Tag Archives: partnered

Motorsport

Mercedes-Benz, ESPN Collaborate on Custom Sprinter Van for Tailgating and Podcasting

Mercedes-Benz and ESPN have joined forces to create a mobile podcast studio in a specially designed van called Sprinter Labs, accompanied by a video docuseries. The van will travel to college football games throughout the year, with the first episode of the docuseries set to premiere on September 7.

The outfitting of the van is described by Mercedes-Benz as “the best or nothing.” It starts with a 170-inch wheelbase, all-wheel-drive Sprinter Cargo. ESPN wanted a versatile space that could serve as a studio and engage with fans. The interior design is understated, featuring dark lighting, quilted wall fabric, and an illuminated shelf to showcase football helmets. Additionally, red LED ambient lighting enhances the overall atmosphere of the van.


VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF ASTRA ELECTRIC WITH MURALS IN LONDON AND MANCHESTER

  • Vauxhall has commissioned two murals in London and Manchester to celebrate the launch of the new Astra Electric
  • British artist Iain Macarthur collaborated with Vauxhall to create dynamic street art inspired by the Astra Electric
  • The public can view the murals throughout August
  • Vauxhall will transition to becoming an electric-only brand starting in 2028

Vauxhall is celebrating the recent launch of the Astra Electric by showcasing two eye-catching murals in London and Manchester. Created by British artist Iain Macarthur, the murals will be on display until August 27th. They represent Vauxhall’s commitment to innovative design and artistic expression, highlighting the brand’s dedication to British design influences.

     

The murals, located in Shoreditch, London, and the Northern Quarter in Manchester, showcase Macarthur’s unique surrealist style and convey the vibrancy and dynamism of the Astra Electric. This design philosophy earned the Astra a prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design earlier this year.

Iain Macarthur stated, “I wanted to capture the energy of the Astra by creating patterns that resemble electricity, flowing throughout the design in a visually striking way that aligns with Vauxhall’s bold and pure design language. Partnering with Vauxhall was a pleasure, as they allowed me creative freedom to express my vision of what clean energy would look like.”

The murals feature scannable QR codes that the public can scan to visit www.vauxhall-mural-ar.com and experience the Astra Electric through augmented reality, offering an interactive and immersive experience of the vehicle.

By collaborating with an innovative British artist and exhibiting the murals in iconic locations in London and Manchester, Vauxhall honors its longstanding connection to British design and heritage.

The Astra Electric is equipped with Vauxhall’s next-generation 54kWh battery and a 115kW (156hp) electric motor, capable of achieving up to 258 miles of range (WLTP) on a single charge. By 2024, all Vauxhall cars and vans will have a fully-electric version, and by 2028, Vauxhall will exclusively produce electric vehicles as a brand.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, commented, “This mural celebrates not only the launch of the exciting Astra Electric but also our Bold and Pure design language, which draws inspiration from the best of British art and innovation. I am eager to see Iain’s work in person and extend my gratitude to him for contributing to something that the public can enjoy in London and Manchester.”

  

News

Bentley Blower Junior: A Retro, Road-Legal EV priced at £90,000

Bentley and The Little Car Company (LCC) have teamed up to create a street-legal, luxurious electric replica of the iconic 1929 Bentley Blower. This replica, called the Blower ‘Junior’, is an 85%-scale version that rivals the Citroën Ami.

LCC has developed the Blower Junior with full technical support from Bentley, marking the first road-legal car produced by LCC, which is based in Bicester.

The development of this replica has relied heavily on Bentley’s heritage fleet Blower Team Car No 2. The initial production run of 99 First Edition cars will closely match the specifications of the original model, including the same color scheme, Union flag motifs, and other details like doorplates.

Unlike the original Blower, which featured a 4.5-liter supercharged engine producing 240bhp and competed at Le Mans in 1930, the Blower Jr is powered by a more modest rear-mounted 48V electric motor that generates 20bhp.

The Blower Jr falls into the L7e quadricycle category, allowing it to reach a top speed of 45mph in the UK, with an estimated range of 65 miles. It is constructed in two sections, with the rear section using carbon fiber instead of the original’s ash wood. The batteries and electronics are housed in an undertray.

Measuring at 3700mm in length, the Blower Jr is comparable in size to a Hyundai i10, and it is 1500mm wide. The decision to create an 85% scale was made to ensure practicality and usability. Duncan Grey, LCC’s commercial chief, explained that the goal was to make a mini-Blower that could be used as an everyday vehicle.

Similar to the original Blower, the Junior version is a two-seater, adopting a tandem layout with the passenger seated behind the driver. To meet road-legal requirements, the Blower Jr is equipped with modern features such as Brembo disc brakes, seat belts, indicators, and lights.

The interior and dashboard of the Blower Jr closely resemble the original model, although there are some adjustments. The fuel pressure pump now serves as the drive mode selector, and the gear selector is based on the ignition advance control of the original. Additionally, the Blower Jr incorporates modern features like a USB charging port and a dual-function display with a built-in Garmin sat nav and reversing camera.

The Blower Jr First Edition is set to launch in 2024 with a price of £90,000 excluding VAT and shipping. Although significantly more expensive than the £7695 Citroën Ami, it remains a more affordable option compared to the original Blower, which is currently insured for £25 million by Bentley.

Featured

Jeep Introduces Adventure Assured Program With Lower EMI


The program includes the assured buyback value with maintenance and repair costs

Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian

  • Jeep has partnered with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan to offer the Adventure Assured Program in India.
  • Customers can get an assured buyback value of up to 55 percent for a three- or four-year term, and for running of up to 20,000km per year.
  • The program also includes benefits such as extended warranty, 24X7 roadside assistance and insurance coverage.
  • The Adventure Assured program will first be rolled out in major cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

Jeep has introduced the Adventure Assured program in partnership with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan to provide a new ownership experience for potential buyers of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian SUVs in India. Under this program, customers can enjoy a guaranteed buyback value and a 27 percent lower Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) compared to standard financing. The program also includes extended warranty, maintenance and repairs, roadside assistance, and comprehensive insurance for the first year. The buyback value is up to 55 percent of the vehicle’s ex-showroom cost, and the program is available for a three- or four-year term with a limit of 20,000km per year. The Adventure Assured program will initially be launched in major cities and may be expanded to other cities in the future. Note that this program is not available for the more premium Jeep models like Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Meridian

Jeep India has launched the Adventure Assured program in collaboration with ALD Automotive and LeasePlan. This program offers an affordable EMI of INR 39,999 per month and includes the on-road vehicle cost, extended warranty, roadside assistance, insurance for the first year, and maintenance and repairs. The program is available for all variants of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian. Mr. Aditya Jairaj, Head of Jeep India Operation and Deputy Managing Director, Stellantis India, mentioned that this program reflects Jeep’s commitment to providing an attractive proposition for adventure enthusiasts. Mr. Suvajit Karmakar, Country Managing Director India & Asia Sub-Regional Director of ALD Automotive | LeasePlan, expressed excitement about collaborating with Jeep to offer exceptional services to Indian customers. The Adventure Assured program aims to make owning an authentic Jeep SUV more accessible and will be initially available in major cities, with the possibility of expansion depending on demand.

Jeep Compass Interior

The Adventure Assured program offered by Jeep Financial Services (JFS) in collaboration with ALD Automotive | LeasePlan provides an all-inclusive EMI package with assured buyback, maintenance and repairs at a 27% lower EMI compared to standard financing. The program begins at an affordable monthly EMI of INR 39,999 and includes the on-road vehicle cost, extended warranty, roadside assistance, insurance for the first year, and maintenance and repairs. This program is available for all variants of the Jeep Compass and Jeep Meridian. It aims to provide a worry-free ownership experience for adventure enthusiasts, with ALD guaranteeing a buyback of up to 55% of the vehicle’s ex-showroom cost for a three- or four-year term and up to 20,000km per year. Furthermore, the Adventure Assured program covers annual maintenance, routine services, inspections, and all repairs outside the comprehensive warranty. It also offers 24×7 roadside assistance and comprehensive insurance coverage for the first year. Jeep’s Adventure Assured program is set to revolutionize ownership benefits and peace of mind for customers, and it will initially be available in major cities, with potential expansion in the future.

Jeep Meridian

For more information about the Adventure Assured program and to book a test drive, please visit www.jeep.com or contact your nearest Jeep dealership.

Cars

What Happened To Boho Camper Vans From Shark Tank Season 11?

In Season 11 of “Shark Tank,” Boho Camper Vans made an appearance and partnered with Barbara Corcoran. They were offered $150,000 in cash and a $150,000 line of credit in exchange for a 10% stake in their company. Initially, the two friends were seeking $300,000 for the same equity, and they received offers from O’Leary, Oza, and Greiner before ultimately accepting Corcoran’s offer, which met their desired terms.

O’Leary proposed a $300,000 loan with a 9% interest rate in exchange for 7% equity. Oza offered $300,000 for a 25% stake in the company. Greiner presented $300,000 for 20% equity, but Sodeemann and Ellenson asked her to lower her equity to 15% without changing the investment amount. When Greiner turned down their counteroffer, the pair decided to go with Corcoran.

“Barbara was the perfect fit for us because she understood our aversion to debt and provided a solution to pay it off quickly,” Ellenson explained after reaching a deal with Corcoran.

Motorsport

New Pininfarina-Designed Helmets Cost Up To $1,990 With Roux Collab

Pininfarina and Roux Helmets have teamed up to create a new line of racing helmets that are now available. These helmets have been carefully designed for open-cockpit and GT (closed-cockpit) racing, incorporating some impressive technologies. They are suitable for racing in various categories, from Formula 4 to Formula 1, and have met the FIA 8859/Snell SA2020 safety ratings.

One notable feature of these helmets is Roux’s Cool-X integrated water cooling system, along with a built-in air port. This Cool-X technology allows for the circulation of cold water, set at a temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit, from a CoolShirt cooler. This helps drivers manage heat stress while they’re behind the wheel.


Featured

Maserati Confirms Long-Term Commitment To Formula E

Maserati recently held a roundtable discussion to talk about its performance and future in Formula E, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the sport. The discussion was led by Giovanni Tommaso Sgro, head of Maserati Corse, along with drivers Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Günther. The team achieved its first victory in the sport at the 2023 Jakarta E-Prix, which was also Maserati’s first single-seater victory since 1957.

Prior to the race in Portland, OR, Sgro emphasized the importance of Maserati being the first Italian carmaker to compete in Formula E. This aligns with Maserati’s goal of offering electric versions of its cars by 2025 and transitioning to full electric by 2030. As a result, Maserati plans to stay in Formula E for the long term.

In addition to striving for high-level performance in a growing sport, Maserati recognizes the significance of its fanbase in Formula E. Sgro highlighted that the fanbase is not only comprised of traditional car enthusiasts but also includes a large number of tech enthusiasts. Maserati sees this as an opportunity to tap into a previously untapped customer base.

Maserati’s participation in Formula E allows it to reach a new audience while showcasing its electric vehicles, such as the recently released all-electric GT Folgore and upcoming EVs like the Grecale Folgore.

Although Maserati is committed to electrification and Formula E, it also plans to compete in other areas of motorsport. This includes the MC20 GT2, which was recently unveiled, and the limited production track-only Project 64. These endeavors demonstrate Maserati’s dedication to its racing heritage and long-term involvement in motorsport.

PeugeotUk

PEUGEOT AND YELLOWKORNER TEAM UP TO CHALLENGE FIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS TO DEFINE ALLURE

PEUGEOT has partnered with leading publisher and distributor of art photographs, YellowKorner, to offer five photographers the opportunity to define their vision of Allure. The resulting images will be exhibited in YellowKorner galleries and the PEUGEOT network from October onwards.

 

PEUGEOT believes the world is better with Allure, with a vision for the future that should be imagined with style, creativity, and ambition with a human-centric approach. Allure is key to the PEUGEOT brand and is much more than the expression of outstanding design. It is also a state of mind, an attitude and behaviour that goes far beyond mere appearance.

 

YellowKorner is the leading publisher and distributor of art photographs through a network of 130 galleries in 20 countries and the yellowkorner.com online gallery.

 

The partnership will see five renowned photographers interpret the concept of ‘Allure’ within their own creative universe by creating a set of 15 images each. Three of these images will feature a model from the PEUGEOT range chosen by the artist.

 

The collaboration was launched at the Venice International Photography Festival on 20th April, of which YellowKorner is a partner. YellowKorner invited PEUGEOT to the opening ceremony of the festival, during which a film was presented introducing the partnership and the vision of the five selected photographers.

 

Five photographers, five concepts of Allure

Teresa Freitas: “Finding Allure in Colours” in Morocco

Laurent Baheux: “Allure of the Lion” in Kenya

Mister Fifou: “The Pride of Allure” in the Suburbs of Paris

Laurence Laborie: “Feminine Allure” in Lanzarote

Oliviero Toscani: “The Landscape of Allure” in Tuscany

 

The images will be displayed from October 2023 in YellowKorner galleries and on the YellowKorner website. They will also be displayed in a private viewing, with the photographers present, at some of the largest YellowKorner galleries in Europe. The images will also be displayed across the PEUGEOT network and as with all works published by YellowKorner, the photos from the collaboration with PEUGEOT will be available for purchase by the public.

 

Empowered by this ambition, PEUGEOT wants to promote this optimistic vision and become a true ‘Allure Activist’. The partnership with YellowKorner is the latest in a series of collaborations between PEUGEOT and the visual arts. Recently, artistic collaborations with Emeric Tchatchoua, founder of clothing brand 3.PARADIS and the visual artist J. Demsky have also been revealed to the public.