosports – adapted well to the demands of the São Paulo-based track, which returned to the WEC calendar for the first time since 2014. The #59 car of James Cottingham, Gregoire Saucy and Brazil’s Nicolas Costa was fastest in the first free practice session on Friday morning, and both cars ran strongly in the following sessions, setting up an intriguing qualifying battle for the tightly packed field. Both cars qualified for the LMGT3 Hyperpole session for the 10 fastest qualifiers, in which Bronze drivers Josh Caygill and Cottingham set times to secure the third and fourth fastest times, locking out row two of the starting grid. The two cars briefly battled at the start of the six-hour race, when Cottingham initially got the jump on Caygill, who soon reclaimed the place and began to build a gap as he closed on the leading cars. The Interlagos circuit’s abrasive surface proved to be tough on tyre wear, with Cottingham losing a place in the process, but the McLaren GT3 EVO’s lightweight carbon fibre chassis allowed the drivers to manage their tyres well, and both cars stayed within the top eight while the order fluctuated as teams made their pit stops as the race progressed. Consistent pace and pit stops for the McLaren GT3 EVO cars ensured the United Autosports team could cycle through the driver stints and maintain position. Nico Pino took over from Caygill for the middle two hours of the race, while Saucy did the same in the #59 car. Both cars remained competitive, running third and fifth in class as Marino Sato and Costa took over for the final stint to the finish. While Sato held a comfortable third place as he raced the #95 car to the podium, Costa in the #59 car moved up to third place as rival cars pitted for fuel but came under increasing pressure from rivals in the final 15 minutes of the race. Using all of his knowledge of the Interlagos circuit, the Brazilian was inch perfect with his car placement to follow Sato home in fourth place. As Caygill, Pino and Sato stood on the WEC podium they celebrated a strong haul of points for the McLaren GT3 EVO. The United Autosports team secured a total of 27 points to lift the #59 car to 10th in the standings and the #95 car to 11th as the championship heads to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for the Lone Star Le Mans six-hour race on September 1. “This is a really special moment. A podium finish for the #95 – our first with McLaren Automotive – and a solid fourth from the sister #59, sealing the Sao Paulo weekend with our strongest result so far. United Autosports has celebrated great success in the WEC with the LMP2s, but this has been a new challenge. I cannot emphasise enough the time, passion and pure determination that the team has poured into the McLaren programme over the course of eight months, from all sides. And the drivers put it all into action on-track, with some stellar racing out there and very tough defence. The result is truly deserved. I am extremely proud, and excited to continue on this upward trajectory through the final three rounds.”Richard Dean, CEO, United Autosports “With the progress we’ve made this season working closely with our racing partners at United Autosports, it was only a matter of time before we stepped on to the podium, so I’m delighted that the number 95 car achieved that objective in Brazil. The fact that we also finished fourth demonstrates the genuine pace in the car and the improvements we’ve managed to make in a relatively short period of time. Massive congratulations to Josh, Marino and Nico on their first podium, as well as everyone at United Autosports on a job very well done. It’s a team effort and we all share in this success.”Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO and Motorsport, McLaren Automotive

CUPRA announces second consecutive year of sponsorship at Uber One presents All Points East

Industry News

CUPRA reunites with Uber One presents All Points East for second year, on 16–18 and 23–25 August CUPRA will be the sponsor of the North Arena for a second consecutive year Click here to find out more about All Points East Milton Keynes, 15-07-2024 – CUPRA UK has renewed its partnership with the music festival Uber One presents All Points East for 2024, its second consecutive year sponsoring the event. Last year marked the beginning of CUPRA’s partnership with London-based All Points East, which offered an experience to remember with a star studded line-up that pulled in the crowds. For 2024, All Points East returns to Victoria Park on the weekends of 16 – 18 August and 23 – 25 August for its sixth edition, with the CUPRA-sponsored North Arena hosting an array of artists. In addition to the North arena sponsorship, CUPRA will give VIPs and festival goers the best view of main stage from two viewing towers and affirm its connection to music and the importance of self-expression with their CUPRA event stand. Marcus Gossen, Director of of SEAT and CUPRA UK, said: “We’re really excited to return to Victoria Park once again for All Points East. Last year, our sponsorship of the North Arena was a fantastic success, and we’re delighted to be back as a key sponsor for this year’s festival, too. It’s important for us to continue to celebrate music and communicate the importance of self-expression, and we believe that our continued partnership with All Points East resonates with this message.” Will Dowdy, Vice President, Global Partnerships at AEG Europe, said: Will Dowdy, Vice President, Global Partnerships, AEG said: ‘We are delighted that CUPRA are returning to Uber One presents All Points East as our Official Automotive Partner. Music fans are increasingly curious about the electric revolution and in partnering with CUPRA, we are providing festival goers with an elevated experience this summer, through an incredible viewing tower with unique vistas to the main stage and across Victoria Park.” Uber One presents All Points East has become the essential London event since its inception seven years ago. The curated line-up of artists includes a range of musical talents from established names to those on the cusp of stardom. Headliners for 2024 are Kaytranada, Loyle Carner, Mitski, LCD Soundsystem, The Postal Service and Death Cab for a Cutie, plus APE presents Field Day with Justice and Pinkpantheress. For more information, download the official app or visit www.allpointseastfestival.com.

Micro-Mobility for a Macro-Impact: Nissan Partners with Acciona to Bring Silence Nanocars and e-motorcycles to UK streets

Industry News

Nissan partners with market-leader Silence to bring clean, compact, agile nanocars to customers, offering urban drivers easier access to the first step on their electric journey. Nissan to become UK distributor of Silence Nano S04 and e-motorcycles from October 2024, following launches in France, Italy and Germany. UK distribution partner strategy under evaluation. Partnership follows the launch of Nissan’s new business plan – The Arc – targeting growth and competitiveness. LONDON, UK (July 15, 2024) – Bringing small but powerful mobility to urban driving, Nissan today confirmed as UK distributor as part of its electrifying partnership with ACCIONA’s car manufacturer Silence – a leading European brand of electric micro-mobility vehicles designed for cleaner, smarter, more flexible city-living. Under this partnership, Nissan will hold distribution and service rights in the UK from October 2024 for the Silence product range, including Silence S04 quadricycle vehicles and electric motorcycles. Through this collaboration, Nissan customers will be able to access a range of uniquely designed and engineered Silence products, starting with the popular S04 Nanocar. Engineered for agility in bustling city environments, this compact, lightweight electric vehicle (EV) comes in two variants, the L6e and L7e, tailored to meet urban driving needs of all kinds. Each variant boasts a strong electric powered range, from 92 miles (L7e) to 109 miles (L6e), with top speeds reaching 28mph (L6e) and 54mph (L7e) – ideal for daily commutes or exploring the town. Powered by two 5.6kWh batteries, it offers quick, simple, convenient charging options, including direct charging, battery swapping at dedicated stations (available with subscription where available), and home or office charging through a removable battery pack. Gareth Dunsmore, Managing Director e-Micro Mobility at Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), said: “Following Italy, France and Germany, I am excited to see our partnership now expanding to the UK. Through this Nissan partnership with ACCIONA, we’re ensuring that many more people across Europe have access to electric mobility and can embark on their EV journey. By opening access to Silence’s diverse range of alternative products, we are easing the EV transition by combining clean mobility with cutting-edge technology, in functional and flexible vehicles.” This partnership comes hot on the heels of Nissan’s recent launch of The Arc – its new business plan focused strongly on driving value and strengthening competitiveness. Along with the launch of 11 bold new models to supercharge sales in the region, at the heart of The Arc is the strategic use of partnerships to drive business growth and transformation, hand-in-hand with like-minded organisations. Smart, forward-looking collaborations with innovative companies such as Silence showcase this strategy perfectly, seamlessly aligning with Nissan’s goals to explore new revenue streams, accelerate the transition to EVs, and respond to the diverse and changing needs of Nissan customers today and tomorrow. Crucially, this partnership reinforces Nissan’s commitment to a sustainable future, and its ambition to help create a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. By giving customers across Europe access to new mobility solutions, offering greater diversity of choice, and expanding into new territory, Nissan is lowering the barrier to entry for those who want to go electric – ensuring the transition to electric mobility is inclusive and accessible for all. Carlos Sotelo, CEO of ACCIONA’s mobility business and Silence, shares the excitement, stating: “The needs of drivers in today’s towns and cities are changing – their commute, their attitudes to mobility, and what constitutes a realistic and efficient way for them to get around urban areas. To respond to this, we need to think smarter, smaller and lighter. Silence’s light electric vehicles (EV), partnered with Nissan’s strong distribution network, offers new, exciting, and clever options for urban mobility in Europe, shaping a more sustainable future.” Offering both compact electric driving, and smart connectivity, the S04 Nanocar also comes equipped with the My Silence app – a one-stop-shop for any owners’ needs at the touch of a button. Through the app, customers have access to a range of cutting-edge digital services, including keyless entry, location tracking, monitoring of range and battery charge status. Taking flexible city mobility to new levels, it also allows customers to connect with friends and share access to their vehicle, without the need for swapping keys – pushing accessibility to EV options even further. For more information on the partnership and the exciting new products available to Nissan customers, visit: silence-mobility.nissan.fr, silence-mobility.nissan.it, silence-mobility.nissan.de

New Aston Martin Vantage wins again in IMSA as The Heart of Racing stars in North and South America

Industry News

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 claims second IMSA class win in succession, as The Heart of Racing dominates GTD category at Canadian Tires Motorsport Park The Heart of Racing clinches new Vantage GT3’s first GTD class win 2021 Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy graduate and 2022 IMSA GTD champion Roman De Angelis triumphant in home race for second time The Heart of Racing matches best result in FIA World Endurance Championship, finishing second in the LMGT3 class in 6 Hours of São Paolo Monday, 15 July, 2024, Mosport, Canada: Aston Martin’s new Vantage GT3 recorded its second win in as many races in the IMSA WeatherTech SportCar Championship – North America’s most prestigious endurance series – thanks to a brilliant GTD class victory at the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park [Mosport] for partner team The Heart of Racing [THoR]. The 2022 IMSA GTD champion and former Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy graduate Roman De Angelis (CDN), along with Spencer Pumpelly (USA), delivered an accomplished victory in the #27 THoR Aston Martin Vantage GT3, at Mosport. It was the second time in three years that De Angelis had won his home event. The team led most of the race and maintained a healthy advantage over rivals, even withstanding the pressure of a late-race Full Course Yellow to bring home THoR’s and the British ultraluxury sportscar manufacturer’s first GTD class win with the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3. This follows Ross Gunn (GBR) and Alex Riberas’s (ESP) maiden victory with the car in the GTD Pro class at the previous round, three weeks ago, at Watkins Glen. The Briton, this time partnered by Mario Farnbacher (DEU), finished fifth in the GTD Pro class at Mosport, bringing the Aston Martin works driver within 60 points of the class lead (350 are awarded for a win), with four rounds left to race this season. The win marked the 13th IMSA victory for the Aston Martin Vantage in the GT classes and was the eighth time THoR had won the GTD class since it first entered IMSA with the famous Wings in 2020. In total, THoR crews have raced Aston Martins to IMSA podium positions no less than 26 times in four and a half years, while another partner team Magnus Racing, has added a further three podium finishes from its exclusive Endurance Race programme. “This was a great day for the Heart of Racing team and another fantastic win for Vantage,” said team principal Ian James, who was racing the team’s FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] Vantage LMGT3 in Brazil. “Winning in IMSA, at the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park, was an awesome way to start the day, and a well-deserved reward for all the hard work this year from everybody on the #27 crew. Then we finished second, equalling our best result, in WEC. It’s a great feeling to be on the podium again and hopefully there will be many more moments like this to come!” James and his WEC THoR co-drivers Riberas and Daniel Mancinelli (ITA), so nearly made it a glorious double for the brand and the team in the 6 Hours of São Paolo, after a fiercely competitive performance brought them closer than ever before to claiming a maiden win in the series. Starting ninth in the LMGT3 class, James raced up to third by the end of his opening double-stint, handing over to Mancinelli, who fought past rivals on track to place the Aston Martin firmly in second place. When the leading Lamborghini retired, the race became a straight fight between the #92 Porsche and Riberas, now in the #27. But a late-race Full Course Yellow meant the Spaniard ran out of time and was forced to settle for second place. The D’station Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 also performed well, having started 14th in the LMGT3 class. The Japanese team charged through the pack to record another points finish with ninth place, thanks to strong stints from its drivers Clément Mateu (FRA), Erwan Bastard (FRA) and triple FIA World Endurance GT champion Marco Sørensen (DEN). Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is really hitting its stride now, and to see it win its class with The Heart of Racing for the second successive IMSA race is extremely satisfying. The team also came very close in WEC, once again demonstrating race-winning pace just as it had in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, last month. It feels like if the competitive level can be maintained, a first WEC victory with Vantage is within our grasp in 2024.” The next round of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship takes place at Road America (USA) on 4 August, while WEC now takes a summer break before returning to the Circuit of the Americas (USA) for round six of the championship on 1 September.

Alpine A110 Pikes Peak climbs to a 4th place finish in the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 Timed Shootout

Industry News

The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak finishes 4th in the Goodwood Festival of Speed Timed Shootout, covering the hillclimb in 48.61 seconds Radical 500 bhp A110 piloted up the 1.16-mile hill by Raphaël Astier, who also drove it to third place overall at Pikes Peak in 2023 Impressive result caps an amazing event for Alpine, the brand’s significant presence including the UK dynamic debut of the 100% electric A290 ‘hot hatch’ Alpine’s current and future motorsport focus represented by the Alpenglow concept and the BWT Alpine F1 Team showcar Brand’s rich heritage demonstrated by the 1975 A110 Group 4 Tour de Corse rally car, RS10 F1 car and A442 endurance racer Visitors provided with an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Alpine A110 Atelier personalisation programme Alpine has finished the Goodwood Festival of Speed on a high, its A110 Pikes Peak racer blasting up the iconic event’s 1.16-mile hillclimb to take 4th place in the hotly-contested Timed Shootout. Piloted by Raphaël Astier, who drove the car to third place overall at Pikes Peak in 2023, the aerodynamically-optimised A110 Pikes Peak powered up Goodwood’s hill in only 48.61 seconds. The result came after the highly specialised A110 used its svelte weight of 950 kg and near 500 bhp engine to outpace much more powerful rivals in Saturday’s difficult qualifying conditions, its balance and tractability enabling it to qualify 6th for the Timed Shootout with a slightly quicker time of 48.1 seconds. Of 45 entrants, the top 30 fastest went through to battle it out on Super Sunday in the Timed Shootout – the finale of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With Astier pushing the A110 Pikes Peak to its limit throughout the four-day event, the result was a fitting climax to a fantastic Festival for Alpine. While the A110 Pikes Peak was fastest of the brand’s cars up the hill, it shared the limelight with the UK dynamic debut of the A290 – Alpine’s 100% electric urban sports car. Fresh from its world premiere at last month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, the striking 220 bhp ‘hot ‘hatch’ showed off its sporting credentials as part of the exciting ‘First Glance’ feature. Visitors to the brand’s stand were also able to get up close to the stunning Alpenglow concept, which fuses a lightweight carbon body with a vision for high-performance hydrogen-powered motoring, while joining the A290 in the ‘First Glance’ feature were the 1975 A110 Group 4 Tour de Corse rally car and limited edition A110 R Le Mans. The motorsport theme continued with displays of the BWT Alpine F1 Team showcar, plus the 1970s twin-turbocharged V6 RS10 F1 car and the radical, V6-powered A442B endurance racer. Representing the brand’s roadgoing success, a number of A110 variants took part in the manufacturer parade, including the A110 S, A110 GT, A110 R and A110 Enstone. Alpine also gave attendees an exclusive preview of how it intends to make the acclaimed A110 even more exclusive, revealing its forthcoming Atelier Alpine personalisation programme. Nic Burnside, MD of Alpine Cars UK, said: “To see and hear the A110 Pikes Peak storm to such a strong finish was a fitting climax to an exhilarating four days for Alpine. During the Festival of Speed we were able to give thousands of visitors an incredible insight into our past, present and future, impressing existing fans of the brand and also attracting the admiration of a whole new generation of performance enthusiasts through the 100% electric A290.”

Pack vital medication to avoid breakdown emergencies

Industry News

Keep small pack of vital medication in vehicle Quarter of UK adults use prescription medication Drivers should take essential medication with them even on short journeys to avoid a breakdown becoming an emergency, says leading provider Start Rescue. “We have seen a rise in vehicle breakdown cases involving drivers and passengers who urgently need to take their daily medication and are travelling without it,” says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue. “It’s concerning how many find themselves away from home without their medication and don’t expect their return journey to be hindered by the vehicle breaking down.” A quarter of adults in the UK regularly use prescription medication, leading to a serious risk of drivers being stranded without vital medication if their vehicle breaks down. Even a breakdown close to home can leave a driver too far from immediate access to their medication, especially if it needs to be taken at a particular time. With the added anxiety of dealing with a broken down vehicle, potentially serious health issues can be avoided with just a little forward planning. Jasmine Shah, Head of Advice for the National Pharmacy Association, says: “We encourage patients to keep their medication with them while travelling, regardless of the distance involved. This includes taking enough medication to cover them for the trip or any delays they might encounter.” Lee Puffett adds: “No matter how far you are going, keep a small supply of in-date medication in a safe place in the vehicle where children cannot gain access, such as a locked glovebox. Take a copy of your prescription, too, if you are going further afield in case you need extra, especially with the summer holiday getaway approaching.” Always speak to your doctor, GP or pharmacist about travelling longer distances if you need to take regular medication and remember to take regular driving breaks. In an emergency, call for an ambulance or dial NHS 111 for non-urgent help. A quick response is crucial in these circumstances. In the What Car? Survey of Best Breakdown Cover, Start Rescue came top for best response time, reaching 77% of call-outs in 30 minutes to an hour and didn’t leave anyone waiting for more than two hours. Start Rescue also won best in the survey for performing temporary repairs that let people continue with their journeys. Start Rescue has a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot, a five-star Defaqto* rating and has achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for five years running. Start Rescue has also been awarded best Breakdown Cover provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024 (www.finder.com), scoring 4.9 out of 5 for overall satisfaction with a 94% recommendation rate. Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is an integral part of the nation’s fourth largest breakdown and recovery service, Call Assist, which now has more than two million UK customers. For further breakdown advice, please visit startrescue.co.uk.

Safety First: Nissan keeps putting customers first as Interstar, Townstar and Primastar all score top marks in EuroNCAP 2024 Safety Ratings

Industry News

All-new Interstar shines bright and receives top ‘Platinum’ rating Nissan Townstar & Primastar receive ‘Gold’ rating London, UK (July 15, 2024) – In its latest round of vehicle safety ratings, EuroNCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, has published scores for Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) lineup – Townstar, Primastar and Interstar. Following robust safety tests, the Townstar and Primastar models have earned themselves a Gold rating, achieving an impressive safety assist performance rating of 78% and 69%, respectively. The all-new Interstar – now available to pre-order in the UK – scored even higher and has been awarded EuroNCAP’s top Platinum rating with an overall score of 84%. These ratings are testament to Nissan’s commitment to safety, particularly as from 2023 EuroNCAP has applied more rigorous testing and assessment protocols for commercial vans than those used in previous years. At Nissan, we are continuously working to improve safety across our lineup. This commitment includes the development and adoption of automated driver support technologies that can help drivers avoid collisions or mitigate their effects. Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems In the testing category that evaluates a vehicle’s ability to detect and alert drivers to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, all three vehicles scored impressively. The Townstar earned 26.8 out of 30, the Primastar 27.9, and the Interstar 25.6 points. Overall, all vehicles were rated as performing in the highest category “Good” throughout the tests. Nissan is setting the standard for vehicle safety, and when testing the vehicles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, EuroNCAP noted the Townstar’s performance in this category as excellent. With a wide range of advanced driver assistance and safety features such as Intelligent Around View Monitor or Intelligent Blind Spot Warning, Townstar can also detect stationary or slower-moving cars and avoid collisions in nearly all test scenarios thanks to Intelligent Forward Collision warning and Emergency Braking. Whether the target vehicle is directly ahead or off to the side, the system reacts brilliantly, even when a vehicle cuts across the van’s path. Lane Support Lane Support Systems are crucial in averting accidents involving vehicles departing from their lane or crossing into oncoming traffic, and Nissan’s Townstar and Interstar models performed strongly in this category, receiving solid scores of 13.8 and 16.3 out of 20, respectively. The lane support systems in the Townstar and Interstar utilise lane departure warning technology, which signals to the driver when the van is drifting out of lane. Emergency lane keeping technology also intervenes more aggressively in certain critical situations to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road, ensuring that you and those around you are kept safe at all times. Speed AssistanceAcross Nissan’s LCV range, Nissan has introduced various technology to advise drivers of the current speed limit and warn them if they are exceeding it. All vehicles received solid scores across the category, with the Primastar receiving 9/15, Townstar receiving 14.5/15 and the Interstar receiving 11.4/15. The vehicles use various technologies, which for the Townstar and Interstar model include digital mapping and a camera, to determine the local speed limit, and to automatically set the speed limiter, accordingly. This ensures drivers are fully aware the speed limit and remain at a safe speed whilst driving. Occupant Status Monitoring ratingAt Nissan, we recognise that drivers can sometimes be unpredictable, making occupant status monitoring essential for enhancing vehicle safety. To ensure driver well-being, we have integrated safety features such as seatbelt reminders and attention assist technology which can help avoid accidents and ensure customer peace of mind. EuroNCAP awarded our Interstar and Primastar models full marks in this category (15/15), and our Townstar model 10/15. Andrew Limbert, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Manager said: “The outstanding performances across our Light Commercial Vehicle range across all categories demonstrates our clear commitment and dedication to improving passenger and road safety. Nissan is at the forefront when it comes to the advanced suite of technologies that act as a second pair of eyes, identifying potential dangers and helping the driver to avoid an accident. EuroNCAP’s thorough testing and rating programme, is crucial for consumers to truly understand the various safety technologies we have introduced across our vehicles. It’s great to see this recognised across their ratings”. Euro NCAP’s new criteria for Commercial Van Ratings have focused on advanced driver assistance systems and have placed greater emphasis on vulnerable road users, including pedestrian safety in night-time scenarios, cyclist protection, and the introduction of a new van-to-car crash scenario. Reaffirming Nissan’s commitment to quality and reassurance, every Nissan LCV is covered by an industry-leading 5-Year or 160,000km warranty. The comprehensive warranty includes bumper-to-bumper protection, paintwork guarantee, genuine parts and accessories and roadside assistance – providing comprehensive cover for extra peace of mind. About Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania)Nissan aims to become a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world. Sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030. Responding to critical environmental, societal and customer needs, this strategy sets out to deliver electrified models and technological innovation in key markets globally, empowering mobility and beyond. Ambition 2030 supports Nissan’s goal which is to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050. The Nissan AMIEO region, with EV36Zero at its centre, is primed to accelerate the shift to an electrified future. For more information about Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com.. You can also follow us on Facebook., Instagram., Twitter. and LinkedIn. and see all our latest videos on YouTube. Contacts Martin BayntunProduct and Corporate Communications ManagerT: M: (+44) 07989 666412E: martin.bayntun@nissan.co.uk