Kia looks to the future with fully autonomous lanes on roads and all this should happen over the next 25 years.

• In 25 years’ time autonomous cars will have their own dedicated motorway lanes
• Approximately eight million ‘connected’ cars will be on UK roads by 2020
• Kia Motors releases a future gazing report, celebrating its 25^th anniversary in the UK

To celebrate its 25^th anniversary in the UK, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. has commissioned a first-of-its-kind report looking at the predicted motoring industry over the next 25 years. The report, which covers brand new technologies, the role of connectivity in cars of the future and wider infrastructure and regulation, gives a fascinating insight into how the UK will drive in 25 years’ time.

Fully autonomous cars will account for half of all car sales in 25 years, with increasing degrees of autonomy ranging from cruise control to partial self-drive automation adding to traditional vehicles and over eight million connected cars on UK roads able to communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure.

Whilst autonomous cars rise in popularity, there will be a huge overhaul of the infrastructure designed to accommodate a mixture of autonomous cars, connected cars and traditional vehicles. In 25 years autonomous cars will have their own lanes on motorways and will, under certain conditions, be able to ‘communicate’ with the road to identify obstacles, travel delays and even potholes.

The report, which was commissioned in conjunction with Dr. Frank Shaw of the Centre for Future Studies, reveals some of the benefits of autonomous vehicles. With level four autonomy (cars that are completely self-driving with no need for human input at all) parking fines will be almost eliminated as cars will be able to drop off their passengers before finding a suitable space, whilst insurance premiums for road traffic accidents are likely to be almost obsolete with cars able to avoid collisions through communication with each other. With cars able to transport themselves between locations there is also likely to be an increase in car sharing – bringing down the costs and emissions associated with owning a car. The driving test process will be drastically overhauled – drivers will still need a license for partially autonomous cars, but fully self-driving vehicles will allow those who are unable to drive for reasons such as disability a freedom previously denied to them as no human intervention will be required.

Dr. Frank Shaw, who has been described by Time Magazine as one of the 10 most influential thinkers in the world, commented: “The future of the car industry is an exciting one, as there will be a transformation from an industry built by mechanics to one that is largely driven by software developers. There is considerable speculation in 2016 about autonomous driving, the full impacts of which will not become manifest until the 2040s. I am confident however that over the next twenty five years, the industry and technology companies will deliver a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly driving experience for everyone.”

“Technology in the motoring industry is moving at an incredibly fast pace, and this report is a fascinating look at how the world around our cars will need to adapt in order to keep up,” says Paul Philpott, Kia Motors UK President and CEO. “When Kia first started distributing cars in the UK 25 years ago the world was a very different place, as we have grown from a small importer with just one model to operating in 188 dealerships across the UK, we’re looking forward to the next 25 years and what the future will bring!”

It's been 25 years, but Kia has hit the 750k UK sales mark, the Pride was the first, the Sportage, the 750,000th.

• In its 25 year in the UK Kia has sold 750,000 cars
• Customer Peter Holland collected his Sportage GT-Line from Draycotts
• Draycotts of Sutton in Ashfield also celebrating 25 years as a Kia Dealer

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd is celebrating selling its 750,000 car in the UK since the brand first started trading here in 1991. Established in South Korea in 1944 Kia sold just under 1,800 cars in that first year in the UK, a figure that it now sells on average every two weeks across its 188 strong dealer network.

The owner of the 750,000 car - Peter Holland - picked up his all-new Sportage 2.0 CRDI GT-Line from Draycotts in Sutton in Ashfield. On hand to congratulate Peter was Paul Philpott CEO and President of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd and Wayne Draycott, Dealer Principal. Draycotts have been a Kia dealership right from the start in 1991 when Kia was importing cars such as the Kia Pride.

Owner Mr Holland said; “This is my fifth Kia and what keeps me coming back is the excellent customer service and attention to detail here at Draycotts. I’m proud to share Kia’s landmark moment and I’m really looking forward to driving my new Sportage.” Mr Holland has previously owned two cee’d and two Sportage models since coming to the brand in 2007.

The Picanto – Pride’s replacement – has been the biggest seller in the UK since its introduction in 2004 with over 152,000 sold to date. Peter joins a long succession of Sportage owners stretching back to its launch in 1995. The Sportage – now in its fourth generation has sold close to 140,000 models and is the second bestselling model for Kia – 13,000 of those sales have come in the last three months since its launch in February.

Paul Philpott, CEO and President of Kia said; “To reach such a milestone in Kia’s history in such a short space of time – particularly in the last five years – is testament to our growing brand presence and the strength of our design and customer appeal. Loyal customers such as Peter are an important part of our success as is our excellent dealer network within the UK and I wish him many happy miles in his new Sportage.”

Nearly half of the 750,000 sales have been in the last five years with sales expecting to reach the one million mark by 2020.

Ford and BraunAbility come together to produce the worlds first wheelschair accessible SUV.

• BraunAbility, the world leader in mobility vehicles, introduces BraunAbility MXV^™ based on the 2016 Ford Explorer; MXV is the world's first wheelchair-accessible SUV, and continues BraunAbility's long line of automotive mobility innovations  
• BraunAbility MXV gives wheelchair users the freedom of an accessible van with the style and capability of an SUV
• Ford Explorer revolutionized the SUV market, and reigns as the best-selling nameplate in the segment for 25 years; with its Explorer conversion vehicle, BraunAbility revolutionizes what independence means for wheelchair users

The world's best-selling SUV for 25 years is now the world's only volume-production wheelchair-accessible SUV.

Ford Motor Company and BraunAbility have joined forces to create BraunAbility MXV^™ – a wheelchair-accessible SUV that gives wheelchair users the quality and dependability of a BraunAbility mobility vehicle, and the adventurous, "unstoppable" spirit of an Explorer.

"We’re thrilled the Explorer name is connected to such a highly respected brand like BraunAbility," said Omar Odeh, Ford marketing manager. "Explorer has always been associated with helping people go places they otherwise could not, and BraunAbility MXV furthers that reputation."

BraunAbility MXV – available with Explorer base, XLT and Limited models – features patented sliding-door technology, removable driver and passenger seats, and a powered, lighted in-floor ramp. A sliding shifter and front seat base design provide for increased space, while an integrated key fob operates both door and ramp. There’s also an available tow package.

Interior space is maximized to create ample room for wheelchair navigation and comfort. Wheelchair users can drive the vehicle from a wheelchair or ride as a passenger. Notable dimensions include:

• 55-inch usable side door opening height
• 28 1/2-inch usable ramp width
• 58-inch interior height (vehicle center)
• 59-inch interior height (for driver and passenger)
• 55-inch interior floor length behind front seats
• 59 1/2-inch interior width at B-pillar

"Our customers are very excited to have a mobility option that reflects their individuality," said Nick Gutwein, BraunAbility president and CEO. "For us, Ford Explorer was the obvious choice. It’s an iconic American vehicle that reflects the ultimate in independence and freedom."

Featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine, BraunAbility MXV delivers the performance and capability Explorer drivers have embraced for years, including an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined rating. Actual mileage will vary. MXV also delivers an estimated 5,000-pound maximum tow capacity.

BraunAbility MXV is produced at BraunAbility's 170,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Winamac, Indiana. It is sold at more than 200 authorized dealers throughout the United States.

The worlds best selling SUV, the Ford Explorer now sports a new XLT Sport Appearance Package for 2017.

• Ford Explorer – best-selling SUV in the world over the last 25 years – adds new XLT Sport Appearance Package for 2017, further expanding Ford’s family of SUVs
• New Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package features dark-accented exterior, including 20-inch Magnetic Gray wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear appliqué, and Ebony Black body side molding 
• Interior enhancements include Dark Earth Gray front seats with leather bolsters by Salerno and Miko® suede for inserts and door panels

Giving SUV buyers a fresh option for a sportier-looking ride, Ford adds the new Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package to its popular full-size SUV lineup for 2017. The addition of the package expands Explorer offerings to six models. Other versions include base, XLT, Limited, Sport and the Platinum edition.

Explorer buyers are demonstrating an interest in unique models. Sales of Explorer Sport and Platinum, the two top models, account for approximately 30 percent of Explorer sales in the U.S. market. The new XLT Sport Appearance Package joins the Explorer family beginning this summer. 

The 2017 Ford Escape, launching in the coming months, will feature a unique Sport Appearance Package as well. 

“Our Sport Appearance philosophy is rooted in the fact that we know exterior appearance is the No. 1 consideration in SUV purchase decisions,” said Omar Odeh, Explorer brand marketing manager. “The XLT Sport Appearance Package is a dramatic offering that gives customers another attractive option.”

The Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package features updates both inside and out:

• 20-inch Magnetic Gray wheels
• Magnetic Gray grille
• Magnetic Gray mirror caps
• Magnetic Gray rear appliqué
• Ebony Black body side cladding
• Black roof rack
• Explorer hood badge
• Dark Earth Gray leather for front seats, including outer bolsters by premium leather maker Salerno; Dark Earth Gray Miko^® suede for seat back uppers and inserts with Umber scrim, and door trim inserts; Umber contrast stitching
• Explorer logo floor mats

The 2017 Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package comes equipped with standard XLT features including a 3.5-liter V6 engine, Intelligent Access with push-button start, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, SYNC^® 3, LED fog lamps and much more.

“In the market right now, across all our SUVs, customers are looking for unique colors, wheels and interior appointments,” said Odeh. “We’ve worked closely with Ford Design to deliver a unique look that will resonate with customers.”

Beginning this spring, Escape buyers can consider the Sport Appearance Package for 2017 as well – available for Escape SE and Titanium models. The package includes premium 19-inch Ebony Black aluminum wheels and high-gloss upper grille; black beltline molding and front fenders; partial leather sport seats with contrast stitching, and more.

SUV sales remain robust in U.S. market

Driven in part by increased sales to maturing millennials and continued interest from baby boomers – the two largest consumer groups in the U.S. market – SUV performance is robust and is expected to continue through the end of the decade. 

More efficient than ever, with EcoBoost^® engines available for every nameplate, Ford-brand SUV sales totaled more than 740,000 vehicles in 2015 – an increase of nearly 7 percent versus a year earlier. Escape sales in 2015 reached 306,492 vehicles – an all-time record. Sales of the new Edge grew 14 percent, with Explorer sales increasing more than 18 percent. 

Rare, mega low mileage 30th anniversary Mini's going under the hammer,

A pair of low mileage Mini 30 special editions will be the star cars at Anglia Car Auctions’ forthcoming Classic Car Sale on Saturday 4^th April. The cars, from a production run totalling just 3000, have been in storage for 25 years. One has just 18 miles from new, while the other has covered 137 miles.

The Mini 30 was a celebration of the Mini’s thirtieth anniversary with 2,000 cars produced in Cherry Red Pearlescent, and a further 1,000 in black. 

The cars, from the same source, were registered with the same sequence of digits and have been stored in a heated garage since 1989. Both cars are completely original, retaining their original alloy wheels and unique Mini 30 trim.  Both cars still have their handbooks, brochures, and commemorative books by Rob Golding as originally provided by Austin Rover.

The black 18-mile car has an estimate of £11-15,000, while the Cherry Red 137-mile example has an estimate of £10-15,000. As neither have been driven since 1989, neither have ever been MoT’d.

A Mini 35 special edition is also available. One of only 200, the car was recently imported from Japan and is completely rust free. The guide price for this example is £4-5,000.

Anglia Car Auctions’ proprietor Lyn George said “These cars are bound to attract Mini collectors from all over, especially being such low mileage Mini 30s in pristine condition. Our April sale is historically very popular so we’re bringing in more catering, opening a second gate to make entrance for the public much easier and even have a block of Portaloos on order.”

The Kings Lynn auction house celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year as well as ten years of its successful classic car auctions.

Vauxhall celebrates 25 years of sporting super saloons, and they just keep getting better.

This year, Vauxhall is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of one of its most famous and dramatic models, the Lotus Carlton, which started a long tradition of Griffin-badged performance saloons that still survives today.

The Lotus Carlton was the fastest four-door saloon in the world when it was launched in 1989, 65 years after Vauxhall produced Britain’s first 100mph road car.  With 377bhp from its straight-six, twin-turbocharged engine, the Carlton could achieve the 0-62 sprint in 4.9 seconds and would go on to a top speed of 176mph. Its chassis was developed and fine-tuned by Lotus, resulting in a highly dynamic car with the handling capabilities and top speed to keep up with the finest supercars of the day.

A total of 440 Lotus Carltons were produced from 1989 to 1994 as a joint project between Vauxhall and Lotus, with each car costing an eye-watering £48,000.

“Everyone at the time said it was completely inappropriate for a manufacturer like Vauxhall to launch a 176mph car,” said Stuart Harris, current Head of Carline Brand at Vauxhall, but a key member of the Lotus Carlton’s launch team back in the eighties. 

“It was better than the competition in every conceivable way and will go down as one of the most iconic Vauxhalls of all time. It was landmark product for Vauxhall, which to this day is still much loved. It introduced the brand to people who would not have considered driving a Vauxhall before. The car put a question mark in people’s heads and got them talking – just like the cars in today’s VXR range do.”

After the Lotus Carlton there were talks of a successor, but the project did not go ahead, meaning the 3.0-litre quad-cam engined Omega produced from 1993 to 1997 became the final large performance saloon for Vauxhall through the rest of the 1990s.

By the early 2000s, though, large performance cars were firmly back on Vauxhall’s agenda thanks to the all-new VXR range. In 2007, it spawned the 420PS VXR8 saloon, based on sister-company Holden’s Clubsport R8. All of a sudden Vauxhall had BMW and Mercedes in its sights, and with good reason: the VXR8 produced an impressive 420PS from its 6.0-litre V8 engine and managed the 0-60 sprint in under five seconds.

But there was more to come. The supercharged limited edition Bathurst S joined the VXR8 range in 2009 costing less than £45,000, making it the least expensive car with 500PS+ at the time. The car developed a colossal 577PS and 720Nm of torque, with the V8’s grunt and supercharger’s whine providing a truly spine-tingling soundtrack. 

All of this power teamed with an array of performance modifications over the standard car, made the Bathurst an astonishingly fast and capable performance saloon, equally at home on the road or the track. 

Vauxhall’s latest incarnation, the VXR8 GTS, produces 576bhp in its current form - more power than its main rivals the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, yet costing a substantial £20K less.

“It’s all about driving pleasure and the ownership prospect. With our performance saloons we like to show that we can be different and not do what everyone expects,” said Harris.

“If you ask anyone today what they’d include in their top-ten list of super saloons, the Lotus Carlton will always feature. Even in 2015 its performance is pretty special, but 25 years ago it was truly earth-shattering. And just like the Lotus Carlton, our current VXR range makes people reassess their preconceptions of Vauxhall and allows them to see the brand in a very different light.”    

Volkswagen extends Chinese partnership until 2041.

• Agreement signed in Federal Chancellery in presence of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel
• Volkswagen and further Chinese joint venture partner SAIC agree on new proving ground in Xinjiang province
• Prof. Dr. Winterkorn: “Together with its strong partners Volkswagen is focusing on innovation, eco-friendly technologies and excellently trained employees in China.”
• Cooperation with Ministry of Education: Centers of competence for teacher training to be set up to strengthen expansion of dual vocational training system

After 20 years of successful cooperation the Volkswagen Group and its Chinese joint venture partner First Automotive Works (FAW) are extending their present partnership for a further 25 years, until the year 2041. In addition, the Volkswagen Group and the Chinese joint venture partner SAIC are investing in the Shanghai Volkswagen (SVW) proving ground in Xinjiang province, western China. Both agreements were signed in Berlin today in the presence of Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. A joint memorandum concluded with the Chinese Ministry of Education concerning cooperation in the field of vocational training was already signed yesterday in Wolfsburg.

Based on today’s extended cooperation, Volkswagen and FAW will be able to significantly expand existing research and development activities in China and move into new business areas in the coming years, above all in the field of alternative drive technologies. The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft with responsibility for China and President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, and Xu Jianyi, Chairman of the FAW Group. Back in July of this year, Volkswagen and FAW agreed to expand their production capacity by building two new plants in Qingdao and Tianjin.

“Together with its strong partners Volkswagen is focusing on innovation, eco-friendly technologies and excellently trained employees in China. Today’s agreements pave the way for the sustainable development of China’s automotive industry and for the Volkswagen Group and its joint ventures to benefit from growth”, Winterkorn underscored during the signing ceremony.

Volkswagen is further expanding its activities in western China – and is joining up with the Chinese joint venture partner SAIC to invest some €100 million in a new proving ground in the Xinjiang region to test models from Shanghai Volkswagen. The facility will be built to the south east of the Urumqi plant commissioned in August 2013. Heizmann and Chen Zhixin, President of SAIC Motor Corporation, also signed a joint agreement to this effect today.

“Our success in China would not have been possible without our long-standing Chinese joint venture partnerships”, Heizmann commented. “We are firmly convinced the extended cooperation with FAW we signed today reinforces our excellent strategic position going forward. We will be introducing our newest testing methods in China at our new proving ground, and will be paying very close attention to the appropriate training for our employees. This is clear testimony of Volkswagen’s commitment to the Chinese market.”

As Prof. Dr. Horst Neumann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft with responsibility for Human Resources, Organization and IT, underscored: “Dual vocational training along the lines of the system Volkswagen has implemented almost all over the world closely links theory and practice and ensures that young employees acquire a high standard of specialist skills. 

That is why we want to encourage even more higher vocational education institutions in China to commit to dual vocational training.” Together with Prof. Guiren Yuan, the Chinese Minister of Education, Neumann signed on Thursday in Wolfsburg a memorandum on cooperation in the field of vocational training in which the Volkswagen Group and the Chinese government undertake to expand the dual vocational training system in China. Plans include nine centers of competence for teacher training and for teaching programs that closely link theory and practice in line with the German vocational training principle. These educational facilities will specialize in tooling, automation technology, bodyshell technology and automotive technology as well as pedagogy. The first centers have already been set up in Changchun and Yizheng.

The Volkswagen Group is one of the most successful companies in the Chinese automobile industry. Together with its joint venture partners SAIC and FAW, the Volkswagen Group builds models from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi and ŠKODA brands for the Chinese market. Vehicle production includes engines and components manufactured locally by the Group and its partners. In total, the Volkswagen Group has a presence at 17 production locations in China comprising eight vehicle sites and nine component sites. Shanghai Volkswagen has already announced the building of a new factory in Changsha to expand vehicle production capacity. Furthermore, FAW-Volkswagen is to construct two new production plants in Qingdao and Tianjin.

In the first three quarters of this year, Volkswagen Group China together with its Chinese joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen delivered more than 2.7 million vehicles, an increase of 15.2 percent on the comparable prior-year period.

Land Rover celebrates 25 years of Discovery with the Limited Edition Discovery XXV

• Land Rover’s iconic family SUV celebrates a quarter of a century milestone
• XXV Special Edition commemorates 25 years of Discovery, offering distinctive visual style and premium interior combined with legendary capability
• Over one million Discovery models sold worldwide since launch in 1989

Land Rover has unveiled a new Discovery XXV Special Edition as a celebration of the 25th anniversary year of the original launch of its versatile family SUV.

First introduced in 1989, the Discovery revolutionised the 4x4 landscape. Its combination of contemporary design, spacious and user-friendly interiors, unflinching capability and extreme versatility made it an instant hit. With the release of each new generation, the Land Rover Discovery has cemented its position as the most capable, versatile SUV in the world.

Thanks to its formidable array of innovative and award-winning technologies, from Terrain Response® to Hill Descent Control, the Discovery is as comfortable taking on everyday journeys as it is tackling the world’s harshest terrain – as numerous intercontinental expeditions have proved. Over its 25 years it has been chosen as the explorer’s choice to take on challenges and adventures; Sir Ranulph Fiennes used an original Discovery in his exhibition to discover the Lost City of Ubar, while the Discovery 3 was used on the record holding London-Cape Town drive in 2013. Discovery models have also been used in Land Rover’s own famous G4 Challenge and Camel Trophy.

The XXV special edition is based on the existing HSE Luxury specification and has been built to commemorate 25 years of Land Rover’s iconic family SUV. The special edition vehicle has a unique interior colourway, distinctive external badging and a sophisticated and premium interior lined with Windsor leather.

Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Since its inception the Land Rover Discovery has been pivotal to the success of the brand and has now become an iconic design in its own right. Discovery has led the way in terms of innovation, featuring technologies such as Terrain Response, which made off-roading much more accessible. The Discovery XXV Special Edition is the ultimate in sophisticated versatility and a fitting tribute to the legendary status of this iconic Land Rover.”

Distinctive Exterior

Available in Causeway Grey, it features Narvik Black grille surrounds and mirror caps, and Dark Atlas features on the grille and fender vents. Silver full-length roof rails, body-coloured handles and a stainless steel bumper accessory tread plate complement the exterior.

Also featuring distinctive XXV badging on the front door and tailgate, the special edition is fitted with newly designed 20-inch five-split-spoke forged alloy wheels in a light polished-silver finish.

Sophisticated Interior

The XXV Special Edition builds on the Discovery’s HSE Luxury specification, to create a sophisticated and premium interior. Features such as the fascia, the instrument panel binnacle and door top rolls are generously lined with Windsor leather. The XXV will feature a unique interior colour way in Cirrus. Additional luxurious highlights include twist pile carpet mats and a leather-wrapped wooden steering wheel, while subtle XXV embossing throughout adds to the high-quality British workmanship of the XXV Special Edition.