Focus | Vizions Digital Magazine

VIZION NETWORK MAGAZINE

PREPARE FOR IGNITION VIZION’S CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

LAUNCH SEQUENCE ACTIVATED NEW VIZION AND CORTEX SITES

VIZION FOCUS

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FOREWORD I have been fortunate to be working with Vizion since the start and what a ride it’s been. I don’t think I have ever seen such intense commitment to sustainable business practices that ensure the well-being of their repairers, employees and of course, customers.

They have embraced this challenge and always demonstrated their continued efforts every day (and most nights).

We are all entering a period where technology is not a “nice-to-have,” but an essential criterion of success for customers and business. The technological imperative now spans all areas of your industry and touches the entire set of markets and customers. WRC work closely with Vizion and have always been at the forefront of this revolution, enabling breakthroughs across a broad range of customer and repairer solutions.

While innovation is having a substantial impact for our all our customers, WRC and Vizion constantly strive to deliver these innovations on an ever more efficient footprint. Increasingly, our clients and repairers challenge us to think holistically about our footprint and find ways to balance the trade-offs between the clear benefits of our new technology advancements and the long-term lifecycle costs of our repair processes. As such, we remain committed to improving repair efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

It’s obvious to anyone who works with Vizion, they are passionate about the industry and the customer journey.

It’s obvious to anyone who works with Vizion, they are passionate about the industry and the customer journey. This is exemplified through their commitment, events, web presence and their brand.

So if you haven’t already, register for the event or exhibit and be part of the phenomenon.

Go on ignite your passion.

Marcus Laird Director of Digital Innovation and Development White Room Consortium marcus@whiteroomconsortium.com

A world of pure imagination We help forward thinking businesses to succeed through inspired ideas, thoughtful creativity and boundless energy.

We take an interdisciplinary approach blending the practices of design, technology and branding, to create modern interactive systems.

We create amazing solutions for well-known brands, really exciting start-ups and everyone in between.

We are Pure.

IN THIS ISSUE 7.............Ignite 2016 |Prepare for Ignition 11...........The Butterfly Effect 12...........Cortex 3 | The Next Generation 14...........Photo-Tracker v2.0 16...........Lifetime Guarantee Certificates 18...........Cyber Security 22...........Cerebral | Vizions Think Tank 24...........The importance of email 26...........Insuring against hackers 28 ..........TomTom CURFER 30...........Driverless cars & Insurers 32 ..........Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 36...........Automotive Coatings Report 38...........Accelerator U7535 40...........Volvo XC90 42...........Volvo S90 45...........The Body Beautiful 50...........Land Rover Sport 2017 54...........Vizion Mercedes Maybach 6 58...........Porsche Mission E 65...........Autonomy ‘Autopilot’ 70...........Mercedes AMG GTS 72...........Increased saefty with new line up 76...........The new BMW M5 78...........Ford GT Supercar 80 ..........VW Passat GTE 82 ..........Audi TT RS Coupé 84...........Sotherbys Record Breakers

PURE VISUAL COMMUNICATION CREATIVITY UNLIMITED t: 07917 667510 | skype: marcuspure | www.purevc.co.uk

Focus is Vizions digital magazine aimed at repairers, associates and partners of Vizion, if you would like to be involved then call Marcus on 07917 667510 Conceived, Produced and Designed by Pure Visual Communication Limited

SEPTEMBER 2016

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CORTEX THE NEXT GENERATION

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PHOTO TRACKER 2.0

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

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LET’S TALK ABOUT CYBER SECURITY

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VIZION MERCEDES MAYBACH 6

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PORSCHE MISSION E

MERCEDES AMG GT

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AUTONOMY

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VIZION EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 2016

PREPARE FOR IGNITION Over the past 7 years Vizion has continued to grow, to innovate and to be a leading force in the repair industry. We can honestly say that through hard work, passion and commitment, huge progress has been made!

However, what does the future hold and why should we continue talking about change, customer centricity and customer satisfaction?

Moreover, what should we be investing and prioritising in - new technology and utilising online services to get the best ROI and win the ultimate customer loyalty? How do we simply keep our principles, partners excited

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and customers engaged?

With six core areas, Ignite’s agenda will be built around changing service culture, improving process and products, 360-degree customer experience, working as one, differentiation and innovation‌ we are determined to provide you with the essential knowledge and updates that can bring your business continued results and ignite your imagination in 2017.

As well as the conference, there is the exhibition, an excellent one-stop opportunity to explore the latest innovations, products and services from

leading suppliers of the collision industry, small independents and start-ups - all under one roof.

Ignite attendees are some of the smartest people you will ever meet. They are sharp, experienced, and firing on all cylinders, are you?

To register visit www.vizionignite.co.uk or call Jules on 07939933589, alternatively email your details to jules.laird@vizionnetwork. co.uk. If you wish to exhibit there are a few places left, call to reserve your place now.

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VIZION CONFEREN

4th October 2016 | The Engine Ro

book now online ww

or email jules.laird@

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NCE & EXHIBITION

oom | Donington Park | DE74 2RP

ww.vizionignite.co.uk

@vizionnetwork.co.uk

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THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

If you drill down into the Butterfly Effect statement, you learn that small, seemingly insignificant actions can, in time and to a great degree, affect or evolve into great results, not always easily connected to the original event.

As a professional you need to constantly look at the possible long term results of the changes you implement, in what may seem a relatively small action.

Let’s look at that definition again: small movements or actions can have a lasting effect, even after the action has stopped and can have farreaching benefits in the future.

A CASE IN POINT Consider the Vizion Photo Tracker, now available to more brands than ever before and through reporting and results shows that simply adding photos to the process increases customer receptiveness of

the repairer experience that in turn is more likely to return positive feedback, and therefore recommendation to family and friends, who in turn will leave their positive feedback, thus improving your NPS score and your star rating.

This is just one example of how each individual action affects the much bigger picture.

Basically, the more a person interacts with you, whether on your website, in your emails, on the tracker or in person, the greater the likelihood that they will recommend you or use you again, and that is worth a lot more than any paid marketing campaign we could have done.

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VIZION FOCUS

CORTEX 3

THE NEXT GENERATION Vizion have just launched the third version of Cortex, an omni-channel hub aimed at repairers, partners and clients.

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VIZION FOCUS The newly redesigned website offers quick and easy access to essential information and features that will offer a more comprehensive understanding of the Company’s innovations and process driven solutions.

Rebuilt from the ground up. A new Cortex design, improved functionality and fully responsive, which means the site automatically adjusts its size depending on the device being used, be it a desktop PC, mobile or tablet.

The new platform lays the groundwork for Vizion’s future innovations to provide support and technology not only to help its members, but also gives an interactive experience to their customers, providing them with the opportunity to access repair updates, photos and repair details, with the option to share information across all major social networking sites. The sites technology also allows for secure feedback and issues a lifetime warranty certificate on every completed repair.

WRC, automotive technology consultancy and systems integrator, was responsible for the development of the new

site, and implemented their own system, a state of the art CMS and systems platform.

Marcus Laird, Director of Digital Innovation and Development at WRC said ‘We wanted to build a site that not only represented the ethos of Vizion, but would grow at the same unstoppable pace as Vizion, offering new innovations, updating existing ones and creating ground breaking web services. We want the site to be alive, multi-faceted and constantly adapting to the changing face of customer needs and the repair industry.’

We want the site to be alive, multi-faceted and constantly adapting to the changing face of customer needs and the repair industry.

Security is taken seriously by both Vizion and WRC and the sites has a number of safeguards and integrations to ensure data is as safe as possible, this is further boosted with high grade encryption and yearly penetration tests.

CORTEX 3

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NEW CORTEIN X Vizion’s recently updated phototracker is now even easier to use!

PHOTO TRACKER 2.0 The new version has its own dedicated area, that makes it more straight forward to add photos to the process.

Updated to take advantage of multi-brands, with improved reporting and tracking, the new tracker will speed up the way you update your customer.

It’s proven that adding images helps customers and in turn provides better feedback.

To see the new version click on the link below, there are full instructions on how to use. Please note, this is in the secure area in Cortex. https://www.vizionnetwork.co.uk/cortex/phototracker/

NEED HELP Ask at ignite for one of our experts to show you how to use

3 LINE-UP

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NEW IN CORTEX

LIFETIME GUARANTEE CERTIFICATE Octobers planned update is the launch of Automated Repair certificates direct to your customers The Vizion guarantee covers all paintwork and bodywork carried out in our Repair Centres, a true testament to the quality of work from our repairers and a commitment to our customers, confidence and belief.

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Our high levels of quality control and workmanship provides our customers with the peace of mind that the standard of repair is to the high standard expected.

From October, on completion of CSI, Cortex will recognise the repair, the bodyshop and customer and automatically create a Repair Guarantee Certificate, that can be downloaded as a pdf by the customer.

A connected solution for parts procurement of InPart is completely free for all repairers  Use Secure Parts Procurement based seamless integration with AudaEnterpriseGold  Cloud Secure Parts Procurement  Order Tracking with your suppliers  Integrated Secure messaging Parts Procurement  Live Order Tracking updates for jobs, orders and parts  Secure Parts Procurement  Real time visibility of stock  Order Tracking Real-time visibility of stock and pricing  Parts Procurement  Secure Real time visibility of stock  Order Tracking Link with your preferred suppliers.

Reduced administration  Secure Parts Procurement  Real time visibility of stock  Order Tracking  Reduced administration  Real time visibility Increased accuracyof stock  Order Tracking  Real Reduced administration  time  Increased visibility accuracyof stock  Real Reduced Ability to administration receive bespoke  time visibility of stockquotations  Increased accuracy   Reduced Ability to administration receive bespoke quotations  Increased accuracy  Reduced Simplisticadministration transparent returns process  Ability to receive bespoke quotations  Increased accuracy  Simplistic transparent returns process  Ability to receive bespoke  Increased Electronic feed from AEG quotations accuracy  Ability Simplistic transparent returns process  to receive bespoke quotations  Electronic feed from AEG  Simplistic transparent returns process  Ability to receive bespoke quotations  Simplistic Electronic transparent feed from AEG  returns process  Simplistic Electronic transparent feed from AEG  returns process  Electronic feed from AEG  Electronic feed from AEG

Sales enquiries: 01189 235667

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LET’S TALK ABOUT CYBER SECURITY You will likely now have heard of cyber security, either in the press or from a professional adviser.

It is a serious issue that if improperly managed has the potential to result in serious business damage including the potential for closure.

AARON YATES Berea Associates Ltd.

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It is imperative that directors and senior managers take steps to improve their understanding of this evolving business risk. This article aims to provide a brief introduction to the topic, and to make Vizion Network members aware of activity being undertaken in 2016/2017 to assist them.

WHAT IS “CYBER SECURITY”?

Cyber security is the state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorised use of electronic data, and the measures your business takes to achieve this.

The outcomes of a cyber security incident, e.g. the threat criminal or unauthorised use of the data held by your business being realised, are straightforward: »» Financial loss (including fraud, theft and business interruption/downtime), »» Reputation and brand damage (including loss of customers or customer trust), »» Legal and regulatory consequences (including fines, penalties and defence costs).

WHY HAS CYBER ‘SUDDENLY’ BECOME SUCH A BIG PROBLEM? Rapid evolution of computer hardware and software has brought cyber security to the fore.

The danger is created in part due to the increasing adoption of, and reliance on, technology in the workplace.

Considering computer hardware, the miniaturisation of computer devices means that many of us now carry smartphones (e.g. the iPhone) and tablets (e.g. the iPad) everywhere we go. The first smartphone was released only nine years ago in 2007. This is just one area that smaller computer devices are entering the workplace.

From a software perspective many companies are now adopting ‘Cloud’ services, also known as “Software-as-a-Service”, due to the lower total cost of ownership and the latest functionality being always available. In addition, these services can often be available in minutes with no installation required. It is worth remember the World Wide Web that delivers these Cloud services is itself only 25 years old.

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VIZION FOCUS

Cloud services are increasingly accessed from our smartphones and tablets whilst on the go.

At work, at home, in transit and even whilst on holiday. We have instant access to nearly all of our company records and sensitive information at our fingertips, at any time of day, from anywhere in the world.

These new technologies can improve our business efficiency and are often affordable. Their adoption can make us more competitive, improving our profitability or enabling us to offer services at a lower cost.

The problems these technological advancements introduce is knowing what data our business has, where it is stored and who has access to it. This task is made much more difficult when there could be hundreds of copies in hundreds of places. Often we simply don’t know, and it is difficult to play catch up once the data is dispersed.

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MANAGE CYBER SECURITY? Unfortunately, likely due to the similarity of the titles “Information Security” and “Information Technology”, many businesses may attempt to push this problem to their IT manager.

In reality the problem is far broader than this

individual will be able to address solely from within the IT department.

Many cyber security incidents can be traced back to accidental or malicious use of company data by employees.

Many cyber security incidents can be traced back to accidental or malicious use of company data by employees. To effectively combat the human element of cyber security requires a fundamental change in a business’s mentality towards governance, culture and education.

Typically, an IT manager simply cannot deliver this sweeping level of business change as the necessary motivation required within the business will fall outside of their role.

As a result, the only possible solution is that a concerted effort is required from the board of directors to understand the risk, and to ensure that senior management have appropriate knowledge and resources to collaboratively address it. This relies on all aspects of a business collaborating effectively, including HR, finance, sales, marketing, operations and IT. Such a strategy and focus can only come from the board of directors.

DID YOU KNOW? The majority of data breach victims surveyed, 81 percent, report they had neither a system nor a managed security service in place to ensure they could self-detect data breaches, relying instead on notification from an external party. This was the case despite the fact that self-detected breaches take just 14.5 days to contain from their intrusion date, whereas breaches detected by an external party take an average of 154 days to contain.

– “2015 Trustwave Global Security Report” | Trustwave

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COMING TO CORTEX

SUPPORTING CYBER SECURITY IN THE VIZION NETWORK

Our network’s success relies on the timely, accurate and secure communication of relevant data. The increasing scale of the problem has lead Vizion Network to partner with Berea, specialists in helping businesses understand and address their cyber security needs.

Supported by Berea, towards the end of 2016 Vizion Network will be launching a comprehensive support programme to support Network members with cyber security. More information will be made available after the Vizion conference in October.

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GREAT DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVEMENTS INVARIABLY INVOLVE THE COOPERATION OF MANY MINDS.

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELLd

INTRODUCING CEREBRAL

Vizion’s and WRC’s think tank.

Too often people talk about the future is trapped within narrow horizons. WRC want to open up a discussion about what our industry could be like, and inspire people to help shape it for the better.

Our aim is to study how innovation drives the customer journey, the repairer and the industry in general and with a pragmatic approach, build systems that deliver tangible solutions and are designed to maximize the benefits of data-driven innovation.

Through our work we want to conceive potentially industry-changing ideas that go beyond the innumerable barriers and pre conceived perceptions of the collision industry to provide real value to the customer and the repairer of the future.

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OCULUS A game changer

TOP SECRET REVEALED @IGNITE

Oculus is in development and will evolve the repair industry aligned with the industry’s changing trajectory.

OPUS Opus is WRC’s multi-functional auditing platform With testing successful over the past few months, WRC are planning to add more features and update the core module to offer greater flexibility and customisation to the primary controls. There are also plans to make this into an app based product, that will increase usage off and online.

NUCLEUS Nucleus is best described as a census platform tailored for repair management and distribution, micro-task allocation, data capture and most notably an overview of today’s repairer, their preferences, technology and skills.

Collective intelligence emerges from the collaboration of many people working together with diverse cognitive skills to solve problems. Nucleus platform will utilise key data to provide a wider skillset to the Vizion Network allowing better resourcing and services based on key factors.

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VIZION FOCUS

THE IMPORTANCE OF EMAIL IN THE REPAIR PROCESS

To start, there is not enough emphasis placed on capturing e-mails...

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The result is a member of staff that doesn’t see the importance if the owner or general manager doesn’t tell them that collecting e-mails is important. In this case all the repairer can expect is staff that randomly asks customers for an e-mail.

The staff needs to know that capturing e-mail is not only a part of their expected duties but their participation is also going to be routinely tracked and evaluated.

Have you ever tried asking a customer for an e-mail address?

Good Luck!

Consumers value their privacy and many consider their e-mail address as the last grasp of personal information that they have control over. Many people avoid giving up their e-mail addresses at all costs in fear of having their inbox plastered with spam.

All too often call centres, repairers and VDA’s simply ask customers for e-mail addresses without giving an explanation or a reason why and assume that “a lot of my customers just don’t have e-mail...” when they experience poor results.

There isn’t a repairer in the country that should expect anything less than 70-80% e-mail capture rate. If they are not collecting 70-80% of customer’s valid e-mail addresses, then it is either not consistently asking every customer for their e-mail or going about it all wrong.

It wasn’t that long ago when folks in rural communities were thought to be disconnected from the rest of the World Wide

Web. Widespread access to the internet has also opened the world of e-mail to those in the most far off reaches. And don’t think for a second that the nation’s seniors are not hopping online to read e-mail.

With people living longer and their children and grandchildren often living long distant, e-mail has created an instant, low cost connection to loved ones. The most important group of all is future customers…our children.

The next generation of car buyers are already accessing e-mail at home, at school and even on their mobile phones.

There is little doubt that tomorrow they will be checking e-mail from their cars!

The first step in assuring effective e-mail capture rates is to implement a formal word track or script you want your staff to stick to when asking for customer e-mails. Rather than have the staff simply ask “do you have an e-mail address?” have them not only ask for the e-mail address but also continue on with why you are asking for their e-mail and what you intend to do with it. “Mr. Smith I need a valid e-mail address if you have one as this is how we will communicate important information about your vehicle, and have the ability to track your repair. We promise never to abuse your right to privacy by sending you junk mail or sharing your e-mail with others.” By assuring the customer with a valid reason for requesting their e-mail address and proactively eliminating concerns about spam and invasion of privacy you can drastically improve e-mail capture rates.

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VIZION FOCUS

INSURE US AGAINST HACKERS, SAY 74% OF DRIVERS Seventy-four per cent of drivers think insurers should provide cover for damage caused by hackers accessing control systems in driverless cars, according to a survey by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

Almost 1,200 people responded to the survey which sought opinions on what driverless cars will mean for them as the UK heads towards autonomous vehicles becoming mainstream.

The results of this survey have been used to guide IAM RoadSmart’s response to the Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles’ consultation, Pathway to Driverless Cars.

When asked whether they agree with the proposal that in future insurers must include cover for driverless cars in their new policies, almost half – 46% – said this was a good or very good idea. However, this view shifted when asked whether they’d still agree if this adds to the cost of insurance for all drivers, with 68% disagreeing with the proposition, versus 23% who agreed.

Those surveyed were largely not

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in favour of driver assistance systems being able to take over from the driver. When asked if they agreed with amending Highway Code rule 150, ‘do not rely on driver assistance systems’, 55% said no compared to 35% who said yes.

And when it comes to selfdriving cars manoeuvring themselves with no occupant in the car, those surveyed were vehemently against changing the rules to allow it.

When asked if the Highway Code rules (which currently say that you should be in full control of a vehicle and switch off the engine when you are not in it) should be changed to allow a car to park itself, just 6% supported this statement strongly. Some 13% supported it, but 69% didn’t support it at all.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research,

said: “In our view it is logical that hacking electronic systems in autonomous vehicles is treated the same way as a traditionally stolen vehicle, with the insurer bearing the cost. This will be an important way of developing consumer confidence around one element of the plethora of questions driverless cars pose

Driverless cars are a very new proposition for many and views towards them are mixed.

“Driverless cars are a very new proposition for many and views towards them are mixed.

Previous research we have carried out shows that road users are by and large excited about their development. But they still have concerns about responsibility, especially when it comes down to liability.”

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Driving Surface perfection www.u-pol.com

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VIZION FOCUS

TOMTOM CURFER

THE PERFORMANCE TRACKER FOR CARS

TomTom announced the consumer launch of its TomTom CURFER performance tracker for cars. Plug this into the vehicle and read out data on a connected phone to improve driving performance or help save on fuel. From cornering G-force to acceleration and braking efficiency, the TomTom CURFER guides drivers to perfection while gamifying the experience with rewards and social sharing.

The TomTom CURFER could actually help save drivers money on fuel, brakes and tyre costs by helping them drive more efficiently. It'll even let drivers find the car from their phone's map when out and about.

Other cool metrics that will be fun to track include the car's battery voltage, oil temperature, engine load and plenty more.

By using a red alert for any issues with these levels, drivers can relax the rest of the time knowing the car is running as it should.

Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer, said: "We want people everywhere to drive smarter, saving money and reducing their impact on the environment. I like to think of the TomTom CURFER as a translator between the driver and their car – helping people to make better decisions about their driving style in a really fun and engaging way."

The TomTom CURFER connects to a car via its OBD (On Board Diagnostics) port which can be found on most cars made after 2011. This then connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth® so the CURFER app can beautifully display all the data.

The TomTom CURFER is available to pre-order now in the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands via the TomTom website. RRP is £59.99.

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DRIVERLESS CARS: INSURER RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION Insurers are offering to handle the complications of insuring the first automated cars behind the scenes, meaning consumers should notice hardly any difference to the current system of motor insurance.

Responding to the Department for Transport’s consultation on how to support developing automated vehicle technologies, the joint paper from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and industry body Thatcham Research, published today, says: Drivers should continue to buy a single motor insurance policy to cover both manual and automated driving Insurers should have a new legal right to recovery, allowing them to get costs back from motor manufacturers, software

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companies or other parties in cases where the vehicle or technology was found to have been at fault.

Strict rules on what people can and cannot do behind the wheel need to be maintained and drivers will need absolute certainty about when they can safely allow the car to drive autonomously.

There are already cars offering Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as emergency braking and lane assistance available but these should not be confused with automated

road accident victims without enough cover.

The paper also points out that good procedures for collecting and sharing data need to be agreed so people involved in accidents get compensation and help without delay. The UK Government is currently involved in international negotiations related to this at a UN level.

James Dalton, Director of General Insurance Policy at the ABI, said: “Insurers wholeheartedly support the development of automated vehicles, which have the potential to revolutionise road safety. With these proposals insurers are showing their commitment to the new technology, and to ensuring that anyone injured in a road accident continues to get quick and easy access to help and support, as they do at the moment.

vehicles, which can drive themselves under the safest conditions and could be on the roads as early as 2021.

Insurers want road users to feel confident that, if these vehicles are involved in an accident, no-one will be treated any differently than if the vehicle was being driven manually.

The ABI argues an alternative option, involving drivers having to arrange a separate product liability policy for the times they are using automated driving modes, would be too complicated and risk leaving

and the automotive industry to give drivers absolute clarity and confidence around what automated driving systems are capable of doing and under what circumstances they can be used.

“We would advocate geo fencing and restricting automated driving to specific roads, introducing a testing regime to assess automated driving systems to ensure they can handle road scenarios safely and, in the unfortunate case of there being an accident, ensuring it is clear to everyone whether the car was operating in automated mode or not.”

Thatcham Research is the independent voice of automotive safety & repair, advising motorists, insurers and vehicle manufacturers to help reduce accident frequency, severity and costs and to realise the vision of ‘Safer cars, fewer crashes’.

“Motor manufacturers share our goal of reducing deaths and injuries on the roads. When an automated vehicle or piece of software causes an accident it is important insurers can recover costs from the companies involved so that vehicle owners are protected from any upward pressure on the cost of motor premiums.”

As well as its world leading crash and track research, Thatcham Research tests and accredits crash repair parts, vehicle repair technicians, and a number of other products and services within the collision repair industry for insurers, motor manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, said: “Building driver confidence is at the heart of this consultation paper, so keeping things simple and clear is paramount.

Similarly, there is still much work to be done by legislators

A founder member of the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR), Thatcham Research has also been a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) since 2004.

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VIZION FOCUS

New Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800

SUPERFAST DRYING – EVEN UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS

Exceptional gloss combined with extremely short drying times - the new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 produces a brilliant, efficient finish, while offering refinishers the flexibility of use in extreme temperatures.

Spies Hecker has developed a completely new clear coat based on an innovative binder technology. With a drying time of only five minutes at 60°C object temperature, the new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 offers a top-of-the-range solution.

“The new clear coat is in a league of its own,” says Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating Systems in the UK and Ireland. “It allows refinishers to complete work more quickly and reduces downtime in the spray booth.”

THE RIGHT HARDENER FOR EVERY CLIMATE “High summer temperatures can cause paint materials to perform differently in application than they do at colder times of the year,” continues Welling. “This means that, depending on the ambient air temperature and humidity, the clear coat has to be formulated differently.”

With two hardeners, refinishers in the bodyshop can adapt Permasolid HS Speed Clear coat 8800 to different climatic conditions. “The new Permasolid VHS Speed Hardener 3252 long, was developed for application at high humidity and very high ambient air temperatures. The Permasolid VHS Speed Hardener 3250 offers optimal performance for central European temperatures, in other words between 20°C and 30°C. These flexible drying options allow refinishers to optimise individual work processes in the bodyshop and reduce energy consumption,” Welling explains.

FAST, EFFICIENT APPLICATION The new Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 can be applied efficiently in 1.5 passes and results

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in a very even flow. After oven curing, for example, the clear can be polished only 10 minutes after cooling. It is also very flexible in use – from Speed Repair to multi-panel repairs.

GLOSS OF A NEW DIMENSION The appearance of the new superfast clear reaches new levels, offering extreme gloss, a first class depth and a very hard surface after just one day. It combines the highest quality standards with a particularly cost-effective application.

“Compared to conventional clearcoats, Permasolid HS Speed Clear coat 8800 offers energy savings of more than 80 per cent,” says Welling. It also offers the added benefit of being ready to sand and polish shortly after drying. In addition to this, Permasolid HS Speed Clear coat 8800, is an energy-saving, fast drying clear coat, that is very well suited for both Permahyd Hi-TEC 480 and Permahyd 280/285 waterborne basecoats.

For more information about Permasolid HS Speed Clear coat 8800 contact your local Spies Hecker distributor or visit www.spieshecker.co.uk/clearcoat8800

Short downtime

– with Permasolid® HS Speed Clear Coat 8800.

Quicker can also be better. The innovative Permasolid HS Speed Clear Coat 8800 requires just five minutes drying time at 60 °C. With lightning speed, your booth is then ready for the next vehicle. This increases efficiency levels in your business. The results simply sparkle: Our painters enthuse about the mirror-like quality of the surface.

Spies Hecker – simply closer.

An Axalta Coating Systems Brand

Spies Hecker • Unit 1 Quadrant Park • Mundells • Welwyn Garden City • AL7 1FS • www.spieshecker.co.uk

Companion App to AutoFlow 4:G Capture images directly at any stage Book time to jobs in situ Review work methods in situ

o WorkM8 further streamlines your work flow o Portable solution – WorkM8 goes where you go o Capture and upload images remotely o Review work methods on your device o Book time onto one or more job tasks

Designed to Deliver To arrange for an on-site or online demonstration of any of our products, or to discuss potential new projects with our team please contact the office on 01625 860545 or visit www.autoflow.ltd.uk

X-AUTOS

Episode 1: A Busy Professional Bodyshop turning out 50 cars a week on average

RR

... that wasn‛t there when he came in!!

W HI R

Mr. Smart claims there is some damage on his car...

W WHIR RR HI RR R

Damn! – I thought we‛d had a better month than that!

RR

R HI W

Not again! – that‛s the 5th one this month!?!

Readiruscepd.a rep

That night

Next day in the mixing room

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RevLoenstue

£33,024 I am the ghost of profit past

CHECKmate Champion records all the non-accident damage...

...BEFORE every vehicle enters the bodyshop!

...yada...yada... yada...8pm

A short while later.

Projections are through the roof, just like our expansion plans...

...CHECKmate Champion!

Mild-mannered Ernie...

One step ahead of you boss.

Projected Profit

but... I just finished work early... and forgot about our date

Doh!!

...take the afternoon off Ernie!!

Will Checkmate Champion rescue his date? Can Checkmate Champion improve your swing? Does Checkmate Champion have a weakness? ...to be continued.

To find out more visit www.autoflow.ltd.uk

VIZION FOCUS

AUTOMOTIVE COATING GAINS DEMAND FOR ENERGYEFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES

Upswing of automotive production in North America and Europe enhances growth opportunities for coatings, finds Frost & Sullivan’s Visionary Science team

Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are concerned about the rising energy consumption at their paint shops and the resultant increase in carbon emissions. These environmental issues and OEMs' desire to accelerate production cycle times have prompted automotive OEM coating suppliers to develop integrated coating processes such as those that do away with primer coatings. This drop in primer requirement will be offset

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by the amplified need for base coat to achieve superior performance and aesthetics.

Another important feature of environment-friendly vehicles is lightweighting achieved through the greater use of plastic parts in automobile production. This translates to a new market for coating technologies that can seamlessly paint over plastic and metal substrates. However, the gradual replacement of metal parts with plastics and composite materials will dampen the demand for automotive OEM coatings on metal substrates.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the North American and European Automotive OEM Coatings Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $2.81 billion in 2015 and estimates this to reach $3.37 billion in 2022. During this period, the market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 percent and 2.0 percent in North America and Europe, respectively.

"There is also a fast emerging market for safe and sustainable products due to the cap on the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in coatings by the European Renewable Energy Directive and California Air Resources Board (CARB)," said Frost & Sullivan Visionary Science Research Analyst Vinay Venkatesan. "In response, coating OEMs are likely to develop non-polluting and high-performing water-borne, high-solids and powder-based

coatings."

While the VOC regulations are implemented strictly in Europe, there is considerable variance in their enforcement across the East and West coast regions of the United States.

As a result, North American OEMs are reluctant to invest in new equipment that support sustainable technologies and continue to be heavily reliant on solvent-borne technologies.

In both Europe and North America, automotive production is on the upswing. Coating OEMs are developing superior base coat products to make the most of this opportunity and the rising consumer demand for dynamic colours and sophisticated coating finishes.

The continuous evolution of automotive quality standards has had a knockon effect on coating systems, resulting in improvements such as extreme stone chip resistance, etch and mar resistance and high corrosion protection "The continuous evolution of automotive quality standards has had a knock-on effect on coating systems, resulting in improvements such as extreme stone chip resistance, etch and mar resistance and high corrosion protection," noted Venkatesan.

The automotive OEM coatings market is highly consolidated; leading participants such as PPG, BASF, and Axalta Coating Systems contribute to the majority of market shares in both Europe and America. As there are only a handful of global companies supplying to a largely fragmented automotive OEM market, customers have been very demanding in terms of cost efficiency and performance. Therefore, coating companies are working on diversifying their product portfolio to offer a wide array of products and services across all layers. This strategy will go a long way in enhancing market penetration in both regions.

Analysis of the North American and European Automotive OEM Coatings Market is part of the Future of Chemicals & Materials in Infrastructure & Mobility Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan's related studies include: European and North American Paint Additives Market, North America Paints and Coatings Market, Fiber-reinforced Cement - High-Tech Materials TOE, Advanced Insulation Materials Technologies for Building and Construction, Opportunities in the Global Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Market and North American and European Construction Adhesives and Sealants Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Accelerator U7535

ENSURES FASTER DRYING

Standox launches VOC Pro Filler Accelerator U7535, which makes application of Standox VOC Pro Filler U7530 even more efficient as it enables even faster drying at ambient temperatures and helps bodyshops save time and energy when preparing vehicles for repair.

VOC Pro Filler U7530 is a proven and highly efficient 2K sanding filler from Standox, the premium global refinish brand from Wuppertal, Germany. It is available in black, grey and white, and is characterised by its good filling properties and great vertical stability. It can be applied with all Standox VOC hardeners using standard setting in up to three spray passes.

Now, when using the new Standox VOC Pro Filler Accelerator U7535, application of Standox VOC Pro Filler U7530 can be even further optimised.

When combined with the new accelerator and VOC 10-20 Hardener, VOC Pro Filler U7530 can be applied in a single process step in up to three spray passes, without intermediate flash-off times. In addition, it is ready for sanding after just 30 minutes of air-drying, which is nearly three

times faster than before. An ambient temperature of 20ºC is all that is required - a tremendous advantage, as bodyshops don’t have to heat the spray booth.

“With the Standox VOC Pro Filler Accelerator U7535 we have once again introduced a product that is characterised by its speed and its ease and efficiency in application. It markedly improves the drying properties of Standox VOC Pro Filler U7530, which helps bodyshops speed up their work processes and make them more efficient without any loss of quality,” says Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating Systems in the UK and Ireland.

For further information, interested bodyshops should contact their local Standox representative or visit www.standox.co.uk.

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VIZION FOCUS

VOLVO XC90

TAKES HOME CAR DEALER POWER’S CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD

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The Volvo XC90 has been named the Car Dealer Power Car of the Year 2016, as voted for by dealers across the UK. The Car Dealer Power Awards, held each year at a prestigious black-tie event at the top of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, are the only awards where franchised and independent dealers get to have their say on what they think of suppliers and their manufacturers.

Car Dealer receives hundreds of responses from dealers throughout the UK, and the awards celebrate those voted best in the country by their customers.

Andy Entwistle, Managing Director of Blackball Media, publishers of Car Dealer, said: “When it was launched, the all-new XC90 shone as a ringing endorsement of the hard work Volvo has put into replacing what was already a very accomplished car, while also launching the brand into a new style direction.

“The Car of the Year category isn’t just about franchised dealers voting for their favourite car from their manufacturer; it also gives independent dealers a chance to say what they think is the best car out there. Car Dealer saw nominations from

a variety of independents and franchise holders for the XC90, with one nomination quoting they felt ‘the new XC90 was easily best in its class’,” he added.

We are absolutely thrilled that the XC90 has been recognised by dealers in the UK as their Car of the Year in the Car Dealer Power survey Jon Wakefield, Acting Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the XC90 has been recognised by dealers in the UK as their Car of the Year in the Car Dealer Power survey – it’s a testament to the car to have won such a respected industry award. To be voted for by both independent and franchise dealers alike demonstrates the huge popularity the XC90 has brought Volvo since its introduction to dealers in June last year.”

The award comes as Volvo Car UK announces its plans to invest in the UK motor trade industry with the launch of its Sponsored Dealer Programme.

This gives talented motor trade professionals the opportunity to set up their own Volvo dealership, with support from Volvo Car UK, and become advocates of the brand.

THE VOLVO XC90 WILL BE AT IGNITE WITH VOLVO ENGINEERS TO HELP WITH ANY QUESTIONS 41

VIZION FOCUS

THE S90 MARKS A GIANT STEP FORWARD FOR VOLVO CARS. The S90 is Volvo’s new premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan. It is built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular product platform that will underpin all new Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series.

Like its siblings XC90 and V90, the S90 carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design

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language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.

In the cabin, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and raised the bar with new details on the dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.

AS IF IT WASN’T HARD ENOUGH TO WRITE OFF A VOLVO Before you declare a borderline write-off on a Volvo car, contact us for help bringing repair costs within the allowable maximum.

Simple - Just email us the application form Fast - You’ll have a decision within 4 hours borderline@volvobodyandpaint.co.uk or Audatex network code of OAGTL A

VIZION FOCUS

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THE BODY BEAUTIFUL

Once upon a time vehicle body structures were made from mild steel alloy with a typical yield strength of 180 MPa, which could be pressed via multiple stage forming into all sorts of shapes without splitting thanks to the press tool designers.

The steel gained strength thanks to mainly the form of the panel rather than any sort of work hardening – where the form could not deliver the required strength the sheet steel thickness was increased. However, from around 1997 onwards this situation changed with the arrival of higher strength steel alloys. The first application of these ‘boutique’ steels were in B pillar reinforcements, but rapidly spread to include the A pillar as well as

the sill reinforcements.

Why? To increase structural performance not only for stiffness (handling stability and noise / vibration / harshness) but also the relatively new crash test procedures from NCAP (USA) as well as Euro NCAP. Thus greater performance could be delivered without the weight increase compared with engineering the same level of performance with mild steel alloy.

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So last century!

Taking a snap shot of vehicle body engineering each kg of material would have to be recycled across new cars in 2000, we can see that some around 8 times to get parity with the amount of older models which were still in production had energy used to make steel alloy the same number almost nothing but mild steel alloy, whereas of times. Carbon fibre reinforced plastic for mass the ‘cutting edge’ new market applications is model programmes still in development, had around 70% mild and thanks to new The relative cost of the body structure as a steel alloy. Contrast thermos-plastic resins proportion of the whole vehicle has fallen, this with 2016, where allowing the selective use of higher strength replacing thermoset most vehicles have less resins it can be recycled steel alloys than 30% mild steel too. Magnesium alloy – a change which alloys have very has spread across limited mass market the entire passenger applications (typically car, light commercial instrument panel vehicle and pickup cross car support sectors in less than a members, centre decade. console support members, hood slam Why? The relative cost panel assemblies) of the body structure and this situation will as a proportion of remain until the raw the whole vehicle material cost reduces has fallen, allowing significantly…. the selective use of higher strength A few high end steel alloys – and vehicles have used indeed non ferrous aluminium alloy materials – to be intensive body used to offset vehicle structures but this weight. There are is not due to weight some basic economics saving alone – the Volvo XC90 2nd generation, launched in 2015, compared which show why steel same effect could be to the 2001 original. Note the reduction in mild steel alloy has been and achieved at higher content from 43% to 27%, along with the extension of will continue to play tooling cost with steel the high strength steel structural members towards the C a big part in vehicle alloys, but where pillar. ©Volvo Car Group structures, as shown production volumes in the graph of CO2 are modest the use emissions in kg (ie, of aluminium is a amount of energy good compromise required) to produce to achieve the each kg of material: desired goal. The added bonus is for Whilst aluminium the consumer who alloy is more tolerant perceives aluminium Raw material production in terms of CO2 emissions (kg) of high proportion alloy to be ‘high per kg of material produced. of recycled material tech’, ‘rust free’ and than steel production, different.

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Skeletons We can see the mass market vehicle structure uses a skeletal form, in which load bearing members can be made from a variety of steel and aluminium alloys – although steel has and will continue to dominate. This collection of panels assembled together into a series of box members provides the primary load path for the platform stability which is required not only for rise / handling but also for good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance. The same members are also optimised to direct impact energy from the point of collision throughout the remaining vehicle structure.

In the case of skin panels there has and will continue to be a push towards weight saving, and this is manifest in panel thickness reduction along with substitution for aluminium alloy. In both cases there is a demand to maintain panel stiffness for NVH as well as resistance to the infamous car park denting creators.

Aluminium alloy example: Triple layer alloys….

millimetre thick, and have a higher magnesium content than the ‘core’ alloy.

Note! When refinishing damaged panels the outer skin can be removed during the process of taking off the high spots. Due to the differing magnesium content of the aluminium alloy, this may induce paint system finish issues in later lafe.

JLR for example, state that reforming such panels is not permitted, and the factory supplied ecoat should not be removed from new panels either.

For steel alloys the development of materials that could be pressed as easily as mild steel and yet deliver significantly higher strength has been the focus of companies around the world for more than two decades.

The beauty is the resultant sandwich can be pressed as easily as the core material, but deliver almost the same strength as the higher strength aluminium alloy

In the case of aluminium alloy it is now common to find a sandwich material where the core is made from a lower strength alloy and the two skins are made from high grade aluminium alloy.

The beauty is the resultant sandwich can be pressed as easily as the core material, but deliver almost the same strength as the higher strength aluminium alloy.

Novelis supply most of the global automotive industry with their patented sandwich sheet aluminium alloy product, which is used extensively for exterior panels. The higher strength alloy is notoriously difficult to work, whereas the ‘5005’ alloy is not. © Novelis Corp The higher strength 6000 and 7000 series aluminium alloys are typically used for aerospace load bearing skins, and are prone to rapid work as well as age hardening. This limits how much form can be put into the panels, making the materials nominally unsuitable for automotive applications.

One should note the higher strength aluminium alloy ‘skins’ are each less than a fraction of a

Novelis supply most of the global automotive industry with their patented sandwich sheet aluminium alloy product, which is used extensively for exterior panels. The higher strength alloy is notoriously difficult to work, whereas the ‘5005’ alloy is not. © Novelis Corp

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VIZION FOCUS

The rise and rise of boutique steel alloys – this graph is from 2012, but the 2000 edition would not have had any materials stronger than 1100 MPa.

Steel alloy example: Press hardened The process was invented by Swedish Steel to produce immensely strong steel alloy which could be used selectively for high load paths where conventional solutions – making the panel thicker – were not possible due to weight and bulk considerations. The process uses a specifically formulated rolled sheet steel alloy which is then heated to 850 oC (orange heat), and then pressed inside a male / female press tool which is selectively cooled at a rate of 50 oC per second whilst the panel is inside it. This converts the austinite phase grin structure to mainly tough martensite grain structure.

The process typically produces formed panels in one hit, so offsetting the increased time to produce panels by eliminating the need for multiple stage pressings. In addition such panels initially had lots of surface scale, and so would not be used for ‘A’ class exterior surfaces. However, since the process was first used commercially around 2001, it has been evolved to include tailor blanks (steel alloy for press hardening joined to another type of steel alloy before pressing) and tailor blank rolled panels (the same as tailor blank with the addition of varying the thickness of the finished panel).

Note! The press hardened steel alloy process is not reversible in the vehicle repair environment.

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Repairing such materials is possible with limited cold working, but use of heat will destroy the grain structure. This means it might be possible to cold pull a sill or B pillar if the deflection is a one or two millimetres, but structural members should be sectioned and new parts welded in, using the guidelines from the vehicle manufacturer – the allowable heat degradation along the section joints has been engineered by the vehicle manufacturer to permit such operations.

Lessons for all The upshot of looking into just three materials typically found on vehicles today is doing anything that ‘feels right’ or ‘looks right’ without the information from the vehicle manufacturer is problematic. Gone are the days of the beautifully tolerant material – mild steel – since the more complex multi material body structure is not only with us now, but extends across all vehicle segments.

The body is the primary energy absorption and distribution system, the behaviour of which is tied into the overall vehicle system performance – everything from handling, to successful deployment of seat belt pre tensioners / airbags.

If the body is not repaired correctly, the vehicle user is at risk.

Preparation for repairs is now very important to ensure a successful outcome.

REPAIR METHODS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Ezi-Methods pulls together the technical information you need and presents it in a clear and concise solution, helping to improve the utilisation, effectiveness and efficiencies of estimators and technicians by removing confusion from the repair process.

This guarantees a safe repair based on the most up to date vehicle manufacturer information. Even if vehicles have been on the road for years they may have updated repair procedures, Ezi-Methods will have the most current method for any vehicle.

experience the simplicity of Ezi-Methods for yourself, contact your UK representative...

07923 563 260 | sales@ezimethods.com

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z Dramatically reduces time spent on preparing and researching methods ensuring current information is available quickly z Supports improved quality of estimating and adds credibility when negotiating repair authorisations z Methods are applied correctly from the start eliminating guesswork and avoiding mistakes,resulting in a faster turnaround as the job is done right first time

VIZION FOCUS

LAND ROVER INTRODUCES ITS MOST EFFICIENT RANGE ROVER SPORT EVER.

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For 2017, the latest Range Rover Sport features an efficient Ingenium powertrain, upgraded infotainment system with connectivity and wifi capability, innovative new semi-autonomous driving connected technologies and greater scope for personalisation.

At 2017 Model Year, Range Rover Sport will debut the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine, manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s own engine plant in Wolverhampton.

Already available on both Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque models, Ingenium is Jaguar Land Rover’s new breed of engine designed for effortless performance, refinement and efficiency.

Its advanced technology and all-aluminium construction contribute to impressive fuel consumption (45.6mpg) and CO2 emissions (164g/km) and a 0-60 time of 8.0 seconds

(manufacturer’s estimated data).

UK customers will also have the option of specifying Jaguar Land Rover’s 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine from 2017 Model Year. The supercharged V6 achieves 340HP and 450Nm of torque combined with CO2 emissions of 243g/km. Effortless acceleration and power delivery produces a 0-60 time of 7.1s.

In addition to new engine technology, Land Rover introduces a series of semi-autonomous driving technologies to Range Rover Sport. Advanced Tow Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Intelligent

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Speed Limiter work alongside existing features to elevate driver aids to an even greater level of convenience and safety.

Peerless all-terrain capability remains a cornerstone of the Range Rover family and the 2017 Model Year Range Rover Sport includes a selection of new features. Low Traction Launch makes it easier for drivers to pull away on low-grip surfaces while the updated 4x4i

menu presents all the necessary vehicle information when tackling challenging terrain.

The enlarged dual-view touchscreen features a new 10-inch display for greater easeof-use and clarity and features tablet-style pinch and zoom orientation. This is powered by Land Rover’s market-leading InControl Touch Pro technology, making this the most connected Range Rover Sport to date.

NEW DISCOVERY IS COMING The new Discovery embodies Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond, combining British desirability with an unstoppable spirit of adventure.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer, said: “New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV.”

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Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “Our customers love Range Rover Sport and for 17 Model Year it gets even better.

It’s brimming with exciting technology for even better on and off-road driving; it has next-generation infotainment and advanced safety features as standard, better economy and running costs, and all for under £60,000.”

Always up-to-date

– focussing on topical issues.

Whenever Spies Hecker invites you for training, you can be sure that the subjects on the agenda will be those that make every day in the workshop more efficient without being commonplace: learn first-hand of the options for new repair methods and experience the latest product developments being used.

Our training sessions are not dry product launches, but are instead oriented towards practical experience and current trends.

Spies Hecker – simply closer.

An Axalta Coating Systems Brand

Spies Hecker • Unit 1 Quadrant Park • Mundells • Welwyn Garden City • AL7 1FS • www.spieshecker.co.uk

VIZION FOCUS

VISION MERCEDES MAYBACH 6

ULTIMATE IN LUXURY

The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity.

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VIZION FOCUS

With its sensual, emotional design (“hot”) and intelligent details (“cool”), the Vision MercedesMaybach 6 represents the ultimate in luxury. The classic aesthetic proportions of the show car – the extremely long bonnet, the low roof line and the rearward positioning of the greenhouse – recall the aero coupés of days gone by. But this is not retro design – this is a reinterpretation of classic, aesthetic principles.

A GLAMOROUS COUPÉ.

“Our glamorous coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury.

It is hot and cool”, states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency.”

THE EXTERIOR DESIGN. Clearly defined contours and organically formed wings stand in contrast to the sharply drawn, extended feature line on each side which defines the upper vehicle body from the radiator grille across the entire length of the vehicle to the rear. There is also a striking contrast between the Maybach red paintwork and the chrome strips which sit above the wheel arches and in the centre of the bonnet and boot lid.

A reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The extended, round “boat tail” format of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6’s rear recalls a luxury yacht.

TYPICAL SPORTS CAR PERFORMANCE. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is designed as an electric car. Thanks to its four compact permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, it features allwheel drive. The output of the drive system is 550 kW (750 PS). The shallow underfloor battery has a usable capacity of approx. 80 kWh. This not only allows performance characteristics typical of a sports car (acceleration from 0‑100 km/h in under four seconds, top speed electronically governed at 250 km/h) but also a range of over 500 kilometres according to the NEDC (over 200 miles according to EPA).

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THE LEGACY OF THE STEAM ENGINE

Digitization is a megatrend that is rapidly changing the world. The automobile industry is on the verge of its biggest upheaval in decades – with huge opportunities opening up.

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The future is dawning in Zuffenhausen almost without a sound,as Porsche’s Mission E is powered purely by electricity.

The futuristic concept study caused a sensation among the trade professionals in Frankfurt and Detroit; Mission E will be demonstrating its pioneering mobility concept on roads around the world toward the end of this decade.

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The electric drive with more than 600 horsepower will be fed from an 800 volt battery and will manage distances of over 500 kilometers. Navigation apps and networked devices in the interior are controlled by glances and gestures, while holograms put information within easy reach in the cockpit.

Remote services can be used on an external tablet to configure or service the sports car.

Completely networked, combining the best of the digital and real worlds – that is the Mission E. And it embodies the future of the automobile industry on four wheels. Digitization is the all-encompassing topic occupying the industry; digital transformation is behind the most comprehensive and fastest change in decades that is taking place at all levels. The foremost trend facing the sector is “digitization and networks” – and it could totally upend the entire industry.

DIGITIZED WORLD Already, more than 20 billion individual devices around the globe are connected to the internet – computers and tablets, smartphones and GPS devices, televisions, toys, fire alarms, and heating systems.

Experts predict that the “Internet of Things” will expand to half a trillion devices by 2030.

Components in the factories of tomorrow will constitute a large portion of these networked things; made possible by drastically falling prices for processors and network technology.

In 2014, mankind used its devices to send a total of 718 billion gigabytes of data around the globe. By just 2019, this volume is forecast to increase to two trillion gigabytes. And mobile network operators expect the data volume in transit to double every 18 months. Future road users will not just be able to

access continuously updated information; they will also provide sensor data about themselves.

EVERYTHING WILL BE COMMUNICATING WITH AND AMONG EVERYTHING ELSE Scientists are promoting Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution after the steam engine, assembly line, and computer technology.

It is characterized by total networking and the computerization of all workflows. Everything will be communicating with and among everything else: humans and machines, components and central computers, customers and products.

So it is not just the actual Mission E gliding on its way that is heralding a new era at Porsche – new laws will also apply when it comes to producing the futuristic sports

car: the laws of Industry 4.0, of intelligent production, of smart factories. As Porsche Works Council Chairman, Uwe Hück, says: “We need the technology of the future. “Over the next five years, the change in technology will be as massive as it was in the last 30 years combined,” explains Hück. “We need to make our production more intelligent, which is why we are building Porsche Production 4.0.” Porsche is investing a total of one billion euros in the Mission E project, of which around 700 million euros alone are being spent on expanding the company’s long-standing main plant in Zuffenhausen – where everything began.

DIGITIZED PRODUCTION Digitization offers huge opportunities for the German automobile industry – equipped with the latest technology, bursting with innovation, and precise, it can use customized

quality products and modern, efficient workflows to further expand its competitive advantage. A network therefore symbolizes Porsche Production 4.0 in every respect: no linearity, instead, an interwoven pattern of huge numbers of individual strings, dynamic nodes – rapidly extendable and always in flow. The smart factory is a “cyber-physical system”; central servers not only link workers and machines in the cloud, but also individual components. A product is no longer processed; it is actively involved in its own design. Mini chips with RFID control enable even minute parts to be individually marked or assigned to a specific order – and to communicate the same.

To date, robots have been working in separate cages – in the body shop, for example.

Production 4.0 envisages robots and people working alongside each other. Components will move on autonomously operating, driverless conveyor

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systems through the production hall, for example, and can actively seek out and head for the next free machine.

Given the diversity and large number of components used in the automobile industry, the potential for efficient and lean production mechanisms is huge.

PORSCHE CAR CONFIGURATOR: PRODUCTS WILL BE MUCH MORE DIVERSE IN FUTURE Human workers can inspect, monitor, and optimize all ongoing processes via the cloud.

They can centrally service and inspect machinery that is fitted with numerous sensors. They will not become superfluous because of these machines. On

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the contrary: The employees remain key players; they will become creative designers, welltrained controllers. Digitization will not only make their work safer and less strenuous, but also more convenient. According to the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, job losses as a result of digitization are unlikely. It believes the need for trained professionals could actually increase further in Germany.

Products will be much more diverse in future, than they used to be. Even now, a Porsche customer can choose from more than one sextillion possible digital combinations. Using the Porsche Car Configurator they can compile their dream car online: black, jet black metallic,

or agate gray? Racing yellow, guards red, sapphire blue metallic? Leather or alcantara interior? With dual lutch gearbox and Power Steering Plus, Vehicle Tracking System or TV tuner?

Unlike an assembly line, the Car Configurator may seem more like a gadget for demanding customers at first glance. But it shows where industry as a whole is heading – and not just the automotive sector.

Increasingly, specific customer requirements and endless virtual options will need to be made reality. Customers want utterly individual customization and the smallest possible batch sizes, while producers must still guarantee maximum efficiency and perfectly coordinated workflows.

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The autonomous bus of the near future, unveiled in September 2016.© Daimler AG

AUTONOMY, ‘AUTO PILOT’, AND CARS……

MIND THE GAP! Aerospace developed instrument only take off and landing systems during the second world war, and thanks to the unique maritime climate of odd islands off big land masses (umm, the UK….) where ‘summer’ is one day of sunshine with almost 25C heat, and fog was almost universal, the first automated landing systems came into play from the mid-1960s on. The very first flight with automated landing was performed at RAE Bedford in March 1964, and on the 10th June 1965 a Trident full of passengers landed at Heathrow on the first public application of the system in the world.

HOW FAR WE HAVE COME. Today, unlike those first systems, the pilot can sit back and relax without having to touch a single control. Indeed the entire flight from the start of take off to the final braking at the end of the trip can be performed via automated systems. The aerospace industry has to have a fantastic safety reputation to attract customers in the first place, which typically requires that every single system has at least two backups – plus the humans at the controls.

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The automotive revolution Typically the automotive industry has to operate on $100 aspiration with $0.10 cost.

This is normally achieved with massive scales of economy thanks to mass production, along with essentially a ‘slow’ rate of technology evolution compared to other sectors. However this vast industry which has grown over the past century is now in the cross hairs of upstarts who say there is a new way, the 4th industrial revolution and more which will revolutionise land based travel.

A vehicle typically has upwards of 5000 major parts, weighs at least 1 tonne and is the biggest single purchase most people make after buying or leasing a house. The design and engineering cycle for a new vehicle ranges from 7 years (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) to 18 months (Toyota). A smart phone? Well if it’s not upgraded or renewed every 6 months, investors and customers think the brand is on the way out. For a time in the very recent past, the vehicle manufacturers, unable to meet the short product cycle time of smart phones, looked as if they we resitting around waiting for the inevitable – perhaps a Silicon Valley start-up that would bring the whole automotive industry into revolution.

The old guard have fought back - they have not won the war, but have won battles by buying into new emerging technology, and applying that to their own fleets.

The old guard have fought back - they have not won the war, but have won battles by buying into new emerging technology, and applying that to their own fleets. The technology ranges from virtual sales rooms to renting vehicles by the minute, and it includes……. the building blocks to….. autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, Governments around the world are on the ropes as innovations with huge impacts for society go live with legislation trailing in the wake, stumbling around in the world which has passed.

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Real people buy or lease real vehicles. And they need real assurances that the systems on board really work. There - said it. We need to keep this in mind.

AUTONOMY AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VISION… Unlike the aerospace the automotive industry has a default position. A human being at the controls, trained well enough to cope with the unexpected. Thanks to universal short term planning, and accepted work practices, most working people have to commute through or to major densely populated centres. The result is massive road systems clogged with slow moving traffic, which is a complete waste of our time and is not entertaining - unless an all too rare flirting opportunity arises, sometimes followed by an unfortunate impact. The majority of drivers in this situation are frustrated that they need to be in control of the vehicle in a traffic jam at all.

What better than to offer features which allow drivers to relax? The key components were already in place – electronic control of the braking system (ABS / ESC), electronic control of the steering (EPAS), electronic control of the engine (drive by wire). Add some sensors, and hey presto the car that can think for itself. Governments around the world needed to reduce the rate of oil consumption increase, and get more capacity from existing roads. What better than to take advantage of the new driver assistance systems and make them just a bit more capable?

Vehicle manufacturers rushed into this space with systems that typically consisted of a forward facing RADAR (initially 100m range, then extended to 250m range by 2012), a single CMOS camera, a forward facing LiDAR module (10m range) and two side facing RADAR modules at the rear for blind spot detection. Soon enough the software, firmware and hardware all improved rapidly, as we saw the first stereo CMOS camera module (Subaru, 2010) to challenge the LiDAR sensor, and the integration of parking sensors to add to the information the vehicle systems could use.

Then came the advent of information sent to or sent from the vehicle, which has been on offer commercially since around 2001. Such systems offer live traffic updates to the satellite navigation system, but also allow the vehicle manufacturer to track the vehicle usage to then provide service alerts as well as software updates. This development has opened the way for collision information to appear only to those who are able to get communication from the vehicle.

The price point game has already begun. High end systems have RADAR modules with up to 3 ranges, LiDAR and stereo CMOS cameras. Budget systems can have a LiDAR sensor, or just a CMOS camera.

All are billed as driver assistance systems, with upgrades and system expansion – if available at all – are relegated to the options list.

Just remember – even though the RADAR module contains multiple RADAR sensors, for example, it is a single module with a single harness connection.

There is no back-up. Equally the systems that rely on external communication do so via the mobile phone network rather than a dedicated communication system – again, there is no backup.

THE TESLA MODEL S ‘AUTOPILOT’ SYSTEM »» The hardware for the Tesla ‘AutoPilot’ system consists of: »» One RADAR module located in the front bumper lower grille, with a range of 150m. »» Ultra sonic sensors with a range of 4.5m to provide close range proximity warnings. »» A CMOS camera module behind the windscreen which identifies what obstacles might be, and tracks the movement of those obstacles compared to the vehicle trajectory. »» The data processing for this first generation system was completed via the in car entertainment / system control module rather than a stand alone module.

The ‘AutoPilot’ function relies on sensing torque input from the driver via the steering wheel, and if this is not detected then a series of warnings are given followed by system shut down. In addition the system is sold as a software upgrade to the purchased vehicle with the explicit warning that it is a driver assistance system – not an autonomous driving system.

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THE ISSUES »» The RADAR will have an ability to detect obstacles up to 150m away, but not the size – it can detect a wall, but struggle with a load strap (potentially lethal). Further the RADAR unit will find it difficult to measure precise distances closer to the vehicle, which is why other manufacturers use multiple range forward facing RADAR modules to improve this performance. Volvo XC90 for example has a dual range RADAR module for exactly this reason. »» Ultra-sonic sensors with a 4.5m range are fine for detecting open parking spaces or if a vehicle travelling in the same direction at almost the same speed is in the driver’s blind spot. However for short range dynamic obstacle detection they are not so good. A better short range sensing system would be to use LiDAR for distances up to 10m since this works well, has been adopted widely and is offered as an integrated module with forward CMOS cameras already. »» The single CMOS camera, like the single RADAR module, has a range of operation. So it can ‘see’ objects close up quite well, but will have poorer performance at longer range. So at 150m the combination of CMOS camera and RADAR is going to struggle to detect smaller obstacles. »» The steering wheel torque sensing seems to allow many, many minutes of driverless operation before any warning systems come into play – as can be found readily on YouTube.

The ‘AutoPilot’ system has the dual features of adaptive cruise control (primarily lead by the RADAR module) combined with lane keeping via the CMOS camera module. Tesla enabled communication with all vehicles, so that the ‘AutoPilot’ hardware could be built into the vehicles from mid-2014 onwards, but activated via software uploaded to the vehicle as it drove around from October 2015 onwards. The Tesla system is primarily designed for adaptive cruise control with lane keeping. That suits cruising on a multi lane uni-directional traffic flow of around 50 to 60 km/h.

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The communication link is important, because the information gathered is then sent back to Tesla to help improve the software. This ‘beta’ system is able to verify and modify parameters of the points at which it should do something.

Elon Musk and Tesla deliberately used a term used by commercial aviation – auto pilot. Except aerospace has not only multiple sensors to give at least two levels of back up, typically commercial airliners have three interdependent systems too.

In contrast the automotive world typically has one system, with sales of dual systems getting underway in 2016.

THE FUTURE The commercial vehicle fair in Hannover in September 2016 will be the launch pad for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles. One is a 26 tonne truck powered only by electricity, with a range of 200 km. The other….

Is a single deck bus with a top speed of 70 km/h, and where the driver is on board to ensure the ultimate back-up. Just check out the sensor array: »» Global positioning cameras, side position, range 200m. »» Vehicle to infrastructure communication, range 200m. »» Forward facing RADAR, range 200m. »» Lane keeping CMOS camera, range 80m.

»» Stereo CMOS camera, two modules for 3D simulation, range 60m. »» Stereo CMOS camera for pedestrian detection, range 30m. »» Forward facing RADAR, four units, range 0.01m to 10m. »» CMOS cameras around the vehicle, range 5m.

It takes this level of equipment to ensure a single deck bus can drive a route, stop and re-start without any human driver input. The vital link is the external communication to ensure everything from traffic lights to managing traffic jams can be negotiated by the vehicle. It makes even the high end systems fitted to vehicles today seem positively skimpy.

The technology is due for commercial sale in 2017, and surprise! The electrically powered heavy truck shows the type of powertrain which could be used by the autonomous bus, in the same way the interactive autonomous system could be applied to a driverless 26 tonne truck – by 2020.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL SHOW? Autonomous vehicles will become a global reality faster than Governments would like, and will cause growing pains. For example, airline pilots are now instructed to perform manual landings

and take-offs routinely to ensure their skill levels are maintained, whilst globally authorities wrestle with the technology reality of pilotless airliners.

Meanwhile on the ground lower technology systems are rapidly evolving to answer the many open questions around current performance.

Further, the biggest risks lurk in the back ground. »» How should drivers raised to manually operate a vehicle maintain their skill levels if use an autonomous vehicle routinely? »» Is it realistic to expect someone who has never driven a vehicle to assume control in the event of an emergency? The answer to this question is no. »» What happens if electricity to an area fails for any reason? The answer, on present understanding, is the vehicle will lose the ability to communicate externally, but via the protection systems which we see today as driver assistance, will have the ability to get the vehicle brought to a halt safely. Except there is no standard which demands such a feature for autonomous vehicles.

Until there is mass market conversion to autonomous vehicles along with robust infrastructure, collision repairers will be busy with the consequences of the ‘unforeseen’.

Guaranteed.

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EXTREMELY EXCITING

JEREMY CLARKSON NAMES MERCEDESAMG GT S ONE OF HIS TOP 10 CARS

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The Mercedes-AMG GT S has been named by Jeremy Clarkson as one of his top 10 cars in The Sunday Times Driving.

The TV presenter, who will soon be fronting new Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour, described the GT S as “extremely exciting” in his official road test in The Sunday Times.

Clarkson noted: “Behind all the racing paraphernalia and the Mercedes-Benz suede and silicone, this is a modern-day muscle car. You sense this when you drive it. It feels raw. Much more raw than any of the other cars you can buy for this sort of

money. It feels — how can I put this? — extremely exciting.”

The GT range launched a new generation of performance engine from Mercedes-AMG: a 4.0-litre V8 unit which produces at least 462 hp and can propel the vehicle to reach 62 mph from standstill in four seconds (510 hp/3.8 seconds for the GT S).

You sense this when you drive it. It feels raw.

Much more raw than any of the other cars you can buy for this sort of money. It feels — how can I put this? — extremely exciting

At the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Mercedes-AMG unveiled a new, even more powerful version of the GT, the GT R, with an output of 585 hp and the ability to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds.

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FAMILY CAR BUYERS TO BENEFIT FROM PEDESTRIAN AUTO BRAKING ON NEW SAFETY TOP-SCORER 72

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New cars that will appeal to family-oriented buyers are leading the way in prioritising the highest levels of safety as standard, according to test results issued today by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

New cars that will appeal to family-oriented buyers are leading the way in prioritising the highest levels of safety as standard, according to test results issued today by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

The new Renault Scenic, available in the UK later this year, achieves a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) key in gaining the top score. The Scenic has a full suite of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology as standard across every model and trim in the range. This means that City AEB is operating in lower speed conditions to prevent crashes and Inter-Urban AEB is working at higher speeds to give additional protection*. The vehicle is also equipped with pedestrian protection AEB, which improves the safety of vulnerable road users by detecting their presence and braking automatically if a collision is likely because a driver has not seen them.

“Autonomous Emergency Braking is a proven life-saver that significantly reduces the likelihood of a crash,” commented Thatcham Research Chief Executive, Peter Shaw. “Having AEB technology on every model of every new car should now be standard practice for car makers. Renault is to be applauded for recognising this as the responsible course of action.”

New Cars Launched in 2016 Give Wider Choice of Safety as Standard Buyers looking at cars that traditionally appeal to family oriented drivers now have an improved choice of vehicles with a top Euro NCAP score and high level of safety as standard. The new Renault Scenic, available in the UK later this year, is a clear leader in the small MPV market on standard fitment of Autonomous Emergency Braking, ahead of other vehicles such as Volkswagen Touran that have the same safety rating but offer AEB on some trim levels only as an option.

“Pedestrian AEB testing was introduced into the Euro NCAP tests in 2016 as part of a drive to lower Euro NCAP’s Small Off-Road 4x4 (SUV) category the number people killed or seriously injured includes two recently launched five-star vehicles in the UK as a result of collision with a vehicle,” that perform strongly on active safety feature explained Andrew Miller, fitment, the Volkswagen Chief Technical Officer Tiguan and the SEAT at Thatcham Research “Autonomous Emergency Ateca. and current Euro NCAP Braking is a proven life-saver Kia’s new Niro Crossover, President and Chairman of that significantly reduces the which will also be the Board. “The fact that competing for attention the new Renault Scenic likelihood of a crash from family car buyers, is equipped with the performed very well in technology as part of its crash tests and gained a five-star Euro NCAP AEB functionality is an indication that car makers rating when fitted with the optional safety pack, are responding to the growing pressure on but unfortunately only the top-of-the-range First them to consider all road users, not just vehicle Edition model has AEB. occupants.”

More than 5,000 people are killed or seriously injured every year on UK roads ** and a reduction in this number would be a very significant benefit of all new cars having AEB fitted as standard.

To find out more on Car Safety visit www.thatcham.org/car-safety

ALL-NEW SCÉNIC – RENAULT’S 20TH VEHICLE TO RECEIVE A FIVE-STAR EURO-NCAP SAFETY The result highlights Renault’s commitment to safety, particularly with the All-New Scénic, which arrives in the UK later this year. The All-New Scénic stands out with a 90 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 82 per cent for children and 67 per cent for pedestrians.

Top-level passive safety The All-New Renault Scénic is amongst the best in its class when it comes to passive safety features.

The All-New Scénic uses a structure consisting of reinforced steel skirts, side members, windscreen pillars and posts, allowing it to protect the lives of occupants inside the safety cell. Parts of the structure are “ultra-high elastic”, with each square millimetre able to resist up to 120kg of pressure.

In addition, crumple zone steel located outside the passenger compartment allows for an impact to be absorbed, thus also protecting the lives of occupants inside the safety cell.

The All-New Scénic is equipped with two curtain airbags for the first and second rows and two lateral airbags in the front. It also has two new-generation front airbags that make

use of adaptive technology. Based on sensor information, airbag inflation level is adapted for both driver and passenger.

With All-New Scénic’s embedded technologies, driving is safe and serene.

The All-New Scénic makes use of premium segment features and several types of innovative equipment. It is the only vehicle in the C-MPV segment to offer an Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with pedestrian detection as standard. To put drivers at ease and warn them in the event of risk, All-New Scénic offers: »» Hands-free parking »» Lane Departure Warning (LDW) »» Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) »» Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) »» Fatigue detection warning with trajectory analysis »» Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with pedestrian detection

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THE

NEW BMW M5 COMPETITION EDITION The BMW M5 Competition Edition celebrates the production life of the F10-generation M5, with just 200 M5 Competition Editions offered for sale worldwide.

Both power and torque have been increased, making the Competition Edition one of the most potent cars ever produced

by BMW. The peak power output now stands at 600hp, while the torque output reaches a maximum of 700Nm, equating

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to a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds. The standard fitment of the Competition Package, with its even more sportingly focused chassis, ensures the additional power is put to effective use.

The BMW M5 Competition Edition is readily identifiable by the fitment of carbon fibre BMW M Performance Parts and a black kidney grille. The 20inch alloy wheels are painted Jet Black, and just two exterior colours are available: Mineral White and Carbon Black.

Inside, occupants benefit from Full Black Merino leather upholstery with Opal White contrast stitching, along with

further selected details including the unique “1/200� engraving to the interior trim.

EVEN MORE POWER FOR THE BMW M MASTERPIECE. The BMW M5 Competition Edition uses an even more powerful version of the twinturbo V8 found in the standard BMW M5. While retaining the M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and the crossbank exhaust manifold of the standard car, the Competition

Edition runs more boost courtesy of a recalibrated ECU. Maximum power is up from 560hp to 600hp, with the peak torque of the V8 rising from 680Nm to 700Nm. As a result, the M5 Competition Edition can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, compared to 4.4 seconds for the standard car. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. With BMW’s seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration, the M5’s fuel consumption remains at an impressive 28.5mpg, given its extreme

performance, while CO2 emissions are 231g/km.

electronically controlled multiplate limited slip differential, which intervenes rapidly and

THE M COMPETITION PACKAGE FITTED AS STANDARD FOR RACE-BRED CHASSIS DYNAMICS.

precisely at an early stage to

The renowned sporting qualities of the BMW M5 have been further honed on the Competition Edition with the adoption of the M Competition Package as standard equipment.

This consists of stiffer responses from the springs and electronically controlled dampers, along with thicker anti-roll bars. The Active M

Drive Control settings to choose

control wheelspin and keep the car stable, is re-calibrated for an even more sporty response.

Once again, there are three from: Comfort for normal road use, Sport when a more dynamic driving style is preferred and Sport Plus for the most extreme driving, such as on a race track.

Six-piston caliper brakes are mounted within 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels, finished in high gloss Jet Black.

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FORD GT SUPERCAR

PRODUCTION EXTENDED

Ford Performance is adding two more years of production for the all-new carbon fibre Ford GT supercar. The announcement comes on the heels of letters sent to potential customers notifying them of their application status to purchase one of their own, with more than 500 of those coming from the UK alone 78

The additional production supports the decision by Ford Performance to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for four years, extending through to the 2019 season.

“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford

Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”

already applied to own the car

Year three of production will support applicants who were placed on the waiting list; previously deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window will be served by production year four. The application process for fourth-year production will reopen in early 2018. Those who

says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice

will only need to update their request.

“Ford GT has racing in its blood,” president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The road car and race car will live on, side-by-side, for the next four years – providing ample opportunity to test and prove innovative new technologies both on and off the track.”

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VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GTE DELIVERS THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS

Space, pace, and environmental credentials that even before its official UK showroom debut have already secured it a prestigious ‘green’ award: the new Volkswagen Passat GTE is calculated to offer drivers the very best of all worlds.

A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut here, the new Passat GTE is available to order today (02/08/16) through the Volkswagen UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525 (RRP OTR), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500.

The first Passat with a stateof-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new car offers spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in allelectric mode.

Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits just 39g of CO2 on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg. Yet with 400 Nm of torque and combined system power of 218 PS, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in a lively 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph, where legal. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles.

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode. A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 156 PS, while the electric motor adds a further 115 PS. Underlining its engaging performance capabilities, the

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electric motor alone can provide up to 330 Nm of torque from near-standstill.

A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third, disengagement clutch.

This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further.

Building on the already elegant lines of the new Passat – voted European Car of the Year 2015 the Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the award-winning Golf GTE. A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional innovative Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side

bolsters. Unique GTE badging also marks out the new Passat.

Bristling with innovative and engaging new technology, the new Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone. All climate control functions can be also activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed. It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

The Passat GTE’s electric motor develops maximum torque of 330 Nm and offers continuous torque of 170 Nm. The 1.4-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is as sophisticated as the electric motor and drivetrain. This four-valve per cylinder unit from the EA211 engine family uses an ultra-rigid die-cast aluminium crankcase. Maximum power of 156 PS comes at 5,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 250 Nm is on offer between 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm.

Under normal circumstances, the Passat GTE starts in pure

electric E-Mode. When it reaches minimum battery charge hybrid mode is activated.

Here the Passat GTE operates as a full hybrid, charging the battery under deceleration and automatically using the TSI motor and/or electric motor as required. However, should the driver wish to conserve electric power (for example to use E-Mode in a city at the end of a journey), Battery Charge mode can be selected. For maximum power, GTE mode can be chosen: this uses both petrol and electric motors.

The car’s lithium-ion battery is fitted in the floor area of the rear seat bench. Comprising eight modules of 12 cells each, it creates a nominal voltage of 360 V and power of 9.9 kWh, with a peak output of 85 kW. The high-voltage battery is overseen electronically by the Battery Management Controller, which manages various functions including the battery’s liquid cooling system.

Charging is achieved either via a standard UK domestic mains outlet in around four hours and 15 minutes; or in two hours 30 minutes from a dedicated wallbox with a 3.6 kW supply.

AUDI TT RS COUPÉ AND TT RS ROADSTER:

THE SPORTY VANGUARD OF THE MODEL SERIES

400 hp power output, from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds, top speed of up to 280 km/h (174.0 mph): With the new aluminum five-cylinder engine, the TT RS Coupé* and TT RS Roadster* deliver outstanding performance. Available for the first time in a series-production Audi: Matrix OLED rear lights.

Like the Audi virtual cockpit and the comprehensive infotainment range, they once again stand for “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

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RECORDS TUMBLE IN RM SOTHEBY’S HISTORIC £21.6M ANNIVERSARY LONDON SALE

Making it a night to remember, RM Sotheby’s shattered numerous world-record auction values at its 10th anniversary London sale last night, generating in excess of £21.65 million in sales.

Whilst a stunning 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT proved to be the night’s biggest seller, it is the game-changing prices achieved for some of the Porsches which will prove to be the sale’s most potent legacy.

The beautiful DB4GT is one of just 75 factory-built examples.

Offered in wonderful, matchingnumbers condition, and one of just 45 right-hand-drive cars, the featured Aston Martin led a string of 86 vehicles in the

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glittering evening sale, achieving a world-record sum for a factory-bodied model at auction at a strong £2,408,000.

The Porsche Collection generated enormous interest as soon as it was announced, thanks to its incredible singleowner provenance and the low mileage of the cars on offer.

Collectively, the group generated a remarkable £4,726,400 in the packed Battersea Park auction room, far exceeding pre-sale

estimates to set numerous new auction benchmarks. Highlights included: »» 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 - £1,848,000, a record for a Porsche 911 GT2 at public auction, breaking the previous record by over one million pounds; »» 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight - £974,400, a world record for a 964 series Porsche 911 at auction;

»» 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RS - £716,800, a new auction benchmark for the model—a price close to half a million pounds more than the previous record; and, »» 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Clubsport - £403,200, an auction record for the model.

“Our 10th anniversary London sale has been a game-changer for a number of reasons”, says Peter Wallman, Managing Director, RM Sotheby’s Europe.

“Clearly, the Porsche Collection generated some remarkable results, however from the evening preview to the sale itself there was an energy that hasn’t been seen in European auction rooms for a little while.

This year’s auction tally is within a whisker of RM’s best ever, peak-of-the-market, London sale totals. We offered cars spanning 117 years and from £5,000 to £2,400,000, so the sale was representative of almost all areas of the market. Good cars, well presented with sensible estimates are selling strongly, and that is good news for the market as a whole.”

Away from the immaculate metal on offer in London, the

rather less shiny 1967 Iso Grifo GL Series I, which was offered in true ‘barn find’ condition, was another notable highlight of the evening. With the market still drawn to the idea of purchasing totally original, unmolested machinery, the Grifo presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an enthusiast of these attractive and highly regarded sports cars. The subject of a spirited bidding contest, the car achieved an amazing £128,800 against a pre-sale estimate of £30,000-£50,000.

RM Sotheby’s continues its 2016 calendar of events with its 10th anniversary Hershey, Pennsylvania sale, October 6-7, presenting a carefully curated roster of some 120 automobiles.

The world’s largest collector car auction house will then round out its 2016 calendar with a private collection sale in Northern Italy, late Autumn (Fall). Featuring an eclectic mix of automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, bobsleds and automobilia, the multi-day sale will provide a thrilling close to RM’s 2016 season as it presents more than 750 lots ‘without reserve’. Further details will be released in the coming weeks.

RM SOTHEBY’S LONDON 2016 TOP SIX SALES 1.

Lot 169 - 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT

£2,408,000

2.

Lot 132 - 1995 Porsche 911 GT2

£1,848,000

3.

Lot 134 - 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II

£1,288,000

4.

Lot 129 - 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight

£974,400

5.

Lot 147 - 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet

£952,000 (tied)

6.

Lot 153 - 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Convertible

£952,000 (tied)

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