1970’s super car, the Aston Martin Bulldog is halfway through its restoration, which will ultimately see the car being driven to its intended top speed of 200 miles an hour.
A feat it never achieved in period.
The restoration of this British icon by Classic Motor Cars in Bridgnorth, Shropshire is being followed by thousands of people worldwide on social media, in motoring magazines and newspapers .It has its own following and fan base who are excited to hear about its every move.
But this wasn’t always the case. After the launch of the car, and its abortive run to reach 200mile an hour to claim the production car speed record, it disappeared into obscurity. But now more and more history about the car is being found.
Project Manager Richard Gauntlett said: “ The Bulldog became something of a mythical beast, lots of people knew about it and wondered where it was after it was sold by Aston Martin to an owner in the Middle East. It then disappeared from general view.”
He added: “ There were sightings all over the world, In the late 1980’s it was spotted in a lock up in Arizona, it was back in the Middle East in the 1990’s but it was RM Sotheby’s who tracked it down in Asia.
Richard said: “With top restoration company, CMC being chosen to carry out the 18 months plus restoration and get the car ready for its 200-mph run, the Bulldog was coming home. The car had come full circle not only geographically but in terms of its history.
“While the physical restoration has been going on at CMC, a huge amount of work continues to be done forensically piecing together the full history of where the car has been.”
RM Sotheby’s car specialist Alexander Weaver said: “ “Our team of Car Specialists is always on the hunt for unique, elusive or obscure cars on behalf of our clients and the Aston Martin Bulldog fit that bill perfectly.
“We found this one-of-a-kind concept within an exceptional collection where it had quietly resided for decades. As one would expect we were keen to facilitate its sale knowing the interest in it would be strong.”
He added: “ After extensive discussions and negotiations, the owner agreed to part with the long hidden Bulldog and we were able to facilitate a sale to our client and friend Phillip Sarofim, through our Private Sales division. We are certainly excited to see the car undergo the restoration to its former glory and I’m personally eager to see the Bulldog crack 200mph, as it was intended and came so close.
Nigel Woodward, Managing Director at CMC said: “ Bulldog has been with us for nearly a year and in that time, we have carefully dismantled the car, meticulously recording every detail of its construction. We have peeled back some of the later additions and modifications that had been carried out to the car after it left Aston Martin, and the process is now well underway to return the car to its former glory.
Cyan Racing chief engineer Mattias Evensson and his crew headed to northern Sweden with the Volvo P1800 Cyan, throwing the car sideways between the snow walls in -20 degrees Celsius.
“The Volvo P1800 Cyan is our way for us to combine the best from the past and today, moving away from the power, weight and performance figures of contemporary performance cars,” said Mattias Evensson Volvo P1800 Cyan Project Manager and Head of Engineering at Cyan Racing.
The team traveled close to 1000 kilometers north of the Cyan Racing headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, to the frozen lakes and snow drenched roads of Åre, Mattias Evensson’s hometown.
The location provided the team with the right conditions to explore the characteristics and limits of the Volvo P1800 Cyan in challenging conditions.
“What really struck me from this expedition was that the car is so easy to drive and that you do not need to provoke it to get it where you want,” said Mattias Evensson.
“All of the properties that we have tried to achieve were almost amplified by driving it on the low grip of snow and ice.
“The basic concept of the car seems to work really well, it does not matter that much if you are on a bone-dry racing circuit, a wet and twisty country road or on the crisp ice here in northern Sweden. You still feel confident and in control.
“I would say this concept has somewhat been lost along the way for the performance cars of today. For us, this is returning back to basics.”
The Volvo P1800 weighs less than 1000kg, featuring no driver aids, a dog-leg manual gearbox and an engine designed to deliver increasing power all the way to the redline.
“Our aim has been to make a car with a sound base design that leaves it to you as the driver to explore the limits, rather than leaning on electronic driver aids to control the power and weight as with most modern performance cars,” said Mattias Evensson.
“And it’s all connected with the engine response, the chassis balance and the low weight, making the car playful and rewarding.”
About Cyan Racing and this project Cyan Racing was founded in 1996 and was formerly named Polestar until Volvo Cars acquired the performance section and trademark in 2015. Cyan Racing is privately owned and operated. The team has claimed the last three touring car World titles, most recently the 2020 WTCR drivers’ and teams’ titles with Lynk & Co – and participated in the development of the Polestar performance models of the Volvo S60 and V60 in the years 2013 to 2015, including the concept models Volvo C30 and S60 Polestar Concept Prototype.
Please note that the Volvo P1800 Cyan will be marketed independently by Cyan Racing. Furthermore, it should be noted that there is no collaboration between Cyan Racing and Volvo Cars in relation to this car project, as well as that the trademarks “Volvo” and “P1800” are owned by Volvo Cars.
Heveningham Concours has announced that its fifth annual motorsport and aviation event will now take place in the summer of 2022 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event, which was also sadly cancelled last year due to the pandemic, hosts 50 or more of the world’s most beautiful cars, while the aviation concours features around a dozen equally rare propeller planes at Heveningham Hall in Suffolk.
Chairman of the motorsport judging panel, Max Hunt, said: “With huge regret and in light of the ongoing uncertainty, we have taken the decision to cancel this year’s concours and country fair, which were due to take place in June. We are determined to look ahead to 2022 and will focus on hosting an extra special event – even by our standards! Thank you for your continued support and let’s look forward to better times ahead.”
Each year, the judges award Laurence Edwards-designed bronze trophies in the following classes: post-war, pre-war, supercar, plus the Hanna Aviation Trophy to the best plane.
There’s also a separate prize for the winner of Horsepower Hill, a timed sprint along the estate’s main drive that takes place on both days and features its own supercar paddock and drifting area. Spectators are at the heart of the action, with grandstands overlooking a spectacle not to be missed.
As ever, all proceeds go to charity, plus the concours also provides a full scholarship for a student to undertake a post-graduate MA in Intelligent Mobility at the Royal College of Art.
Heveningham Concours takes place at the same time as the long-standing Country Fair that attracts around 20,000 people annually, again with all monies going to charity.
As we slipped indistinguishably from a constrained Christmas to what felt like the longest January on record, the historic motoring community remained in isolation at home, for the protection of ourselves, the vulnerable and those working in the NHS.
Following the success of two events in 2020 and an RAC Historic Award, Classics for Carers is back for 2021! The March event is focused on NHS well-being and mental health, aiming to raise £13,000, which would provide an NHS well-being pod – a quiet restorative space for staff.
The National Stay At Home Motor Show is once again inviting classic car and bike enthusiasts, clubs and businesses to exhibit a nation-wide show of appreciation for NHS carers and their sustained effort over what is now a year of living with the coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on the event’s return, organiser Nick Chivers said: “In May and June of last year, we hosted two charity at-home motor shows, raising £17,500 for NHS Charities Together, providing much needed resources for NHS staff. Numerous mini motor shows on people’s driveways gave classic car and bike enthusiasts a chance to put their passion on show and fundraise for a national cause. We are honoured to have been voted 2020 winner of a Royal Automobile Club Historic Award, in the category of Motoring Spectacle. A true testament to everyone who supported the events of 2020.”
As social distancing measures remain in place for at least the beginning of 2021, the motoring and motorsport sector has endured a prolonged period of cancelled meetings and it is unknown when we will see a return of in-person classic car and bike events.
Classics for Carers provides a live motor show, where attendees from all over the UK and further afield, can shine and share their pride and joy at home, and join the event online through social media. The collective efforts of the national motor show are streamed live on the Classics for Carers Facebook Group, Instagram and Twitter channels.
Fundraising towards the March 2021 target is drawn from generous donations from participants and spectators (including those passing by on their permitted daily exercise) and from the sale of event specific rally plates and stickers (where all profits go to the charity).
Key Information:
Return of award winning charity motor show, Classics For Carers
National collective of classic motoring community in support of NHS carers
Static stay-at-home motor show, showcasing classic and sports cars and motorbikes
Event rally plates and stickers available for purchase – all profits to NHS Charities Together
Share participation in the event via social media, using the hashtag #classicsforcarers
Classics for Carers is an entirely charitable event, with funds raised being donated to NHS Charities Together, the membership organisation representing, supporting and championing National Health Service (NHS) charities across the UK.
The latest data analysis from stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, reveals that Range Rovers and Land Rovers take six of the ten places in the 2020 list of Tracker’s most commonly stolen and recovered vehicles.
The three top spots in the 2020 league table are all Range Rover models – #1 the Sport, #2 the Vogue and #3 the Autobiography. The Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Defender also make the top ten. These six models alone account for 37% of all stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2020.
Analysis of how criminals stole cars in 2020 reveals that keyless theft has risen to an all-time high, with 93% of all recovered vehicles having been stolen without the thief having possession of the keys. This has nudged up from 92% in 2019 but represents a 26% increase in the last 5 years. Thieves use sophisticated equipment to exploit keyless technology by hijacking the car key’s signal, typically from the security of the owner’s home, and remotely fooling the system into unlocking the doors and starting the engine. This is commonly known as a “relay attack”.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker, commented: “Range Rover and other Land Rover models have always featured in our top ten most stolen and recovered league table in the last 10 years, as has the BMW X5 which has slipped from 2nd to 4th position in 2020. However, most premium 4×4 cars are hot targets, with car thieves stealing to order, often shipping them abroad or stripping them for parts in a chop shop to meet the growing demand for spare parts.”
Adding to owner’s security woes, in 2020 new car production ground to a halt in response to COVID-19. This caused significant delays to the supply chain and made Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered vehicles all the more desirable. Pent-up demand for both nearly new cars and manufacturer approved parts increases values and boosts trade for criminals stealing to fill the gap.
Wain concludes; “Keyless car theft has risen dramatically in recent years. It is quick and easy for professional criminals who have the tools and experience. Cars are commonly taken from outside of the owners’ house, often discreetly and within minutes, meaning the theft often goes unnoticed for some time. We encourage drivers to use traditional visual deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their car, however in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly close the net on thieves and return the vehicle to its rightful owner.”
Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Tracker SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology, unique to Tracker, makes its units resistant to GPS/GSM jamming, confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves.
TRACKER’S TOP 10 MOST STOLEN AND RECOVERED
2020 Tracker’s Top Ten Most Stolen & Recovered Vehicles
2019 Tracker’s Top Ten Most Stolen & Recovered Vehicles
1. Range Rover Sport
1. Range Rover Sport
2. Range Rover Vogue
2. BMW X5
3. Range Rover Autobiography
3. Mercedes-Benz C Class
4. BMW X5
4. Range Rover Vogue
5. Land Rover Discovery / BMW 3 Series
5. Land Rover Discovery
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
6. BMW X6
7. Range Rover Evoque
7. Range Rover Evoque
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG
8. BMW 3 Series
9. BMW M3 / Mercedes S-Class
9. Range Rover Autobiography
10. Land Rover Defender / Mercedes-Benz E-Class / BMW 6 Series
10. Mercedes E Class
For Tracker product and pricing information please visit www.Tracker.co.uk
Auto Trader records 7.4m new car advert views in January; up 69% YoY
First week of February marks highest number of new car advert views in a single week
The VW Golf was the UK’s most popular new car in January, with circa 303,000 advert views
Despite the current restrictions across the UK, Auto Trader is currently tracking record levels of consumer engagement for new cars on its marketplace.
In January, there were 7.4 million advert views of brand-new cars on Auto Trader, which not only marks a 69% increase on pre-pandemic January 2020, but also the highest number of views recorded in a single month. It equates to almost 10,000 views of a new car every hour.
January also saw a sharp increase in the number of individual users viewing a new car on Auto Trader, growing 14% year-on-year (YoY) and 19% on December. This very strong level of consumer engagement resulted in a 98% YoY increase in the number of new car leads being sent to retailers last month.
Reassuringly, this strong performance has continued and even accelerated into February. Despite still being in a national lockdown, last week (1st – 7th February) marked the highest ever number of new car advert views (up 59% YoY) in a single week, as well as the highest number of new car leads sent to retailers (up 116% YoY).
With a typical research lead time of two-three months, the data offers a positive indicator of the levels of new car consumer demand in the market ahead of the 21-registration plate change in March. And whilst there remains uncertainty on whether forecourts will be able to reopen next month, it highlights the potential for new car sales via online retailing channels, such as click and collect and home delivery.
Auto Trader’s commercial director, Ian Plummer commented: “Although we hope dealerships will reopen soon, retailers need to plan for every eventuality and unfortunately, the possibility their doors will have to remain closed during some or all of the key month of March. From what we can see from our data, there is cause for optimism: there’s a growing level of new car demand, and the broader economic consumer confidence levels, which is typically the key driver of the new car market, remains relatively strong. In fact, our latest research shows that consumers are currently more confident in being able to afford their next car than they were pre-pandemic.
“There’s clearly an appetite from consumers to be able to do more of the car buying journey online, but for those not currently prepared to complete their journey online, although often comfortable to narrow down their final choice and even fully stacking a deal with help from their local retailer, we’re confident they’ll quickly convert to purchase once they’re able to physically see the car and drive it. The strong signs of pent-up demand we’re tracking on our marketplace should therefore help the new car market return to health as soon as retailers can reopen their showrooms.”
Most popular new cars in January Indicative of the levels of confidence in the market, the top 10 most popular brand-new cars in January, based on the number of advert views, were made up solely of premium brands, with the iconic Volkswagen Golf taking the number one spot, with twice as many views than the BMW 1 Series in second place. In contrast, the list of most popular new electric vehicles was dominated by volume marques, however, Audi’s high-performance electric SUV, the e-tron S, topped the list, and by some margin.
January most popular new car models by advert views:
Make
Model
Advert Views
Volkswagen
Golf
303,183
BMW
1 Series
130,574
Land Rover
Range Rover
123,580
BMW
3 Series
120,890
Mercedes-Benz
E Class
119,679
Land Rover
Range Rover Sport
118,524
Land Rover
Defender 110
116,507
BMW
4 Series
109,164
BMW
5 Series
102,914
Audi
A3
102,809
January’s most popular electric new car models by advert views:
Make
Model
Advert Views
Audi
E-Tron S
38,901
MG
MG5
28,360
Volkswagen
ID.3
28,083
Audi
E-Tron
26,544
Ford
Mustang MACH-E
25,477
Jaguar
I-PACE
23,555
MG
MG ZS
22,937
Kia
Niro
16,159
Mazda
MX-30
15,942
Nissan
Leaf
13,169
January’s most popular new car body types by advert views:
New Citroën C4 and ë-C4 officially launch in the UK today – Monday 15 February, 2021.
Commercial launch celebrated with a live broadcast at 7.00pm on 15 February across the brand’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Broadcast hosted by Ellie Rodgers, Citroën UK’s New C4 product presenter. Link to the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/4999610293444023
In line with other selected Citroën models, retail orders for New C4 and ë-C4 currently attract a five year warranty*, with ë-C4 buyers also receiving a free Pod Point 7kW home charger.*
Citroën UK’s ‘Virtual Showroom’ is now showcasing New C4, allowing customers to engage in live product walk-around presentations and Q&A’s, in the comfort of their own home.
New Citroën C4 and ë-C4 are available to configure and order online now via Citroën Store.
Monday 15 February is the date of the UK commercial launch of New Citroën C4 and ë-C4 – 100% ëlectric, which are set to shake up the compact hatchback segment.
New C4 and ë-C4 exceed C-Hatch customer expectations by offering a 100% electric, petrol or Diesel powertrains all within one body style, without having to compromise on practicality or design.
To celebrate the launch of New C4 and ë-C4, Citroën UK is hosting a live show on Monday 15 February at 7.00pm. Ellie Rodgers, Citroën UK’s expert New C4 and ë-C4 product presenter, will host the show, with simultaneous broadcast across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. The broadcast is designed to further raise awareness of this exciting new addition to the Citroën range by providing an in-depth look at the model line-up.
The commercial launch date also sees the UK premiere of a new TV advertising campaign, entitled ‘Oh Happy Day’. The premise of the campaign sees New C4 crossing past eras, showing Citroën’s previous hatchbacks, illustrating happy moments of mobility and freedom engraved in the collective imagination. Participants start singing ‘Oh Happy Day’ as New C4 – which is also available with a 100% electric powertrain – drives by, opening the way to the future. This new TV advertising campaign will feature across UK linear TV, VOD (video-on-demand) services and digital channels including YouTube.
New C4 and ë-C4 draw on Citroën’s rich and long experience in the compact car segment with nearly 12,500,000 compact models sold over 93 years – the very first generation C4 in 1928, Ami 6 and Ami 8, GS and GSA, BX, ZX, Xsara, C4 (2004 and 2010 generations) and C4 Cactus.
In addition to some of the brand’s iconic compact models, viewers of the TV commercial will also notice the appearance of several other iconic Citroën models in both the 30 and 60 second edits.
The commercial launch coincides with deliveries of vehicles to dealerships, with customers able to ‘Click and Collect’ their New C4 or ë-C4, where regulations allow** or arrange home delivery, where available. Retail customers ordering online, or from selected retailers, will benefit from a free five year transferable warranty, over and above all other launch offers, like the free Pod Point 7kW home charger for customers ordering New ë-C4.
During these unprecedented times, Citroën UK has rapidly increased its online presence to make the purchase experience of vehicles like New C4 and ë-C4 as seamless as possible. Citroën UK now offers customers the opportunity to complete their entire purchase, exclusively and simply, from the comfort of their own home – from browsing the website and using the car configurator, to personalising their finance options, valuing their part exchange, selecting their preferred retailer, and placing an order online. The entire process can be completed in 20-30 minutes through a dedicated web portal, with experts on hand via phone, email and live chat to help guide customers through the process.
To enable customers to have the most informed purchase experience remotely, Citroën UK has also launched a ‘Virtual Showroom’ service, offering a detailed live walk-around of key models, including New C4. With this service, buyers can book live product tours via the web portal, during which an expert Product Presenter will use the latest video technology to introduce the vehicle and answer any questions over a secure video link. The vehicles are displayed in a bespoke showroom viewing area fitted with high-definition cameras.
Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “Monday 15 February marks a significant day for Citroën in the UK, with our long established presence in the C-segment made apparent in our latest advertising campaign. The launch of New C4 and ë-C4 continue our strategy of offering the power of choice, whereby customers choose the model they desire and then decide on the powertrain best suited to their needs.
“We are going through unprecedented times currently, but the measures we have put in place both online and with our retailer network, make the purchase experience with New C4 and ë-C4 as seamless as is currently possible.”
* Retail customers only, purchasing online and at selected retailers. Offer excludes Motability, Fleet and Business sales channels.
**Click and Collect, and home delivery services available in England, Scotland and Wales (in line with current legislation). Home delivery services only available in Northern Ireland.
New global strategy – Reimagine – announced for the British company under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Bolloré
A sustainability-rich reimagination of modern luxury, unique customer experiences, and positive societal impact
Start of journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039
Reimagination of Jaguar as an all-electric luxury brand from 2025 to ‘realise its unique potential’
In the next five years, Land Rover will welcome six pure electric variants as it continues to be the world leader of luxury SUVs
All Jaguar and Land Rover nameplates to be available in pure electric form by end of the decade; first all-electric Land Rover model in 2024
Clean-hydrogen fuel-cell power being developed in preparation for future demand
Streamlined structure to deliver greater agility and promote an efficiency of focus
Global manufacturing and assembly footprint to be retained, rightsized, repurposed and reorganised
Collaborations and knowledge-sharing with industry leaders, in particular from within the wider Tata Group will allow the company to explore potential synergies on clean energy, connected services, data and software development leadership
On a path towards double-digit EBIT margin and positive cash flow, with an ambition to achieve positive cash net-of-debt by 2025 with a value creation approach delivering quality and profit-over-volume
A vision of modern luxury by design Jaguar Land Rover will reimagine the future of modern luxury by design through its two distinct, British brands.
Set against a canvas of true sustainability, Jaguar Land Rover will become a more agile creator of the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles and services for the most discerning of customers. A strategy that is designed to create a new benchmark in environmental, societal and community impact for a luxury business.
“Jaguar Land Rover is unique in the global automotive industry. Designers of peerless models, an unrivalled understanding of the future luxury needs of its customers, emotionally rich brand equity, a spirit of Britishness and unrivalled access to leading global players in technology and sustainability within the wider Tata Group.
“We are harnessing those ingredients today to reimagine the business, the two brands and the customer experience of tomorrow. The Reimagine strategy allows us to enhance and celebrate that uniqueness like never before. Together, we can design an even more sustainable and positive impact on the world around us,” said Mr Bolloré.
Two distinct modern luxury brands with sustainability at the centre
At the heart of its Reimagine plan will be the electrification of both Land Rover and Jaguar brands on separate architectures with two clear, unique personalities.
In a Land Rover, vehicle and driver are united by adventure. By breaking new ground, confronting new challenges and not being content with the expected, Land Rover truly helps people to go ‘Above and Beyond’. In the next five years, Land Rover will welcome six pure electric variants as it continues to be the world leader of luxury SUVs through its three families of Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. The first all-electric variant will arrive in 2024.
By the middle of the decade, Jaguar will have undergone a renaissance to emerge as a pure electric luxury brand with a dramatically beautiful new portfolio of emotionally engaging designs and pioneering next-generation technologies. Jaguar will exist to make life extraordinary by creating dramatically beautiful automotive experiences that leave its customers feeling unique and rewarded. Although the nameplate may be retained, the planned Jaguar XJ replacement will not form part of the line-up, as the brand looks to realise its unique potential.
Jaguar and Land Rover will offer pure electric power, nameplate by nameplate, by 2030. By this time, in addition to 100% of Jaguar sales, it is anticipated that around 60% of Land Rovers sold will be equipped with zero tailpipe powertrains.
Jaguar Land Rover’s aim is to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. As part of this ambition, the company is also preparing for the expected adoption of clean fuel-cell power in line with a maturing of the hydrogen economy. Development is already underway with prototypes arriving on UK roads within the next 12 months as part of the long-term investment programme.
Sustainability that delivers a new benchmark in environmental and societal impact for the luxury sector is fundamental to the success of Reimagine. A new centralised team will be empowered to build on and accelerate pioneering innovations in materiality, engineering, manufacturing, services and circular economy investments.
Annual commitments of circa £2.5bn will include investments in electrification technologies and the development of connected services to enhance the journey and experiences of customers, alongside data-centric technologies that will further improve their ownership ecosystem.
Proven services like the flexible PIVOTAL subscription model (which has grown 750% during the fiscal year), born out of Jaguar Land Rover’s incubator and investor arm, InMotion, will now be rolled out to other markets following a successful launch in the UK.
Quality and efficiency Reimagine will see Jaguar Land Rover establish new benchmark standards in quality and efficiency for the luxury sector by rightsizing, repurposing and reorganising.
Central to that journey, and in order to establish different personalities for the two brands, is the new architecture strategy.
Land Rover will use the forthcoming flex Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA). It will deliver electrified internal combustion engines (ICE) and full electric variants as the company evolves its product line-up in the future. In addition, Land Rover will also use pure electric biased Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) which will also support advanced electrified ICE.
Future Jaguar models will be built exclusively on a pure electric architecture.
Reimagine is designed to deliver simplification too. By consolidating the number of platforms and models being produced per plant, the company will be able to establish new benchmark standards in efficient scale and quality for the luxury sector. Such an approach will help rationalise sourcing and accelerate investments in local circular economy supply chains.
From a core manufacturing perspective that means Jaguar Land Rover will retain its plant and assembly facilities in the home UK market and around the world. As well as being the manufacturer of the MLA architecture, Solihull, West Midlands will also be the home to the future advanced Jaguar pure electric platform.
Key partners including Trade Unions, retailers and those in the supply chain will continue to play a vital part of the extended new Jaguar Land Rover ecosystem and its journey towards reimagining the future of modern luxury.
ReFocus to a more agile operation As evidenced with the latest financial results, Jaguar Land Rover has a strong foundation on which to build a sustainable and resilient business for its customers and their communities, partners, employees, shareholders and the environment.
Driving this transformation is the recently launched Refocus programme, by consolidating existing initiatives like Charge+ with new cross-functional activities.
Reimagine will see Jaguar Land Rover right-size, repurpose and reorganise into a more agile operation. The creation of a flatter structure is designed to empower employees to create and deliver at speed and with clear purpose.
To accelerate this efficiency of focus, the company will substantially reduce and rationalise its non-manufacturing infrastructure in the UK. Gaydon will become the symbol of this effort – the ‘reactor’ of the business – with the Executive Team and other management functions moving into the one location to aid frictionless cooperation and agile decision-making.
Leapfrog to leadership with Tata Group In order to realise its vision of modern luxury mobility with confidence, the company will curate closer collaboration and knowledge-sharing with Tata Group companies to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions as well as sharing best practice in next-generation technology, data and software development leadership. Jaguar Land Rover has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, in which Tata Sons is the largest shareholder, since 2008.
“We have so many ingredients from within. It is a unique opportunity,” said Mr Bolloré. “Others have to rely solely on external partnerships and compromise, but we have frictionless access that will allow us to lean forward with confidence and at speed.”
Bringing all these ingredients together, Jaguar Land Rover is on a path towards double-digit EBIT margins and positive cash flow, with an ambition to achieve positive cash net-of-debt by 2025.
Ultimately, Jaguar Land Rover aims to be one of the most profitable luxury manufacturers in the world.
Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc commented: “The Reimagine strategy takes Jaguar Land Rover on a significant path of acceleration in harmony with the vision and sustainability priorities of the wider Tata Group. Together, we will help Jaguar realise its potential, reinforce Land Rover’s timeless appeal and collectively become a symbol of a truly responsible business for its customers, society and the planet.”
Mr Bolloré concluded: “As a human-centred company, we can, and will, move much faster and with clear purpose of not just reimagining modern luxury but defining it for two distinct brands. Brands that present emotionally unique designs, pieces of art if you like, but all with connected technologies and responsible materials that collectively set new standards in ownership. We are reimagining a new modern luxury by design.”
Nicolas Jardin, the Renault 5 Prototype’s exterior designer, talks through how an icon can be reinterpreted
First in a series of stories focusing on the 5 Prototype, this edition delves into the concept’s striking lights
The design boasts a modern reimagination of one of Renault’s most successful and recognisable models
With LED matrix technology and distinctive signature, the Renault 5 Prototype reinterprets a cult car into the future
Watch Nicolas Jardin discuss his vision for the Renault 5 Prototype’s lights in the full video here
The Renault 5 Prototype, unveiled in January, makes a clear reference to the original Renault 5 – a cult car from the 1970s – with its iconic shape and striking details.
Part of this new design includes a modern interpretation of the original car’s recognisable winking headlights. In the first of this video series, Nicolas Jardin, the prototype’s exterior designer, speaks about how he reinterpreted the famous look of the original Renault 5 in a modern way.
A key part of the original Renault 5’s cult status was its playful character and design. As early as 1972 – the year it was launched – Renault personified its look in ‘Les aventures de Supercar’, the famous advertising cartoon, while also appearing on the roads during the ‘Take the wheel’ operation that was in place at the same time. The Renault 5’s most recognisable feature was the set of eyes in the headlights as it drove around ‘meeting’ the French people. It’s a familiar look that Nicolas Jardin aimed to reproduce on the Renault 5 Prototype, while making it more modern and bringing it into the present.
A cult look reimagined From the heart of the Technocentre, the site where Groupe Renault concept cars and models are developed, Nicolas Jardin reveals the genesis of the project: “The work on the prototype was not a free subject. It was a work of reinterpretation of the R5 and its projection into the future, to make it a modern object.”
In reimagining and redesigning the original car’s recognisable headlights with a modern, technological twist, “everything started from the lines, angles and radii of the elements of the front of the original R5. Then, during the sketches, the headlights completely changed in their proportions as well as their design.”
The rectangular daytime running lights, are positioned lower down the front of the vehicle and are reminiscent of the additional fog lights of the original Renault 5 which fit into the bumper in body colour. Nicolas Jardin said: “Their crystal and three-dimensional treatment and very precise cut evokes the qualities of sharp laser cutting, bringing in the worlds of aerodynamics and aeronautics.”
Advanced lighting technology Finally, modern processes have been utilised in the reinvention of the iconic R5. One of these being the distinctive light units, the dynamic lighting signature uses LED matrix technology to bring the headlights to life. This is demonstrated by the Renault 5 Prototype’s welcome sequence where the new logo illuminates and initiates an animation that extends into the front grille, moving outwards to the main lights that then come to life, as if the car is blinking. “Thanks to the matrix technology and animations in the welcome sequence, we were able to recreate the expressiveness and mischievousness of the original car’s look”, said Nicolas Jardin.
Nicolas Jardin concludes: “To be a worthy heir to the R5, the car had to become expressive and lively. We have succeeded with the prototype, a true object of modern design, embodying the Renault ‘joie de vivre’.”
After driving for the tyre brand since 2006, Dumbreck will switch to brand ambassador and adviser role within Falken Motorsport
One of the longest running driver/team partnerships will take a different direction in 2021 as Peter Dumbreck will switch from driving to a brand ambassador and adviser role at Falken Motorsports.
Dumbreck has been a key part of the driver line up for the tyre brand since 2006 with success in both the NLS and Nürburgring 24-Hour races, including securing the team’s first podium finish in the endurance classic. His blend of speed, consistency and smooth driving style was a critical factor in bringing home the Nissans, BMWs and Porsche over the years with giant-killing acts in the Nissan Fairlady Z33, firmly cementing Falken as a fan favourite.
Arguably one of the most experienced British drivers at the Green Hell, including his record-breaking lap in the NIO EP9, Dumbreck was often charged with the responsibility of the crucial dawn and final stints, making sure the teal and blue car was still running for the expectant global guests Falken brings each year.
For 2021, Dumbreck will focus on supporting the Falken team off track, drawing on his tyre development knowledge and experience from turning thousands of laps after 16 years’ of competing on the Nordschleife. Alongside this, Dumbreck will play a greater role in Falken’s off track marketing and promotional activities..
Although 2021 sees Dumbreck call time on driving with Falken, he is not stepping back from racing and will continue to compete professionally alongside his role as an advisor to FIA stewards and Le Mans commentator.
“It’s incredibly rare for a driver and team to enjoy such a long term relationship as I have enjoyed with Falken,” says Dumbreck. “I’d like to thank everyone at Falken in Europe and Japan for the all the hard work to date. I’m still a racing driver, so expect to see me out competing at some point this year.”
“Peter has played a critical role in promoting the Falken brand and is hugely respected by the team, his team mates and the management team at Falken,” says Stefanie Olbertz, responsible for motorsport at Falken. “Without his experience, commitment and team spirit, we would never have got to where we are today. We are delighted Peter remains part of the family and now fans and our guests will get to see more of why he is so special to Falken.”
