Kia Drive Day, June 2024

Kia Drive Day, June 2024

A big thanks to the Kia UK PR team for putting on a drive day for the Group at the Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster on June 5. The event gave members a chance to get up to speed with most of the Kia range, including the EV6 and EV6 GT, EV9, Sportage, Stonic and...
Covid cars mask missing features

Covid cars mask missing features

“Covid cars” – models made during the pandemic with irregular specifications – are causing valuation issues as they start to appear on the used market, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Marcus Blakemore, chair of the trade body’s Industry Trends Committee,...
SMMT electric avenue of dreams 

SMMT electric avenue of dreams 

It’s green for go The green flash on UK number plates is going to appear on more pure battery vehicles cars this year than ever before and some of the cars behind the plates are not run of the mill models but bursting with performance. potential. British...
EVs, more Government help needed

EVs, more Government help needed

The Government must do more to get people to adopt EVs, says a Lords Committee. “If it fails to heed our recommendations the UK won’t reap the significant benefits of better air quality and will lag in the slow lane for tackling climate change,” said Baroness...
End of the road for the MINI Clubman

End of the road for the MINI Clubman

Today marked the end of the road for the popular MINI Clubman at Plant Oxford, 55 years after its debut which has included 1.1 M versions in two series. With its unique styling and signature rear split barn-doors, the MINI Clubman remains instantly recognisable around...
A good start to the New Year, but more support needed

A good start to the New Year, but more support needed

Discounted business registrations meant Britain’s millionth battery electric car reached the road in January 2024, while the new car market grew 8.2% for the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The first month of the year saw 142,876...
From the Chair: October 2022

From the Chair: October 2022

We certainly didn’t have it easy trying to run the Western Group Driving Day for the first time since before the pandemic… But by all measures, I think we can claim a success. Not only did we need to revive an event that has been valued by our PR colleagues for...
From the Chair: Driving Day 2022

From the Chair: Driving Day 2022

The Western Group of Motoring Writers Driving Day will continue as planned on Wednesday 14th September. The unexpected death of Her Majesty the Queen last Thursday caused us to discuss whether it was appropriate to continue with the arrangements, given that the date...
New WGMW Member takes two Newspress Awards

New WGMW Member takes two Newspress Awards

One of the Western Group’s newest members Mark Smyth won no less than two trophies at the Newspress Awards, staged at Bicester Heritage on Thursday 21st Jul. Mark was called up to the stage by the Voice of Strictly Come Dancing and the Voice of the Balls in the...
From the Chair: July 2022

From the Chair: July 2022

After the Western Group had to make the decision to abandon our annual Driving Day, a blow to us all as it would have been the first to be staged since 2019, I’m pleased to say that we have been able to re-schedule the event this year. The 1 June date fell victim to...