Such a valuable and prestigious vehicle, Aznom Palladium will not be abandoned for even a minute …
The Italian hyper-limousine Aznom Palladium, a focus in automotive conversation all around the globe, is without a doubt a vehicle with unique and fascinating characteristics. And such a precious object shouldn’t be left abandoned not even for a short moment.
With this in mind Aznom has signed a partnership with MGH SYSTEMS ITALIA, an “IoT Company” (Internet of Things) involved in research and development of innovative solutions for the automotive sector, aiming at creating specific solutions for distance-monitoring of vehicles.
The agreement between the two companies of what is now known as the “Monza Automotive District”, has brought to the release of a new version of Wheeliot for luxury cars, a highly evolved “IoT” platform capable of constantly checking and monitoring all the vehicle’s data.
The Wheeliot device will be installed on every Palladium and will be able to read thousands of pieces of data in real-time through the CAN-Bus network of the car, and additional parameters measured by specific sensors tied to the electronic control unit. This data will then be shared with the common central analysis platform from 190 countries through mobile phone and communication networks.
This means that every owner of a Palladium will be able to easily have access and check any parameter on the car on his smartphone or tablet from any location.
Aznom will also be able to monitor the state of the vehicle and to assess its “health”, promptly suggesting both preventive or necessary maintenance.
In order to safeguard the client’s private information, Aznom will only receive technical data from the car, while sensitive information (such as location, trip information, and so on …) will be protected and will be accessed solely by the owner.
Wheeliot also allows remote access to certain systems on the car such as the air conditioning system and the on-board fridge, but does not allow direct intervention on the electronic system that manages mechanical aspects of the Palladium. For the latter, the software works as pure remote diagnostics but can still guide direct interventions on the car, that can be easily completed by any repair workshop in the world.
“Thanks to the partnership with MGH SYSTEMS ITALIA and to the installation of Wheeliot on Palladium, we will stay in touch with our vehicles and monitor their state wherever they might be – said Matteo Bertanelli, product manager at Aznom Automotive – by doing so we will give our clients an exclusive service by continuously checking that everything works to perfection. In collaboration with Marco Brivio, owner of MGH, we are considering offering this version of Wheeliot to other Hyper & Luxury car manufacturers.”
Also worth noting is that the Wheeliot system stores all data in a database that becomes the car’s true “certified biography”, that might come in hand in case the vehicle is put back on the market.
New In Tune software is activated via the car’s touchscreen infotainment system
Function monitors interior cabin sound and corrects the pitch of the singer’s voice automatically
The enhanced audio is played back through the car’s sound system in real-time
Entertainment software allows users to record their now pitch perfect vocals to share with family and friends
Available on all ŚKODA models including the all-new electric Enyaq iV
ŠKODA drivers – and passengers! – will no longer be subjected to painfully out-of-tune singing thanks to a new auto-tune feature that enables woeful wannabe pop stars to hit every note, every time.
Available as a free download on ŠKODA’s infotainment system, In Tune works by monitoring interior cabin noises that sit outside of set audible reference points – a scale or specific notes for example. At the point deviations from these references occur the system digitally corrects the pitch of the singer’s voice and plays it back seamlessly in real-time through the in-car sound system.
Research from ŠKODA revealed that 100% of drivers* admit to regularly attempting to sing along to their favourite songs while driving. Therefore, this latest addition to ŠKODA’s digital entertainment offering is sure to come to the rescue of drivers and passengers up and down the country that suffer in silence next to those who believe they are the next Beyoncé or Rick Astley.
The software, that has been developed by ŠKODA’s in-house sound engineers, also has the ability to record the driver’s singing so they can play back their perfectly-calibrated vocals to their (soon to be ex) friends.
Carrie O’Key, ŠKODA’s Head of Vehicle Audio, said: “The UK’s ongoing lockdown situation is straining families and friendships, and with the prospect of kids back at home for the Easter holidays tensions are likely to run high.
“We know music is good for the soul but caterwauling certainly is not. This software will hopefully add some much-needed light-hearted fun to every essential car journey.”
To find out more about ŠKODA’s range and available technologies, visit www.skoda.co.uk
Manor Park Classics to manage sale of important vehicles from Vauxhall Motors’ Heritage Collection
All vehicles at no reserve
Vehicles set to be just one of the highlights of MPC’s inaugural auction
Manor Park Classics is proud to announce that its inaugural sale on April 27 will now include nine vehicles from the famous Vauxhall Heritage Collection, covering 85 years of the Luton company’s history.
The vehicles, all of which will be sold at no reserve, have been consigned for sale in order to right-size the Collection for its future move to a new location.
Roger Nowell, Manor Park’s Managing Director, emphasised the significance of the cars Vauxhall is selling: “This is likely to be the final opportunity to purchase any vehicles from one of the UK’s best-known manufacturer collections. As interim custodians of the entire collection, which is now based at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant just 20 minutes away from our premises, Manor Park Classics was seen as the perfect partner to look after the sale of the vehicles. And while we already have many stand-out cars consigned for our first sale, on April 27th, the Vauxhalls are bound to command huge interest, due to their provenance, condition and originality.”
The oldest vehicle being offered for sale is a 1929 R-type 20/60, which was the first car to be manufactured after Vauxhall had been bought by General Motors. The R-type became the staple of the Vauxhall range until 1930 and marked a departure from many of Luton’s engineering norms, with the adoption of a central gearshift, single-plate clutch and 12-volt electrics. KSK 247 has been owned by Vauxhall for many years, and while complete and in good condition, will need some light recommissioning.
Joining the R-type from the pre-war years is Vauxhall’s magnificent and imposing Big Six BXL limousine from 1937, which is in excellent running order and a well-used Collection car. With accommodation for seven, and body by Grosvenor, this model would have been staple VIP transport for municipalities and companies around Britain, its inline six-cylinder engine providing a level of refinement matching more expensive models from Rolls-Royce or Daimler, but at a fraction of their prices.
Two gems from the fifties and sixties are also being offered. A 1953 E-type Wyvern – Vauxhall’s first all-new post-war design – with gleaming black coachwork, and chrome adornments revealing its Chevrolet influence, is a rare survivor today. And a car bound to elicit many ‘my-dad-had-one-of-those’ memories is a pristine Viva HB Deluxe from 1966, the first year of its production. An underrated model for many years – and now quite rare, especially in this condition – the market is starting to warm to what is arguably the best of the Viva series, with its Coke-bottle styling, independent front suspension, front disc brakes and rack and pinion steering.
Finishing off the twentieth-century offerings are two cars from opposite ends of Vauxhall’s ranges. A highly usable, immaculate and original Nova 1.2 from 1990, which has been associated with Vauxhall Motors from new and is presented in Merit specification, complete with five-speed transmission and a genuine sub-10,000 mileage. And a perfect counterpoint to the Nova is a late first-series Omega V6 in top Elite trim, once again in excellent and original condition.
Another increasingly rare sight on British roads is the first-generation Tigra, and Vauxhall’s 2000 car is a lovely example with just over 20,000 miles recorded, and one owner (a retired Vauxhall employee) prior to going on display in the Collection.
Completing the Vauxhall Heritage offering are two slightly more utilitarian vehicles. A superb Frontera B with 2.2 DTH diesel engine and five-speed gearbox has been used extensively as the Collection’s support and tow-vehicle for many press events over the years. And a 2014 Vivaro panel van, fitted with a 1.9 diesel engine, was also used to support Vauxhall Heritage activities. This is no ordinary Vivaro, though, as it’s registration – LA55 ONE – suggests: it was the very last of the first-generation Vivaros to roll off the production line at Luton in 2014.
Vauxhall’s nine-car consignment brings the number of cars being offered on April 27th to just under 100 – a remarkable result for MPC’s highly experienced team, in this, the company’s first auction. A full list of all sale vehicles is attached, but highlights include:
Eight significant Minis, including an unrestored 1959 car, a 1966 Cooper S, a 1991 City showing just 2282 miles, and a 1991 Cooper that once belonged to Britt Ekland;
A trio of rare and interesting Land Rovers, comprising a very early 1958 Series II, a V8 Commercial and a Defender Adventure Edition with just 195 miles on the clock;
A variety of modern classics, including a 1988 BMW 635 CSI Highline, a 1992 Jaguar XJS 4.0, a 1992 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 and a 1996 Volkswagen Golf VR6.
“We’re delighted with the response to our call for entries ahead of our first sale on April 27,” said MPC’s Roger Nowell. “The sheer breadth of vehicles has surprised us, but it means that there’s something for all tastes and budgets, and also plenty of opportunity to view vehicles at our premises ahead of the sale.”
Manor Park Classic’s sale takes place on April 27 and full details can be found here: https://auctions.manorparkclassics.com/auction/details/1-the-spring-2021-classic-car-auction/?au=2 Covid-compliant viewings can be arranged now with one-to-one appointments available from Thursday, April 22 to Monday, April 26, including at weekends and in evenings. Entries are now closed for this sale, but open for MPC’s next auction in early July.
£2,500 Kia Plug-in Hybrid Grant extended until 30 June 2021
Three years’ free servicing for BEV models with Kia Finance e-Plus
4.9 per cent APR on the new Kia e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range
Kia’s incredible range of generous offers have gone live today, with many of the hugely popular Q1 offers continuing by popular demand, helping customers spring into a new Kia.
G0% Hybrid Customers purchasing a new Sportage, XCeed, Niro Hybrid, Niro PHEV, new Stonic, Ceed Sportswagon and Picanto can choose the ‘G0% Hybrid’ offer that attracts zero per cent APR* on two-year PCP deals until 30 June 2021. The first two services are also free-of-charge for new Stonic, Niro (excluding e-Niro), Sportage and XCeed until 31 May 2021, as well as two years free roadside assistance. Each of these models offer a range of electrified and carbon-reducing powertrains including mild, self-charging and plug-in hybrid to suit customer preferences.
Kia Plug-in Car Grant Looking to benefit from Kia’s exciting range of versatile plug-in hybrids? Kia’s Plug-in Car Grant** takes a massive £2,500 off the purchase price of new Kia PHEVs, including the all-new Sorento PHEV, Niro PHEV, XCeed PHEV and Ceed Sportswagon PHEV.
Kia Finance e-Plus Customers going electric can benefit from the Kia Finance e-Plus programme, available for Kia’s full-electric models – including the new sub-£35,000 e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range that qualifies for the new government £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant. With Kia Finance e-Plus, the e-Niro is available with 4.9 per cent APR and the Soul EV for just 2.9 per cent APR on PCP and PML deals. Customers also benefit from their first three services free-of-charge***.
The Kia Scrappage Scheme Customers looking to purchase a Picanto, Rio, Niro Hybrid, Stonic or Sportage can benefit from the continued Kia Scrappage Scheme**** that provides a £2,500 saving and is the ideal way to upgrade to a newer and more efficient vehicle, such as the Niro Hybrid, on a 36-month PCP with just 4.9 per cent APR.
Further Kia offers Continuing to benefit a broad spectrum of customers, further offers include Kia’s popular NHS offer that sees staff gain their first two services free on new car purchases as well as existing Kia NHS owners benefiting from one year’s RAC roadside assistance and a £200 excess return voucher. The ‘Keep it Kia’ initiative sees Venga, Soul and Carens owners get an additional £500 off on top of other Kia retail offers, and finally the Kia XCeed Loyalty campaign provides a £500 saving to Kia owners looking to switch to the stylish crossover*****.
With this expansive choice of offers spanning the entire line-up, and an industry-leading seven-year / 100,000 mile warranty on all models including our electric models, the Kia range has already raised the bar in 2021 and will continue to do so. To learn more about these incredible offers, read more here: https://www.kia.com/uk/.
Dacia, the UK’s best-value-for-money car brand, has announced the launch of the world’s first (and only) affordable space programme.
Named DUSTAR, the innovative, out-of-this world venture represents a new dawn in value-for-money space travel with its initial voyage confirmed for today.
To celebrate the trailblazing first chapter of DUSTAR, Dacia pulled out all the stops for a launch event which saw a Dacia Duster soar to space.
This giant leap for Dacia comes after revolutionising the new car market on Earth, offering affordable, award-winning, and reliable cars since 2013. For many years, Dacia’s ingenious engineers have consistently developed contemporary, simple, and best value vehicles. Relying on this unrivalled know-how, and Dacia’s smart design-to-cost approach in product development on our planet, the sky will not be the limit for DUSTAR, as it aims to show that with some smart thinking you really can make a little go a long way.
Back on Earth at DUSTAR’s secret technical base, Noel Armstrong, Head of DUSTAR Operations said: “We are all about delivering best-value-for-money without compromising on quality. We have achieved this on Earth, so launching a car into space is the obvious next step! Going to space is a dream for many, but we want to show that you can make a little go a long way and make it a reality. I’m over the moon that we begin by sending our rugged and robust Dacia Duster to seriously new heights today.”
Back down on the ground, those not looking to travel to space can look at the stars of the Dacia model line-up, whether that’s the award-winning All-New Sandero hatchback or the Duster SUV.
Now in its second generation, the Duster is the Dacia that does everything. A favourite with families, the Duster is as comfortable in space as it is on the road, with 4×4 versions available for those looking for out of this world adventures.
The All-New Sandero and All-New Sandero Stepway mirror Dacia’s brand values of being simple and no-nonsense, while delivering quality at an affordable price. Both models maintain Dacia’s undisputed practicality credentials and are on sale now.
World-first allows Alfa Romeo Stelvio drivers to experience the colour and beauty of Italy from their own car
Cutting-edge electrochromic glass alters perception of the outside world
Italian engineers studied iconic locations to accurately replicate the ambient hues and temperatures
Nuova Luce® technology can be activated through Alfa Romeo Stelvio infotainment screen
Drivers of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will still be able to enjoy a taste of travel this year thanks to an Instagram-inspired filter window technology that ‘transports’ drivers and passengers to some of Italy’s most iconic and beautiful locations.
With Brits currently unable to travel abroad, the world first technology offers a glimpse of what holidaymakers have been missing over the last 12 months.
Available from today, the technology will also be a standard feature on all new Stelvio models purchased throughout the period that Brits are unable to travel abroad.
The ingenious feature, Nuova Luce® – or New Light – can simply be activated via the car’s infotainment system, through a dedicated widget.
Once initiated, the driver or front-seat passenger can choose a filter to be applied to the front and passenger windows using ground-breaking electrochromic glass technology.
Instantly the filters replace the flat light and dreary weather they are likely experiencing through the car’s windows with one of the five vibrant, life-affirming ambiances almost teleporting drivers and passengers to a place previously reserved for those fortunate enough to be in Italy.
The five filters are inspired by some of the most well-known Italian locations sought after by UK tourists. They are:
‘Roma’ – sunset hues with soft yellows and reds
‘Milano’ – the bright, crisp light of the Duomo
‘Torino’ – a peachy pallet, invoking the ancient architecture
‘Como’ – the rich blues and greens of sunlit water
‘Cinque Terre’ – the bold, high contrast colours of the Amalfi Coast
These filters weren’t just concocted behind an Alfa Romeo engineer’s desk. Its Ambient Lighting Team spent three weeks at each beauty spot using state-of-the-art lighting technology to ensure an accurate match between the filters and the colours of the locations.
“Nuova Luce® is an evolution of the widely available auto-dimming mirror technology,” said Head of Ambient Lighting Phil Terre, who led the special project.
“We know people up and down the country are desperate to go overseas. We’re hopeful that while it’s no replacement for the real thing, this world first technology brings a taste of Italy to the UK for Stelvio drivers.”
To find out more about the Nuova Luce® technology visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk.
