The New MG Cyberster is breaking the mould – just like Vicki!

Vicki Halse, the group chief financial officer at Croxdale talks about attracting more women into the automotive industry – and what makes the MG Cyberster such a special car!

From the age of 16, Vicki Halse, group chief financial officer at Croxdale Group has been one of very few women working in the automotive sector.

It’s a position she’s extremely proud of and, while she admits there is still a long way to go in terms of attracting more women into the industry, Vicki says it’s pleasing to see larger numbers of women at events she attends with managing director Anthony Rockingham.

“When Anthony and I go to meetings with the manufacturer only between 5% and 10% of the people in the room are female,” Vicki says.

“It fascinates and surprises me that it’s still that way – but I’m always quite proud that I’m one of the females there.”

Thankfully, Vicki acknowledges things are definitely changing.

Vicki admits it can be challenging working in a male-dominated environment – but she is more than up for that challenge and is more than capable of holding her own – even when people she and Anthony are meeting for the first time mistakenly assume she is his PA!

Because of her background starting out as an admin apprentice, Vicki instils a great deal of respect for the administrators at Croxdale in the whole team.

“I think there is a danger they can be overlooked - but I’m keen to remind the team of and help them to understand how much of a support function they are,” she says.

“Also, my assistant is female - and I want to bring her on in the way that I’ve had the opportunity to progress.”

Vicki is a passionate advocate for encouraging businesses across all sectors to recruit more females in senior positions.

She believes these women need to have a certain strength of character to make their voices heard amidst the men – but believes there is no shortage of strong women out there who can do just that.

At the start of her career, Vicki had the luxury of working with prestige cars like Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley.

From there, her love of beautiful cars has only grown – and lately she has had the privilege of driving around in the brand new MG Cyberster.

With its wing doors and premium quality alloy wheels, not to mention its sports mode and the fact it goes from 0 to 62 in 3.2 seconds, the Cyberster, which offers uncompromised power and performance, is every inch the sports car.

Vicki has been turning heads with the striking yellow version, as she has cruised round the North East of England.

“I have no idea what they are saying as their heads turn when they see it on the road - but it’s certainly attracting attention!” she says.

When Vicki does speak to people about the car, there’s one phrase that comes up time and time again.

“People say, ‘is it really an MG!’ because they are more well known for their family cars,” she says.

People are also delighted when they see the “wing” or scissor doors of this stunning vehicle open – adding an element of surprise and panache.

“It looks gorgeous to start with, but when you open the doors and people are not expecting it, they are like ‘what is that car!?’ - It’s just stunning!” Vicki says. ?

The Cyberster also offers uncompromising comfort, quality and sleek interior styling, which allows customers to choose between two interior styles, both featuring Alcantara and leather, in black and red or grey.

It’s stunning, driver-focused cockpit features a wrap-around display comprising of three screens, promoting accessibility and ergonomic design for an enhanced driving experience.

The car’s advanced technology includes a 7" touchscreen display, 360-degree camera and Apple Play as standard.

Croxdale ordered its showroom version in a deliciously sporty yellow – but Vicki says the car also looks great in the red and blue hues.

“I knew it would be a head turner anyway, but I think the yellow makes it even more outstanding,” she says.

“That said the red and blue do look great too!”

The autumnal hue certainly looked great in amongst the trees at Wynyard Hall where we took our pictures of this outstanding car on a bright early October day - when it was warm enough to comfortably travel in style with the top down.

However, the car is also comfortable and stylish with the roof closed – and gives a fantastic driving experience.

“The sporty wheels and alloys also make the car stand out from the crowd,” Vicki says.

“But it doesn’t just look good - it goes from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds – quicker than a Porsche – so it really can move!

“Because it is so sporty you are low and you feel connected to the road beneath you.

“It also has a sport mode, which my husband, who previously had a BMW Z4 loves!”

In appealing to a former BMW sports car driver, MG have come up trumps with the Cyberster, which Vicki believes has wide-ranging appeal. ?

“I’ve seen such a mix of people looking at it and it suits a businesswoman - it really does feel like a fitting car for the role I do - but it would also suit a lady of leisure or a male sports car fanatic.”

Ultimately, the car is perfect for anyone who enjoys driving for fun – safely of course!

On a more practical note, she adds: “The boot goes back further than you think – it’s not a bad size at all. You would definitely get all your shopping in.”

The all-electric car is small but also mighty when it comes to power, with a range of 316 miles on a full charge – and an estimated charging time of 38 minutes.

The MG Cyberster is available now at Croxdale Group Durham.

For more information or to book a test drive, visit https://www.croxdalegroup.com/site/enquiry/ or call? 01388814671