From the chair: April 2017

From the chair: April 2017

by | Apr 3, 2017 | From the Chair

As automotive journalists and editors we are inundated with press releases from an industry which is arguably the most exciting, complex and global. We wouldn’t have it any other way, even if we occasionally moan about the rubbish topics picked to go under a...
From the chair: March 2017

From the chair: March 2017

by | Mar 1, 2017 | From the Chair

The Western Group of Motoring writers, scores of other journalists and the global automotive community has lost one of its greatest champions with the unexpected death of Prof Garel Rhys. It says a lot for any individual if they are known around the world by their...
From the chair: February 2017

From the chair: February 2017

by | Feb 1, 2017 | From the Chair

This year slipped into gear in style for the group and I think we will be really motoring this year. We have just held our first meeting of the year courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, which unusually made this a multi-brand event to wisely maximise coverage for...

From the chair: January 2017

by | Jan 1, 2017 | From the Chair

What a year that was in 2016 and what a year we have to come in 2017. thewesterngroup serenely sailed through the last 12 months while political storms raged further afield. At home we saw some changes taking place in the PR community and some mega deals being...

From the chair: December 2016

by | Dec 1, 2016 | From the Chair

As autumn turns to winter it becomes increasingly apparent we reap what we sow. The traditional “fall” in the 21st century is now a time when we find the television contests are being harvested; ‘celebrities’ are ejected from a ‘jungle’, it’s the last waltz for...
From the chair: November 2016

From the chair: November 2016

by | Nov 1, 2016 | From the Chair

Any remaining doubters in the automotive industry that Brexit would be bad for Britain needs to look at the investment planned by Nissan. It’s Sunderland plant has been promised the next Qashqai, and in an unexpected move, the forthcoming X-Trail as well. There was,...
From the chair: October 2016

From the chair: October 2016

by | Oct 3, 2016 | From the Chair

It’s been an interesting month after a summer where the heat was too much and a few left the kitchen, even before the cakes had risen for a new series of Bake Off. Yes there have been splits with the popular tv baking show now finding a new oven for its outlet,...

From the chair: September 2016

by | Sep 1, 2016 | From the Chair

I was sitting in a roadtest car the other day and pondered how times have changed, but then considered if they really had. I grew up with and drove what are today often called modern classics which were then still fun to drive.  With some basic safety features,...

From the chair: August 2016

by | Aug 1, 2016 | From the Chair

When you are staring at a computer screen with an approaching looming deadline and an interview still to be done or written up, it’s easy to forget what a pleasure it is to be a muttering rotter. We all moan and complain, some more than others, but the fact is we have...

From the chair: July 2016

by | Jul 1, 2016 | From the Chair

The long-drawn out Brexit vote produced a lot of hot air, dubious claims, exaggeration and a whiff of reality mixed with recrimination, much like a marketing campaign for a new car. We should not be surprised with the results of any new car’s campaign; the hype is...

From the chair: June 2016

by | Jun 1, 2016 | From the Chair

It’s almost here.  Thewesterngroup annual PR Driving Day 2016 is lining up to be one of the best with registrations ahead of previous years and a mouthwatering array of automobiles allocated by manufacturers. While DD2016 is a day for the industry...

From the chair: May 2016

by | May 1, 2016 | From the Chair

I recently attended an event where a truly captivating magician held his audience spell-bound with his close up slight of hand tricks, and it got me thinking. Infront of your eyes, Phil Jay, who has appeared at thewesterngroup industry event a few years ago, made...
From the chair: April 2016

From the chair: April 2016

by | Apr 4, 2016 | From the Chair

In a break with regular routine, this year’s Western Group driving day at Castle Combe #DD2016 will see our members taking advantage of the assembled cars to catch up on the models they may not have driven. The group decided at a recent meeting that the 8 June event...
From the chair: March 2016

From the chair: March 2016

by | Mar 1, 2016 | From the Chair

As the motor industry PR machine moves to the Geneva show I wonder how much longer it will survive in its present form. It took a few days last month for the news to spread that Ford has pulled the plug on Paris later this year but I believe the significance of its...

From the chair: February 2016

by | Feb 1, 2016 | From the Chair

I love watching F1. With the new season about to warm up and behind the scenes manoeuvering for drivers and suppliers mostly concluded, it looks very sunny for the season. But is there a shadow about to be cast over the sport? It’s a multi-billion pound industry...

From the chair: December 2015

by | Dec 1, 2015 | From the Chair

The motor industry pours millions into making an impression. Cars have to look attractive, drive well and economically; they have to be marketable and sellable; their launch must be eye-catching and the prs must be eager to promote them.Memorable launches are...