Toyota bZ Woodland brings EV power to the great outdoors

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May 16, 2025

Toyota has added a new electric SUV to its North American range with the launch of the bZ Woodland.

A relative of the Subaru Trailseeker EV that debuted at the 2025 New York Auto Show, the Toyota bZ Woodland is substantially larger than the updated bZ SUV model.

“With zero emissions and a powerful drive, the bZ Woodland is bringing outdoor-inspired style to our BEV lineup,” said Dave Christ, president of Toyota Group.

He added: “This latest entry in our bZ line embraces the spirit of adventure with surprising capability, rugged style, and an all-electric powertrain that’s backed by Toyota.”

Ready to hit the trail

The 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is 5.5 inches longer than the regular bZ (previously known as the bZ4X), and just under one inch taller. Significantly, the extra length is all added to the bZ Woodland’s cargo area.

It now boasts more than 30 cubic feet of rear luggage space, along with roof rails designed to carry storage boxes or bicycle racks.

All-wheel drive comes as standard with the bZ Woodland, with a separate electric motor to power each axle. When combined, the two motors develop a total of 375 horsepower, and allow for towing trailers weighing up to 3,500 lb.

Toyota is serious about the bZ Woodland’s off-road ability. It boasts 8.3 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode Grip Control for its all-wheel drive system. All-terrain tires are available on the options list, too.

Fast charging as standard

Despite its Woodland name and station wagon styling, there is – sadly – no hint of wood grain vinyl exterior trim on the new Toyota SUV. Instead, the bZ Woodland comes with a choice of six exterior paint colors, complete with tough black plastic overfenders and 18-inch wheels with removable covers.

A North American Charging System (NACS) port, compatible with Level Three DC fast charging, is standard on the bZ Woodland. This allows the 74.7 kWh battery to be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. When full, the battery allows for a potential range of up to 260 miles.

On the inside, the bZ Woodland matches the revised 2026 Toyota bZ, meaning its dashboard is dominated by a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen. SofTex-trimmed seating, dual wireless Qi charging, and ambient lighting are all included.

Toyota has yet to confirm prices and complete specifications for the bZ Woodland. However, it should appear in dealership showrooms early in 2026.

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Almost half of women say car sales are aimed at men

By

John Redfern

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May 16, 2025

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A comprehensive study by Citroen has discovered that most women feel the car-buying process is not geared towards them.

In a survey of more than 7,500 drivers in the UK, close to half (48 percent) of female respondents said car dealerships were focused on male customers.

Only one in four (25 percent) of the women surveyed by Citroen said they would feel comfortable asking for assistance when viewing vehicles in a showroom.

Notably, four times as many women as men said they would primarily seek out a female member of staff when buying a new car from a dealership.

Park the patronisation

A preference for seeking advice from female members of staff in a car showroom is likely to have been driven by past experiences, based upon Citroen’s research.

Some 44 percent of female survey respondents said they had felt patronised when asking for advice from male car showroom staff.

Younger female car buyers in particular say the process is not aimed at them, with 59 percent in the 17-24-year-old female category believing it is tailored to men.

This age group was also more likely to have felt patronised in a car showroom, with more than half (55 percent) noting this had happened to them.

Valuing all car customers

The Citroen survey also examined the importance of diversity and inclusivity on the websites of car brands.

More than three quarters (77 percent) of female drivers said website diversity was important, while 64 percent told Citroen it was important for customers to see people like them across consumer websites and featured in advertising.

Greg Taylor, managing director of Citroen UK, said: “Citroen values every one of its customers and is committed to making sure that everyone has a positive purchasing experience when visiting the brand, whether in-store or online. We strive to be accessible to all drivers who want to reach us.

“From our focus on accessible pricing and the simplification of our product range to ensuring our retailers can cater to the needs of all customers, we want to make sure everyone is comfortable when visiting a Citroen retailer.”

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Trump’s new EPA head declares war on start-stop vehicle tech

By

John Redfern

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May 15, 2025

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Donald Trump’s newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Lee Zeldin, wants to “fix” start-stop technology in new vehicles.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zeldin declared that “everyone hates” start-stop systems, and suggested the technology exists solely so that “companies get a climate participation trophy”.

Zeldin has not given details of how he plans to tackle start-stop technology in the United States.

However, the systems have become more prevalent in recent years, automatically turning off the engine of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles to help save fuel when the car or truck is stationary.

Credits for eco technology

With his role as the head of the EPA, Zeldin has oversight of the ‘Off-Cycle Credits’ program, given to automotive manufacturers for using certain technologies.

This scheme has encouraged auto makers to fit stop-start systems, along with LED lights, solar panels and active aerodynamics such as grille shutters. The credits given reflect the eco benefits of these technologies, which are not captured in the EPA’s fuel economy testing.

This means that while the EPA has not mandated car manufacturers to make use of stop-start technology, it has rewarded and encouraged them to do so.

As a result, almost two-thirds (65 percent) of new cars sold in the United States came with stop-start systems in 2023, compared with just nine percent in 2016.

Four days of idling each year

Previous research published by Chevrolet found the average American driver spends 16 minutes each day idling in traffic, or 5,840 minutes each year. This is equivalent to more than four whole days of being behind the wheel and going nowhere.

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

Even if Zelin directs the EPA to remove credits for stop-start technology, this is unlikely to see the systems disappear overnight in the U.S. market.

Emissions testing in other regions, such as the European Union, has made the use of automatic start-stop systems attractive to automotive manufacturers. Given how the same vehicles are often sold across multiple regions, cars are likely to keep turning themselves off “at every red light” for some time to come.

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Aston Martin is first to offer next-gen Apple CarPlay Ultra tech

By

John Redfern

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May 15, 2025

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Aston Martin will be the first car manufacturer in the world to offer Apple CarPlay Ultra in its vehicles.

The radical in-car infotainment upgrade will allow drivers to personalise both the central touchscreen and digital instrument panel in their Aston Martin.

It means iPhone users can alter the appearance of the instrument dials, tailor the wallpaper on the central display, and even add extra ‘widgets’ to the screen.

Aston Martin owners will not have to wait long, with selected customers in North America set to gain access to Apple CarPlay Ultra in the coming weeks.

‘Reimagining the in-car experience’

“Users of iPhones love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of product marketing. “With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent.”

Aston Martin has worked closely with Apple to ensure the options permitted by CarPlay Ultra work within the confines of the company’s infotainment system.

Drivers will be able to change the appearance of the digital instrument panel, choosing from a number of different themes. These range from traditional-looking dials, through to a minimalist setup that only shows the basic information required.

Maps and media can also be displayed full-screen across the instrument panel, giving clearer visibility.

Owners can update existing cars

From the central touchscreen, drivers will be able to control functions such as the climate control or radio directly from within CarPlay Ultra.

Widgets from the Apple iPhone can also be added to the touchscreen, building upon the limited options allowed by CarPlay at present.

Those buying a new Aston Martin in the United States and Canada will be the first to experience CarPlay Ultra. The system will be standard equipment on all DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish models ordered from today.

Aston Martin will expand this to all new cars sold around the world over the next 12 months. Owners of existing vehicles will also be able to visit dealers for a CarPlay Ultra update.

A technology coup for Aston Martin

Apple first teased the concept of CarPlay Ultra almost three years ago, during an announcement at the 2022 Apple worldwide developers’ conference.

As a result, the British company has achieved an impressive tech coup, being the first to demonstrate the capabilities of CarPlay Ultra. It follows the development of Aston Martin’s bespoke in-house infotainment system, launched last year.

Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said: “Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. As a brand, our focus on world leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance and craftsmanship.

“The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers.”

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Skoda Enyaq vRS electric SUV gets a go-faster makeover

By

John Redfern

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May 14, 2025

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The electric Skoda Enyaq vRS has been given a mid-life makeover, including a substantial boost in performance.

Still offered in both SUV and Coupe body styles, the Enyaq vRS can now claim the joint crown as Skoda’s fastest-accelerating production car.

A 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds makes the revised Enyaq vRS as rapid as the recently announced (and smaller) Elroq vRS. It’s also 1.1 seconds quicker than the pre-facelift model.

Johannes Neft, Skoda board member for technical development, said: “With the Enyaq vRS and Enyaq Coupe vRS, we have made the range toppers of the new Enyaq family even more dynamic, while maintaining their high level of comfort and everyday usability.”

Goes faster, looks lower

Powering the updated Enyaq vRS are a pair of electric motors that generate a combined total of 340hp – some 41hp more than the previous model. Maximum torque has also increased to 402lb ft.

Standard all-wheel drive helps keep the torque boost in check, although the vRS retains a top speed limited to 111mph.

For the facelifted Enyaq vRS, Skoda has lowered the suspension by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. The Dynamic Chassis Control system now offers 15 different stiffness settings, with performance tyres also fitted as standard.

The Enyaq vRS comes with an 84kWh battery pack, allowing for an official range of 340 miles. Compatible with DC charging devices up to 185kW, it can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.

Order your vRS from June 2025

Gloss black trim is used extensively for the exterior of the Enyaq vRS, covering the side mirrors, roof rails, model badges and new ‘Tech Deck’ front grille.

The vivid ‘Hyper Green’ paint colour seen here is exclusive to Enyaq vRS models. Customers can also select 20-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there is a choice between vRS Lounge and vRS Suite design themes. Standard equipment includes three-zone climate control, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen and a head-up display with augmented reality tech.

Prices for the Skoda Enyaq SUV vRS start from £51,660, with the Enyaq Coupe vRS from £53,560. Order books will be opened next month.

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Mercedes-Benz has now built 5 million Sprinter vans

By

John Redfern

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May 12, 2025

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For the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, this has been a marathon, not a sprint. The popular van has just racked up its five-millionth example made.

First launched in 1995, the Sprinter has progressed through three different generations, and helped transform the perception of van performance along the way.

Now, as the Sprinter reaches its 30th anniversary, the Mercedes-Benz facility in Charleston, South Carolina, has reached the production milestone.

Demonstrating how much the Sprinter has changed during the past three decades, the five-millionth model was an electric eSprinter, destined for work with FedEx.

Changing the image of van life

Replacing the aging T1 van when it hit the market in 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter quickly developed a reputation for its surprising turn of speed – by van standards, at least.

An aerodynamic design and powerful engines, plus features such as ABS brakes and electronic stability control, proved a commercial vehicle could deliver car-like pace and safety.

Originally marketed in the United States under the Freightliner brand name, then later badged as a Dodge thanks to the DaimlerChrysler merger, the Sprinter has secured an important foothold in North America.

Opened in 2006, Charleston is the only Mercedes-Benz van facility in the United States. It now employs more than 1,600 people to manufacture the Sprinter and eSprinter.

An enduring symbol of success

Along with being made in the United States, the third-generation Sprinter is also assembled at Mercedes-Benz facilities in both Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.

More than 1,000 different variants of the latest model can be configured, including nine different powertrain options.

Thomas Klein, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry.”

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Young Driver training tested: helping kids be safer on the road

By

Tim Pitt

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May 12, 2025

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We sampled a road safety training course with Young Driver

On the 18th of June 1996, I passed my driving test. On the 19th of June 1996, I wrote off my Mini City E by parking it in the back of a BMW. For a 17-year-old who aspired to be a motoring journalist, it wasn’t the most auspicious start.

To prevent my son from suffering the same fate – embarrassment and a four-figure bill in my case, although it could have been far worse – I enrolled him for a first driving lesson. Nothing odd there, you might think. What’s unusual is that Thomas is only 14: still three years away from being allowed to take his test.

Young Driver is an initiative to improve road safety by getting children behind the wheel. Since 2009, it has delivered more than 1.5 million lessons, and its alumni are claimed to have 80 percent fewer accidents when they finally tear up their L plates.

“Dad, if I do well enough today, can I drive your car home?” piped up the voice from the back seat as we journeyed to Lingfield Park in Surrey: one of 70 Young Driver venues across the UK. “Umm… we’ll see.”

Scuderia Suzuki

Young Driver offers experiences for children aged from four upwards in its bespoke Firefly Sport EV. To drive a ‘proper’ car, though, you need to be between nine and 17 years old, and more than 1.4 metres (4ft 6in) tall.

Until recently, the proper car in question was a Vauxhall Corsa. However, Young Driver has just replaced its entire fleet with 170 examples of the Suzuki Swift: 160 of them with a manual gearbox, plus 10 automatics.

Despite the shift to electric cars, many children still want the experience of three pedals and a stick, says Young Driver deputy manager Sohail Malik. “For now at least, the typical first car will still be a manual.”

Climbing behind the wheel – wearing a Ferrari F1 T-shirt, no less – Thomas seems calm and confident. Perhaps too confident. I’m reassured to see the Suzuki is fitted with dual controls in case he goes full Lewis Hamilton…

Mirror, signal and slalom

Using the infield at Lingfield Park racecourse, the kids face a series of challenges designed to replicate real-world driving.

These start with the mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine, then steering using the pull-push method, clutch control, changing gear and applying the brakes. They also have to deal with two-way traffic, junctions and roundabouts, and judge the car’s size with a slalom between cones.

If and when the child feels ready, the lesson then moves on to driving test staples such as reversing around a corner and parallel parking (something Thomas’s dad still hasn’t perfected after nearly 30 years of trying). More advanced activities, for those who book further tuition, include overtaking another car and an emergency stop.

Zero to 44 miles per hour

Seeing your 14-year-old drive into the distance feels slightly disconcerting, but Thomas seems to have forgotten his plan to “do some donuts” and is making steady progress. “Some kids can be a bit over-confident, but they invariably settle down behind the wheel,” says Malik. “There’s a lot for them to concentrate on.”

Besides, while the three-cylinder Suzuki isn’t exactly a Ferrari, it gains extra kudos from Thomas for being one of the ‘starter’ cars in Gran Turismo – the acclaimed PlayStation racing game. Turns out he’s driven a Swift several times before, albeit using a joypad.

When he pulls in after a final lap around Lingfield Park’s perimeter road (usually driven by camera cars to film the horse racing), I’m proudly informed he reached a maximum speed of 44mph. Lewis had better watch his mirrors.

Ready for the road

Young Driver supplies all students with a booklet to track their progress, and tick off the various skills once mastered. Those aged 16 can even sit a mock practical driving test to prepare them for the real thing.

The sobering reality is that 20 percent of newly qualified drivers crash within six months of taking their test. Some of them, ahem, within just one day.

This was very much a taster session, but I’ve no doubt that getting Thomas behind the wheel early, under expert instruction and away from the dangers of other traffic, could make him a safer driver when the time comes. And what price can you put on that?

Swift progress to a Porsche

Speaking of which, Young Driver lessons start from £46.99 for 30 minutes, or £89.99 for an hour. Book a bundle of four sessions and you get a fifth free. My venue of choice would be the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, where you could combine some driving instruction with a side order of classic cars.

If your son or daughter isn’t enthused by the thought of a Suzuki Swift, Young Driver also offers a range of experiences in less conventional cars, including an Austin Seven, Morris Minor convertible, Bentley Flying Spur, Mercedes-Benz SL500 and Porsche 911 Carrera.

Thomas’s ears perked up at the mention of the 911, so he’ll be back for more driving – possibly wearing a Porsche T-shirt next time.

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Mercedes-AMG GT APXGP Edition is inspired by new F1 movie

By

John Redfern

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May 12, 2025

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A new limited edition of the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car has been revealed – and it has a direct link to the forthcoming F1 movie.

Unveiled during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, the Mercedes-AMG GT APXGP Edition is inspired by the fictional Apex Grand Prix (APXGP) team, which stars in the film.

Filmed at actual Formula One race weekends during the 2023 season, the F1 movie has been produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and features a musical score by Hans Zimmer.

It stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, with Sir Lewis Hamilton credited as a co-producer under the auspices of his Dawn Apollo Films banner.

Gold for racing glory

With Mercedes-AMG acting as the technical partner for the film’s production, the company has chosen to produce 52 examples of the special GT sports car.

The GT APXGP Edition has a hand-painted exterior colour scheme inspired by the livery on the Apex team’s race cars in the F1 film.

A Race Gold accent surrounds the radiator grille, along with a gold chequered-flag design on the front wings, plus more gold detailing on the rear diffuser. Matte Race Gold is used for the 21-inch cross-spoke AMG forged alloy wheels, with carbon ceramic brakes included as standard.

An AMG Carbon Exterior Package is fitted, with the front splitter, rear diffuser and fixed tail spoiler all made from the lightweight material. A panoramic sunroof is also part of the APXGP Edition spec.

Celebrating on-screen success

Mercedes-AMG has left the GT 63 4Matic+ drivetrain unaltered, meaning its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 generates a healthy 585hp.

Inside, AMG sports seats are finished in black Nappa leather and microfibre material, complete with gold-coloured stitching. Carbon fibre trim with a gold weave features throughout the interior.

The AMG floor mats have the APXGP logo embroidered on them in Race Gold, while the centre console features a serial-numbered plaque. As a finishing touch, each car comes with a customised AMG indoor car cover

The F1 movie is due to be released on 25 June 2025, and will be co-promoted by Mercedes-AMG.

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Flying car takes off: production-ready model in Beverly Hills debut

By

John Redfern

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May 9, 2025

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A production-ready version of the world’s first certified flying car has been unveiled in Beverly Hills.

Launched at the prestigious Living Legends of Aviation Gala, the Klein Vision AirCar has taken another step towards becoming a commercial reality.

The culmination of more than 35 years of engineering experimentation, the prototype AirCar saw its creator honored at the Aviation Gala.

Slovakian-born inventor Stefan Klein received the Special Recognition Award for Engineering Excellence, during a ceremony hosted by actors John Travolta and Morgan Freeman.

The ultimate crossover car

Stefan Klein began developing his concept for the AirCar during the late 1980s, and has evolved the idea of a flying car through five different generations.

The AirCar became the world’s first certified flying car in 2022, receiving an official certificate of airworthiness issued by the Slovak Transport Authority.

More than 170 hours of flying time have been logged in the production-ready AirCar. This includes more than 500 take-offs and landings.

Swapping between car and aeroplane modes takes just two minutes, with the latest version of the AirCar powered by a 280 horsepower BMW engine. This allows it to reach speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Reaching for the skies

Designed to feel like a sports car when used on the street, the tail section of the AirCar generates downforce to improve on-road handling and stability.

“Receiving this recognition from the Living Legends of Aviation is a tremendous honor and a humbling milestone,” said Stefan Klein, founder of Klein Vision.

“The AirCar fulfills a lifelong dream to bring the freedom of flight into the hands of everyday people. With the launch of our production prototype, we are one step closer to transforming how the world moves — merging the road and the sky into a new dimension of personal mobility.”

AirCar co-founder Anton Zajac added: “Stefan Klein’s recent recognition at the Living Legends of Aviation Gala affirms the technological and visionary leadership behind our work. We’re not just witnessing the future of transportation — we’re engineering it.”

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New Skoda Elroq Respectline celebrates diversity and equality

By

John Redfern

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May 9, 2025

0

Skoda has revealed a special one-off version of its Elroq electric SUV, intended to embody what the Czech brand says are its core values.

The Elroq Respectline is designed to represent ‘respect, diversity, inclusion, equality and fairness’. Skoda says these principles are central to its corporate culture.

With a bold design both outside and in, the Elroq Respectline should attract plenty of attention when it appears at events across Europe.

Launching the car during European Diversity Month, Skoda says the Elroq Respectline is a ‘bold statement in support of human rights’.

All the colours of the rainbow

On the outside, the Elroq Respectline has received an eye-catching rainbow livery, with a stylised version of the Skoda ‘háček’ applied across the body panels.

The háček is the diacritical mark atop the Czech letter ‘Š’, as found in the official ‘Škoda Auto’ name. It reflects the marque’s origins and 130-year heritage.

For added effect, the Elroq’s ‘Tech Deck’ front grille has an illuminated LED rainbow design.

The colourful theme continues inside, with rainbow embroidery stitching on the upholstery, plus a recreation of the exterior livery on the dashboard and door trims.

Taking part in the Tour de France

This is not the first time Škoda has created a Respectline model. Its Enyaq Coupe SUV got the same treatment soon after launch in 2023.

Skoda has big plans for the Elroq Respectline this year. These include appearences at the Metronome Prague music festival, Prague Pride and on selected stages of the Tour de France bicycle race.

Maren Gräf, Skoda board member for people and culture, said: “Diversity, equity, inclusion and mutual understanding are cornerstones of Skoda’s corporate culture.

“We are proud of our commitment to promoting human rights and mutual respect, and we believe the Elroq Respectline will help us carry these values even further.”

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