Volkswagen enthusiasts in North America have jumped at the chance to own one of the marque’s most famous European products.
However, this special offering is not a hot hatchback or other limited edition car, but a bottle of ketchup.
Used to accompany the currywurst sausage made by Volkswagen since 1973, more than 500,000kg of the branded sauce is produced and sold each year.
Now, to help celebrate Volkswagen’s 75th anniversary in the United States, fans have been given a chance to try the special ketchup.
Sharing the special sauce
The inspiration to import the ketchup came from a story shared by Pennsylvania-based Volkswagen fan, Jamie Orr.
Having visited numerous Volkswagen events in Europe, Orr kept bringing back samples of the famous sauce to the United States to share with friends. His commitment to ketchup saw Volkswagen take notice.
“This year we’re celebrating more than a big anniversary of selling cars,” said Rachael Zaluzec, senior vice president of marketing at Volkswagen of America.
“We’re celebrating stories, memories, passion, and all the fun and unexpected things that make Volkswagen the brand we are today —things like our Gewürz Ketchup Brand condiment.”
Coming to America
Offered through Volkswagen’s DriverGear website, the VW Gewürz Ketchup Brand was made available for free. The initial shipment of sauce was snapped up almost instantly, such is the level of enthusiasm from North American fans.
Volkswagen’s ketchup caused controversy in 2018, when the company chose a new supplier to produce its currywurst sauce.
A change in flavour caused uproar amongst VW employees, where the sauce is offered in canteens at more than 15 different factories.
Those in the United States will get another chance to taste the Volkswagen ketchup next month, when it makes an appearance at the ChainFEST gourmet food event in Los Angeles.
A new system for assessing car insurance premiums has gone live, based on a 1-99 scale that will ultimately replace the existing group 1-50 car insurance rating.
The new system is called ‘Vehicle Risk Rating’ (VRR) and covers five detailed criteria for insurance risk.
What’s more, the new system is dynamic, meaning car insurance ratings can change during the lifetime of a vehicle as new information, such as real-world security statistics, emerges. The current group rating system is a static one, set when the vehicle is launched.
Thatcham Research has developed the new VRR system. It has taken 18 months, and evolved the evaluation of over 1,300 data points from 25,000 cars and vans.
“New technology is challenging the existing motor insurance model, prompting an unprecedented shift in the balance of risk from the driver to the vehicle,” said Thatcham Research chief executive Jonathan Hewett.
“We’ve worked closely with insurers, drawing upon cutting-edge data analysis to create a rating system that offers a more precise and detailed assessment of vehicle risks.”
Hewett said this will not only allow car insurance premiums to be calculated more accurately, but will also encourage firms to consider insurance when designing new cars.
Car insurance Vehicle Risk Rating explained
The new Vehicle Risk Rating system is based around five assessments. These ‘provide a holistic view of each vehicle’s risk profile’:
Each assessment is scored on a scale of 1 to 99. The aim is to give car insurers a more granular understanding of individual vehicle risks, enabling more accurate and individualised premiums for motorists.
Damageability: how design, materials and construction influence repair costs and damage severity
Reparability: the ease and cost of repairs – to encourage repair-friendly designs
Safety: active and passive safety systems, including crash avoidance features
Security: physical and digital security measures, using Thatcham Research’s New Vehicle Security Assessment data
Repairability is particularly important, with repair costs for car insurers rising by 28 percent in just one year. What’s more, Thatcham Research has found that electric cars are 25 percent more expensive to insure than petrol cars – and take 14 percent longer to fix.
“Repairability is increasingly important,” said Hewett. “Without a keen focus on sustainable repair at the design stage and vehicle launch… the industry’s environmental endeavours are at risk of being undermined by vehicles that become disposable too early into their use phase.”
What next for car insurance ratings?
Thatcham Research says the new Vehicle Risk Rating system will run alongside the older group rating system for the next 18 months.
Cars will be ‘dual rated’, with a weighted overall VRR rating calculated for each new car on sale. VRR will then become the sole reference point for vehicle risk assessment.
The two systems are not directly comparable, warns Thatcham. A car with a group 20 rating today will not automatically be rated 40 under VRR.
Because it is so much broader – with more than 1,000 data points across the above five pillars, instead of the fixed 125 vehicle attributes of the current system – more accurate vehicle information will be combined with traditional driver-specific aspects such as claims history.
The aim is to help create more accurate individual premiums, which acknowledge the advances many car firms are making.
This will include the benefit of crash-avoiding advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, along with new security technology to keep ahead of criminal gangs.
“Vehicle design and technology has undergone a massive step-change,” said Vehicle Risk Rating panel chair (and Saga underwriting manager) Richard Birch.
“Vehicle Risk Rating, with its enhanced scoring, informed by the five risk assessments, delivers a vastly more accurate assessment than the outgoing group rating system, on which insurers can rate and underwrite, while proving transparency to manufacturers allowing them to design and build more insurable vehicles.”
Motoring Research will keep you updated as the new Vehicle Risk Rating car insurance system rolls out – including feedback from car insurers, motorists and car makers.
New research commissioned by Mitsubishi in Australia has revealed the habits of drivers with plug-in hybrid cars.
Although the Japanese company no longer sells cars in the United Kingdom, its research provides an interesting insight into the ownership experience for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
In particular, the independent study of 800 Australian PHEV owners discovered that they made use of full-electric mode up to 81 percent of the time when driving.
The survey comes as Mitsubishi now accounts for 43 percent of the growing plug-in hybrid market in Australia.
The petrol safety blanket
The survey covered owners of both the latest, fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Eclipse Cross PHEV.
It found that Outlander PHEV drivers made frequent use of their SUV’s 18kWh battery, spending an impressive 81 percent of their time in electric mode. Those with the smaller Eclipse Cross PHEV still avoided using the internal combustion engine for 75 percent of journeys.
This is substantially more EV driving than European owners of plug-in hybrid models. Real-world data shows PHEV drivers in Europe use battery-only mode around 45 to 49 percent of the time.
Mitsubishi’s survey suggests that Australian PHEV owners are therefore using plug-in hybrids as short-range electric vehicles, but with a reassuring lack of range anxiety.
A gateway to going electric
Feedback from owners confirmed that worries about a lack of charging infrastructure made them view plug-in hybrid models as a ‘stepping stone’ to full EV ownership in the future.
More than half of Mitsubishi PHEV owners reported charging their car every day, with 96 percent having access to a home charger.
Some 58 percent of Outlander PHEV owners, along with 63 percent of Eclipse Cross PHEV owners, said they actively adjust regenerative braking levels to boost their car’s electric range.
In the UK, recent sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show plug-in hybrids taking 8.1 percent of new car sales for 2024 to date, compared to fully electric cars on 17.2 percent.
What should you do an emergency vehicle is behind you, with blue lights ablaze, but the road has double white lines in the middle? The answer may not be what you expected.
Double white lines mean overtaking is prohibited. So if you are being followed by an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, ambulance or fire engine, the driver will probably switch off the blue lights and siren.
You should continue driving within the speed limit until clear of the solid white lines. When the siren and blue lights come on behind you, that’s your cue to let the vehicle go past.
Rule 129 of the Highway Code states: ‘Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.
‘You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10mph or less.’
Although this isn’t related specifically to the question about emergency vehicles, it does mean that crossing a solid white line, even while overtaking a tractor at 15mph, would break the law.
If in doubt, this short video from breakdown cover provider GEM Motoring Assist explains how to let an emergency vehicle past when there is a solid white line along the middle of the road.
‘Main cause of confusion’
GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “The research we conducted told us that solid white line systems were one of the main causes of confusion, along with traffic light junctions and roundabouts.
“Having such a large number of people taking the time to watch this video must be good news for road safety. By fostering a better understanding of the rules of the road, and how an emergency driver wants us to assist, we play our part in reducing risk, minimising delay and perhaps even saving a life.”
Owners of certain Ford electric cars can now take part in carpool karaoke – without the need to involve James Corden.
The Stingray Karaoke app is making its debut in the Mustang Mach-E SUV, along with the US-market Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up truck.
It means Ford owners will be able to sing along to their favourite songs, with lyrics appearing on the SYNC 4A central display screen.
Other car manufacturers have previously introduced karaoke apps, including Stingray for Chinese-made BYD vehicles.
Shake it off while parked
The Stingray Karaoke app offers songs from a wide range of genres, including rock, country, pop, R&B, Latin and K-pop. Some 38 languages are supported, including 10 that use local characters, such as Greek and Thai.
Ford intends for karaoke to take place while parked, in particular as a way to pass the time when charging. Song lyrics are only shown on the touchscreen when the car is stationary.
However, where a front-seat passenger is detected wearing a seatbelt, the karaoke app can be used on the move through the screen using a QR code.
This is scanned to access songs and playlists, along with showing lyrics on the smartphone. Music is then played through the Ford’s own audio system.
Improving owner experiences
“Our goal at Ford is to continue to improve the ownership experience for customers by delivering experiences like Stingray Karaoke that ultimately bring joy,” said Chet Dhruna, manager of ‘connect and engage’ at Ford.
“The Ford and Stingray teams worked closely to bring the app to Ford owners so they can make memories with their friends and family, no matter where they are on their journey. We can’t wait to hear about these stories.”
Ford F-150 Lightning owners in the United States and Canada will get access to the Stingray Karaoke app first. It will then be rolled out to European customers in the Mustang Mach-E.
An “important milestone” for road safety means recovery operators and breakdown assistance drivers are now able to use flashing red lights on their vehicles.
It follows more than five years of discussion and research – including a parliamentary debate in 2019, which was led by then-Conservative MP, Tracey Crouch.
The death of roadside recovery driver Steve Goldbold on the M25 in 2017 was the catalyst for action, with a campaign led by Steve’s partner, Sam Cockerill.
It is hoped the ability to use flashing red lights will help safeguard the almost 500,000 people who work in the roadside recovery and breakdown industry.
Applications now open
Safety alliance PROSE (the Professional Recovery Operators Safety Executive) has confirmed that operators can now submit requests for permission to use red flashing lights.
Recovery operators will need to obtain a Vehicle Special Order (VSO) through a form submitted to the Vehicle Certification Agency.
A VSO will allow operators to fit up to four flashing red lights to the rear of their breakdown vehicles. These lights can only be used when a recovery vehicle is stationary, and only where a ‘dynamic risk assessment’ identifies them as being necessary.
Recovery drivers will have to undergo training before being able to use red flashing lights to comply with the VSO.
A life-saving decision
Applying for a VSO is intended to be a temporary measure, as the Department for Transport aims to amend regulations specifically to allow the use of red lights.
Following the news, Dom Shorrocks, chief operations officer at the RAC, commented: “This is an important milestone in the improvement of safety for the roadside assistance industry.
“We’ve long been calling for roadside assistance workers and recovery drivers, including our own, to be allowed to use red flashing lights alongside the customary amber ones to alert motorists to their presence. In fact, we again raised the issue with the Secretary of State in the summer, urging him to take action.
“This announcement is therefore very good news for our industry and for the drivers we serve as it will unequivocally improve the visibility of roadside workers and help save lives.”
The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT might be fresh out of the box, but already there is an F1-themed special edition.
Named the (deep breath) Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro Motorsport Collectors Edition, the new model takes direct inspiration from the German marque’s Formula One team.
A public debut at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix reinforces the intended audience for this limited-production supercar.
Mercedes says the Motorsport Collectors Edition is aimed directly at ‘car enthusiasts and collectors who are looking for a particularly sporty driving experience’.
Star-spangled AMG
AMG has left the mechanical side of the GT 63 Pro untouched. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 generates 612hp and 627lb ft of torque.
The base Obsidian Black paint colour is directly inspired by the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas F1 race car, complete with hand-painted silver stars covering the rear quarter panels.
Bright Petronas green highlights are found on the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and window surrounds. The 21-inch forged wheels feature the same colour, as do the brake calipers.
Carbon fibre is used for the front splitter and rear diffuser, along with the large fixed rear spoiler.
F1 looks for the road
On the inside, AMG Performance seats are trimmed in a combination of black leather and Alcantara, with Petronas green stitching. The steering wheel uses the same combination of materials, also with green stitching.
More Petronas green appears on the door panels, instrument binnacle and centre console. And just in case you require another reminder, opening the doors reveals AMG sill trims with Petronas-coloured illumination.
A Burmester audio system with 15 speakers is standard, along with a 360-degree camera and a front axle lift kit.
As a finishing touch, each AMG GT Motorsport Special Edition model comes with a ‘1 out of 200’ badge fitted on the centre console.
New research reveals that an unexpected repair bill of less than £800 would lead most British drivers to replace their current car.
A survey of 1,000 UK motorists by CarGurus found that needing to spend £772 on car maintenance is one of three ‘breaking points’ that prompt drivers to look for a new vehicle.
Nearly three quarters (72 percent) of those surveyed said they felt stressed by the thought of having to spend money on unplanned car repairs.
Reaching a breaking point
The survey uncovered that a requirement to spend £772 on car maintenance over a 12-month period would lead most drivers to begin searching for a new vehicle.
In addition, having to wait more than 10 days for a repair to be completed, or having a car with three or more faults, could also see drivers reach a breaking point.
With motorists seemingly quick to jump to a replacement vehicle, respondents noted they would be willing to spend an average of £14,320 on a new car.
This represents a £13,547 difference compared to the theoretical £772 maintenance bill, or an increase in expenditure of 1,752 percent.
Low tolerance for maintenance issues
Respondents said they spent an average of £427 annually on planned car maintenance, including servicing and MOT costs. Yet, 50 percent of those questioned said they had to spend an additional £269 each year on unplanned repair costs.
Needing to spend money on car maintenance is clearly a worry for those surveyed. Forty percent of respondents said they were currently putting off car repairs due to the cost, leaving dashboard warning lights illuminated and worn tyres in place.
Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK, said: “There is always the potential for the occasional unexpected car expense, yet as drivers are holding onto their cars for longer, our study shows that the tolerance of unforeseen issues is very low.
“For those who have reached breaking point, upgrading to a car with a long manufacturer-backed warranty can make a lot of sense, and is perfectly possible within the average budget of £14,320 that owners are willing to spend.”
The BMW M5 Touring has only just returned to the German marque’s range, but already there are opportunities to modify it.
For those who find the 727hp estate car a touch too subtle, BMW has introduced a host of M Performance exterior styling parts.
Customers will also be offered various interior accessories to further personalise their M5 Touring – and add to its £113,000 asking price.
Clothed in carbon fibre
As for the M5 saloon, BMW M Performance parts are mostly made from carbon fibre. They include a deeper two-piece chin spoiler, said to showcase the ‘central air intake to even more eye-catching effect’. Watch out for speed humps!
More carbon fibre is found on the M Performance sill extensions, and can be combined with matt black side decals. The latter make an even bolder statement when combined with a dramatic colour like the orange on BMW’s demonstrator, seen here.
The muscular flared wheelarches at the rear of the M5 Touring already provide plenty of visual drama. However, for even more menace, a two-piece carbon fibre diffuser can be fitted.
Framed within the diffusers are M Performance exhaust tailpipes, finished in a combination of carbon fibre and titanium. A subtle M5 logo is visible on the exhaust trims.
The track day-ready estate
There is no shortage of locations on the BMW M5 Touring that can be clad in carbon fibre, such as the M Performance fuel filler cap made from the lightweight material.
An M Performance key case uses a mix of carbon fibre and Alcantara. And you can have a set of M Performance floor mats, with leather-look edging in BMW M colours.
To make use of the M5 Touring’s combined load carrying ability and track day potential, BMW will even sell you a set of M Performance tyre bags.
UK prices for the M Performance parts have yet to be confirmed. However, M5 Touring customers will be able to specify them when placing an order.
The wraps are off a radical new electric concept car from Lotus, designed to showcase the ‘future of intelligent performance vehicles’.
The Lotus Theory 1 demonstrates the British company’s new design manifesto – and reveals new technological innovations.
From robotic textiles and haptic feedback on the inside, to recycled materials for its exterior, the Theory 1 feels a world away from traditional notions of a Lotus sports car.
However, Lotus has made it clear the Theory 1 will put the driver at the heart of the experience, this time with 1,000hp of electric power at their disposal.
Creating a new Lotus DNA
Lotus set itself the goal of using only 10 main materials in the construction of the Theory 1 (compared to approximately 100 in most road cars). The vehicle’s body is made from recycled chopped carbon fibre and cellulose-based glass fibre, along with recycled glass.
The big benefit of these materials is to save weight. Even with a 70kWh battery pack and all-wheel drive, Lotus quotes a kerb weight of less than 1,600kg for the Theory 1.
Although clearly not a featherweight in terms of Lotus history, this makes the Theory 1 much lighter than many EVs.
It also translates into serious performance, with 0-62mph in less than 2.5 seconds and a potential top speed of nearly 200mph.
‘Lotuswear’ connects driver with the car
A new Lotus design manifesto will incorporate ‘DNA’ into its forthcoming cars. Standing for ‘Digital, Natural and Analogue’, these guiding principles are intended to keep the driver fully involved in the experience.
Inside the Theory 1, a ‘Lotuswear’ system can communicate directly with the occupants. Pods on the seats inflate automatically when more lateral support is needed, while the steering wheel can give haptic prompts when the driver should start turning.
Lightweight robotic textiles, developed in collaboration with MotorSkins, are used for the first time in an automotive setting.
Lotuswear also extends to the 3D-printed lattice-style headrests, which reduce weight while ensuring comfort and safety. A KEF binaural audio system is integrated into the headrests, too.
Design innovation inside and out
Further innovations in the Theory 1 include LEDs mounted on the front suspension modules, which can be seen from the interior. These illuminate red or green, alerting the driver to the need for braking or acceleration.
Laser lights on the dashboard also work with the inflatable seat bolsters to indicate left or right corners.
Active and passive aerodynamics are incorporated into the car’s bodywork, along with a contoured underbody and motorsport-style sidepods to guide airflow effectively.
As a technological tribute to the legendary Lotus 49 Formula One car, the motor and battery act as stressed members, reducing weight and complexity. The Theory 1’s rear spoiler also mounts directly onto its electric motor.
An immersive driving experience
Ben Payne, vice president of design at Lotus Group, said: “With Theory 1, we’ve built on everything Lotus has achieved so far in its 76-year history, to push the boundaries for what it means to drive a performance vehicle. We wanted to demonstrate that you don’t need to compromise – with both digital and analogue capabilities working harmoniously in the future car.
“In doing this, we are able to set a new benchmark for raw emotion, functionality and connection, bringing drivers the best possible immersive driving experience.”
Despite its long history, Lotus has created relatively few concept cars. It makes the unveiling of the Theory 1 even more interesting, particularly as the brand pivots towards total electrification.
Sadly, the Theory 1 is not destined for production, but many of the innovations seen here will filter into future Lotus models over the coming years.
