Polestar starts manufacturing the Polestar 3 in the USA

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But first to the Polestar 3: The plant in South Carolina manufactures the e-SUV for customers in the USA and Europe, supplementing the production in Chengdu, China, which has been running since February 2024. However, the US production is not a reaction to the EU’s special tariffs on imports of electric cars from China, but was already planned beforehand – full production with body construction, battery supply chains and other supplier parts is not set up within a few weeks or months, but requires years of planning. US production does not take place in a Polestar-owned plant or, as in China, in a factory belonging to the parent company Geely, but at Volvo. The Swedish company has been operating a plant in Ridgeville near Charleston, South Carolina for several years. The S60 combustion model was initially built there, but the EX90 electric flagship SUV now also rolls off the production line. The Polestar 3 shares the platform and much of the technology with the EX90. The Swedish-Chinese brand unveiled its first electric SUV back in October 2022. Production was actually due to start in 2023, but software problems delayed the series production of the Polestar 3 and its sister model, the Volvo EX90. Originally, the Polestar 3 was due to roll off the production line in Chengdu from mid-2023. This was delayed until February 2024. The most important data on the vehicle in brief: the first model designed from the outset as a Polestar delivers 360 kW in the dual-engine version with a maximum torque of 840 Nm. With the optional Performance Package, the total output is 380 kW and 910 Nm. In June, Polestar presented a rear-wheel drive version with 220 kW of power as a basic model – in the UK, this lowers the entry-level price to less than 70,000 pounds. The battery has a nominal capacity of 111 kWh for all three drive systems. The Polestar 3 is charged via an 11 kW AC onboard charger or via DC with up to 250 kW. Like the EX90, the Polestar 3 will also be equipped with its charger for bidirectional charging. This means that it will also be possible to offer vehicle-to-grid functions in the future. “Manufacturing Polestar 3 in the USA is a crucial step for us. Now we offer customers in America an electric SUV that is built in America. Exporting the South Carolina produced Polestar 3 to Europe will strengthen our business on a broader scope,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “Polestar 3 has received superb reviews from global automotive media, with strong customer test drive interest.” Polestar also confirms its intention to further diversify its “wider manufacturing footprint.” From mid-2025, the Polestar 4 crossover will also be built in South Korea. Production at the contract manufacturer Renault Korea Motors in Busan was first announced in November 2023. The Polestar 4 based on the Geely SEA platform is currently being built in Hangzhou Bay in China. With the other production sites outside China, Polestar is broadening its base, but is not turning its back on China. Polestar Technology has officially started operations in Nanjing, China, with the opening of its headquarters. Polestar Technology is a joint venture between the electric car brand Polestar and the Chinese technology company DreamSmart Group, which is developing an operating system for Polestar cars sold in China, including in-car apps, streaming services and intelligent vehicle software. Local development is therefore being intensified. polestar.com (Polestar 3), gasgoo.com (Polestar Technology)

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Fastned appoints Françoise Poggi as new COO

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European fast-charging company Fastned has made the decision to expand its leadership team with a new COO. The company explains that this was done to accompany the scaling that the charging provider plans for its network across Europe. However, she will not start immediately, as Fastned writes: “Her official appointment as a member of the Fastned Management Board is expected in the second half of 2024, during an extraordinary Shareholder Meeting that will be called.” As Fastned wrote in its press release, “Françoise has been part of setting up and scaling a supply chain across Europe while eliminating bottlenecks to accelerate growth” during her time at Tesla. This expertise is now to be aimed at overseeing and aligning “the activities of the construction management, station design, and station operations departments. Her background in supply chain will be of tremendous value for Fastned to scale our operating capabilities further across geographies.” “I have a career of over 20 years in operations and supply chain, driving large-scale transformations, and spent the last 7 years at Tesla, where I supported the growth of the EMEA supply chain for charging, energy infrastructure, and vehicle aftersales,” said the new hire Françoise Poggi, adding: “I am bringing to Fastned the expertise in scaling at fast pace, designing and growing nimble organisations that can succeed in highly volatile environments.” fastnedcharging.com

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Dongfeng starts rolling out the Nammi Box in Europe

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In Switzerland, there is now a website where you can pre-register for the Nammi Box. A base price of 21,990 Swiss francs, (approximately 23,000 Euros) is stated. The car is also set to be launched in Norway, where the vehicle will be called ‘Dongfeng Box’ with prices starting at 189,000 kroner (approximately 16,000 Euro). The vehicle retains the same technical specifications from its launch in China in January. The Nammi Box runs on a 70 kW motor at the front and will be available in two LFP battery variants with 31.5 and 42.3 kWh capacity, which should enable ranges of 330 and 430 kilometres, according to the CLTC. A WLTP range of 310 kilometres was specified on the Swiss website alongside the 42.3 kWh battery. It is unclear whether the smaller battery will be offered here. When it comes to charging, the information is rather meagre. It should be possible to charge up to 200 kilometres in eight minutes at a fast-charging station, according to the order launch in China. This refers to CLTC consumption; according to WLTP, the recharged range is likely to be significantly lower. There is no information yet on the AC charger installed for Europe. What is clear, however, is that the car is 4.03 metres long, the width (without exterior mirrors) is 1.81 metres and the height of 1.57 metres is more like a small SUV than a classic small car, which are usually flatter than 1.50 metres. The boot holds between 326 and 945 litres. This puts the Nammi on a par with an Opel Corsa Electric or Citroen e-C3. With Switzerland and Norway, the Nammi brand is targeting countries where Dongfeng is already represented with its Voyah subsidiary – so there are sales structures that can be utilised. As Voyah is also due to launch in Germany in 2024, there is a chance that the electric four-metre small car will also go on sale in this country. elbil.no (in Norwegian), insideevs.de, nzz.ch (both in German), dongfeng-nammi-box.ch

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Lithuania looks to electrify its public transport

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The financial incentives are supposed to motivate Lithuanian transport companies to replace old diesel buses with new electric buses. The funding is being awarded in two instalments: At the beginning of the year, public transport companies in the region around Vilnius, for example, were awarded funding to purchase 80 electric vehicles. The programme continues with the remaining regions and grants for 195 additional electric buses. According to the government, the funding recipients are now starting the procurement process. “The decarbonisation of the transport sector is already well underway in Lithuania’s major cities. With our record investments and the favourable conditions we are creating, smaller cities will now also be ready to participate in the transformation of the transport sector,” says Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, who also points out that from 2026, all public transport vehicles purchased in Lithuania must run on alternative fuels. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, 8,055 buses and trolleybuses are registered in Lithuania, 900 of which run on alternative fuels. sumin.lrv.lt (in Lithuanian)

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London’s Enfield Borough launches charging pilot project

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The Enfield London Borough Council has launched a through-pavement EV charging channel pilot. The Kerbo Charge system involves a gulley being cut into the pavement outside homes, allowing residents to charge their EVs on the street from their own supply, which the initiators point out is five to ten times cheaper than charging using a public charging station, assuming off-peak charging pricing. Enfield’s new pilot project is funded by residents, and Enfield is the first local authority in London to trial the innovative Kerbo Charge technology after successful trials “in several towns and cities across the UK.” “We are delighted to be working with Kerbo Charge on such a ground-breaking trial which is the first of its kind for a London borough,” said Cabinet Member for Transport and Waste at Enfield Council, Cllr Rick Jewell, adding: “I hope the pilot scheme is a huge success, as it will encourage those thinking of purchasing an EV to do so, as the cost-effective technology will provide residents with a safe and convenient way to charge their vehicles and contribute towards a greener Enfield.” enfield.gov.uk, kerbocharge.com, airqualitynews.com

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OxTrail 2024 partner: MINI Plant Oxford applies finishing touches to sculptures created by local artists

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MINI Plant Oxford supports sculpture trail in aid of local Sobell House Hospice Charity Life size Oxen sculptures designed given protective coating in MINI Plant Oxford Paint Shop Sculptures to be placed around the historic Oxfordshire county Each sculpture to be auctioned off, raising money for Sobell House Hospice Oxford. This summer MINI Plant Oxford is supporting OxTrail 2024 – an exciting Oxfordshire initiative organised by local charity Sobell House Hospice to raise important funds for their work. The trail sees a series of Ox sculptures placed around Oxfordshire, with each having being individually designed by either an artist or local school. Following their design, expert associates at MINI Plant Oxford then hand-sprayed the sculptures with a glossy and protective clear coat to ensure a flawless finish. From 6th July – 29th August, the OxTrail sculptures will be on display around Oxfordshire for visitors to enjoy. Following this, each sculpture will be auctioned off with proceeds going to support the incredible work of Sobell House Hospice. Sobell House Hospice offers specialist palliative care for those facing life-threatening illness, death and bereavement. They care for around 3,000 people a year, with their mission to enrich the lives of patients and their loved ones. Speaking on the collaboration between OxTrail 2024 and the Paint Shop, Plant Director of Plants Oxford and Swindon, Dr. Markus Grüneisl, said “We’re thrilled to have lent our paint shop services to the OxTrail. This brilliant initiative helps raise vital funds for Sobell House Hospice, and it’s been great to see the MINI team spirit in full flow as our associates have supported the project.” Associates at MINI Plant Oxford have gone one step further, creating their very own unique Ox sculpture for the trail. Choosing Ocean Wave Green as their base colour, the hooves, tail and horns are painted in colors from the MINI family including Sunnyside Yellow and British Racing Green. Michael Lambe, Paint Shop Process Engineer who was responsibile for clear coating the Oxen explained, “The lacquering process is quite unique. Compared to the MINI, with its flowing lines and classic look, the oxen are a whole different animal! Using our ox-pertise, we’ve been able to apply a coat that really makes their artistic design shine.” Artists from around the county have designed and painting their own Oxen including Oxfordshire based children’s illustrator kOrky Paul, known for the Winnie the Witch books, and local artist and rapper, Rawz who worked on the production line at Plant Oxford in 2006. Beth Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Sobell House Hospice remarked, “The partnership we have developed between Sobell House Hospice and MINI Plant Oxford is one that strengthens our connections to the wider Oxford Community. We’re extremely excited to unveil OxTrail 2024, with this initiative enabling us to ultimately reach more patients.” The Hospice first started operating in 1976 and has remained a staple of the community ever since. Plant Oxford is honoured to be able to offer its services to the Sobell House Hospice and OxTrail 2024. To find if an Ox has been placed near you, please find more information here. Ends The BMW GroupWith its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. www.bmwgroup.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroupTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/BMWGroupYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupViewInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/ If you have any questions, please contact: Corporate CommunicationsKimberley RagousisCorporate Communications ManagerTel: 07815 374 418Email: Kimberley.Ragousis@bmwgroup.com Micaela SandstedeGeneral Manager, Communications Plants Oxford, Swindon, Hams HallTel: +44 7815 307 698Email: Micaela.Sandstede@bmwgroup.com Graham Biggs                Corporate Communications DirectorTel:  07815 376 867Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

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British classic barn finds, ‘Exquisite’ Bristol restoration, rare Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ and marvellous Merak to go under the hammer at Hampson’s 28 July Oulton Park Gold Cup sale

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CLICK TO ACCESS HIGH-RES IMAGES Hampson Auctions has amassed an impressive and diverse selection of cars for its flagship Oulton Park Gold Cup sale, at Oulton Park circuit on 28 July. These include two literal barn finds – a 1970 Jaguar E-type 4.2-litre 2+2 and its ‘stablemate’, a 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow – plus an impeccably restored 1956 Bristol Drophead Coupe, a rare right-hand-drive Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ and a beautiful 1978 Maserati Merak SS. Managing Director Zach Hamilton had great fun shooing away the chickens to unearth the two barn finds. The E-type Series 2 had been parked in the barn since 1986. The vendor’s late husband bought it as a 21st birthday to himself in the mid 1970s and it was used by the family until an attempt was made to steal it while it was parked outside of Woolworths, so it was tucked away in the barn. It has remained there, untouched, for nearly 40 years. A few years later it was joined by another of the vendor’s husband’s cars, the 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Both of these cars require complete, ground-up restorations, and are offered at No Reserve, making each of them a tremendous opportunity to acquire an engrossing and rewarding project. In complete contrast condition-wise to the barn find duo, the 1956 Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe, with coachwork by Abbotts of Farnham, is fresh from a first-class, bare-metal restoration, with the vendor describing it as now ‘arguably a show-winner’. Offered complete with the full, original toolkit, it carries an estimate of £160,000-£180,000. The fabulous 1978 Maserati Merak SS is a real jewel. Originally supplied new to an American buyer, it was used in New York for many years, before being displayed in a museum between 2001 to 2017. This explains the enviably low but credible mileage of just 29,000 – though this is not warranted. This LHD machine arrived in the UK in 2020vand the interior is perfectly period, even down to an original 1970s’ Blaupunkt cassette player. The car even benefits from a recent set of new black wool carpets, which took a whole day to fit and cost a four-figure sum. Estimate: £55,000 – £65,000. The 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ in the sale is one of 154 right-hand-drive examples and carries an estimate of £90,000 – £110,000. The sale also includes a very fine 1991 Ferrari Testarossa (£80,000-£100,000) and a beautiful 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. This latter has remained in the same ownership for the last two decades, where its present owner, an engineer who specialists in classic and rally cars, has lavished care and attention on it. It is being offered at No Reserve. Other lots offered at No Reserve include a very well presented 1973 BMW 2002 Tii in Seventies-style BMW Motorsport colours over white, a charming 1933 Austin 10/4 Saloon, a charismatic 1991 Nissan Figaro and a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, which comes complete with cherishes ‘PGH 2’ registration number. For further information and to consign a vehicle to the sale, please visit https://hampsonauctions.com.

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Two icons united: The electric G-Class carries trophy back to golf championship The Open

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The defending champion returns the winner trophy Claret Jug to The Open in the all-new electric G‑Class (energy consumption combined: 30.3-27.7 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)1 The Open can now be experienced exclusively in selected Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the official Championship app Mercedes-Benz has been an official Patron of The Open since 2011 and provides a shuttle fleet for selected guests, players and officials Stuttgart/Troon.  Mercedes-Benz celebrates the start of The 152nd Open in iconic manner: Ahead of the first tee-off, the defending champion brings the iconic golf trophy back to The Open for the ‘Return of the Claret Jug’ in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Brian Harman, winner of the The 151st Open, drove to Troon this year in the new electric G-Class and handed over the Claret Jug to Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), which organises the Championship. “The ‘Return of the Claret Jug’ by the defending champion is a symbolic moment in the week of The Open and Mercedes‑Benz has played an important role in supporting this tradition at the Championship each year. We share similar values in which the combination of tradition and innovation are reflected in everything that we do.”Martin Slumbers, CEO, The R&A During the 152nd edition of The Open, Mercedes‑Benz will provide an exclusive shuttle fleet featuring hybrid as well as all-electric vehicles for selected guests, players and officials. In addition, the exclusive integration of the official app for The Open in first Mercedes‑Benz vehicles is a special highlight. It will enable customers to follow the Championship in real time and experience the fascination of The Open on the road. A Mercedes‑Benz is not just a means of transportation but is increasingly becoming an extended living space. “Our partnership with The Open reflects our shared values of tradition and innovation. By integrating the official The Open app into our vehicles, we are demonstrating the future of mobility and enable our customers to experience the prestigious Championship in a completely new way, at any time.”Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales Mercedes-Benz is an Official Patron of The Open and is accompanying the Championship for the 13th time. On the occasion of the long-standing partnership with the organiser The R&A, a very special campaign was created in St Andrews, the home of golf: A unique clash of cultures. Inspired by the influences of lifestyle and sport, the Mercedes-Benz brand, fashion and golf with their iconic history came together in style. From 14 to 21 July 2024, The Open will be held on the golf course in Troon on the west coast of Scotland. The 152nd edition will mark the tenth time the Championship has been held there. The golf major, which is the only one played outside the USA, was last hosted by the venue in 2016. Contact:Luise Niemsch, phone: +49 (0) 176 3093 9051, luise.niemsch@mercedes-benz.comMirjam Oßwald, phone: +49 (0) 160 8632 945, mirjam.osswald@mercedes-benz.com Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available at www.mercedes-benz.com. Press information and digital services for journalists and multipliers can be found on our Mercedes-Benz Media online platform at http://media.mercedes-benz.com. Learn more about current topics and events related to Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans on our @MB_Press X channel at www.twitter.com/MB_Press. Mercedes‑Benz AG at a glanceMercedes‑Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 166,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes‑Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes‑AMG, Mercedes‑Maybach and G‑Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. The Mercedes me brand offers access to the digital services from Mercedes‑Benz. Mercedes‑Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2023 it sold around two million passenger cars and 447,800 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes‑Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes‑Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes‑Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain. 1The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The ranges given refer to ECE values. The fuel consumption, energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient use of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors.

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Norton Motorcycles celebrates the beginning of a new era with plans for global expansion at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024

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Sudarshan Venu, Dr Robert Hentschel, and Richard Arnold speak to media ahead of international growth Norton reveals plans for six new products over the next three years Norton announces plans for increased sales through sales partners in USA, Germany, France, Italy and India Norton shares the leadership team assembled that will take Norton to the global stage Chichester, July 16, 2024 – Norton Motorcycles, part of the TVS Motor Company Group, announced its investment and growth plans to put the company in the ideal place for international expansion. Hosting a contingent of international journalists at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, members of Norton’s senior leadership team – Sudarshan Venu, Dr Robert Hentschel and Richard Arnold – shared the vision of the brand and discussed how Norton is now perfectly placed to expand globally. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director TVS Motor Company, said: “Our vision, commitment and investment into the Norton brand is entering an exciting phase. We look forward to sharing that with motorcyclists across the world.” With TVS Motor’s backing and global capabilities, Norton is being reinvigorated as a global brand, led by a strong and dynamic team. TVS Motor has committed £200m across the life of the investment in new product development, facilities, research and development and world class quality engineering. The new Norton motorcycles will follow the company’s philosophy of ‘Design, Dynamism, and Detail’. Exciting product launches are being planned starting next year, with six new models planned over the next three years. As part of this, Norton is preparing for international expansion with an initial focus on the USA, Germany, France, Italy and India. At the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sudarshan Venu outlined the expansion of Norton Motorcycles’ senior leadership team, as well as the investment in the company. Most recently, these appointments included Richard Arnold, Norton Executive Director and former CEO of Manchester United Football Club. Bringing together the right people has put Norton in the best position to capitalise on its growth. Insight into the development and engineering behind the current and upcoming Norton models was then provided by Dr Robert Hentschel, Chief Executive Officer of Norton Motorcycles, detailing TVS Motor’s input into the design and drivability of Norton’s products. As a result of TVS’s investment and support, Norton’s revitalised research and development has been channelled into its product pipeline through its state-of-the-art facility in Solihull. Testament to this is the One of One V4SV, inspired by Steve Hislop’s ‘White Charger’ that sped up the Goodwood Hillclimb every day of the festival. Dr Robert Hentschel, CEO, said: “The investment in research and development and leadership has us positioned to take six exciting products to countries across the world, with world class quality and scale, spelling another epoch of success in the Norton story. Our focus on design, drivability and details will maximise the exciting opportunity for Norton as well as for those new customers that choose one of our motorcycles.” Newly appointed, Richard Arnold, Executive Director, went on to discuss the future of the brand, including Norton’s stance on the world stage with upcoming global distribution, as well as the importance of honouring Norton’s heritage. This year also marked the completion of Norton Motorcycles honouring NMUL customers. After investing £2.3 million into the development, manufacturing and re-engineering of the Commando and V4 platforms, the fulfilment and delivery of orders for customers of the previous company signifies the closing of a significant chapter, in which Norton can fully focus on the company’s future. Richard Arnold, Executive Director, said: “Norton’s heritage is vast, and plays a key part in our development as a global brand. It’s important for us to prioritise our customers, both in the present and the future. Not only with new bikes but also with every touch point of the Norton experience. The products currently in testing and development are incredibly exciting. Bikers around the world will love to ride them and love to own them, I am looking forward to expanding their availability to local dealers in new territories and connecting with bikers to share the Norton journey.”

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Mercedes-Benz thrills with historic parade on the hill climb circuit at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024

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W 25, C 11, CLK LM and the “Blue Wonder” in convoy to mark 130 years of motorsport The Duke of Richmond in the 1924 Mercedes 2-liter Targa Florio race car Mercedes-Benz racing cars from 100 years fascinate at the “largest motorised garden party in the world” Current photos: mb4.me/FOS_Goodwood_2024 Stuttgart. Racing cars from 100 years: Mercedes-Benz thrilled audiences with a historic parade at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The “Blue Wonder” racing car fast transporter, who led the 130 Years Motorsport Convoy, was very popular with visitors to the “largest motorized garden party in the world” as well as on social media. Link: mb4.me/130_years_fosgoodwood In 1955, the “Blue Wonder” drove at up to 170 km/h, as fast as some racing cars of the era. On its loading area in Goodwood: a Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Formula 1 racing car. With a Silver Arrow of this type, Juan Manuel Fangio became Formula 1 World Champion in 1954 and 1955. “The unique motorsport history of Mercedes-Benz begins as early as 1894. The first automobile challenge in France is won by vehicles with Daimler two-cylinder V-engines manufactured under license. At Goodwood we showed an original engine of this type. In addition, we have brought milestones from different decades to the island, all with outstanding racing successes. Thanks to our Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, motorsport fans at Goodwood were able to experience these racing cars driving in a parade on the Hillclimb. This stood for 130 years of successful racing history and the breakthrough technologies associated with it to this day. No one else can offer that as a manufacturer. We are proud of this – competition and racing have been the driving forces of our brand from the very beginning.”Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH On the hillclimb in the Targa Florio racing car from 1924Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, started a demonstration drive in the 100-year-old Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car as co-driver of Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH. The Duke has hosted the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the family’s country estate in Sussex, England, since 1993. After an extensive restoration at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, the 1924 racing car is back on the racetrack. “It was fantastic for all of us here to see the cavalcade of 130 years of motorsport by Mercedes-Benz going up the hillclimb as a timeline. Illustrating such an important anniversary so perfectly and so well expressed was a big highlight. I also loved being a passenger in the 1924 Targa Florio car. It was a great experience. The Targa Florio has been one of the great races of the world for many years, a crazy race around Sicily. I’ve always admired the drivers that took part in it. It was a fantastic era, I think, for motorsport – especially those early years and those early cars. So being in that actual car being driven by Marcus Breitschwerdt up the hill was a big treat!”Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, Duke of Richmond and Gordon, host of the Goodwood Festival of Speed These were the vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz parade: Mercedes-Benz racing car express transporter, 1955. Its engine comes from the 300 SL “Gullwing” (W 198). Nickname of the transporter for racing car logistics: “Blue wonder”. Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Formula 1 racing car, 1955. With this new Silver Arrow, Mercedes-Benz made a successful return to Grand Prix racing in 1954. Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car, 1924. 100 years ago, it won the Targa Florio, the legendary, tough road race through Sicily. Mercedes-Benz 750-kilogram W 25 formula racing car, 1934. The first Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow. Premiere in the 1934 Eifel race, which Manfred von Brauchitsch won. Mercedes-Benz C 11 Group C racing sports car, 1990. Built for the 1990 World Sportscar Championship, it secured the second consecutive double title for the team and drivers. Mercedes-Benz GT racing sports car CLK LM, 1998. It won all the races in the FIA GT Championship in which it started. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 (C 197), 2012. The customer sports racing car lead a one-two-three victory in the 24 Hours of Dubai in 2012. Mercedes-AMG GT3 “RAW SPEC”. The spectacular version of the customer sports racing car is designed together with RACE SERVICE. Mercedes-AMG GT3 “130 Years”. The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach is celebrating “130 years of motorsport” with this Mercedes-AMG GT3.   This is what the Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors say about their starts at the Festival of Speed “The C 11 is not a car that you drive very casually. You have to get involved with it, with the brute force of almost 750 hp. Of course, this awakens emotions and memories of the demanding racing sport over 30 years ago. At Goodwood, the companions of that time meet – the drivers, teammates, mechanics, engineers. The Festival of Speed always inspires me with its unique atmosphere and diversity.”Jochen Mass drove the Mercedes-Benz C 11 Group C racing sports car, among other things “These 100 and 90-year-old race cars have fantastic engines, great responsiveness and a lot of power for their time. To drive it in front of the enthusiastic spectators and in the field of so many outstanding vehicles is just great.”Karl Wendlinger drove the 2-litre Targa Florio racing car and the W 25 “At the Festival of Speed, motorsport and automotive history come together in an incredible environment. This is an outstanding experience for car enthusiasts of all generations. I enjoyed immersing myself in the motorsport of that era in the W 25. I have the greatest respect for the drivers from back then.”Bernd Mayländer drove the W 25 and the SLS AMG GT3 “To drive the CLK LM again today at Goodwood was simply world class! With this car, I won the FIA GT Championship in 1998 together with Ricardo Zonta and AMG-Mercedes took the team title with ten wins in ten races.”Klaus Ludwig drove the Mercedes-Benz CLK LM from 1998 Contact:Peter Becker, +49 (0) 176 30 909 790, peter.becker@mercedes-benz.comFrank Scheibner, +49 (0) 160 8 680 266, frank.scheibner@mercedes-benz.comJulia Löwenstein, +49 (0) 151 58 610 215, julia.loewenstein@mercedes-benz.com Inquiries by e-mail to…

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