Motoring legend Amanda Stretton takes on one of her biggest challenges yet which took in a Deeside solar park

Motoring legend, broadcaster and sustainability champion Amanda Stretton joined automotive retailer Lookers to take on one of her biggest challenges yet which took in a Deeside solar park.

Combining her passion for driving and the environment, Amanda completed a 800-mile six-day all-electric journey across Great Britain from Kent to Glasgow to highlight the importance which plug-in driving can make in reducing emissions and advancing sustainability.

Documenting her journey in 16 next-generation EVs on a route that took in some of the UK’s pioneering sustainable and renewable energy – including and Shotwick Solar Park in Deeside – Amanda is on a mission for change.

Stopping off at a variety of Lookers dealerships for recharging and support along the way, Amanda was also keen to raise awareness of the wide range of electric plug-in vehicles already available that have been carefully and sleekly designed to reduce harmful carbon emissions.

“Transport accounts for 27 percent of the UK’s annual carbon emissions, so it makes absolute sense to highlight the importance which electric vehicles can make in helping to bring that figure down,” Amanda Stretton said.

“The phased removal of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 is an important goal, but we need everyone to be transitioning much sooner than that. This all-electric journey to COP26 with Lookers represented an unrivalled opportunity to help make sure that the move to greener driving is as smooth and easy as it can be.”

One of the UK and Ireland’s largest automotive and aftersales groups, Lookers is committed to the development of all-electric driving and in promoting their environmental benefits. Committed to a carbon neutral estate of more than 150 dealership by 2030, it prioritises the provision of advice, information and support to ensure customers can seamlessly make the switch.

Andrew Hall, Lookers’ Business Development Director, said:

“Many more people are embarking on an all-electric journey, and they want trusted information, choice, reassurance and confidence to make the move. Our partnership with Amanda Stretton ahead of COP26 demonstrates just how serious we are in helping to power this transformation and we’re delighted to have such a strong and experienced voice championing this agenda.”

 Lookers’ Chief Operating Officer Duncan McPhee said:

“Climate change is already here, and Lookers is proud to be proactively playing its part in helping to mitigate its effects and educating staff and customers of the significant benefits and opportunities which all-electric driving can bring. Embracing this transformation presents many positive benefits for society, the environment and for business and our teams, we are already on that journey.”

Amanda took off from Lookers Honda in Orpington early on Tuesday 26 October and completed the journey in Glasgow late on Sunday 31 October just as COP26 got under way.

 Earlier this year, Lookers partnered with electric vehicle and home charging comparison service Rightcharge as part of a new drive to help customers transition away from petrol and diesel. It also announced an innovative partnership with EV charging locator and mapping specialist Zap-Map, helping more customers find the locations of thousands of electric charging points nearest to them.

In 2018, Lookers launched its ‘Electric Charge’ BEN charity initiative, engaging customers and staff in a major challenge for staff across all dealerships, covering over 2,000 miles in a carbon-neutral voyage showcasing the wide range of electric cars available.