HONDA
HONDA PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE OF HONDA 0 SALOON AND HONDA 0 SUV PROTOTYPES AT CES 2025
Honda unveiled two prototype models at CES 2025 – Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV –representing their global EV series launching from 2026. The company also introduced its vehicle operating system, the ASIMO OS.
Honda 0 Saloon
Building upon the concept model from CES 2024, the Honda 0 Saloon prototype is set for a 2026 launch. It maintains the original design's lowprofile, sporty styling with surprisingly spacious interiors.
As the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series, it features next-generation technologies following the "Thin, Light and Wise" approach. At CES 2025, Honda highlighted its Level 3 automated driving technology and "ultra-personal optimisation" powered by ASIMO OS.
The production model will debut in North America in 2026, followed by Japan and Europe.
Honda 0 SUV
Evolved from the Space-Hub concept, this midsize EV SUV prototype showcases Honda's vision of EVs as versatile spaces. It features an expansive cabin with unrestricted visibility and incorporates 3D gyro sensors.
The SUV will launch in North America in early 2026, followed by other global markets.
ASIMO OS
Honda 0 Series models will feature ASIMO OS, an original vehicle operating system that embodies the 'Wise' value of the global EV series.
ASIMO, Honda's pioneering humanoid robot developed in 2000, was renowned for autonomous walking and human interaction. Building upon ASIMO's legacy of robotics research since 1986, Honda has advanced its technologies in environmental recognition and autonomous behaviour control.
By integrating these robotics capabilities with advanced intelligence, ASIMO OS will deliver unique value for software-defined vehicles. The system will control electronic control units for automated driving, driver assistance, and in-
vehicle infotainment.
Through over-the-air updates, the system will continuously enhance vehicle functions and services.
Automated driving technology
Honda achieved a significant milestone in 2021 by becoming the first automaker to implement Level 3 automated driving with Honda SENSING Elite in the Legend model,
Honda SENSING Elite was developed to eliminate accidents that human drivers could prevent, whilst reducing overall traffic collisions. Honda aims to make eyes-off technology more accessible through the Honda 0 Series.
To achieve this, Honda has implemented its AI technology, combining Helm. Ai’s unsupervised learning1 with experienced driver behaviour models. This enables efficient AI learning with minimal data, expanding automated driving capabilities.
Honda 0 Series models will feature a system that expands driver assistance and Level 3 automated driving capabilities, beginning with eyes-off technology in highway traffic congestion, upgradeable through OTA updates.
Level 3 automation allows drivers to engage in secondary activities whilst the vehicle manages driving, from watching films to attending remote meetings. Honda aims to pioneer eyes-off functions across all driving scenarios.
Development of SoC
Honda and Renesas Electronics Corporation have partnered to develop a high-performance systemon-chip for future SDVs.
For late 2020s models, Honda will implement a centralised E&E architecture, combining multiple ECUs into a single core unit. This requires enhanced processing capabilities whilst minimising power usage.
The system will combine Renesas' fifthgeneration R-Car X5 SoC with Honda's optimised AI accelerator, targeting industry-leading AI performance of 2,000 TOPS (Sparse) with 20 TOPS/W efficiency.
MAZDA MX-5S TAKE PART IN THE UK’S FIRST EVER UNLIT NIGHT-TIME TRACK DAY
In a thrilling first for UK motorsports, Mazda MX-5s recently took centre stage at an unprecedented night-time track driving experience. This innovative event, held at the picturesque Trac Mon Circuit in Anglesey, pushed the boundaries of conventional track days by plunging drivers into complete darkness.
Organised by Mission Motorsport, the Forces' Motorsport Charity, in collaboration with Trac Mon Circuit, this unique "night at the track" offered participants an exhilarating glimpse into the world of 24-hour racing. The event utilised the full 2.1mile International Circuit, providing a challenging backdrop for the participating vehicles.
Mazda's Star Performers
The Mazda UK press and heritage fleet, including current MX-5 models and the coveted 30th Anniversary edition, were among the 25 cars that embraced this nocturnal challenge. The MX-5's renowned handling precision and responsive chassis made it an ideal choice for navigating the unlit circuit.
James Cameron, CEO of Mission Motorsport, emphasized the event's significance: "This first-of-its-kind experience offered drivers a rare opportunity to hone their skills in no-light conditions, typically reserved for 24-hour race participants."
A Sensory Adventure
Journalists who participated in the event were left in awe of the unique sensations experienced while piloting the MX-5s through the darkness. The combination of the car's communicative feedback and the challenging conditions created an unforgettable driving experience.
One participant remarked, "The MX-5's precise handling balance came alive in ways I've never experienced before. It was like the car became an extension of my senses in the darkness."
Beyond the Track
The event also served a greater purpose. On the same day, Mission Motorsport supported Trac Mon Anglesey Circuit in signing the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the UK's armed forces community.
Additionally, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV 'poppy art car', designed by Mission Motorsport, made an appearance. This unique vehicle assisted in plug-in hybrid safety training for circuit marshals, showcasing Mazda's commitment to both innovation and community support.
As the sun rose on Anglesey, it was clear that this groundbreaking event had not only pushed the boundaries of track driving but had also left an indelible mark on all who participated. The Mazda MX-5, once again, proved its versatility and appeal, shining brightly even in the darkest of conditions.
NISSAN TOWNSTAR CLINCHES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Nissan's compact powerhouse, the Townstar, has kicked off 2025 with a bang, securing the coveted Small Electric Van of the Year award from the respected automotive publication, Company Car and Van. This remarkable achievement marks a back-to-back victory for the Townstar, following its triumph in the same category last year.
A Small Van with Big Ambitions
The Townstar, successor to the wildly popular e-NV200, has once again proven its mettle in the competitive compact van segment. Andrew Walker, editor at Company Car and Van, praised the Townstar's versatility:
"With its car-like driving experience, ingenious storage solutions, and choice of petrol or electric powertrains, the Nissan Townstar is a mustconsider option for anyone in the market for a small LCV."
Cutting-Edge Features for Modern Businesses
Boasting over 20 advanced technologies, the Townstar EV sets a new standard in its class:
• Impressive Range: Up to 183 miles (WLTP Combined) or 269 miles on the City Cycle
• Flexible Charging: 22kW AC and DC charging capabilities
• Ample Space: 3.3m³ load space in L1 version, expanding to 4.3m³ in the L2 model
• Robust Towing: 1,500kg maximum braked towing capacity across all van versions
• Peace of Mind Included
• Nissan demonstrates its commitment to quality with an extensive warranty package:
• 5-year/100,000-mile general warranty (including roadside assistance)
• 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for the EV version
Francesco Russiello, LCV Category Manager at Nissan GB, expressed his enthusiasm: "Starting 2025 with this accolade reaffirms the Townstar's position as a versatile and capable solution for a wide range of business operations."
Your Next Business Partner Awaits
The Nissan Townstar range starts from just £21,825, with EV variants eligible for up to £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant. Elevate your business with award-winning efficiency – choose the Nissan Townstar today!
Peugeot 3008: A Triumph in the Automotive Market
In a remarkable display of consumer appeal, the new Peugeot 3008 has surpassed a significant milestone, with over 100,000 units sold since its 2024 debut. This achievement underscores the model's strong position in the competitive SUV segment, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
The E-3008, Peugeot's all-electric variant, has emerged as a standout performer, accounting for an impressive 22% of the overall 3008 sales mix. This figure not only exceeds segment averages but also highlights the growing consumer shift towards sustainable transportation options.
Peugeot's commitment to innovation is evident in the E-3008's diverse range. The current lineup features two compelling options:
The 73kWh 210 version, boasting a range of up to 327 miles
The Long Range 97kWh 230 version, setting a new benchmark with up to 435 miles of range
Looking ahead to 2025, Peugeot plans to introduce the E-3008 320 Dual Motor AWD version, further expanding the model's appeal and capabilities.
The 3008's success story extends across Europe, with France leading the charge at 35,000 orders, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 25,000 units, and Germany with 9,000 units. Notably, the E-3008 has seen exceptional uptake in specific markets:
37% of sales in the Netherlands
34% in Belgium
31% in the United Kingdom
These figures underscore the model's strong appeal in markets with a growing appetite for electric vehicles.
The 3008's allure isn't limited to its eco-friendly credentials. The vehicle's design philosophy, encapsulated in Peugeot's "Power of Allure" brand promise, combines:
Attractive design (Allure)
Instinctive driving pleasure (Emotion)
Uncompromising quality, efficiency, and technology (Excellence)
This trifecta of attributes has resonated strongly with consumers, particularly evident in the popularity of the top-tier GT trim, which accounts for an average of 60% of sales across markets.
Peugeot's success with the 3008 is not just a testament to the vehicle's design and performance, but also to the brand's comprehensive approach to customer support. The introduction of Allure Care, offering extensive coverage for up to eight years or 100,000 miles, demonstrates Peugeot's commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term value.
As Peugeot continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup, the 3008's success serves as a promising indicator of the brand's future in the evolving automotive landscape. With its blend of style, performance, and sustainability, the Peugeot 3008 is well-positioned to build on its early success and captivate an even wider audience in the years to come.
Powering into space: Škoda confirms UK specification for allnew Kodiaq vRS seven-seatert
Škoda is poised to electrify the automotive world with the latest iteration of its sporting flagship, the all-new Kodiaq vRS. This formidable SUV, available from 16 January 2025, promises to deliver an exhilarating vRS experience for up to seven occupants, elevating the concept of family performance to unprecedented heights.
At the heart of this mechanical beast lies a 2.0 TSI petrol engine, now boasting an impressive 265 PS – a significant 20 PS increase over its predecessor. With a class-leading torque output of 400 Nm, the Kodiaq vRS catapults from 0-62 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds, all while maintaining a respectable 33.8 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
The Kodiaq vRS's exterior commands attention with its unique design package. Gloss black finishes adorn the grille frame, D-pillar, and window frames, while a horizontal light strip in the grille adds a touch of sophistication. The rear features a striking full-width reflector strip, a hallmark of Škoda's vRS range.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a bespoke vRS interior that screams performance luxury. Sports seats with integrated headrests, wrapped in black microsuede and artificial leather, feature eye-catching red contrast stitching. The driving environment is further enhanced by a three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel and stainless-steel pedal covers.
Technophiles will revel in the cutting-edge infotainment system, showcased on a free-standing 13-inch screen, complemented by a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit. The system greets drivers with a distinctive vRS welcome logo, reinforcing the vehicle's sporting pedigree.
For those who demand the utmost in driving dynamics, the Kodiaq vRS delivers in spades. The DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control offers 15 damping settings, ranging from comfortable to sporty. Coupled with Drive Mode Select, drivers can finetune their experience to match road conditions or personal preferences.
In essence, the new Škoda Kodiaq vRS is not just a car; it's a statement of intent. It's a vehicle that proves family-friendly practicality and heart-pounding performance need not be mutually exclusive. With its potent blend of power, style, and versatility, the Kodiaq vRS is poised to redefine expectations in
SPORTAGE AND ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES POWER KIA TO ANOTHER RECORD YEAR
Kia Motors UK achieved unprecedented success in 2024, solidifying its position as a top automotive brand in the country. Here's a snapshot of their impressive year:
Record-Breaking Sales
• Kia Sportage: Crowned the UK's best-selling SUV and second best-selling car overall, with 47,163 units sold.
• Total Sales: Kia reached 112,252 units, securing a 5.7% market share and ranking as the 4th best-selling brand in the UK.
• Electrified Models: 50% of total sales (56,467 units), making Kia the second best-selling brand for electrified vehicles.
Popular Models and Market Dominance
• Compact SUV Segment: Kia dominated with a
12.6% market share, thanks to the combined sales of Sportage, Niro, and XCeed (72,836 units).
• Top Performers: Sportage, Niro, Ceed family, and Picanto accounted for 83% of Kia's 2024 sales.
Award-Winning Excellence
Kia's commitment to innovation and quality was widely recognized:
• 68 awards won for various products
• EV9: Secured 23 awards, including:
• "UK Car of the Year 2024"
• "World Car of the Year 2024"
• "Women's Worldwide Car of the Year 2024"
• EV3: Despite its late-year launch, it quickly garnered accolades such as "Car of the Year" from Electrifying.com.
Industry Recognition
Kia's success extended beyond product awards:
• #1 Franchise: Ranked top by dealers in the National Franchised Dealers' Association's Dealer Attitude Surveys for four consecutive times.
• Workplace Excellence: Named one of the UK's Best Workplaces™ 2024 by Great Place To Work®.
Looking Ahead
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, expressed pride in the company's achievements and optimism for the future: "2025 brings a new set of challenges and opportunities. Kia is braced to build on the exceptional results of last year with significant updates to the product offering and firm plans
to boldly venture into the commercial vehicle market."
Kia's remarkable performance in 2024 sets a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation in the UK automotive market.
Auto Express: Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 EVs you can buy today
Electric vehicles have become a popular option for UK consumers, and there are many high-quality EVs available. First-class EV options are accessible across the market's many sectors, ranging from executive saloons and luxury automobiles to compact cars and family SUVs. The greatest electric cars on the market come in all shapes and sizes. Almost any set of needs may be met by an electric vehicle, and costs are decreasing at the same rate as range and charging capacity.
Auto Express road testers have carefully examined every new EV available in the UK to help you get the greatest value for your money. To truly grasp how the best EV vehicles stack up against the competition, our in-depth assessments look at the whole package, including battery range, price, running expenses, design, practicality, technology, and the whole driving experience.
The result is a comprehensive assessment of every EV on sale built over hundreds of miles and many hours in the driving seat. Only the top scoring EV choices on today’s market make it onto this best electric cars list.
The list offered a well rounded array of vehicles, from affordable high value vehicles such as the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 offering good range and functionality. To more expensive highend options such as the BMW i4 and Kia EV9 who
were the most expensive options from the list, but providing enhanced range, technology and luxury.
However sitting right in the middle of the list and #5 is the MG4. The MG brand has been revitalised in a matter of years as a manufacturer of reasonably priced EVs that provide almost unrivalled value for money. The MG4 is a superb example of such attitude. A few less expensive-feeling materials inside are the only overt indications of cost-cutting in MG's electric hatchback, which begins at slightly under £27,000.
The standard kit list is lengthy, with every model featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control. There’s also plenty of space on offer for passengers and luggage. The MG4 is a blast to drive along a twisty back road, while its light steering and good forward visibility make it a cinch to manoeuvre around town.
There are three standard powertrain options, all of which use a single electric motor to power the rear wheels. The entry-level SE claims up to 218 miles of range, the Long Range boosts this figure to 281 miles, and the Extended range tops out at 323 miles.
Alternatively, those looking for a little more power also have the MG4 XPower to consider, which offers 429bhp and 600Nm of torque. Overall range is slightly lower than the standard car, with MG claiming the XPower will return 239
Carbon Literacy Action Day
In November, our National Fleets & Leasing Manager, Will, attended the Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) with our leasing partner, Zenith. Last year, Zenith collaborated with the Carbon Literacy Trust to embed sustainability across their operations by fostering carbon-aware decisionmaking and implementing emission reduction initiatives. This included training 300 employees to become carbon literate. As part of their ongoing commitment to carbon reduction, Zenith extended this training to key suppliers, equipping them with knowledge of the carbon costs and consequences of daily activities, and inspiring collective emission reductions.
Mark Wilson, Zenith’s Sustainability Manager, emphasized:
“Carbon literacy training is critical to embedding sustainability in our business and achieving our vision of decarbonising the UK vehicle parc. Our supplier partners are vital to
delivering carbon reductions and achieving net zero. Delivering these sessions is a key step in our shared journey to decarbonise the industry.”
During the one-day session, participants learned about the science of climate change, its human-driven impacts, and the role of the automotive sector in reducing emissions. Attendees calculated their own carbon footprints, explored reduction strategies, and had the opportunity to become Carbon Literacy certified.
Following the session, Will submitted a proposal outlining his carbon awareness and two reduction pledges:
• Individual Pledge: Switch to a renewable energy provider and an electric vehicle.
• Group Pledge: Share this training experience with stakeholders as a call to action.
In December, Will was awarded his Carbon Literacy Certification by Mark Wilson.
LEARN MORE >>>>>>>
Driving Sustainability with Marubeni Europower
While Norton Way Motor is best known for its franchises, our parent company, Marubeni Corporation, is actively advancing sustainable power solutions through its UK subsidiary, Marubeni Europower. Employing over 2,000 people, Europower focuses on renewable energy generation and fleet electrification to support netzero carbon targets.
In collaboration with Europower, we developed a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) test bed at our Nissan dealership in Letchworth, earning it an AM Awards Best EV Dealership accolade. Europower also advises corporates on fleet electrification, optimizing EV batteries, and maximizing returns on investment.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint / Take Action
• Climate Change – The Facts (BBC)
• Carbon Literacy Trust
• Marubeni Europower
