ERIC PLATFORD: 25 FEBRUARY 1883 – 20 NOVEMBER 1938 A brief overview of the life and career of Eric Platford, born 25 February 1883 Played a fundamental role in testing and developing early Rolls-Royce models Racing success strengthened Rolls-Royce’s status as ‘the best car in the world’ Aero-engine expertise made him a key figure in the first successful transatlantic flight Greatly respected by Royce, and the first holder of the official title of Chief Tester “Having played a role which was central and fundamental to the marque’s early successes, Eric Platford earned the right to be recognised amongst his better…

18% of Brits believe you cannot take an EV charger when moving home 17% think an EV can be manual 14% believe EVs cannot drive through water Younger generations are most likely to believe in EV myths, while older generations remain more sceptical Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director at BYD UK, debunks the most common EV myths and explains why education is so important during the transition to electric vehicles Almost one in five (18%) Brits believe that you cannot take an electric vehicle (EV) charger with you when moving house, according to new research by BYD UK. EVs…

AI Generated Descriptions and Vehicle Highlights now available to all retailers through Portal and Auto Trader Connect Follows November launch of Smart Image Management which is already being utilised by over 7,100 retailers to optimise their adverts every day. Advanced AI powered by Auto Trader Intelligence, underpinned by more than 80m visits and circa 619m combined search minutes every month, as well as 1.6m daily vehicle observations. 26th February 2025 – Auto Trader is giving retailers direct access to its wealth of data and insights with the launch of two brand-new AI (artificial intelligence) powered tools as part of its…

A study has found that used combustion engine models are on average £2,560 more expensive than equivalent electric models from the same manufacturer, a difference of 10%. CarGurus – a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles – analysed the average prices of electric vehicles (EVs) that offer equivalent fuel-powered models from the last four model years to determine which option provides the best value. The study examined second-hand vehicle listings from the U.K.’s top 30 manufacturersi, comparing those that offer standalone electric and comparable fuel-powered models. The brands with the greatest selection of…

Subaru UK & Ireland recently celebrated the achievements of its Retailer network at its Annual Conference & Awards, held near Reading. Aird Motors Ltd, a long-standing Subaru dealership based in Beauly, Scottish Highlands, was named the overall Retailer of the Year for 2024, cementing its reputation as a key pillar of the Subaru dealer network. With over 35 years of dedicated service, Aird Motors exemplifies the brand’s commitment to local, personalised automotive excellence. The event recognised outstanding performance across multiple categories, with Proven Motor Company securing the Fleet Dealer of the Year Award, D. M. Keith claiming the Finance Retailer…

The BMW Group is presenting its next leap forward in the field of electric drive technology – and in the process ushering in a new era of all-electric driving. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company has provided some initial insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle will enjoy the benefits. The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Below is an overview of the technology highlights: The…

“Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail. From the beginning of Black Badge Spectre’s journey, the clients who requested this extraordinary motor car dared us to share their fearless spirit. In response, our engineers combined data science, qualitative feedback, and their own deep knowledge of the brand’s alter ego to craft an intense and uncompromising character, and the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. Reflecting the Black Badge character, our designers and…

ZF is equipping NIO’s flagship electric vehicle, the ET9, with its latest generation steer-by-wire system. The technology Group is supplying both the steering wheel actuator for steering and steering feel as well as the redundant steering gear actuator and associated software. The Smart Electric Executive Flagship model thus has no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Since the creation of its “Chassis Solutions” Division at the beginning of 2024, ZF now has a comprehensive portfolio of purely electronically controlled steering and braking systems and controlled damping systems. In combination with ZF’s own cubiX software, these technologies…

Renault Group and Geely Holding Group today jointly announced a framework agreement expanding their strategic cooperation in the production and sales of zero and low emission vehicles through Renault do Brasil, further strengthening their strategic partnership. Geely Holding would invest in Renault do Brasil to become a minority shareholder, enabling Geely Holding to gain access to localized production, sales and services resources. The venture remains subject to the entering of definitive agreements and prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. Through this cooperation, the two advanced production facilities of Renault Group’s Ayrton Senna Complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná,…

McLaren Automotive and its Racing Partner United Autosports embark upon their second season of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) competition with a refreshed livery and driver line-up for the two 720S GT3 EVO cars as the partnership aims to build on a hugely competitive debut and celebrate the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s iconic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McLaren made its WEC debut in 2024 with the advent of the new LM GT3 class. The McLaren GT3 EVO cars demonstrated race-winning pace, claiming the championship’s first LM GT3 front-row lockout in qualifying for Bahrain and a podium…