Renault introduces the Riviera Limited Edition to the multi award-winning Zoe E-Tech range
Only 300 to be produced for the UK
Based on the top of the range GT Line – the best-selling version of the 100% electric Zoe E-Tech
Exclusive exterior details include Midnight Blue Metallic I.D paint, 16-inch ‘Seidon’ diamond-cut alloy wheels and painted white body stripes
First time that Metallic I.D paint has been included as standard on Zoe
Comprehensive standard specification enhanced with the fitment of hands-free parking
Available to order now and priced from £32,295 OTR after the Plug-in Car Grant
Renault is adding an extra dash of exclusivity and glamour to its multi award-winning Zoe E-Tech range with the announcement of the Riviera Limited Edition.
Based on the top-of-the-range GT Line, which is the best-selling version of the Zoe E-Tech, the Riviera Limited Edition is as attractive as its namesake suggests thanks to unique exterior touches and enhanced equipment. What’s more, with only 300 of the limited edition set to be produced for the UK, it’s certain to be even more sought-after.
The Riviera Limited Edition stands out with the additions of Midnight Blue Metallic I.D paint, all-new 16-inch ‘Seidon’ diamond-cut alloy wheels and painted white body stripes, all of which are exclusive to the new arrival. It is the first time that Metallic I.D paint has been offered as standard on Zoe.
The extensive standard specification of the GT Line is further enhanced in the Riviera Limited Edition with the fitment of hands-free parking, the semi-autonomous parking aid ensuring the 100% electric supermini is even easier to manoeuvre.
Also standard are full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, 10-inch TFT Driver Information Display with 9.3-inch EASY LINK infotainment system incorporating satellite navigation and smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, automatic air conditioning and part recycled cloth part synthetic leather upholstery.
A comprehensive list of safety and driver assistance features include front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Blind Spot Warning, speed limiter and cruise control.
Customers of the Riviera Limited Edition enjoy all the usability of the normal Zoe, with a range of up to 238 miles (WLTP) and its 52kWh battery being able to be charged to 80% in just one hour and ten minutes.
As with the rest of the Zoe E-Tech range, which encompasses Play, Iconic and GT Line versions, the Riviera Limited Edition can be purchased at any official Renault dealership.
The Zoe Riviera Limited Edition is available to order now and is priced at £32,295 OTR after the Plug-in Car Grant.
Zoe models are backed up by Renault’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty, plus an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the EV 50 battery.
Manufacture of up to 5,000 new commercial EVs per annum scheduled for 2023 in the Midlands; first prototype to be revealed Q1 2022
Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC)’s state-of-the-art, cost-effective, cell-to-chassis modular EV platform, PACES, is the foundation for future electric vans, trucks and buses
Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any low-to-medium volume manufacturer in the transition to zero emissions
Manufacturing of all-new PACES-based electric commercial vehicles to start at an all-new facility located in the Midlands in Q3 2023
First prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, to be revealed by WEVC in Q1 2022, a project supported by Innovate UK grant funding
Cornwall-based company is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its site in St Columb Major
Alongside its existing facility, WEVC will also open a new Cornish EV factory in 2023, manufacturing sports cars and passenger EVs on behalf of third-party manufacturers
Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) today announces a major milestone in the continued strategic growth of its unique EV offering, outlining plans to build up to 5,000 new electric commercial vehicles per annum under its own brand and on behalf of third-party manufacturers at an all-new facility in the Midlands, all of which will be based on its new state-of-the-art EV platform.
Called Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES), the innovative and highly flexible architecture allows the niche vehicle industry to meet the considerable challenges of transitioning to an electric future by providing a sophisticated, yet cost-effective EV platform “off-the-shelf”.
Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any low-to-medium volume manufacturer, specialist vehicle converter or start-up, and complies with ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval safety standards. Its cell-to-chassis system means batteries are fitted directly to the primary structure (rather than having a separate pack), optimising stiffness and minimising weight.
Fully supported by a leading UK-based EV technology supply chain, WEVC has undergone a comprehensive development process with PACES over the last two years and is market-ready. Capable of providing the basis for a whole new range of bespoke electric last mile, vans, trucks and buses – in fact, any type of commercial vehicle – production manufacturing of PACES-based all-new EV commercial vehicles by WEVC is scheduled to start in the Midlands in Q3 2023.
Watt EV Company will reveal a first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, by end of Q1 2022, a project that is supported by Innovate UK through its Transitioning To Zero Emission Vehicles Collaborative Research and Development competition.
Neil Yates, founder and owner of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, said: “Our PACES architecture and manufacturing processes are flexible and scale-able, a first “off-the-shelf” product specifically targeted for the low-to-medium volume industry capable of supporting any type of EV, with a cell-to-chassis structural battery system that optimises chassis stiffness and minimises vehicle weight.
“With ever-increasing pressure on urban emissions, coupled with the growth in home delivery, we have been approached by multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, who are in desperate need of developing the next generation of electric vans, trucks and buses.
“As electrification of the sector only accelerates, what these companies need is a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective EV platform on which to build their vehicles – that is Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s PACES architecture.
“Thanks to the support of Innovate UK grant funding, we will reveal our first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, by end of Q1 2022. Production of a new range of PACES-based electric commercials by WEVC is then scheduled to begin in our new Midlands facility in Q3 2023. Through this facility, we will have the capacity to build 2,500-5,000 units a year.”
WEVC is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its bespoke facility in St Columb Major/near to Newquay Airport. The first production car to use PACES, the Coupe is a sub-1,000kg rear wheel drive fixed-head sports car that combines retro looks with state-of-the-art EV technology, featuring a 40kWh battery structurally integrated into the chassis.
Ride, handling and steering have been honed for driver engagement and real-world enjoyment, while the weight distribution is near 50:50 weight with a mid-mounted 120kW electric motor. WEVC has already completed more than 12-months of testing and development, with a WTLP range of up to 230 miles and a 0-62mph time of just over five seconds. 21 Launch Edition Coupes available to order now priced from £81,250; customer deliveries commence early 2022.
Neil Yates, founder and owner of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our launch of the WEVC Coupe with very few Limited Edition cars remaining available. Alongside the production of this new EV at our existing factory, WEVC will also establish another facility in Cornwall in 2023, an all-new facility that will focus on the low-volume manufacturing of sports cars and passenger EVs, at volumes of around 150 units per year. Together with manufacturing in the Midlands of electric commercial vehicles, my vision is for Watt Electric Vehicle Company to lead the production of tomorrow’s low volume electric vehicles.”
First Korean car in history to achieve product carbon footprint certification from the Carbon Trust
The Kia EV6 footprint measured against internationally recognised PAS2050 Standards
Certification validates CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) figures for lifecycle of the EV6
The Kia EV6 has achieved product carbon footprint certification and ‘Carbon Measured’ label from the global climate change and sustainability consultancy the Carbon Trust, becoming the first Korean vehicle manufacturer to achieve the certificate.
Kia’s Plan S strategy puts electrification at the forefront of the company’s future and sets the foundations for a full product line-up featuring 11 new battery electric vehicles by 2026. The EV6 is the first model to be launched under this new strategy and sets Kia firmly on the path to becoming a leader in the popularisation of electric vehicles.
Kia has given every consideration to ensuring that the EV6 provides more than just zero emissions mobility. With its first dedicated EV, the company has focused on measuring and reducing its carbon footprint throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, ranging from the acquisition of raw materials, procurement of parts, transportation of parts, vehicle assembly, distribution, use and end-of-life recycling.
The EV6 is the first model to be built on Kia’s all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and offers one of the best all-electric ranges on the market. Class-leading interior space and 800V ultra-fast charging add to the new model’s prospects of becoming a game-changer in the EV market.
A range of eco-friendly materials have been introduced to the EV6 including PET recycled plastics, floor mats and seat coverings meaning one model contains the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles.
The Carbon Trust is an independent, expert partner of leading organisations around the world. It advises businesses on their opportunities in a sustainable, low carbon world and measures and certifies the environmental footprint of organisations, supply chains and products.
Total greenhouse gas emissions for the EV6 were measured using the PAS2050 Standards as part of the Carbon Trust’s robust product assessment. This covers emissions from the extraction of raw materials through to the end-of-life of the product and is measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The Carbon Trust ‘Carbon Measured’ label validates the accuracy of these measurements and provides customers with independently reviewed information about the carbon impact of their purchase.
Sangdae Kim, Head of Strategic Business Planning Division at Kia said, “This is important validation of a broad range of measures we are now taking to reduce the carbon footprint of a vehicle throughout its lifecycle. As we introduce more electrified models to our line up over the coming years, we will step up our sustainability efforts and ensure we are achieving high levels of transparency when it comes to environmental impact. It has been great to work closely with the Carbon Trust to achieve the Carbon Measured label as one of our first steps to implement new sustainability initiatives.”
Kia fully recognises its responsibility to adhere to sustainable practices. In 2019, the company obtained ‘Energy Management System (ISO 50001)’ certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and has recently applied for certification from the Korea RE100 Committee.
Available in four different trim levels, the EV6 benefits from a long-range 77.4kWh battery pack that powers it to up to 328 miles (WLTP combined cycle) from a single charge. Accompanied by its 400/800V electric architecture, the EV6 is designed to charge from 10-to-80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes, or to add 60 miles of range in under five minutes when plugged into a 350kW ultra-fast charger. Available to pre-order now, UK customer deliveries will commence from October this year for ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models. Prices start from £40,895.
Ford’s state-of-the-art Weather Factory has never been busier.
Used to simulate a range of extreme conditions under one roof, it has enabled engineers to test vehicles in a way that is less impacted by travel limitations than real-world testing.
But so realistic are the simulated conditions that even the most experienced human test drivers may become tired or unwell, for example when undertaking altitude testing.
Now, Ford has recruited two robot test drivers, nicknamed by the team as Shelby and Miles *, to help take the strain, especially on altitude tests where a key requirement can be that the test is replicated perfectly multiple times.
How it works Located in Cologne, Germany, Ford’s Weather Factory helps ensure drivers can rely on vehicles that have endured conditions that are found in the Sahara Desert, in Siberia, and atop the tallest Alpine peaks.
For human drivers, wind tunnel testing – in particular at high altitude – requires numerous safety protocols, such as having oxygen bottles, medical equipment and a paramedic on-site, while driver health is constantly monitored.
Each robot test driver is able to operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C as well as at extreme altitudes – and can be set up and programmed for different driving styles.
The robot test driver’s legs extend to the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals, with one arm positioned to change gear and the other used to start and stop the engine.
Ford continues to conduct real-world testing in European locations and across the world, including the Grossglockner mountain in Austria and the snowy Arjeplog region in Sweden.
“These two new drivers are fantastic additions to the team, as they can take on the challenging endurance tests at high altitudes and in hot temperatures. Once the robot is in the driver’s seat, we can run tests through the night without ever having to worry that the driver will need a sandwich or a bathroom break.” Frank Seelig, supervisor, Wind Tunnel Testing, Ford of Europe
The Concours of Elegance has underlined its reputation as a gathering of the world’s rarest cars and finest global brands with an all-new long-term relationship with the world’s leading automotive auction house, Gooding & Company.
Gooding & Company returns to the Concours of Elegance for the start of the new sponsorship in 2021, having hosted a record-breaking auction at the event last year. In 2020, the ‘Passion of a Lifetime’ auction presented for viewing a selection of automotive masterpieces from a revered private collection. These vehicles represented a meticulous commitment to bringing together the most coveted and valuable examples of European sports and racing automobiles of the 20th century.
David Gooding, President and Founder, Gooding & Company, said: “We are elated to announce our new, multi-year sponsorship of the Concours of Elegance and broaden our reach as an international auction house. We are proud to partner with James Brooks-Ward and his team, and following last year’s highly successful inaugural auction at the Hampton Court Palace, we are confident in the long-term trajectory of this joint endeavor.”
James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “From our venue to our cars to our partners, we hand-pick each and every aspect of the Concours of Elegance. Gooding & Company share the same dedication to the rarest cars in the world as us. David Gooding has been a great supporter and we’re delighted to align our two businesses even more closely, further building the stature of the Concours of Elegance among the world of elite global automotive events.”
As ever, the Concours of Elegance is focused on gathering a collection of cars so spectacularly rare that visitors won’t be able to see them anywhere else in the world. In fact, some of the cars will never have been seen in the UK before, marking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many visitors. In total, around 1,000 cars will be on display in a number of special features, including a Gulf vs. Martini celebration, a display of unique or bespoke modern rarities in the Future Classics class and a line-up of the finest coachbuilt Rolls-Royces. New for 2021 is a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.
Away from the automotive displays, is a collection of more of the Concours of Elegance’s world-leading luxury partners, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed their support for a long term partnership and will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.
Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now, with full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets.
