The Modena version of the Ferrari Museum has beaten all previous visitor numbers with a month to go.

The popularity of the Ferrari Museums continues to grow, hitting a record of more than 500,000 visitors from the start of the year to November, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. As such, the previous record of more than 478,000 tickets set at the end of 2016 has been beaten, well before the end of the year. 

The Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena in particular registered an annual growth of 19% in November, equivalent to 150,000 visitors, drawn by the “Driving with the Stars” exhibition that sees the Ferraris driven by stars from the sporting, cultural, industrial and entertainments worlds on display. 

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello has also enjoyed significant success, with an 8% increase in visitors taking the total to 350,000. Over the course of the year, the museum has hosted the “Rosso Infinito” (‘Infinite Red’) exhibition - which is still underway - and “Under the Skin”, which has now been transferred to the Design Museum in London, running from 15 November to 15 April 2018. 

Sales of single tickets for both museums remain stable, representing around a fifth of the total, serving as confirmation of the superb synergy between these structures for another year. 

These results serve to confirm that the Ferrari Museums are among the most visited in Italy, attracting fans and enthusiasts from all over the world. They owe their appeal to the exciting attractions renewed every year, with major themed exhibitions, exhibits featuring iconic cars and original museum tours that take visitors on a journey through the history of the Prancing Horse brand.

SEAT concluded the first half of 2017 with its best commercial result since 2001.

• SEAT delivers 246,500 vehicles worldwide – up 13.7% compared to same period in 2016. And 12.6% sales increase in June versus previous year
• Commercial results in Spain, UK and Germany are the cornerstones of the success
• SEAT UK’s impressive “momentum” continues, with sales growth approaching 20% year-on-year
• Mexico, Turkey, Poland and Israel, in the top ten SEAT markets
• Fifth-generation Ibiza reaches showrooms

SEAT concluded the first half of 2017 with its best commercial result since 2001. The brand’s global sales grew by 13.7% compared to the same period in 2016, to stand at a total figure of 246,500 vehicles (2016: 216,800), nearly 30,000 more cars. In the month of June, SEAT sold 45,200 units, an increase of 12.6% against the same month in 2016 (40,100).

According to SEAT Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Wayne Griffiths, “in the first half of 2017 we reached the highest sales in 16 years. We continue to make double-digit progress and have established ourselves as one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe. 

Our growth is based on solid results in most markets, which are beginning to show the initial results of the biggest product offensive we launched in 2016 with the Ateca and continued at the beginning of the year with the updated Leon. 

With the new Ibiza and the new Arona, we are confident we can continue this positive development”.

SEAT sales went up in the first half of the year thanks to the excellent results in the major European countries, which all posted double-digit improvement. Spain led the growth with 54,100 cars sold (+21.2%), followed by Germany in second place with 48,600 SEAT vehicles delivered (+10.2%) and the United Kingdom third (29,500; +20.5%). France (13,300; +18.2%) and Italy (10,500; +14.6%) are also among the countries which increased sales by more than 10%.

Austria and Switzerland, two other Western European markets, also made a very positive contribution to SEAT’s sales. In the case of Austria, sales went up by 23.1% (total: 9,500 vehicles), whereas in Switzerland SEAT achieved an outstanding growth of 52.3% (total: 5,300). In both countries SEAT features among the ten best-selling brands. This boost in sales can also be seen in other regions of the world. Mexico is SEAT’s fifth largest global market (12,900; +6.4%); Turkey is the sixth (11,300; +0.5%); Poland the ninth (6,000; +22.3%) and Israel wraps up the top ten (5,500; +5.4%).

In the UK, SEAT has posted impressive registrations of 29,941 year-to-date - 4,857 more than the same timeframe in 2016 – including striking True Fleet sales growth of 63%. In June, the Barcelona-based brand delivered stellar growth of 15% compared to the previous year.

Commenting on SEAT UK’s continued expansion, Director Richard Harrison said, “Our sustainable growth plan is really starting to pay off. The effort which the entire UK team is putting in, both at head office and dealer level, is paying huge dividends, which is clearly evident by the fact that we’ve smashed sales records in five out of the last six months alone. We’re the fastest growing volume manufacturer, up just shy of 20% year-on-year, and on track to post the best sales results our brand has ever achieved. The icing on the cake is that this is without the added impetus of the All-new Ibiza and New Arona, which haven’t even launched in showroms yet. Against a backdrop of other car brands slipping back, the performance of the SEAT team is really impressive.”

SEAT began the first half of 2017 with New Leon, the brand’s top seller, which reached UK showrooms in February. In addition, and in the framework of the largest product offensive in the history of SEAT, the fifth-generation Ibiza was also presented in the first part of the year and is due to launch in UK showrooms next Friday; the FR trim was added to the Ateca range, and the 26th June saw the covers come off of the exciting new compact crossover Arona, which will be sold in the final quarter of the year. In 2018, the brand’s SUV range will be completed with a third vehicle with up to seven seats, which will be positioned one segment above the Ateca.

R.I.P. Nicky Haydn - After the incident that happened recently he succumed to his injuries.

It is with great sadness that Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday.

Nicky passed away at 19:09 CEST this evening at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy. His fiancée Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side.

Throughout his career Nicky’s professionalism and fighting spirit was greatly valued and carried him to numerous successes, including his childhood dream of being crowned MotoGP World Champion with Honda in 2006. As well as being a true champion on the track, Nicky was a fan favourite off it due to his kind nature, relaxed demeanour, and the huge smile he invariably carried everywhere.

Nothing says more about Nicky’s character than the overwhelming response expressed by fellow racers and his legions of fans over the past few days. Jackie and his family are truly grateful for the countless prayers and well wishes for Nicky.

The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt.

The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Patrick Hayden.

Tommy Hayden

“On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way.

“Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming World Champion. We are all so proud of that.

“Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.

“It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

WORLDWIDE SALES JAN - SEAT has its best start to the year since 2003.

Best result since 2003

• The brand delivers 32,300 cars, 16.5% more than in January of 2016
• Sales experience double-digit growth in Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy
• United Kingdom grows registrations by 23.6% compared to January 2016

SEAT’s worldwide sales continue to grow in 2017. After finishing 2016 with the fourth consecutive annual increase, and adding a cumulative growth of nearly 30% since 2012, SEAT posted the best January results since 2003. 

The brand delivered 32,300 cars in the first month of 2017, which represents a 16.5% increase over the same period last year.

“We began the year with solid growth in all our major markets at a rate which is ahead of the sector average. 

The product offensive is already paying off in the form of sales and increased market share. 

The Ateca is enabling us to reach new customers, while Leon demand has grown due to launch of the updated version. Ibiza sales are solid and continue to stay ahead of expectations at the end of the current generation,” said Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Vice-President for Sales and Marketing.

The sales increase was particularly positive in SEAT’s main markets. In the United Kingdom, SEAT registrations grew by 23.6% with 3,854 vehicles registered in January. Spain spearheaded deliveries in January with 6,700 vehicles sold (+41.7%) followed by Germany (5,800; +14.5%) and then the United Kingdom. France (1,700; +14.6%) and Italy (1,600; +25.2%) also posted double-digit growth. Most European countries are growing steadily and contributed to boosting SEAT sales in January. Mexico was another prominent market, posting a 16.3% increase and total sales of 2,700 cars.

“2017 promises to be the most exciting year in our history, with January already off to a record breaking start, thanks to our award-winning model range proving a real hit with customers,” said Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director.

The updated Leon, the best-selling model in the SEAT range, reached the dealerships in January. In addition, the company also presented the fifth generation Ibiza, which is set to go on sale this summer. With the launch of the Arona in the second half of this year, SEAT is going to complete the largest product offensive in its history, which began in 2016 with the Ateca.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2016, SEAT’s achieved worldwide sales of 410,200 units, the highest result since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

Mega rare Lamborghini goes on display at H.R. Owen's Lambo London Dealership.

• Leading luxury dealer group H.R. Owen is displaying the ultra-rare Lamborghini Veneno Coupe for the very first time in the UK
• One of only four examples built by Lamborghini, the Veneno Coupe will go on display at Lamborghini London from 23 December until 6 January
• The formerly most expensive production car has only previously been seen in the Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, and at high-profile motor shows around the world
• The performance-focused Veneno is based on Lamborghini’s Aventador and was priced at £3.6 million when it was introduced in 2013 to celebrate the brand’s 50^th anniversary

Leading luxury dealer group H.R. Owen is handing a UK showroom debut to one of the rarest Lamborghini models currently in existence.

For the very first time, the performance-focused Veneno Coupe will head to Lamborghini London in South Kensington from Friday 23 December until Friday 6 January.

The ferocious Veneno is a supercar spotter’s dream, and the example on display at H.R. Owen is one of only four cars ever made by Lamborghini.

It was originally launched back in 2013 as a special tribute to the Lamborghini brand on its 50^th birthday, and such was its exclusivity that it sold for £3.6 million.

In fact, back in March, a broker in Japan listed his Veneno on a German website for £8.8 million, showing that the car is only increasing in value.

H.R. Owen’s model will be the very first Veneno to be featured in a main dealership in the UK, having only previously been on public display at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, and at high-profile motor shows around the world.

The Veneno’s ethos is all about being as lightweight as possible to enhance performance, with its exceptional aerodynamics making it feel like more of a race car than a road-legal supercar.

It’s been optimised for high-speed corning stability, making it one of the most thrilling cars to drive in the world, not to mention one of the most striking to look at.

The Veneno will be on location at Lamborghini London from 23 December until 6 January.

A rare one of a kind La Ferrari is auctioned to help those in the earthquake zones of Italy.

The other night, a prized LaFerrari was sold at auction for $7 Million to benefit the reconstruction of Central Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 2016. 

The auction was held in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s and in collaboration with the National Italian American Foundation's Earthquake Relief Fund. The price achieved represents a record for the most valuable 21^st Century automobile ever sold at auction.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. 

RM Sotheby’s has graciously donated their expertise to raise the highest amount possible. The decision to donate a LaFerrari from the company’s own collection for this cause  was announced on August 31^st 2016 on the occasion of the bilateral talks between the Italian and German governments that took place at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.

The LaFerrari boasts a unique livery with a distinctly Italian theme: a red exterior with a white dream line on the hood and rear windshield. A  small Italian flag on the hood serves as a reminder that this is a gift by Ferrari to its home country. The car will also feature a commemorative plaque.

Renault had a two prong race at Monza with Palmer being punted off and Magnussen finishing higher than his start position.

• Jolyon Palmer made up a number of positions after a spirited start however contact with Felipe Nasr – for which the Sauber driver was subsequently penalised – led to retirement on safety grounds. Kevin Magnussen also made a strong start and finished in seventeenth position.
• Kevin started the race from P21 with a new set of Pirelli’s red super soft tyres. He changed to new yellow softs on lap 14 then new super soft tyres on lap 30.
• Jolyon started the race in P20 on new soft tyres. After contact with Sauber’s Felipe Nasr at turn two on the first lap, he pitted for a new front wing, safety check and a set of new medium compound tyres at the end of the second lap. He returned to the pits to retire at the end of his seventh lap.

Kevin Magnussen, #20, R.S.16-04: Started P21, finished P17

“My start was okay but there were incidents everywhere… I had a better start than the Saubers ahead of me, which meant going around them, then another car on the grid. After that, I was able to build-up the momentum into turn two but had to avoid a spinning car by going on the grass. 

From then on, it was a quiet race with just a bit of early action with one of the Manors. It’s a shame that we didn’t get a good result today but we still learn more about the car every weekend and this race was no exception.”

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-02: Started P20, DNF

“I had a really good start and made a lot of positions. I was alongside Nasr through turn one with no problem then he decided to run me off the road in turn two. I can’t explain why he did that or imagine what he was thinking. 

I went as far off the track as I could without risking a spin from the gravel and he still made contact with me. There was no racing room and both our races ended way too early. For me I feel I’m driving better than ever and I’m hopeful that will show in Singapore.”

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal

“After the promise of Spa, Monza proved to be our toughest challenge of the year. Jolyon made a fantastic start but was robbed of the potential to improve further by the actions of Felipe Nasr, who was punished for the incident. 

Kevin did what he could in a car which was clearly not suited to Monza. We knew this season would be tough and this weekend was particularly so. The positives are not easily seen on track but rather lie in all the hard work going on behind the scenes in Enstone and Viry and we know that in 2017 we will be far stronger. Our immediate focus is now on Singapore where we should show better performance than here.”

The Nissan LEAF 30 kWh took on Europe’s top six rural and coastal drives, From Spain to Scotland.

• The Nissan LEAF 30 kWh took on Europe’s top six rural and coastal drives
• Nissan LEAF allows drivers to go off-grid and explore Europe, free from range anxiety, with 155 miles (250km) of range on a single charge*

The 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF has taken to the roads of Europe for an all-electric Grand Tour, travelling across Europe’s most breath-taking rural and coastal driving routes.

The epic journey saw the Nissan LEAF take on six of the most beautiful drives in Italy, Spain, Germany, Norway, Scotland and France; including Italy’s iconic Mount Etna and historic cities, such as Granada, Spain, and Marseille, France.

The new LEAF 30 kWh journeyed over 400 miles (650km) on an adventure to visit Europe’s most spectacular destinations, showcasing its low running costs of just £2.50 (€3) per 62 miles (100 km).

Across Europe, 54 percent of drivers would prefer to travel by car rather than by any other form of transport, but with many concerned about the cost of fuel, Nissan has proven itself to be the ultimate travel companion.

With the LEAF’s 30 kWh battery now offering 155 miles (250 km) in driving range* and as many as 2,800 quick chargers installed across Europe, driving a zero-emission car is more practical and enjoyable than ever before, giving EV drivers total peace of mind to enjoy longer cross country drives.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles at Nissan Europe, said: “The Nissan LEAF is much more than just a city car and is an ideal zero-emission solution. With five seats and 370 litres standard luggage capacity, the Nissan LEAF 30 kWh is perfect for those long family getaways this summer. LEAF’s low running costs and quiet drivetrain make family holidays cheaper and more peaceful than ever before.

“What’s more, the Grand Tour demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to our vision for intelligent mobility, showing how innovative technologies are helping to integrate EVs into modern family life.”

Nissan pioneered the EV movement with the introduction of the world’s first mass-market EV, the Nissan LEAF, in 2010. Since then it has gone on to sell over 228,000LEAFs globally, with more than 59,000 of these gracing the roads of Europe, making it the world’s best ever selling electric vehicle.

Ford continues to dominate in Europe with higher sales at the start of the second half of the year.

• Ford market share in July up 0.5 points at 8.1% in Europe 20 in its European 20 traditional markets* 
• Ford sales in July up 4.5% to 105,200 vehicles in Europe 20, and up 7.1% at 826,800 year to date
• Best July total vehicle sales for Ford since 2009, best passenger car sales since 2011, and best commercial vehicle sales since 1993*
• Sales channels: 76% of Ford passenger car sales in higher value retail and fleet segments in July (4.7 points above industry average), and 74% since beginning of the year (4.8 points above industry average)
• CVs: Ford is Europe’s No. 1 CV brand for July and year to date; Ford CV sales rose 21% in July and 18% year-to-date; best Ranger pickup sales for July and year-to-date since launch
• SUVs: Best-ever July sales for Kuga; EcoSport sales up 63%; nearly 5,500 Edge orders confirmed since going on sale in Europe
• Performance cars: Combined sales of Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS and Mustang up 63% in July and more than double year-to-date
• High series models: Increase in sales of Titanium specification models to 72% from 36% vs July 2015; Titanium and other high series models including Mondeo Vignale, Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Fiesta and Focus Red/Black Editions accounted for 79% of all Ford passenger car sales in July*

Ford posted its best July total vehicle sales since 2009, best July passenger car sales since 2011 and best commercial vehicle sales since 1993 in its 20 traditional European markets. 

Ford total vehicle sales in the Europe 20 markets rose 5 percent to 105,200 vehicles in July, with Ford’s market share up 0.5 percentage points to 8.1 percent for the month.

“The Ford vehicle range has never been stronger in Europe, and in July our CVs, SUVs, performance cars and high spec models all showed their strength by winning over more customers,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

“We still have more great new vehicles to come in the second half of 2016, including Vignale versions of the S-MAX, Kuga and Edge, the Fiesta ST200 performance car, the KA+ which is a new nameplate for us in the affordable B-segment market, plus a freshened Ford Kuga compact SUV.”

Ford sales in higher value sales channels were 76 percent in July, slightly down compared with the same month last year but 4.7 percentage points better than the industry average. Retail and fleet sales accounted for 78 percent of Ford car sales year to date, an increase of two percentage points compared with the same period last year, and 4.8 percentage points better than the industry average.

Commercial vehicles:

Ford was Europe’s No. 1 commercial vehicle brand in July and year-to-date in its European 20 traditional markets, with sales in July rising 21 percent to 24,339 vehicles. Ford’s commercial vehicle market share was up 1.7 percentage points to 12.9 percent on increased demand for the expanded Transit range and the Ranger pickup. Year-to-date, Ford’s commercial vehicle sales volume is up 18 percent at 186,863 vehicles with a market share of 13 percent, up 0.7 percentage points.

Sales of the Ranger pickup increased 45 percent in July, on the back of strong demand for the new Ford Ranger, making it the best July sales since it was launched in in 1998. Ranger sales for the first seven months of the year were up 39 percent. Transit sales rose 23 percent in July, and 17 per cent year-to-date.

SUVs:

In the mini-SUV segment, EcoSport sales rose 63 percent to 4,900 vehicles in July. In the compact SUV market, the Kuga had its best July sales with 10,018 vehicles sold – a 16 percent increase on the same period last year. Since going on sale in Europe earlier this summer nearly 5,500 European customers have ordered a Ford Edge. .

Performance cars:

Combined sales of Ford’s performance line-up – Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus ST diesel, Focus RS and Mustang – were up 63 percent in July and more than doubled year-to-date. Since last September, 8,400 Focus RS customer orders have been taken and 2,921 units delivered to date. Customer orders for the Ford Mustang stands at now more than 19,500 since the car was launched in Europe in the third quarter of 2015.

High Specification model sales:

Sales of higher specification Ford models continued to increase in July. Titanium specification model sales rose 36 percentage points in the Europe 20 markets to 72 percent of total sales in July, compared to the same period last year. Ford’s high series models – Titanium specification models, Mondeo Vignale, Fiesta ST, Focus ST petrol and diesel, and Fiesta and Focus Red/Black Editions – accounted for 79 percent of Ford’s passenger car sales, up 22 percentage points on July 2015. The Fiesta ST-Line, the Focus ST-Line and Mondeo ST-Line sporty models are now available to order, with more ST-Line models to follow before the end of the year, including the Kuga ST-Line.