Corporate Business

Thursday, 24 September, the MG6 S scooped the ‘Under £17,500’ class winner award at the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year event. During rigorous testing, that took place in July at the Millbrook Proving Ground, the MG6 wowed judges and was named winner of its class. Judges comments were: “This keenly-priced, front wheel drive MG surprised a few judges with its ‘more-than-capable’ towing performance around the challenging Millbrook course. It boasts a generous 100kg noseweight limit and impressive boot space. The hill start was very good for a front wheel drive car.” For this year’s competition, which is in its 33rd year, 43 cars were split into seven price classes and two weight categories. The classes were vehicles priced: under £17,500; £17,500 – £22,000; £22,000 – £26,000; £26,000 – £30,000; £30,000 – £40,000; and over £50,000.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that President (North America), Eric Shepherd, has decided to move to a new entrepreneurial role in the super-luxury automotive retail sector within the Rolls-Royce family. Chief Executive, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, said, “Eric’s move is a big loss to our successful business at Rolls-Royce North America but we are highly supportive of talented managers like Eric pursuing personal business opportunities, particularly when it means they stay within the Rolls-Royce community. Eric’s dynamic leadership of our North American operation has been highly effective. He has established a strong team and cohesive network which has led to a substantial strengthening of our business in the region.” Shepherd will continue in office as President of Rolls-Royce NA until 31 December 2015. He will be succeeded by Pedro Mota who will join Rolls-Royce NA from Porsche Cars NA where he served […]

MINI USA announced pricing today on its all-new 2016 MINI Clubman with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,100 for the Cooper model. The most spacious and versatile MINI every built, the new MINI Clubman is the first MINI to enter the compact premium segment. It is both longer and wider than previous MINI models and offers premium quality and craftsmanship in every detail for under $25,000. The Cooper S variant will start at $27,650.  All prices exclude the $850 Destination & Handling fee. “The premium quality and value of the new MINI Clubman will set the standard for the premium compact segment going forward,” said Patrick McKenna, Department Head, Product Planning & Events, MINI USA. “MINI defined the premium small car segment with the relaunch of the Hardtop back in 2002 and the new Clubman will help us redefine […]

Aston Martin Belfast’s new facility opened its doors last night as customers enjoyed a celebratory reception to mark the occasion and were treated to an exclusive display. The dealership, which continues to be operated by long-term partner Charles Hurst, benefits from a £1m development and signals the group’s commitment to the luxury British brand. Opened officially by Marcus Blake, Aston Martin Regional Director, UK, the new dealership benefits from a luxurious new and pre-owned showroom, dedicated aftersales team and a workshop staffed by world-class Gaydon-trained technicians. As a result, both current and future Aston Martin customers from Northern Ireland and Ireland can continue to expect the highest levels of customer service. Attendees were also treated to a private viewing of the new Aston Martin DB10 which will be seen in the upcoming James Bond film Spectre. Also included in the […]

After the summer break, Defender Challenge by Bowler returns this weekend for its fourth round as nine teams battle it out at the Trackrod Rally, part of the annual Rally Yorkshire event. Based at Pickering Showground, the course takes in 53 miles of rally stages that twist through the spectacular Yorkshire countryside over two days and opening with the daunting prospect of challenging night stages. The FIA-approved Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Tops are modified by Bowler Motorsport specifically for rally competitions. Engines are tuned to 170bhp and 450Nm of torque and the suspension system features uprated dampers and roll bars. Lighter wheels, a full roll-cage and rally safety features complete the specification. This weekend, a number of Land Rover employees and apprentices join the Bowler technical teams to support the rally. In addition to their ‘day jobs’, enthusiasts from […]

Norman Dewis, OBE, chief test driver and development engineer for Jaguar Cars from 1952 to 1985, is set to become the oldest ever contestant when he drives in this year’s MPG Marathon – at the tender age of 95! Dewis, who was born in 1920, will be entering this year’s event, rated as the UK’s most prestigious lean-driving challenge, in a rear wheel drive, 2.0 litre 163hp Jaguar XE alongside Jaguar Heritage communications officer, Tony O’Keeffe. Over the years, Dewis has played a major role in the development of some of Jaguar’s most iconic models, including the E-Type, XJ6, XJ-S and many more. He was behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in October 1953 when it reached 172.412mph at Jabbeke, Belgium, a record for production cars. Awarded the OBE for services to the motor industry in the New Year’s […]

Nathaniel Cars, known locally in Bridgend as the ‘House of Cars’, is the latest dealer to join the MG franchise. The Wales based family-run garage, which was established by Wayne Griffiths 35 years ago, is now run by him and his son Nathan. With a strong local presence, the company will be a great addition to MG’s growing dealer network when it goes live next week (1st October). Both Wayne and Nathan Griffiths are very excited to be adding MG to their existing three franchises. Nathan said: “We can’t wait to start selling MGs. We think the model range offers exceptional value for money and has a huge potential. It’s also great to be selling such an iconic British brand; something I’m sure our customers will feel a sense of pride in too.” “We’re really excited about the range and […]

As many as half a million spectators will line the route of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run this November, when the longest running motoring event in the world sets off on its annual adventure from London to Brighton (Sunday 1 November). Like the hardy teams piloting their amazing horseless carriages from the capital to the coast, the spectators brave whatever the weather conjures up to salute motoring’s pioneers: every car taking part was built before 1905. Best of all, every vantage point along the 60-mile route offers completely free viewing allowing everyone to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of more than 400 veterans as they ‘put-put’ their way to Brighton. Although the Run follows more or less the same route as last year, there have been a few changes to make it even better for participants […]

When the established rules become a constraint to creativity, it takes individuals of vision to carry the game forward. It was this spirit of individuality that has inspired the creation of two Great British institutions – Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the game of rugby. Celebrating the illustrious history of the latter, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to introduce the Rolls-Royce ‘Wraith – History of Rugby’, a unique creation from the company’s Bespoke Design Studio in Goodwood, England. Usually tasked with reflecting the individual taste and lifestyle of a bold new generation of customer, Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke team has drawn inspiration from the rich history of the quintessentially English sport to create a unique car. The Rolls-Royce ‘Wraith – History of Rugby’ celebrates England’s fundamental attachment to the great game, through an expression of individuality in keeping with the pioneering inspiration behind […]

Jaguar’s legendary test driver Norman Dewis OBE is to host a special tour to the famous Hotel de France between October 28th and November 1st. Drivers will be able to join Norman on a 5-day trip that will take them to the circuit at Lohéac, the famous motoring hotel, where they will spend three nights, and Le Mans, where he raced for Jaguar. The tour is being run by specialist tour operator Classic Grand Touring and spaces are still available. Owner of the Hotel de France Martin Overington said: “This is a unique opportunity to spend time with one of motoring’s legendary drivers and to hear from him about his racing and driving experiences as we explore the Loire Valley, one of France’s most beautiful regions.” On Saturday evening, after a day of driving and visits to the principal chateaux […]

A one-off piece of artwork, created by world-renowned motoring artist Tim Layzell for Classic & Sports Car – The London Show, is being auctioned in support of the event’s chosen charity, WeSeeHope. All proceeds from the auction, run by Silverstone Auctions, will go to WeSeeHope, a charity which supports vulnerable young people in sub-Saharan Africa. WeSeeHope is the official charity for the first-ever Classic & Sports Car – The London Show and the auction is just one of the ways the event is supporting the organisation. The bespoke artwork – which anyone can bid on by heading to – depicts three legendary British cars, a Jaguar E-type, Bentley Speed Six and McLaren F1, at the show’s home of Alexandra Palace. These cars, together with seven others, have been the subject of a global poll to name the Best British Car […]

Caterham Cars is entering the UK’s most prestigious eco-driving event, the MPG Marathon, for the first time in a two seater sports cars billed as the manufacturer’s ‘most frugal ever’. The British sportscar maker will be entering the entry level version of the iconic Caterham Seven, the 160, rated as the most economical in the company’s history and the most cost-effective two-seater sportscar on the market. The 160 is powered by a super-compact, turbocharged three-cylinder Suzuki engine, which enables it to achieve an impressive 57.6mpg, emit just 114g/km CO2 and yet reach 0 – 62mph in a blistering 6.5 seconds. “We are delighted that Caterham Cars is entering the MPG Marathon, the UK’s leading lean driving challenge, for the first time,” said organiser Jerry Ramsdale, publishing director of Fleet World. “We will be very interested to see how it compares against […]

Last night, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated its vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE. Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, stole the show as they were unveiled in public for the first time at the palatial Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt. Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and David Bautista (Hinx) were guests of honour at the glamorous event showcasing special stunt vehicles used in the latest instalment of the James Bond series.  Guests were entertained by British singer and musician John Newman, who performed a number of top ten hits from his album.

Aston Martin is today confirming DB11 as the name of its forthcoming sports car. The new model – to be unveiled during 2016 – will sit at the heart of the luxury British brand’s range and represents the first major product of the company’s bold Second Century Plan. While all technical and design details will be announced in due course, the confirmation of the name – which follows in the footsteps of other iconic Aston Martin sports cars such as the DB5 and DB9 – signals the start of an exciting period of dynamic product development by the company. Announcing the DB11, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Today I am proud and pleased to confirm that the DB11 nameplate will sit on our next new car. “Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the […]

Land Rover has created a special collector’s Defender pedal car concept, previewing a full production pedal car model that will go on sale in Spring 2016. With production of current Defender now in its final phase, the unique pedal car concept represents a fitting tribute to the one of the world’s most iconic vehicles; the Series Land Rover and Defender has been produced in Solihull, UK, since 1948. The exclusive Defender pedal car is hand built in the UK and styled to commemorate the legacy of the first-ever pre-production Land Rover affectionately know as ‘Huey’ given its original numberplate of ‘HUE 166’. The concept model is constructed using a rolled–edge aluminium frame complete with individual chassis number and personalised numberplate. It is hand finished in the same Loire Blue found on the full-scale Defender colour palette. The show car is […]

Jaguar has announced the Jaguar F-PACE First Edition – an exclusive special edition F-PACE, strictly limited to just 2,000 vehicles globally. Jaguar’s world-class design team have created the unique and sporty First Edition to pay homage to the F-PACE’s original inspiration – the breakthrough C-X17 concept vehicle. The specially-created First Edition is the purest representation of the C-X17 and features exclusive design details true to the original concept. The F-PACE is Jaguar’s first performance crossover and is packed with world-leading technology including the new, super-fast and super-intuitive In Control Touch Pro infotainment system. Featuring sharp, contemporary graphics and a 10″ tablet style touch screen, the system is complemented by a suite of specially developed apps and a wifi hotspot that allows up to eight devices to connect at once. Gerd Mauser, Chief Marketing Officer for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Two […]

MINI is continuing to expand its model range with the world premiere of the new MINI Clubman at the International Motor Show Frankfurt 2015. The MINI Clubman marks the brand’s first entry into the premium compact segment and will be on display at the show from 17th – 26th September. Combining increased interior space and versatility with the latest generation of technical advances and a high level of standard equipment, the MINI Clubman is set to make a big impact on what is a highly competitive segment. The new MINI Clubman: traditional concept, unique qualities, high specification. With its four doors, the characteristic split doors at the rear, five seats and a large and versatile interior, the new MINI Clubman brings the classic shooting brake to the premium compact segment of the 21st century. The most recent model is also […]

Tests conducted by the University of Portsmouth reveal that driving a powerful car can provoke a more dramatic physical response than enjoying a rollercoaster ride or jumping out of a plane. Working with MINI’s new John Cooper Works Hatch, launched this summer, scientists from the University of Portsmouth’s Sport and Exercise Science department ran a series of physical, psychological and physiological tests to measure the effect the car had on a selection of drivers and stunt driver, of Rush and Mission Impossible 5 fame, Niki Faulkner.