An excellent turnout of 20 members made the trip to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire. On the day, a total of 29 PR friends from fourteen brands were in attendance, all helping to support what was an excellent event for the group. 

Southern Group Happenings: July 2024

A total of 31 cars were available to test drive, with a varied mix of the latest EVs, rugged off-roaders and pickup trucks, and a stunning array of classic heritage models:

Abarth – 500e Convertible

BYD – Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal

Fiat – 600 Hybrid and 600e

Ford – Capri L, Puma Racing

Genesis – GV60, Electrified GV70, Electrified G80

Honda – Civic Hybrid, Civic Type R (FK2), S2000

Ineos – Grenadier 3.0 petrol and 3.0 diesel

Isuzu – D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks, D-Max AT35 Mudmaster

Jeep – Avenger MHEV

Kia – Stinger GT-S, Picanto Strike (Mk1), Picanto GT-Line

Lexus – LBX

Mazda – MX-5 Heritage and MX-30 R-EV Edition R

Toyota – Prius Gen1 and Corolla Excel 1.8 Hybrid

Volvo – P1800, 262C, 850 T-5R and XC90 V8

As always, SGMW members brought along their own cars to display on the day. The classics were better than ever this year with a vintage Volkswagen Beetle ‘Herbie’ tribute (the Douglas Special), a stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Ti, and an immaculate Mazda Eunos. The modern era was also equally well represented, with a varied mix of cars including an Alpine A110, a Volkswagen Polo Blue GT, a Jaguar XF Sportbrake, a Saab 9-3 convertible, and an Abarth 595. 

SGMW Heritage Day: best car winners

As is now tradition, attendees vote for their favourite member’s car and manufacturer’s car of the day. 

This year, Stu Bird’s Volkswagen Beetle ‘Douglas’ took the members best car prize – with Stu’s authentic Herbie tribute build dubbed the Douglas Special, wowed everyone thanks to the way it looked, sounded, and the huge amount of intricate details it contains that match the original movie hero car. 

This year’s marks the third time in a row that Stu has won the best member car award, which have all been won with different vehicles. Stu said that for 2025 Heritage Day, he’ll give the rest of the group a chance: “[After] winning three in a row, I promise, as my constitution to the group, that next year I’ll come in one of the lesser of the Birdy Fleet of Broken Dreams vehicles.”

For the best manufacturer car, the stunning Volvo P1800 took first place, a worthy winner that had members lining up to drive it all day long – even if it did lose a hubcap on the day (sorry about that Volvo!). The SGMW quiz went down to a tiebreaker question, with long-standing group member David Wilkins named as the winner, although in his absence, Peter Nunn took the prize of a box of chocolates. 

While the SGMW Heritage Day is a day for members to test an array of cars, it is also a popular social event for PRs to catch up with group members.

Simon Branney, Genesis Motor UK head of PR and communications, said: “Definitely one of the highlights of the summer, if not the whole year, is the SGMW heritage driving day. Even though there are no Genesis heritage products, as we have only been going for three years, the group has been very welcoming and supportive of the Genesis brand, product and team.”

“It’s a super-relaxed day with super-friendly journalists and even super-friendly PR colleagues – it’s an easy win for both the group and the PRs that get to come to it.”

“I’m looking forward to Genesis continuing to attend this event for many years to come.”

Will Rees, Kia UK press officer, said: “It is a nice, chilled-out event and a great day out of the office”.

“It is about getting to chat with other PRs and a lot of SGMW members we don’t see regularly on driving days. It is nice to catch up with everyone.”

Rachel Goodwin, head of PR for BYD in the UK, said: “It was a great day. It is really useful for PRs to drive competitors’ products and useful for us to keep in touch and see all you guys and making sure everybody is driving our cars”.

“We are trying to build a brand so we need to be in as many places as possible.”

As always, the Heritage Day wouldn’t be possible without those who came along to support the event. Everyone at the SGMW would like to offer a massive thank you to all the PRs for their amazing support, who all went above and beyond to ensure group members had a wonderful array of cars to test on the day. Ian Robertson, SGMW Chairman, said: “Though the New Forest rain tried to dampen spirits, I reckon this year’s driving day at Beaulieu was the best yet. It was so lovely to welcome some new brands to the day, like BYD, Ineos and Isuzu, as well as welcome the marques that have been supporting the event year after year.”

“The joy and excitement on the faces of many of the younger PR people as they climbed behind the wheel really was a sight to behold.”

“As Chairman of the group for another two years, I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone back again next year. Same time, same place.”

The post 2024 Southern Group Heritage Day: test drives, laughter, catching up, and the love bug appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

This event is one of the most popular on the SGMW’s calendar, and is an opportunity for members to show off their classic cars and catch up with PR friends. It also gives members the chance to review an array of new and classic models on the brilliant surrounding roads of the South Downs. 

Southern Group Happenings: June 2024

In previous years, the Heritage Day has always had a very strong attendance, with 23 members making the journey down south last year. This year, the Heritage Day will be held on 14th August at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, a brilliant venue that will give members the chance to visit the museum after the test drives have finished. 

SGMW 2024 Heritage Day: car list for the day

The car line-up is as varied as ever for 2024. A total of nine manufacturers have confirmed their support so far, with over twenty cars being made available to drive on the day, including a mix of classic cars, new EVs, and even rugged off-roaders. 

The list of confirmed brands and cars is as follows:

Volvo                               P1800, 262C, 850 T-5R and XC90 V8

BYD                                    Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal

Mazda                                MX-5 Heritage and MX-30 R-EV Edition R

Ineos                                  Grenadier petrol and diesel

Toyota                               Prius Gen1 and Corolla Excel 1.8 Hybrid

Isuzu                                 D-Max

Abarth                              500e

Lexus                                LBX

Fiat                                     600 Mild Hybrid and 600e

Kia                                      Stinger GT-S, Picanto Strike (Mk1), Picanto GT-Line

Genesis                             Models TBA

On the day, several long-running traditional activities (for the last two years at least) will be held throughout the day. Firstly, members and PRs can compete in the Heritage Day quiz, which consists of a number of automotive-themed questions, possibly mixed with a dash of popular culture. Last year, the SGMW’s very own international correspondent, Phil Huff, took the glory by taking 1st place with a score of 9 out of 10. 

The day also has two awards for the best cars of the day: the best manufacturer car and the best member car. In 2023, the charming but terrifying 1965 Ford Transit Custom took the best manufacturer award, while in the member category, Stu Bird’s Volkswagen T2 Westfalia Camper and its multitude of stickers and accessories took the best member car award. An award that Stu also won in 2022 for his quirky SEAT Terra van. 

Can Stu make it three best member awards in a row? Rumour has it that he’s been preparing something special for this year, so check back here later this month to find out the results. 

Read about the SGMW’s 2023 Heritage Day here.

The post Southern Group gearing up for the 2024 Heritage Day appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

The annual event was again held at the National Motor Museum’s corporate marquee at Beaulieu in Hampshire.

A splendid turnout saw PR friends from eight manufacturers join 23 SGMW members for a day of motoring memories and convivial conversation.

The following cars were available to drive from manufacturers:

• Ford – Mark 1 Transit van, Capri 280 Brooklands and Explorer SUV.
• Genesis – three electrified GV70s.
• Kia – Stinger GTS and Mark 1 Picanto.
• Lexus – IS-F and RX500h F Sport
• Mazda –  Mark 1 and 4 MX-5s.
• Porsche – Taycan, Panamera and 911 Carrera T.
• Toyota – Corolla Coupe GT AE86 and GR86
• Volvo – P1800ES, 240 GLT estate and S90 Executive.

SGMW members also brought their own heritage vehicles including a Volkwagen Westfalia camper van, Mazda MX-5s, an Alfa Romero Brera, Alfa Romeo 146, Saab 9-5, Peugeot RCZ and Porsche Cayenne.

And it was Stuart Bird’s crazy VW camper that won members’ car of the day while Ford’s 1965 Transit was voted car of the day and loved by everyone who drove it.

The heritage quiz was won by SGMW member Phil Huff with a score of nine out of 10.

The SGMW Heritage Day is also a social occasion and a popular event on the motoring calendar with manufacturer PRs.

Dan Sayles, Kia UK head of press and PR, said: “It is such an eclectic mix of new and old. There is nowhere else that you could drive this selection of cars.

“You can jump out of a Mazda MX-5 Mark 1 into a Volvo 240 estate and a Porsche 911. It is not available anywhere else.

“We PRs never spend time together so it is a good opportunity to catch up and discuss things.”

Simon Branney, Genesis Motor Europe head of UK PR and communications, said: “The SGMW Heritage Day is one of my favourite events of the year because it is so relaxed. Everyone is so friendly and so approachable.

“You just come along and have a lovely time. It’s always a pleasure to the with the Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

“It’s a great venue, everyone gets involved and are super excited to be here. Everyone gets excited about the heritage stuff and old cars.

“It’s an opportunity for people to bring their olds cars and you don’t get to see these very often. It’s the only heritage event on the motoring groups’ circuit and brilliant.”

Volvo was making its debut at our annual heritage day and Barnaby Jones, UK product communications manager, was enjoying the atmosphere.

“It’s great to catch up with people you might only see once or twice a year.

“It is a nice, relaxed and informal event and people come and go as they please and drive what they want. How popular our cars have been even surprised us.

“We see members of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers two or three times a year and, at other events, we can’t always talk or catch up. It has been nice to spend quality time with you all and have a good catch-up and talk about what is new for Volvo.”

The post Miles of smiles at SGMW’s magnificent motoring trip down memory lane appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Sue, who was a pioneering force in motoring journalism, a long-standing SGMW member and former chairman, passed away in November 2022 after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease.

To celebrate Sue’s contribution to the world of motoring and the SGMW, members agreed that this year’s annual karting event would take place in her honour, renaming it the SGMW Sue Baker Memorial Karting Grand Prix with the Motor Neurone Disease Association as its nominated charity.

Fifteen teams entered – with last year’s winners Gazoo Racing competing against BMW, Genesis, Honda, Ineos/PFPR, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Newspress/Loop, Nobull, Porsche, SMMT, Toyota, Volkswagen – along with the Southern group team entry, Volvo by SGMW.

From the moment the lights went out, every one of the teams dug deep with some very committed racing.

The early pacesetter was the Porsche team, trailed by SGMW by Volvo in second and Gazoo Racing in third. In the early stages, the SGMW’s own Sean Ward set the pace with a fastest lap time of 49.868 seconds.

After nearly 50 laps, Nobull had broken into the top three only a couple of seconds behind SGMW by Volvo by SGMW in second place, while the Porsche team was showing strong pace in first place, quickly establishing a lead of nearly 12 seconds.

Soon after, Nobull battled into first place – with Porsche, Gazoo Racing and SGMW by Volvo regularly swapping places to make up the top four – with all showing strong pace to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

By the end of the two-and-a-half-hour race though, the Porsche team claimed victory with a brilliant fightback to complete 161 laps by the chequered flag and take the coveted SGMW Karting GP Trophy.

In second place, Gazoo Racing finished only 14.3 seconds behind the winner. It completed the same number of laps, while the Volvo by SGMW team took a well-deserved third place completing 159 laps.

All of the top three teams set the pace throughout the race with only a few tenths of a second separating them for the quickest lap of the day.

Overall winners Porsche recorded a time of 47.989 seconds, with second place Gazoo Racing just ahead with a time of 47.704.

Both were denied the bragging rights by SGMW by Volvo driver Sean Ward, who set the fastest lap of the day with a time of 47.648 seconds in the final stint of the race.

The race finished with SGMW treasurer Chris Manning handing over a cheque for £4,850 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in organising the karting event.

“But, more importantly, thanks so much to everyone that supports the event, donates the money, participates in racing and who helped us to raise a whopping £4,850 for Motor Neurone Disease in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Sue Baker.

“Since we started the annual charity karting event, we have now raised more than £30,000. It’s thanks to our colleagues in the industry that this has been made possible.

“As chairman of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

The top picture shows Stuart Bird, a leading light of the SGMW karting organising team, and Sarah Armstrong, MND Association south east regional fund-raiser, with the £4,850 cheque and other SGMW members.

To learn more about the MNDA’s fantastic work visit www.mndassociation.org

The post Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP raises record sum for charity appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

The SGMW New Year Honours go to the manufacturers and PR teams and individuals whose outstanding efforts have gone the extra mile to make motoring memorable and help SGMW members over the past 12 months.

SGMW members were keen to make sure manufacturers, teams and individuals received the acclaim they deserved with some keenly-fought contests and a record number of people voting.

SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “The SGMW New Year Honours continue to go from strength to strength. This year we had a record number of votes from our members which highlights how much we all appreciate the efforts of the manufacturers and PR teams.

“There were some clear winners while other categories were unbelievably close, going right to the wire as the votes came in.

“Electric cars, or one in particular, made a big impression with our members but it was also good see to see a lot of support for a legendary petrol-powered hot-hatchback.”

The MG4 EV, pictured above, was a double winner, taking the coveted SGMW Car of the Year crown by a clear margin. But it also scooped the Dark Horse of the Year trophy with members seeing this more affordable electric hatchback as a potential game-changer and the next MG to entice drivers to EVs.

Genesis won a hat-trick of trophies with press officer Sam Buckingham taking the Best PR Newcomer title by just one vote in a close contest after a very busy start to his career.

And Genesis also won the Best in PR Innovation award for the international launch of the all-electric GV60 SUV. Invited guests experienced the Genesis We Come To You promise with a GV60 delivered straight to their hotel balcony in Frankfurt, Germany.

The brand’s third award went to Genesis Motor UK head of PR and communications Simon Branney who won our O.B.E. (Operating Beyond Expectation) award for the second year running and the third time in his career which highlights how much his combination of going the extra mile for so many people and making motoring PR fun is appreciated.

With EVs an increasingly big part of the motoring scene, it was good to see so many people looking forward to driving the 2023 Honda Civic Type R which topped the One to Watch 2023 category. It will be interesting to see the impact of the latest version of this petrol-powered hot-hatch as the Civic celebrates its half-century.

Meanwhile, Kia UK continued to dominate the Best PR Office category and won the top award again this year, building on several years of success for this slick team.

The final SGMW award, the Southern Star, is an in-house accolade for a member who has made a big difference.

This year it was a poignant contest with the winner being a member we sadly lost. Sue Baker touched the lives of so many SGMW members, and the whole motoring world, over the years with her friendship, guidance, encouragement and humour. She really was a shining star.

The full results for the SGMW New Year Honours 2023, with opinions from voting members, are:

BEST PR NEWCOMER – awarded to 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 – Sam Buckingham (Press officer, Genesis Motor UK)

“‘Thrown in at the deep end’ could be a phrase invented for Sam Buckingham. In his first PR posting, he has risen to the challenge of representing the Genesis brand brilliantly as it establishes itself in the UK. Sam has integrated seamlessly into one of the most charismatic PR teams in the industry with a level of enthusiasm and professionalism that is truly appreciated by SGMW members.”

Runner-up – Tamara Better (Product communications section manager, Nissan GB)

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 (Head of PR and communications, Genesis Motor UK)

“Simon Branney, Genesis. Made sure Pro Driver had a GV80 for our CoTY event ahead of the press launch. And it won!”

Runner-up – Jess Grimditch (Press officer, Suzuki GB)

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

“Kia again! Consistently supportive in providing a professional service to showcase an excellent product range to our members.”

Runner-up – Suzuki GB

BEST IN PR INNOVATION – awarded for an unusual or particularly excellent launch, driving route, or any imaginative addition to an event of the PR year in general.

Winner – Genesis GV60 international launch

“Genesis for the ‘Car Hotel’ at the GV60 launch. Park and recharge on your balcony!”

DARK HORSE OF THE YEAR – a car that surprised SGMW members, either by its arrival or just how good it was.

Winner – MG4 EV

“MG4 simply exceeded expectations on all fronts.”

ONE TO WATCH – the car that SGMW members most look forward to driving in the coming year.

Winner – Honda Civic Type R

“As the Honda Civic celebrates half a century, and in an era of electric vehicles, it is great to see that a high-performance hot hatchback can still excite the motoring world. A fitting tribute and a brave move.”

SGMW CAR OF THE YEAR

Winner – MG4 EV

“A very pleasantly surprising car. An unbelievable price, with a driving experience, equipment list and all-electric driving range to shade major rivals.”

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 – the late Sue Baker

“As for SGMW Southern Star, I’m not sure if posthumous votes are allowed, but I really think it should go to the lovely and much-missed Sue Baker.”

Congratulations to our winners and we wish you all a healthy and happy new year.

The post Winning start to 2023 with SGMW New Year Honours appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Simon Branney, head of PR and Communications at Genesis Motor UK, welcomed a dozen SGMW members, ably supported by Sam Buckingham and Emily Evans.

The fabulous St Michael’s Manor hotel, in the shadow of the cathedral at the heart of the historic city of St Albans, was our base on a gloriously sunny day in November.

The Hertfordshire roads provided a welcome variety of driving opportunities, while nearby Redbournbury Mill offered a great backdrop for photography.

Top of most people’s list to drive were the new all-electric Genesis models. The electrified GV70, a large SUV, was a revelation to most members of the group, while the electrified G80 proved how relaxed and refined a luxury saloon could be with full-electric power.

The GV60 electric SUV had already been tested by most SGMW members but this was another welcome reminder of the energy, power and capability available in the Genesis range.

SGMW secretary Chris Rees especially enjoyed the Sao Paulo Lime version, as it matched his sartorial outfit on the day.

An evening meal and overnight stay provided a great chance to catch up with the Genesis team, as well as SGMW colleagues.

The post Genesis ride-and-drive event start of electrifying experience appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

Our fifth Heritage Day, again staged at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, was enjoyed by 25 SGMW members, a record number representing three-quarters of our total membership.

They were joined at this popular blast from the past by 17 PRs, from seven manufacturers, while another four brands sent cars, both heritage and modern models, for SGMW members to drive.

SGMW secretary and Heritage Day organiser Chris Rees said: “The response was overwhelmingly positive at the end of the day.

“People didn’t want to go and they were just glowing about our Heritage Day. People also stayed and visited the motor museum.”

Every single car supplied by manufacturers for the event was driven while some SGMW members added to the heritage haul by bringing their cherished classic cars.

At the end of the day everyone voted for their champion cars – the Car of the Day brought by manufacturers and best car belonging to an SGMW member.

Manufacturers Car of the Day was a two-horse race between the current Porsche Cayman GT4 and 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth with the former winning by a single vote.

Stuart Bird’s characterful SEAT Terra van was the runaway SGMW winner.

The full range of manufacturers’ cars driven were:

• BMW 1 Series M Coupe.
• Citroen’s new C5X executive crossover.
• Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Mustang Mach 1 and Mustang Mach-E.
• Genesis GV60 SUVs.
• Honda HR-V SUV.
• Kia Stinger 3.3 V6 GT-S and original Soul EV.
• Lexus IS F and NX HEV SUV.
• Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and Cayenne Turbo GT.
• Skoda Fabia vRS Mark 1.
• Toyota Yaris Mark 1 and MR2 TF 300 Roadster.
• Volkswagen Polo GTI.

A big thank you to all the manufacturers and SGMW members who supplied cars and made the event such a success.

The post Blast from past as magic memories meet modern motors appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.

More than 20 members are attending our SGMW Heritage Day at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in mid-August.

It will be the fifth time the group has hosted the event at the historic motoring venue with manufacturers bringing heritage models and modern counterparts.

Kia UK, one of the manufacturers attending the Heritage Day, is also hosting a driving day for the SGMW the previous day. Members will drive the latest cars from the Kia range, including electrified models.

Members are staying overnight at Burley Manor, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, so the Kia driving day will be followed by the SGMW’s AGM.

SGMW secretary and Heritage Day organiser Chris Rees said: “It promises to be a really, really good turnout of members.

“To get two-thirds of the total group membership in the summer holiday season for two days of events is excellent.”

Altogether 12 manufacturers are supporting our Heritage Day.

Eight PR teams – Ford, Genesis, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen – are attending in person while BMW, Citroen, Honda and Skoda are supplying cars.

The picture shows last year’s star cars. Car of the day went to the Jeep CJ-7 while Mark Bursa’s Kia Pride was judged best members’ car.

The post Members fired up for heritage event and driving day appeared first on Southern Group of Motoring Writers.