Most UK drivers could make the switch to an electric car with no impact on their motoring lifestyle, according to the results of a new survey carried out by Peugeot. Research found that British drivers will travel an average of 79 miles over the Christmas period (often one of the longest drives of the year) – a distance well within the capabilities of the majority of mainstream electric vehicles. Peugeot said that more than a third of respondents said they would be “comfortable doing all of their Christmas travels between 23 December and 2 January” in an electric vehicle, despite the fact that EVs currently make up just 1.4% of the UK car market. The results also show that two thirds of drivers will make at least one stop during their Christmas journeys, during which an EV’s battery could be considerably topped up by a motorway rapid charge point – with which most new electric vehicles are compatible. Aside from the feasibility of ownership, Peugeot said that swapping into an electric vehicle would save the average motorist from emitting nearly 1.6 tonnes of CO2 over Christmas. The manufacturer has just launched its e-208 electric supermini in the UK; it offers a claimed range of 217 miles and is available to order from
Origin: Report: Most British drivers could feasibly swap to an electric car
British
Inside Alvis: reviving a long-lost British car maker
‘Decarbonise the engine and report. Check power steering and front wheel alignment. Straighten up front bumper. To be completed by Thursday May 13th, please.’ So wrote Group Captain Douglas Bader, the celebrated RAF fighter ace, in a letter to the works service manager that he left on the seat of his Alvis ahead of its annual checkup. It’s contained in a bundle of correspondence relating to Bader’s many Alvis cars (each featured a Spitfire mascot), just one of thousands of copies of customer correspondence that Alvis has received since being founded in 1919 and still keeps and refers to, in addition to the vehicle records for each of the 22,000 cars it has produced and 17,000 technical drawings relating to every major component it has ever designed and manufactured. “My chief interest when acquiring the company was these documents,” says Alan Stote, the energetic 71-year-old boss of Alvis who bought the company from its retiring owner in 1994. “I’m very interested in 20th century industrial history.” Fortunately for Alvis, Stote is interested in not only the company’s past but also its future. To that end, the former Goodyear tyre apprentice, who went on to make a fortune in remould tyres before selling his company in 1988, has launched a series of six Alvis continuation models based on two different chassis – three pre-war cars, each powered by an Alvis 4.3 straight six, and three post-war cars with 3.0-litre Alvis engines under their bonnets. Prices start at £250,000. So far, four cars have been built (each takes two years) at the company’s Kenilworth base and orders for five more have been received from Alvis’s distributor in Japan. Depending on the variant, production of each continuation model is limited to five or 25 cars. Engines in the pre-war 4.3-litre models are newly manufactured copies of the original motor, based on Alvis’s detailed technical drawings, albeit with some modern updates including fuel injection, electronic ignition, battery management and an ECU. The blocks and heads are cast in West Bromwich and the cranks and rods in Hinckley by Arrow Precision. Remarkably, the 3.0-litre post-war continuation models are powered by engines that Alvis manufactured in the 1960s and have been sitting in stock ever since. They’re minutely checked prior to fitment. New ones can be made if necessary. Alvis was founded by engineer and businessman Thomas G John in Coventry in 1919. Six years later, it became the first car maker to design and race a front-wheel-drive car. Three years after that, its front-drive cars claimed first and second places at Le Mans. In 1933, it designed the first all-synchromesh gearbox and later that year produced the first British car with independent front suspension. The war caused Alvis to shift its focus to the production of military vehicles and aero engines for the RAF, but after hostilities ended, car production resumed. Eventually, in 1967, Alvis stopped building cars. The following year, it relocated to Kenilworth, from where it concentrated on making parts for Alvis cars under the Red Triangle brand and restoring and servicing vehicles for customers. Over 50 years later, under the ownership of Stote, the company is still restoring cars and making and distributing parts around the globe for the 4800 Alvis models that remain on the road. Around 200 pass through its workshop each year. On the day I visit, Stote greets me in the company’s large showroom, filled with Alvis models of all ages. Stote’s enthusiasm for Alvis is infectious. He soon has me cooing over a 4.3-litre Bertelli Sports Coupé. I’m more familiar with the later, more restrained Park Ward-bodied TF21 cars, and there are a few in the showroom, but the pre-war 4.3s are stunning. However, all but the earliest Alvis models on display share a graceful, perfectly proportioned, low-slung look. Unfortunately, none is available to drive, so I’ll have to imagine how they feel. From the showroom, we walk the few hundred yards or so to the main workshop, a large three-storey building where the company’s 22-strong team of parts experts and craftsmen and women toil. It’s a fascinating place, with old Alvis heirlooms, including those original engines and even the original parts bins from 1929, rubbing shoulders with state-of-the-art production and vehicle testing machinery. Old and new skills rub shoulders, too. For example, in one area, Daz, an expert in aluminium work, is shaping the body panel of a continuation model using an English wheel. Every so often, he places it against a full-sized wood buck of the car to determine the accuracy of the curvature he’s forming. Watching him is Alistair Pugh of A2P2 Specialists Reverse Engineering, a specialist supplier, who uses a laser to digitise the original Alvis bodies to the last millimetre in order to generate the data necessary to produce the buck Daz is referencing. Stote now leads the way to another building containing
Origin: Inside Alvis: reviving a long-lost British car maker
Silverstone start-up Lunaz to electrify British classic cars
Lunaz, a new classic car electrification company, has chosen Silverstone as its global headquarters as it prepares to bring its first models to market. The start-up, led by ex-Renault F1 technical director Jon Hilton, claims it will make “the most beautiful and celebrated cars in history ready for the future”, with a focus on fully electrifying mid-century British luxury and sports cars. Currently under development are electric versions of the 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, the 1956 Rolls-Royce Cloud and the 1953 Jaguar XK120. At the time of its launch, the latter was the fastest production car in the world. Each car will be sympathetically restored before electrification, with Lunaz offering a range of one-off paint schemes and interior packages designed by bespoke automotive styling specialists. The Phantom V, a large eight-seater, is equipped with a 120kWh battery pack, while the lighter Jaguar has an 80kWh unit. All models feature EV-specific functions, such as fast-charging capabilities and regenerative braking, with modern additions such as traction control and cruise control enhancing their usability. The XK120, powered by a twin-motor setup producing 375bhp and 516lb ft, is said to be undergoing its final stages of testing before it’s launched as Lunaz’s first model. Lunaz has confirmed that the entire powertrain is built and assembled in-house but refused to give any more details. The process of electrifying each vehicle begins with a comprehensive analysis of its shape, weight and intended driving dynamics. The original powertrain and its associated hardware are then removed before the car is 3D-scanned so that Lunaz engineers can use scale models for reference. The vehicle is then subject to a thorough restoration process that involves taking the paint back to bare metal and rectifying any imperfections by hand. Upon completion, the interior is modernised with the addition of sat-nav, wi-fi and a contemporary infotainment system. Existing vehicle hardware, including the fuel filler cap, dials and vents, is retained and reconfigured to suit the electric powertrain, but braking, suspension and steering components are uprated to cope with the added power. Company founder David Lorenz said: “I wanted a car like a 1953 Jaguar to be my daily driver. Lunaz takes a history we all love and gives it a bright future. We are innovating to create cars that are usable, dynamic and stand as the ultimate drivers’ classics.” Prices for a Lunaz-converted electrified classic start from £350,000, with order books opening in November. Build slots can be secured only through direct connection with the
Origin: Silverstone start-up Lunaz to electrify British classic cars
2019 British Columbia Historic Motor Races
An eclectic mix of vintage race cars led by Karlo Flores in his Bugeye Sprite (#59) during last years B.C. Historic Motor Race weekend in Mission.Brent Martin VANCOUVER This weekend marks the annual jump in the way back machine for local motorsport fans as the Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia hosts the 32nd running of the British Columbia Historic Motor Races.Western Canadas biggest vintage motorsport event hits the Mission Raceway Park Road Course tomorrow and Sunday, and will feature 100 or so vintage and historic racing cars being driven hard to the delight of several thousand spectators. For 2019, the BCHMR plans to again feature the Hagerty Formula Festival for the very quick open-wheel racing cars, the very popular combined races for the vintage sedans and sports cars that many fans remember from their younger days, as well as a third edition of the one-hour Enduro.Also returning for is the very popular Ride in a Real Racing Car, where for a nominal contribution to a local charity, the Mission Hospice Society, fans can go for a ride on the track with a racing driver in one of the days cars during the lunch break of each of the two race days.In addition, there will be a 120-car display, dubbed the Field of Dreams, in a special spectator area, along with sponsors booths offering everything fromAutomobile and artwork, to automotive product displays. The food concessions, informative trackside commentary and excellent grandstand viewing, all make this an entertaining weekend for families as well as long time motorsports enthusiasts.For more details visit vrcbc.ca or
Origin: 2019 British Columbia Historic Motor Races
Autocar at the British GP: access all areas (or not)
It’s been a long break. I’ve had to look it up and the last time I was at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix was in 2006, when I spent the weekend following the late, great, Formula 1 correspondent Alan Henry. What an experience. Alan knew everyone and everyone knew and loved Alan. Clinging onto his shirt tails got me into motorhomes and press conferences and enabled me to eavesdrop on one-to-ones with F1 royalty. I was introduced to Keke Rosberg by Alan. An Autocar colleague greatly missed. Thirteen years later, I’m back at Silverstone. No media accreditation this time, no golden card in the form of an F1 legend to hold my hand. Just a general admission ticket for Saturday qualifying. And a list of a dozen challenges supplied by the editor and a few other Autocar mates. I have, for example, got to get a driver’s autograph. That could be tricky. Some challenges are a lot easier, such as watching from the outside of Maggotts and Becketts as the F1 cars hammer through. Walking a bit of the old GP circuit should also not be too challenging. The circuit has changed dramatically since I was last here and I don’t recognise a lot of it. I’ve flown over it many times but you can’t see the subtleties of the layout from 2000ft. With me today is our photographer Olgun Kordal. He drove down from Birmingham this morning and I came up from London. Since I had the tickets, we met first for a coffee at Cherwell Valley services. Silverstone’s traffic scares me to death (I was caught in the famous car park mud bath of 2000) so I’ve come up on my Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. We’ve had to buy a car park pass for Kordal, which cost £30. Motorbikes park for free, which is another reason for coming on two wheels. The general admission tickets themselves are £95 each, so if you tot that lot up, you get a total of £220. Oh, and another £7.50 for posting the tickets to the office. Talking of the filthy lucre, editor Tisshaw, as one of the challenges, has said that our expenses claim should not exceed £50. I have a feeling he means for both of us. Our rendezvous at the services was set for 7.15am not just to avoid the traffic going into Silverstone but also because I want to see the Masters historic race for old F1 cars, which starts at 8.20am. It’s also one of our challenges (to see a support race) so this will be one in the bag early on. The traffic avoidance ploy worked a treat. Kordal was already parked up and in the circuit by the time I’d filled up the bike with fuel and parked up right next to the main entrance. A quick security search and I’m with him next to Gate 16. If you come on Friday, your general ticket gives you access to the grandstands but today we’d need to pay extra. No problem. There are lots of raised grass banks that give a good view of the circuit. Rather, a good view of the tall wire fence. I’ve no interest in photography, but for many people, part of the appeal of a live motor race is being able to take dramatic photos. Good luck with that at Silverstone in 2019. The car is quite a distance away and has a filter of mesh in front of it but the Lotus 49 still looks incredible. At its wheel is its owner, Adrian Newey. The Gold Leaf-liveried 49B is the oldest car in the race and is up against newer Marchs and Williams chassis but Newey is doing a cracking job. I haven’t heard a current F1 car live yet. I wonder how it will compare to the DFV in Newey’s Lotus. I shall enjoy having a closer look at the 49 later and with luck will be able to find its owner for a quick chat. First, though, let’s find the old circuit and have a stroll. That was simple: we’ve come across it on our way to the Fanzone. The bit we’re on is where the old track came under the bridge and then went towards the Priory and Brooklands bends. If you’ve got hair as grey as mine, you’ll remember the track when it led from here direct to Woodcote with no chicanes before it turned right for the pit straight and on to Copse. The kerbs are still in place and extremely brutal. You could easily break a suspension wishbone on them. I know from experience they’ll snap a collarbone and ribs. I did both during a bike race here about 15 years ago. We were going on a Nile cruise the next day and I didn’t dare tell my wife (who was in the pits). She only found out when I had to explain to her a few days later why I was crying carrying our suitcases. From here, we enter the Fanzone. What is that I see? A Mercedes F1 car on a stand. It’s bound to be a show car but Tisshaw didn’t say it had to be a real one. I touch it for Kordal’s camera and the rear wing wobbles worryingly. But over the other side of the ’Zone, there’s a stand for the Jim Clark Trust and on it is a pukka Lotus 25. Tisshaw can’t argue: it’s a real F1 car. Another ticked off. The results are coming thick and fast. A long row of driving games that are part of the E-Sports display give me the chance to drive a lap of the circuit
Origin: Autocar at the British GP: access all areas (or not)
A British farewell to the C7-gen Chevrolet Corvette
This is going to be a most pleasant day. I have been tasked with the challenge of driving from the Brooklands motor museum in Weybridge to Brighton without using a motorway and preferably not using a dual carriageway. “Is it still possible,” asked the editor, “to enjoy driving on Britain’s congested roads?” It most certainly is. A couple of weeks ago, I joined some friends on a navigational rally around the Surrey hills followed by a pleasant lunch. It helped that I was driving an Alpine A110, but it would have been a wonderful day out in a Morris Minor. It’s going to help a great deal that today we are driving a brand new Corvette Grand Sport. The car has been loaned by Ian Allan Motors of Virginia Water who, as you have probably seen from their advertisements in the print version of Autocar, are the sole UK supplier of Corvettes and Camaros. More to the point, the Corvette has now been replaced by a new mid-engined C8 model and only a handful of EU type-approved cars are left. Allan has taken the immensely bold step of buying up 60 Corvettes and Camaros so that UK enthusiasts won’t go short. Including, on a temporary basis at least, this one. So let’s get cracking. Lovely weather but a few showers forecasted. Kevin Hurl at Ian Allan Motors had a red Grand Sport coupé lined up for us but someone bought it last week so he’s registered another Grand Sport from his secret stash. It’s red, it’s automatic and it’s a convertible. And he doesn’t want it back for several days. Goodwin is in his element. Not only did I grow up in Surrey but I was a motorbike courier based in Guildford for a year, so the Brooklands to Brighton route is right in my manor. I’m certainly not going to mess about with the car’s sat-nav and I probably won’t bother with the paper map that I’ve brought along. Our managing editor, Damien Smith, told me about a trip he’d done from Surrey to Williams’ headquarters near Wantage that inspired this feature. “I only,” he boasted proudly, “used a very short bit of dual carriageway.” I shall do better than that. I’m determined to not use an inch. By the time we’ve collected the Corvette and got to Brooklands, we are in the middle of what I call ‘the 10 o’clock sweet spot’. Van drivers are still loading up and mummies have dropped the kids off at school and have now put the X5 away and decamped to the coffee shop. And if you think I’m being sexist, come to Weybridge. The Corvette Grand Sport is wide, but the standard Stingray is actually two inches narrower than a Jaguar F-Type. Unlike the C6 model that we ran for one long-term test many years ago, it has straight edges on the top of its front wings so that it’s not too difficult to place on the road. Just as well because my route has taken us directly to some very narrow roads. We’ve crossed the A3 at Cobham and have run virtually parallel to it through the village of Ockham and then past the old Tyrrell Formula 1 factory. It’s now the home of an Italian cake decorations company. The buildings are as they were and even the old woodshed where Ken started it all is kept in perfect condition. Hard to imagine that a world championship-winning team was run from this small yard. Past another local motoring landmark, Bell Colvill, the Lotus dealers in East Horsley. Bobby Bell and Martin Colvill often used to have one of their classics in the showroom – a GT40 or BRM P160, perhaps – so this is another one of my regular haunts. I also went for a job in their service department in the 1980s but fortunately didn’t get it. We’re now on the route of the Olympic cycling road race and it’s surprising that we’re not surrounded by retired men in Lycra. You get a view right across to London from the high ground up here, including the Shard. The entry-level Corvette is the Stingray, and like this Grand Sport it’s powered by a naturally aspirated version of the classic Chevrolet small-block pushrod V8 that produces 466bhp. The most powerful ’Vette is the Z06, which uses a 659bhp supercharged version of the same engine. More money, more weight and a few tenths knocked off the 0-60mph time, with a top speed of 193mph against our car’s 180mph. All meaningless figures. What matters is the emotional appeal of cars like this and the sense of occasion. We’re now in the chocolate-box village of Shere, busy as usual with ramblers. A pub called The William Bray has the builders in and here we have another connection with Tyrrell: the landlord used to be ex-Tyrrell driver Julian Bailey. I once saw a band play here that had Eddie Jordan on the drums. We’re on single-track lanes here, cut into the Surrey hills with steep banks and passing places. In a big car like the Corvette, you simply have to think ahead and be relaxed, happy to give way. I had a massive moment on these roads in a Beetle when I was a teenager. The brakes went and I had to use the handbrake and bounce the car off the earth embankments to try to slow it down. Past
Origin: A British farewell to the C7-gen Chevrolet Corvette
Daniel Ricciardo: one-on-one with F1 star ahead of British GP
Ahead of next weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a number of drivers on the grid found themselves together in rather more relaxed circumstances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s one of the few opportunities for today’s Formula 1 giants to drive the older crop of racing models, in the public eye, on a circuit alongside each other. This year, Daniel Ricciardo, fresh into his contract at Renault, had a chance to drive everything (in anger) from the firm’s hardcore new Mégane Trophy-R to the race-winning 2012 Renault-powered E20 F1 car. In between his time at the wheel and being physically mobbed by fans of all ages, Autocar grabbed five minutes with Ricciardo to talk shop. How are you feeling about tackling the hillclimb, in the rain, in a car you’re not that familiar with (the 2012 F1 car)? “It’s actually easier now! I’d probably be more nervous if it was dry as I was going to put pressure on myself – I was tempted to scare myself a bit and go all out, so it’s probably safer this way.” It’s been a less-than-perfect season so far for Renault. Are you now thinking ahead to 2020, or do you have an idea of how to improve things now? “I have not thought one bit about 2020. The season for me still feels like it’s starting – I know we’ve done a lot of races now, but there’s still so much more for me and the team to deliver. To already think next year seems premature. “We’ve definitely got an idea of what we need to be improving; unfortunately, when we tried to address those things with the upgrade in France, it didn’t seem to tackle all of them. We know what we’ve gotta do. Myself and Nico (Hülkenberg) are giving the same feedback on where we feel the car can be stronger and where the weaknesses lie. I think we’ve pinpointed it but executing it is taking a bit of time.” Are you looking forward to Silverstone this weekend? “I really like Silverstone – hopefully it’s not this weather. I don’t think I’ve actually turned a lap in the Renault F1 car in the rain yet. But Silverstone’s cool, I love the atmosphere. It’s a high-speed circuit so you really feel the downforce – that and Suzuki, those are the two tracks where you feel the aero most. And it’s like a festival atmosphere: rain, hail or shine, everyone seems to show up.” This year is your eighth in F1. Are you still in love with the sport despite everything? “Absolutely. Like everything you have your days – especially in the last year (at Red Bull) some days I did hate it – but I do love it I’m still very motivated and optimistic. That hasn’t wavered.” Has there been any thoughts at all about what’s next for you? “I’m just thinking about the now. A few years ago, I thought it would be cool to try some other races, but now I think the more involved I get in F1, the more I want out of it. I’m still yet to achieve ultimately what I want, which is a world title, so I’m going to put all my effort into that and I don’t really want to be sidetracked by anything else. I’m all in on it, and hopefully it works out.” Are you getting involved in the decision-making around the 2021 rule changes? “Us drivers are definitely trying to have an input and I think we are now – the most that we’ve been together in a long time. I think it’s grown the last few years. It used to be quite separated; in the last three years, thanks to the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) and all that, it’s got a lot better. “I don’t think it’s gonna turn on its head, but I think we can definitely make some improvements. We all want the same thing, we want to be able to race harder and closer, and hopefully we can find a way.” So you’re happy with the direction Liberty Media is taking? “They’re certainly open-minded – I think that helps. They’re happy to listen to us more than anything. They’re trying to understand the direction as well – it’s all new for them.” What about away from the track. Do you get any time to appreciate motoring and are you still a car nut? “I’m pretty up and down with it. Some weekends off, I love to be far, far removed from racing – I don’t want to see a car. But then other times – I went for a drive last week and it was great. Sometimes I really just want to detach myself from it. “I’ve got a couple of cars but I don’t have a massive collection. I do appreciate cars, and I’m starting to appreciate older cars – I just turned 30 so maybe that’s why.” Have you ever been asked to get involved in your own special edition of a production car? I’m thinking like Vettel and his Infiniti FX… “I guess if the right opportunity came up would be cool. I haven’t really thought about it or had it discussed with me, but if something was put in front of me that I really like, I would definitely be open to
Origin: Daniel Ricciardo: one-on-one with F1 star ahead of British GP
Silverstone boss uncertain circuit will host 2020 British GP
The future of the British Grand Prix remains in serious doubt despite talks continuing to sign a new deal to keep Formula 1 at Silverstone beyond this year’s race on 14 July. Last year, the circuit chose to trigger a break clause in its 17-year contract signed back in 2009, citing the financial terms of running the race as “unsustainable”. It means the 2019 grand prix will be its last unless a new agreement can be negotiated. Despite widespread speculation that a new agreement is close, Silverstone’s managing director Stuart Pringle said there are no guarantees because the wrong deal would mean “paralysis” for the business. “I’m surprised and disappointed this isn’t sorted already,” he told Autocar. “I don’t want 130,000 people to turn up for the 2019 British GP and not know whether there will be another one.” The circuit has just been resurfaced for a second consecutive year following its disastrous MotoGP round last September, when heavy rain forced the race to be cancelled because of drainage problems that made the track un-rideable. But despite that blow, a new deal to keep motorcycle racing’s premier series at Silverstone until 2021 has been agreed as part of a range of projects designed to make the track less reliant on income from F1. “We can survive without F1, we absolutely could,” said Pringle. “To use a well-worn phrase, genuinely no deal is better than a bad deal because we know the consequences of a bad deal. It is paralysis to our business.” Cautious optimism remains for new deal But Pringle added that he remains hopeful a new deal can be reached, despite F1 openly admitting that it also wishes to pursue a London Grand Prix in parallel to a race at Silverstone. “I have always believed that we will retain it and even though we are in this extraordinary position I still believe the fundamental values that Silverstone adds to F1 will count,” said Pringle. The sticking point remains the multi-million-pound fee Silverstone must pay to host the grand prix, which increases each year because of an escalator clause, even though Pringle admits the amount – currently believed to be in the region of £20 million – is less than other circuits around the world must pay. “I fully accept that we don’t pay as much as ‘Timbuctoo’ or the latest place F1 has signed up,” he said in reference to the pursuit of new additions to the calendar, such as Vietnam which is confirmed for 2020. “But Timbuctoo doesn’t have a fanbase that year on year, come rain or shine, come British champion or not, turn up and pay their money.” Fanbase is Britain’s strength “Silverstone is in effect a tax collector for F1,” he added. “The fans pay their ticket, they money washes through our company and we hand it across to F1. If everything adds up, we break even or make a small black number. If it doesn’t it’s a red number, we cover the difference and call it ‘brand value’ or something.” He also rejected the old argument that the UK government should come to the financial aid of the circuit. “Suggestions that government support should be there in Britain is nonsense because we’ve seen it with Turkey, India, Malaysia and they are no longer on the calendar,” he said. “There’s a reason why we’ve had a grand prix every year in this country since 1950 and that is the fee is paid by the enormous fanbase – and that is a strength, not a weakness. “Silverstone is owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, and there are 800 racing drivers and those who made their success possible, and they passionately want to keep their sport at the circuit. So my brief is to retain it, but don’t break the company while doing so. “I will be very disappointed if we are not able to announce something before or at this year’s event, but if we can’t it is because there is a monumental difference between us.” F1 still worth it Pringle said he still believes investment in F1 is worth it, despite the hurdles that must be negotiated to complete a deal. “I still believe in the inherent value of F1,” he said. “The red team (Ferrari) isn’t going anywhere and as long as they stay that’s fine. Lewis Hamilton will sign another two or three-year contract after this one comes to an end, and we’ve got Lando Norris, George Russell and half of (London-born Thai) Alex Albon coming up, all of whom the British fans can get behind. “What we want to do with the venue, our mission statement, is to become a nationally recognised family focused leisure destination with motorsport at its heart. We have to be broader, but we need our motorsport profile and F1 is probably the best marketing money we could spend.” Silverstone Hotel and Experience coming soon Other revenue streams look set to “transform” the Silverstone business in the next year. A hotel is currently under construction on the start/finish straight opposite the Wing pit complex, while a heritage centre based in the giant ex-aircraft hanger next to the main entrance should open before the end of
Origin: Silverstone boss uncertain circuit will host 2020 British GP
The woman leading Ford’s EV revolution: 2019’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars winner
Not many Ford employees can claim to have in their possession one of its earliest cars. But Emma King, winner of this year’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars initiative, is the proud owner of not only a 1904 Model A but a 1916 Model T tourer. King’s day-to-day job couldn’t be further away from the historic vehicles she’s so fond of. As senior purchasing manager for EV battery cells, King is at the forefront of Ford’s dramatic modernisation plan, which includes an $11 billion investment in electric vehicles by 2022. We’ll first see a Mustang-inspired electric SUV next year. Ford, which has broadly been considered behind the curve with electrification, must now catch up and prove it’s ready for the future after announcing a dramatic restructure, including £14bn of cost savings, earlier this year. King’s role, then, is to ensure Ford has a quality and ample supply of battery cells at the best value possible. King has risen quickly through the ranks of Ford’s purchasing division since joining the firm’s graduate scheme in 2007 as a commercial vehicle buyer at Dunton, Essex. Before her current role, she headed up purchasing for powertrains in Asia-Pacific, based in the Indian city of Chennai. She describes the three-year experience as thoroughly enjoyable and says she got a lot out of it by being open to a very different cultural setting. While there, she was involved with a professional women’s network, looking at developing leadership capabilities and addressing challenges. In a country notorious for gender inequality, she notes: “You have to be sensitive to how the country operates and different expectations of family roles. But women have every right to be there, leading the way.” Last year, King relocated from Chennai to Ford HQ in Dearborn, US. The biggest change? “Chennai is hot and humid all year round, and then I experienced my first Michigan winter. I thought UK winters were cold – they are not.” The other shock was Ford’s early morning meetings: “It’s part of my routine now, but the 6.30am or 7.30am meetings were a surprise! In Chennai, I was used to working way into the evenings. You find very different working practices from region to region.” Not that King is often in Dearborn. Leading a global team of nearly 20 buyers based predominantly in the US and China, she is often on the road in Asia, the US and Europe. “It’s important to get to know your suppliers, and you can achieve a lot in face-to-face meetings,” says King. “It means you are able to assess manufacturing plants and quality but also build personal relationships.” Ford’s purchasing strategy, King says, is a diverse supply base: “Our perspective is that building and maintaining a diverse range of suppliers helps us to lower costs, improve quality and make progress towards our sustainability goals.” She adds that a range of suppliers allows Ford to take into account regional footprints as well as gain access to the latest technologies. Ford’s tactic is to pair purchasing bodies with counterparts in product development to ensure everyone understands what is required. “It means the technology and cost discussion happens together,” explains King. “It is a fact-based negotiation based on a deep understanding of what we’re buying. It isn’t either for best price or best technology, it needs to be both – though, of course, there will be a trade-off.” How do you outdo your rivals in purchasing? “If we’ve done it right, when we launch the products our customers will be as excited as we are from both a technology and price point.” The procurement of EV battery cells is a contentious subject, with plenty of industry debate surrounding the ethics of sourcing raw materials – something of which King is all too aware. She says: “When it comes to battery technology, there are some unique challenges. When we look at sourcing batteries, the chain is really complex. It is heavily dominated by raw materials and you have to be careful about extraction methods and human working conditions. “My team looks at the mining of base metals, which helps us to identify cost opportunities and gives us transparency of where material flow is coming from. We need to be able to satisfy ourselves that the material we source is sustainable.” King’s motivation comes from being at the forefront of a fast-paced industry. “I love working in the automotive industry,” she says. “Being right at the front of major technological changes is fantastic. Things don’t stand still in this industry for very long.” King says that consumer uptake of electrified vehicles should mean “a no-compromise solution for what they’re buying”. “Our EVs are going to be inspired by our most iconic products such as Mustang,” she adds. “We’re amplifying the best attributes that we know our customers love – performance, capability, convenience – and building an ecosystem of services that ease the transition into EVs. “My view is that
Origin: The woman leading Ford’s EV revolution: 2019’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars winner
British invasion goes off as planned
Splendour in the grass at All-British Field Meet last weekend in Vancouver..Cam Hutchins We’re starting to enter the heart of carnut season in B.C. , and this weekend is chock full of cool events, most prominently the 50th annual Coastal Swap Meet. A great memory of that event dates back to the Nineties when it was in Cloverdale and I took my now-27-year old son to his first car show. I also volunteer to create the posters for the Swap Meet from photos I’ve taken at past events. As a photographer I love it as there is so much cool stuff to see through a camera lens, and it’s a great way to catch up with all sorts of folks in the auto hobby. Despite the weekend’s busy schedule, I will not be doing any events Sunday as our youngest son flies home for a visit from the wilds of Saskatchewan. Meaning one less carnut getting in your way to snap photos of all the cool cars at the Whips show or the two high school fundraisers at either Maple Ridge Secondary or Elgin Park Secondary. I will also miss the big Mustang show in North Van, but I will be there next year. Last weekend we needed to do some landscaping on Sunday and I was so excited I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. Since I was up, I headed to the All-British Field Meet and when I arrived, way before show co-founder Patrick Stewart told people to show up, there were already six cars lined up waiting to enter. As always lots of very interesting cars, and car owners, showed up, and one that really caught my interest was the ‘Smartie’ Purple 1961 Morris Minor Million. Turns out the car was part of the specially prepared Morris Minor model to celebrate the one-millionth production mark of the Minor 100. Just 350 were produced, with each UK dealership getting one in 1961. They were painted the colour of the first Minors, trimmed with white leather interiors and have and extra three zeros tacked on the end of the name badges. I was lucky to have exceptional light to photograph all the cars entering the show and was astonished at the number of Minis present. The Bentleys really caught my attention as they seem so huge and stately. Lots of cool little details to photograph. Close to where I was set up, I got to stare at the two beautiful Black Austin Healey 100-4s that were parked in front of some pink flower bushes. The cars really made the flowers look great! I have been shooting this event for years and it was the promoter Patrick Stewart who got me my first press pass for Laguna Seca to shoot for his Western Driver magazine. He and his wife Joan put on an exceptional event and they even present awards for youngsters at the show, ensuring that someone will keep bringing kids to a car show. Do the same this weekend! SHOWS MAY 24-25 What: 50th annual Coastal Swap Meet Where: Tradex Centre, 1190 Cornell St., Abbotsford When: Friday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $8 per day, Children under 16 free. Parking $7 per day with in/out privileges Info: 604-540-6141 or info@coastalswapmeet.com Website: coastalswapmeet.com MAY 25 What: Elgin Park Car Show Where: Elgin Park Secondary, 13484 24th Ave., Surrey When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $2 Registration: 7:30a.m.-10a.m. $15 and open to all vehicles. Proceeds benefit school’s Automotive Club and Tech Ed Department Info: macdonald_t1@surreyschools.ca Website: elgincarshow.com What: Wings ‘n’ Wheels Airplane Car Motorcycle Show Where: Abbotsford Flying Club When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: Drop-in and all vehicles welcome Info: 778-808-5887, 604-538-3814 or info@AbbotsfordFlyingClub.ca Website: abbotsfordflyingclub.ca MAY 26 What: GVMA’s 35th Annual Spring Show Where: Harbourside Place, North Vancouver When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. $20 and open to all Mustangs and Ford-powered vehicles. Info: 604-858-6763 or gvma@telus.net Website: gvma.org Facebook: Greater Vancouver Mustang Association What: The Whip Restaurant and Gallery Vintage Bike Car Show Where: The Whip Gallery Restaurant, 209 East 6th Ave., Vancouver When: 11 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. Minimum donation $10 for cars $5 for motorcycles. Proceeds go to B.C. Cancer Society Info: 604-8740-4687 or info@thewhiprestaurant.com Website: thewhiprestaurant.com What: 8th Annual Maple Ridge Secondary School Show Shine Where: Maple Ridge Secondary, 21911 122nd Ave., Maple Ridge When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. $15. All proceeds to MRSS Dry Grad Evening Info: 604-463-4175 or trevor_randle@sd42.ca What: VI Cruises Rendezvous #9 Spamfest Where: First Nations Campgrounds, Old Island Highway, Qualicum Bay When: 10:30 a.m. to … Admission: Free Registration: No cost, no prizes, no trophies, just good times Info: 250-338-6134, flleigh@telus.net, 250-248-7384 or vicruises@gmx.com What: Mopar Car Show Where: Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Rd., Coombs When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free Registration: 9 a.m. $10 and
Origin: British invasion goes off as planned
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