COMMENT
Steve Cropley
MY STARS OF 2023
FAREWELL, 2023. At a time like this, it’s usual to remark on what an extraordinary year we’ve had, and our express-train progress towards electrification makes this very true. Yet an even more tumultuous year confronts us: while the size and seriousness of car revisions promised for 2024 is enormous, the retailing of said cars looks anything but simple. The government insists that 22% must be EVs next year, but the natural market is about 17% today.
Yet if it’s a tough time for car makers, it’s a wonderful time for us car lovers. Never have car creators been more driven to bust conventions to make their products more attractive, and rarely have we been so keenly sought by the retail industry.
Big stuff has to happen next year, yet not even the best futurist can say how it will unfold. Hang on!
❝ If it’s a tough time for car makers, it’s a wonderful time for us car lovers ❞
JANUARY
Finest way to start a year I can think of: heading for the traditional Classic Car Day at Brooklands on New Year’s Day. Attendees like this extraordinary Citroën CX surfer’s wagon mix with McLarens and Metros to make the most eclectic line-up of the year. If you’re preparing a list of the new year’s unmissable events, this is a must.