Lister to expand with new Multi Million pound supercar.

• Lister riding high on re-launch success with sales totalling over £3m in 12 months          
• Andrew & Lawrence Whittaker nominated for ‘Personal Achievement of the Year’ for their work with Lister at the International Historic Motoring Awards
• Investors being sought for exciting new company expansion programme
• Strategy to develop and launch all-new sports and Hypercar projects

Re-launched at the end of 2013, just at the turn of its 60^th anniversary year, The Lister Motor Company has enjoyed an unprecedented return to sports car manufacturing, rapidly taking orders for their exciting anniversary ‘Knobbly’ sports racing cars from customers keen to buy into the heritage of one the most historic and significant of all the British sports and racing car manufacturers.

In the past 12 months since Lister’s re-birth, the company has successfully sold nine of the limited run of its £350,000 ‘Knobbly’ anniversary cars generating an order book with a value of over £3million, whilst also establishing the ‘Brian Lister Trophy’ - awarded to the most successful competitor racing a Lister car in the historic racing scene. 

Furthermore, the father and son team behind the company’s re-launch, Lawrence and Andrew Whittaker, have also been nominated for the ‘Personal Achievement Award’ in the UK’s prestigious International Historic Motoring Awards.

Now, the management team has announced its desire to expand the Lister business into new and exciting product development, with the intention of launching a new, highly sophisticated Hypercar that will return Lister to the leading edge of low-volume sports car manufacturing in the UK as well as Asia and North America.

Lawrence Whittaker, Managing Director of Lister Cars, says: “Our aspiration has always been to return the Lister brand to the forefront of people’s minds. The ‘Knobbly’ project has firmly established that the Lister name still has enormous good will and we know we have a brand with a lot of marketable collateral attached to it.  

Over the coming years our ambitions are to create a world beating brand new Hypercar with a list price of somewhere in the region of  £2million. We are currently seeking external investors that have the desire to join us on what promises to be an incredible journey, because if we proceed with our ambitious plans, it is fundamental that the entire project is sufficiently resourced in order to deliver a serious, world-beating new product.”

As well as the significant international success achieved by the original Lister team in the 1950s, Lister retuned to the market in 1989, under the management of Laurence Pearce, who launched the Lister XJS 7.0 V12, selling 90 of the £115,000 cars. Pearce went on to build the Lister Storm Le Mans car, enjoying huge success in GT racing and building four 200mph Storm road cars at a retail price of £350,000.  

Brian Lister, the founder of the original company, has fully endorsed the recent re-launch of the business and remains an enthusiastic advisor to the new management team.

Invictus Games attendees to take part in Lord Mayors show, along with Jaguar Land Rover.

• Members of British Armed Forces’ Invictus team to take to the streets of London in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles
• As Presenting Partner of the 2014 Invictus Games, Jaguar Land Rover is committed to supporting the UK’s ‘wounded warriors’
• Jaguar Land Rover’s support for the legacy of the Invictus Games includes the creation of a new work placement scheme for wounded, injured and sick former Servicemen and women

Four stars of the British Invictus Games team will take centre stage in London on Saturday 8 November as they line up in the Lord Mayor’s Show parade in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

The Invictus Games is an international sports event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women, championed by Prince Harry and proudly presented by Jaguar Land Rover. The first ever Invictus Games were held in Britain in September, and saw over 400 competitors from 13 nations competing in nine different sports.

The British Armed Forces Team won a Pride of Britain Award for its inspirational performance during the games, and now four of the team will take part in the historic Lord Mayor’s Show in London.

Team Captain Dave Henson MBE, John-James Chalmers, Paul Vice and Luke Darlington will take to the Capital’s streets in two Jaguar F-TYPEs and two Land Rover Discovery cars, all featuring bespoke Invictus Games livery.

British Armed Forces Team Captain Dave Henson MBE said: “Having a company like Jaguar Land Rover on board offering its complete support to the Invictus Games is fantastic. Being able to now showcase the achievements of the boys and girls of the Invictus Games team, again alongside Jaguar Land Rover, at the Lord Mayor’s Show is something which we are really excited about.”

Group Captain Vicky Gosling OBE, who provided military support to the Invictus Games, said: "Discussions with the Nations that took part have shown that the Invictus Games has been inspirational to their wounded, injured and sick, their families and those who support them. The Games clearly achieved the aim of demonstrating the power of sport within the recovery process, and the exceptional qualities of the competitors who have a tremendous amount to offer to their nations, businesses and society in general. All of this was only possible with the support of our presenting partner, Jaguar Land Rover, and our other sponsors."

Jaguar Land Rover recently announced a new work placement scheme to help wounded, injured and sick former Servicemen and women find a fulfilling and long-term second career.*

Mark Cameron, Global Brand Experience Director at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our workwith the Games is now over but we are committed to leaving a lasting legacy, exploring opportunities to enhance the employment prospects of ex-Service personnel moving into civilian life, including those who are wounded, injured or sick. Our involvement in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show is a way of continuing with that legacy and keeping the values of the Games alive."

Skoda annouces sales, revenue and profits for first nine months of 2014.

• ŠKODA deliveries up by 13 per cent to 774,100 vehicles
• Sales revenue increases by 19.3 per cent to 8.8 billion euros to end of September
• Operating profit up by 75.5 per cent to 651 million euros
• New ŠKODA Fabia is advancing the biggest model campaign in ŠKODA history

The Czech manufacturer ŠKODA remains on the right track and continues to show profitable growth. In the first nine months of 2014, deliveries to customers worldwide increased by 13 per cent to 774,100 vehicles. Over the same period, sales revenue went up by 19.3 per cent to 8.8 billion euros. Operating profit rose to 651 million euros; a growth of 75.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

"ŠKODA has continued to successfully implement its growth programme over the course of the year so far," says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "The double-figure increase in deliveries and the significant growth of sales revenue and results show that our new, attractive model range is going down well in the international markets. Over the coming years, we want to grow further still and convert new customer groups to the brand. From November, the new ŠKODA Fabia will ignite the next stage of our model campaign," says Prof. Dr. Vahland.

In the first nine months of this year, ŠKODA achieved revenues amounting to 8.8 billion euros; an increase of 19.3 per cent compared to last year. Over the same period, operating profit rose by 75.5 per cent to 651 million euros (January to September 2013: 371 million euros). 
Alongside increased deliveries, the effects of mixes as well as improved product costs contributed to the better profit. In addition, the first nine months of 2013 were influenced by the start of production of the new ŠKODA Octavia. 

With 7.4 per cent, the operating margin at the end of September was considerably higher than last year’s 5 per cent. Net liquidity rose by 40.6 per cent to 2.278 billion euros. Investments reached 362 million euros (January to September 2013: 458 million euros). 

"ŠKODA is experiencing profitable growth," says ŠKODA member of the Board of Management for Commercial Affairs Winfried Krause. "The growth of both operating profit and net liquidity is proof of our financial solidity and strength. In light of high demands from the markets, cost discipline remains our top priority," says Krause. 

ŠKODA AUTO Group operating figures as of 30 September 2014:

		2014	Jan-Sept 2013	2014/2013 % change
Deliveries to customers	vehicles	774,100	685,000	+13.0
Deliveries to customers, excluding China	vehicles	575,800	507,300	+13.5
Production	vehicles	574,300	472,100	+21.7
Sales	vehicles	612,100	524,400	+16.7
Sales revenue	million EUR	8,784	7,365	+19.3
Operating profit	million EUR	651	371	+75.5
Operating profit in % of sales revenue	%	7.4	5.0	-
Investments (w/o capitalized development costs)	million EUR	362	458	-21.0
Net liquidity	million EUR	2,278	1,620	+40.6

Mclaren Previews the USA Grand Prix

Following a three-week break, the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship bursts back into action this weekend in Austin, Texas. The United States Grand Prix is a hugely popular event; the Circuit of the Americas is a challenging racetrack and the vibrant city of Austin provides plenty of entertainment away from the main event.

Facts & Stats: Circuit of the Americas

The Circuit

The Circuit of the Americas has received universal praise since it made its Formula 1 debut in 2012. Its taxing 5.513km layout is a fascinating test of man and machine, and the atmosphere has been electric at the two grands prix staged at the circuit to date. The track is situated on an 890-acre site, just a few miles south-east of Austin. It’s the first purpose-built F1 track in North America, although it’s the 10th different venue to stage an F1 race in the country and the second in the state of Texas, following a one-off street race in Dallas in 1984. The most challenging sections of the lap have been inspired by some of the great corners around the world. Sector One contains some fast sweeping bends similar to the Maggotts-Becketts complex at Silverstone; Sector Two has a corner similar to the Senna ‘S’ at Interlagos; and the final sector has a long, multi-apex right-hander reminiscent of Turn Eight at Istanbul Park.

The Race

The track is one of only four circuits on this year’s calendar to run in an anti-clockwise direction. It also has an elevation change of 41m, the highest point being the apex of Turn One, and many of the corners have blind entries and exits as a result. To be fast, a driver needs to be very precise. Car set-up is the usual compromise between straight-line speed and cornering grip. The 1.0km back straight encourages engineers to reduce wing levels, but the need for grip in Sectors One and Three pushes set-up back towards maximum downforce, as has been the case at most racetracks this year. Pirelli are taking their Soft (Option) and Medium (Prime) tyre compounds to the race, a combination that has already been used six times this year. The rubber needs enough durability to withstand the high lateral forces placed on it in Sector One, while providing sufficient traction and braking stability around the remainder of the lap.

The Team

Jenson Button has long had good memories of racing in the USA - it was at Indianapolis in 2003 that he led a Grand Prix for the first time. He also has a good record at the Circuit of the Americas, having finished in the points for the past two years. Kevin Magnussen will be driving at the track for the first time.

Vital Statistics

United States Grand Prix 31st - 2nd November Circuit of the Americas

Race distance 56 laps (308.405km/191.643 miles) Start time 13:00 (local)/19:00 (GMT) Circuit length 5.513km/3.426 miles 2013 winner Sebastian Vettel 2013 pole Sebastian Vettel Lap record Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8) 1m39.347s (199.772km/h) First race 2012 What makes it special: It’s a fantastic track layout, with three very distinct sectors and lots of undulations. The drivers love it. Wins from pole One Track abrasiveness Medium. The asphalt has a similar smoothness and texture to the Sochi Autodrom, scene of the last grand prix, but the lateral loads are much higher due to the greater number of fast corners. Pirelli tyre choice Soft (Option) / Medium (Prime), a combination that has already been used six times this year (Australia, Bahrain, China, Hungary, Belgium, Russia) 2013 winning strategy One pitstop Fuel consumption High. The twisty first and last sectors, through which the drivers are constantly on and off the throttle, combined with a long back straight, make it one of the more demanding venues for fuel consumption. Brakewear Medium. There are two big stops around the lap, but there’s plenty of time for the brakes to cool between each. Weather Although it’s November, temperatures in Texas are often in the mid-20s at this time of year. The problem for the teams is that the days start cold, so you get wide temperature swings. DRS zones Two – the first is on the start-finish straight; the second is on the 1.0km straight approaching Turn 12 Turbo effect Medium, due to the sharp bursts of acceleration in Sectors One and Three Safety Car likelihood Low. There were no Safety Car periods in either of the US GPs staged at COTA to date. Grid advantage The right-hand side is the racing line, so it holds an advantage up the very steep hill to Turn One. Pitlane time 22s

McLaren at the United States Grand Prix

Wins 12 (1976, 1977, 1982(E), 1982(W), 1983, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2001, 2007, 2012) Poles 7 (1976, 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2003) Fastest laps 9 (1975, 1976, 1982, 1983(E), 1983(W), 1988, 1989, 1990, 2000)

Team Talk Jenson Button: Car 22 Age 34 (January 19 1980) GPs 263 Wins 15 Poles 8 FLs 8

“It’ll be good to get to Austin after the three-week break. I really enjoy this circuit; a great mix of a high-speed straight and really fast, technical sections to get your teeth into. It’s also one of the few circuits that run anti-clockwise, which makes it a little bit more of a challenge. “Although this is only our third grand prix in Austin, it feels like we’ve been going there a lot longer. It’s testament to the fans, who are fantastic and always provide a great welcome, and it’s already a very popular track amongst the drivers. “I’ve had positive results there over the past two years, and our performance in recent races has shown that our pace is improving as we move towards the end of the season, so I’m looking forward to this weekend. Perhaps this track won’t suit us quite as well as Sochi did, but it’s a similar circuit in terms of set-up so I’m hopeful we can take the fight to our closest rivals. As usual, we’ll be pushing to get the maximum out of our car and secure a strong finish for the team in front of the passionate US fans.”

Kevin Magnussen: Car 20 Age 21 (October 05 1992) GPs 16 Wins 0 Poles 0 FLs 0

“I’m really intrigued by this circuit; it’s already become one of the drivers’ favourites and the mix of high-speed corners and elevation changes makes it a really exciting challenge. Although this will be my first time driving on the track here in Austin, I’ve driven it in the simulator and many of the corners have similarities to corners on other great circuits. Turns Three, Four and Five are very like the fast Maggotts-Becketts section at Silverstone, for example, which I know well, so I’m really looking forward to getting out on track in the car. “The track has a very long, fast back straight but also lots of complex, high-speed corners, so this weekend the focus will be on finding the best balance and set-up compromise with my engineers as soon as we get started. I’ve also heard a lot about the famous ‘Austinite’ welcome – the fans in the US are always really enthusiastic so there should be a great atmosphere. “In Russia we battled hard and came away with a positive result, so despite the three-week break I’m determined to carry that momentum into Austin and hit the ground running, so that we can secure another decent performance for the team.”

Eric Boullier Racing director, McLaren Mercedes “Off the back of our improved pace in Russia, the whole team is looking forward to returning to Austin after a three-week break. It’s a very popular track that’s already made its mark on the Formula 1 calendar, and the drivers and team personnel alike really enjoy going there. The organisation of the event and the facilities at Austin are very impressive, and both races since its opening have been a success. “As we move closer to the end of the season we’re continuing the development of our car, working flat-out to extract the maximum performance from our package as each race goes by. Our result in Sochi gave us increased confidence, and we come to Austin with the firm intention of building on this recent form with a strong finish for the team and boosting our points buffer over Force India in the Constructors’ standings. “Of course, though, it goes without saying that, despite everything, our thoughts and prayers are firmly with Jules Bianchi and his family as we await news on his condition.”