Category: Other

1. Zapp’s i300 Carbon Wins Prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 15th Apr 2023

   Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based, high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, has received yet another endorsement for its innovative i300 Carbon Launch Edition with a category win at the internationally renowned Red Dot Award for Product Design.

   Every year, the Red Dot Award: Product Design sets out to find the year’s best products. The products selected by the Red Dot Jury to win an award may be aesthetically appealing, functional, smart or innovative, but what they all have in common is their outstanding design. The Red Dot Jury is made up of a global team of leading design experts.

   Zapp’s Red Dot victory arrives shortly after the Company’s wins at the Good Design Award, the German Design Award, as well as a highly successful night at the E-Mobility awards, held at the British Motor Museum, where Zapp took home an unprecedented three category prizes, along with a further award of merit.

   The Red Dot Award further reinforces the world-class design credentials of Zapp and its debut product, the i300 Carbon, which is now available to pre-order on Zapp’s website www.zappev.com.

   Warin Thanathawee, Chief Design Officer, Zapp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design. Zapp is very much a design-led company; quality and innovation are at the centre of all that we do, so to have our work recognised by Red Dot’s expert, international jury is a great honour.”

   “For the i300, we’ve created a design that blends old and new, one that simultaneously draws inspiration from the history of two-wheeled transport, and looks towards an exciting, electrified future. We’ve created a totally new design language that conveys Zapp’s technological advancement and high-performance credentials, all through appealing forms that are simple yet elegant.”

   Zapp is a British company on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp’s debut product, the i300 is an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun.

   To achieve this, Zapp’s design team created a unique and innovative ‘Z’-shaped exoskeleton architecture. This distinctive design lowers the i300’s weight and centre of gravity to deliver superb on-road performance and handling. The i300 is capable of accelerating from 0-30 mph in just 2.3 seconds and its unique configuration and exoskeleton architecture also meaningfully reduces weight, maximising efficiency and boosting battery range.

   Another key innovation of the i300 is its ultra-portable double battery system. Each battery pack weighs just 6kg and can be charged from 20% to 80% via a standard 220v/110v wall socket in approximately 40 minutes. The portability of the battery packs makes the i300 easy to charge anywhere and at any time without reliance on a public charging network.

   Zapp is committed to Gen-2 sustainable design and production and the i300 exemplifies Zapp’s mission to create truly sustainable products. Not only are most of the i300’s components recyclable, but its exoskeleton architecture lowers the number of components required for assembly, in turn reducing assembly steps and energy used.

   Proposed Business Combination
   On November 22, 2022, Zapp and CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc., a U.S. publicly-listed blank check company (Nasdaq: CIIG) (“CIIG II”), announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), the combined company, Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (“Pubco”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, is expected to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ZAPP”. The Business Combination is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.

   About Zapp
   Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited is a British company – run by a team of experts from the mobility industry – on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp created the i300 as an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers expected to come to market from Zapp. Zapp is expected to operate a high-quality direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by “Zappers” who provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.

2. Stress is biggest issue for automotive industry people - according to Ben’s latest survey results

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 13th Apr 2023

   It’s Stress Awareness Month, and automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing results from its latest health and wellbeing survey, in which most automotive workers identified stress as the biggest issue they are struggling with.

   Over 1,000 automotive employees took part in the survey from all UK regions, ages, gender and working environments. A total of 66% of respondents said stress had most affected their health and wellbeing, followed by poor sleep and low mood, both at 62%.

   The survey also revealed that the proportion of people suffering from stress in the workplace has increased by 8% year on year, with ‘high workloads’, ‘pressure to meet targets’ and ‘not enough staff’ driving this. The survey also reveals that there has been an increase in people affected by ‘poor work-life balance’ and ‘not taking enough time to rest and relax’.

   Read survey results report
   Read a summary report of the results here: https://www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2023

   The survey also revealed that poor sleep has increased from 49% to 62% - which perhaps isn’t surprising given the increase in stress levels of those surveyed. Around 92% of people also reported their cost-of-living had increased compared with a year ago and those struggling to make ends meet has increased by 10% (18%>28%). In addition, worryingly, 1 in 10 people said they have skipped meals in response to the rising cost of bills.

   Respondents were also asked to highlight the issues most likely to impact them over the next 12 months. The top three issues mentioned were the cost-of-living crisis (52%), supply chain shortage e.g. chips - semiconductors (33%) and staff shortages (31%). These issues are likely to be contributing to the stress levels of those working in the automotive industry.

   The survey is in its sixth year, with the aim of uncovering the key health and wellbeing issues currently affecting the automotive industry workforce so Ben can continue to provide relevant support now and in the future.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “With it being Stress Awareness Month, it is very timely that we’re sharing our latest survey results, especially as the findings tell us that stress is presenting as a real area of concern for our automotive workforce. Through our annual surveys, we listen to our automotive family so we can fully understand the health & wellbeing issues they are facing, enabling us to provide the support they need.

   “In addition to stress being the biggest issue, it’s clear to see that automotive workers are also under more pressure and aren’t taking enough time to rest and relax outside of work. There are also some worrying trends relating to the cost-of-living crisis, such as skipping meals. In light of these results, we want everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry to know that we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling.

   “We’re also here for employers too, so if you’re worried about stress in your workplace, please do reach out and connect, emailing [email protected] to discuss how Ben can support your organisation and the health and wellbeing of your employees.”

   If you’re feeling stressed and would like some tips and advice, visit www.ben.org.uk/stress.

   Ben is here to support the lifeblood of the automotive industry, its people. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

   About Ben:
   Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.

   Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services. 

   Ben also operates continuing care and support for those in later life, which isn’t dependent on an automotive industry connection, via its residential care centres, day centre and retirement village. www.ben.org.uk

3. All you need to know about motor sports betting

   Posted on 2:00pm Tuesday 11th Apr 2023

   Motor racing is the perfect sport with a huge following around the world. While the drivers race their cars, their fans and betting fans at Netent casinos not on GamStop can also win big money. In addition, it is very important to bet only at reputable and reliable online resources such as starburst not on gamstop, which offers unique features, freespins as well as reliable security features.

   Motorsport betting strategy #1 - Betting on the fastest lap

   This is not the most ordinary idea for a motorsport betting strategy: What if the person who wins the race is not necessarily the fastest? Inexperienced motor racing bettors and casual observers often assume that the fastest one always wins.

   Why is the winner not necessarily the fastest? The usual strategy of the race leader is to slow down to save their tyres, position and fuel. They can win comfortably if they can ensure that the driver who is ahead of them doesn't overtake them in the battle for first place.

   The racer further down the track will do everything they can to catch up to their leader. They often have faster lap times (speeds than the race leader) or even take second and third places. This is a great chance to explore outsiders who may not be favourites to win this race.

   Double odds betting markets can allow you to put money on the favourite to win (usually the reigning champion). You can also choose the driver who you think will post the fastest lap in the race. This strategy is great for live betting and qualifying rounds leading up to the main race.

   Motorsport betting strategy #2. What about the top 10?

   High turnover in motorsport is often a hallmark. This applies to engines and cars as well as drivers. It often leads to disappointing or unpredictable results, and sometimes the favourite (or favourites) are eliminated too early.

   Leading motorsports, such as Formula 1, focus on more than just who will win the race. While the winner gets all the awards, points and champagne, motorsport racing is more complicated. The first place winner gets the most points. However, points are also available for third, fourth and tenth places.

   Keep an eye on the top ten finishers and the best drivers who are physically capable of filling these places, and this can increase your betting opportunities on motorsport. You can find markets that allow you to bet on which driver or drivers finish in the top ten or top six . This can help relieve some of the pressure of focusing solely on the winner.

   Use statistics when betting on motorsport

   Motorsport statistics provide useful information that can be used when betting on different races. Statistical analysis helps to determine the relationship between different variables. The player should select the winning variable and any statistics recorded and available to place a bet on the event. In motorsport betting, drivers and teams are judged on their stats and achievements over the season.

   Players should use the statistics and other factors mentioned here to justify the success of the team or driver they wish to bet on to win big. The most important statistics to use in motor sports betting include:

   · The leading driver with the most laps. Your winning strategy will be to pick who wins the fastest lap. Base your predictions on who has led the most laps in races.

   · Most podiums. See how many top three finishes a driver has.

   · Most laps led . Consider the driver with the most laps completed in a season.

   · Highest number of pole positions - Mark the driver who was fastest in qualifying and started first. Consider the driver who led the fastest lap during the race.

   The first step in assessing the condition of the track and the performance of the team for extended stakes is to examine the track itself. Evaluate the length of the track, surface texture and other variables that may affect the race. For example, some teams or drivers may win if the track has tight turns or steep climbs.

   Emphasis on team strength

   Team differences are crucial when you are betting on certain types of motorsport. Formula 1 is the best example, because the gap between the budgets of different teams is evident on the track.

   The leading F1 teams are usually a head above the rest. It is virtually impossible to beat the top teams in a car designed by one of the lesser known teams. The bigger the difference in the race you are going to bet on, the more important it is to carefully analyse what each team has to offer.

   Keep an eye on the weather   

   You cannot ignore the weather when betting on a car race. Conditions can vary widely and each rider's results depend on them for several reasons. First you need to set up your car or bike. Some vehicles are good in good weather, but they can be unlucky in extreme conditions.

   Here are some of the factors that are affected by the weather:

   1. Tyre wear. Getting the most out of tyres before they are replaced is a key component of many motorsport activities, and weather certainly affects tyre wear.

   2. Fuel consumption . Some races currently have no refuelling, but in others this element is still present. Weather conditions can make a crucial difference in terms of consumption.

   3. Grip - The grip of cars and motorbikes on the track is important for their performance. Naturally, extreme conditions such as heavy rain or extreme heat can cause all sorts of problems.

   There are other aspects you have to consider, including the fact that some drivers have a preference for weather conditions. Some have a reputation for coping with bad weather, while others struggle with great difficulties.

   It is also important to realise that some of the biggest surprises happen in extreme conditions. If you are aiming for high motorsport betting odds, bad weather can be your friend.

   F1 Live betting tips

   Live betting on Formula One races is another great option that can open the door to a variety of lucrative bets.

   Watching the Grand Prix unfold and keeping an eye on the details is something that many racing fans do anyway. The question is whether you have the experience to recognise trends and exploit them. Here are the main areas you should follow if you want to bet on F1 live with real money:

   · Race strategy. You should keep an eye on all pit stops and try to figure out each driver's race strategy;

   · Signs of problems - Always check the drivers pace so you can spot any signs of potential performance degradation;

   · Weather forecast - If rain is on the horizon, anything can happen;

   · Pit-stop communication - Listen to the communication between drivers and engineers to get valuable information. If you can follow all of the above and make intelligent F1 betting predictions based on the information, you can definitely win money.

   Those of you wondering where to bet on live Formula One races will be happy to know that the best Formula One gaming sites offer odds during each Grand Prix.

   Betting on Formula 1 futures

   And now for tips on how to bet on Formula One racing futures. Here are the most popular bets of this type:

   · Formula One Championship Winner. You can back any driver to win the Formula

   · One championship at the end of the season;

   · Finishing in the top three is a safer option;

   · F1 Constructors' Championship winners. Betting on the last event of the season.

   · The driver who will win the race. You can support the driver who wins at least one race during the season.

   Look for the best car

   The starting point of almost all bets on the future of Formula One has to do with the teams. The gap between different cars is usually much bigger than the gap between different drivers. Sure, a guy like Lewis Hamilton is clearly better than Valtteri Bottas. But in the past he has suffered defeat at the hands of some of his other teammates in a single season.

   The best drivers on the starting grid are very close in skill level, so the car they drive is likely to be the deciding factor over a long period of time. Don't ignore this when it comes to betting on F1.

   Team atmosphere is crucial

   Even the best driver in the best car may not win a Formula 1 championship if he is constantly at war with his engineers and technical directors.

   There are a lot of big egos involved at the highest level. Sometimes the lack of cohesion can be a huge problem. Every team must work as one; from every engineer, to the driver, to the overall technical management. If unity is lost, results can suffer and this should always be considered when betting on F1 futures.

   Bets on the end of the F1 season

   The funny thing about Formula One is that it combines features of both team and individual sports. Drivers compete for their personal glory, but must also follow the objectives of the constructor they represent.

   The latter becomes painfully obvious towards the end of the F1 season, when the team makes the decisions and the drivers have to follow them. This should be kept in mind when placing bets on F1, as the following scenarios happen almost every year.

   Pushing one of the riders

   If one rider is fighting for the title, his teammate will often give up positions in line with team orders. Or he may have to follow a race strategy designed to slow down his rivals. No risk - when a team is competing for the constructors' cup, which you can read more about on Wikipedia, drivers may be warned not to take risks near the end of the race, rather than trying to overtake their rivals.

   Developing a car for next season

   All F1 teams have limited resources and if they can't get anything in the current season, they allocate it to a car for the next campaign. Results naturally suffer from this approach. Always adjust your F1 betting strategy for each race according to the team's goals later in the campaign.

   Why does the track affect the F1 betting strategy?

   There are many reasons to consider the track when betting on F1 races, because several factors strongly influence the results. Weather conditions. Although the weather conditions at the same track can vary greatly over two consecutive F1 seasons, in most cases they are the same. Humidity, air temperature, track temperature all affect cars in terms of tyre wear, fuel efficiency and overall performance.

   Overtaking places - some tracks have multiple places to overtake, others are limited in this aspect and there is little drivers can do if they fall behind.
   Starting grid. At some Grand Prix you may see a chaotic start and a large number of drivers at the start because of the position on the starting grid. These tracks tend to be more inconsistent in terms of results.
   Driver preference. Every driver loves some tracks and hates others. The confidence of a guy who has won the same race several times before can make a difference.
   
   Motorsport betting offers excellent ways to make money by betting online. Motorsport is no different to other sports betting. You have to use statistics and expert analysis to get your bets right. To succeed in motorsport betting, you must carefully research and gather reliable information.

   The process will involve checking the trends of the driver, the team and the race track. Most importantly, statistics will help improve betting skills, collect reliable data, understand probability and identify variables. Feel free to also learn from other players who have been successful in motorsport betting.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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4. Touratech comfort seat for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 5th Apr 2023

   With its synthesis of precision craftsmanship and ergonomic perfection, the Touratech comfort seat for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure ensures a relaxed riding experience on long distance trips, off-road and in everyday life.

   A super-powerful V-twin, an indestructible suspension system and large luggage capacity – the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is made for epic rides. Optimal sitting comfort is, of course, a must because every adventure rider wants to get off their bike with a smile on their face, even after hours of riding.

   That is the Touratech comfort seat's raison d'être. From shell to cover, this seat, manufactured with the highest craftsmanship, has been thought through down to the smallest detail. This starts with the foam core, for which no standard material is used. Depending on the model and the thickness of the padding, the specialists at Touratech's manufacturing partner, Crew68 in Murnau, Upper Bavaria, make precise adjustments to the firmness of the foam by individually dosing the components.

   Model-specific seat core

   After a careful analysis of the standard seat, the perfect shape of the foam core was determined in elaborate tests. All the weaknesses of the original were systematically eliminated. This included any annoying edges as well as any sub-optimal inclination of the seat surface. Like all Touratech comfort seats, the seat for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure has a precisely balanced angle of inclination that supports an upright riding position. By means of the seat surface design, the Touratech developers have managed to solve the annoying problem of slipping forward and to provide relief for the rider's coccyx with the typical groove. The reduced inner leg curve, in comparison to the original design, is particularly rider-friendly. It allows the rider's feet to reach the ground more easily while the seat height remains the same.

   Seat cover with Fresh Touch technology

   Touratech uses a particularly high-quality, bi-elastic cover material with Fresh Touch technology as standard for the comfort seats. The special finish of the material causes increased reflection of sunlight, which noticeably counteracts the heating up of the seat surface.

   The seams of the cover have been carefully positioned to ensure that high pressure areas are left free. And unlike many manufacturers, Touratech tapes the inside of the seams so that no water can penetrate the seat core.

   As befits a sporty adventure bike, the comfort seat for the 1290 is a one-piece design. It is supplied complete with shell, bypassing any time-consuming replacement procedure. And last but not least, the seams shine in powerful orange, paying homage to the KTM corporate colour.

   The Touratech comfort seat for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is available in three heights. Item no. 373-5962 onwards

    

   Further information can be found in the Webshop

5. Ago’s British track career documented in new book

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 4th Apr 2023

   Celebrating the great Giacomo Agostini, winner of 122 motorcycling Grands Prix on his way to 15 world titles, Agostini: On the British Circuits by The Classic MotorCycle editor James Robinson, is a stunning collection of period photographs which captures him in action on racetracks in Britain.

   Collated using images from the world-leading Mortons Archive, incorporating the Nick Nicholls collection, this book focuses not on Agostini’s worldwide GP achievements, but looks instead at what happened when he came to the British circuits and raced – not only the TT and Ulster GPs, but the circuits up and down the country.

   From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, Agostini, or ‘Ago’ to motorcyclists worldwide, was the poster boy of two-wheeled sport, his winning combination of bravery, skill, and style on the machine, coupled with film star good looks off it, leading to huge fame.

   Ago and the MV were unassailable for years on end, but arguably the Italian’s greatest achievements came when he fled the comfy nest of the MV camp to sign for Yamaha.

   Critics and doubters were quickly silenced as he claimed two world titles for the Japanese firm, including its (and Japan’s) first blue riband 500cc title.

   British race fans flocked to see the great man in action when visiting the circuits and he generally didn’t disappoint, racking up wins across the country.

   Agostini: On the British Circuits is available to order for £9.99 via www.mortonsbooks.co.uk