Skoda Auto launches a new petrol engine range for the Octavia and Superb models.

• ŠKODA fleet launches new petrol engine variants for Octavia and Superb SE Technology models
• Octavia engines include 1.0 TSI 115PS and 1.4 TSI 150PS
• All new Octavia 1.5 TSI 150PS available to order from 26 July
• Superb available with 1.4 TSI 150PS with either DSG or manual gearboxes
• State of the art technology and driver assist systems as standard across range

ŠKODA UK has launched petrol engine variants of the highly popular Octavia and Superb SE Tech models for fleet customers. Cost, practicality and safety are key components in the make-up of the models, designed with business customers in mind.

Fleet customers now have the option of petrol engines for both SE Tech hatch and estate models in the multi-award winning Octavia and Superb. The new generation direct-injection turbocharged TSI petrol engines offer drivers refinement, performance and flexibility, resulting in a quiet, fuel-efficient and dynamic drive, ideal for high-speed motorways or country and town roads.

The popular Octavia Estate 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG uses a seven speed automatic gearbox, which enables it to achieve up to 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle and 108 g/km CO2 with enough power to deliver 0-62 mph in just 10.2 seconds. The Estate model offers low p11d values starting from £20,755 with a BIK rate of 23%. Also available is the 1.4 TSI 150PS with manual and DSG gearbox. From 26 July, an all-new 1.5 litre engine featuring active cylinder technology (ACT) will join the line-up and will be available with a manual gearbox and offer p11d values starting at just £19,615 for the hatch and £20,815 for the estate. The DSG version will be introduced in the Autumn.

The ŠKODA Superb is available with a 1.4 TSI engine that delivers an impressive 150PS and achieves 0-62mph in less than nine seconds. Performance and practicality are combined with privacy glass and a leather and Alcantara interior, and the Estate boasts a class-leading 660 litre boot space (1,950 litres with the seats down).

Henry Williams, ŠKODA Head of Fleet, comments: “We have added petrol engines to the ŠKODA fleet range due to increasing demand from customers. Octavia and Superb already offer a formidable package and by adding even more choice we are demonstrating our commitment to respond to the changing market and the needs of our customers.”

Both Superb and Octavia are the perfect companions for business, combining useful tech and the spacious interior that is synonymous with the ŠKODA model line-up. Each features an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system as standard and the inclusion of SmartLink+ which links to both Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM, plus a MAXI-Dot Trip computer system, to bring the office on the road with you.

For peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers, the new Octavia offers a range of driver assist systems as standard to optimise driving efficiency and safety. Features include Front assist, which uses radar technology to monitor distances from the vehicle in front and will automatically slow the car down if it detects a possible collision. Front assist with pedestrian protection also warns the driver when a pedestrian attempts to dangerously cross the path of car, and will emit a combined audio and visual signal as well as a gentle jolt of the brakes to keep both parties safe.

As well as a class-leading boot space of 1,580 litres (hatch) with the seats down (590 with seats up) the new Octavia features LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control – ideal to maintain efficiency on longer journeys.

The ŠKODA Superb’s award-winning design boasts technical sophistication too, with Wi-Fi and phone signal booster to keep drivers synced with their business whilst on the road, as well as a multifunctional steering wheel that connects to the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system. To make life even easier, additional features include, umbrellas in both front doors and keyless entry.

To help keep drivers alert and safe on the road, Superb offers Blind Spot Detection as well as Smart Light Assist, which enables the driver to see further ahead when driving in the dark and alerts to any upcoming obstacles. Traffic Jam assist uses sensors to detect your surroundings and automatically aligns you to the centre of the lane and assists in braking when traffic is slowing down or comes to a stop in front of you.

USA - Porsche will launch the updated Panamera at this years Los Angeles Auto Show.

• The Panamera range expands with new 3.0 liter V6 turbo engine and long wheelbase availability

Porsche is continuing to increase the model range of the new Panamera: At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the sports car manufacturer will be presenting the luxury sport sedan with a new 330 hp V6 turbo gasoline engine, along with an extended wheelbase Executive version as yet another body option. 

The new V6 turbo is a highly efficient and agile addition to the impressive range of engines. Power is up by 20 hp from the corresponding engine of the previous Panamera generation. 

At the same time, Porsche was able to reduce the consumption of this completely redeveloped six-cylinder gasoline engine by up to 1.0 l/100 km on the New European Drive Cycle. 

The new 330-hp engine is available with rear-wheel drive in the new Panamera and all-wheel drive in the new Panamera 4 or Panamera 4 Executive.

While the Panamera and Panamera 4 with 330 hp redefine what can be expected at one end of the model line, the Executive models with their 5.9 inch (150 millimeter) longer wheelbase expand the body and equipment portfolio at the top end of the model line. 

The Executive models will be available in the all-wheel drive versions Panamera 4 Executive (330 hp), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive (462 hp), Panamera 4S Executive (440hp) and Panamera Turbo Executive (550 hp).

The new Porsche Panamera Executive versions are equipped even more exclusively. The standard features are supplemented with a large panoramic roof, heated comfort seats with multi-way electrical adjustment in the front and rear, and adaptive air suspension with an electronically controlled damper system (Porsche Active Suspension Management / PASM). 

The roll-up sunblind behind the head restraints in the rear also comes as standard. The included equipment of the Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive is even more comprehensive: Among other things, both models benefit from rear-axle steering and soft-close doors. 

As the most powerful model, the Panamera Turbo Executive is equipped with standard features such as four-zone climate control, LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), and ambient interior lighting.

As an option, all Porsche Panamera Executive models are available with a newly developed large rear center console, and the latest generation of Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. 

The 10.1-inch displays integrated into the backrests of the front seats can be detached for a wide range of uses; when needed, they transform the rear of the Panamera into a digital workplace. 

The high-quality displays can also be used as tablets outside the vehicle. Similar to the existing Panamera models, the exterior of the Executive versions can be further individualized with a Sport Design Package.

The fully redeveloped second generation of the Panamera was introduced to the world earlier in 2016. The three all-wheel drive models previously announced include the Panamera 4S, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and Panamera Turbo. 

With the new 330 hp engine variants and the Executive models, the Panamera range now comprises nine different models with power outputs ranging from 330 to 550 hp. Deliveries for the 2017 Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo will begin in January 2017.

HRH Prince Harry launches the 2016 Invictus games at a Buckingham Palace sports star filled event.

2016 Invictus Games Presenting Partner Jaguar Land Rover employee James McGill selected in the UK Team as Jaguar F-PACE begins the Invictus Games Flag Relay

• Jaguar Land Rover continues partnership with Invictus Games for Orlando 2016 and Proud Sponsors of the UK Team, supporting the UK Delegation comprising of The Ministry of Defence, Help for Heroes, and The Royal British Legion
• Prince Harry reveals 110-strong team of wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military personnel and veterans selected to represent the UK
• Jaguar Land Rover employee and former Grenadier Guard, James McGill, is selected to compete in track and field and swimming
• Jaguar F-PACE will transport the Invictus Games Flag to the US as part of the Official Flag Relay, launched by Prince Harry and US Team Captain Will Reynolds from Buckingham Palace
• Since 2013, Jaguar Land Rover has hired over 200 ex-service employees in the UK

The, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, Prince Harry, unveiled the UK Team for the 2016 Invictus Games, sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover.

Jaguar Land Rover are the presenting partner of the Invictus Games as well as the proud sponsor of the UK Team – continuing their support of the inaugural games and the UK Team in 2014. The UK delegation to the Invictus Games 2016 is being delivered by a partnership comprising The Ministry of Defence, Help for Heroes, and The Royal British Legion.

More than 180 WIS military personnel and veterans trialed 10 sports for one of the 110 places available in the UK Team. The rigorous selection process was based on the benefit the Invictus Games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training.

Congregating for the first time at Buckingham Palace, the 110 strong team included James McGill, former Grenadier Guard and Jaguar Land Rover employee, who will represent his country at the Games held in Orlando, Florida, May 8-12.

Prince Harry took time to congratulate McGill who will take part in Track and Field and Swimming events. McGill joined Jaguar Land Rover in July 2015 and was encouraged to take part in trials along with other former and serving armed forces personnel colleagues, demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to actively employing former military.

2016 Invictus Games UK Team member and Jaguar Land Rover employee, James McGill, said; “I am hugely excited to be selected for the UK Team for the 2016 Invictus Games. Today has been a very special day, joining all my fellow team members at Buckingham Palace and meeting Prince Harry. The journey to selection has been tough, with so many great competitors in the mix, but the Invictus Games has given so many former and serving men and women a renewed focus and set of goals which should never be underestimated.

“I am very proud to be selected and represent the UK, and equally proud as a Jaguar Land Rover employee. The support Jaguar Land Rover gives to the UK Team and Invictus Games makes this all possible. Rehabilitation is a very personal thing but to be in employment and have a focus and support from a company like Jaguar Land Rover is one of the reasons I am able to be here today and look forward to competing in Orlando in May.”

Since 2013, Jaguar Land Rover has hired over 200 former servicemen and servicewomen, working closely with the Career Transition Partnership, the Ministry of Defence's official provider of Armed Forces resettlement.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, added: “There is a close alignment between Jaguar Land Rover’s values and the vision of the Invictus Games, that inspiring performances and passionate, unstoppable persistence enriches people’s lives.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our role as presenting partner of the 2016 Invictus Games and sponsor the UK Team, and we’re delighted that Jaguar Land Rover employee James McGill will be representing us on the field in Orlando. We wish them all well on this exciting journey.”

In addition to unveiling the UK Team, the Invictus Games Flag was presented by Prince Harry to 2016 Invictus Games US Team Captain, Will Reynolds, who will take it to the United States as part of the Official Flag Relay. Captain Reynolds departed Buckingham Palace in the specially commissioned Jaguar F-PACE ‘Official Flag Vehicle’ which will transport the flag from London to Orlando – symbolising the handover of hosting rights of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games are the international adaptive sporting event for WIS Servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. The inaugural Invictus Games, held in London in September 2014, saw over 400 competitors from 13 nations compete in nine sports. The Invictus Games 2016 will see 500 competitors from 15 nations compete in 10 sports. The selected UK Team will compete in ten sports: Athletics; Archery; Wheelchair Basketball; Road Cycling; Powerlifting; Indoor Rowing; Wheelchair Rugby; Swimming, Sitting Volleyball, and a new sport for 2016, Wheelchair Tennis. The first medal opportunity in Orlando will be contested by the 15 competing nations on May 7 in a driving challenge event, sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover.