Star cars and PRs who go the extra mile have been recognised in the 2025 Southern Group of Motoring Writers New Year Honours.
The SGMW annual awards, the first of the year, recognise the outstanding efforts of manufacturers, PR teams and individuals who excelled bringing new models to the market and helping SGMW members over the past year.
The awards are voted for by SGMW members, many of whom have experienced the new cars at manufacturer launches and driving days, and attended the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) north and south test days.
SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “It’s been another packed 12 months, with an unprecedented number of new electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and petrol cars launched on to the market for our membership to sample.”
He added “The Southern Group of Motoring Writers is not only the largest regional group in the country, it’s also the most active and hard-working.”
The full results for the SGMW New Year Honours 2025, with some opinions from the voting members, are:
BEST PR NEWCOMER – someone who made a special impact in liaising with the media during the past year and is either new to the industry PR scene or has taken on a new role/position.
Winner – Melissa Lodge (Genesis Motor UK)
“Melissa is the kind of PR wizard who could organise a car launch on the moon and still have time to make sure the canapés are out of this world. She’s an absolute star — brilliantly efficient, a joy to work with and effortlessly professional, all while keeping things fun. Genesis is lucky to have her, and so are we!”
Runner-up – Thomas Davis (Isuzu UK)
BEST PR OFFICE – awarded to the operation consistently delivering the best all-round or forward-thinking service to SGMW throughout the year.
Winner – Kia UK
“Kia, unquestionably. The Kia team just delivers, every time.”
“Kia UK once again. Kia has held bespoke driving days and events for SGMW members to try out the company’s latest cars and has one of the friendliest bunch of people in the business!”
Runner-up – Genesis Motor UK
THE SGMW OBE (OPERATING BEYOND EXPECTATION) – for acting above and beyond the call of PR duty during the past year. It can be for consistent high performance, a memorable one-off effort or a thoughtful gesture towards one of our members caught in a bind.
Winner – Vince Clisham (Fiat and Abarth)
“Vince Clisham at Abarth for giving up his seat on the plane and ensuring every journalist made it home when British Airways overbooked a flight.”
Runner-up – Simon Branney (Genesis Motor UK)
‘DARK HORSE’ OF THE YEAR – a car that surprised SGMW members, either by its arrival or just how good it was.
Winner – BYD Seal U
“The BYD Seal U is quite a refreshing change from the plethora of all-electrified cars now coming in from China. It drives really well, it’s exceptionally well put together, with smooth interior finishes, it’s comfortable and, thankfully, no traditional whine from the battery either. Looking at value for money, the BYD is worth the cash outlay.”
ONE TO WATCH – the car that SGMW members most look forward to driving in the coming year.
Winner – Renault 5 E-Tech
“Retro design done right. And a truly desirable hatchback when others offer only crossovers and SUVs.”
“What’s not to like? Brilliantly retro, stylish and hi-tech cabin, impressive range and competitively priced. A winner!”
SGMW CAR OF THE YEAR
Winner – Alfa Romeo Junior
“Alfa Romeo’s new Junior is truly brilliant to drive. In Veloce form, it’s the best-performing Alfa this side of a Giulia Quadrifoglio. More than that, it’s the best-handling hatchback that Alfa has ever made, including the Alfasud. With the Junior, Alfa Romeo shows that it’s still possible to buy a compact car that’s fun to drive – a car you can get truly passionate about.”
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD – to honour someone who has given extraordinary service to the automotive industry, a particular manufacturer or been a very special friend to SGMW.
Winner – Dale Wyatt, Suzuki GB director of automobile for the UK and Ireland
SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “Dale Wyatt has been an exceptional pillar of the motor industry, leading Suzuki for 18 years when he retires in March. He has been a huge supporter of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers, and we will be sad to see him pass the baton on.
“Dale’s wellbeing and health are of the utmost importance and this will give him time to himself away from the corporate world. When I decided to award Dale the Chairman’s Award, I couldn’t think of a better, or more deserving, candidate.”
