NEWS FROM EXCEL - 23 JULY
23 July 2006 - British International Motor Show

British International Motor Show 2006. LONDON, ExCeL, 20 - 30 JULY 2006

Top Gear coming to you every day from motor show

Clarkson, Hammond and May are coming to visitors every day from the motor show courtesy of Top Gear. The motoring trio feature in a series of programmes brought to show-goers via a huge video screen suspended from the roof above the Top Gear stand at ExCeL.

Among the programmes being shown is the famous amphibious special. Moreover, visitors will be able to see for themselves the leaky vehicles created by the presenters; the three whacky car-boats are on the stand.

Meanwhile, for kids chomping at the bit to see Disney''s new film Cars, the stand also features a life-size model of Lightning McQueen, star of the film.

800,000 British-built cars in first half of 2006

Figures to be released by the SMMT tomorrow, will show that almost 800,000 cars were made in Britain during the first half of the year. By the end of 2006 more than 1.5 million are expected to have been produced in the UK, a base which hosts more volume car makers than any other country in Europe and whose specialist sports cars and motor sport expertise are envied the world over.

''Sometimes it''s useful to remind ourselves that Britain''s car industry is not just about a rich heritage; it has a bright future too'', commented Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. ''We need only to look at the British-built models being launched at the motor show in London''s Docklands to see this is true. Car makers like Lotus, with a fabulous new entry level Elise S sports car, show that it is far from doom and gloom in the UK car industry. There is still plenty to shout about and we are doing it right here at ExCeL London this week.''

Golfers tee off in Motor Show''s very own Open (but most splash down)

While Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia battle it out at the British Open, talented golfers can try their hand at some swing and slice at this week''s motor show.

Down on the BMW Group Plaza, players have been queuing up for their own version of the open - with a difference. The challenge is to hit a ball from the dockside and sink it in a hole on an island! BMW has floated the four-metre green in the middle of Royal Victoria Dock.

Anyone talented enough to sink a ball in the hole - rather than splash down in the water - will win a couple of tickets for the BMW-sponsored 2007 PGA championship at Wentworth.

Motor show news caught up with local lad Connor Dooley, from Canning Town just after he had played. ''It was really difficult trying to get the ball onto the island. I didn''t get anywhere near; all my shots ended up in the water'', he said.

As well as building an island, BMW arranged for special golf balls. Unlike normal balls they float. Every half hour, a manned boat sets sail to fish all wayward balls from the water, before being returned to the dockside.

Find out how Ford Focus on rallying with Mikko Hirvonen

A day after rallying around the West Country Coombe Castle circuit, and just days before his 26th birthday, talented young driver Mikko Hirvonen is star attraction on the Ford stand this Sunday - alongside the World Rally Championship Ford Focus RS 2006 car.

Having proved his abilities to Ford Rallyesport Team Director, Malcolm Wilson, and secured his place as number two driver, Mikko said, ''I am keen to round off my visit to these shores this weekend with a trip to the British International Motor Show. However, it will be no easy ride for me because I will be publicly interviewed by motoring correspondent Alistair Weaver, twice today on the Ford stand.''

Mikko is making himself available for autographs and photo opportunities alongside the WRC car on the stand, and is proving to be a real ambassador for the sport. Whatever he reveals today, he certainly looks set to emerge as a true future star this season and is expected to perform to the highest level during his three-year contract with Ford''s Rally Team.

Revolutionary cover for your cars

Homefleet is a multi-vehicle insurance policy, launched at the motor show by Tradex Insurance.

It is all-in-one cover for individuals or families who own more than one car but who don''t want the hassle of separate policies. The company claims it will save customers time and money, whilst still providing peace of mind.

Roy Clegg, Chief Executive of Tradex commented, ''Drivers can be covered for both business and pleasure use. Homefleet is set to revolutionise the way families insure their vehicles.''

www.britishmotorshow.co.uk/.

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