Automotive industry charity, Ben, has today published its latest Year in Numbers, highlighting the growing demand for health, wellbeing and financial support across the automotive industry between April 2025 and March 2026.

Over the year, Ben responded to 14,377 enquiries for support, highlighting the growing pressures faced by people working in the automotive industry. The charity directly supported 3,421 individuals through tailored services, designed to help them navigate challenges related to their physical and mental health. This included supporting people experiencing high levels of stress, bereavement, financial hardship and the demands of balancing work and personal life. Through Ben’s support, thousands of individuals across the automotive sector received the help they needed to regain stability and get back on track.

While these figures demonstrate the significant impact Ben is already making, they also highlight the substantial unmet need that still exists across the industry. Ben believes many more people could benefit from its support, however, given the size and scale of the automotive sector, raising awareness of the charity and its services remains a significant challenge. As a result, Ben has set an ambition to treble its charitable reach by 2030, ensuring far more automotive people know where to turn for health and wellbeing support, for life.

Support and specialist services delivery
During the year, Ben supported 3,421 individuals, delivering 7,048 direct support interventions, including:

• 1,632 individuals received general information, advice and guidance for a range of issues
• 1,605 individuals were supported with benefits advice and financial guidance
• 573 financial grants were awarded to individuals in hardship
• 468 individuals were supported through Ben Therapy
• 263 individuals received Life Coaching
• 528 activations of SilverCloud, Ben’s digital mental health support platform.

Ben also maintained a consistently high satisfaction rate across all services, with an average of 95%.

Demand for online and digital support
Demand for online support and self-help resources also remained high, with more than 52,000 website visitors and 77,000 support page views recorded during the year. In addition, over 1,000 individuals signed up to receive health and wellbeing tips, advice and tools via email, which was an 8% increase, bringing the charity’s total subscribers to 15,500.

The most visited online support content reflected some of the biggest challenges currently affecting automotive people, including:

• Mental health (4,167 views): www.ben.org.uk/mentalhealth
• SilverCloud digital mental health support platform (3,174 views): www.ben.org.uk/silvercloud
• Interview skills guidance: www.ben.org.uk/interviews
• Redundancy rights and financial advice: www.ben.org.uk/redundancy.

These trends demonstrate continued demand for mental health and emotional wellbeing support, as well as practical financial and career advice as people navigate ongoing uncertainty and change.

Ben has also just launched a new mental health self-assessment tool on its website in response to growing demand for support in this area: www.ben.org.uk/mentalhealthquiz.

Supporting employers and workplaces
Ben also continued to work alongside automotive employers to support the health and wellbeing of their workforce through training, health checks and response services. Across the year:

• 445 individuals completed Ben training courses with the most popular including Managing Mental Health in the Workplace, Mental Health First Aid and Fuelling your Wellbeing
• 76 individuals had a Ben health check
• 59 individuals were supported through Ben’s urgent response service following traumatic incidents such as the death of a colleague or customer, or the loss of life through suicide or serious accidents.

Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “Our latest year in numbers shows both the difference Ben is making and the growing challenges facing people across the automotive industry. Every number represents a real person who reached out for support, whether because of mental health struggles, financial worries, bereavement, stress or uncertainty about the future.

“While we’re proud of the impact we’re having, we also know the need across the industry is far greater than the number of people currently accessing our services. Too many people still don’t know Ben is here for them. That’s why increasing awareness is such a major priority for us. We want everyone in automotive to know where they can turn for support, whatever they’re facing.

“Our ambition is to treble our charitable impact by 2030 so we can help far more people earlier, before challenges escalate into crisis. We’ll continue evolving our services and working closely with industry partners to make that ambition a reality.”

Real impact testimonials
Here are some recent quotes from people who have received support from Ben:

"What Ben offers is something that truly benefits people, and the more it’s talked about, the more people it can help. That’s so important, because this industry can be incredibly tough. If sharing my story helps even one person reach out and get the support they need, then it’s worth it.” - Holly

Ben is also calling on the automotive industry to continue supporting its work, helping ensure that vital services remain accessible to all who need them. Find out how to support Ben at www.ben.org.uk/supportBen.

For more information or to access support, visit: www.ben.org.uk.

 

 

FERMÍN ALDEGUER #54 “It’s never easy to race in situations like this. Obviously, we are professional riders and we know how to separate emotions, but it still helped me to know from the team that at that moment the news coming in about Alex (and the other riders) was positive. We did a good race, in many ways unexpected, but we took twenty very important points. We are not yet fully fit physically, but morale is high after this podium. Now we are waiting for Alex to come back to us at 100%.” UPDATE ON ALEX MÁRQUEZ’S CONDITION The rider has suffered a fracture to his right collarbone, which will be operated on this evening. A marginal fracture to the C7 vertebra will instead be evaluated in the coming days.

 

 

RACEDAY  ALEX MARQUEZ NC FERMIN ALDEGUER 2º   WORLD STANDING ALEX MARQUEZ 7º (67 points) FERMIN ALDEGUER 10º (43  points)

 

 

 

ALEX MÁRQUEZ #73 “Nice victory, but if I think about tomorrow we are still missing something to be competitive in the long race. It was a good battle; on the last lap I could feel a bike close behind and I had to push hard because for 4 or 5 laps I had been struggling with the front. The 11 points recovered on the top of the championship standings are definitely positive, and tomorrow we need to take another step forward to stay on the right path and try to get back into the fight for the very top positions in the world championship.” FERMÍN ALDEGUER #54 “I felt strong in Q1, but today again a yellow flag and then in my last time attack I crashed in Turn 5. I had no major consequences, but I definitely lost confidence in that area for the sprint race. Starting from the 5th row also makes it very difficult. The pace wasn’t bad, but tomorrow we need a better start and to stay calm.”

 

 

 

 

SPRINT RACE ALEX MARQUEZ 1º FERMIN ALDEGUER 12º   WORLD STANDING ALEX MARQUEZ 7º (67 points) FERMIN ALDEGUER 15º (27 points)

 

Bike Bonanza Returns to the Legendary Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb Saturday 4th July 2026 The UK’s fastest hill climb motorcycles in action Charity ride-in supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Star guests including Steve Parrish and Charley Boorman Iconic Triumphs from the Dick Shepherd Collection NEW for 2026: KICKBACK custom showcase and Karting Legends Fancy a go?  — entries now open to run the hill Live music, bikes, banter and more INFO & TICKETS THE ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLE HILL CLIMB EXPERIENCE Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb roars back to life with Bike Bonanza on Saturday 4 July 2026 — a thrilling celebration of speed, sound and two-wheeled history at one of the world’s oldest motorsport venues. With over 100 entries from classic bikes to modern superbikes, this is no static show, it’s full-throttle action as machines charge up the legendary hill. Don’t miss the end-of-day run-offs, where the fastest riders go head-to-head for top honours. Off-track, enjoy star guests, parades, live music and special displays. INFO & TICKETS LEGENDARY BIKES TO ROAR TO LIFE  Plus, an eclectic line-up of demonstration bikes confirmed includes: 🏍️ The 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 raced by TT legend David Jefferies, alongside his 2002 Vertemati SR570 British Supermoto Championship bike. 🏍️ Cal Crutchlow’s 2006 Northpoint Racing Honda CBR600RR, to be ridden by his father. 🏍️ The Mike West Racing collection, featuring James Toseland’s first Honda CBR600 World Superbike and the unmistakable Old Spice Ducati 916 British Superbike — a true icon of its era. 🏍️ A rare Scitsu MBA125 Championship contender, with original builder and team manager Nick Carpenter on hand to share the fascinating story behind the machine. 🏍️ The Peter Ottl Bakker-ROTAX 125cc GP bike, raced in the 1991 GP series by Peter Ottl, who famously secured victory at the San Marino circuit in Italy. 🏍️ The RAF Regular and Reserve Team, proudly competing in the GB Racing Armed Forces Inter Services Championship, with bikes sporting the iconic RAF livery. 🏍️ A fully restored 1975 360cc Bultaco Frontera Enduro bike — with a special ‘twist!’ paying homage to the late great Steve McQueen. These are not static displays — every bike will roar into life throughout the day. INFO & TICKETS Photo courtesy of Motorcycle News FAMOUS MOVIE BIKES – MEET DICK SHEPHERD World-renowned Triumph collector Dick Shepherd will showcase a stunning selection of machines, many running throughout the day. Highlights include the James Bond Scrambler 1200 from No Time To Die, the Street Triple 765 from The Hitman’s Bodyguard, and the Triumph Scrambler featured in Jurassic World. Also on display is the legendary T100 that won the 1966 Daytona race, when Buddy Elmore stormed from 54th place to victory — along with a few surprise machines! Got a star bike? Owners of notable machines are invited to get involved, please contact: [email protected] INFO & TICKETS NEW FOR 2026 Bike Bonanza welcomes several bikes from the acclaimed KICKBACK Show, bringing a fresh edge of custom culture to Shelsley Walsh. Expect Slingshot hardtail choppers, one-off custom builds from master craftsmen, to the World’s Fastest Motorised Wheelbarrow, capable of an incredible 84.62 km/h (52.58 mph)! INFO & TICKETS KARTING LEGENDS TO MAKE EVENT DEBUT Showcasing a unique collection of historic racing karts from the 1960s to the 1990s, Karting Legends preserves the sport’s heritage, with predominantly 250cc gearbox superkarts, featured in a dedicated zone with both static displays and live demonstrations. INFO & TICKETS CHARITY RIDE FOR MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE RETURNS Event ambassador Steve ‘Stavros’ Parrish will once again lead a charity motorcycle ride-in in support of the Midlands Air Ambulance. Starting from M5 Strensham Services, riders will enjoy a scenic route to Shelsley Walsh before parading up the famous hill - a truly special experience. Pre-booking required. Includes event entry, priority parking and a hill run, with £3 per rider donated to charity. CHARITY RIDE IN INFO MOTORCYCLE CLUBS WELCOME Bike Bonanza is the perfect day out for clubs, with free club stand space, discounted entry, forward parking and easy registration — members simply book individually.  To register a club, please contact: [email protected] We are delighted to welcome the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, showcasing several fascinating members’ machines, all of which will take to the hill, including a 1926 New Imperial 300cc Light Tourist Trophy Model, a 1913 Douglas horizontal twin and a 1928 Indian 101 Scout. United by a passion for preserving motorcycling heritage, the club continues to bring these remarkable pioneer machines to life for new generations to enjoy. BIKE CLUB INFO COMPETITION ENTRIES OPEN – WANT TO TAKE PART?  Ever wanted to take on Shelsley Walsh? Now’s your chance. Open to motorcycles, sidecars and Morgan 3 Wheelers, Bike Bonanza offers a range of classes from 250cc to 1400cc, alongside Classic, Forgotten Era and Road-Legal categories, with the UK’s top riders competing in the National Hill Climb Association Championship.  ACU day licences available. Pre-booking required: [email protected] COMPETITION ENTRIES TRADE STANDS Sell bikes, parts or services? With over 5,000 passionate bike fans expected, Bike Bonanza offers excellent exposure.  Trade pitches from just £40. Perfect for parts, accessories and service providers. TRADE STAND INFO & BOOKINGS Visitor Information Saturday 4th July 2026 Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcestershire, WR6 6RP Event open from 9.00am - 5.30pm Tickets: Early Bird tickets: £18.00 (until 30th April), Advance tickets £20.00, Gate price: £22.00 Under 16s free Registered Bike Club tickets: £12 (until 30 April), Advance tickets £15 Spectator camping from £10 MAC MEMBERS GO FREE    INFO & TICKETS Bike Bonanza is a ‘Must Do’ day out for all motorcycling enthusiasts.  The event proudly supports the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. www.bike-bonanza.com

For many years, folding electric bikes were treated as a niche solution for commuters with limited storage space.

But in 2026, that perception is rapidly changing.

Folding e-bikes are no longer just compact transport tools - they are becoming a core component of urban mobility systems, especially in densely populated cities where flexibility matters more than ownership.

Brands such as Fiido are part of this transition, showing how electric bike is evolving from convenience products into essential daily mobility tools.

1. Urban Mobility Is No Longer Linear

Modern city transport is no longer a simple “home → work → home” cycle.

Instead, it is fragmented into:

• walking

• metro or train

• short bike rides

• shared mobility systems

This creates a new requirement:

👉 mobility must be transferable across environments

Folding electric bike fits this shift because they allow riders to transition between transport modes without dependency on infrastructure.

2. Why Folding E-Bikes Are Growing Faster Than Traditional E-Bikes

The growth of folding e-bikes is not driven by cycling culture—it is driven by urban structure.

Key factors include:

• shrinking residential space

• lack of secure bike storage

• increasing multimodal commuting

• stricter urban vehicle restrictions

• rising demand for “no-dependency mobility”

In this context, folding design becomes less of a feature and more of a necessity for urban living.

3. The Real Value Is Not Folding — It Is Flexibility

Many assume the key advantage of folding e-bikes is storage.

But in real usage, the advantage is deeper:

👉 mobility independence

Folding e-bikes allow users to:

• bring the bike indoors

• combine cycling with public transport

• avoid parking infrastructure entirely

• reduce reliance on fixed storage locations

This flexibility is what makes them increasingly relevant in dense cities.

4. The Shift in Design Philosophy: From Performance to Integration

Traditional e-bikes were designed around:

• motor power

• battery size

• riding range

Folding e-bikes are designed around something different:

👉 system integration

This includes:

• how easily the bike fits into daily routines

• how quickly it transitions between use cases

• how little friction it adds to mobility decisions

In other words, success is no longer defined by performance alone—but by usability in fragmented urban environments.

5. Fiido’s Approach to Folding Electric Bikes

Within this evolving category, Fiido represents a clear example of how folding e-bikes are adapting to real urban needs.

Instead of treating folding as a gimmick, Fiido integrates it into a broader design philosophy focused on:

• daily usability

• compact urban integration

• lightweight handling

• simplified ownership experience

6. Product Example 1: Fiido X Folding Electric Bike

Fiido X

The Fiido X represents a modern interpretation of folding urban mobility.

Key characteristics:

• compact folding structure for urban storage flexibility

• clean, minimalist design focused on city use

• torque-sensing pedal assist for natural riding feel

• integrated battery system designed for daily commuting

• optimized for short to medium city routes

👉 Positioning:
A premium folding e-bike designed for urban professionals who need seamless mobility between home, office, and transit systems.

7. Product Example 2: Fiido D11 Folding Electric Bike

Fiido D11

The Fiido D11 represents a practical and highly accessible approach to folding urban mobility, designed for everyday commuters who prioritize convenience and efficiency over complexity.

Key characteristics:

• compact folding structure for easy storage in apartments and offices

• lightweight frame optimized for city commuting and multi-modal transport

• smooth electric-assist system for effortless short-distance riding

• designed for last-mile travel and daily urban mobility needs

• balanced combination of portability, stability, and usability

👉 Positioning:
A reliable entry-to-mid level folding e-bike for daily city riders, students, and commuters who need flexible transport without infrastructure dependency.

8. Why Folding E-Bikes Fit Modern City Behavior

The popularity of folding e-bikes is closely tied to how people actually move in cities today:

• short trips dominate daily travel

• commuting often involves multiple transport modes

• storage space is increasingly limited

• mobility must adapt to unpredictable schedules

Folding e-bikes solve these issues not by increasing performance—but by reducing friction in usage.

9. The Hidden Shift: From Ownership to Access-Based Mobility

A deeper trend is emerging in urban transport:

👉 people are shifting from “owning vehicles” to “accessing mobility”

In this model:

• convenience matters more than power

• flexibility matters more than range

• integration matters more than speed

Folding electric bikes sit directly in the center of this shift.

9. The Future Role of Folding E-Bikes in Cities

Folding electric bikes are increasingly becoming part of urban transport ecosystems:

• used alongside trains and metros

• integrated into city commuting patterns

• adopted in space-constrained households

• recognized as practical daily transport tools

They are moving from optional equipment to urban infrastructure-level mobility tools.

Conclusion: Folding E-Bikes Are No Longer a Category — They Are a Response to Urban Reality

The evolution of folding electric bikes reflects a broader transformation in how cities function.

They are no longer defined by their ability to fold.

They are defined by their ability to:

• eliminate storage dependency

• reduce commuting friction

• adapt to fragmented urban travel

Within this shift, Fiido demonstrates how folding e-bikes can evolve from niche convenience products into essential components of modern urban mobility systems.

👉 The future of folding e-bikes is not about compact design.

👉 It is about seamless movement in a fragmented city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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