Motor Industry PRs and Journalists Assemble for the Northern Group of Motoring Writers Barbecue
With the SMMT Test Day North fast approaching, the Northern Group of Motoring Writers has again held a pre-event meet and greet for the PR teams and journalists coming to the region.
The “barbecue” is now in its third year, following on from events in 2019 and 2021 — with COVID of course getting in the way of things in 2020. Although the delightfully chaotic September weather in the north often precludes a full, outdoor event, the indoor buffet features barbecue food for an equivalent experience.
So many of our press office colleagues make a significant trek up the UK from southern bases to attend the SMMT Test Day North, often driving up during the day. It’s a solid four hours on the road for most, with only a hotel room for the night and the prospect of local fast-food outlets before the business of the Test Day itself.
The NGMW barbecue helps to take something of an edge off the journey, with burgers and baked potatoes aplenty and the relaxing company of other press offices and writers from the northern region and beyond.
This year’s event, again at Wood Hall, saw around 50 attendees including the Northern Group’s members. Press offices that joined in with the northern hospitality included Genesis, Kia, MG, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota and Volvo, although others would be travelling later and not arrive in time for the event.
Of course the SMMT Test Day North this year will follow on, at which the NGMW will announce our 2022 Car of the Year from a shortlist of six category winners:
- EV: Volvo C40
- Family: Dacia Jogger
- Fun: Toyota GR86
- Luxury: Audi A8
- Small: Skoda Fabia
- SUV: Kia Sportage
