McLaren Automotive announces strategic retailer appointment for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

• McLaren Automotive announces strategic retailer appointment for the Kingdom of Bahrain
• McLaren Bahrain to be operated by market leading automotive retailer, Kanoo Motors S.P.C., offering a full range of servicing and sales of the complete McLaren range, including the latest Sports Series models, the 570S and 570GT
• Official appointment announced as part of the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme, the world’s most exclusive drivers club, which recently made its debut in the Kingdom at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East
• McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme Mentor and ex-Formula 1™ driver Bruno Senna was also present at partnership appointment announcement
• The relationship between the British brand and Bahraini conglomerate provides an example of the two countries’ historic ties, which are being celebrated in 2016 with ‘BahrainUK200’ – an initiative marking 200 years of bilateral relations

McLaren Automotive has enhanced its retail network in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America region with the appointment of Kanoo Motors S.P.C. as the retail partner for the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

The appointment was announced by McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer, Mike Flewitt and Kanoo Motors Directors, Ebrahim M. Kanoo and Talal F. Kanoo at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Customers and fans will be able to see the range of luxury handcrafted sports and super series cars from McLaren at the McLaren Bahrain showroom next to Moda Mall at the World Trade Centre, while McLaren Service and Aftersales care is now available at the state-of–the-art Kanoo Performance Centre located in Tubli, Road 118 (previously the Kanoo Vehicle Leasing building) opposite to Toyota Plaza, with technicians already fully trained by McLaren to ensure the highest standards of aftercare for McLaren owners in Bahrain.

Currently available from McLaren Bahrain is the Super Series, comprising the groundbreaking McLaren 650S in Coupé and Spider derivatives. Both models incorporate a range of Formula 1™ technologies such as carbon fibre MonoCell, active aerodynamics and the state-of-the-art ProActive Chassis Control, providing the ultimate control on both road and track.

The McLaren range completes with the more attainable and multi award-winning Sports Series conceived to introduce McLaren DNA and performance credentials to the sports car segment. With a road-biased nature, yet still honing race derived technologies to offer supercar levels of performance, the new Sports Series provides enhanced all round usability and promises an exhilarting and fun driving experience. 

The critically-acclaimed Sports Series range includes the McLaren 570S Coupé and 570GT.  Deliveries to customers in Bahrain of each derivative have now started and customers wishing to test drive a vehicle or book a service appointment will be able to find the McLaren Bahrain contact details at: www.bahrain.mclaren.com.

Andreas Bareis, Managing Director McLaren Automotive Middle East, Africa and Latin America, commented on the agreement: ‘I am incredibly proud that McLaren is partnering with such a highly regarded and prestigious business as Kanoo Motors.  Whilst the Sports Series opens up McLaren to an entirely new audience, this retailer appointment unlocks a new audience across our entire model range in Bahrain.’

Bareis continued: ‘The state-of-the-art facilities at the Kanoo Performance Centre, that will be at the forefront of all McLaren service interactions with our customers in Bahrain, highlights the customer focused nature of our new partner, which we are very proud and excited to be working with.’

Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer commented: ‘We recently outlined our strategy for McLaren over the next six years, revealing details of the Track22 Business Plan, which represents an investment of £1 billion and will see us continue to focus on building the world’s finest two-seater sports and super cars.  Kanoo Motors undoubtedly shares the same level of ambition and commitment to supporting this plan with the delivery of outstanding levels of customer service to McLaren owners in Bahrain, which can already be seen through their exceptional service facilities that are truly world class.’

Kanoo Motors Director, Ebrahim M. Kanoo added: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with McLaren Automotive in Bahrain. As one of the leading companies in the Kingdom with a long established track record, we always look to partner with the most progressive and forward-thinking brands that will add value to our business. McLaren Automotive fits that bill perfectly and we look forward to many successful years of cooperation together.’

The announcement of the relationship between this British brand and Bahraini conglomerate provides no better example of the wider and more historical dimension which the two countries are currently celebrating throughout 2016 with ‘BahrainUK 200’, an initiative which marks the 200th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Bahrain, and consists of a year-long series of events showcasing the UK-Bahraini relationship across a wide range of areas including culture, business, arts, sport and education.

H.E. Simon Martin, UK Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain commented: ‘The strategic partnership between a progressive British brand like McLaren Automotive and successful Bahraini entities such as Kanoo Motors can be seen as a new chapter in this ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship and further cements ties between our two nations that have been in place for 200 years.’

This important partnership agreement was completed by McLaren Automotive and Kanoo Motors at an official ceremony held at the Bahrain International Circuit during the debut of the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme in Bahrain.

Former Formula 1™ and McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme Mentor, Bruno Senna was also present.  Senna works closely with each of the owners taking part in the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme, ensuring optimum performance for each of the cars and drivers around some of the world’s most iconic and challenging circuits.

The appointment is of further importance to McLaren Automotive, as Bahrain is a key market for the British luxury sports and super car manufacturer, with the Kingdom being home to both the McLaren Automotive regional headquarters for the Middle East, Africa and Latin America region and also to the majority shareholder, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.

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

Latest Aston Martin dealership opens up in Bristol as the brand expands its sales, models and dealers.

• New Aston Martin dealership open in Bristol
• Prime site offers new and ‘Timeless’ pre-owned sales, aftersales and parts
• State-of-the-art 2,500m² facility

Aston Martin has opened its latest new dealership in the UK in Bristol, with the first Aston Martin dealership for partner Dick Lovett.

The purpose-built state-of-the-art facility features a 25-car luxurious showroom for new and pre-owned Aston Martin sports cars and a separate lounge where customers can tailor their new car to the exact specification of their choosing using “Q by Aston Martin” elements. 

The dealership also has a dedicated aftersales team and a 10 bay workshop staffed by world-class Gaydon-trained technicians. Aston Martin Bristol offer a convenient “Collection & Delivery” service using their covered vehicle transporter and a “Roaming Technician” service to assist with minor repairs and original diagnostic work.

Speaking at the VIP customer reception yesterday evening, Aston Martin President and CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “I am delighted to open this outstanding new facility here in Bristol, which sets the benchmark for all dealership showrooms worldwide.”   

“We are confident the passionate and dedicated Aston Martin Bristol team will draw upon their extensive experience and knowledge of the Aston Martin brand to provide our valued customers an exceptional service in the South West and Wales.  We are excited to be working with new partner Dick Lovett who share our passion for Aston Martin.”

Lynn Campbell, Managing Director, Dick Lovett commented: “It was great to see over 400 Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts this evening. The opening of our new state-of-the-art facility, in our 50^th year, has made 2016 a fantastic year. 

The facility has been uniquely designed and reflects Aston Martin’s core design philosophy and craftsmanship. We are dedicated to providing new and existing Aston Martin owners with a service which surpasses their expectations.”

Located in a prime position at Cribbs Causeway, close to Junction 17 of the M5, the showroom opening was attended by invited guests and key members of the Aston Martin senior executive team.

On display at the opening event was the new DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, the DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.  

Also included in the display was the new Vanquish Zagato, a DB4 Convertible, the Aston Martin Racing #99 V8 Vantage GTE plus a host of other Aston Martin special project vehicles. In addition to this were examples from the company’s current line-up, and a selection of heritage models, including the Aston Martin A3, the oldest surviving Aston Martin in the world.

SsangYong Motor UK has taken over control and management of its vehicle importation and reception base at Portbury, Bristol.

SsangYong Motor UK has taken over control and management of its vehicle importation and reception base at Portbury, Bristol and created the SsangYong Vehicle Preparation Centre.

The new 9-acre facility - a major investment for the brand, includes a new fully equipped five ramp workshop, complete with 14 accessory bays and parts storage.  The move secures the employment of 18 staff, and there is the opportunity to employ a further ten car preparation specialists as volumes grow.

“This is a big but essential step for SsangYong in the UK, and underlines our commitment to giving dealers the best service possible,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.  “As well as preparing cars to the highest standard, we will also be able to expedite deliveries so dealers get the cars they need more quickly.”

New quality control and vehicle tracking systems have already been implemented.

The centre can currently process 150 cars a week with a mix of standard pre-delivery work and accessorising, with the potential to increase this to 250; the compound accommodates 1,400 vehicles, with the potential to expand this to 1,800 as demand rises

New London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has pledged to support further rollouts of 20mph limits across London.

Brake, the road safety charity, is pleased to see that new London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has pledged to support further rollouts of 20mph limits across London. In his election manifesto, Mr Khan said, “I will encourage the rollout of 20mph zones across the city.”

London has followed many other progressive cities, such as Bristol, in bringing in 20mph limits in urban areas. Currently nine of the 12 inner London boroughs have 20mph limits, compared to just two in 2013, and 20mph limits now cover a third of London’s population.

In previous research conducted by Brake on 20mph limits, reducing the limit from 30 to 20mph has been shown to reduce casualties [1] as drivers have more time to react. At 30mph, if a child runs out three car lengths ahead, you will hit the child at almost full speed, with a high chance of killing or injuring them. At 20mph you should be able to stop in time. Children also benefit from slower speed limits because they struggle to judge the speed of vehicles over 20mph, so often make mistakes crossing roads with faster traffic [2].

In 2014 a Brake survey found that eight in 10 people (78%) think 20mph should be the norm around schools, on residential streets, and in village, town and city centres [3].

Gary Rae, director of communications and campaigns, said: “It’s fantastic to see that 20mph speed limits are now being widely endorsed by high-profile politicians. Mr Khan’s backing clearly shows that he recognises that 20mph limits can enable people to get around their neighbourhoods, towns and city centres more safely, whilst promoting a healthy and sustainable environment.

“We at Brake believe everyone should be able to walk and cycle in their communities without being put in danger. By lowering speed limits to 20mph from 30mph, we can protect the most vulnerable in society such as disabled people, children and anyone on bicycle or on foot.”

GO 20 Coalition

Through its GO 20 campaign, Brake is part of a broad coalition of charities calling for 20mph limits to become the norm in our cities, towns and villages. Ultimately, we want the government to change the national default urban speed limit from 30 to 20mph. In the meantime, we are calling on local authorities to GO 20 by implementing widespread 20mph limits in their own areas; and on drivers to help make our roads safer by slowing down to 20mph or below around homes, schools and shops, even where the limit is still 30mph.

[ENDS]

MG Celebrates as it sells it's 5,000th MG3, the car was launched in 2013, so not that many in real terms.

Whilst waiting to go into the Royal Academy of Arts, in London’s Piccadilly, Martyn Watchurst stumbled upon MG’s flagship showroom and it proved to be a great use of his spare time.

Once Martyn walked into the showroom, he was immediately taken with the MG3. He said: “I hadn’t seen the new models, so when I spotted the MG3 I thought it looked great and the price was right.”

Martyn was so impressed with the MG3, he dropped in at Roadworthy in Bristol to take a closer look. Richard Onslow-Carey, a new salesman to the dealership, offered Martyn a test drive. It wasn’t long before he had picked out his MG3, which happened to be the 5,000th registered MG3 and Richard’s first sale.

Martyn said: “I’m so happy with the car; it’s designed really well and comes with a large amount of comfort and specification. I’m due to retire soon and it’s going to be a great little run-around car, particularly when I feel like having a break from my motorbike!

“The car, which I decided to buy with white and black graphics, has received a lot of interest from anyone who’s seen it and I’ve recommended it to them all.”

The popular MG3 supermini launched in 2013 and since then it has been the best seller for MG.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: “It’s fantastic to mark the 5,000th sale of this great car and the figure is only going to carry on rising as we grow as a brand.

“We are always pleased to hear that people love the MG3 so much, as it really is a fantastic car. If you haven’t yet tested this car for yourself, then it’s worth doing now as we’ve got some great offers available which make this affordable car even more affordable.”

Infiniti develops short usage showrooms, to assist dealerships keep selling during redevelopment work.

• Twelve special units produced for use across Europe
• First unit installed at Infiniti Centre Bristol  

Infiniti is introducing a chain of short usage showrooms across Europe to allow new centres to start operating whilst their main facility is under development.

Capitalising on the introduction of three all new products being introduced this year, twelve bespoke 28m²short usage centres have been constructed to accommodate the opening of new centres across Europe. The first of these new centres has already been deployed in Bristol, UK with more due to appear across Europe in the coming weeks.

“We have been overwhelmed with interest in the Infiniti Q30,” said François Goupil de Bouillé, Infiniti Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The short usage showrooms are an ideal way of sharing the Infiniti Q30 and the rest of the range with as many people as possible in locations where a permanent Infiniti Centre is yet to open. It is a typically innovative Infiniti initiative.”

Visitors to the short term showrooms will be able to see and experience the Q30 and its many features, arrange a test drive and use iPads to configure their ideal specification in a unique augmented reality display. They will also be able to explore the premium brand and the rest of the model range on a big screen while enjoying traditional Infiniti hospitality in the climate-controlled environment. Consultants will be on hand to answer questions and assist with orders for cars including the new Q30, already the fastest-selling Infiniti ever to go on sale in Europe.

Each showroom is built to exacting standards with large glazed areas for an open, welcoming feel. The layout, design and finish are inspired by Infiniti’s unique concept of customer hospitality, as offered by the permanent Infiniti centres. The “plug ’n play”showrooms are designed to be easily transported by truck and can be put up in two days.

The innovative retail initiative comes at a time of rapid growth for Infiniti and in the middle of a product offensive that is seeing more new cars and a wider spread of premium Infiniti models than ever before.

Since the beginning of the year the all-new Q30 premium active compact is on sale. At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show the brand-new sports coupe Q60, the premium active crossover QX30 and the upgraded Q50 will be making their European premieres.

Francois continued: “I am confident that with so many daring and exciting new models and initiatives like our new showrooms, Infiniti in Europe will continue to set further new sales records in the months to come.”

Infiniti sales in Europe in 2015 were 45 percent higher than in the previous year and in January 2016 were up 75 percent on the same month in 2015. The UK is also experiencing a similar rise with a 72 percentage increase in sales year on year.

A new Aston Dealership to open in the South West, the Dick Lovett Group will open its new Bristol Showroom soon.

• Brand new dealership will service South-West region of UK
• Facility will be operated by Dick Lovett group
• Prime location will offer sales and servicing of the full range of Aston Martin models

Aston Martin will celebrate the opening of a brand new dealership this summer when Aston Martin Bristol opens its doors to customers in the south-west of the UK.

The new dealership – located in Cribbs Causeway, close to Junction 17 of the M5 motorway – is the first Aston Martin dealership for the Dick Lovett Group.

Aston Martin Bristol will cover the entire south-west of the UK, offering new and used Aston Martins for sale, along with a full service centre, creating more than 20 new jobs in the process.

The new 27,000 sq ft showroom will offer the full range of sports cars and customers will have the opportunity to activate ‘Q by Aston Martin’ on all new purchases to create a unique configuration for their car.

Like every Aston Martin dealer, the new business will offer an unrivalled quality of service and expertise to its customers.

Marcus Blake, General Manager, UK and South Africa said: “2016 is going to be an exciting year for Aston Martin and we are delighted to be working alongside the Dick Lovett Group, in opening a new state-of-the-art facility in Bristol this summer. We are confident the Aston Martin Bristol team will provide our valued customers in Bristol and the South West Region an exceptional service that will meet all their needs and exceed their expectations.”

Lynn Campbell, Managing Director, Dick Lovett Group added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Aston Martin, an iconic marque of unrivalled heritage. The opening of our new state-of-the-art facility this summer, in our 50^th year, will make 2016 even more special. The facility has been uniquely designed, nestled into Laurel Hill, and reflects Aston Martin’s core design philosophy and craftsmanship. We are dedicated to providing new and existing Aston Martin owners with a service which surpasses their expectations.”