Twelve representatives from leading retail networks and wholesalers including Merityre, Tanvic Tyres, ETS and GT Wholesale, recently completed the immersive three-day initiative, which is now in its fourth successive year.

The Bridgestone Champions programme has become a cornerstone of the company’s pledge to invest in its customers, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to become ambassadors within their own businesses.

The latest intake benefited from a packed agenda covering relationship building, retail marketing, communication skills, telephone best practice and face-to-face selling techniques, before turning their attention to technical knowledge and the future of mobility.

Day three saw delegates visit the Delphi Academy in Warwick, one of Europe’s largest IMI-approved automotive training centres, where they gained expert insights into electric vehicles, hybrid technology and advanced diagnostics.

Mark Fereday, Senior Trade Marketing Manager, North Region, said the programme was about much more than product knowledge alone. “The Bridgestone Champions programme continues to evolve and we’re delighted to see it going from strength to strength in its fourth year,” he said.

“We want every participant to leave with the confidence and knowledge to make a real difference within their own business. Whether it’s improving the customer experience, strengthening relationships or understanding the technologies shaping the future of mobility, the programme is designed to help our partners thrive.

“The visit to the Delphi Academy was a particular highlight and gave delegates the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading technical experts. As vehicles continue to evolve, it’s vital that we continue to invest in people and ensure that our partners are equipped for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Dan Mould from Merityre said: “It’s been a really positive experience and we’ve learned a lot. We’ll be sharing a lot of what we’ve learned to make the customer experience even better.”

Meanwhile, Joanne Harrod from ETS, who works on reception at her depot, said the programme had provided valuable knowledge that would enable her to offer even more informed recommendations to customers based on their individual driving requirements.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative has once again been the camaraderie between participants, with colleagues from different businesses sharing experiences and best practice throughout the three days.

Mark added: “What always stands out is the collaboration. Despite representing different networks and businesses, there is a real willingness among everyone to learn from one another and share ideas. That spirit of togetherness is one of the reasons the programme has been such a success over the past four years.”

The latest Q2 2026 Bridgestone Champions instalment will be followed by two identical programmes in quarter three and four. Any Bridgestone customers interested in finding out more and attending either, email alison.walker@bridgestone.eu

The revelation comes from a leading experiences provider – Experiences.co.uk – which saw a 15% rise between 2024 and 2025 in new searches for its junior driving packages, which include driving lessons for children as young as 10 years old.

It comes at a time when booking practical driving tests are in the spotlight again, with long waiting times and clampdowns on who can book a driving test to try and help clear the backlog.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at Experiences.co.uk, said: “Many learner drivers are facing months of delays booking practical driving tests, so it can pay to be ahead of the game by learning to drive from a very young age in a safe environment away from the open road.

“This way, they can increase their confidence and driving skills, paving the way to consider booking a practical driving test as soon as they are old enough.”

Young driver experiences include learning skills such as moving off, accelerating, braking, changing gears, reverse parking as well as road position and sign recognition.

They can also use specially designed layouts to simulate real-life driving conditions and have cars with dual controls.

Imran added: “There are many benefits to learning to drive from a young age with tuition from expert instructors.

“These sessions take place on private land away from the hustle and bustle of public roads, allowing full focus on learning the driving skills necessary to become confident behind the wheel.

“Having quality time behind the wheel from the age of just 10 years old could make all the difference when it comes to passing the practical driving test.”

For more information about Experiences.co.uk, and its junior driving experiences, visit www.experiences.co.uk.

The new-look website, which is now live, features a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo, an updated colour scheme and a streamlined customer journey designed to minimise clicks and reduce confusion for visitors.

A key objective of the redesign was to improve the way customers search for leasing deals. Visitors can now browse vehicles using a wide range of criteria, including make, model, body type, budget, in-stock availability and electric vehicles, making it easier than ever to find a suitable lease agreement.

The website also introduces a dedicated Leasing Guide Hub, offering educational content designed to help customers better understand the leasing process and make informed decisions.

Built on a new content management system (CMS), the platform also provides Leasecar’s team with greater flexibility to create and update content in response to customer demand, ensuring the website remains relevant and user-focused.

Since launch, the website has demonstrated strong early performance, with increased site traffic.

Gareth Roberts, strategy director at Central Contracts, said: “The new website is clean, fresh and, above all else, simpler for customers to navigate, which was our primary objective. We’ve also ensured that customers have access to a comprehensive range of information and search tools, enabling them to find the right leasing deal for their needs quickly.”

“We recognise the importance of a user-friendly customer journey, which is why we’ve simplified navigation, reduced the use of industry jargon and presented information much more clearly than before. We’ve worked hard to make key actions, such as submitting an enquiry or completing an application, as straightforward and transparent as possible.”

“It’s now extremely simple to find exactly what you’re looking for at Leasecar.”

With almost 30 years of experience in the vehicle leasing industry, Leasecar has built a reputation for delivering expert guidance and competitive leasing solutions to customers across the UK.

Gareth added: “We hope our longstanding presence within the industry and our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service will inspire confidence in both existing and future customers.”

For more information go to: https://leasecar.uk/

Bridgestone is highlighting a series of practical, easy-to-follow steps that can help motorists get more miles from every tank, while also improving safety and reducing emissions.

According to the tyre manufacturer, small changes in tyre choice, maintenance and driving behaviour can quickly add up to meaningful savings. Bridgestone’s Technical Manager Peter Moulding said: “Many drivers don’t realise just how much influence tyres and driving style have on fuel consumption. By making a few simple adjustments, motorists can improve efficiency, save money and drive more safely at the same time.”

Bridgestone’s seven top tips to improve fuel efficiency

1. Choose fuel-efficient tyres
   Opting for premium tyres with low rolling resistance can significantly improve fuel economy. Products such as Bridgestone’s Turanza 6 are designed to reduce energy loss, helping drivers go further on a single tank while maintaining strong performance and control.
2. Check tyre pressures regularly
   Incorrect tyre pressure, whether too high or too low, increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Keeping tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels not only improves efficiency but also enhances braking and handling.
3. Keep on top of tyre condition
   Worn or uneven tyres can impact both safety and fuel use. Regular checks, including the 20p tread test, ensure tyres remain legal and operating efficiently. Poor condition tyres can force the engine to work harder, increasing fuel usage.
4. Drive smoothly and avoid harsh acceleration
   Aggressive driving is one of the biggest contributors to high fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration, maintaining a steady speed and using higher gears where appropriate can all help reduce fuel use.
5. Anticipate the road ahead
   Looking further ahead and avoiding sudden braking helps maintain a consistent speed, which is key to fuel efficiency. Building momentum before hills and easing off the accelerator on inclines can also make a noticeable difference.
6. Use cruise control wisely
   On long, flat motorway journeys, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel economy. However, it’s less effective on hilly or winding roads, where manual control is often more efficient.
7. Reduce unnecessary weight and drag
   Carrying excess weight or leaving roof bars and boxes fitted increases fuel consumption. Removing unused items and reducing aerodynamic drag, even closing windows at higher speeds, can help improve efficiency.

Alongside driving style and maintenance, selecting the right tyres is another important factor in improving efficiency. Modern tyres with optimised rolling resistance can help reduce energy consumption and lower CO₂ emissions.

One example is the Bridgestone Turanza 6 with ENLITEN technology, which has been developed to deliver a balance of efficiency, safety and long wear life. The premium all-season tyre is EV-ready, making it suitable for both combustion engine and electric vehicles.

ENLITEN technology enables reduced rolling resistance while maintaining high levels of performance, without compromising on safety or everyday usability. Combined with efficient driving and regular maintenance, these measures help preserve tyre performance over time while enhancing overall road safety.

For more information on ways to check tyres and stay safe this summer, visit https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/

It might see fines and MOT failures increase to penalty points and vehicle seizures, reports leading motoring website DrivingExperience.com.

However, law abiding motorists will have nothing to fear as the possible law changes, which are part of a government consultation which closes on 11^th May, are aimed at drivers with incorrect, altered or false number plates.

The push for stronger punishments aims to target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems. It will also help crack down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Indeed, a major report from the All-Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety suggests up to one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may carry modified, non-compliant plates including ‘ghost’ and stealth plates designed to evade ANPR detection.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Number plates play a crucial role in vehicle identification on our roads, such as helping with law enforcement.

“However, there are rising concerns about illegal plates, which hopefully, these possible new measures will help tackle.”

There are strict rules for how UK car number plates can be displayed including that the front plate must display black letters on a white background, the rear plate must display black letters on a yellow plate, and that plates don’t have a background pattern.

The characters on a number plate also need to be a certain size and height. Drivers should also remember that dirty or obscured number plates are illegal.

Imran added: “All motorists have an obligation to ensure that their number plate is legal. This includes keeping it clean and that it adheres to rules set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Stick to the law and you’ll have nothing to worry about.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its experiences to help improve safer driving, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo, nicknamed ‘Tomcat’ after its project name, will go under the hammer at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire on Sunday 10^th May, also the first time H&H Classics has held a weekend sale at the iconic motoring venue.

A very special car, estimated at £19,000-£23,000, it was specifically modified by the Rover development team to break land speed records held by other car manufacturers to highlight the launch of the new 2-litre turbo Rover Coupe, the fastest production car the British manufacturer had built at the time

The speed and distance records it aimed to break included those for 2-litre front-wheel-drive vehicles.

It successfully achieved 37 UK land speed records, including a 24-hour world endurance land speed record of 138mph, plus a flying 5 km speed of 156 mph, and still holds 36 of these records.

To help achieve this amazing feat, it was stripped back to a bare shell, checked and rebuilt with various modifications including engine performance, fuel feed, roll cage, large capacity fuel tank, racing seat and various safety devices.

Chris Wardley, motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “There couldn’t be a more fitting venue than Millbrook Proving Ground for the auction of this incredible UK land speed record holding car where it made history.

“It will be a very special occasion on Sunday 10^th May, and we expect strong bidding from Rover enthusiasts and collectors, plus those wishing to acquire an important piece of automotive history.”

The car going under the hammer with H&H Classics is one of the two specially modified pre-production Coupes, and is thought to be the sole survivor of the land speed record attempt which took place in August 1992. It remains to land speed record breaking specification.

It was professionally recommissioned in 2022 for a commemorative event at Millbrook Proving Ground where it led a cavalcade of surviving Tomcats, while the original team from the Rover factory who built the car were reunited with it for the occasion.

All lots, including the 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo being auctioned, will be available to view in person at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, from midday on Saturday 9^th May and from 9am on Sunday 10^th May, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

With summer on the horizon, H&H Classics has assembled a desirable mix of classic cars at its upcoming Buxton auction for enthusiasts looking to pursue their passion on the open road.

The tempting sale of 152 classic, collector and performance motorcars takes place at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derbyshire, on Wednesday 29^th April.

Among the many lots catching the eye and waiting to be driven is a stunning and highly desirable 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback, one of just 1,140 1968 Fastbacks produced.

It was extensively recommissioned in 2024 and 2025 at a cost of over £30,000, including a full engine overhaul, and has been given a guide price of £140,000-£160,000.

Joining it is a 1954 Austin Healey 100/4 ‘La Carrera Panamericana’, one of the most historically significant Austin Healey’s of its type, thanks to being extensively developed and raced to championship success by renowned tuner and racer John Chatham.

Estimated at £35,000-£40,000, it is a hugely significant and recognised example with exceptional provenance and continuous history, while also offering a remarkably engaging driving experience.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “We’ve taken special care to make sure there’s an appealing assortment of ready to be enjoyed classics at our Buxton auction, after all, if you can’t enjoy a classic at this time of the year then when can you.”

Other notable vehicles going under the hammer with H&H Classics include long time, one owner cars from new, such as a no reserve 1965 TVR Grantura 1800S and a 1973 Lotus Europa Twin Cam ‘John Player Special’, with just 7,000 miles on the clock and estimated at £30,000-£40,000.

Meanwhile, rally and race car enthusiasts have eight fantastic examples to choose from courtesy of the Moorlands Collection, not least a 1986 Mitsubishi Starion Turbo, a competitor in the 2025 RAC Rally “Roger Albert Clark Rally”, estimated at £26,000-£32,000.

Those looking for something a little bit older, and a potential London to Brighton entrant, have the chance to acquire a 1904 Peugeot Type 57 5hp Two-Seater, one of just a handful left in existence and given a guide price of £45,000-£55,000.

There are also examples bursting with character, including a 1956 Scammell Highwayman Tanker, an articulated tanker unit estimated at £9,000-£11,000 that was formerly part of the Coventry Transport Museum collection, plus a car with celebrity connections in the form of a 1991 Lotus Elan Turbo SE which was supplied new to former F1 racing driver Johnny Herbert and which has been given a guide price of £12,000-£14,000.

All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, from midday on Tuesday 28^th April and from 9am on Wednesday 29^th March, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

Almost three out of four motorists (72%) say the state of UK roads make them less likely to keep local and national politicians in power, new research shows.

May’s Startline Used Car Tracker indicates that 48% think potholes are a constant source of irritation when driving, 36% that the state of UK roads is embarrassing and 32% are worried about resulting damage to their car.

Also, 28% believe they pay enough tax that our roads should be in good condition and 23% that potholes are a good measure of whether politicians can solve other problems.

However, 15% believe potholes are a result of decades of underinvestment in roads and 12% that there are more important factors influencing their vote.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “We asked this question following recent comments from the RAC showing they had been called out to three times the number of pothole-related incidents compared to last year thanks to poor weather. It seemed to us that the state of UK roads was such an unavoidable, everyday topic, that it would be interesting to find out how motorists thought it reflected on those is power.

“The answer, unavoidably, is badly. Our research shows potholes appear to be one of the ways that a clear majority of people measure the effectiveness of politicians and, if they feel that no progress is being made, are less likely to vote for them in the future.

“Of course, the Labour government has allocated quite large sums of money to improving the pothole situation but, with the effects of poor weather seen over this winter on already damaged roads, they are chasing an escalating problem.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker also asked whether people were confident that local and national government would have noticeably improved the pothole situation by the end of this decade, with 51% agreeing.  

Paul said: “Given the level of irritation or even anger indicated in the responses to our other questions, this is perhaps a surprising degree of optimism. However, the only sensible interpretation is that around half of people retain a high degree of faith that politicians will have made an impact on the situation within a few years.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 309 consumers and 62 dealers were questioned.

About the Startline Used Car Tracker

The Startline Used Car Tracker was launched in April 2022 to produce essential attitudinal data about the used car sector over time. Each month, it asks consumers about their propensity to buy, fuel choices and the factors that will affect used car purchases, as well as questioning dealers about their feelings regarding the prospects of the market, the challenges facing them and their online offering.

The research is carried out for Startline by APD Global Research, well known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs.

About Startline Motor Finance

Founded in 2013, Startline is one of the UK’s leading motor finance companies, providing flexible solutions to around half of the top 50 franchise dealers and 70% of the top 50 independent car retailers measured by turnover, as well as accounting for more than 2% of the motor finance market by volume.

It aims to deliver market-defining levels of customer service, compliance, innovation and insight. The company is headquartered in Glasgow where it employs more than 200 people and has a comprehensive sales presence throughout the whole of the UK.

According to the leading provider of automotive data intelligence, growth was driven by rising pump prices and a surge in consumer appetite for alternative-fuel vehicles. As a result, EVs were the fastest-selling fuel type in the UK retail market in April. Cazana’s data highlights a significant shift in fuel-type buyer behaviour, with 33% more EVs sold in March and April than in the first two months of the year.

In a landmark month for sustainable transport, EV prices led the market with a 1.1% increase. Hybrids followed closely with a 0.9% rise, marking a total growth of 3% over the last two months as they continue to serve as the preferred “halfway house” for cautious consumers. Diesel showed a modest increase of 0.3%, and petrol recorded the weakest performance, down a negligible 0.5%.

The broader used car retail market remained robust throughout April, with average advertised prices for three-year-old stock increasing marginally by 0.3% (c.£70). Performance varied across age brackets; 1-year-old car prices jumped by 0.9% (c.£240), while 5-year-old cars remained stable (down 0.1%), and 10-year-old cars softened, dropping 1.2% (c.£90).

Stock volumes for three-year-old vehicles rose for the third consecutive month, increasing by approximately 2% compared to March.

Toyota and Volvo emerged as the month’s strongest performers at the three-year age point, seeing price increases of 3.6% and 3.1% respectively. This marks a notable resurgence for Volvo, whose prices softened last year. Premium brands BMW (+1.2%), Mini (+2%), and Mercedes-Benz (+1.3%) also maintained their strong year-to-date momentum.

In terms of body styles, supply-and-demand dynamics continue to favour traditional, now lower volume formats, with estates and saloons increasing by 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively, following similar gains in March. Hatchbacks rose by 1%, while MPVs struggled for the second month running, dropping 2.4%.

Reflecting on the April data, Derren Martin, automotive expert at Cazana, said: “The used car retail market in April continued in a similar vein to the earlier months this year, with its overall strength. Volumes increased, but dealers remained keen to edge prices up where possible, increasing margins slightly.

“As predicted, we are now seeing a surge in the sale of used EVs, although whether demand will match supply in the long term remains to be seen, with manufacturers focusing more on new car EV sales than used.

“It will be interesting to see whether retailers can continue to edge prices up in May, traditionally a slower month due to Bank Holidays distracting consumers from the forecourts and continued concerns from the war in the Middle East.”

The shift toward EV acceleration is also stabilising fleet operations by tempering depreciation and potentially improving future residual values. This shift reduces lease risk premiums and creates a more positive window for de-fleeting three-year-old stock, while the steady performance of hybrids provides a high-value risk hedge for those not yet ready for full electrification.

Conversely, a scarcity of used estates and saloons is driving up replacement costs, forcing fleets to opt for SUVs or extended contracts. With internal combustion engines facing a “double squeeze” of high pump prices and stagnating asset values, managers are incentivised to accelerate transitions to electric or hybrid models to protect their total cost of ownership.

Derren adds: “April’s data highlights that the early adopter phase of the used EV market is over. For fleet managers, this provides the confidence needed to lean harder into electrification, if they haven’t already, knowing that there is now a hungry and stable secondary market ready to buy those vehicles when they are de-fleeted.”

The Fenomeno Roadster is the most exclusive and powerful open top Lamborghini model ever produced, with just 15 units planned, each featuring a 1080 CV V12 hybrid powertrain. To optimise the supercar’s immense capabilities for real-world driving, Bridgestone has developed bespoke Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres, combining exceptional high-speed performance with excellent steering response and precision.

The Potenza Sport fitment is paired with a bespoke new-generation semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza tyre that is engineered to deliver outstanding track-level performance. Building on Bridgestone’s extensive heritage and expertise in motorsport, this high-grip tyre unlocks the Fenomeno Roadster’s full performance potential on the track, while remaining fully homologated for public roads.

“As Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, and exclusive tyre supplier for its complete supercar range, our role is to help Lamborghini drivers experience phenomenal performance,” said Adrien Thormann, Director of OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA. “Leveraging Bridgestone’s decades-long motorsports legacy and the pedigree of our iconic Potenza family, these premium tyres deliver exactly that for the immense Fenomeno Roadster – both on the road and track.”

The Fenomeno Roadster’s Potenza Sport fitment is available in 265/30 ZRF21 (front) and 355/25 ZRF22 (rear) sizes; its semi-slick, track-oriented fitment is available in 20- and 21-inch sizes. Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster drivers can choose the bespoke Potenza Sport tyre with Bridgestone’s Run-Flat Technology (RFT). RFT enables drivers to continue driving safely after a puncture for 80km at up to 80kph with 0-bar pressure.¹ Both Bridgestone fitments feature the unique Lamborghini marking on their sidewall to highlight their exclusive development.

The custom Potenza fitments were developed and manufactured in Italy, applying Bridgestone’s proprietary Virtual Tyre Development (VTD) technology. VTD improves both the efficiency and sustainability of the tyre development process.

“At Lamborghini, unlocking performance is never down to one component – it’s the result of precise engineering working in harmony, and tyres play a decisive role,” said Christian Mastro, Lamborghini’s Marketing Director. “Through deep collaboration, our partnership with Bridgestone delivers bespoke solutions that fully express each vehicle’s character and the Lamborghini DNA. The Fenomeno Roadster is the latest example of how we continue to push boundaries together.”

The Fenomeno Roadster marks the latest in a long series of collaborations between Lamborghini and Bridgestone across six years of partnership. Beginning with the Huracan STO in 2021, OE collaborations between Bridgestone and Lamborghini also include the Revuelto, Temerario, Fenomeno and various other models. Today, Bridgestone is exclusive tyre supplier for Lamborghini’s complete supercar range.

Lamborghini’s latest supercar was revealed at Lamborghini Arena 2026, held at the iconic Imola Circuit. Bridgestone served as Official Lamborghini Arena Partner for this year’s event.

¹ Driving distance after a puncture may vary depending on vehicle load, outside temperature, and when the TPMS is triggered.