Ford models with the fastest growing sales – Puma and Kuga – now also come with keyless entry fobs with sleep mode as standard to protect against being hacked
All-electric Mustang Mach-E protected from launch
Pioneered on the ever-popular Fiesta and Focus, the security feature has contributed to thefts of the latest Ford Fiesta tumbling by two-thirds
After-market Trade Vehicle Locks range of car and van security accessories and other deterrents also launched
Ford has increased the number of models offering owners heightened protection from theft thanks to security technology which disables their keyless entry fobs when not in use to block illegal hacking.
The innovative feature has been added as standard to the multi-award winning Ford Puma, as well as to Ford’s most electrified vehicle, the Ford Kuga – the Blue Oval’s models with fastest growing sales. The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle arriving this month also benefits.
All production of the Ford Puma, which went on sale at the start of last year and has since won over 10 major UK awards, includes the motion-sensor key fobs. Ford Kuga production of the mild hybrid, plug-in and full hybrid SUV added the deterrent in July last year.
In 2019, the fob with sleep mode was introduced to Ford’s top sellers in Fiesta and Focus. The current and previous model Ford Fiesta have been Britain’s top-selling car every year since 2008. The long-running title delivered over 1,250,000 new Fiestas to UK car buyers 2009 to 2020 inclusive, also meaning thefts due to its popularity and universal presence.
Figures from security analysts Retainagroup show how thefts of the latest Fiesta, which debuted the smart fobs two years ago, have fallen by two-thirds compared with the number of previous Fiestas stolen:
LATEST FIESTA
PREVIOUS FIESTA
2018-2020
2009-2017
Total sold
223,600
1,027,000
No. of thefts (in 2020)
231
3,152
Thefts per 1,000
1.03
3.06
Smart security Keyless entry fobs of all makes of cars have been targeted by thieves with “relay box” equipment, used to extend the signal from fobs in homes to unlock and start vehicles parked outside.
A motion sensor inside Ford’s fobs detects when it has been stationary for longer than 40 seconds and triggers a sleep mode, which will not respond to attempts to hack its signal via a “relay box” or through the misuse of other specialist equipment.
Moving the keyless fob by picking it up inside the home and taking it to the car will restore full functionality by the time drivers approach their cars. Ford fobs are designed to operate only within a two-metre radius of the cars they are bonded to.
Simon Hurr, Ford security specialist, said: “The online availability of devices, which have no place in public hands, has long been a problem for Ford, our industry and crime fighters. We are pleased to extend our simple but effective solution, to help protect more owners of our most popular cars.”
Existing models can have security upgraded with replacement sleep-mode fobs, priced between £74 and £94 for Fiesta and Focus, plus 0.9 hours labour to programme and test. This is available to owners of the latest Fiesta, on sale since 2017, and of the Focus introduced in 2018.
Additionally, Ford’s Trade Vehicle Locks (TVL) security range has been relaunched and increased from 125 available locks, guards and related accessories for car and van customers two years ago to 225 security parts today (see accompanying brochure).
Effective from March 2021 production, selected Citroën C5 Aircross SUV versions have CO2 emissions reduced by up to 7g/km.
Host of technical updates for both PureTech 130 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 8-speed automatic versions.
Zero impact on pricing despite increased efficiency.
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) taxation bands see reductions of up to 2% on selected C5 Aircross SUV models.
Order a new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV online via the Citroën Store now: store.citroen.co.uk/
Committed to the continuous improvement of its vehicles, in particular to reducing their environmental impact, Citroën is pleased to announce reductions of between 1 and 7g/km of CO2 across Citroën C5 Aircross PureTech 130 petrol 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 Diesel 8-speed automatic versions.
The changes are effective from March 2021 production, with pricing remaining unchanged in spite of the efficiency benefits. For company car drivers, the lower CO2 emissions result in BIK tax band reductions of up to 2% – as an example, this reduces the cost to a 40% taxpayer by over £208 in the 2021-22 period (when driving a Shine PureTech 130 S&S manual).
In addition to its improved efficiency, the C5 Aircross SUV range benefited from a list price reduction of up to £1,320 in December 2020 under Citroën UK’s ‘Fair Pricing’ policy, which was announced as part of the Citroën ‘Advance UK’ mid-term plan.
Available in a choice of four trim levels, ‘Sense’, ‘Shine’, ‘C-Series’ and ‘Shine Plus’, all C5 Aircross SUV models feature LED headlights and a Citroën Safety Pack (Active Safety Brake and Active Lane Departure Warning) for greater peace-of-mind. Also included are rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, all as standard.
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
TRIM
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
WLTP CO2(g/km) Outgoing
WLTP CO2 (g/km) New
Variance (g/km)
BIK% Reduction
Sense
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
145
139
-6
-2%
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
130
130
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
140
138
-2
-1%
Shine
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
146
139
-7
-2%
PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
148
148
–
–
Plug-in Hybrid ë-EAT8
32
32
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
130
130
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
140
139
-1
-1%
C-Series
PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual
146
139
-7
-2%
Shine Plus
PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
149
149
–
–
Plug-in Hybrid ë-EAT8
32
32
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual
131
131
–
–
BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic
142
140
-2
0%
Order a new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV online via the Citroën Store now: store.citroen.co.uk/
The Citroën Brand At the heart of the automotive market, Citroën has asserted itself since 1919 as a popular brand in the true sense of the word, making people and their lifestyles its first source of inspiration. This spirit is underlined by the ‘Inspired by You’ brand signature and is embodied by cars combining unique design and benchmark comfort. Within the sector of mainstream brands, Citroën also stands out with a unique customer experience (Citroën Advisor, ‘La Maison Citroën’, etc.). In 2019, the Citroën sold one million vehicles in over 90 countries.
The Citroën Brand in the UK The UK is the 4th largest market for Citroën globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in 2019. Based in Coventry, Citroën UK’s range of hatchbacks includes C1 (city car), New C3 (supermini) and C4 Cactus (compact family car). The UK SUV line-up consists of C3 Aircross (compact SUV) and C5 Aircross (mid-size SUV). The UK MPV range features Berlingo (5 or 7-seats), Grand C4 SpaceTourer (7-seats) and SpaceTourer (up to 9-seats). Citroën UK’s Light Commercial Vehicle offering covers all sectors of the market with Berlingo Van, Dispatch and Relay. Citroën has a clearly defined electrification strategy with all models across the range offering an electrified version by 2025, models already available as part of this strategy include New C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid (PHEV) as well as 100% battery electric (BEV) versions of New ë-SpaceTourer MPV and New ë-Dispatch Medium Van. This year sees the launch of the electric New ë-C4 and New C4 (compact family car) in addition to the electric New ë-Berlingo Compact Van and New ë -Relay Large Van.
Tipo184 is the world’s most cost-effective way into classic race car ownership
Conceived by TV star Ant Anstead and uses Mazda MX-5/Miata mechanicals
Single-make race series for Tipo184 starts this year
The innovative Tipo184 will be one of the world’s most cost-effective ways into classic race car ownership, it has been announced.
Prices for the beautiful self-build kits, which are based on economical and easy-to-source Mazda MX-5 running gear, have been set at just £16,450.
Brainchild of TV personality Ant Anstead and experts at Dowsetts Classic Cars, the Motorsport UK-compliant Tipo184 evokes the Alfa Romeo 158, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, widely regarded as one of the most successful race cars of all time.
Ant Anstead “I was so inspired by the Alfa 158 that I made my own version of it from scratch. It’s so satisfying building and then driving your own beautiful car that I wanted to give other enthusiasts the chance to get into their garages and workshops, open up the toolbox and do the same. It’s been a tough time for plenty of people in the past year, so I’d also underline how good for your mental wellbeing it is to make something as beautiful as the Tipo184 from scratch.
“It’s also important that it was extremely affordable. That’s why we’ve kept the cost of the kit to the minimum and it’s based on easy-to-source, affordable MX-5/Miata components.
“Once it’s built, you have a car that will let you feel the sensations that Fangio would have experienced – balancing the car delicately in a four-wheel drift as you explore the limits of grip. It’s a car that will allow you to enjoy close racing with identical cars in a one-make series, or simply the thrill of driving it down a winding country road on a summer’s day.”
Tipo184 owners will be able to take part in a new race series, run in partnership with the British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Billed as one of the most affordable single seater race series in the world, the series will start as a UK-based set of track days, culminating in a demo-race at Cadwell Park on the weekend of 28th/29th August. The planned race format for 2022 will consist of a 15-minute qualifying session followed by two 15-minute racesat major circuits across the UK. Plans are also in progress for race series in Europe and the US.
The Tipo184 starter kit can be purchased directly at www.tipo184.com and is available globally, with customers in the US and Europe now able to take advantage of heavily reduced shipping costs because of new collaborations with local chassis manufacturers. Limited build slots for 2021 are still available.
HWM or Hersham & Walton Motors are often regarding as the greatest contributor to the growth of British motorsport on the post-war International race scene. John Heath and George Abecassis developed and raced from their Walton-on -Thames premises with 1950 marking a turning point, they entered four works cars designed to be campaigned in both the new 2-litre Formula B (Formula 2) class and in sports car events across Europe. With confidence high with a great design, they famously gave breaks to young drivers of potential with Sir Stirling Moss being effectively offered his first works drive debuting at Goodwood at the Easter Meeting on April 10th finishing 2nd.
Silverstone Auctions will offer this superb example which has an incredible race history. In 1950 the car was raced by Moss, John Heath, Lance Macklin, George Abecassis and Rudi Fisher. In all it raced in fifteen events across Europe including Reims, Grand Prix de Geneve and Grand Premio De Bari. On October 15th, 1950 Sir Stirling Moss gave it its swansong win at Castle Combe before being sold to Oscar Moore in 1951 who continued to race it with great success and even registered it for the road with the North London registration of XMC 34. This exceptional and interesting piece of history was then purchased by Silverstone Auctions vendor in 1965.
Sales Controller, Gary Dunne, commented, ‘We are delighted to announce that due to popular demand, we have decided to increase the Race Retro Live Online Auction by an extra day! Therefore, the sale will now take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March, with our sister company, Classic Car Auctions, opening the weekend with their Spring Live Online Auction, on Friday 26th March. We are thrilled to be offering this fantastic piece of early British motorsport in our Race Retro sale with such provenance – a great opportunity for anyone.”
This excellent piece of British motorsport history can trace its origins to those charismatic ‘Garagiste’ at HWM who took on 1950s Grand Prix legends like Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. The history file accompanying the HMW is beyond doubt one of the most complete motorsport stories that Silverstone Auctions have ever had the pleasure to present. From original HWM letters to copies of Autosport, period photographs and the two books by Simon Taylor which have provided the most complete account of the HMW story punctuated with a plethora of nostalgic images.
Silverstone Auctions are offering dedicated, one-to-one, virtual viewing of cars of interest to you from now through to the 26th March. Viewing the cars in person is permitted to specialists who have been instructed to inspect vehicles of interest on your behalf and members of the trade. Bookings are arranged by appointment and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.
Silverstone Auctions are closing their catalogue in just under a week on Monday 8th March. Entries are still invited to join the rapidly growing lot list for their live online auction. The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below
2021 AUCTIONS The Race Retro Live Online Auction: 27th & 28th March The May Sale: 22nd May A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5th June The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30th July – 1st August The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.
We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.
In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.
At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.
Aston Martin back at the pinnacle of global motorsport
Famous Wings return to the sport an ‘important moment’ in Aston Martin’s history
F1 team to become a true innovation lab that guides future automotive technology
New Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team AMR21 challenger to run for the first time at Silverstone on 4 March
Aston Martin is back at the pinnacle of global motorsport after the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team proudly revealed its 2021 FIA Formula One™ World Championship contender on Wednesday.
The stunning new AMR21 heralds the beginning of a truly significant chapter in the 108-year history of the brand, and carries the hopes of racing fans around the globe ahead of its debut in the Bahrain Grand Prix later this month.
The new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team car returns the British ultra-luxury marque to the pinnacle of world motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. It was unveiled today, in a much anticipated immersive virtual launch in front of a global audience. Described by Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll as an ‘important event in automotive history’, the new contender will be the first works Formula 1 car to carry the famous wings since Maurice Trintignant’s DBR5 crossed the finish line at Silverstone in 1960.
The AMR21, to be raced this season by four-time F1™ World Champion Sebastian Vettel (DE) and rising star Lance Stroll (CA), carries a striking Aston Martin Racing Green livery in recognition of Aston Martin’s traditional racing colours and glorious sporting legacy. It is also bedecked by a host of global partners, led by American IT giant Cognizant, while the chassis features a magenta stripe down the side in reference to the team’s longstanding partner BWT.
Today’s event also threw the spotlight on an energizing shift within Aston Martin as the team is set to become the global showcase for the brand’s engineering and performance capabilities. Indeed a new 200,000 square-foot facility will complement the existing Aston Martin F1™factory at Silverstone when completed in the second half of 2022, and the team is well positioned to become an innovation lab to drive forward the brand’s future road car technologies. These will include the suite of mid-engined sportscars, inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which will become central to the product portfolio through the next decade.
It may have been absent from F1™ for 61 years, but Aston Martin’s competitive credentials are firmly intact – the company was formed by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 with motorsport at the heart of its endeavour. Next year will mark a century since Aston Martin made its grand prix debut (in France 1922), and the brand has enjoyed sustained success in sportscar racing, including overall victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Most recently Aston Martin became a double class winner with the Vantage GTE in last year’s race at La Sarthe and is the reigning GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ champion.
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team also boasts a strong bloodline, building on the foundations of Team Silverstone, which in its various guises has won five grands prix, and is coming off the back of a race-winning campaign as the Racing Point Formula One™ Team, having been revitalized under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll and Team Principal and CEO Otmar Szafnauer.
The new AMR21, powered by a turbo-charged Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance engine with hybrid energy recovery, will run for the first time at Silverstone during a promotional day on 4 March, 2021, before embarking on a full test programme at Bahrain on 12-14 March.
Executive Chairman, Aston Martin Lagonda, Lawrence Stroll said: “I’ve dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always been a car guy and I’ve always loved racing, too. My first dream was to own a Formula One™ team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. So, as I say, today is all about dreams, and it shows that dreams really can come true, in the shape of our new AMR21.
“Aston Martin returning to Formula One™ after an absence of 61 years will have a powerful effect on the sport, the media and the fans, commanding global attention.
“The team who designed and built our new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car – the 500 men and women who conceive, manufacture, build and prepare our cars so that we can go racing at the pinnacle of global motorsport – has always punched above its weight. Now, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, it has the power with which to punch even harder.
“This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress.
“The launch of the new AMR21 is also the celebration of a new beginning for Aston Martin. Today’s transformational event has given us the opportunity to communicate the evolution of the iconic Aston Martin Wings logo for only the 12th time in the company’s 108-year history. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car is our group’s highest expression of performance, innovation, engineering quality, attention to detail, and teamwork. For that reason, it’s natural that our new logo should make its debut on our new Formula One™ car.”
Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, Tobias Moers said: “Today is a truly historic moment for Aston Martin, as we return to the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will have far-reaching positive effects on the Aston Martin brand, our culture, and the design and technology of Aston Martin road cars. Our return to Formula One™ will positively and profoundly affect every employee and foremost our customer journey all over the world; and will help us bring a focused, agile Formula One™ way of thinking to the whole Aston Martin business.
“Indeed, the Formula One™ team will become a dynamic and exciting innovation lab to drive forward future Aston Martin road car technologies and performance, which will truly differentiate our cars in the coming years. Aston Martin has always made beautiful cars. Now, as we begin a new era of Aston Martin in Formula One™, we’ll bring more innovation and more performance.”
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will make its F1 return at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March, 2021.
About Aston Martin Lagonda: Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
