World Record holder Terry Grant teaches Sir Chris Hoy how to drive a Nissan on two wheels, in just two days.

• Sir Chris Hoy, Britain’s most successful Olympian, learns to drive Nissan Juke on two wheels in just two days – a feat that would take most drivers about two months
• Two-wheel driving, or ‘skiing’, is a stunt made famous in James Bond films and is considered very difficult to master
• In June, Sir Chris competed successfully at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race, fulfilling a three year journey with Nissan’s Advanced Driver Training Programme, and achieving a personal lifelong ambition
• Chris Hoy: “When I caught the roll and was suddenly driving on two wheels it was such a rush of adrenaline and relief in equal measure – an amazing experience.”

He may have retired from professional cycling, but Sir Chris Hoy has been spotted back on two wheels. The former-Olympian managed the tricky technique of two-wheel driving in a Nissan Juke, with just two days of instruction.

Under the guidance of world-record-breaking stuntman Terry Grant, Sir Chris spent one day at Silverstone Motor Circuit and another at Kendrew Barracks, learning to drive the specially modified Juke crossover.

Driving on two wheels or ‘skiing’ is a stunt made famous over the years from James Bond films, Knight Riderand the Dukes of Hazzard amongst others. The activity requires precision, advanced handling techniques and a good deal of driver instinct.

On Sir Chris’ first day, a roll cage was fitted for cabin protection whilst a specially-engineered stabilizer wheel on the outside prevented the car flipping onto its roof. After Terry demonstrated the required techniques, Chris attempted the challenging stunt for the first time. After several attempts the former Olympian was beginning to get the hang of it, even achieving a few controlled drives of short distances with just two wheels on the ground.

At the second session, Hoy’s confidence and consistency improved to the point where Terry was comfortable removing the stabilizer wheel. Despite the added pressure of having nothing to stop the vehicle rolling over, he quickly rose to the challenge, taking the ramp at the correct angle and velocity, catching the Juke before it rolled over and then driving balanced on two wheels. In one of the following runs he even managed a 400 metre distance – an achievement that brought huge cheers from the watching team.

Terry Grant commented; “Chris nailed it two for two! Driving on two wheels in two days – most people would take two months to master that. I think it highlights his ability to soak up instruction and apply discipline to something that’s both mentally and physically challenging – of which he’s got plenty of experience. Operating under pressure and being in control at all times, they’re the skills you need for this stunt. To master it in such a short period of time though, I’m really impressed.”

Sir Chris added; “I loved it. I never thought it would be as much fun as it was, but I just wanted to keep going. On day one I felt like I was only getting a first foot on the ladder and it’d be weeks before I’d be driving without the safety net. Then today when they took the stabilizer wheel off and there was the risk of rolling the car, the pressure didn’t get to me. I remembered Terry’s instructions and it all came together. When I caught the roll and was suddenly driving on two wheels it was such a rush of adrenaline and relief in equal measure – an amazing experience. Thanks to Terry and Nissan for allowing me to add another string to my driving bow.”

Terry Grant is no stranger to two-wheel driving. Amongst his impressive 23 Guinness World Records he holds the record for the fastest mile on two wheels, set in a Nissan Juke NISMO RS at Goodwood Festival in 2015.

Sir Chris Hoy is a Nissan Ambassador. Nissan is the Official Automotive Partner to Team GB and ParalympicsGB and will be giving a gold all-electric Nissan LEAF to its gold medal winning athlete ambassadors during the Rio 2016 Games.

Max Whitlock is one of the first of many TEAM GB gold medalists to be given a Gold wrapped Nissan LEAF.

• Whitlock becomes one of the first Team GB athletes to win all-gold, all-electric Nissan LEAF
• Sir Chris Hoy announces that all Nissan ambassadors who medal gold at Rio will win all-gold LEAF 

Gymnastics sensation Max Whitlock has become one of the first Team GB athletes to be presented with a stunning all-gold 100% electric Nissan LEAF following his medal triumph at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games yesterday.

The Nissan ambassador made headlines around the world when he took two gold medals – securing gold on the floor and pommel horse – on what has been dubbed ‘Sensational Sunday’.

In recognition of his astonishing achievement, Nissan will now present him with the keys to a LEAF completely wrapped in brilliant bright gold – on his return to the UK.

Nissan Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes returning from Rio with a gold medal will be presented with a gold Nissan LEAF, making it one of the most limited edition Nissan models ever.

Nissan is the official automotive partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and has been delighted by the success of its other competing ambassador athletes so far, including first gold LEAF winner - rower George Nash, for his win in the men’s coxless-four.

Chris Marsh, Marketing Director at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Max has been a Nissan ambassador since we first launched our partnership with Team GB and so many of us at Nissan have had the pleasure of working with him and getting to know him as he prepared for the biggest sporting night of his life.

“We are all so proud to have him associated with Nissan and he’s the perfect person to be a recipient of one of our gold LEAFs.”

Nissan ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, launched the Gold LEAF campaign announcing that all Nissan sponsored athletes who win a gold medal at the Rio Games would be rewarded with a special gold wrapped all-electric Nissan LEAF upon their return from Rio.*

* Only one Nissan LEAF will be gifted per Nissan gold medal winner, regardless of the number of gold medals won.

Mitsubishi has announced that celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, has become their latest Brand Ambassador.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announced that celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, has become their latest Brand Ambassador. The award-winning chef and Michelin Star restaurateur took delivery of his new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at The Novelli Academy in Hertfordshire.

Jean-Christophe, who is a regular on TV shows including This Morning, and Loose Women, said: ‘It’s an honour to be in partnership with such an iconic name as Mitsubishi. I used to have a Mitsubishi so I have always admired them and I know what they are all about. I am a sustainable chef and I source my produce locally so the Outlander PHEV suits me perfectly because it is such an environmentally friendly vehicle.’

The multi-award-winning Outlander PHEV is the world’s favourite choice of plug-in vehicle[1]. It can travel up to 32 miles in electric mode alone – more than enough to accommodate many of Jean-Christophe’s journeys. Together with its petrol engine, it has a combined range in excess of 500 miles. Due to its excellent green credentials the vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax plus the London congestion charge and qualifies for the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant.

The former Hell’s Kitchen star added: ‘Attitudes have changed and people are a lot more aware of the importance of low emissions these days so I think the Outlander PHEV is fantastic. I really believe that this sort of technology is the way to go.’

Jean-Christophe joins Mitsubishi at an exciting time for the brand. Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has been the fastest-growing mainstream car manufacturer for the past three years. The company saw sales growth in passenger cars of 44 per cent in 2015 compared with the previous year, against an overall market up by six per cent. He joins Mitsubishi’s host of Brand Ambassadors, including fellow celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager and TV presenter’s Kate Humble and Konnie Huq.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer helping to promote the UK as a great place to do business

• Dr Andy Palmer helping to promote the UK as a great place to do business
• Aston Martin CEO joins select team of GREAT British ambassadors

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer has been selected to become an ambassador for the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, an initiative that promotes British business, tourism and education around the world, showcasing the very best of what Britain has to offer.

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin is already a partner of GREAT so it is fitting for the company’s CEO to spearhead its involvement.

Speaking about his ambassadorial role with the GREAT campaign, Dr Palmer said: “Aston Martin is proud to be a British company that does business in the global economy. Just a few weeks ago we launched the new DB11 and we have already taken orders for 1,400 cars, which will be sold in both the domestic and export markets.

“Britain is indeed a GREAT place to visit, study and do business so it is very easy for me to support the campaign. Aston Martin is proud to be at the forefront of British industry and we demand design and manufacturing excellence from our personnel every day.”

Palmer joins a specially selected team of 37 ambassadors who come from many different sectors but are united in their roles as leaders and influencers.

JLR Advanced Apprentices put their skills to the test designing bespoke steps for a disabled young horse rider

• Jaguar Land Rover Advanced Apprentices put their problem-solving skills to the test designing bespoke steps for a disabled young horse rider
• The apprentices spent 136 hours working on the project as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s successful employee volunteering programme
• This pilot project was identified by national charity REMAP which helps individuals affected by disability
• Land Rover Ambassador and equestrian event rider Harry Meade joined the celebration event to the delight of Keeley and other young riders

Jaguar Land Rover has launched a new scheme which matches skilled employees to specific community challenges as part of its successful employee volunteering programme which sees around 10,000 Jaguar Land Rover employees, a third of its UK workforce, donate over 115,000 hours on community volunteering per year.

A team of Jaguar Land Rover apprentices joined forces with Remap, a national charity which matches skilled volunteers, including engineers and technicians, with individuals affected by disability to help them develop equipment which overcome specific issues.

At the start of the project, Jaguar Land Rover 2^nd year Advanced Apprentices Lauren Tolliday, Robert Wardle, Jason Brown and Alex Milner met young rider Keeley Cullen and observed her at a riding therapy session. Keeley is 8 years old and has cerebral palsy. She’s been riding since she was three and the exercise plays an important part of her physiotherapy. Keeley has always been lifted onto a horse but, during a recent inspection, the Ford Farm stables were told this could no longer happen so she would have to stop riding. Riding for the Disabled Association then approached REMAP’s Southampton branch to see if they could help find a solution.

The apprentice team worked closely with Remap to design steps, which needed to moveable and lightweight and wide enough for carer and child, to ensure they developed a solution which met the needs of Keeley and other children at the riding club. Lauren Tolliday explained, “The project was a good opportunity for us to learn new skills such as project planning management, teamwork and communication, and also make a positive impact on the lives of others. We selected materials to ensure strength and practicability and developed the idea through fabricating and testing numerous structures that met the specification. Through feedback from our managers and skilled workers we were able to select the most suitable design.  Along the journey, we faced many problems such as how to make the steps mobile, welding aluminium and sourcing a non-slip surface for the steps which we overcame as a team by sharing our problem solving ideas and trial and error.”

Young rider Keeley Cullen said, “I’m so happy that the apprentices have made steps so my friends and I can continue to take part in riding lessons. I really love riding and was sad when I was told I’d have to stop doing it. Thank you to Lauren, Robert, Jason and Alex for designing and building these amazing steps, they’re so easy to use and mean my Mum won’t have to lift me anymore which has been getting really hard for her as I get older.”

Land Rover Ambassador and equestrian event rider Harry Meade joined the apprentices at the celebration event to find out more about the project. Harry commented, “The Jaguar Land Rover apprentices have done an amazing job in creating the hi-tech steps specifically for Keeley. She has to live with her disability, but the steps will enable her to do what she loves most. Horses can have an incredible effect on people's lives, helping them overcome disability or anxiety. Seeing the thought that has gone into the project and difference it will make to Keeley's life is wonderful.”

Jonathan Garrett, CSR Director at Jaguar Land Rover commented, “The Remap project is a great example of how community projects can capitalise on the skills and expertise of our workforce and encourage them to develop innovative design and technology solutions, which are core to our long-term business success, to solve social challenges whilst also developing their skills. The project has been a great success and we look forward to working with Remap on more projects in the future.”

Adam Rowe, CEO of Remap, commented, “This project demonstrates brilliantly how charity and business can forge a really effective partnership to support disabled people to become more independent. Remap has been thrilled by the work of the Jaguar Land Rover apprentices and we look forward to getting the next project underway!”

Motor Village UK is pleased to supply the Italian Ambassador with a brand new Alfa Giulietta.

Every customer who visits Motor Village UK is a VIP, and that was certainly true this week (2 November) when the Italian ambassador arrived to collect his new Alfa Giulietta from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ flagship London dealer.

His Excellency, Ambassador Pasquale Terracciano, was handed the keys to his new Giulietta 1.4 170 TCT Business Edition by Fabio di Prima, managing director, Motor Village UK.

The twin-clutch, semi-automatic car will be used for general Embassy duties, including travelling to official engagements throughout London, and collecting foreign delegates arriving from Italy into Heathrow Airport.

And there is an added bonus to having the Giulietta, according to the Ambassador.

“The official Ambassador’s car is a Maserati, but the Alfa will be ideal for me when I want to move around with a little less visibility,” says Mr Terracciano. “The Giulietta is a stylish car, but more discreet in that respect.

“I am delighted to take delivery also, for sentimental reasons,” he adds. “The first car I can ever remember being in was my father’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so it is nice to be back in a more modern version.”

“We were delighted when the Ambassador’s office contacted us about a new car,” says Fabio di Prima. “The Giulietta fits perfectly with the Ambassador’s requirements, and I am sure he will have many years of happiness with it.”

The Alfa Giulietta range starts at £18,450 OTR for the 1.4 TB 120 Progression.

Harry Meade joins Land Rover as its latest Equestrian Ambassador, ahead of this years Burghley Horse Trials.

• Leading British event rider Harry Meade signed as Land Rover UK’s latest equestrian ambassador
• Meade joins existing ambassadors and British Olympians Zara Phillips, Ben Maher and Laura Tomlinson
• Appointment further strengthens Land Rover’s long term support of equestrian sport in the UK and worldwide
• Land Rover is headline sponsor of Burghley Horse Trials which runs from 3rd – 6th September 2015

Land Rover UK has today announced one of Britain’s leading three-day event riders Harry Meade as its latest equestrian ambassador signing.

The World Championships 2014 team silver medallist joins a stable of Land Rover equestrian ambassadors which include former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Zara Phillips and Olympic team gold medallists, show jumper Ben Maher and dressage rider Laura Tomlinson.

Meade has been a member of Team GBR’s World Class Squad for the past seven years and last year he was part of the team that secured Great Britain’s place at Rio 2016 by winning the silver medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.

The son of three times Olympic gold medallist, Richard Meade, said: “I am extremely excited to be working with Land Rover. 

The brand has such heritage within the equestrian world, especially here in the UK, and their vehicles are used week in week out by the equestrian community across the country. I am really looking forward to being part of the Land Rover team and working closely with them in the future.”

Laura Schwab, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We are delighted to have Harry join the prestigious line-up of Land Rover UK sporting ambassadors. 

His achievements in the saddle are remarkable and hugely inspiring, having overcome real adversity in recent years yet still competing at the top of his game. We are excited to work with him and to further engage and reward our customers with his presence throughout the season.”

In his new role as a Land Rover ambassador, Harry will be supporting the marque’s activity at its showcase equestrian sponsorship event; Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, which takes place on 3-6 September. 

Show goers can enjoy an off-road thrill showcasing the all-terrain capabilities of the Land Rover product line up at the Land Rover Experience area. 

Children can try their hand with the remote control Defenders on a demanding off-road course and Land Rover owners can show their key fob and gain entry to the hospitality area for food and refreshments throughout the trials.

One of the product highlights for the trials this year is the Land Rover Defender 2,000,000 which will be on display at the Land Rover stand. 

The vehicle has been created to be a fitting tribute to almost seven decades of production at the Solihull plant, UK and will be auctioned off at globally renowned auction house, Bonhams in December with all proceeds going to Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Born Free Foundation. 

This will be joined on the Land Rover stand by the current product line-up and a pioneering towing technology will be exhibited by Lion Bridge.

As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, Land Rover will also be bringing rugby fever to Burghley. On Friday the Domestic Trophy Tour will be stopping at Burghley as part of its 100 day route around the UK leading up to the Tournament kick off on 18^th September, giving people chance to see the Webb Ellis Cup in its custom made Land Rover Defender.

There will also be an opportunity for children aged between 7 and 13 to audition for the chance to be a Rugby World Cup mascot during the Tournament and spectators at the trials even have a chance to win tickets to the final at Twickenham.

In celebration of the 32-year-old’s ambassador appointment, Land Rover has released a short film which takes viewers behind the scenes at Meade’s beautiful yard in Wiltshire. 

The film gives a unique glimpse into the event rider’s first-class equestrian facilities, as he tells his unique and inspirational story of how he overcame a career threatening injury to win silver at the World Championships just a year later.

Nissan brings out the sports stars to celebrate the new Pulsar coming off the line.

Nissan Ambassador and FC Barcelona star visits the Nissan factory to collect the first Barcelona-built Nissan Pulsar

Nissan today celebrates the first customer delivery of the all-new Nissan Pulsar, ahead of its full roll-out this autumn. To mark the occasion Nissan’s UEFA Champions League ambassador and FC Barcelona star, Andrés Iniesta, was on-site at the Barcelona plant where the vehicle is produced to take delivery of his Nissan Pulsar, and was given the unique opportunity to drive the all-new family hatchback off the production line.

The legendary Spanish footballer visited the Barcelona factory, where the all-new Nissan Pulsar was designed and engineered, to witness first-hand how the innovative new family hatchback has been manufactured and interact with the workers responsible for producing the vehicle. The Barcelona factory is also home to the global production of the e-NV200 – Nissan’s second 100 percent electronic vehicle (EV) after the Nissan LEAF – as well as all versions of the NV200 destined for Europe, the Pathfinder and the Navara.

After his visit, Andrés Iniesta said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to tour Nissan’s Barcelona factory and meet the people behind creating and building some of the most innovative vehicles. The factory is one of the biggest employers and a massive supporter of the region, and I’m honoured to be the first person to receive a Nissan Pulsar built in Barcelona.”

The Nissan Pulsar will be on sale from autumn 2014 and is packed with a range of accessible and useful technologies designed to make drivers feel more confident and comfortable. Redefining expectation with award-winning advanced technology features such as Nissan Safety Shield, the Nissan Pulsar combines bold design, technical innovations and class leading interior space to bring a new dimension to the C-segment.

“The Nissan Pulsar is one of the most innovative vehicles in our range and it seems perfect that Andrés Iniesta, as a true innovator in football and one of Nissan’s Engineers of Excitement, should be the first person to take delivery of the all-new Pulsar,” said Bastien Schupp, Vice President, Marketing – Nissan Europe.

Marco Toro, Managing Director - Nissan Iberia commented: “The Pulsar’s introduction highlights our ambition and desire to deliver intelligent design and technical innovation to the widest possible audience. As well as being the global production centre for the e-NV200, the Barcelona plant is proud to be producing the all-new Nissan Pulsar and we’re delighted to have a Spanish football legend here with us as we celebrate our first customer delivery of the vehicle.”

Nissan’s reputation for introducing new-to-sector technologies has been strengthened with a wide number of features usually reserved for premium or luxury models. Key features of the all-new Nissan Pulsar include:

• Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield – a suite of systems and technologies that combine to offer a fully comprehensive ‘safety net’ for drivers
• Only car in its sector to offer Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning as standard on at least one model in the range
• Powerful yet frugal all-turbocharged engine range, delivering the perfect combination of performance and efficiency
• Longest wheelbase in class (2,700mm), the Pulsar offers considerably more legroom and shoulder room than its sector rivals
• Bold extension of Nissan’s acclaimed design direction incorporating the distinctive V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped lighting signature with bold and energetic curves

As the home of Nissan’s European Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Business Unit, Nissan’s Spanish operations are an integral part of the company’s presence in Europe and a significant contributor to Nissan’s overall manufacturing output in this region. Among the three sites in Spain, Barcelona sits at the heart of Nissan’s Spanish operations and is the home of NMISA (Nissan Motor Iberica SA). The Barcelona plant covers an area in excess of 517,000m2, produced 131,000 units in 2013 and currently employs just over 3,500 people. Barcelona is also the base for a number of other Nissan facilities, including a division of Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), a research and development facility for vehicles and diesel engines.