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Ferrari number plate rockets in value from £900 to £205,500

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Revealed in 2024, the 1,200hp Ferrari F80 is the latest in the Italian marque’s line of flagship hypercar

A Ferrari-themed number plate has soared in value when auctioned via the Collecting Cars website.

Arguably the perfect plate for the Ferrari’s new flagship F80 supercar, the UK registration ‘F80 FER’ was sold for £205,500.

What makes this sale price even more remarkable is the huge return on investment made by the lucky vendor. 

The registration was initially purchased directly from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in September 2012 for just £900. Its recent sale price means the number plate has rocketed in value by 22,733 percent.

Selling for £205,500 also means that ‘F80 FER’ costs a similar amount to a nearly new Ferrari 296 GTB supercar.

Playing the long game

Ferrari F80 FER Number Plate

Ferrari used the F40 and F50 names for its top-tier hypercars during the 1980s and 1990s. However, the marque shifted to full names for the Enzo and LaFerrari that followed. 

Buying F80 FER was thus something of a gamble for its vendor. But it paid off when Ferrari chose to crown its latest 1,200hp hybrid-assisted hypercar with the F80 name. 

The registration thus became the perfect accessory for buyers splashing out more than £3 million on a Ferrari F80. 

“We have seen some incredible results in the cherished number plate market, but this is a textbook example of a ‘long game’ result,” said Ed Callow, head of business intelligence at Collecting Cars

“Back in 2012, nobody knew what Ferrari’s 2025 hypercar would be called. While ‘F80’ was likely to be the unofficial codename, Ferrari’s decision to officially use that name changed the value of this plate today, from perhaps £3,000 to the extraordinary six-figure result we achieved this week.”

A truly cherished plate

Ferrari F80 FER Number Plate

The sales success of F80 FER sees it enter the top five for the best price achieved by a number plate on Collecting Cars. 

The list of top auction results for number plates on the platform now consists of:

  1. 1 GR – £250,000
  2. Y 6 – £213,000
  3. F80 FER – £205,500
  4. 1 SJ – £162,500
  5. TOY 5 – £150,000

Ferrari-themed number plates are no stranger to auctions, or to Collecting Cars. ‘F40 TOY’ was sold on the website in November 2022 for £13,250. 

Previously the star of a DVLA Personalised Registrations auction in 2020, the ‘F40 TOY’ plate honoured Ferrari’s mid-engined icon from the 1980s.

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10 most popular car security products revealed

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Traditional physical security devices continued to be the preferred option for UK motorists during 2025

Drivers in the UK have turned to traditional physical security measures to prevent their cars from being stolen, according to new data.

Online marketplace eBay has compiled a list of the most popular car security products sold last year – and there is a clear trend for visible, physical deterrents. 

Steering wheel locks might seem like a throwback to the 1990s, yet they were the most searched-for car security device on eBay for the second year in succession. 

Compared to 2024, searches on eBay for steering wheel locks increased by 8.4 percent, suggesting UK motorists prefer simple and sturdy security measures.

Top eBay Car Security Devices

Based on eBay’s search data, the 10 most searched-for vehicle security accessories in 2025 were:

  1. Steering wheel lock
  2. Car alarm
  3. Wheel clamp
  4. Faraday pouch
  5. Pedal lock
  6. Faraday box
  7. Car GPS tracker
  8. Car key signal blocker box
  9. Car immobiliser
  10. Lockbox

Concerns about keyless car theft will likely have contributed to the ongoing interest in physical security devices, including steering wheel locks and wheel clamps. 

Using these items means that, even if a thief could unlock and start the car using a keyless relay attack, the physical device should still prevent it from being taken. 

A car key signal blocking box or pouch (also known as a Faraday box/pouch), can stop relay theft by interrupting signals sent from the key fob to the vehicle.

Tackling keyless car theft

Top eBay Car Security Devices

As part of its research, eBay also identified which areas of the UK were most conscious about car security.

Residents of Romford in East London purchased the most security products per person, followed by Llandudno in Wales and Redhill in Surrey. Dorchester and Truro rounded out the top five. 

Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and accessories at eBay, said: “Our findings indicate that drivers across Britain still place a strong importance on vehicle security, favouring traditional and visible protection methods. 

“Although digital safety features play a key role, classic tools like steering wheel locks and Faraday pouches remain popular eBay choices for adding an easy extra level of security and reassurance for car owners.”

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Jeep Super Wagoneer transformed into Hemi-powered restomod

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The Jeep Super Wagoneer was sold between 1966 and 1969, with fewer than 4,000 believed to have been manufactured

A rare example of what could be considered the original luxury SUV has been given a radical restomod makeover.

Only sold between the 1966 and 1969 model years, the Jeep Super Wagoneer brought enhanced luxury and comfort to the classic Wagoneer 4×4

Standard features such as air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, and a push-button radio made the Super Wagoneer far more refined than its contemporary rivals. 

Only 3,989 examples are believed to have been produced during its short production run, making the Super Wagoneer luxury SUV a genuine Mopar rarity today. 

Vigilante, based in Johnson City, Texas, has now updated an example of the Super Wagoneer with modern technology and engineering.

A modern Hemi under the hood

Vigilante Jeep Wagoneer Restomod

The brief for Vigilante’s restomod was to retain the vintage aesthetics of the original Super Wagoneer, but give the vehicle a complete mechanical update.

A modern, naturally aspirated 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) Hemi V-8 engine was the starting point. As used in various Mopar SRT-8 models, this gave the Super Wagoneer a healthy 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. 

For those who want even more, Vigilante can install a 707 horsepower supercharged Hellcat V-8, or even an 825 horsepower Viper V-10.

By comparison, the original Super Wagoneer made do with just 270 horses from its AMC V-8 engine.

Vigilante combined the new Hemi mill with a six-speed Tremec manual transmission, along with a custom four-wheel-drive system that uses a two-speed transfer case.

Baer six-piston brakes and Fox Racing coilover suspension with Eibach springs ensure the Super Wagoneer can stop and take corners with confidence.

Heritage with modern engineering

Vigilante Jeep Wagoneer Restomod

In contrast to the major mechanical overhaul, the exterior and interior of the Super Wagoneer look close to the 1960’s original

Although the push-button radio remains, Vigilante has added Bluetooth connectivity. The air conditioning system has been updated, too. 

A new center console was 3D-printed to look like the factory version, but also accommodate a new manual transmission. More 3D printing was used to transform the old warning lights into functional buttons.

On the outside, a chain mail effect replaces the woodgrain vinyl trim previously applied to the Super Wagoneer. Its alloy wheels and spinners are crafted from solid blocks of billet aluminum. 

“This Super Wagoneer project embodies everything Vigilante stands for,” said Vigilante founder Daniel van Doveren. “It’s a celebration of automotive heritage, but it’s also a bold statement about what classic vehicles can become when you apply modern engineering and craftsmanship.”

Although this completed Super Wagoneer has been sold, Vigilante is able to replicate the build for new customers. Prices for the comprehensive makeover start from $295,000.

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Alfa Romeo UK sales up 80% thanks to new Junior

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Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida front

Alfa Romeo has reported global sales growth of 20.1 percent for 2025. And the UK was a highlight, with sales rising by 80 percent thanks to the new Alfa Romeo Junior.

Although they started from a small base, UK sales easily outpaced those in Alfa Romeo’s other major markets. The Italian brand was up by 41.9 percent in France, 20.7 percent in Italy, 20.5 percent in Germany and 15.1 percent in Spain.

Bosses called the performance “outstanding” as the under-pressure brand recorded around 73,000 vehicle sales globally in 2025.

Junior is driving Alfa sales success

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida rear

The Alfa Romeo Junior has proven key to the firm’s recovering sales. Since launch, more than 60,000 examples have been sold in upwards of 40 markets.

Around one in six Alfa Romeo Junior sales are the Elettrica EV version, although the Junior’s popularity has increased notably following the launch of the Ibrida hybrid alternative.

Alfa Romeo says that, in several markets, the Junior has been the best-selling premium B-sector SUV.

Next up in the Alfa Romeo sales rankings is the Tonale SUV, which was facelifted in early 2026.

Giulia and Stelvio models will live on

Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio

Alfa Romeo has also recently announced it will extend production of the ageing Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV (pictured above).

The upmarket models will be made for a further two years, after a previous plan for Alfa Romeo to go fully electric was put on the back-burner.

The replacements for the Giulia and Stelvio are now reportedly being redeveloped to offer hybrid alternatives, too.  

Is Alfa Romeo making a comeback?

Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio

Santo Ficili, CEO of Alfa Romeo, said: “Exceeding 20 percent global growth, with Europe up 31 percent, says one thing loud and clear – Alfa Romeo is back in the running. Our pathway is clear: to evolve while remaining authentically Alfa Romeo.”

Jules Tilstone, Alfa Romeo UK MD, said: “An 80 percent increase in sales in the UK is evidence that the brand is continuing to move in the right direction.

“Junior is now established in the range and allows our new customers to feel the magic of Alfa Romeo while enjoying the unique combination of style and performance that only we can offer.”

Alfa Romeo has got off to a strong start in 2026, too. The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show sales are up 148 percent year-to-date in the UK.

All eyes will now be on the crucial March 2026 registration plate-change month to see if Alfa Romeo’s encouraging progress can continue.

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Volvo ramps up production to meet demand for new electric EX60

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Offering a range of more than 500 miles when fully charged, the Volvo EX60 electric SUV costs from £56,860 in the UK

Volvo is having to increase planned production of its new EX60 electric SUV, due to unprecedented demand. 

The Swedish marque’s newest vehicle was only revealed at the start of this year, but has already seen order numbers far exceed the volumes forecasted. 

More than 3,000 orders for the EX60 have been placed in the company’s native Swedish market alone. Germany has also experienced a high number of orders.

In fact, a month after Volvo revealed its electric family SUV, all major European markets have reported substantial customer interest. 

Volvo says the pace of orders is outpacing the smaller EX30 when it first went on sale in 2023, despite that model being more affordable to buy.

Unprecedented levels of EV demand

Volvo EX60 Production Increase

At present, the EX60 is only available to order in Europe. Order books for North American markets won’t open until later this spring, when demand should increase further for the electric SUV

Volvo plans to prioritise ‘a steady and prudent ramp-up of EX60 production’ at its famous Torslanda facility in Sweden. 

The company is also engaged in negotiations with trade union representatives in Torslanda. This is with the aim of keeping the production line open for one extra week during the summer – the first time this has happened in Volvo’s history.

‘A good problem to have’

Volvo EX60 Production Increase

“That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. 

“We are very encouraged to see such strong demand for our game-changing electric SUV, and we are now reviewing our production plans for 2026, as we gear up for the start of customer car production next month.”

Slotting into Volvo’s lineup between the EX30 and EX90 SUVs, the electric EX60 costs from £56,860 in entry-level P6 Plus form. 

However, the top-tier EX60 P12 is the model that attracted the most attention at launch. Its 112kWh battery allows for a potential range of up to 503 miles. 

Able to charge at speeds of up to 400kW, the EX60 can add 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes. 

Placing a UK order for the EX60 in P6 or P10 specifications currently means an expected delivery date of September 2026. Opting for the flagship P12 version means waiting until January 2027.

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BMW M2 gets racing-inspired M Performance aero styling kit

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A large front splitter, adjustable rear spoiler, and motorsport-style coilover suspension are part of the M Performance Kit

BMW M2 owners with a penchant for track days can now add a motorsport-inspired bodykit to their cars. 

The rear-wheel-drive M2 coupe has become a firm favourite with circuit-driving enthusiasts. Now, BMW wants to make the car even more capable on-track.

Enter the M Performance Kit, which BMW says is directly influenced by the M4 GT3 and GT4 racing cars – notably its huge adjustable rear spoiler. 

BMW used its wind tunnel to refine the various components of the sports coupe’s new bodykit. They were also tested on-track with help from BMW M test engineer, Jörg Weidinger.

The result is a package of aerodynamic add-ons and suspension upgrades that BMW says give the M2 ‘even sharper performance on the race track’.

Prepare to engage Race Mode

2026 BMW M2 CS Track Kit

A single-piece front splitter jutting from beneath the M2’s bumper is the starting point for the M Performance Kit. This can be manually adjusted to increase downforce, aided by new canards attached to the front bumper. 

There is also a dedicated scoop for the engine oil cooler, designed to ensure temperatures remain under control during even the most demanding track day.

However, the pièce de résistance of the M Performance Kit is the new adjustable rear spoiler, which looks like it has been lifted straight from one of BMW’s racing cars.

Using a modern swan-neck design to attach to the boot, the spoiler can be angled depending on the level of downforce required. It also incorporates a brake light. 

Putting the spoiler into ‘Race Mode’ sees it extend backwards by 50mm. Only the retracted ‘Street Mode’ position complies with German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

Ready to hit the track this summer

2026 BMW M2 CS Track Kit

Beyond the aerodynamic upgrades, BMW also offers four-way adjustable coilover suspension as part of the M Performance Kit. Lowering the M2 by up to 20mm, BMW says this is the first ‘special motorsport damper system to also be road-legal’.

The suspension has been optimised to work with track-focused tyres – already available as an option for M2 customers

Able to be retro-fitted to existing, G87-generation BMW M2 models, the M Performance Kit is available to order in Germany now, with the first deliveries expected in July. Factory-approved fun does not come cheap, however, with a cost of €23,500 plus taxes (equivalent to £24,500 with VAT), 

Official UK prices and availability have yet to be confirmed. Given how much British enthusiasts enjoy a track day, though, we fully expect to see the M Performance Kit offered here soon.

Separately, BMW has also developed a new M Performance exhaust system for the 530hp M2 CS, priced at €8,342.50 (£8,700 with VAT).

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Chinese car brand Chery partners with Soccer Aid

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The star-studded 20th anniversary Soccer Aid match will take place on 31 May 2026 at London Stadium

The UK arm of Chinese automotive giant Chery, responsible for the fast-growing Jaecoo and Omoda car brands, has announced a major charity partnership.

Chery UK will be the principal partner of Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s 2026 campaign, helping support one of the biggest charity football matches in the world. 

Created by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in 2006, this year sees Soccer Aid celebrate its 20th anniversary. It will make the match, being held on 31 May 2026 at London Stadium, even more star-studded than usual.

In front of an expected crowd of 70,000 fans, the 20th anniversary Soccer Aid match will feature celebrities and sports stars including Wayne Rooney, Tom Hiddleston, Usain Bolt, Joe Marler, Olly Murs, Paddy McGuinness and Maisie Adam. 

More than £121 million has been generated for UNICEF since Soccer Aid began, with the 2025 event alone raising £15 million.

Chery commits to the UK

Chery UK launched its Tiggo SUV range in August 2025, and more than 7,600 vehicles have already been registered.

Such rapid growth has made the marque keen to deepen its involvement in the UK. Chery announced earlier this year that it would open a new European headquarters in Liverpool.

Being a principal partner of Soccer Aid is described as the latest phase in the brand’s commitment to the UK. It follows the lead of parent company Chery International, which has pledged $12 million to global education programmes since 2023.

At Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026, Chery UK will be the official car partner and official broadcast partner throughout the match-day show on ITV1 and STV, along with a host of other activities.

Coming together for a good cause

Visitors to Chery UK retail outlets can take part in a range of activities ahead of the big match. Farrell Hsu, country director at Chery UK, said: “We’re delighted to announce our principal partnership with Soccer Aid, a unique event that brings families together across the UK to support the vital work of UNICEF.

“Our new collaboration not only allows us to support an event that truly matters to our customers, but it also underlines a longstanding partnership between Chery and UNICEF on an international stage. We’re hugely excited for the main event at London Stadium this summer.”

Tom Peacock, head of partnerships at Soccer Aid, added: “We are thrilled to have Chery UK alongside us for this year’s special 20th anniversary edition of the campaign as we collaborate to bring Soccer Aid for UNICEF to life. 

“Soccer Aid for UNICEF raises funds to provide support to children around the world and help them to grow up safe, healthy and able to play. This aligns brilliantly with Chery UK’s ‘Find Your Happy’ ethos, and its global mission to practice social responsibility.”

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Automatic and EV learners are less likely to pass a driving test

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Choosing a 10:00am driving test slot, for a Monday in August, is statistically likely to result in the best chance of success

New data reveals the best and worst days for passing a driving test, along with the optimal choice of vehicle for success. 

With the waiting list for driving tests now at an average of 22 weeks, according to the National Audit Office, maximising the chance of a pass is arguably even more important. 

Analysis of test data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) identifies that the day chosen, along with the time and even the month, can all affect a driver’s likelihood of being successful.

Choosing Monday for your driving test could offer a slight edge. Some 49.6 percent of tests taken on the first day of the week resulted in a pass, just ahead of Tuesday on 49.1 percent. 

Statistically, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the hardest days to pass a driving test. Only 45.1 percent of tests taken on a Sunday are successful, the lowest rate across the week.

Start the week with a driving test

Electric Vehicle Driving Test

The time of day chosen can also impact driving test outcomes. Opting for a 10am slot means the best chance of passing, perhaps due to quieter, post-rush-hour traffic. 

Given the waiting list for driving tests, choosing by month is a luxury many learners won’t have. However, August offers the greatest opportunity for a pass, with 50.7 percent of tests taken that month having a positive outcome.

This may be due to better weather, and lower traffic levels due to the school summer holidays – both producing optimal conditions for learners to pass their test. 

By contrast, February has the lowest typical pass rate, with only 46.8 percent of learner drivers being successful that month.

How to tilt the test odds in your favour

Electric Vehicle Driving Test

LeaseCar, which undertook the analysis, also found that taking a driving test in a car with a manual gearbox sees an average pass rate of 50.4 percent.

Despite being easier to drive, automatic cars, including electric vehicles, have a lower pass rate – at just 43.9 percent. 

Tim Alcock, director at LeaseCar, commented: “We know how much pressure learners are under right now. These stats show you can actually tilt the odds in your favour. While many think an EV is a shortcut to a pass, the numbers suggest that manual learners are still more successful on the day. 

“Snagging a mid-morning Monday slot in the summer remains the smartest move a learner can make to increase chances of success.”

The DVSA recently confirmed changes to driving test bookings in a bid to crack down on the reselling of slots. Drivers will now be limited to just two changes, making finding the optimum time and date even trickier.

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EV charging signs should be as visible as those for petrol stations

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A silver electric SUV charges at Ionity station, surrounded by charging units, under a cloudy sky and power lines in the background.

Leaders in the electric car industry are urging the government to give EV charging the same visibility enjoyed by petrol stations on major roads across the UK.

The coordinated response follows a call from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) for evidence on electric vehicle signage. The companies believe action here could fix ‘one of the most overlooked barriers to EV uptake’.

InstaVolt, char.gy, Electric Vehicles UK and Octopus Electric Vehicles want to see clear and consistent EV charging on motorways, A-roads and residential streets – ‘and for EV charging to be treated on an equal footing with petrol in national road sign regulations’.

Informing this view is a 2025 poll that showed more than half of EV drivers actively look for roadside signs to locate EV chargers.

Nine in 10 also say physical signage is important – and a lack of it means the sheer scale of the UK’s ever-growing EV charging infrastructure may be going unnoticed.

Real, reliable and ready today

McDonalds InstaVolt Milestone

“Right now, EV charging locations are treated very differently to petrol stations in the rules that govern road signs,” said InstaVolt CEO Delvin Lane.

“That means thousands of high-quality public chargers are installed, operating… but not obviously signposted from key routes.

“This is a low-cost, high-impact intervention. Better signage increases use of the chargers we already have, and sends a powerful public signal that the UK’s charging network is real, reliable and ready today”

A simple fix

Vauxhall On-Street Free Charging

“Drivers cannot use infrastructure they cannot see,” said CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, Tanya Sinclair. “Charging must be signposted as clearly and consistently as petrol.

“Clear, consistent signage makes charging feel normal and navigable. It’s why many countries have moved quickly to standardise it – but the UK has not.

“That lack of progress is frustrating, because this is one of the simplest and lowest-cost ways government could support driver confidence and accelerate adoption.”

The OZEV consultation, which is open now, aims to build evidence for future policy related to EV signage. As well as boosting the visibility of EV chargers, some are also calling for cost per kWh to be displayed, in the same way petrol and diesel prices are clearly shown.

The consultation closes on 11 March 2026.

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World Car Awards 2026: Top Three in the World finalists revealed (full list)

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World Car Awards trophies

The BMW iX3, Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Leaf have been named Top Three in the World finalists for the World Car Awards’ prized World Car of the Year 2026 honour.

Top Three in the World finalists in five other categories have also been announced as part of the 2026 World Car Finals.

Notably, two of the World Car of the Year finalists are also in the running for World Electric Vehicle 2026.

The winners will be announced live at the 2026 New York International Auto Show during an awards ceremony that’s part of the opening gala.

A jury of 98 international automotive journalists from 33 countries – including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock – selected the Top Three in the World finalists by secret ballot.

The results are tabulated by KPMG and follow the top 10 and top five finalists being announced in January 2026.  

The reigning World Car of the Year 2025 is the Kia EV3.

World Car Awards’ Top Three in the World 2026: full list

World Car of the Year 2026

  • BMW iX3
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Nissan Leaf

World Electric Vehicle 2026

  • BMW iX3
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA
  • Nissan Leaf

World Luxury Car 2026

  • Cadillac Vistiq
  • Lucid Gravity
  • Volvo ES90

World Performance Car 2026

  • BMW M2 CS
  • Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

World Urban Car 2026

  • Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
  • Firefly
  • Hyundai Venue

World Car Design of the Year 2026

  • Kia PV5
  • Mazda 6e / EZ-6
  • Volvo ES90

Why is World Car Awards so important?

World Car Awards 2026 jurors

Acknowledged as ‘the one to win’, World Car of the Year is the biggest prize in automotive media.

World Car Awards has consistently remained the biggest automotive awards initiative in the world. Being honoured by the jury is sought-after seal of approval for car firms.

“The anticipation surrounding this year’s contenders reflects the innovation, performance and vision shaping the future of mobility,” said NYIAS president Mark Schienberg.

“We extend our congratulations to the finalists and to the World Car organisation for its continued leadership.”

World Car Person of the Year 2026

Oliver Zipse BMW iX3

Transformational BMW chief Oliver Zipse has already been named World Car Person of the Year 2026.

Under his leadership, BMW has undergone a radical transformation and is launching a bold ‘Neue Klasse’ range of cars – of which the BMW iX3 is the first to go on sale.

“Oliver Zipse has had a remarkable career at BMW,” said World Car Awards chair emeritus Jens Meiners, “steering the business through the most turbulent of times to become the strong, forward-thinking, financially secure company we see today.

“The current BMW Group product line-up is just about the best it has ever been, and BMW continues to be the brand that other carmakers look up to.

“Much of that is down to Oliver Zipse’s leadership, and therefore we are delighted to announce him as the 2026 World Car Person of the Year.”

Motoring Research’s Tim Pitt is currently driving the new BMW iX3 in the UK. Come back next week for his full car review.

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