_Ancestral home to the Marquess of Anglesey, Plas Newydd, overlooking the majestic Menai Straits, was the venue for this year’s Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy and Automotive Achievement Award conferred by Welsh Motoring Writers.

Presented on behalf of WMW by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Gwynedd, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, the Tom Pryce Trophy went to Nick Reilly CBE, General Motors Europe President.  Recipient of the Automotive Achievement Award was fellow-Welshman and Chairman of Vauxhall Motors, Bill Parfitt CBE.

Later on Saturday (November 19), at WMW’s annual dinner (back across the Conwy Estuary at Bodysgallen Hall), the awards were commended and recipients congratulated by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Clwyd, Trefor Glyn Jones CBE and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon David I Jones MP.

Nick Reilly – The Tom Pryce Award

A native of Ynys Mon (Anglesey), Nick Reilly retires as President of GM Europe in March next year.  He looks back on 37 years at GM with senior leadership positions in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Nick Reilly negotiated the purchase of the core automotive operations of South Korea’s Daewoo Motor in 2002.  As its first President and CEO he led the transformation of the company into GM Daewoo Auto and Technology - key to the rebirth of Chevrolet as a worldwide automotive brand.  He moved on to direct GM’s growth across both Asia Pacific and Latin America regions.

Returning to Europe in 2009 he led the turnaround of operations here during one of the most critical times in General Motors’ history.  Earlier in his career, Nick Reilly was appointed Director of Manufacturing at the Ellesmere Port plant in 1990 and, after a period on the GM Europe Strategy Board returned to the UK as Chairman and Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors in 1996.  Both roles involved a strong association with the Automotive Sector in Wales.

Nick Reilly said, ‘Receiving this prestigious and striking award from Welsh Motoring Writers is an honour, made even more special in a ceremony within a few miles of my birthplace.  This weekend with media friends in my home country will find a special place in my memories of a long career in the motor industry’.

Bill Parfitt – The Automotive Achievement Award

Awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2011 for services to the Automotive Industry, Bill Parfitt was born near Newport in South Wales.  A long career in senior roles with leading names in the retail sector of the industry preceded his appointment as Fleet Operations Director, Vauxhall Motors in 1998.

Promotion to General Sales Director and, subsequently, a board position as Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales soon followed.  This role was extended to cover all GM brands operating in the UK and Ireland.  European Fleet Operations were added to his portfolio in 2005.  Appointed Managing Director of General Motors UK Ltd in May 2005, he became Chairman GM UK & Ireland in 2008.

During his time at Luton, the fortunes of Vauxhall Motors have been transformed.  It is now established as the unequivocal challenger to the UK market leader with as many as three of its models in the sales ‘Top Ten’.

‘To receive such an accolade, particularly from journalists in Wales, is superb’ said Bill Parfitt.  ‘I spent my formative business years in the Principality and have consistently championed the industry and its supply chain here.  This Welsh award for Automotive Achievement is a distinct and memorable moment in my career.’

WMW Chairman Huw Thomas concluded: “This has been a great opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution made to the motor industry by Nick Reilly and fellow Welshman Bill Parfitt.  Nick has a remarkable track record in global strategic leadership and delivery: ‘Blaenor y Byd Modurol’ (a Leader of the Automotive World) as the inscription on this year’s Tom Pryce Trophy says.  Bill has directed a root and branch turnaround at Vauxhall Motors while enhancing his relationship and standing with the all-important automotive sector in Wales”.

By Huw Thomas
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The son of the first ever Tom Pryce Trophy winner proved his Bulldog spirit by winning the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales which started in Welshpool earlier this month.

Elfyn Evans, son of former British Rally champion Gwyndaf Evans, who was presented with the Tom Pryce Trophy in 1996, will now hope for a go at the title himself, after his Bulldog success boosted his standing in the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship.

The 22-year-old from near Machynlleth brought his Pirelli Subaru Impreza home 17.7 seconds ahead of Scotsman David Bogie's Mitsubishi Lancer. Evans said: "It means a lot to win this rally and sets us up for a championship challenge this season."

Meanwhile Builth Wells ace Jason Pritchard achieved a top five finish to bring him back into the BRC title race.
Pritchard said: "Firstly I'm delighted that I got the car home, the standard of the driving out there was exceptional and I'm proud that I competed in every stage.

"I got quicker as the day went on and I felt that if I'd been closer in the early stages, then a podium spot was mine for the taking."
Further down the field in 15th was Osian Pryce and Iestyn Williams of Machynlleth in their Ford Fiesta ST.

Welshpool's James Watkins and Tregynon co-driver Siobhan Pugh took their Makefast and NFU Mutual sponsored Nissan Micra to their second class win of the year. A time of one hour 10 minutes and 20 seconds saw the duo end 30th overall and top of the class B8 section in the Bulldog National Rally.

Watkins said: "We had a brilliant event, especially after surviving a huge moment on the second stage, when we were heading sideways toward a huge pile of logs. We made up time in the downhill sections, as the Nissan Micra's only got a 1,000cc engine. We got away with it with no damage except to our nerves and now we look forward to the Plains Rally next month."

By Richard Jones
Photo: Rob Davies, Powys County Times
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Conwy was ‘Centre of Operations’ for WMW in 2010. Infiniti global communications director Wayne Bruce and newly-appointed UK press officer Jean Kelly brought the company’s latest cars to The Quays at Deganwy in December - the fourth event held by the Group in the County Borough last year.

Queen of the North Wales coastal resorts, Llandudno and the ‘Colwyns’ (‘Bay’ and ‘Old’) accompany jewel in the crown, Conwy itself. A modern marina development The Quays and Deganwy look across the estuary westward to the magnificent late 13th century Conwy Castle and its remarkably intact walled town.

Even in the depths of Winter the view is stunning.  Thomas Telford’s 1826 road bridge is all-of-a-piece with the Mediaeval architecture and railway bridge, twenty years later, blends in. Old fishermen’s cottages grace the harbour front lending an historical backdrop to the contemporary craft lying at anchor before them.

Contemporary craft is quite the Infiniti thing of course.  Stylish EX and FX SUVs together with G Series models were there. Star billing however went to the new M Series saloons - 3.7-litre V6 and the key new diesel 3.0-litre V6 Renault-Nissan Alliance powerplant much modified for Infiniti with a view to smoothness as well as an effortless torque-a-plenty response.

Toyota’s Lexus (larger models, at least) are frequently described as Japan’s answer to Mercedes-Benz whereas BMW is the usual ‘benchmark’ for Infiniti.  Recently some motoring writers have been talking of “Japan’s Jaguar” and this might not be too wide of the mark. Next to some pretty svelte maritime machinery, Infiniti’s latest creations looked pretty much at home.

Latest additions to Infiniti’s Reading and London dealerships have been Birmingham and Glasgow. Bristol is imminent by all accounts and first-in-Wales location Cardiff hopefully not too far off. North Wales will have to wait, Greater Manchester, probably, the closest it will get in the immediate future.

Conwy, however, recorded the highest UK house-price rise (13%) in the UK for 2010 according to the Halifax County House Price Survey reported in the Financial Times. This might provide a fleeting attraction to Infiniti’s number crunchers but residential property values would still have to double (almost) before reaching those of Surrey. Nonetheless, Mercedes and BMW dealerships have been here for quite some time – and seem to be doing good business.

This romantic part of North Wales was a fitting location for ‘Inspired Performance’ and the ‘Adeyaka’ of grace and pace.  Welsh chivalry, subsumed into the Bardic tradition, survived Edward I and the defeat of the Welsh Princes.  Culturally, this is an area rich in historical resonance – and the cars were good too.

By Huw Thomas
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Anglesea’s Oriel Ynys Mon, home to the Tunnicliffe and Kyffin Williams art collections, was the venue chosen this year by Welsh Motoring Writers for the the Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy and inaugural Automotive Achievement Award.

Presented on behalf of WMW by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Gwynedd, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel. The Tom Pryce Trophy went to the Real Car Co., Bethesda and Automotive Achievement Award to Mazda Motors UK Ltd.

Later that day, at WMW’s annual dinner, the awards were commended and recipients congratulated by the Group’s special guest, David I Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales.

Established 20 years ago by business partners Ray Arnold and Ian Johnstone, Real Car Co has earned a world-wide reputation in the buying, selling and re-commissioning of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars.

 “Surprise and delight were the first reactions to news of the award” said Ray Arnold.  “We started with just one car - Ian and I tell people it’s a ‘hobby’ which ‘got out of control’!”

Twenty years too has seen Mazda’s MX-5 achieve cult status in Europe and around the world.  The definitive affordable sports car, its rear wheel drive layout and dynamic ability put it at the top of its segment in every market.

But this is not Mazda’s only anniversary. It is 90 years since the founding of the company and 50 years since its first motor car.  Next year will also see 50 years of ground-breaking work on the rotary combustion engine epitomised by the RX sports coupe.

Mazda’s technical and production prowess continues with its SKYACTIV powertrain and lightweight body architecture, development of a new generation of rotary engines and hydrogen power.

Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson added: “We are truly delighted that Mazda has been awarded the Welsh Motoring Writers Automotive Achievement Award.

"This award is further confirmation of Mazda’s innovative spirit and willingness to try new things, which has led to the creation of some remarkable automotive technologies benefitting millions of Mazda motorists.

"In the future Mazda continues to use the unique innovative Mazda engineering spirit that will deliver superior eco-friendliness without sacrificing the sporty driving fun for which the Mazda brand is so well known.”

WMW chairman Huw Thomas said: “This was a wonderful way to celebrate past and present, ‘ancient and modern’.  From renovated buildings at an old slate mine, Real Car Co has built a pre-eminent reputation as a dealer in the greatest of all classic cars.  Mazda has a formidable legacy too but is blazing a trail in contemporary automotive engineering.  We are delighted to award it our inaugural award for Automotive Achievement”.

Caption: WMW's Roy Brooks (left) with Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson, Ian Arnold of the Real Car Co, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Gwynedd, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, and WMW chairman Huw Thomas.
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IT IS with great regret that we report the death of one of our members, Tony Challis motoring writer for the Evening Leader.

Tony had been a valued member of the Group since its early days and his wit and wisdom were always eagerly anticipated features of Group activities.

Tony had been working from his home in Rhos, Wrexham since taking early retirement from his staff features writing job and his column was always a major and enjoyable part of the Leader motoring section.

Tony, aged 67 had bravely battled with a short illness and died at the home of his daughter in Ruabon on July 1 with his family around him.

The father of five he spent his early years in East Grinstead and spent some time in Canada and San Francisco before returning to Britain where he became a freelance journalist working for a number of national newspapers.

He joined North Wales Newspapers for the launch of the Evening Leader in 1973 and with his family lived for many years in Tainant near Penycae, Wrexham.

He was the Evening Leader's news editor for 14 years before turning his considerable writing skills to the features desk where he remained until 2007. In his career as a motoring writer, Tony covered many major car launches and carried out road tests on some of the most popular and sometimes exclusive cars of our time.

But motoring writing was only one part of Tony's considerable portfolio of abilities because he was also passionately interested in the theatre, writing many reviews, particularly at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, where his opinion was regarded in high esteem.

One of Tony's great loves in life was poetry, penning an impressive amount of work which his family hope to publish in due course. His other interests included boxing in his younger days and martial arts.

Tony reported on many local campaigns and once delivered a petition to Number 10 Downing Street signed by thousands trying to save the future of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was there for the last tap at Brymbo steelworks and was a lifelong environmentalist.

He was also a proud recipient of a Reporter of the Year accolade from North Wales Newspapers.

Steve Rogers, who worked with Tony for more than 30 years, described him as an "uncompromising but compassionate journalist."

He said: "There was no better writer in the company than Tony Challis. He learned his trade in Fleet Street and was a no-nonsense journalist who was not afraid to ask difficult questions or fight his corner. He was uncompromising but always fair and compassionate as well as possessing a considerable wit. He was a loyal friend who will be greatly missed."

Ian Johnson who travelled many miles with Tony on car launches and became a close friend said. “Tony was one of the most intelligent, perceptive and compassionate people I have ever met. We had long and deep conversations about history, often enjoyed over after dinner drinks at car launches. Tony was always enthralled when I took him to see some hidden and little known historical sites in Shropshire and Cheshire. I will miss him deeply and his passing is a great loss to the Group.”

Tony's funeral took place at Pentrebychan Crematorium on Monday July 12 when family and friends celebrated his life. Two Group members, Steve Rogers and Ian Johnson were included in the pallbearers and among the readings was a rendering of Keats' “When I have fears that I may cease to be” by Ian Johnson.

On the order of service was printed one of Tony's last poems which was very appropriate.
It is entitled “Mr Challis is out today”
Mr Challis is out today,
Not out and about
But inside out
And if you should call
Don't knock down his wall
Or seek to change
What holds him in thrall
He's talking to people
Who live in his head
Some remote or close
Some living, some dead.
Mr Challis is out today.

One of the most successful dealers in Wales and the longest standing Renault dealer in the UK has been awarded the prestigious Tom Pryce Trophy.

David Gravell, of Gravells Motor Group, was presented with the award at the National Assembly bulding in Cardiff on November 28, and the business was later commended by Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Peter Hain PC MP, special guest of Welsh Motoring Writers (WMW) at the group's annual dinner.

Mr Gravell received the 2009 Tom Pryce Trophy at a ceremony in the National Assembly building hosted by Helen Mary Jones (Assembly Member Llanelli) and supported by Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Assembly Member Carmarthen East).

Founded in 1932 by Tom Gravell MBE, David’s father, Gravells is the longest-serving Renault dealership in the UK and this year celebrates 55 years with the company.

Commenting on the award, Mr Hain said: “Gravells are, so clearly, worthy winners of the coveted award. Such home-grown business success is a vital component in the Welsh recovery from the economic downturn.”

In presenting the award to guests of honour David Gravell and his two sons, Jonathan and Ian, who now run the business, WMW chairman Huw Thomas said: “Gravells has made an enormous contribution to the cultural, sporting and public life of Wales.

“This goes way beyond any usual sponsorship activity and is true to Tom Gravell’s philosophy that success in business life should be reflected by a real contribution to the community.”

Sponsored by Renault UK, its managing director, Roland Bouchara, said: “Gravells normally enjoy double Renault’s national market share and are at the top of our sales charts in Wales – a country where we currently lie second in the retail market. There is a simple reason for this achievement – Gravells care. They care about the job, their customers, their staff and their community.”

The Welsh Crystal Vase Trophy was inscribed, “CYFRANIAD HYNOD I’R GYMRU GYFOES” (A remarkable contribution to contemporary Wales).