VolvoCars

Volvo Cars receives two prestigious towing awards in one day

• Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 wins overall in the Tow Car Awards 2023

• Volvo V90 Cross Country named Best Car for Towing in the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards

Volvo has achieved a remarkable double win with the V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 being named the overall winner in the 2023 Tow Car Awards, and the V90 Cross Country winning the Best Car for Towing category in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. Both honors were announced today, showcasing Volvo’s commitment to delivering cars with exceptional towing capabilities, even within its new range of electrified models.

The Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 is the first plug-in hybrid model to be crowned the overall winner in the Tow Car Awards. It also won the category for cars in the ‘1900kg+: Up to £60,000’ class.

The judging panel consisted of experts from What Car?, Practical Caravan, and the Camping and Caravanning Club, who rigorously tested the contenders on the track. Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, commented: “With more power and a larger battery than before, the Volvo V60 Recharge offers an excellent all-electric range and tremendous performance while towing.” He also praised the car’s stability, spaciousness, and ease of towing, concluding that “it’s hard to find fault with the Volvo as a tow car.”

The mid-sized Volvo estate has a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Its power and torque, derived from the petrol-electric all-wheel-drive powertrain, are key to its strong and responsive towing performance. The 253hp 2.0-liter engine generates a maximum torque of 350Nm, working in conjunction with a 145hp electric motor with 309Nm. Its performance is supported by an 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for an electric-only range of up to 55 miles when not towing.

The V90 Cross Country’s success follows the achievement of the Volvo XC40 compact SUV in the same Auto Trader awards category last year. This year, the V90 emerged as the winner based on survey responses from over 220,000 UK car owners who rated their vehicles across various consumer-focused lifestyle categories. The Cross Country version of the stylish estate car is specifically designed for outdoor exploration, featuring all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, and the ability to tow braked trailers up to 2,400kg. Additionally, it offers up to 1,517 liters of interior space.

Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “The gorgeous Volvo V90 Cross Country is an enticing package, offering a premium, spacious interior, great tech, a sublime drive, and that all-important towing capability. Owners particularly commented on its distinctive Swedish styling, which sets it apart from other mainstream manufacturers.”

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, stated: “Creating cars that are perfectly suited to towing is part of our heritage, and it is a legacy that we are proud to continue into the new era of electrified mobility. As these awards demonstrate, success is not only about raw power but also about creating a complete package that encompasses our signature qualities of stylish design, exceptional safety, practicality, and comprehensive connectivity and convenience features.”

For more information on the Volvo V60 and V90, and to use the online configurator, please visit www.volvcars.co.uk

Note to editors

• Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real‐world range may vary.

ToyotaUk

Celebrating Father’s Day: Working with Dad — Toyota Employee Stories

When it comes to being close, these fathers and their adult children tell how their Toyota work bond has brought them lasting memories.

Providing, Just Like Dad

  • Father: Darrell Brock, Body Weld Seibi manager, Production Engineering and Manufacturing (PEMC); 34 years at Toyota
  • Son: Craig Brock, senior engineer, Internal Logistics Engineering, PEMC; 7 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Craig Brock: I’m thankful for having peace of mind in providing a future for my daughter the same way my father provided for me.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

When I was able to show my father my Toyota badge.

Supporting One Another

  • Father: Walter Burroughs, senior engineering manager assembly, PE VMC, Toyota Mississippi; 28 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Kristen Burroughs, Corporate Communications analyst, Toyota Mississippi; one year at Toyota
  • Son: Brad Burroughs, strategic planning senior analyst, Toyota Logistics Services (TLS); 12 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Kristen Burroughs: Being able to discuss and relate to one another’s work life. For my dad, he loves knowing that his kids have valued his time and dedication to Toyota and saw what a great company it is to pursue our careers as well. All three of us also serve/served in the U.S. military.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

Having my dad by my side while I spoke to employees on Veterans Day about my experiences. He also showed up for me during my first planned event at Toyota Mississippi, which was a holiday toy drive/grant presentation for the Salvation Army.

Following in His Footsteps

  • Father: Monty Hagstrom, group manager, chief production engineer, PEMC; 28 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Morgan Kennard, project manager, Safety, PEMC; 7 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your daughter?

Monty Hagstrom: Besides getting to see each other while in the office, we have a common goal to contribute to the success of the company while sharing common core values in how we approach our daily tasks.

What’s your greatest work memory with your daughter?

The day she was hired full time. I knew she would be working for a great company that would support her development and value her contribution. Following in my footsteps was a great feeling as well!

Like Father, Like Son

  • Father: Phil Nunn, safety analyst, Toyota Logistics Services (TLS) Princeton; 28 years at Toyota
  • Son: Phillip Andrew Nunn, production association track team member, TLS Princeton; Less than one year at Toyota 

What’s the best thing about working with your son?

Phil Nunn: Andrew gets to experience the type of work I did for 11 years as a production employee at TLS.

What’s your greatest work memory with your son?

When Andrew first applied his “Critical Eye for Safety” at work.

Growing a Bond

  • Father: Donnie Johnson, production group leader, Plant Chassis 2, Toyota Kentucky; 28 years at Toyota
  • Son: Triston Taylor Johnson, skilled team leader, Stamping, Toyota Kentucky; 3 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your son?

Donnie Johnson: We’ve always bonded with sports, now we have things that are happening at work to talk about, too. I also get to see him more now than I did when he was a teenager.

What’s your greatest work memory with your son?

When Taylor was promoted to team leader.

Family, Friends and Colleagues

  • Father: Lance Brittle, manager, Dealer Facilities Operations, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA); 35 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Maggie Brittle, manager, Marketing Communications and Operations, Toyota Credit Corporation; 12 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Maggie Brittle: The best thing? Guilting him into buying me lunch! In all seriousness, working at the same company as my dad has been a blessing. Growing up, I admired him for his dedication to Toyota and passion for his work. He started at Toyota because he had a dream of doing more for his family. He took a huge risk by leaving a steady job as a mechanic and leaving his hometown to relocate to California, and I will forever be grateful for his courage to face the unknown. Working at Toyota with my dad has provided me with the incredible experience of knowing my dad, not just for being an awesome father, but for being a dependable, loyal and dedicated part of a larger team.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

When we attended the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show for the first time together. When I found out he was going to be attending as well, it dawned on me that this was the first time that our corporate paths had actually crossed. We were both working Toyota booths, and at one point I realized that no one else in my family would ever have the opportunity to see my dad like this. It was also the first time he got to see me in a professional setting. We left that event with a better understanding that our relationship was now both professional and personal, and it helped me build a friendship with my dad as an adult.

Proud Father and Son

  • Father: Dwayne Beisel, VMO Operations manager, TMNA; 29 years at Toyota
  • Son: Collin Beisel, Commerce content platform manager, TMNA; 6 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working together?

Collin Beisel: It was great to be able to get lunch or coffee with each other when we both worked on site. Now it’s just nice to have a family member to bounce things off of and someone that understands the way things work in OneTech.

Dwayne Beisel: When we were both at headquarters, I enjoyed having lunch with Collin regularly and periodically passing him in the hallways.

What’s your greatest work memory?

Collin: It’s always nice when someone recognizes my name and already has a positive association with it due to a relationship with my dad.

Dwayne: Hearing from my peers about what a fine young man my son is and the great work he does. It makes me even more proud of him and to be his father.

A Bright Future

  • Father: Kevin Newell, Body Weld Production manager, Toyota Kentucky; 24 years at Toyota
  • Son: Tyler Newell, skilled group leader, Plastics-Maintenance, Toyota Kentucky; 7 years at Toyota
  • Son: Tevis Newell, team leader, TL Powertrain, Toyota Kentucky; 3 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your sons?

Kevin Newell: The pride that our family feels working for such a great company and being able to not only have contributed to past successes but also working toward future ones as well.

What’s your greatest work memory with your sons?

Seeing my sons achieving their career goals and be recognized for their successes.

VauxhallUk

Vauxhall to Offer Fully-Electric Variant of Every Model from 2024 with Launch of Crossland Successor

  • Vauxhall Crossland successor with fully-electric variant to launch next year
  • Vauxhall will offer a 100% electric version of its entire line-up from 2024
  • Vauxhall already has a range of five fully-electric passenger cars, including the new Astra Electric
  • Astra Sports Tourer Electric will be added to the line-up later in 2023
  • Vauxhall is one of the few brands to offer a fully-electric van across its entire LCV range
  • Plug-In Hybrid power is also available across Astra, Astra Sports Tourer, and Grandland, including performance GSe models
  • A new Hybrid powertrain will be available on the New Corsa later this year
  • Vauxhall will transition to an electric-only brand from 2028

 

Vauxhall is moving closer to becoming a fully electric brand by 2028, as the Crossland successor will have an all-electric version in 2024. This means that every Vauxhall model will have a battery-electric variant by next year.
 

Vauxhall’s expanding electrified range currently includes five fully-electric passenger car models: Corsa Electric, Mokka Electric, Combo Life Electric, Vivaro Life Electric, and the newly available Astra Electric. The Astra Sports Tourer Electric will be introduced later this year. The Crossland and Grandland successors will complete the brand’s fully-electric offering in 2024.
 

Vauxhall is one of the few manufacturers to offer a fully-electric variant across its entire LCV range, including Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric, and Movano Electric.
 

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, stated that in 2024, they will achieve the significant milestone of offering a fully-electric variant for every model. This also means that all future Vauxhall models will have a fully-electric variant from their launch, showing their commitment to driving towards an electric future in Britain.
 

Aside from fully-electric options, Vauxhall also offers Plug-In Hybrid versions of the Astra, Astra Sports Tourer, and Grandland. These models are part of Vauxhall’s new electrified performance sub-brand, GSe (Grand Sport electric). The Grandland GSe is currently the most powerful model, with a system power output of 300hp and maximum torque of 520Nm.
 

Vauxhall will also introduce a new Hybrid powertrain to its electrified line-up. The New Corsa will have 100hp and 136hp engines with a new dual-clutch automatic transmission, giving customers the choice between battery-electric, Hybrid, or highly efficient combustion engines.

 

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL OPENS ORDERS FOR ASTRA SPORTS TOURER GSe

  • Pricing and specification confirmed for Astra Sports Tourer GSe
  • GSe is Vauxhall’s new electrified performance sub-brand
  • Astra Sports Tourer GSe comes with an uprated 225PS Plug-in Hybrid powertrain
  • Unique suspension and steering calibration provide improved handling
  • A 10mm lower profile and styling upgrades help GSe models stand out on the road
  • Prices for Astra Sports Tourer GSe start from £43,250

Vauxhall is now accepting orders for the Astra Sports Tourer GSe, which is the electrified performance version of the Astra Sports Tourer. The starting price for the Astra Sports Tourer GSe is £43,250.

The GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric, which is Vauxhall’s new sub-brand for performance vehicles that combine electric power with sharp handling and stylish design. At launch, there are three GSe variants available: Grandland GSe, Astra GSe, and Astra Sports Tourer GSe. All three models feature unique styling upgrades both inside and outside, as well as powerful electric drivetrains and improved handling due to suspension and steering enhancements.

Orders are already open for the Grandland GSe and Astra GSe models.

Astra Sports Tourer GSe – electrified performance

The Plug-in Hybrid powertrain in the regular Astra Sports Tourer has been upgraded for the GSe variants. The Astra Sports Tourer GSe is equipped with a 180PS 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine connected to an 81.2kW (110PS) electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 225PS and a maximum torque of 360Nm. This is an increase from the standard Plug-in Hybrid variants, which have 180PS and 250Nm. These upgrades enable the Astra Sports Tourer GSe to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 146mph.

The Astra Sports Tourer GSe is equipped with a 12.4kWh battery, offering up to 39 miles of pure electric range. With emissions as low as 26g/km CO2, the Astra Sports Tourer GSe qualifies for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of 12%.

Enhanced driving experience

Vauxhall engineers have made adjustments to the suspension of the Astra Sports Tourer GSe to improve handling. The car now features 11% stiffer springs and Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology by KONI, which adjusts the damping characteristics to provide a smooth and balanced ride.

The steering of the Astra Sports Tourer GSe has also been recalibrated to deliver a sportier feel and better feedback. The steering response has been increased by 9% compared to standard models, improving the on-centre feel and feedback at speed. Additionally, the Sport mode on GSe models has been adjusted to engage the electronic stability control (ESC) slightly later.

Distinctive design and features

The Astra Sports Tourer GSe has several styling upgrades to make it stand out on the road. The revised suspension and damping profile contribute to a 10mm lower profile, while the 18-inch ‘Commodore’ wheels give the car a unique stance. The car also features a black roof and black Griffin logos.

All Astra Sports Tourer GSe models come with IntelliLux adaptive LED® Pixel headlights and dark tinted rear windows.

Inside the car, there are Alcantara®-trimmed performance front seats that are certified by Germany’s AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs), as well as a GSe-specific leather steering wheel. The car is equipped with a Multimedia Pure Panel Pro Navigation system that includes a 10-inch digital instrument display and a 10-inch touchscreen with Natural Voice Recognition. Other features include wireless smartphone charging and Intelli-HUD head-up display technology for an enhanced driving experience.

For improved safety and convenience, Astra Sports Tourer GSe models come with Intelli-Drive technology that includes Forward Collision Alert, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Drowsiness Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Assistant, Cross Traffic and Side Blind Spot alert, and Automatic Speed Assistant with Stop Function. These features contribute to a safer driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL ANNOUNCES PRICES AND SPECIFICATION FOR ASTRA ELECTRIC

  • Vauxhall has released pricing and specification details for the Astra Electric hatchback
  • The Astra Electric will be available in two trim lines: GS and Ultimate
  • The 54kWh battery achieves a WLTP combined range of 258 miles
  • All Astra Electric models come with an 11kW on-board charger
  • The Astra Electric features the advanced technology suite, Intelli-Drive 2.0
  • The interior of the Astra Electric has been redesigned and features the Pure Panel Pro infotainment system
  • The Astra Electric can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using rapid charging
  • Astra Sports Tourer Electric will join the lineup later in 2023
  • Finance options start from £259pm with a 0% PCP over three years
  • Customers who order by the end of July will receive a £500 test drive incentive

Vauxhall has unveiled the prices for the new Astra Electric, the latest addition to its fully electric car range. The Astra Electric will be offered in two trim levels, the sporty GS and the top-of-the-range Ultimate, with prices starting at £39,995 on the road. Order books are now open and deliveries are expected to begin later this summer.

The Astra Electric is equipped with Vauxhall’s next-generation 54kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides an improved performance and a range of up to 258 miles (WLTP). It also features Vauxhall’s most advanced technology suite, Intelli-Drive 2.0, which includes semi-autonomous lane change and intelligent speed adaption.

Later this year, Vauxhall will expand its electric lineup with the introduction of the Astra Sports Tourer Electric. With these new additions, Vauxhall will offer a total of six fully electric models in its passenger car range, in addition to its existing fully electric Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) lineup. Vauxhall aims to become an electric-only manufacturer by 2028, seven years ahead of the UK Government’s targets.

The Astra Electric showcases Vauxhall’s Bold and Pure design language, featuring the Vauxhall Vizor front end with LED headlights and sensors. The interior boasts the Pure Panel Pro infotainment system, with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display. The Astra Electric also introduces Intelli-Drive 2.0, Vauxhall’s latest driver assistance package, which includes features such as Advanced Intelligent Speed Adaption and semi-automated lane change assist.

The Astra Electric is powered by a 115kW (156hp) electric motor and a 54kWh battery. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 106mph. The Astra Electric comes with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, allowing for a full charge from empty in 5 hours and 45 minutes using a public charger. It also supports rapid charging of up to 100kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

Vauxhall offers a range of finance options for the Astra Electric, including a 0% three-year Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) route with monthly payments starting from £259. Customers who place their orders by the end of July will also receive a £500 test drive incentive. Vauxhall’s ‘Plug & Go’ offer allows customers to spread the cost of a home wallbox across the length of their vehicle finance agreement, making the switch to electric more accessible.

Citreon

ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO GO: CITROËN MY AMI BUGGY II WILL GO ON SALE ON TUESDAY 20 JUNE AT 2.00PM IN THE UK

  • Priced at just £10,495 OTR, UK sales open at 2.00pm on Tuesday 20 June
  • Limited run of 1,000 My Ami Buggy II to go on sale in ten countries*, including the UK
  • My Ami Buggy II features rugged good looks and colourful accents, as well as exclusive accessories
  • 40 limited edition’ My Ami Buggy II will be available in the UK exclusively via the Citroën Ami website: https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami

The new Citroën My Ami Buggy II will be available for purchase on Tuesday 20 June at 2.00pm. There will be a total of 1,000 vehicles sold worldwide, with 40 of them available in the UK. The price of the My Ami Buggy in the UK will be £10,495 OTR.

The previous ‘Ultra-Limited Series’ My Ami Buggy, which was available in France last year, sold out all 50 units in less than 18 minutes. The My Ami Buggy emits zero emissions while in use and has a 5.4kWh battery that charges in four hours. It has a range of up to 46 miles (WMTC**) and a top speed of 28mph, making it an environmentally friendly and affordable mobility solution.

The My Ami Buggy features a rugged and adventurous design, with khaki exterior color and black protective elements such as reinforced bumpers, skid plates, headlamp surrounds, and wheel arch extensions. Yellow accents are prominently featured both on the exterior and interior, giving the vehicle a lively and playful character. The removable plastic covers and black waterproof fabric roof allow the driver and passenger to feel closer to nature.

Convenient storage spaces have been integrated into the design, including a yellow bag that fits into the center of the steering wheel and a specifically designed space for the Ultimate Ears Boom lightweight Bluetooth speaker. The My Ami Buggy will be available for sale exclusively at https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami.

* UK, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Luxembourg, Morocco, and Turkey.

** World Motorcycle Test Cycle

Featured

Ferrari Shows Off A New Tailor Made SF90 Spider In Grigio Galvano

It’s hard to imagine a Ferrari without picturing a bright red car. The historic and traditional color of Italian racing, red, and especially Rosso Corsa, has become more than just a signature hue for the Prancing Horse, but rather synonymous with Ferrari’s notorious speed, exclusivity, engineering, luxury, and style. However, while many Ferraris still sport red paintwork, the introduction and growth of Ferrari’s Tailor Made program has opened the doors further to various color choices being explored by Ferrari owners for the interiors and exteriors of their cars, showing that red is just one of a broad spectrum of colors that look stunning on a Ferrari.

Ferrari showed off a new Tailor Made commission of an SF90 Spider on Instagram, and it features an exterior finished in a beautiful Grigio Galvano paintwork, paired with black on the pillars and roof. The interior brings together black UltraSuede with glossy carbon fiber, as well as black leather for a monochromatic look distinguished by different textures, which is paired with an elegant and subtle stitching on the headrests in Beige 279. Together, this beautiful car is an elegant and understated machine made for open-top driving pleasure, with the potential to deliver fearsomely powerful performance, making it a through and through example of Ferrari at its best, even without the red paint.

View All Ferrari SF90s For Sale

 
Featured

Honda Aircraft Company to Commercialize the HondaJet 2600 Concept

The Honda Aircraft Company is taking the world of private luxury aviation to new heights with the HondaJet 2600 Concept. Introduced in 2021, this concept stunned the aviation industry with impressive features including a range of 2,652 nautical miles, a high-speed cruise of 450 knots, and a ceiling of 47,000 feet. The company has now announced its plans to bring the HondaJet 2600 Concept to the commercial market, offering a quiet and spacious option ideal for long-range travel.

The HondaJet 2600 Concept aims to surpass the performance, comfort, and efficiency of other jets on the market, all while accommodating up to 11 occupants with a single-pilot operation. In line with Honda Aircraft Company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the new light jet will also offer improved fuel efficiency. With the HondaJet 2600 Concept coming soon, travelers can look forward to a unique experience on the world’s first light jet capable of nonstop transcontinental flights across the United States.

Entertainment

5 Of The Best Horror Movies On Hulu Right Now

Stephen King, the iconic horror writer, has astounded us with his imaginative and spine-chilling stories. From man-eating clowns to murderous machines, he has mastered the art of terrifying his readers. Surprisingly, one of his most famous works, “Misery,” is also one of his most grounded.

Released in 1990, “Misery” revolves around a renowned author who becomes disenchanted with his current book series and plans to kill off his main character in his upcoming manuscript. However, after a car accident, he finds himself under the care of a devoted fan, who happens to be a young woman. When she discovers his manuscript, things take a dark and twisted turn. If you have ever feared stalkers or imprisonment, “Misery” is bound to intensify those phobias. As they say, fame comes with a price.

Cars, News

Tesla Cybertruck Wrapped In Camo Spotted In California

The camouflaged look of the Tesla Cybertruck has sparked speculation about new design features or a sneak peek at what to expect when the truck goes into production. Tesla had previously mentioned that customers would have the option to choose from a variety of colors, most likely in the form of a wrap. This black-and-white camo design seen in California could potentially be one of those options.

Since its announcement in 2019, Tesla has made several promises about its all-electric truck, but there have been numerous production delays. Originally scheduled for 2021, the release date had been pushed back to 2024 at one point. Currently, the Cybertruck is expected to be available for purchase later this year.

All versions of the rear-wheel and all-wheel models are projected to reach speeds of at least 110 mph and offer a battery range between 250 and 620 miles. The Cybertruck is designed to have 100 cubic feet of storage space, a 6.5-foot-long cargo area, and 16 inches of ground clearance. With a substantial market for light-duty trucks, Tesla’s fully electric version has the potential for great success, provided it lives up to the hype built over the years. While there is a chance of further production delays, if all goes as planned, we may start seeing Tesla Cybertrucks on the road by the end of this year, some of which may still be camouflaged.