We are pleased to announce that Kitsune Associates Ltd has been added to our closely vetted panel of motor insurance providers. The business has come a long way since it was established as recently as 2016 and forms part of the Brightside Group.
Kitsune Associates, by pure coincidence, is located close to our offices and has a team of individuals who have many years’ experience in the manufacturing and underwriting of insurance products for the motor sector. It is currently focused on car and commercial vehicle products with the aim of producing products that are priced competitively and offer value to the customer
In adding Kitsune Associates to our panel, we believe this will prove to be of benefit to many of our customers looking to insure their motor vehicles as the more options that we have in terms of insurance providers the better for our valued clients.
Kitsune Managing Director Trevor Bowers said “We know and have worked with the team at AIB previously and have always been impressed with the work they do in the Non-standard motor market. We look forward to working closely with the team and joining their panel of carefully selected insurers.”
AIB Branch Manager Kirby De-Gray Birch commented: “We were extremely pleased with the quality of product and professional service we saw from the team at Kitsune Associates. This wasn’t a surprise as our management team have known Trevor (Kitsune Managing Director Trevor Bowers pictured) both on a professional and personal level for many years and even locked horns on the cricket field regularly in the 90’s.”
“They are passionate about providing a high-quality service at a competitive price and together with Bruce (Kitsune Underwriting and Pricing Director Bruce Coxwell), they have assembled an exciting team. Whilst it is early days in our partnership, we are sure that we have made the right decision in adding them to our panel. We look forward to a long and successful business relationship with them for the benefit of all concerned including, of course, our valued customers”.
The motor trade industry has been going through a tough period for quite a long time so it is disappointing to hear that the number of new cars sold here in the UK in October 2019 has fallen for yet another month.
In October 2019, the number of new cars registered amounted to 143,251. In the same month last year, the figure was 153,599. That is a reduction of 10,348 equating to a drop of 6.7%. The sale of new cars for the private sector dropped by 13.2% from 69,225 to 60,083 in October 2019, new fleet car sales saw a minimal rise of 0.3% from 79,703 to 79,912 and the sale of new cars for the business sector dropped significantly by 30.3% from 4,671 to 3,256.
It will probably not be a surprise to read that the sale of new diesel cars dropped by 28.3% from 48,381 in October 2018 to 34,666 in October 2019. New petrol car registrations also dropped by 3.2% from 92,348 to 89,371. Interestingly, the market share for registrations for new alternatively fuelled vehicles in October 2019 was 9.9% compared to 6.9% for the same month last year.
When you look at the figures for the year to date to October 2019, it is also disappointing. Total new car registrations were 2,005,522 compared to 2,064,419 for the same period to October last year with this being a drop of 58,897- a fall of 2.9%.
The top 3 selling new cars in October 2019 were the Ford Fiesta – 5,138, Nissan Qashqai – 4,084 and the Volkswagen Golf – 3,976. The top 3 selling new cars on a year to date basis to October 2019 were the Ford Fiesta – 69,702, Volkswagen Golf – 50,468 and the Ford Focus – 49,517.
Whilst writing, it is worth noting that the number of used cars sold here in the UK for the third quarter of 2019 was 2,076,382 compared to 2,057,457 for the same period last year – an increase of 18,925 equating to a rise of 0.9%. On a year to date basis to 30th September 2019 the number of second hand cars sold was 6,130,762 whereas for the same period last year the figure was 6,182,547 – a drop of 51,785 equating to a fall of 0.8%.
The top 3 selling used cars in the third quarter of 2019 were the Ford Fiesta – 90,428, Vauxhall Corsa – 77,101 and the Ford Focus – 75,093.
The above figures can be found on the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) website.
If you are looking to insure a new or used car, whether it be for the first time or your existing cover is shortly due for renewal, why not get in touch with a friendly, knowledgeable member of our team here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 who will be pleased to discuss your requirements and obtain a no-obligation, competitive quotation from our extensive, closely vetted panel of insurers.
The new 2.9-litre, six-cylinder biturbo engine in this extensively reworked top model offers 324 kW (440 PS; Fuel consumption combined 9.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 224 g/km), ten per cent more power output than its predecessor with 20 per cent less displacement. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, this car can get from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – three tenths faster than before. The car’s top speed is 270 km/h (plus four km/h). Deceleration has also been improved: the new Macan Turbo comes with the powerful Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) fitted ex works, as part of the optimised chassis. Externally, the Macan Turbo is characterised by the styling features of the revised model generation. The new top model also sets itself apart thanks to unique accents such as the Turbo-specific front apron and the fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design. Drivers and passengers alike benefit from the Macan’s enhanced interior, in-cluding adaptive 18-way sports seats and a BOSE® Surround Sound system.
Powerful biturbo engine with central turbo layout
The new Macan Turbo’s 2.9-litre engine, which is already used by Porsche in its Cayenne and Panamera models, is a latest-generation engine in what is known as the central turbo layout. Both exhaust turbochargers have been arranged inside the V of the cylinders. The cooled exhaust manifold has been integrated into the cylinder head for highly efficient combustion. The short exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers permit rapid build-up of power and a particularly spontaneous response. The engine delivers 29 kW (40 PS) more than the 3.6-litre, six-cylinder turbo in the predecessor model and a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. Power transmission is provided by the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. NEDC con-sumption stands at 9.8 l/100 km.
Optimised chassis with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake
The new Macan Turbo comes with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) as standard to match the excellent driving dynamics. These innovative, high-performance brakes are exclusive to Porsche and, with a tungsten carbide coating on the discs, offer a faster response, less wear and up to 90 per cent less brake dust compared with conventional cast iron brakes. The high-gloss brake discs and white painted brake calipers are characteristic for PSCB and are now available as an optional extra for all other Macan models as well. Optional height-adjustable air suspension with optimised rolling pistons and new shock absorber hydraulics, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are available for a further increase in dynamics. The new 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels come as standard.
The new 2.9-litre, six-cylinder biturbo engine in this extensively reworked top model offers 324 kW (440 PS; Fuel consumption combined 9.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 224 g/km), ten per cent more power output than its predecessor with 20 per cent less displacement. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, this car can get from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – three tenths faster than before. The car’s top speed is 270 km/h (plus four km/h). Deceleration has also been improved: the new Macan Turbo comes with the powerful Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) fitted ex works, as part of the optimised chassis. Externally, the Macan Turbo is characterised by the styling features of the revised model generation. The new top model also sets itself apart thanks to unique accents such as the Turbo-specific front apron and the fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design. Drivers and passengers alike benefit from the Macan’s enhanced interior, in-cluding adaptive 18-way sports seats and a BOSE® Surround Sound system.
Powerful biturbo engine with central turbo layout
The new Macan Turbo’s 2.9-litre engine, which is already used by Porsche in its Cayenne and Panamera models, is a latest-generation engine in what is known as the central turbo layout. Both exhaust turbochargers have been arranged inside the V of the cylinders. The cooled exhaust manifold has been integrated into the cylinder head for highly efficient combustion. The short exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers permit rapid build-up of power and a particularly spontaneous response. The engine delivers 29 kW (40 PS) more than the 3.6-litre, six-cylinder turbo in the predecessor model and a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. Power transmission is provided by the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. NEDC con-sumption stands at 9.8 l/100 km.
Optimised chassis with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake
The new Macan Turbo comes with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) as standard to match the excellent driving dynamics. These innovative, high-performance brakes are exclusive to Porsche and, with a tungsten carbide coating on the discs, offer a faster response, less wear and up to 90 per cent less brake dust compared with conventional cast iron brakes. The high-gloss brake discs and white painted brake calipers are characteristic for PSCB and are now available as an optional extra for all other Macan models as well. Optional height-adjustable air suspension with optimised rolling pistons and new shock absorber hydraulics, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are available for a further increase in dynamics. The new 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels come as standard.
Unique design with turbo front apron and double wing at the rear
The new Macan Turbo demonstrates its range-leading status thanks to the exclusive front apron, with three large air intakes and high-level front lights, as well as the stand-ard LED headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). From the side, this top model sets itself apart with 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels, Sport Design side skirts and Sport Design exterior mirrors in body colour. The specially developed fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design is typical for the Turbo model. The sports exhaust system, fitted as standard, can be recognised by its unique, silver twin tailpipes.
18-way sports seats and surround sound system as standard
The Macan Turbo, the new flagship model in the range, offers particularly high-quality equipment. Adaptive sports seats with smooth leather upholstery, electric 18-way adjustment and a comfort memory package are standard features. The high-quality ambience is rounded off by the Alcantara roof lining and the brushed aluminium interior package. The heated GT sports steering wheel, which is familiar from the 911, is available as an option for sporty drivers.
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a 10.9-inch full HD touchscreen is fully networked as standard and connected to a BOSE® Surround Sound system with 14 loudspeakers and a total output of 665 watts. It includes online navigation with real-time traffic information and smart voice control. Other standard features include Por-sche Connect Plus, which comes with an LTE telephone module, an integrated SIM card and a slot for an external SIM card, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous Porsche Connect services.
The options list now includes a smartphone cradle with Qi standard inductive charging for all Macan models. A heated windscreen, an ioniser to improve the interior’s air quality and the new traffic jam assistant, including adaptive cruise control, are also available. As well as being able to accelerate and brake semi-automatically up to 60 km/h, the system helps the driver to steer in traffic jams and slow-moving traffic.
It is no secret that the roads are much quieter during rush hours when children are on school holiday and the time taken to get to work tends to drop. Some interesting research has been carried out by Admiral Car Insurance relating to the number of car accidents that take place in school term time when compared to the school holidays.
In the last five years, the number of claims submitted for accidents taking place between the hours of 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm increased by an average of 32% when children were at school compared to when they were on their summer holiday.
We are sure that you will agree the above is a large increase and is somewhat concerning.
It is interesting that the research by Admiral Car Insurance revealed that during the school rush hour in the morning motorists were most likely to collide with a third party vehicle by going into the back of them whilst in the afternoon a motorist was most likely to have their car hit whilst left unattended or parked.
The research found that 67% of motorists felt it was not as stressful commuting to work when school children were on holiday compared to when children were back at school.
According to the report, when a parent has to drop off a child at school or the nursery on the way to work, the distance travelled rises from 20 miles to 36 miles and the time taken goes up from 32 minutes to 54 minutes.
There is no doubt that driving a car is not as stressful during the school holidays when compared with driving in term time with 66% of motorists believing this to be the case.
It is the opinion of 71% of motorists that far too many parents take their children to school using a car. There are other potential modes of transport such as train, bus, cycling or walking.
A parent can become distracted by their children when driving them to school so it is important that they concentrate on the road to reduce the possibility of being involved in a road traffic accident.
If your car insurance policy is shortly due for renewal or you are looking to arrange cover for the first time then why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and have a chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable members of staff. He or she will be happy to discuss your requirements in detail with a view to proving you with a tailor-made, competitive quotation for your perusal. You will be pleased to read that we have an extensive panel of vetted insurance companies on our panel. If you wish to go ahead with the cover then we will be able to assist in putting the policy in place as quickly as required.
Lotus and newly promoted Premier League football team Norwich City Football Club have today announced a new multi-year global partnership. The collaboration sees the state-of-the-art training facility renamed The Lotus Training Centre, and the all-new Academy building renamed The Lotus Academy. Lotus branding will feature on the first-team ‘walk-out’ jackets, on all Academy shirts from the Under-23s squad through to the Under-9s, and on pitch-side branding at the Carrow Road stadium.
The partnership is announced on the eve of the Canaries’ first game of the 2019-20 Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield. The agreement sees two long-standing Norfolk brands coming together as they each enter a new and exciting phase on the global stage, and with the local community at the heart of their ambitions.
Lotus is embarking on a major global transformation. Last month it unveiled the world’s first fully electric British hypercar and most powerful production car, the Evija, which is designed, engineered and produced at Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk.
The launch of Evija is the first visible step in Lotus’ plan that will see the company invest significantly over the next few years, to expand its product range and become a global premium performance car brand. Lotus has been making cars at Hethel, to the south of Norwich, since 1966 and currently employs around 1,200 people in the region.
Lotus and Norwich City Football Club have released an entertaining film featuring owner Delia Smith and former player Darren Huckerby to mark the start of the partnership.
Simon Clare, Executive Director, Global Marketing, Lotus, said: “Lotus is a brand born for and out of performance and competition, so this partnership is perfect for both parties. Together Lotus and Norwich City Football Club share core values – commitment, passion, focus, hard work, a winning mindset – and the success that flows from them.
“This partnership joins two iconic Norfolk brands as they accelerate on to the global stage together. Both share a desire for innovation and, as we herald a new era together, we are incredibly excited about playing a part in the development of Norwich City Football Club and its talent. Today we are investing in that future.”
All Lotus branding reflects the company’s new corporate identity, which features a revised roundel and new typeface for the wordmark. Simon Clare explained: “We’ve looked back at the original Lotus roundel and thought about Colin Chapman’s philosophy – to simplify and add lightness. We’ve applied that to create a new roundel, taking the weight out of the lettering and adapting the spacing. We’ve also straightened the word ‘Lotus’ so it’s consistent with the Lotus wordmark.”
Ben Kensell, Chief Operating Officer at Norwich City Football Club, said: “This is a momentous deal for us. We’re so thrilled to partner with one of the most iconic and high-profile brands, not just in Norfolk, but across the UK and internationally. I’m proud that our resurgent Club is partnering with Lotus at a time when it is relaunching its brand into a new and exciting future. The synergies between our two businesses are striking, and for our Academy players to be proudly wearing a shirt that has such a well-loved logo on is really special.”
The price comparison website GoComapre.com has carried out some analysis of car insurance quotes over a 12 month period that reveals a Member Of Parliament is most likely to have a driving conviction than any other occupation. This may come as a surprise to many of you.
As you are probably aware, what you do for a living is one of the factors that affect how much a car insurance provider charges you for your cover. The greater the risk that you are perceived to be in danger of being involved in a road traffic accident the more you are likely to pay for your motor insurance.
Total Convictions
Their research revealed that 24.4% of quotes they looked at for Members of Parliament involved that person having one or more driving convictions. In second place were Sales Directors at 20.8%. In third place were Managing Directors at 19.7%. In fourth place were Bailiffs at 19.4%. In fifth place were Radio Presenters at 19.2%. In sixth place were Riggers at 19.1%. In seventh place were Money Brokers at 18.8%. In eighth place were Operations Directors at 18.7%. In ninth place were Company Chairmen at 18.2%. In tenth place were Surgeons at 17.6%.
Convictions for Speeding
If you look at the occupations that have the most speeding convictions it is interesting that 22.1% of car insurance quotes for Members of Parliament revealed such a conviction. In second place were Radio Presenters at 19.2%. In third place were Sales Directors at 18.9%. In fourth place were Managing Directors at 17.7%. In fifth place were Operations Directors at 17.4%. In sixth place were Bailiffs at 16.7%. In joint seventh place were Money Brokers and Company Chairmen at 16.6%. In ninth place were Surgeons at 16.5%. In tenth place were Chartered Surveyors at 16.3%.
At-Fault Claims
The occupation with the most at-fault claims when looking at the above car insurance quotes was a Paediatrician at 17.0%. In second place was a Psychiatrist at 14.0%. In third place was an Usher at 13.1%. In fourth place was a General Practitioner at 12.4%. In joint fifth place were a Surgeon and Hospital Consultant at 12.2%. In seventh place was a Museum Consultant at 11.6%. In eighth place was a Radiologist at 11.5%. In joint ninth place were a Transcriber and Vicar at 11.3%.
All the above factors can impact upon how much a motor insurance provider charges you for the cover you require. It is important that when looking to obtain cover that you use the likes of an insurance broker that has an extensive panel of insurers at their disposal. In this respect, why not get in touch with us here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and speak with an experienced member of our team. He or she will discuss your requirements in detail so that a competitive quotation can be provided for your perusal and consideration. We look forward to being of assistance.
Car insurance premiums have been showing an upward trend for quite some time but the Confused.com car insurance price index has revealed that, on average, the cost of fully comprehensive car insurance has dropped slightly during the first quarter of 2018 when compared with a year ago. The average premium paid by motorists for such cover was £768 per annum with this being a small reduction of £13 per annum when compared to the first quarter of last year. This equates to a drop of around 2%.
When you look at the cost of cover based upon someone’s age, the vast majority of age brackets have seen a fall in the amount charged by car insurance providers. On average, it is still the younger motorist who has to pay the most for their car insurance. For instance, an 18 year old is paying most with premiums costing on average of £2,114 per annum. A 17 year old is paying an average of £2,003 per annum but this is actually £118 per annum less than they were paying a year ago, whilst a 21 year old is being charged an average of £1,621 per annum to insure their vehicle with this being a rise of £38 per annum. A 34 year old has to pay an average of £655 per annum.
It is perhaps interesting that someone of 68 years of age has seen his or her car insurance premiums rise by an average of £40 in the space of 12 months to an average of £543 per annum.
On a regional basis, motorists in Inner London have seen the cost of insuring their cars drop by an average of £81 per annum in comparison to a year ago. That is a fall of 6%. However, they can expect to pay, on average, more than £1,000 per annum for fully comprehensive cover. However, a motorist living in the Scottish Borders has had to face an average increase of £32 per annum to an average of £579 per annum and drivers in North and Central Wales have seen their car insurance premiums go up by an average of £12 per annum in the space of a year to an average of £629 per annum.
Let us hope that the average cost of insuring a car continues to drop in the coming months. However, it is important that motorists try to obtain the right level of cover from an insurer that provides an excellent service including when it comes to processing claims and for a competitive premium. In this respect, you will be pleased to read that, here at AIB Insurance, we have an extensive panel of insurers that can hopefully meet your exacting requirements. So, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with a knowledgeable, friendly member of our team who will do all that he or she can to obtain a competitive quotation for your perusal without any obligation.
Here at AIB Insurance, we are pleased to announce that Covea Insurance plc has recently been added to our carefully vetted panel of insurers. It provides a variety of personal and commercial lines insurance products including cover for the likes of private car, home, motor breakdown, motor trade, motor fleet, shops, offices, surgeries, property owners, tradesmen and professionals as well as cover for high net worth clients.
Covea Insurance plc can trace its history going as far back as 1958 when Norman Insurance was established that was renamed MMA Insurance in 2000. Covea Insurance was launched in 2012 following the merger of MMA Insurance with Provident Insurance. It has won a number of awards including the Gold Accreditation for Investors in People in October 2014 and the Insurance Times Awards – Customer Champion of the Year and Training, Excellence and Impact (Insurer) in December 2014. It has 7 offices in the UK at which it employs about 1,500 staff. It has in excess of 1.9 million policyholders that, in 2017, produced premiums of £739 million. It has a Standard and Poor’s “A+ Stable” rating signifying its financial strength.
We have been most impressed with the range and quality of tailor made products offered by Covea whether it is to insure an executive five bedroomed detached property on an exclusive estate, a luxury apartment in a desirable area of London or a terraced property on the edge of a town, a family car or a top of the range high-powered sports car or an office for one of our professional clients. The level of service provided by the extremely knowledgeable staff at Covea is exceptional with no request being too much trouble.
Should you be in the unfortunate position of needing to make a claim, their dedicated UK based team is available 24 hours a day throughout the year including bank holidays. They pride themselves on their speed of response, calmness, support and attention to detail throughout the claims process being very conscious that it is, potentially, a stressful time in your life.
AIB Insurance looks forward to working closely with Covea and building on what has quickly become an effective partnership that can only be beneficial for all parties concerned including our highly valued clients both existing and new.
If you would like to find out more about Covea Insurance plc then why not visit their website at www.coveainsurance.co.uk
RAC Insurance has seen some interesting statistics relating to the number of vehicles broken into here in the UK by car thieves that are, to say the least, somewhat concerning. Below we highlight some of this data but more information can be found on the above company’s website.
Based upon data from 42 police forces in England, Scotland and Wales there were almost 240,000 vehicles broken into in 2016 – that is not far off a quarter of a million that we are sure you will agree is a very large number. Rather concerning, that is an increase of more than 8,000 in comparison to the previous year.
Of the above 42 police forces, 26 saw an increase in vehicle break-ins with the remaining 15 seeing a drop when comparing 2016 with 2015.
So, which forces saw the biggest increase in break-ins in percentage terms when comparing 2016 with 2015. Well, the City of London police force was at the top of the table with a 76% rise albeit it should be borne in mind that, in numbers there was a rise from 46 to 81. In second place was Northamptonshire with a rise of 41% from 2,864 to 4,043. Here in Hampshire there was an 8% rise.
The police force that saw the biggest fall in reported vehicle break-ins was Cheshire with a drop of 19% from 2.827 in 2015 to 2,284 in 2016.
Of course, if your car is broken into then it causes huge disruption in so many ways but could also lead to your motor insurance premiums increasing which is something we could all do without. So, what can you do to reduce the possibility of your vehicle being broken into?
• Fit a car alarm
• Put your car in the garage overnight
• When stationery, whilst driving, lock the doors and keep windows closed
• Use a steering wheel lock when leaving the vehicle unattended
• Park your car in a well lit street in the dark
• Put personal belongings in the boot out of sight
Obviously this list is not exhaustive but we hope that it is of benefit.
For comprehensive car insurance why not give us a call here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff who will do all that he or she can to obtain a competitive quotation from the extensive panel of reputable insurers we have at our disposal.
It is that time of year when you wake up to find that there has been a severe frost meaning that you or, if you are lucky, your partner needs to de-ice the car windows before setting off to work or dropping the children off at school. Time is usually at a premium first thing in a morning and nobody likes to stand outside in freezing temperatures scraping the ice off the windscreen.
Unfortunately, a lot of people make the mistake of popping out to their car, start the engine, put the heating on at full blast and then go straight back inside their warm home leaving the engine running with the keys still in the vehicle and have their breakfast or finish getting ready for work. Why do we say this is unfortunate?
Well, a lot of motorists do not realize that, if their vehicle is stolen by a car thief whilst being left say unattended on their drive or on the road outside the front of their home, their car insurance provider will not pay out should you submit a claim as this sort of situation is not covered on the policy. Needless to say, this would be devastating news as you could be left with having to pay out many thousands of pounds to find another vehicle and still have to maintain the car loan repayments on the vehicle that has been stolen.
It is also worth noting that, if you leave your car unattended on say a public road with the car engine running, you are breaking the law and could be subject to a fine if caught by the police. Furthermore, if you do not completely clear your car windows of snow and frost before driving it then you could be subject to a fine of £60 and also receive 3 penalty points on your driving license that could also mean your motor insurance premiums going up.
So, tempting as it may be, do not leave your car unattended with the engine running to defrost the windows otherwise it could end up being a costly decision in more ways than one. Instead, why not get up a few minutes earlier than normal, wrap yourself up to keep warm and get the ice scrapper out and get rid of the unwanted snow and ice from all the windows on your vehicle.
For comprehensive cover on your vehicle give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak to a friendly, knowledgeable member of the team who will discuss your requirements and obtain a quotation from our extensive panel of quality insurers.
AIB Launch Classic Car Offering
AIB is proud to announce the launch of our non-standard per...
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