Used MPVs ‘outperform every other vehicle type’

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February 19, 2026

A surge in demand for used MPVs has seen them outperform every other vehicle type, with prices rising by more than 5.5 percent in the past 90 days.

Data from the CarGur us Price Trends index shows that people carriers have quietly outperformed more ‘on-trend’ categories such as SUVs and hatchbacks. The data is based on millions of UK used car prices.

The surprise findings come despite the declining number of new MPVs on sale. This may be pushing buyers to the used market instead.

‘Plenty of appeal for families’

Designed specifically for families, MPVs often offer seven-seat flexibility, along with sliding rear doors, fold-flat rear seats and clever stowage solutions.

“Our data shows that MPVs still hold plenty of appeal for used car buyers,” said CarGurus UK editorial director, Chris Knapman.

“This type of car can be particularly great for families because they generally offer more interior space and versatility than any other body style.

“Whether you need a huge boot, the ability to fit three Isofix child seats or the flexibility that comes with having seven seats, an MPV still has a lot to offer.”

The smart alternative to an SUV

The popularity of used MPVs comes despite SUVs still dominating the new car headlines. CarGurus’ data shows that 52 percent of the UK’s top 35 cars in 2025 were SUVs – equalling a staggering 193 different SUV and crossover variants.

Top-performing MPVs despite the influx of SUVs include the Dacia Jogger, Volkswagen ID.Buzz (pictured above), Volkswagen Touran and, on the used market, the Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy.

CarGurus also reports strong used demand for the Volkswagen Sharan, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Seat Alhambra.

With yet more SUV market growth expected in 2026, it will be interesting to see if MPVs can remain the top-performing body style for increasing value.

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Off-road-ready Ram 1500 Rebel X is back for 2026

By

John Redfern

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February 18, 2026

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Buyers will receive the Hurricane Twin Turbo engine as standard for the Rebel X, with 420 horsepower on offer

Ram has brought back the 1500 Rebel X to its lineup for the 2026 model year, driven by popular demand.

Customer feedback encouraged Ram to reintroduce the Rebel X, which was not originally confirmed for the latest production year.

Available as an option package for the existing 1500 Rebel light-duty truck, the Rebel X adds bespoke performance options and extra off-road equipment.

These are said to create the ‘most advanced and capable Rebel yet’, but one that still offers good value compared with other trucks.

The Rebel X also sees the debut of a new ‘Tank Clear-Coat’ paint color. Inspired by military green, it’s available for selected models across the Ram 1500 range.

Ready for rough roads

Ram uses a 1500 Rebel with the Level 2 Equipment Group as a starting point for the X package.

Add-ons include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a leather-wrapped performance shifter, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and premium bucket seats with red accent stitching.

Special ‘Rebel X’ graphics for the truck bed are also included, along with a red-accented and glass-encased ‘Rebel X’ center console badge.

The 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine is standard on the new Rebel X, bringing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque to the party.

For extra off-road ability, ‘Rough Road Cruise Control’ uses adaptive speed control and adjustable steering weight to maintain the truck’s progress on trails. It operates at speeds of up to 20 mph.

Hitting the off-road sweet spot

Bespoke upgrades for the 1500 Rebel X include a one-inch suspension lift with Bilstein shock absorbers, an electronic locking differential, underbody skid plates, and black 18‑inch wheels with 33‑inch all‑terrain tires.

“The Rebel X was a customer favorite last year, so we’re bringing it back for more,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of marketing at SRT Performance.

“Rebel X hits the sweet spot of advanced tech, interior comfort and true off‑road capability, all in an aggressive looking package backed by America’s best full‑size truck and van limited powertrain warranty.”

Ram is accepting orders for the 1500 Rebel X now. Prices start from $71,930, which is inclusive of destination fees and the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group.

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Polestar to launch four new cars in the next three years

By

Richard Aucock

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February 18, 2026

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Polestar plans four new cars in three years

Polestar is preparing to launch four cars within the next three years – including a successor to the smash-hit Polestar 2.

This summer’s new Polestar 5 four-door GT will kick things off. A rival to the Porsche Taycan, it heralds what CEO Michael Lohscheller calls Polestar’s “largest model offensive in its history”.

First revealed last year – and already available in the Gran Turismo racing game – the car is currently taking part in a launch tour across Europe.

The Polestar 5 will be swiftly followed by a new version of the Polestar 4, the four-door coupe that is currently the firm’s best-seller.

The 4 is famous for having no rear window. However, this looks set to change with the new version, as Polestar targets a wider customer base by offering more versatility.

What type of vehicle will it be? “Sweden is famous for its estate cars, and its SUVs are world-class,” teased Lohscheller.

“We are combining the space of an estate and the versatility of an SUV with the dynamic performance that is Polestar.” The new car is due to arrive by the end of this year.

The teaser image (see above) indicates the new Polestar 4 variant may actually have a rear window, too. Is that daylight we can see through the garage door, with the outlines of front and rear seats?

Certainly, compared to the current Polestar 4, its boot lid appears to trade the body-colour panel for a deep (and presumably more vertical) rear window frame above the full-width LED light bar.

If estate car practicality is indeed offered, the car will need a boxier, more upright rear profile – making a glass rear window an obvious choice.

Take a look at a comparable view of the Polestar 4 coupe (see photo above) and see what you think…

New Polestar 2 and entry-level Polestar 7

Since it was launched in 2020, more than 190,000 examples of the Polestar 2 have been sold. Lohscheller has confirmed a next-generation model is on the way “by the start of next year [2027].

“The car that we became known for will play a key role in our future success,” the CEO promised.

And that’s not all, because a smaller Polestar 7 is also in the works. This compact electric SUV – likely sized between the Volvo EX30 and Volvo EX40 (the latter previously called XC40 Recharge) – will arrive in 2028.

“With Polestar 7, we are entering the largest EV segment in Europe,” said Lohscheller, “which accounts for approximately one third of total BEV volumes in 2025.

“We are convinced that we can offer customers a progressive performance-driven car for a very attractive price point, built in Europe.”

That last point is important. Electric cars built in China, like many existing Polestars, are subject to import tariffs in Europe. Making the new compact Polestar 7 in the EU will bypass these and help to reduce prices.

Polestar’s best ever year

The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system for the Polestar 3 has 25 speakers and generates 1,610 watts

Lohscheller said Polestar had its best ever year in terms of retail sales in 2025, despite geopolitical and economic challenges.

This year, “with a disciplined approach,” it expects to record low double-digit retail growth, with the sales mix evolving to an ever-higher mix of Polestar 4 models.

“2025 was a year of continuous operational progress and delivery,” said Lohscheller. With the new cars and its growing dealer network – due to expand by 30 percent in 2026 – “Polestar is set to become one of the winners of the automotive industry’s transformation”.

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Motorists should ‘give up road rage for Lent’

By

John Redfern

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February 17, 2026

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Male drivers are more than twice as likely to experience frequent instances of road rage compared to female drivers

Motorists should consider giving up road rage for Lent, according to the results of a new study into driving habits.

Research has found that road rage has become an ingrained part of UK culture, with almost half (47 percent) of drivers saying that they have experienced it.

More concerningly, one-in-six (15 percent) of those surveyed said they experienced road rage frequently, with close to one-third (31 percent) of those surveyed said that it was more of an occasional occurrence for them.

In comparison, around one-quarter (24 percent) of UK drivers have managed to avoid road rage, telling researchers that they have never experienced it.

Road rage most likely for men

The research, undertaken for road safety technology firm Ooono, uncovered a notable difference between genres in their experiences of road rage.

Over half of men (51 percent) said they had felt road rage whilst driving, compared to only 42 percent of women. In addition, men were more than twice as likely to often experience it, with 22 percent against 9 percent of female drivers.

Those aged between 35 and 44 were the most likely to regularly experience road rage, with 29 percent reporting frequent incidents. Older drivers were far less likely, seeing just 4 percent of those aged 65 to 74 saying they had repeat bouts of road rage.

More than one-in-ten (12 percent) of those surveyed said that they feel ‘stressed, anxious or emotionally overwhelmed’ every single day while driving. This increased to 40 percent for those who had this occur several times a week.

Get more sleep to avoid road rage

“Driving has become one of the main pressure points of modern life,” said Sean Morris, Ooono’s UK chief operating officer.

“By the time people get into the car, they’re often already carrying stress from work, family or financial worries. The road is where that pressure comes out – and unfortunately, it’s coming out as anger.

A lack of sleep was the most common reason cited for triggering road rage, being a factor for one-third (33 percent) of respondents.

This was followed by work pressures for 29 percent of drivers, with financial pressure caused by cost of living on 27 percent.

“Lent is about pausing, reflecting and giving something up. Giving up anger on the road – even just for 40 days – could make journeys safer, calmer and healthier for everyone. If we can change how we feel behind the wheel, we can change how our roads feel too,” adds Sean Morris.

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Couple buy Porsche Macan for 70th wedding anniversary

Couple buy their first Porsche for 70th wedding anniversary

By

John Redfern

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February 17, 2026

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Both in their nineties, Derek and Audrey Evans collected their Crayon-coloured Macan from Porsche Centre Bournemouth

A Bournemouth couple have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary by purchasing a Porsche Macan.

The performance SUV was an unusual choice for a platinum anniversary gift, but Derek and Audrey Evans are not your typical nonagenarians.

Although Derek worked as a bank manager until his retirement, he was also heavily involved in the UK’s hand-gliding scene.

This included managing a world championship-winning team, even earning an audience with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“I suppose I’ve always had an adventurous streak,” said 92-year-old Derek. “Neither of us are boy racers,” said 94-year-old Audrey. “But we do enjoy the feeling of power and comfort.”

“Why not now?”

The new Porsche Macan, ordered in the distinctive Crayon paint colour, is a world away from the first car owned by the couple at the beginning of their married life.

After Derek learned to drive in his father’s Ford 8, an Austin 7 was the first vehicle bought by the newlyweds. Many years of company cars followed, which made choosing the Porsche Macan even more special.

“I’ve always thought Porsche was unique – so reliable, and unlike anything else,” says Mr Evans. “We’d always fancied one, and then we thought, ‘why not now?’.”

“There’s also a great atmosphere when you own a Porsche. It feels like you’re part of an amazing club”, added Derek.

Porsche Taycan is next on the list

The Macan is certainly not just being driven gently. “We do like to whizz about,” says Mr Evans. “It’s fantastic through corners. But there’s also a feeling of total safety – like you could just keep going forever.”

Daughter Louise noted that Mr Evans is particularly taken with the rotary driving mode selector fitted to the Macan’s steering wheel.

“There isn’t a 19-year-old left in Dorset that dad hasn’t left behind at the traffic lights,” commented Louise. “But honestly, they’ve never lived a conventional life, so when they told us they were getting a Porsche, we just smiled.”

Buying a Macan has opened the portal to further Porsche ownership, with the couple recently borrowing a 911 sports car from their local dealership.

However, a fully electric Taycan is the next likely contender, with Mr Evans saying: “It’s a wonderful car. It took me a little while to get out of it – but wow, what a thing!”

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BMW’s UK engine factory celebrates 25 years

By

Richard Aucock

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February 16, 2026

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BMW’s UK engine factory in Hams Hall, North Warwickshire, has celebrated 25 years of producing motors for BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce cars.

Since 2001, the factory has built more than 7.6 million engines.

The milestone comes after Hams Hall production has been continually expanded over the years to include three- and four-cylinder petrol engines, plus high-performance V8s and the V12 exclusively used by Rolls-Royce.

The Hams Hall plant made the engine for the iconic BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, and today builds the engine for the latest hybrid BMW M5.

“This anniversary is a special milestone for our site,” said the plant’s head, Dirk Dreher.

“We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site.

“Building on our strong foundation, we are looking forward to remaining a successful plant in the future.”

Hams Hall was originally developed when BMW owned Rover Group. When it sold Rover in 2000, it retained the factory, still then in construction.

The first engines off the line were advanced four-cylinder ‘Valvetronic’ motors, used by the BMW 3 Series and others.

Since it opened, there’s been a 61 percent reduction in energy use per engine built at Hams Hall.

100 percent of its electricity comes from renewable sources and there are also initiatives to reduce its use of natural gas.

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US abandons ‘stupid’ engine stop-start tech

By

John Redfern

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February 16, 2026

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The changes introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency are part of a wider rollback of measures on greenhouse gases

The United States has confirmed legislation that could see automatic stop-start technology ditched for new cars.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin, backed by President Donald Trump, announced that the USA will remove incentives for car manufacturers to offer stop-start systems.

The move was a personal mission for Zeldin, who previously declared that “everyone hates” the systems, which automatically turn off a car’s engine when it is stationary.

“As I traveled across all 50 states this past year, I heard from countless Americans who not only dislike the start-stop feature but passionately advocated for this mechanism to be a thing of the past,” explained Zeldin.

“Not only do many people find start-stop annoying, but it kills the battery of your car without any significant benefit to the environment. The Trump EPA is proudly fixing this stupid feature at Trump Speed.”

Emissions tech given the boot

The EPA has not specifically outlawed the use of automatic stop-start systems, but has changed the ‘Off-Cycle Credit’ applied for using them.

This allowed car manufacturers to claim reduced tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, by adding technology that was not necessarily reflected in the EPA’s fuel economy testing.

The EPA now states that Off-Cycle Credits only allowed manufacturers to meet ‘standards on paper’, while not ‘delivering real-world emission reductions or benefits to human health’.

Under previous government administrations, the EPA’s own analysis said the introduction of stop-start systems eliminated close to 10 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year in the United States.

Whether this leads to car manufacturers actually removing stop-start systems remains to be seen. Given how the same vehicles are sold across multiple markets, the ruling may not produce an immediate effect.

In particular, there should be no change to cars sold in the UK or Europe, meaning stop-start is here to stay locally.

Rolling back climate change regulations

The removal of Off-Cycle Credits is part of a wider rollback of climate change measures that were introduced under the presidencies of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

In particular, this included rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. This Obama-era scientific ruling concluded that greenhouse gases were a risk to public health, justifying action taken by the US federal government to tackle emissions.

Removing this ruling opened the door to cutting regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, alongside a claim of saving Americans $1.3 billion in ‘red tape’.

“This Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to make cars more affordable again. Whether it’s resetting mileage standards or abolishing an idiotic start-stop requirement that every driver hates, President Trump’s auto dream team is working overtime to lower costs and revitalise American manufacturing,” said US Department of Transportation secretary, Sean Duffy.

“I want to commend administrator Zeldin for his leadership and look forward to continuing to deliver results for the American people.”

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Classic Volvo P1800ES is reborn as a five-cylinder turbo restomod

By

John Redfern

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February 15, 2026

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Dutch company Autoforma has revealed a modified and modernised version of the classic Volvo P1800ES shooting brake.

A new division of Niels van Roij Design, Autoforma has collaborated with fellow Netherlands-based firm Volvo Lotte to create the dramatic Norrsken restomod.

Named after the Swedish word for the Aurora Borealis, the Norrsken is said to deliver ‘clarity, calm intensity and beauty born from restraint’.

Each car will be built to the buyer’s individual specification, with three distinctive design directions on offer.

In addition, Autoforma and Volvo Lotte will deliver a comprehensive performance makeover, intended to retain an analogue driving experience while improving reliability and ease of use.

Meet the Autoforma Norrsken

The new Volvo restomod is named after the Swedish word ‘Norrsken’, meaning ‘Northern Light’ or ‘Aurora Borealis’

Dutch designer Niels van Roij is undoubtedly a fan of shooting brakes. Last year, he revealed ‘Henry II’, a coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Corniche. A Tesla Model S shooting brake is also in the firm’s back catalogue.

Autoforma has subtly enhanced the Volvo’s styling, with redesigned bumpers, a new front grille and the option of a carbon fibre front splitter with integrated LED fog lights.

More carbon fibre can be used for the wheelarch extensions. A neat rear spoiler above the glass tailgate is optional, too.

Buyers have a choice of exterior brightwork finished in chrome, silver or anthracite, along with two forged alloy wheel designs. A roof rack can provide some traditional Scandinavian practicality.

Turbocharged Volvo T-5 power available

As part of the design process, buyers can select one of three design themes. Heritage Heaven focuses on period-correct colours and materials, subtly updating the original P1800ES. Mechanical changes are aimed at boosting reliability, rather than outright performance.

Modern Marvel spec introduces discreet changes such as modern LED lighting, new suspension components, extra horsepower and a more progressive colour palette.

The most dramatic option is Forward Fashionista spec, which offers bold colours, new materials and a comprehensive mechanical overhaul. This includes fitting Volvo’s legendary turbocharged five-cylinder T-5 engine, along with upgraded brakes, a quicker steering rack and a twin-exit exhaust system.

Only five cars per year planned

Following the announcement of the new restomod, Niels van Roij commented: “Norrsken reflects the essence of Scandinavian and Dutch design: restraint, honesty in materials and beauty through purpose. Every decision serves both heritage and everyday usability.”

Production of the Norrsken will be capped at five cars each year, due to the near-endless customisation options available.

Regardless of whether a customer chooses Heritage Heaven, Modern Marvel or Forward Fashionista, each car will be tailored to their unique specification.

In its most radical Forward Fashionista guise, prices for the Norrsken will start from €300,000 excluding taxes (approximately £261,000).

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Polestar and Renault scoop latest AUTOBEST 2026 Awards

By

Richard Aucock

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February 13, 2026

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Polestar and Renault have been named the latest winners of the AUTOBEST 2026 Awards for excellence in automotive.

The 32 jurors from across Europe – including Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock representing the UK – awarded the ECOBEST 2026 Award to the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric.

The award is presented to vehicles set to make a meaningful impact in terms of environmental performance and innovation. It is usually awarded a year ahead of a new car’s launch, making it perfectly timed for the planned 2027 introduction of the new Renault Twingo.

The jurors praised the Twingo’s “strong contribution to highly accessible and practical urban electromobility,” and considered it “a strong symbol of democratised electric mobility for European cities”.

Polestar scoops SMARTBEST 2026

Polestar has won the SMARTBEST 2026 Award for its clever integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance directly into the driver’s display.

Debuting on the clever Polestar 4, this tech uses AI and vehicle camera data to highlight the correct lanes to take during navigation. It’s especially useful during complex merges, multi-lanes exits and heavy urban traffic, “taking the guesswork out of following sat nav instructions”.

The system is debuting first in the US and Sweden, and will follow in the UK later – Motoring Research will be among the first to test the new award-winning Polestar tech when it arrives in the UK.

AUTOBEST 2026 winners to be celebrated

The latest two awards mean all nine AUTOBEST Award categories for 2026 have been selected.

The winners will now be celebrated during an AUTOBEST Awards Ceremony in Vienna on 19 March. The lunchtime event will bring together execs and CEOs of the winning companies alongside European and international media, “to celebrate excellence and innovation in the automotive industry”.

Again, Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock will be there – come back next month for all the news from Europe’s top automotive awards initiative.

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Honda and Chevrolet make multi-year commitment to IndyCar

By

John Redfern

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February 13, 2026

0

A new agreement with IndyCar will also see Honda and Chevrolet receive charters to run their own single-car teams from 2028

IndyCar has announced that both Honda and Chevrolet have made a multi-year commitment to remain involved with the race series.

Both companies will continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the NTT IndyCar Series, supplying engines for the 2027 season and beyond.

The new commitment means the OEMs will provide teams with 2.2-liter turbocharged V-6 engines – now combined with a low-voltage hybrid system since the 2024 season – until the end of 2027.

In addition, Honda and Chevrolet will play pivotal roles in developing the next generation of IndyCar engines.

The plan is for a bespoke 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with hybrid assistance, which will join an all-new replacement chassis for 2028.

Charter agreements for Honda and Chevrolet

Honda Chevrolet IndyCar Agreement — © Tyler Clemmensen

As a reward for the financial investment from Honda and Chevrolet, IndyCar will grant both OEMs their own single-car team charter for the 2028 season and beyond.

This allows each manufacturer to field an individual factory entry in the IndyCar series. The OEMs will likely partner with an existing team, but with greater involvement in how their cars will be operated.

Rewarding OEMs with their own team charters is also seen as a way to encourage a third engine supplier to enter the series.

“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a new and exciting opportunity to build on their incredible legacies across Indycar Series racing, while continuing their strong relationships with our current roster of teams and helping deliver an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028,” said IndyCar president, Doug Boles.

“A monumental day for Indycar”

“This is a monumental day for IndyCar, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” added Boles.

“Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.”

Honda has participated in the IndyCar Series since 1994, acting as the sole engine supplier for the championship between 2006 and 2011. In recent years, Honda has powered Alex Palou to all four of his Drivers’ Championships.

Making its return to IndyCar racing in 2012, Chevrolet has since collected nine championship trophies, plus multiple Indianapolis 500 wins.

The 18-round 2026 NTT IndyCar Series begins on Sunday 1 March 2026, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida.

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