Images and video by Gun Hill Studios, Sussex
The HCVA hosted its fourth Heritage Matters Day for Trade Members on 3rd June. Over 100 leaders from across the historic and classic car industry converged on Hagerty Clubhouse at Bicester Motion for a day of insight around a theme of ‘Navigating a changing environment’.
Having Tim Moss CBE and three of his senior policy and communications team on stage in the first industry address since he took over as CEO was a significant milestone in the development of the HCVA as the recognised voice for our industry. He stated that positive change is coming and to watch this space. We also welcomed two policy delegates from the DVSA who work closely with colleagues at the Dept for Transport and the DVLA.
Other key highlights included a fascinating presentation from fuels industry specialist John Cooper on the politics surrounding sustainable fuels for road vehicles, including the influence of our European neighbours.
The panel of experts from the HCVA administered working group demonstrated the complexities of the pathway to sustainable fuels becoming available at scale and an acceptable price point through existing forecourt infrastructure. Important considerations remain on achieving a suitable sustainable fuel to power the historic and classic fleet.
“Thank you to the team for hosting such a well-attended and impactful event. It’s so clear the positive work the HCVA are doing for our sector, and it was a pleasure to contribute to the dialogue of this event”
John Mayhead’s market update demonstrated that there is no longer “the market” but several separate market segments showing increasingly different trends.
The insurance panel highlighted that it’s all change on risk assessment through rapid adoption of big data integrated with AI. Underwriters are making sophisticated risk assessments, and this could have positive impacts for responsible drivers and younger drivers displaying the right credentials. Far greater segmentation is inevitable.
Our panel on reimagining of classics demonstrated the world leading R&D that sits behind the brands leading the way on reimagined classics, whether ICE powered, retromods, or with EV power. This is a sector of our industry that is set to grow and is being led by changing owner profiles and expectations.
My first Heritage Matters left me hopeful for what lies ahead for the classic and specialist car community. Being in a room with so many inspiring people with some serious credentials and knowledge was also inspiring and humbling in equal measure"
Our next Heritage Matters Day is Tuesday 14 October so please save the date in your diary now.