Happy New Year! What better way to kick-start 2026 than being honoured by the Southern Group of Motoring Writers.
The group’s own new year honours pay tribute to star cars, which have most impressed members, and the PR office stalwarts who go the extra mile.
Southern Group Happenings: November 2025
The SGMW annual awards, the first of the year, give group members the chance to recognise achievements in the world of motoring from manufacturers, PR teams and individuals.
Once again, we had a good turnout of members voting. Some classes were very close which added to the excitement as the votes came in and were counted.
SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “It’s been another action-packed, full-on year so choosing the winners is no mean feat. It’s our way of showing how much we appreciate all the efforts made by manufacturers and their hard-working teams.
”This is the ninth year we have run these awards and we are delighted they have gone from strength to strength and are seen as reward for being on the road to success. Everyone likes to see their hard work recognised and we appreciate the efforts of manufacturers and the PR teams and look forward to driving their exciting new models.”
The full results for the SGMW New Year Honours 2026, with some opinions from members, are:
BEST PR NEWCOMER – someone who made a special impact in liaising with the media during the past year and is either new to the industry PR scene or has taken on a new role/position.
Winner – Christian Tilbury (Renault UK)
“Christian has hit the ground running in what has been a busy time for Renault, launching Scenic, Symbioz, updated Captur and Austral, new 4 and 5, and preparing for the arrival of new Twingo and Clio in 2027. He impresses for doing what he says he is going to do, always replying to e-mails or phone calls and, more importantly, he’s a thoroughly decent and approachable guy.”
BEST PR OFFICE – awarded to the operation consistently delivering the best all-round or forward-thinking service to SGMW throughout the year.
Winner – Kia UK
“Once again the excellent team at Kia has excelled itself in ensuring members of the SGMW have comprehensive access to their cars, both new models and heritage.”
THE SGMW OBE (OPERATING BEYOND EXPECTATION) – for acting above and beyond the call of PR duty during the past year. It can be for consistent high performance, a memorable one-off effort or a thoughtful gesture towards one of our members caught in a bind.
Winner – Simon Branney (Genesis Motor UK, now Geely Auto UK)
“Simon Branney, for tirelessly being brilliant, making other people in the PR look as though they’ve been caught napping and being an excellent PR advocate.”
“Simon Branney for his exceptional support of the SGMW, notably at our Heritage Day but also in being a consistent supporter of the Karting GP (even though he can’t race for sticky toffee pudding!).”
‘DARK HORSE’ OF THE YEAR – a car that surprised SGMW members, either by its arrival or just how good it was.
Winner – Hyundai INSTER
“Fantastic attention to detail both inside and out, genuine fun to drive.”
“This small electric car packs a lot of space and appeal, making it a big contender in the EV market.”
ONE TO WATCH – the car that SGMW members most look forward to driving in the coming year.
Winner – Honda Super-N
“Honda is yet to find its feet in the EV world, but the Super-N is a loveable kei car that’s set to have a practical battery range as well as a sensible price.”
SGMW CAR OF THE YEAR
Winner – Renault 5 E-Tech
“Renault nailed the brief completely – fantastic retro styling, great tech and it drives very well like a supermini should – all at a competitive price.”
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD – to honour someone who has given extraordinary service to the automotive industry, a particular manufacturer or been a very special friend to SGMW.
Winner – Gary Cuthbert, Ford Motor Company
SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this year’s Chairman’s Award, having worked for Ford Motor Company for untold years and delivering a fabulous service to journalists when arranging press cars. Gary Cuthbert retired from Ford last May and is already greatly missed from our side of fence, and no doubt internally too. No doubt he has spent the summer in his motorhome without having to worry about work. Happy retirement Gary, and thanks so much for everything you did to keep the wheels turning.”
SGMW SOUTHERN STAR – for the group member who has done most for the organisation or its profile or done something praiseworthy or beyond the call of duty.
Winner – Ben Hodges
“Ben is consistently supportive at all levels, and proactive in advancing the SGMW’s goals.”
