The town of Paisley is the sole UK start point for the classic car run to Monte Carlo in January 2017.

The town of Paisley has once again been confirmed as the sole UK start point for the 2017 historic rally run to Monte Carlo.

It’ll be the fourth time the town – which is bidding to be the 2021 UK City of Culture – will be the only British start point out of seven European cities for a range of historic cars to make the 1300 mile trip to the South of France.

Close to a hundred cars are expected to leave the start ramp outside Paisley Abbey at 6pm on Wednesday January 25^th in three separate categories.

The Historique class is being run for the 20^th year and is restricted to car models which competed in the Monte Carlo Rallies between 1955 and 1980. It will run over eight days on open public roads with the cars and crews having undertaken a series of fourteen demanding test stages in the mountains of southern France.

The Classique event is for older cars from as early as 1911 to 1980 and follows the same route to Monte Carlo but does not include any test stages, the goal simply being to finish in Monte Carlo after checking in at a series of control points on the way.

Once again the event will feature the popular Monte Heritage Runs which will follow on from the full-scale events and will take in a series of short classic routes in Scotland.

In January this year a crowd of more than 10,000 gathered in the centre of Paisley with the magnificent backdrop of the Abbey to wave off the crews in a party atmosphere with lights, music, street food and fireworks…..and working with staff from Renfrewshire Council and volunteers from many motorsport clubs in Scotland the organisers are confident of making the start even bigger and better next year.

The event was officially launched this morning by Douglas Anderson, the UK co-ordinator and the man responsible for bringing the Monte back to Scotland in 2011.

He believes the 2017 start will be the best yet.

He said: “The Paisley Abbey Start will flash round the world on the evening of 25th January 2017.  It is universally acknowledged as the best start in Europe and with the help of the good folk of Paisley who come out in their thousands to cheer the competitors on their way, we will keep it that way.”

Also there was one of the entrants in the 2017 event, Andrew Goodfellow from Dundee and co-driver, his brother-in-law Derek Coghill and their 1930 Austin 7 Ulster 2-seater sports which will – hopefully – complete the drive to Monte Carlo.

Said Andrew: “What a fantastic opportunity this is to take part in this historic event and were both totally confident that we and the car will make the 1300 miles. We’ve been prepping the car over the past month with still lots more to do to it to ensure everything is in top condition before we set off. The only concern is the very strong likelihood of snow while driving through the Alps.”

Their drive will also raise funds for SAMH, the Scottish Association of Mental Health.

The event is being supported by Renfrewshire Council. Leader Mark Macmillan said: "We are delighted to be hosting the only UK start leg of the Monte Carlo Classic Rally here in Paisley again in 2017, for the fourth year in row.

"Next year we will be submitting the town's bid for UK City of Culture 2021, and to have this prestigious and truly international event  in the town centre just helps cement Paisley's status as a key destination on Scotland's map of major events.

"The people of Renfrewshire and beyond have always turned out in huge numbers to wave the cars off against the striking historic backdrop of Paisley Town Hall and Abbey, and I am sure they will be as excited as we are to welcome the event back."

Giving his backing to the event is Scotland’s latest motorsport champion, Gordon Shedden, who won the British Touring Car Championship for the third time earlier this month.

He said: “Scotland has such a proud history in motorsport and it’s great to see Paisley as the only UK start point for this classic event. The Honda Civic Type R in which I compete is the latest example of car technology but I love getting behind the wheel of something from the past. I wish everyone taking part the very best of success…..and an enjoyable and safe drive to Monte Carlo.”

Skoda Auto are tempting the buyers with a whole host of differing options, from money off, part ex deals, 0%APR and more.

• ŠKODA announces incredible finance deals across the range
• 0% APR finance deals on Citigo, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia and Yeti
• No minimum deposit when purchased with a ŠKODA Solutions PCP
• Deposit contributions of up to £2,000 mean great value for buyers

Winter may be approaching, but ŠKODA retailers across the country have launched a range of finance deals to keep the summer holiday spirit going. Thanks to low rate PCP finance, no minimum deposit and up to £2,000 of deposit contributions, ŠKODA’s range of award-winning cars are now even more affordable. 

The autumn deals start with the Citigo, which is available with 0% APR finance when bought with a ŠKODA Solutions PCP. In addition, ŠKODA will contribute £500 as a deposit, meaning buyers pay nothing up front and enjoy simple, interest-free payments. All models except the Citigo S are included in the offer – including the sporty Monte Carlo and ultra-frugal GreenTech variants.

Further up the range, Fabia buyers benefit from an even bigger deposit contribution of £1,500 and low rate PCP finance of 2.9% APR representative on a 42 month plan. Customers can also fund their Fabia purchase via a 0% Hire Purchase scheme that runs for 36 months and requires a 30% deposit.

The Rapid, Rapid Spaceback and Octavia are all available with 0% APR finance when purchased with a PCP, with the Octavia additionally attracting a deposit contribution of £1,000. All models with the exception of the SE Technology are included in the offer. Rapid and Rapid Spaceback buyers benefit from a part-exchange bonus of £1,500 which can be added to the agreed value of any trade-in.

The range-topping Superb is now even more affordable thanks to a deposit contribution of £2,000 when purchased with a PCP. The deal is available across the range (except SE Technology) and attracts a low-rate interest rate of 4.9% APR representative.

Finally, Yeti buyers benefit from a generous £1,000 deposit contribution and 0% APR when purchased with a 42 month PCP. The deal excludes SE Technology models, but covers the range of the multi-award-winning range of two and four-wheel drive models

The very first winner of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix has been awarded the prestigious preservation trophy by FIVA.

The 1928 Bugatti Type 35B (s/n 4914) that won the very first Monaco Grand Prix has been awarded a preservation trophy by the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event on Sunday 4^th September.

The FIVA preservation award recognises vehicles that retain much of their original components, materials and finishes and as such are important cultural artefacts. 

The 2016 awards are part of the FIVA World Motoring Heritage Year celebration under the patronage of UNESCO. Mr Patrick Rollet, President of FIVA, presented the award with Khalil Karam, the UNESCO Ambassador for Lebanon, and Laurent Stefanini, the UNESCO Ambassador for France.

This Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix race car was constructed in Molsheim, France, in February 1928, and driven to victory by William Charles Frederick Grover-Williams (known as ‘Williams’) in the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix on 14 April 1929. During the 1928 and 1929 seasons, racing greats Louis Chiron, Robert Benoist and René Dreyfus also drove the car – to four other Grand Prix podium finishes. By 1931, the car had retired from racing, and was subsequently used as a road car. In 1954, s/n 4914 was bought at auction by Edmond Escudier, who owned the car until 2005, when it was sold to the present owners.

Among the most well-preserved Grand Prix cars of the period, the Bugatti retains its first paint buried under the layers of colours it displayed during its active years of racing. Chips of the paint were subjected to a sophisticated analysis by experts at Glasurit to document the colour of each layer of paint, while almost all the engine and mechanical components are those originally fitted to the vehicle. Amazingly, the leather straps on the bonnet and seats are all believed to be original – as are the Bugatti alloy wheels.

Commented FIVA President Patrick Rollet, “This Bugatti Type 35B is an exceptionally well-preserved example that still bears the original craftsmanship of the Bugatti factory at Molsheim. We are honoured to have UNESCO Ambassador Khalil Karam from Lebanon and UNESCO Ambassador Laurent Stefanini from France join us for the presentation of this FIVA World Motoring Heritage Year preservation award. Meanwhile, the owners are to be congratulated on their stewardship – and for sharing this wonderful automotive artefact with the general public.”

The FIVA preservation award jury for the 2016 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille comprised FIVA Executive Vice President and ADAC Advisor, Dr Mario Thiessen; FIVA Vice President and President of the Historic Vehicle Association, Mark Gessler; and FIVA Ambassadors for the Middle East and South America, Rony Karam and Alec Daly.

Images (courtesy of FIVA):

1) Pictured left to right: Khalil Karam, UNESCO Ambassador for Lebanon; Laurent Stefanini, UNESCO Ambassador for France; Patrick Rollet, President of FIVA; Uwe Schüler and companion representing the owners.
2) The Bugatti Type 35B with the stunning Château de Chantilly in the background.

FIVA is the only global organisation of its kind aiming to encourage the safe use on the roads of historic, self-propelled, mechanical vehicles, while remaining equally focused on preserving and promoting the very culture of motoring. In 2016, FIVA celebrates its 50th anniversary with the FIVA World Motoring Heritage Year programme under the formal patronage of UNESCO.

Renault Formula One had a poor Monaco Grand Prix with both cars failing to finish.

Renault Sport Formula One Team suffered a disappointing double retirement from an eventful Monaco Grand Prix. Kevin Magnussen showed promising progress with an early swap to intermediate tyres after a race start on full wet tyres behind the safety car. 

Kevin’s potential was ultimately undone by an unfathomable onslaught from a one-lap-down Daniil Kvyat. He continued to race but subsequently ended up in the barriers again and retired from the Grand Prix.

Jolyon Palmer’s race was far shorter, ending after aquaplaning into the barriers on the main straight, then into the barriers at Sainte Devote on the seventh lap.

• Kevin started the race in P16 on the full wet Pirelli tyres. He made a switch to the intermediate tyres on lap 7 then had a Kyvat-induced stop for a new front wing and replacement intermediates on lap 21. He later stopped for new super softs on lap 29 and new ultra softs and a further front wing on lap 32. He retired a lap later.
• Jolyon started the race in P18 on the full wet Pirelli tyres. He aquaplaned into the barriers and out of the race on lap 7.

Kevin Magnussen, #20, R.S.16-02: Started P16, DNF

“We had a good start to the race and made a really good strategic call to change to the intermediate tyres just after the safety car. We were the only ones to do it so early and it was the right decision.

We were in a good position as a lot of people were still to pit and we gained a lot of places. Unfortunately, Kvyat just lost his mind and crashed into me and that was effectively the end of my race. 

We did continue and made an early change to slicks as we had nothing to lose, but ultimately I hit the wall and damaged the front wing. We were several laps down at that point and the car had been in the wars so it was safer to retire. 

It’s a shame we didn’t have a good weekend as we were very optimistic for the race. Now we have to shift our focus to Canada and have a better weekend there. Montréal should be a stronger track for us and should play to the strengths of the updates for the car.”

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-03: Started P18, DNF

“The traction was appalling after the safety car and I got caught out. I had wheelspin in fifth gear on the white line that crosses the track. There was nothing I could do – I was just a passenger and went straight away into the wall. 

It’s so difficult as we know that the white lines are slippery but they are everywhere. I’m disappointed as I love this track and it’s been good for me in the past. But I’m now looking forward to Canada and putting this weekend behind me. 

Monaco hasn’t been good to me this year so we need to move on to the next race and look for a better weekend.”

Fred Vasseur, Racing Director

“It was a tough weekend for both cars. Jolyon’s race ended on the straight as soon as the race got underway. He had a pretty serious shunt, a fast one, and that put an end to his day; there was nothing to be done. 

For Kevin, he asked to swap to intermediates pretty early in the race which was a good call, despite suffering from being in traffic for a while. 

His race effectively ended thanks to the incident with Kvyat which is a shame especially as there may have been something to be done from where he was ranked as we had a strategy that was slightly out of step from everyone else’s. In any case, we’ll go lick our wounds and move our focus to Canada.”

ŠKODA secures best ever April fleet sales with a record market share of 3.9% achieved for the month.

• ŠKODA secures best ever April fleet sales
• Record market share of 3.9% achieved for the month
• New benchmarks also set in Q1 2016

ŠKODA UK has announced a record-breaking April, following another outstanding month for fleet sales. ŠKODA posted 1,770 fleet sales in April 2016 (up from 1,615 in the same month last year) and achieved an all-time high market share of 3.9% for the month.

This growth – driven in no small part by the arrival of award-winning fleet favourite, the all-new ŠKODA Superb – followed an exceptional first quarter. Between January and March, ŠKODA secured 4,477 fleet sales – an 8% increase on 2015.

The sales success coincides with a number of awards, with the Superb taking the Fleet News and Fleet Worldtitles for Best Upper Medium Car earlier this year, as the brand continues to grow its offering for corporate customers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Henry Williams, Head of Fleet for ŠKODA UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to announce this has been the best ever April for ŠKODA UK’s fleet operation. Our outstanding models, coupled with our compelling financial offerings, make ŠKODA an obvious choice for fleet managers, large and small businesses, and user choosers – and our record sales are testament to that.”

Skoda continues to push the boundries, it now has 10 model variants that have Four Wheel Drive as standard.

​› Widest all-wheel-drive range within the compact and mid-size car segment: compact SUV ŠKODA Yeti; ŠKODA Octavia; ŠKODA Superb

› Deliveries of ŠKODA all-wheel-drive vehicles tripled between 2008 and 2015

› 17 per cent of all Octavias, Yetis and Superbs sold in 2015 were all-wheel drive 

› All-wheel-drive diversity: a total of ten 4×4 variants

› In an all-wheel-drive class of its own: ŠKODA Octavia 4×4, Octavia Combi 4×4, Octavia RS 4×4, Octavia Combi RS 4×4 and Octavia Scout

› All-rounder for city and off-road: ŠKODA Yeti 4×4, Yeti Outdoor 4×4 and Yeti Monte Carlo 4×4

› Powerful flagships: ŠKODA Superb 4×4 and Superb Combi 4×4

› Innovative: all-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch

In the course of the model campaign, ŠKODA has consistently built up its expertise in the all-wheel-drive sector over the last number of years. A total of ten ŠKODA all-wheel-drive models or model variants are currently available. 

In the compact SUV segment, the ŠKODA Yeti 4×4, Yeti Outdoor 4×4 and Yeti Monte Carlo 4×4 all impress with their diverse capabilities. The heart of the brand, the ŠKODA Octavia offers five variants with all-wheel drive in the compact segment: Octavia 4×4, Octavia Combi 4×4, Octavia RS 4×4, Octavia Combi RS 4×4 and Octavia Scout. 

In addition, the all-wheel-drive flagships, the ŠKODA Superb 4×4 and Superb Combi 4×4, are on sale. ŠKODA therefore has the most comprehensive 4×4 range currently available in the compact and mid-size car segment. In the coming years, the manufacturer will further strengthen its all-wheel-drive expertise, and develop new segments within Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV).

​“The ŠKODA all-wheel-drive range is stronger than ever before,” said ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “Our all-wheel-drive models play an important role in ŠKODA’s success. From 2008 to 2015, we rapidly built up the brand’s presence in the 4×4 sector and the sales of our 4×4 models tripled. We are now preparing for the next phase of ŠKODA’s model campaign by expanding our SUV model range,” said Maier.

Between the market launch of ŠKODA’s first all-wheel-drive model in 1999 – the Octavia Combi 4×4 – and the end of 2015, ŠKODA delivered over 503,900 4×4 vehicles to customers. This corresponds to approximately 16 per cent of all Octavias, Yetis and Superbs sold during this period.

In 2015, ŠKODA sold 67,500 4×4 Yetis, Octavias and Superbs worldwide. 

The 1999 ŠKODA Octavia Combi 4×4 was the brand’s first model to feature all-wheel drive as standard. This was followed by the ŠKODA Octavia 4×4 hatchback in 2002 and the ŠKODA Superb 4×4 in 2008. In 2009, ŠKODA launched the Superb Combi 4×4 and the Yeti 4×4. 

Between 2013 and 2015, during ŠKODA’s model campaign, the brand comprehensively updated and/or redesigned as well as expanded its all-wheel-drive models. Today, ŠKODA offers a total of ten model variants with all-wheel drive.

In particular, ŠKODA is performing strongly in the all-wheel-drive estate car segment: in the six European markets of Switzerland, Norway, Austria, Poland, Spain and Finland, the brand is the market leader within the all-wheel-drive estate car class with the Octavia Combi 4×4 and the Superb Combi 4×4.

Cutting-edge all-wheel-drive technology based on an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch

All of the brand’s current 4×4 models feature cutting-edge all-wheel-drive technology based on an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. The all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled, precise and quick. The control unit constantly calculates the ideal power distribution between the front and rear axle. Loss of traction is therefore almost impossible. When coasting or at low load, drive is via the front axle, which saves fuel.

All-wheel drive offers a wealth of advantages. Proportional power distribution between front and rear axle results in excellent traction on almost any surface. 

Towing capacity, particularly on smooth roads, is increased significantly – a fact that, among other things, is also appreciated by drivers towing trailers or caravans. Pulling away is easier; hill climbs are also less demanding. When accelerating, the vehicle reacts more quickly to the road conditions. 

In combination with assistance systems such as ABS, ESC and EDL, the car’s manoeuvrability is improved in critical situations. Consequently, all-wheel-drive vehicles provide an increased level of overall safety and comfort. 

ŠKODA Superb 4×4 and Superb Combi 4×4

The ŠKODA flagship, the new ŠKODA Superb is available with all-wheel drive for both the hatchback and the estate car versions. The all-wheel-drive Superb comes with a choice of the following engines: 1.4 TSI/110 kW, 2.0 TSI/206 kW, 2.0 TDI/110 kW and 2.0 TDI/140 kW. All-wheel drive combined with automatic DSG transmission is particularly attractive for the 2.0 TSI/206 kW and 2.0 TDI/140 kW engines.

ŠKODA Octavia 4×4, Octavia Combi 4×4, Octavia RS 4×4, Octavia Combi RS 4×4 and Octavia Scout

For the hatchback and estate variants of the ŠKODA Octavia, there is a choice of three 4×4 diesel engines (1.6 TDI/81 kW, 2.0 TDI/110 kW, 2.0 TDI/135 kW) and one petrol engine (1.8 TSI/132 kW). The Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS come in combination with the 2.0 TDI/135 kW engine and automatic DSG transmission.

The ŠKODA Octavia Scout is only available with all-wheel drive. The model, with its rugged off-road looks, comes with a choice of three different engines: 2.0 TDI/110 kW, 2.0 TDI/135 kW and 1.8 TSI/132 kW.

ŠKODA Yeti 4×4, Yeti Outdoor 4×4 and Yeti Monte Carlo 4×4

At the end of 2013, the popular ŠKODA Yeti was completely revised, and since then has made an even bigger impact within the compact SUV segment. For the first time, the popular all-rounder comes in two different variants: the elegant ŠKODA Yeti for the city and the ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor ready for off-road and adventure.

The all-wheel-drive ŠKODA Yeti is on the market with the following engines: 1.4 TSI/110 kW, 2.0 TDI/81 kW and 2.0 TDI/110 kW. Both the petrol and the more powerful diesel engines can also be combined with an automatic six-speed DSG transmission.

Since 2014, the ŠKODA Yeti is also available as a sporty Yeti Monte Carlo. Characteristics: sporty and elegant interior and exterior design details, black 17-inch alloy wheels as well as black roof and wing mirror housings. The Monte Carlo edition is offered for the Yeti’s entire all-wheel-drive range. 

An extraordinary event to launch an extraordinary vehicle, Bentley, Monte Carlo and the Bentayga.

To celebrate the European launch of the new Bentley Bentayga, Mr Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, and Robert Engstler, Regional Director Europe of Bentley Motors, hosted an extraordinary dinner in the heart of Monte Carlo.

The guests at the Grimaldi Forum event were a collection of some of the greatest minds from the worlds of art, design, philanthropy, fashion, music, sport and business. The theme of the evening was ‘extraordinary’: celebrating remarkable people, debating what it takes to truly be extraordinary and discussing their own experiences and achievements.

Bentley’s brand ambassador Thomas Bubendorfer – one of the foremost solo climber’s in the world – supported the event and provided the guests with inspiring insights into his experiences of approaching new heights and overcoming personal limits.

Robert Engstler commented: “The success of Bentayga in Europe has by far exceeded our expectations. The extraordinary dinner in Monaco is one of the highlights of the European launch tour during which we will visit all retail partners.”