Aston Martin completes long-term pay agreement benefitting 2,500 eligible UK workers

Two-year agreement further supports Aston Martin employees with cost of living Reduced manufacturing hours to enhance employee wellbeing and work-life balance New deal approved by trade union members, following constructive talks with Unite 10 June 2024, Gaydon: Aston Martin has completed a new long-term agreement, increasing pay for its valued employees whilst committing to reduce the contractual hours of manufacturing technicians in 2025 to promote a positive work-life balance. More than 2,500 eligible Aston Martin employees and contractors across its UK manufacturing sites and offices are to be rewarded through the new deal, which provides a 4% annual pay increase for its general staff population in 2024 and 2025. In addition to a 4% increase in 2024, manufacturing technicians at the company will receive a 1.5% rise in 2025 alongside a reduction in working time by the equivalent of one hour in the working week, with the goal of boosting productivity and supporting employee wellbeing. All eligible employees will also receive a one-off payment of £1,000 recognising the continued high cost of living, building on the company’s long-standing support for its people, including a significant pay increase in line with the Retail Price Increase in January 2023. In 2023, the company also launched a new employee share scheme, awarding all employees a stake in the company and the opportunity to share in its success. Simon Smith, Chief People Officer of Aston Martin, said: “Achieved through our positive working relationship with trade union colleagues, this new agreement recognises our commitment to putting people at the very heart of our organisation and making Aston Martin a great place to work. It builds on our continued support for colleagues with the high cost of living and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “In addition to rewarding our skilled and dedicated employees, this agreement also promotes talent retention, providing labour certainty for the business as we enter an important period of production, with the ramp up of new models that will support the company’s financial goals in 2024 and beyond.” Achieved following constructive talks with Unite, the new agreement has been welcomed by trade union members in an employee ballot and confirms pay and conditions at the company for the next two years. A spokesperson for Unite the Union added: “Following lengthy negotiations between Unite the Union and Aston Martin Lagonda, Unite members have voted in large majority to accept the two year pay deal. Unite believes that this deal promotes the working relations built with AML, along with delivering a substantial pay rise and improvements on the work life balance of our members, promoting wellbeing.”

Aston Martin aims for 20th class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as new Vantage GT3 makes debut

Aston Martin seeking debut win with Vantage GT3 in new LMGT3 class Aston Martin celebrates 96 years since it first raced at la Sarthe IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class title-winning team Heart of Racing returns for second start in legendary French race D’station Racing aims to add to first international win for new Vantage GT3 Countdown begins for Le Mans debut of Valkyrie AMR-LMH in 2025 Monday, 10 June, 2024, Le Mans: Aston Martin’s new Vantage GT3 is all set to make its debut in the world’s most famous endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend (15-16 June), as the ultra-luxury British sportscar manufacturer targets an incredible 20th class victory at the event. Two examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, which shares the mechanical architecture of the new Vantage road car unveiled earlier this year at Silverstone, and which is built around Aston Martin’s proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by its fearsome twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, will contest the ‘twice around the clock’ race in central France. Both will compete in the new-for-2024 LMGT3 category as Aston Martin continues to lay the groundwork for its return to the top class with the Valkyrie AMR-LMH in 2025. Aston Martin’s full-time FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] partner teams, Japanese outfit D’station Racing and US-based entrant Heart of Racing carry the marque’s honour at Le Mans – the most prestigious race of the global competition – which features representation from an incredible nine GT manufacturers; an all-time high. D’station Racing made history earlier this month as Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) and Charlie Fagg (GBR) claimed the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s first international race win in the SUPER GT GT300 class at Suzuka. Fujii, in his role as the team’s Managing Director, will oversee a line-up spearheaded by Aston Martin works driver Marco Sørensen (DEN); a three-time FIA World Endurance Champion and 2022 Le Mans class winner. Sørensen will share driving duties aboard #777 with Le Mans debutant Erwan Bastard (FRA), a title winner in both the GT4 European and GT4 France series, and Team Principal Satoshi Hoshino (JPN), who makes his first FIA WEC appearance since finishing second in the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale last year. Heart of Racing, which will run the works Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH in the Hypercar class in 2025, scored its best result in the WEC season-opening Qatar 1812km with a second-place finish in the #27 Vantage to begin the LMGT3 era. It aims to go one better at La Sarthe, where it finished sixth on its Le Mans debut last year. Team Principal Ian James (GBR) will be central to the team’s driving strength, while single-seater champion Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) and Spaniard IMSA race-winner Alex Riberas (ESP) will race alongside him. Significantly, Le Mans – the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship – offers double-points due to its length and difficulty. This gives both Heart of Racing and D’station Racing, who are third and fifth in the Teams’ Championship, the opportunity to take over at the head of the standings as the European portion of the season ends. Aston Martin’s endurance racing is indelibly linked to Le Mans. A mere 15 years after the marque was formed by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, it was racing at la Sarthe; its debut coming in 1928 with a pair of AM415 ‘Internationals’. Three years later it claimed its first victory when Augustus Cesare Bertelli and Maurice Harvey won the 1.5-litre class in an International. It took class honours in 1932 and ’33 as well. Two more wins in the ’30s for the Ulster meant that Aston Martin ended the pre-war era as one of Le Mans pre-eminent manufacturers. The race wasn’t held between 1940-1948 with Europe affected by the second World War, but once it returned in 1949, Aston Martin did too, making the 3-litre class its own through the 1950s. It won the class six times, finishing first, second and third with the DB2 in 1951. This halcyon era culminated in a glorious overall victory for Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori in the DBR1 in 1959. It was also in this period that Aston Martin became known as a haven for legendary racing stars. Among the many aces to have raced Aston Martins at Le Mans are Jim Clark, Sir Stirling Moss, Peter Collins, Sir Jack Brabham, Shelby, Salvadori, Tony Brooks, Phil Hill, Sir John Surtees, Innes Ireland, Graham Hill and Bruce McLaren. This century Aston Martin has come to the fore once again as one of the truly great GT manufacturers. Returning to the race with a GT1 class podium in 2006, Darren Turner, Rickard Rydell and David Brabham recorded a famous victory over Corvette with the mighty V12-powered DBR9 in 2007. Aston Martin Racing repeated the victory the following year. In the WEC era, which began in 2012, Aston Martin has five class victories with Vantage. The V8 Vantage GTE won the GTE Am class in 2014 with the Danish line-up of Nicki Thiim, Kristian Poulsen and David Heinemeier Hansson. Then in 2017 Jonny Adam (GBR) delivered a famous last-lap pass on the rival Corvette to clinch a dramatic GTE Pro win along with team-mates Turner (Aston Martin’s most successful Le Mans racer with 15 starts and three wins), and Daniel Serra (BRA). The Vantage GTE made its Le Mans debut in 2018 and claimed a breath-taking double-class victory in 2020. Alex Lynn (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL) and Harry Tincknell (GBR) outfoxed Ferrari in a famous win without stopping for a traditional Sunday morning brake change, while TF Sport conquered GTE Am with Salih Yoluc (TUR), Adam and Eastwood. The team won again in 2022 in its world championship title year with Ben Keating (USA), Henrique Chaves (POR) and Sørensen. A podium finish for TF Sport in last year’s centenary running of the race – also the 53rd time an Aston Martin had competed at the event – brought the curtain down on the GTE…

Elli enters the industrial energy storage business

Stationary large-scale storage systems are an important component in tomorrow’s energy system. The demand for storage solutions will increase throughout Europe in the coming years, with experts expecting growth by a factor of 100 in Germany alone Elli will develop and operate energy storage projects on an industrial scale together with partners. The company is thus opening up a new business area and further expanding its range of energy services In the first step, individual projects with up to 350 MW of capacity and 700 MWh of storage capacity are planned. A first storage project could be launched in Germany as early as 2025 Wolfsburg, June 7, 2024 – The Volkswagen Group is entering a new business segment with the Elli charging and energy brand and will develop, build and operate large-scale stationary storage systems together with partners along the value chain. In the future, Elli’s industrial energy storage systems will be used to supply customers and for arbitrage transactions on the electricity market. In this way, Elli is driving the transformation into a smart energy company and making a significant contribution to stabilising and increasing the efficiency of the power grids. The first Elli battery storage projects could be set up as early as next year. The largest projects in the Elli project pipeline currently have a capacity of up to 350 MW and a storage capacity of 700 MWh. Such projects would almost double the total storage capacity installed in Germany, which currently amounts around one GWh. “Germany and Europe need sufficient storage solutions to meet the increasing demand and to compensate for the volatile feed-in of renewable energies. Our investment in stationary battery storage systems is therefore a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of the energy supply,” says Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall. The need for storage solutions is enormous: in 2023 alone, around 10,500 GWh were not generated from renewable electricity sources in Germany due to a lack of intermediate storage options.1 This amount of electricity would have been enough to power more than 3.2 million electric vehicles with electricity from renewable sources for a year. In order to compensate for the volatility of renewable energies, the Fraunhofer Institute estimates a demand for battery storage systems of over 100 GWh by 2030.2 By entering the business of industrial energy storage, Elli confirms its leading role in the mobility and energy transition. “We see high financial potential in this business area and the opportunity to develop Elli into a holistic energy provider in Europe,” explains Giovanni Palazzo, CEO Elli. You can find out more about charging and energy at www.volkswagen-group.com and www.elli.eco. 1) www.bundesnetzagentur.de, Quarterly report on grid congestion management | 06/20242) Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, ISE, www.ise.fraunhofer.de, 2.5.2022 Julia PirlichVolkswagen Group Charging GmbH (Elli) Head of Corporate Communications+49 (0) 175 3713564julia.pirlich@volkswagen.de | www.elli.eco | www.volkswagen-group.com Katerina VojtechovaVolkswagen Group Technology Spokesperson Charging and Energy+49 (0) 175 2202136katerina.vojtechova@volkswagen.de | www.volkswagen-group.com Kate ThompsonGroup Corporate Communications (UK)+44 (0) 7713 265562 / kate.thompson@vwg.co.uk | www.volkswagen-group.co.uk About the Volkswagen Group:The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability. In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion). About Elli:The Elli brand, with around 370 employees, takes care of customers’ needs at the interface between energy and mobility. Elli, as part of the Volkswagen Group, offers a broad range of energy and charging solutions in Europe and acts as a mobility service provider. The current product portfolio includes charging solutions for private customers and companies – from the company’s own home chargers and the flexible fast-charging stations (Flexpoles) to charging services and innovative smart green electricity tariffs. For charging in public spaces, Elli provides digital solutions and services for a seamless charging experience. Elli, which was founded in 2018, has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich.

Legendary Sports Racers confirmed for Salon Privé Concours 2024 at Blenheim Palace

Salon Privé Concours 2024 at Blenheim Palace to be held on 28-31 August Legendary Jaguar, Lister, MG and Porsche rarities confirmed for the Sports Racer Class The UK’s only concours judged by professional group the ICJAG 19th year of Salon Privé in 2024: ‘The UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party’ Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva runs on 28-31 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ Salon Privé Concours 2024’s thrilling Sports Racer class is continuing to build with four iconic cars confirmed to join the gathering in the world-class grounds of Blenheim Palace. Legends from Jaguar, Lister, MG and Porsche will all be shipped to Oxfordshire for the summer spectacle held on 28-31 August. A spectacular 1956 Lister Maserati is set to be a star draw. Entered by a regular Salon Privé Concours entrant from Switzerland, ‘MER 303’ is the sole surviving fruit of a famous partnership between driver Archie Scott-Brown and engineer Brian Lister. One of the most formidable motor racing teams of the 1950s, this small, lightweight and nimble sports racer was designed to house the new 2.0-litre Maserati A6GCS engine. The chassis bore the legendary identifier ‘BHL 1’. The car took the 1956 British motorsport season by storm, winning four races outright, with Scott-Brown taking his first triumph at Snetterton in May. He also earned a brace of class wins across iconic circuits including Aintree, Goodwood and Silverstone. The car continued to race in 1957, 1958 and 1959, before following the familiar path of old racers, being passed from collector to collector. The car was known to be raced overseas in the 1990s and 2000s, before being imported back into the UK in 2017. Amateur racer Nick Riley bought the car, competing in the Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic, then finishing second overall at the 2018 Monaco Historic. The only remaining works Lister that legendary Archie Scott-Brown raced, this remarkable car is one of the most original Listers in existence, and is described as a truly phenomenal racing car from a thrilling era of British motorsport. Salon Privé Concours guests will have a rare chance to see a much-loved and highly-competitive racing Lister up close. The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 is an icon amongst enthusiasts of the Stuttgart brand. A landmark design, its development was overseen by a young Ferdinand Piëch, who created an ultra-lightweight car eligible to compete in the new FIA Group 4 Sports Car category. It placed sixth in its 1966 24 Hours of Daytona debut, and went on to score numerous victories in races around the world. Austrian racer Rudi Lins was a Porsche regular, racing the 356 and 904 before switching to the Carrera 6. When he heard the Porsche racing department might be offering slightly damaged cars for sale, he made a few telephone calls, then drove to Stuttgart in a van. He was presented with an array of damaged cars, including this ex-Dieter Glemser and Hans Hermann works car, chassis number 906 111, which was damaged in the Targa Florio. He filled his van with motorsport cast-offs, also purchasing an early test car, chassis number 906 101. He then set to work, completing a build-up of 906 101 in early 1967 ready for a successful year in racing – he even won the European Hillclimb Championship. But in 1968, he crashed the car, leaving it severely damaged. Cue a switch to 906 111, finishing the season behind its wheel. 906 111 was then sold and raced by other drivers, before being rebuilt in the early 1980s, and has since been enjoyed by enthusiasts across Europe. A fascinating creation, it is coming over to Salon Privé Concours from Germany. Back to Britain, and a first-time entrant for Salon Privé Concours is bringing an ultra-rare 1966 MGC GTS Lightweight, ‘MBL 546E’. The first of two such cars built by the BMC Competitions Department at Abingdon, it was created for international endurance racing and has a unique fully-riveted and welded aluminium body fitted to a lightened and strengthened floor-pan. MG enthusiasts, this is a very special car indeed. It has a very special history, too. It was first raced in the 1967 Targa Florio by the legendary Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Makinen, achieving a third place in the Prototype Class. Paddy drove it again in the 1968 Sebring 12 Hours, alongside Andrew Hedges, again achieving third in class. After a few more endurance races, it was then used for promotional purposes, before being sold for just $4,000. Remarkably, two American owners used it as a fast road car, before it returned to the UK in 1973. ‘MBL’ was then used for both road and circuit work, with a full mechanical overhaul in the 1980s, before MG works car collector and racer Michael Darcey bought it to be reunited with sister car ‘RMO’. He successfully raced it in the MGCC Championship, before a further sale saw it go to California, where it was restored by Symbolic Motor Car Company between 2007-2011. The car returned to England in 2022 and the current owner purchased it earlier this year. The car is described as staggeringly original, and this is a rare opportunity to see a very special MG up close. Another special entrant confirmed for Salon Privé Concours, a 1951 Jaguar XK120 OTS, is still being prepared by restorers Hilton & Moss, who promise this example of Jaguar’s first post-war sports car will be a model not to be missed. Look forward to more news about this exciting entrant in the coming weeks… “Every year, we are honoured by the huge number of entries we receive for the Salon Privé Concours, and this year’s Sports Racer Class already has us excited. These four cars are genuine living legends and I know our guests are going to relish the opportunity to see such storied models up close,” said Concours Chairman Andrew Bagley. A few entries remain open for the 19th edition of the Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva, with car classes as follows: Pre-War…

Salon Privé Grand Tours expands with new Head of Business Development

Salon Privé Grand Tours announces Jamie Robinson as new Head of Business Development Significant expansion planned for the Grand Tours business 2025 tour calendar to launch at this summer’s Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace on 28-31 August 19th year of Salon Privé in 2024: ‘The UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party’ Salon Privé runs on 28-31 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ Jamie Robinson has joined the Salon Privé Grand Tours business to lead a significant expansion of the experiential lifestyle division of Salon Privé. As Head of Business Development, Jamie is already overseeing plans for upcoming 2024 tours, and will also now look to grow the business further in 2025 with new tours planned to be launched later this summer. The full 2025 calendar will be officially announced at Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace on 28-31 August. An experienced sales and events professional, Jamie joins Salon Privé after two years immersing himself in the world of electrification, having worked with OEMs across multiple sectors to realise their electrification initiatives. Prior to that, Jamie was Sales and Event Director at Classic Grand Touring, a specialist UK driving tour operator. “I designed and directed at least 10 driving tours per year, and cultivated a fantastic driving tours community – many of whom I look forward to welcoming on future Salon Privé Grand Tours,” he said. Salon Privé director David Bagley said Jamie’s ‘nothing is too much trouble’ approach and meticulous organisation skills made him the ideal person to expand Salon Privé Grand Tours, and assure customers they are in safe hands when joining any Salon Privé tour or event. “I am absolutely delighted to have joined Salon Privé and want to say a big thank you to Andrew, David, and the team for the warm welcome. Whilst expanding the Salon Privé Grand Tours product range is a significant part of my role, I’m also very much looking forward to being involved in both the Salon Privé Blenheim Palace Concours and Salon Privé London event.” Jamie also added “Expansion of the Salon Privé Grand Tours will provide further value add opportunities for both our sponsors and customers who I very much looking forward to working with”. “In just a matter of weeks, I have already witnessed the power of the Salon Privé brand in action, opening doors for our clients on the recent tour of the Italian Lakes ­– providing access and exclusive opportunities which others cannot, setting a Salon Privé tour and event apart from the crowd.” Jamie added that tour enthusiasts should now look out for the 2025 calendar, which will be launched at the Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace in August. “The combination of my driving tours experience and gravitas of the Salon Privé brand will result in a very exciting 2025 tours calendar. I look forward to welcoming many familiar faces back out on tour next year and introducing new and existing customers to the world of Salon Privé Grand Tours.” A few spaces remain open for the 19th edition of the Salon Privé Concours, with car classes as follows: Pre-War Open Pre-War Closed/Elegance Post-War Open Post-War Closed International Post-War Closed British Sports Racer Ferrari Classiche Ferrari – Celebration of 60th Anniversary of Ferrari 275 Bugatti – From Grand Prix to Grand Touring Porsche ‘Rennsport’ Inspiring Greatness – 120 Years of Rolls-Royce Legendary Liveries Supercar Icons pre-2004 Those who would like to enter a car into the 2024 Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva should contact Concours Coordinator Nick Wilkes on +44 (0) 7795 213 361 or on: NickW@salonpriveconcours.com [ENDS] Press Accreditation Rebecca Leppard, Eventageous PR LtdTel: + 44 (0) 1452 260063 /+ 44 (0) 7749 852481, Email: rebecca@eventspr.co.uk For all event information, please visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/You can also follow on Facebook: @salonpriveuk / Instagram: @salonpriveuk / Twitter: @salonpriveuk

1000 Miglia 2024

The forty-second re-enactment of the Red Arrow begins: five legs over 2,200 kilometres from Brescia to Rome and back Brescia, 7 June 2024 – The Most Beautiful Race in the World returns from 11 to 15 June in 2200-kilometres that the magnificent cars built between 1927 and 1957 will cover in five legs, as per the format inaugurated last year. The unusual anti-clockwise route will add epic flavour to the tour de force of the classic gems, evoking the legend of the first 1000 Miglia speed race editions. The first historic leg finish In Turin: after the 1947 and 1948 passages, the convoy will stop for the first time in the Savoy city and, greeted by the Red Arrow projected on the Mole Antonelliana, will parade through the city centre streets until the welcoming in Piazza San Carlo. Another novelty will be Genoa, where the first race lunch will be held. Viareggio, Rome and San Lazzaro di Savena the other city legs. From the morning of Sunday 9 June, the pre-race will start with the opening of the Technical and Administrative Checks at the Brixia Forum Paddock, followed at 4:30 p.m. by the inauguration of the 1000 Miglia Village in Piazza Vittoria. Here, two hours later, the engines will be switched on for the seventh edition of the Trofeo Gaburri, with cars competing between Corso Zanardelli and the Brescia Castle, with the finish line in Piazza Paolo VI. The city centre is also ready to welcome the 1000 Miglia: on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday the cars will park in the centre’s squares and streets, where restaurants, bars and shops will remain open until late at night. From 6.30 p.m. on Saturday, the White Night festival stage in Piazza Loggia will host the prize-giving ceremony. Preceding the classic car convoy will be the Ferraris of the Tribute 1000 Miglia and the 1000 Miglia Green Full-Electric cars, followed by the Supercars and Hypercars entered in the 1000 Miglia Experience. The 1000 Miglia Autonomous Drive project with the Politecnico University of Milan continues: the car with the robo-driver will be presented at the inauguration of the Village and, driven again this year by Matteo Marzotto, aims to complete a large part of the route in Autonomous Drive mode. The Pink Car of the 1000 Miglia Charity also returns in support of IEO – WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER, in which various show business personalities will take turns. Press Officepress@1000miglia.it +39 331 6133162

Refreshed Qashqai: takes to the roads with bold restyling, upgraded tech & Nissan’s unique e-POWER system

Updates cement Qashqai’s position as segment pioneer & leader New N-Design grade for enhanced visual appeal New connectivity functionalities with Google built-in Powered by innovative e-POWER system, for a pure EV-drive feel without the need to recharge UK pricing from £30,135 and available to order now FARO, PORTUGAL (6 June, 2024) – The new Qashqai is enjoying is first outing on the roads of the Algarve, in southern Portugal, where its refreshed styling exudes a sharp and modern dynamism. The comprehensive update to the styling, on-board tech and interior design will reinforce the Qashqai’s position as the segment-leader, as well as its place in automotive history as a segment-creator. Striking, imposing designThe front grille of the Qashqai has been comprehensively updated to create a more striking first impression. It now consists of dozens of high gloss, three dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder. To the sides the “commas” are finished in a ”satin chrome” hot foil stamp on N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+ models. New headlights bring a sense of purpose and presence, with an even sharper look. Below the main lens the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses which are the same shape as the “commas” of the main grille. The daytime running lights now encircle the main headlight lens, joining with the thin light above the headlight which is similar to the unit on the previous iteration of Qashqai. The upper daytime running light element becomes the turn indicator when activated and, for the first time, features sequential turning lights front and rear on N-Design and Tekna grade. At the rear, the red lighting elements now consist of four individual elements which echo the shape of the front grille ”commas”. They appear to float in the lens housing and are now a distinctive shade of red, known as “super red”, and bring a sense of elevated precision. The lenses are now clear, to allow a better view of the lighting elements. A new 18” diamond cut alloy wheel is now standard on the mid-grade Qashqai. For the higher grades, there is a new 19” alloy and a new 20” diamond-cut alloy wheel design. This range of striking wheels gives one of the widest range of wheels in the segment, adding an extra dimension to the Qashqai’s eye-catching design refresh. Three new colours have been added to the Qashqai’s palette. Pearl White is new and features a cleaner, pure tint that appears to give a glow in certain lighting conditions. Pearl Black replaces the previous black option and has a richer black tint and has the effect of sharpening the definition of the Qashqai’s visual geometry. Ocean Deep is an eye-catching shade. It appears to sit somewhere between dark blue and metallic teal depending on the prevailing light conditions. New N-Design gradeA new addition to the Qashqai line-up is the N-Design grade. On the exterior, the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches are body-coloured on N-Design. There are also unique, all-new 20” alloy wheels which bring added on-road presence. Upscaled interior trimFor the upper grades, there is a new application of Alcantara® on the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, centre storage console lid and even the knee pads all of which combine to elevate the on-board ambience. New patterned materials adorn the centre console around the gear selector and the decorative insert between the upper dashboard and glovebox, underlining the attention to detail which underpins Japanese craftsmanship. Updated seat trims have been introduced across the upper three grades of Qashqai for an even more premium feel. Most notable is the black partially quilted premium leather on the top spec Qashqai. On the penultimate grade, there’s a quilted synthetic leather which is complemented by “burnt umber” flashes on the seat base and shoulders of the seat upright. Another new dimension to the elevated life-on-board feeling is the addition of ambient lighting giving 64 different colour options on the N-Connecta, N-Design grades and above. Upgraded technologyThe upgraded Around View Monitor system now features a 3D function allowing the driver to see the car not only from above, but also select one of eight different external camera view points to visualise the car from the front, rear, sides or corners to potentially identify any unseen exterior hazards. Additionally, a feature known as “invisible hood view” allows the driver to see the position of the front wheels as if looking at them from just behind, which enables them to precisely manoeuvre in tight locations, such as multi-story car parks where there are concrete curbs which could damage a wheel. Furthermore, the AVM tech can be used to help drivers make a safe entry from a difficult exit onto a road where visibility is limited. It uses a wide-angle front camera to show the view from the front of the bonnet, projected onto the central screen. Like the “Parking Spot Location Memory” function, locations with limited visibility can be stored in AVM’s GPS memory, so it will automatically activate close to the junction. Google built-inThe refreshed Qashqai is the first vehicle in Nissan’s European range with Google built-in as part of the NissanConnect infotainment system, which makes a near-seamless interaction between a customer’s digital life and their vehicle. The updated Qashqai comes as standard with Google Maps and, once signed-in, with a personal Google Account drivers can access their favourite locations and points of interest. This reduces the dependence on a mobile phone and cellular phone network. Over the air updates ensure the map information is always current. Google Assistant allows the driver to use their voice for hands-free help on the go. For example, drivers can say “Hey Google” to control the vehicle’s ventilation system, heated seats and windscreen or to navigate to their next destination. Additionally, drivers can make phone calls and listen to audio instructions without taking their eyes off the road. Drivers…

Škoda becomes official car partner of Silverstone ahead of British Grand Prix

Škoda will supply Enyaq models to key stakeholders Fleet of 30 Enyaqs to be used for VIP and hospitality transfers at British Grand Prix Partnership will help Silverstone achieve its goal of increased sustainability Škoda’s British Grand Prix presence in the Fanzone to include Gran Turismo 7 simulators running new Vision GT Milton Keynes, 6 June 2024: Škoda has become the official car partner to Silverstone in a deal that will see the Czech brand join forces with the home of British motorsport. Škoda, which enjoys a rich motorsport heritage dating back more than 120 years, will work closely with the Northamptonshire-based circuit over the course of the next 12 months and play a key role in logistics operations at the forthcoming Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix in July. At the heart of the partnership will be Škoda’s all-electric Enyaq, which will provide electric mobility for Silverstone’s key stakeholders. A fleet of the multi-award-winning models will be supplied by Škoda, enabling Silverstone to become a more sustainable operation. The circuit has recently installed 24 electric car chargers as part of its mission to cut carbon emissions and encourage more sustainable transport options. Silverstone’s new Enyaq fleet will also play a starring role at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix in July – round 12 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. A fleet of 30 Enyaqs will be used for VIP and hospitality chauffeuring throughout the four-day event, which is regarded as one of the biggest and most important dates on the racing calendar. In 2023, more than 480,000 fans and guests attended the race weekend, with a similar number expected for the 2024 race. In addition to supplying a fleet of Enyaqs, Škoda will also have a brand experience stand featuring Gran Turismo 7 racing simulators. These will give racegoers the chance to drive the incredible Škoda Vision GT on a virtual version of the Silverstone course. Launched earlier this year, the Vision GT was specifically created for Gran Turismo 7 and features design cues that pay homage to classic Škoda racing cars, including the iconic 1100 OHC ‘Red Racer’. Commenting on the announcement of the new partnership, Pietro Panarisi, Head of PR & Communications at Škoda UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with Silverstone, one of the biggest and most famous names in motorsport. Like Silverstone, Škoda has an incredible motorsport pedigree but an eye to the future and a passion for sustainability.” Nick Read, Chief Commercial Officer at Silverstone, added: “We are delighted to announce Škoda as the official car partner to Silverstone, a company that has truly embraced our sustainability objectives as we continue on our Shift to Zero journey. This partnership with Škoda is a significant step as we transition to a greener fleet of vehicles and continue to put sustainability at the heart of all we do at Silverstone.” The Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix takes place between 4-7 July 2024. For more images of the Škoda Enyaq, please visit www.skodamedia.com.

Data experts reveal their used cars of the year

Automotive data company cap hpi has announced the winners of its Used Car of the Year Awards for 2024. The awards follow an extensive data-led judging process that reviewed a wide range of factors, from residual value performance to new car registrations. The Toyota Aygo was chosen as the overall winner of the Used Car of the Year title by cap hpi’s leading team of automotive experts and analysts. The stylish city car proved a hit with cap hpi’s judges. It was identified as economical and cheap to run, and also named the City Car of the Year. Tesla’s Model 3 was voted Battery Electric Car of the Year, and in the popular SUV class, the Dacia Duster, Kia Sportage and Volvo XC90 were winners in the small, medium and large SUV categories, respectively. Derren Martin, director of valuations at cap hpi, said: “It has proven to be a vintage year for the cap hpi Used Car Awards. The awards were informed by an extensive review of the data to select the best car in each category and an overall winner. We are pleased to announce the winners from our partners across the industry.” Winners across the range of categories include: Overall winner Used Car of the Year – Toyota Aygo City Car of the Year – Toyota Aygo Supermini of the Year – Dacia Sandero Lower Medium Car of the Year – Vauxhall Astra Upper Medium Car of the Year – BMW 3 Series Executive Car of the Year – BMW 8 Series MPV of the Year – Dacia Jogger Small SUV of the Year – Dacia Duster Medium SUV of the Year – Kia Sportage Large SUV of the Year – Volvo XC90 Battery Electric Car of the Year – Tesla Model 3 Small Van of the Year – Volkswagen Caddy Medium Van of the Year – Ford Transit Custom Large Van of the Year – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Mark Turnbull, director of OEM and consulting at cap hpi, concluded: “The automotive industry continues to raise the bar in terms of innovation and quality. The strength of the models in this year’s judging is a testament to the health of the sector.”

Martin Sander appointed new Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars

Martin Sander takes over the Management Board position on July 1, 2024 Imelda Labbé is leaving the company for personal reasons as part of a retirement plan Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer: “With Martin Sander, we are gaining an experienced sales expert, a proven leader with many years of experience in the automotive industry and in the Volkswagen Group.” Wolfsburg – Martin Sander will become the new Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars on July 1, 2024. He succeeds Imelda Labbé, who has headed the department for the past two years. Sander is moving from the Ford Motor Company to Wolfsburg and will report directly to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer: “With Martin Sander, we are gaining an experienced sales expert, a proven leader. Martin can look back on many years of experience in the automotive industry and in the Volkswagen Group and will provide new momentum to sustainably position the Volkswagen brand’s sales organization for the future. With his know-how and his knowledge of the international markets, he will set strategic priorities, particularly in the marketing and after-sales business. His predecessor on the Board of Management, Imelda Labbé, has increased market share since 2022 with her outstanding sales expertise and has also given Volkswagen back its reneowned brand image in advertising. With the Energize project, Labbé and her team have also made a significant contribution to the repositioning of the Volkswagen brand. Imelda Labbé has provided important momentum in the realignment of the brand for the future. I have great respect for her commitment and her achievements and wish Imelda all the best for the future.” Martin Sander was most recently Chairman of the Board of Management of Ford- Werke GmbH and General Manager Ford Model e for Ford of Europe. He was responsible for the development of electric vehicles as well as the development of software and services for connected vehicles for Ford in Europe. The graduated engineer Martin Sander can look back on a 25-year career in the automotive industry. He has held a number of different management positions at Audi AG in North America and Europe. These include positions as Senior Vice President of Sales for Europe, Germany, Americas and the UK. Born in Hildesheim, he studied mechanical engineering and graduated from the Technical University of Braunschweig with a degree in engineering (TU). Imelda Labbé has more than 35 years of experience in the international automotive industry. From 1986 to 2013, she held international management positions at Opel and General Motors (GM) – including as Opel Head of Quality at the Antwerp plant and as Opel Head of Sales for the German market. In 2013, she moved to the Volkswagen Group as Spokeswoman of the Board of Management of ŠKODA AUTO Germany. In summer 2016, she took over as Global Head of After Sales at the Volkswagen Group and was most recently responsible for Business Development at Volkswagen AG. From March 2022 until her appointment to the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand in May 2022, Labbé was Spokeswoman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen OTLG. She holds a degree in business administration and a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University. About Volkswagen Passenger Cars The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence and produces vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered about 4.9 million cars. These include bestsellers such as the Polo, T- Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat as well as the successful all-electric models of the ID. family. Last year, the company handed over about 394,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide. About 170,000 people currently work at Volkswagen around the world. With its ACCELERATE strategy, the company is consistently driving forward its development into the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. Media contactVolkswagen Communications Maleen Bösenberg Spokesperson Human Resources Tel: +49 152 2 9122870Maleen.boesenberg@volkswagen.de Volkswagen Communications Nina Krake-ThiemannSpokesperson Sales, Marketing and After-SalesTel: +49 (0) 152 06 26 26 25nina.krake- thiemann@volkswagen.de LinkedIn, YouTube More atvolkswagen-newsroom.com