British Driver Jolyon Palmer retains his seat with Renault for the 2017 Season and is joined by Nico Hulkenberg.

Renault Sport Formula One Team is proud to announce that it will retain Jolyon Palmer for the 2017 season. Jolyon will join the recently-announced Nico Hülkenberg to complete the team’s 2017 race driver line-up.

Twenty-five year old Jolyon joined Renault Sport Formula One Team’s predecessor Lotus F1 Team as Third Driver at the start of the 2015 season, graduating to race driver for 2016 with Renault Sport Formula One Team. 

To date he has started 18 Grands Prix, scoring his first World Championship point at this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix. He is the 2014 GP2 Series Champion.

Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport Racing Chairman said: “We are delighted to retain Jolyon as our driver for the 2017 season. Jolyon has shown his hunger to develop with us as the team grows and we have been impressed with his increasingly strong performances on track as the season has progressed. We are confident that the combination of Jolyon and Nico Hülkenberg offers a very promising driving force to meet our goals. Jolyon understands the team’s spirit and motivates everyone he works with. The line-up of Jolyon and Nico harnesses the benefits of continuity and fresh blood. I am sure that having Nico as a team-mate will help push Jolyon to greater achievements. We thank Kevin Magnussen for his efforts in 2016 as he has done a great job for us this year. We wish him all the best for 2017 and beyond.”

Jolyon Palmer said: “I’m over the moon to be racing with Renault Sport Formula One Team for a second season and I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me on track. Having worked out of Enstone since 2015 I can fully appreciate the development of the infrastructure this year. This means I share the excitement of the team looking to 2017 and our new car. For me, it’s been a steep learning curve driving in Formula 1 and I know that I am performing better than ever, and that there’s still more to come. There is tremendous drive and enthusiasm in Enstone and Viry looking to next year and I am honoured to be part of this.”

The last Silverstone Auctions takes place at the Classic Motor Show, with some seriously special cars on sale.

• 123 highly collectible classic and modern sports cars will be offered at Silverstone Auctions’ final sale of the year.
• Cars to be offered include Lady Diana’s 1994 Audi Cabriolet, HM the Queen’s 2012 Bentley Mulsanne and the first ever production Lotus Elite Series I.
• The auction takes place at the UK’s biggest classic car show, the Classic Motor Show, at the NEC, Birmingham on 12^th and 13^th November.

Preparing for its final classic car auction of the year, specialist auction house Silverstone Auctions is offering 123 best of breed cars, as well as three classic motorcycles, luxury lifestyle and automobilia items, in its two-day sale at the Classic Motor Show, at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12th and 13th November.

Headlining the sale is a very special, private collection of cars formerly owned by world royalty, politicians and celebrities; the Jewels in the Crown collection. 

The collection includes 12 cars of the most exclusive provenance, such as Princess Diana’s famous 1994 Audi Cabriolet, estimated at £50,000 to £60,000, HM the Queen’s 2012 Bentley Mulsanne estimated at £215,000 to £235,000, and Sir Elton John’s 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom estimated at £135,000 to £155,000, which are expected to attract buyers from across the globe.

Historic racing enthusiasts and fans of Channel 4’s For the Love of Cars, are in for a treat as the very first production 1958 Lotus Elite Series I, bought new and raced by jazz legend Chris Barber, and recently restored by Ant Anstead, is estimated at between £75,000 and £100,000. A beautifully presented 1969 Aston Martin DBS 6 in desirable Vantage spec, also restored by Ant Anstead and featured on the television series, is estimated at £140,000 to £160,000.

Another highly collectible car on offer is a rare 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, one of just 105 examples built, which will be offered at an estimate of £350,000 to £400,000, the highest valued lot in the auction.

An elegant 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, one of only 68 right-hand drive cabriolets produced by the factory, will be offeredin restored condition with an estimate of £220,000 to £240,000.

Suitably offered just miles from the home of Land Rover itself, are five classic Land Rovers. Among them an early, truly historic 1948 Land Rover Series I in superb order offered at a sale estimate of £26,000 to £29,000, a concours winning 1950 Land Rover Series I estimated at £25,000 to £28,000, and a 1990 Land Rover 110 V8 County Station Wagon, believed to be the lowest mileage (15,020 miles) and the most original of any 110 V8 in the country, estimated at £23,000 to £28,000.

Another celebrity car, this time from sporting ‘royalty’, is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed. Owned by the world famous Portuguese player during his stint at Manchester United football club, the luxury car is estimated at £50,000 to £60,000.

Some very desirable, low mileage modern classics also star in the auction with an exciting choice of fast Fords. A UK, right-hand drive 1993 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux showing just 20,600 miles from new is estimated at £35,000 to £40,000. An original 1990 Ford Escort RS Turbo S2 reading 12,000 miles and with just one owner previous owner is estimated at £15,000 to £20,000, and an exceptionally rare find, a 1991 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo in outstanding original condition and reading just 12,000 miles, is estimated at £15,000 to £20,000.

Another modern classic with extraordinarily low mileage is a 2003 BMW Z3 M Coupe S54. As one of only 165 right-hand drive, S54 examples, and with just 11,000 miles on the clock, it will be offered with an estimate of £45,000 to £50,000.

Silverstone Auctions will also offer a special ‘life saving’ Mini to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Known as ‘Margo’, the 1969 Morris Mini Super Deluxe was found by Lancaster Insurance in 2015 and restored by the MG Owners’ Club Workshop. The car will be offered without reserve with one hundred per cent of proceeds going to the charity,

Speaking ahead of the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale said, “We’re delighted to be returning to the Classic Motor Show for another year and with what I would say is our most special and varied catalogue of cars yet, from Her Majesty the Queen’s personal conveyance, to a very special Lotus Elite race car. It will be an honour for our team and, we hope, a landmark sale for Silverstone Auctions.”

For more information and or to view all the lots in Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Motor Show Sale please visit http://silverstoneauctions.com/nec-classic-motor-show-sale-2016/view_lots/pn/all.a

EUROPE - Nissan celebrates selling 75,000 Electric vehicles in Europe after the announcement of 260,000 worldwide.

• Nissan passes 75,000 electric vehicle (EV) sales milestone in Europe as the EV market gains momentum
• Nissan LEAF sales up 10 percent and e-NV200 sales up 34 percent in the first half of FY16*
• Nissan Intelligent Mobility takes another step forward as the brand celebrates more than 260,000 Nissan EV customers worldwide

European Nissan LEAF sales have risen by 10 percent in the first half of FY16 compared with the same period last year, Nissan has announced today. The latest figures also reveal that there are more than 75,000 Nissan EV owners in Europe as the electric vehicle revolution speeds up across the continent.

This momentous milestone follows the recent announcement that 260,000 Nissan EVs have been sold worldwide, reinforcing Nissan’s vision for a zero-emission future as the brand continues to make Intelligent Mobility a reality.

EV sales have been further bolstered by strong e-NV200 sales year-to-date FY16 – up 34 percent year-on-year. Increased demand for Nissan’s zero-emission e-NV200 from businesses across Europe comes as the brand celebrates the extension of its class-leading five year warranty to include the all-electric LCV.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles at Nissan Europe, said: “Europe’s electric vehicle market is growing at an extraordinary pace as motorists across the continent switch on to the multiple benefits that electric mobility provides.

“As part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, it is our aim to offer customers around the world a safer and more sustainable future through our electric vehicle range including, the Nissan LEAF and e-NV200. By driving sales, we are encouraging increasing numbers of drivers to switch to EVs and ultimately, move towards to a zero-emission future.”

With the LEAF’s 30kWh battery now offering 155 miles in driving range** and as many as 4,000 quick chargers installed across Europe, driving an electric car is more practical and enjoyable than ever before, providing an easy gateway to a zero-emission future. Nissan is dedicated to delivering a smarter, more sustainable future, with customers across the globe having driven more than 2.5 billion electric miles.

Nissan Launches a limited Edition LEAF Black Edition, with the first 1000 sold getting a free In vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot.

• New LEAF Black Edition – a limited version of the all-electric LEAF – on sale from March 2017
• Features exclusive design accents including black 16” alloy wheels, black door mirror caps and black rear roof spoiler
• Based on Acenta grade, it features the latest Nissan technologies including Around View Monitor, NissanConnect EV telematics and advanced safety systems
• First 1,000 customers to purchase the LEAF Black Edition to receive a free in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
• The LEAF Black Edition demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to Intelligent Mobility, combining cutting edge EV technology with sleek, high end design

Today, Nissan has unveiled the special version LEAF Black Edition, setting the standard for sleek, premium styling in the mass-market electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Based on Nissan’s existing Acenta grade, the Nissan LEAF Black Edition offers cutting-edge design and a number of dynamic styling enhancements. 

Stylish exterior additions include 16” black alloy wheels, LED headlamps, illuminated entry guards, privacy glass, black door mirror caps and black rear roof spoiler. Blue-stitched mats give the interior a premium finish.

The Black Edition also comes with the latest evolution of the advanced NissanConnect EV telematics system and its innovative Around View Monitor technology as standard.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles at Nissan Europe, said: "The Nissan LEAF Black Edition offers our customers stylish, premium design in an affordable mass-market 100 percent electric vehicle. We are committed to delivering innovation that excites and this vehicle does just that, with our leading Around View Monitor technology offering customers a more confident drive – embodying Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”

The limited edition model is on sale in Europe for a restricted production run from March 2017 up until August 2017, with the first 1,000 customers in Europe receiving a free Wi-Fi hotspot – capable of powering up to eight devices.

Launched in 2010, the Nissan LEAF was the first mass-market electric vehicle. The latest 30kWh version gives drivers up to 155 miles* of motoring range, opening up a new world of opportunity for drivers. Nissan is dedicated to delivering a smarter, more sustainable future, with customers having driven more than 2.5 billion electric miles.

Since the Nissan LEAF first went on sale in 2010, almost 240,000 units have been sold globally, with 64,000 of these on Europe’s roads; making it the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

The Jaguar XF saloon has been named "Best Saloon" in the Golden Steering Wheel Competition.

• Jaguar XF voted ‘Best Saloon’ in Medium-Full-size category
• Jaguar F-PACE takes second place in the Large SUV category

Jaguar has won Germany’s top car award, the Golden Steering Wheel. The Jaguar XF was voted ‘Best Saloon’ in the Mid-Full-size category, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90. 

Jaguar had further reason to celebrate in the Large SUV category, with the F-PACE taking second place.

The Jaguar XF defines the segment with unrivalled design, luxury, technology and efficiency, underpinned by class-leading driving dynamics and refinement. 

With the recent addition of all-wheel drive, the XF offers greater confidence in its all-weather traction and has exceptional total cost of ownership, with class-leading residual values and running costs.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, accepting the Golden Steering Wheel for the Jaguar XF, said:“Winning this prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award in the most demanding automotive market and the toughest premium segment in the world, means a lot to Jaguar Land Rover. The Golden Steering wheel confirms all the efforts of the Jaguar Land Rover team in delivering special, solid products with distinct character that excite the senses.

“I want to thank the experienced readers and seasoned expert jury for their appraisal – and especially the JLR team.”

Jaguar’s first performance SUV, the F-PACE, took a strong second place in the large SUV category. It is designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement Jaguar is renowned for together with everyday usability that delivers the Ultimate Practical Sports car. The F-PACE has been fantastically received and is Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle ever.

For the 41st Golden Steering Wheel Awards, 36 new models competed in six categories. In the first round of voting, millions of readers of Auto Bild and its sister publications in more than 20 European countries, together with the readers of Sunday paper Bild am Sonntag, selected their favourites. After the votes had been counted, the 24 finalists were determined. A 67 strong jury consisting of racing drivers, chief editors, designers and other car experts, thoroughly tested the new models comparing driving dynamics, connectivity, designs and operating costs.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been named "Most Beautiful Car" in the Golden Steering Wheel competition.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been named "Most Beautiful Car" in the "Das Goldene Lenkrad" ("Golden Steering Wheel") competition. The award adds to the remarkable collection of international prizes won by the new Alfa Romeo sports car.

The Giulia was voted for by readers of Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag, with a panel of 29 automotive experts. 

Panel members included rally world champions Walter Röhrl and Sébastien Ogier, DTM champion Mattias Ekström and designer Andrea Zagato.

Created by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the exciting Giulia is a new expression of the best Italian tradition that combines harmonic proportions, linearity of style, high quality materials and sophisticated aluminium, wood and leather accents. All these are embellished with iconic elements originating in the brand's over 100-year history, the most significant of which is the trefoil, arguably the most famous emblem of Alfa Romeo design.

Awarded since 1976 and this year divided into seven categories, the "Golden Steering Wheel" was won by Alfa Romeo in 2011 for the "I am Giulietta" advertising campaign. Alfa Romeo 147 won in its category in 2000, while in 1995 the "Golden Steering Wheel" award for the "Coupé" category went to Alfa Romeo GTV

WORLDWIDE SALES - Volkswagen Commercial vehicles is 14.3% up on the month and 9.6% YTD Bucking the passenger car sales.

• Worldwide delivery increase of 9.6 per cent
• Clear growth of 14.7 per cent in Western Europe
• Deliveries of T model range up by 17.1 per cent
• Caddy model range up by 15 per cent 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has recorded a significant growth of 9.6 per cent from January to October with 390,900 worldwide deliveries. 

High increases were recorded by the T model range with 163,000 vehicles delivered (+17.1 per cent) and the Caddy model range with 131,500 vehicle deliveries (+15 per cent). 

In the month of October alone, the brand was well ahead of last year’s figures with 40,200 vehicles delivered (+14.3 per cent).

“We are glad to see a continuously positive development in Western Europe, proving our work leads to positive results. That is why we expect strong delivery results for the full year 2016,” explains Bram Schot, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The development of the declining markets such as South America stays challenging,” Schot continues.

In Germany, 102,300 vehicles were handed over to customers in the first three quarters of the year (+12.2 per cent). The key European markets of Italy (+49.9 per cent to 9,200 vehicles), Spain (+35.2 per cent to 11,000 vehicles), France (+21.6 per cent to 15,900 vehicles) and Great Britain (+1.2 per cent to 41,500 vehicles) recorded increases, too.

In Eastern Europe, 28,100 vehicles were delivered. This is equivalent to an increase of 12.4 per cent. Outside Europe, growth was also recorded in North America (+21.7 per cent to 6,600 vehicles) and South Africa (+1.5 per cent to 7,200 vehicles).  

Deliveries fell by 11.1 per cent to 27,600 vehicles in South America, by 1.5 per cent to 12,500 vehicles in Africa, by 1.2 per cent to 18,000 vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region and by 1.6 per cent to 27,900 in the Middle-East. 

Worldwide deliveries of the brand by model range:

• 163,000 vehicles from the T model range (139,200; +17.1 per cent)
• 131,500 vehicles from the Caddy range (114,300; +15.0 per cent)
• 57,600 vehicles from the Amarok range (62,600; -8.0 per cent)
• 38,800 vehicles from the Crafter range (40,400; -4.1 per cent)

Vauxhall Motors will launch the All-New Insignia Grand Sport with IntelliLux LED lighting as standard.

• 32 LED segments automatically deliver optimal light performance without dazzling other road users
• New functions enhance long-range visibility with spotlight and curve illumination
• Innovative Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport realises headlights of visionary Monza Concept

Vauxhall will launch the next-generation of IntelliLux LED lighting with the all-new Insignia Grand Sport in 2017. In addition to the numerous benefits of the award-winning matrix technology, the more refined and sophisticated IntelliLux LED highlights feature new functions that further improve night-time visibility.

Having developed its matrix lighting technology in recent years, Vauxhall has introduced a 32-light system within the Insignia Grand Sport’s ultra-slim headlamps. The increased number of LED segments in the headlamps results in smoother transitions between lighting patterns to suit every driving condition. Automatically and constantly adapting the range and distribution of light from the headlamps, the new Insignia Grand Sport delivers a brighter light in a precise manner, at all times managing to avoid dazzling other road users.

New functions, including curve and spotlight illumination, improve long-range visibility when driving at night. When taking a curve with the full beam engaged, the light intensity automatically rises based on the steering angle, in order to increase the illumination and help the driver to see the road situation ahead. Each headlight also features a high-beam spotlight for additional illumination up to 400 metres ahead, further improving the Insignia Grand Sport’s long-range visibility.

“The new Astra shows the benefits of our IntelliLux LED headlights, and our engineers have been able to take it to another level with the Insignia Grand Sport,” said Ingolf Schneider, Engineering Group Manager, Exterior Lighting. “The second generation of this innovative technology introduces new features that improve visibility, and therefore safety, when driving at night.”

First shown on the Vauxhall Monza concept in 2013, demonstrating the company’s vision of how its cars would look in the future, Vauxhall introduced its IntelliLux LED matrix headlights in the award-winning Astra last year. Initially featuring a 16-light system, Vauxhall has been able to develop the technology significantly with the second generation, incorporating twice as many LED segments while maintaining an ultra-slim appearance.

USA - The Green car Journal has announced the top five c\rs to go forward for green car of the year.

• Winner of 12th Annual Award to be Revealed at AutoMobility LA™, November 17

Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the magazine's prestigious 2017 Green Car of the Year^® award. The 2017 models include the BMW 330e, Chevrolet Bolt, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Optima and the Toyota Prius Prime. 

The announcement of the winner will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Thursday, November 17 at 8:25 a.m. PST inside the Technology Pavilion, alongside other green transportation announcements.

For more than 10 years, there has been an increasing number of vehicle models considered for the Green Car of the Year^® program annually, a reflection of the auto industry's expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. 

Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important "green" vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show (and now AutoMobility LA) since its inaugural award was announced at the show in 2005.

"This year's Green Car of the Year® finalists clearly represent the momentum that electrification is experiencing in the auto industry," said Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com. "Whether it's all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or a combination of these powertrains plus conventional gasoline engines within a model line, electrification is now considered by most automakers an essential technology for current and future high-efficiency models."

The Finalists:

BMW 330e iPerformance

The BMW 330e iPerformance adds a plug-in hybrid drive system to the BMW 3 Series. The use of an electric motor with the BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine results in a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 330e iPerformance accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph. Pure-electric driving is possible at speeds up to 75 mph with a range of approximately 14 miles and combined fuel efficiency of 71 MPGe when driving on batteries.

Chevrolet Bolt

The Bolt EV offers a breakthrough EPA-estimated 238 miles of range on a full electric charge, the first production electric vehicle to achieve a 200-plus mile driving range. It features an array of advanced connected technologies designed to enhance and personalize the driving experience. A Regen on Demand feature allows the driver to use a steering wheel paddle to initiate more aggressive regenerative braking to slow down without using the brake pedal, while transferring electrical energy back to the battery.                    

Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica includes an array of choices including the LX, Touring, Touring L and the Touring L Plus. This innovative minivan also offers the first-ever plug-in hybrid in its class, delivering outstanding 80 MPGe efficiency, a 30-mile electric driving range, and a total driving range of 530 miles with combined battery power and its V6 powertrain. The plug-in hybrid model may be conveniently charged in as little as two hours with an available 240v charger. It features hands-free sliding doors and liftgate for convenience.

Kia Optima

The 2017 Kia Optima's sleek styling and pleasing performance live on in the entire 2017 model lineup. The 2017 Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are new additions that intelligently combine an electric motor and a new 2.0-liter, GDI 4-cylinder gas engine for welcome fuel efficiency and a satisfying driving experience. The Plug-in Hybrid uses a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid to allow up to 27 miles of all-electric driving before the plug-in model reverts back into its efficient hybrid mode.

Toyota Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius Prime is this automaker's evolution of the Prius Plug-In, which did not accompany the completely redesigned Prius model last year. This new 2017 model plug-in features up to 22 miles of battery electric range, double that of the original Prius plug-in.  It retains the distinctive silhouette of the latest-generation Prius and adds unique exterior styling cues to set the model apart. Inside, the Prius Prime is also distinguished with an 11.6 -inch touchscreen display.

The Green Car of the Year® is selected through a majority vote by an esteemed jury that includes celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno, as well as leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, Board Member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

During the award's vetting process, Green Car Journal editors consider all vehicles, fuels and technologies as an expansive field of potential candidates and narrow it down to the final five. Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Many factors are considered including efficiency, performance characteristics, 'newness,' affordability and overall environmental achievement. Availability to the mass market is important to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact. Finalists must be available for sale by January 1 of the award year.

Registration for AutoMobility LA is now open for those interested in attending the 2017 Green Car of the Year® announcement in person.  All AutoMobility LA attendees will also be able to witness this year's vehicle debuts and have access to an all-new Technology Pavilion outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information about AutoMobility LA and to register for the show, please visit: http://automobilityla.com