National Numbers Blog

Personalised Coca-Cola? Well, I never …

May 20, 2013

Posted in Humour,Interesting,Media — Written by National Numbers

I am sure many of you who have been to the shops lately have noticed a change to the red labels you are so used to seeing.

Turns out one of the world’s biggest brands has taken a page from National Numbers’s book by offering personalised bottles of Coke to their customers.

The “Share A Coke” campaign, which is being called ‘brave’ by those behind it, simply replaces the classic Coca-Cola logo with one of 150 popular names.

“It is a brave move to replace the world’s most iconic brand with 150 names” said Jon Woods, Managing Director of Coca-Cola GB and Ireland. “It will drive huge buzz and drive engagement. No other brand has gone to this scale of personalisation.”

Indeed, personalisation is key to this campaign. It allows consumers to gift bottles of Coke to friends and family or buy themselves a little treat (if you can find your name). But … is it as unique as they say?

The private number plate industry, ever since its birth, has been based on this concept of ‘personalisation’. The idea is that a plain, everyday thing like registration numbers can be lifted to vanity product status, reflecting a little bit of the owner’s personality. This is how the business was built.

In this sense, Coke might be onto an idea, but where they differ from us at National Numbers is that our products are all unique – there is literally only one of every registration in existence. Coke’s ‘personalised’ labels are still mass-produced.

To put that into perspective, Coca-Cola plans to put 100 million bottles into circulation. If there are 150 names available that means there is more than 6 million of the same product out there.

Alternatively, we have 34 million number plates on the market, each of them one-of-a-kind.

Number plates also have something for almost everyone one. Depending on how creative you are you could quite literally get any name on a number plate. Coke maybe catering to Laura, James and Chris but what about young Roslynn, who is giving her attention?

We’ve got you covered, Roslynn!

In terms of personalisation, Coca-Cola has a lot of catching up to do. However, it is only a one-off thing, and if successful they may even expand their selection to include more names. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see other brands try a similar campaign … your name on an M&M anyone?

By Daniel Walker

Tags: brands, coca cola, coke, drink, name on plate, number plate, personalised, your name on a number plate

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FA57 OAP – World’s Fastest Mobility Scooter

March 27, 2013

Posted in Humour — Written by National Numbers

Above is the fastest mobility scooter in the world … that isn’t a joke either, it actually holds the official Guinness World Record.

Imagine seeing that ride past you on the high-street, or in the supermarket!

The magic comes from the 125cc engine that it was fitted with – an engine normally used for motorcross bikes. The whole thing took three months to build and can reach speeds over 70MPH.

I think it proves that getting on in years doesn’t mean you have to slow down. It is hard to grow out of the need for speed, as certain members of the National Numbers team will tell you.

Tell the world that you refuse to slow down because of your age with a number plate, such as FA57 OAP and FA57 OLD.

It makes me sad to say though that the owner isn’t in factthe coolest granddad in the world. It is actually a young man from Stamford named Colin Furze. Originally a plumber, Colin has become well known for his modifications, his stunts and his world records.

Furze also holds records for the world’s fastest pram.

By Daniel Walker

Tags: fast, motorbike, number plate, old, scooter, speed

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Editorial: Ready or MOT – the mistake of scrapping tests for pre-1960 vehicles

July 26, 2012

Posted in DVLA,Editorial — Written by National Numbers

It was recently announced that pre-1960 vehicles would no longer require an MOT as of November 18th this year. The changes in rules have been brought in to the benefit of classic car owners, including Roads Minister Mike Penning. However, we at National Numbers feel this decision has more downfalls than benefits.

The glaring issue we have with the rule changes is of course with safety, an issue that the pushing parties are keen to downplay. It is claimed that two-thirds of these classic cars travel less than 500 miles a year and have a lower accident rate than modern cars. Furthermore, they suggest that classic car owners take better care of their cars in the first place. We’ll quote Mike Penning on this:

“Owners of classic cars and motorbikes tend to be enthusiasts who maintain their vehicles well. They don’t need to be told to look after them, they’re out there in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.”

We don’t like speaking in Maybes when the issue is public safety. What classic vehicle owners tend to do does not really fill us with confidence that they will do. I am happy that two-thirds of these cars do not travel more than 500 miles, but what of that other third? Only one car needs to fail to cause a serious accident, and while we are not into scaremongering it is the responsibility of the Government to reduce every risk to the public, scrapping MOTs is not doing that.

To quote Nigel Case, owner of the Classic Car Club, on this issue: “Scrapping the MoT on any car is pretty daft.”

MP Mike Penning (passenger seat) with Lord Montagu of Beaulieu (driver) and Rt Hon Greg Knight MP (backseat).

But maybe I’m being too harsh. Mike Penning emphasises that owners will be individually responsible for their car’s roadworthiness. By which he means each individual will be expected to make a personal declaration of the vehicles condition and be able to prove this if an accident occurs. I cannot see how this helps anyone but insurance companies who want to avoid paying out.

Think of it this way, recent statistics show that road accidents are on the increase. If and when a classic car is involved in an accident it doesn’t matter how well kept the car is, unless it has documentation from a private roadworthiness inspection any assessor will challenge the word of the person who said their car was fine. This means only the driver will be liable.

As soon as situations like these occur you can expect the law to change again, this time to make private inspections compulsory for drivers and this will cost a fair bit more than MOT tests would work out. It will probably affect insurance premiums also. Anyway you look at it there is going to be financial pitfalls for classic vehicle owners in this rule change.

Of course, there are sections of the classic car fraternity that look down at National Numbers Ltd for the business we are in. Under current rules number plate transfers are only allowed on vehicles subject to an MOT or HGV test at sometime in their lives, this would of course make number plates on pre-1960 vehicles non-transferable. While we doubt this will be the case when the law comes into effect, as we know how much money the DVLA makes from the industry, we do not support the idea of taking away an individual’s right to transfer.

We have always considered it unfair practice for the DVLA to restrict the sale of registrations. After all, we have dealt with customers in the past that have used the sale of their registration marks to actually keep the vehicle on the road. By all means have inspection procedure in place to spot potential fraud but don’t use the MOT as a blunt instrument to curtail legitimate transfers. We also maintain that it is entirely wrong for one group to force their views onto others, in this case the classic vehicle owners who believe number plates should not be transferred.

It is not something we at National Numbers are worried about. In the past we have carried out successful transfers on a fleet of hearses that would be MOT exempt if not for voluntary MOTs. It is possible to opt-in, despite what some publications have claimed. We are also pretty sure that the DVLA will change rules to make this even easier due to the money they would be losing otherwise. When they issue a statement on the matter we will know.

For the time being though, we at National Numbers Ltd believe that the changes are a mistake and that the party that will truly pay for it are the owners of classic cars that Mike Penning MP claims to be helping. I strongly advise that any driver, classic or otherwise, registers his or her concern to better protect everyone on the road. After all, when plans go belly up it will not be the politicians that pay the consequences.

Tags: classic cars, classic vehicles, DVLA, mike penning, mot, national numbers, number plate, politics, pre-1960, transfers

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Sergio Pininfarina: A Retrospective

July 5, 2012

Posted in Cars,Other News — Written by National Numbers

Sergio Pininfarina passes away aged 85

The automotive world mourns the death of Sergio Pininfarina, the legendary car designer behind the some of the supercar industry’s most historic concepts. From the Ferraris he is synonymous with to the many other manufacturers he worked with over the year, his insignia became a symbol of quality, slick design. More than that though Pininfarina was a patriot who had a hand in rebuilding Italy’s standing as a romantic and beautiful place.

The Beginning

Born Sergio Farina in Turin, Italy in 1926. Four years later his father, Battista “Pinin” Farina, founded a coachbuilding business that Sergio would run years later. The company (then Carrozzeria Pinin Farina) specialised in custom-made body designs for individual customers or for small-scale productions. Battista and Pinin Farina gained considerable recognition for the innovative Cisitalia 202 design, which became an attraction in the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Sergio himself would work with his father as early as 1946. Left out of the Paris Motor Show the father and son team drove to France and left two cars, the Lancia Aprilla cabriolet and the Alfa Romeo RC 2500 S, outside of the venue to garner the attention of guests and further grow the company’s reputation.

In 1950 he graduated from Turin Polytechnic with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and quickly joined his father’s company. It was one year later that Sergio was put in charge of an account that would go on to define him: Ferrari. Recalling the life-changing moment in 2006, Sergio said: “I was scared to death because Enzo Ferrari was already a legend in car racing and notorious for being difficult to deal with.” The two would of course go on to forge a long-lasting relationship that saw Sergio Pininfarina become instrumental to Ferrari’s designs.

Industry Icon

Sergio Pininfarina was known as a innovator.

Ferrari Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo says it best: “Calling his relation with Ferrari legendary is insufficient. First with Enzo and then with me, he designed some of the most iconic models, such as the Testarossa or the Enzo, just to name two.”

Sergio showed a high work ethic from an early age and pushed for the company to expand. He was managing director by 1961 and became chairman in 1966 following the death of his father. It was at this time that Sergio changed his legal surname to Pininfarina. He led his business from the front for the next 40 years, designing cars for the biggest names in the industry.

It is fair to say that Sergio would change the way supercars were made in numerous ways, but one specific innovation was the mid-mounted engine that became standard practice amongst car manufacturers, especially Ferrari. Every GT since the 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Cabriolet came out of the factory doors bearing the name ‘Pininfarnia’, certainly an achievement in his long relationship with the company.

From Ferrari, to Fiat, to Alfa Romeo, to Peugeot, to Cadillac and many others, car manufacturers looked to the Italian company for design expertise. Sergio was at the heart of it with trend-setting designs like the sharp edges and flat panels that became calling cards for him. His designs won Sergio plenty of awards, including a Cavaliere del Lavoro (Italy), a Royal Designer for Industry (UK), and a Designer Lifetime Achievement Award (US).

Sergio also showed on multiple occasions that he was ahead of his time. He was an early advocate of an environmentally friendly car industry, working hard to increase fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions. He held a great interest in hybrid vehicles and in 1972 opened Italy’s first wind tunnel. Today, Pininfarina has a high focus on electric cars going forward.

Treasured Citizen

“An exceptional person who connected his name indissolubly with our history and our success. Sergio was one of the most important advocates of Made in Italy all over the world, a man who gave Italy credibility and splendor. An example not just of an entrepreneur, but also known for his civic duties, he spread with great passion for his country. He demonstrated it as President of Confindustria, Member of Parliament and Senator for life.” True words spoken once again by Sergio’s friend and business partner, Luca di Montezemolo.

Sergio Pininfarina was a proud Italian and helped his country change its fortunes coming out of World War II. Many accredit the countries strong standing in the fashion and design industry to the work put in by Pininfarina’s car designs in the early days.

From 1974 to 1977, Sergio rejoined Turin Polytechnic as Professor of Car Body Design. He was a member of European Parliament for the Italian Liberal Party from 1979 to 1988. He served as the head of Italy’s Industrial Employers Confederation from 1988 to 1992. In 2005 he was named as a Senator for life of the Italian Republic.

Sergio Pininfarina: 1926 - 2012

Sergio Pininfarina died in the town he was born, Turin, on July 3rd 2012 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife (Georgia), his son (Paolo), and his daughter (Lorenza). He will be dearly missed by Italy and the car manufacturing industry.

By Daniel Walker

Tags: cars, europe, ferrari, italy, news, number plate, rip, sergio pininfarina

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