Hillsborough Concours car show is back for 2021

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June 8, 2021

After an unexpected break due to Coronavirus, the Hillsborough Concours car show returns next month.

Founded in 1956, the Hillsborough event previously held the record for being the world’s longest continuously running concours event.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may have interrupted that claim to fame, the 2021 edition of the Hillsborough show is set to make up for lost time.

Three events over three days

Spanning a full weekend, the trio of Hillsborough events begins with a party in Burlingame, CA on Friday, July 16.

Hosted at the Candy Store, a private car club, guests will be surrounded by 40 vintage vehicles and treated to a cocktail reception and guest speakers.

The following day, the Tour d’Elegance will see cars hitting the road for a scenic drive through the Bay Area. Featuring a police escort, the tour ends with lunch at a private estate.

Celebrating Ford and BMW for 2021

Sunday, July 18 sees the culmination of the Hillsborough weekend, with the Concours event at the Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame.

Some 200 cars will take their places on the fairway of the 18th hole, with twelve different groups in show. These include American muscle cars, station wagons, and two distinct Ferrari classes.

However, Ford and BMW will receive the most attention for this year’s show. Chosen as the featured marques for 2021, star cars will include a BMW M1 and a Ford Thunderbird concept.

Firing on all cylinders again

Part of the changes for 2021 include a new chairman being responsible for the Hillsborough Concours. Now in charge of the event, Glen Egan is noted as being a “lifelong Italian sports car aficionado”. He previously undertook a ten-year restoration of a Fiat X/19.

Ahead of the event, Egan commented: “Since last year’s Concours was cancelled due to the pandemic, we’re eagerly looking forward to the kick-off gathering, Saturday road tour and the Concours on Sunday”.

Tickets for the Hillsborough Concours weekend are currently on sale, with discounts for those bought before June 17.

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Shortage of lorry drivers is now ‘catastrophic’

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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June 8, 2021

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A shortage of lorry drivers in the UK has hit ‘catastrophic proportions’, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

It believes the driver shortage has hit ‘crisis levels’ due to a combination of factors, including Brexit, hostility towards lorries and Covid-19. The RHA has called upon the government to make urgent changes in order to support the sector.

The lack of drivers means freight rates ‘are rising to a level that operators are finding unsustainable’, says the RHA. It warns costs may have to be passed onto consumers as a result.

In order to improve the situation, the organisation has produced a 12-point list of changes that it wants the government to introduce:

· Include HGV drivers on Government’s Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List

· Offer a seasonal visa scheme for qualified HGV drivers

· Continue to provide priority driving tests for HGV drivers

· Establish a ‘Return to HGV Driving’ scheme

· Promote the job and sector better than at present

· Offer an apprenticeship funding gap for C+E drivers in England and Wales

· Offer apprenticeships for Class C drivers

· Launch an SME-focused HGV driver training scheme

· Launch an independent HGV training loan scheme

· Introduce other training schemes

· Increase the productivity of the road network

· Improve site productivity and the treatment of drivers at collection and delivery points

‘Upturn in the economy is increasing demand’

“The upturn in the economy since Covid-19 is increasing demand across supply chains and the reopening of non-essential retail outlets and parts of the hospitality sector is making the situation even worse,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.

“The pandemic also resulted in the loss of about 12 months of driver training and testing. The long-term ineffectiveness of apprenticeships for lorry drivers and the general hostility from authorities and the government is also unhelpful for recruiting and retaining drivers.

“We need the Government to act and address the driver shortage for the industry and the drivers. While we welcome the increase in HGV apprenticeship funding to £7,000, this barely scratches the surface of the problem.”

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How to remember where you parked your car with Google Maps

By

John Redfern

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June 8, 2021

0

Trying to find your car in a giant multi-storey car park can be a challenge, but Google Maps can provide a handy solution.

Introduced over four years ago, the special “save my parking” feature on Google’s mapping app is available to smartphone users. It can take the stress out of tracking down where you left your car.

Although relatively unknown, using this Google Maps feature is easy, and offered for both Android and Apple devices. Our guide below will show you how to use it.

How to save your parking with Android devices

For Android device owners, once parked you simply need to touch the blue location dot within Google Maps.

This will open up a new menu, including the option to “Save your parking”. Tapping this will record the location, and add a new icon on the map itself.

Naturally, Google has included extra features for those using Google Maps on Android.

Users can add extra details, such as the level or section of the particular car park. Android devices will also allow users to note how long is left before their parking ticket expires, and get a reminder 15 minutes before.

Parking locations can be shared, should you need to coordinate with others.

How to save your parking with Apple iOS devices

For those with Apple iOS devices, the process is very much the same. Select the blue location icon on Google Maps, and select the “Set as parking location” option.

Those with Apple devices cannot add extra notes to their parking location, but are still able to share it with friends and family.

However, iOS users who connect their Apple device to their car with a USB cable or Bluetooth do get an added bonus. Google Maps will notice when you have parked up, and save your location automatically.

To recall it, just open Google Maps and it’ll be shown as a marker on screen (labelled “You Parked Here”).

How else can Google Maps help with parking?

Google has constantly updated its Maps app, adding new features and extra usability.

Earlier this year, the tech company announced that a new algorithm will help electric vehicle users plan their trips easier.

Owners of the Volvo XC40 Recharge or Polestar 2 can take advantage of this feature, which builds public charging stops into route planning. Google is planning to release this function to more cars in the future.

Drivers of other EVs can also use Google Maps to find charging points, along with getting live status about them.

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Your chance to win a Ringbrothers Chevy K5 Blazer

By

John Redfern

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June 8, 2021

0

Getting the chance to purchase a vehicle created by Jim and Mike Ring is typically an expensive exercise.

Their Wisconsin-based workshop has collected numerous accolades for building custom cars and trucks, including several SEMA Show prizes.

Now, thanks to a charity prize draw through Omaze, Chevy fans can win this bespoke 1970 Blazer, and help a good cause.

Blazing a custom trail

Ringbrothers has experience working with K5 Blazers, having built a similar 1971 model for the 2018 SEMA Show. A later 1972 Blazer appeared for sale on the Bring a Trailer auction platform in 2020, attracting a winning bid of $300,000.

The particular 1970 Blazer up for grabs has undergone an extensive restoration process. The retro SUV fitted with bespoke parts inside and out.

Under the hood is a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LS3 V-8, producing 430 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. All four wheels are driven through a Bowler Tru-Street 3-speed automatic transmission.

A Flowmaster exhaust has been installed, along with upgraded Baer brakes, and QA1 suspension components.

Don’t be green with envy

Setting the Blazer apart further from the crowd is the exterior painted in Growler Green. Even the custom carbon fiber hood has been painted, with the 18-inch HRE wheels finished in a deep bronze.

Inside has also been heavily modified, with tan leather upholstery covering the dashboard, seats, and door cards. Vintage Air cooling, Dakota digital gauges, and a Ringbrothers steering wheel complete the makeover.

The level of work undertaken explains why Omaze details the approximate retail value for the K5 Blazer as $250,000.

Helping Team Rubicon help others

Entries to Omaze draw will see proceeds from the sale of tickets used to aid the Team Rubicon public charity. The organization uses veterans to help local and state officials, and is currently involved in the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination drive.

A $10 charitable donation earns 100 entries into the prize draw, although options to take part without a financial contribution are also available.

The prize draw is set to run until September 17, with the lucky winner to be announced on October 6.

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Used car experts predict turbulence in secondhand market

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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June 8, 2021

0

Used car experts have warned the second half of 2021 may pose problems with the supply of secondhand cars not keeping up with demand from consumers.

The secondhand car market has been booming since lockdown restrictions were first eased – and this is on the back of a decline less than half that experienced by the new car market last year.

What’s more, this sluggish 2020 demand for new cars is set to affect the used car market in the second half of 2021, according to Rupert Pontin, the deputy chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association and head of insight at Cazana.

“The second half of 2021 will see some potential used car supply challenges, driven mainly by shortages of new cars.

“If this happens, it will mean there will be restricted supply of late-plate used stock that would normally have come from manufacturer employee car schemes and demonstrator programmes.

“This may not affect all manufacturers, but it will, without doubt, be a disrupting factor for some and therefore the market as a whole.

“The coming months will be remarkably interesting as the used car market balances supply with demand post-COVID lockdowns.”

‘Acute shortages’

Meanwhile, Derren Martin, head of valuations at Cap HPI, warned the ongoing semiconductor issue that is now affecting the supply of new cars in 2021 could start to impact the used market later in the year.

“For the remainder of quarter two, manufacturers may well have stock into which they can switch customers, which will in turn generate part-exchanges and fleet returns for the used market.

“From late June and into July however, stock levels will have dwindled and the component shortage could well be impacting supply more acutely, depending on the brand,” he said.

“Much of the strength in live values during April and May has been due to lower supply than normal from low registrations in March and April – driven by Covid issues affecting factories and also by lockdown, plus concerns about future supply.

“The semiconductor issue could well not have done its worst yet.”

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New Kia Sportage revealed with bold new design

By

Richard Aucock

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June 8, 2021

0

The all-new Kia Sportage, due in the UK later in 2021, has been revealed with a bold new design and tech-laden interior.

The fifth-generation version of an SUV popular with UK motorists will also offer a mystery version just for European buyers: this is to be revealed in the autumn.

Design-wise, it’s a big step on for the 2022 Kia Sportage, with the looks inspired by the pure electric Kia EV6.

Design chief Karim Habib has named it the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, which is said to be based around tense and crisp lines, clean and muscular surfaces, and intricate graphics.

This all gives it a “dynamic and assertive road presence.

“With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class,” said Habib.

“In the all-new Sportage, we believe you can see the future of our brand and our products.”

Tech-packed interior

The high-quality interior is based around a fully-integrated curved display.

Kia’s added an ‘integrated controller’ that’s intuitive and easy to use, to support the large touchscreen display.

Other highlights include the 3D air vents, gloss-finish centre console and promise of high-quality materials and colourschemes throughout.

Kia’s also offering, for the first time in the Sportage’s 28-year history, a special bold-look derivative, called Sportage X-Line.

This has unique bumpers, a curved roof rack and, inside, signature sage green or black seating. It also features quilted upholstery and black metal wood trim.

The new Kia Sportage will roll out later in the year, with prices to be confirmed ahead of its retailer launch.

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Lighter, faster Bugatti Chiron Super Sport hits 273mph

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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June 8, 2021

0

Bugatti has revealed a lighter and more powerful version of its mighty Chiron hypercar.

Called the Super Sport, the new model gains 100hp over the ‘standard’ Chiron. Its 8.0-litre W16 engine now produces 1,600hp, while the overall weight has been cut by 23kg.

Bugatti says its engineers modified the turbochargers, oil pump and cylinder heads to eke out the extra power. Its rev limit has also been increased by 300rpm to 7,100rpm to provide ‘even greater acceleration’.

How great? Well, the Chiron Super Sport can blast from zero to 125mph in 5.8 seconds and reach 186mph in 12.1 seconds. The French company also points out the 0-248mph time is slashed by seven percent. Handy at the traffic lights… The Super Sport has a top speed of 273mph.

Despite the dizzying statistics, Bugatti insists the new car is not simply about straight-line performance. The Super Sport, it says, ‘stands for increased comfort and elegance coupled with even greater performance and high speed’.

Nonetheless, ‘every centimetre’ of the car has been designed for top speed. The rear has been lengthened by 25cm to increase aerodynamic efficiency, while Bugatti adds it has enlarged the diffuser’s cross-section, significantly reducing slipstream and wind resistance. At the front, side air curtains alongside the intakes improve airflow and reduce drag.

Michelin has developed new tyres for the car, which have been optimised for top speed (what else?) and are the only tyres that ‘can consistently drive at up to 310mph’.

Apparently, the tyres undergo stress testing on a bench that was originally built for the Space Shuttle. They are also X-rayed following production ‘in order to rule out even the most minuscule of irregularities’.

Production of the Chiron Super Sport starts soon and first deliveries are due next year, with prices from £2.7 million. Better start saving…

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The best car insurers in 2021

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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June 8, 2021

1

The Consumer Intelligence Awards 2021 have named Britain’s best car insurance companies.

These are based on feedback from more than 48,000 customers, making this the biggest insurance-focused survey of its kind. Five categories make up the awards: claims satisfaction, customer satisfaction, customer service, customer trust and recommendation by customers.

There are 10 award-winners in each category. There’s no overall winner as such, but these are the best car insurance companies in the UK right now, based on the feedback of policyholders.

Policies, claims and customer service

Of the winners listed below, just four are listed in all five categories: Aviva, Direct Line, LV= and NFU Mutual. Taking price out of the equation – which is something we’ll come to in a moment – these are the best car insurance companies when considering policies, claims and customer service.

Ian Hughes, CEO of Consumer Intelligence said: “Our awards are different from other industry awards for two major reasons. Firstly, no-one in the industry gets to vote in these awards and secondly, even the customers that are voting in the awards don’t know that they’re voting – they are simply telling us what they think about their insurer.

“As an insurer, you can’t influence the results by submitting a well-worded application or by taking me out for dinner. You simply must do an amazing job for your customers all day, every day, 365 days a year. This is what delivers great outcomes in these awards.”

Best car insurance companies for claims satisfaction

Aviva
Churchill
Direct Line
LV=
More Than
NFU Mutual
Privilege
Quotemehappy.com
Saga
Sheila’s Wheels

Best car insurance companies for customer satisfaction

Aviva
Churchill
Co-op Insurance
Direct Line
LV=
NFU Mutual
Saga
Sainsbury’s Bank
Sheila’s Wheels
Zurich

Best car insurance companies for customer service

Admiral
Aviva
Churchill
Co-op Insurance
Diamond
Direct Line
LV=
NFU Mutual
Saga
Tesco Bank

Best car insurance companies for customer trust

The AA
Aviva
Co-op Insurance
Direct Line
LV=
M&S Bank
NFU Mutual
RAC
Saga
Zurich

Best car insurance companies based on customer recommendations

Admiral
Aviva
Churchill
Co-op Insurance
Diamond
Direct Line
LV=
NFU Mutual
Post Office
Zurich

Opinion: good insurance isn’t just about a low price

Many, but not all, car insurance adverts focus on the cost of the policy, rather than the quality of the cover and the company’s ability to handle a claim. Price comparison websites have made it easier to secure a better deal than the renewal quote, but motorists must look beyond the price and view the bigger picture.

The Consumer Intelligence Awards are a good place to start. If a company is listed in all five categories, there’s a greater chance that a claim will be handled in a swift, effective and efficient manner. Saving £50 or even £100 on the policy might turn out to be a false economy if the claims process turns out to be a nightmare.

Don’t be swayed by cuddly toys, cinema tickets or meal vouchers. Instead, look for things like windscreen cover, protection against being hit by an uninsured driver and a free courtesy car in the event of a claim.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the telephone when you’re discussing a policy or renewal. How your questions are handled at this stage might be reflective of what would happen if you need to make a claim.

The cost of cover is an important consideration, especially when household budgets are tight. But it’s worth considering the factors beyond the price, just in case the worst happens. Click here for tips on reducing the price of insurance, regardless of the provider.

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New Vauxhall Astra teased – but will it be built in Britain?

By

Richard Aucock

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June 8, 2021

0

Vauxhall has revealed first teaser images of the all-new 2022 Astra, which is due to be revealed this summer.

The new car will become the latest Vauxhall to feature the black-panel ‘Vizor’ at the front, which stretches the full width of the car to hide the various sensors modern cars are packed with.

It will also feature a high-tech cabin including the digital ‘Pure Panel’ first seen in the new Vauxhall Mokka.

Vauxhall adds that, for the first time, the Astra will be electrified, with an Astra-e version a possibility alongside plug-in hybrid models.

However, Vauxhall has yet to confirm whether the new Astra will, like the current car, be built in Britain.

Its Ellesmere Port factory has built Vauxhalls for 60 years and workers are hoping the new Astra will continue this long run.

Last month, bosses said talks about the factory’s future were “extremely positive and productive”.

Business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, later told the House of Commons that talks were “moving in a positive direction” and he hopeed to make an announcement “in the next few months”.

‘Pure and bold’ new Astra

Vauxhall says the new Astra showcases “extreme precision and high attention to detail” in a new interpretation of its “pure and bold” design philosophy.

“The all-new Astra will open an exciting new chapter in the 41-year history of our popular compact model,” said Vauxhall MD Paul Willcox.

“We are confident that the next generation Astra will make a powerful impression and attract new customers to the brand, especially now Astra will be electrified for the first time.”

Vauxhall will offer the new car, derived from the same platform as the upcoming new Peugeot 308, both as a five-door hatch and a Sports Tourer estate.

All models will feature the Astra nameplate centrally-placed on the tailgate at the rear, similar to the latest Mokka and Crossland SUVs.

The clean look continues inside with the fully-glazed Pure Panel incorporating two widescreen displays. They are “detoxed” and driver-oriented, like in classic BMWs.

It’s not completely button-free tough; Vauxhall retains physical controls for core functions “in the form of finely-crafted keys”.

The firm adds we’ll find out more about the new Astra in the coming months – including, hopefully, a positive decision on the future of the British plant hoping to build it.

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Mountune boosts Ford Puma ST to 260hp

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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June 8, 2021

0

Renowned Ford tuner Mountune has released two upgrades for the new Puma ST crossover.

The M235 pack increases total power output by 35hp to 235hp. The second, called M260, takes power to (you guessed it…) 260hp.

The M235 kit consists of a Bluetooth dongle that plugs into the car’s OBD port and is activated via a smartphone. The M260 conversion is a little more involved, also requiring an air induction kit, charge pipe and intercooler.

Mountune says the app enables owners to select different power outputs on the move, depending on their preferences or the fuel quality used. The system also enables owners to update calibrations in future via the internet.

A history of fast Fords

The company – which has a long history of tweaking fast Fords – adds the upgrades have undergone a ‘rigorous testing and development process’ to deliver packages that ‘put the driver firmly in control whilst retaining an OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] feel’.

The packs include additional functionality, such as enhanced exhaust noise, more aggressive launch control, optimised no-lift shifting and an anti-theft mode. The M235 kit is priced from £575 and the M260 upgrade costs £675.

“The Puma ST has been well received since it was launched, and we have worked hard to improve the already impressive vehicle, taking its performance to the next level,” said David Mountain, founder of Mountune.

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