For fifteen years the V12 Vantage has boldly represented Aston Martin’s passion for performance. Fast and fierce in equal measure, successive iterations of these great cars have formed an iconic bloodline. One built around the premise of fitting the most compact and driver-focussed model with the largest and most potent series production engine. With this unique lineage nearing its end, Aston Martin is proud to introduce the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically accomplished of them all; the new V12 Vantage.

Changes to the Highway Code are due to come into force on January 29 2022, pending approval from Parliament, which will give greater focus to the safety of vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists. However, research from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that not all motorists support the proposed changes, believing they could create more dangerous situations on UK roads, as opposed to reducing them.

The oil and additive specialist Liqui Moly continues its growth course in the UK and has now established the subsidiary Liqui Moly UK. “This will enable us to better exploit the potential offered by the British market,” says Salvatore Coniglio, Export Manager at Liqui Moly.

Swedish technology and design startup STILRIDE has raised £2.5m to produce sustainable electric motorcycles and scooters using a groundbreaking process dubbed ‘industrial origami’. The trailblazing manufacturing technique involves robots which are able to fold single sheets of recyclable steel into intricate, lightweight and durable new structures - significantly reducing the environmental impact of production.

The University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) is the only student race team in the UK competing in professional motorsport competitions.

After a successful year of racing in 2021 that saw the team crowned Formula 3 Cup Class champions, they will now be the only University race team competing in the new 2022 Praga Cup following a substantial £200k investment in a new Praga car and branded infrastructure from Midlands-based firm, Highclear Investments, led by local businessman and philanthropic entrepreneur, Walter Gleeson.

Swift is well known as the West Midlands own travel card for paying for buses, trams and trains – but is now available to pay for parking too. The dedicated Swift parking app can be used at 35 car parks across the region including 29 council owned facilities in Dudley.

Like other private operators’ parking apps, Swift allows motorists to use their smartphone as a convenient alternative to paying by card or cash.