James Bond: The Spy Who Loved Cars

The world’s largest network of professional motor industry communicators, MIPAA, presents its annual Chairman’s Award for an outstanding contribution to public relations. Other winners have been Boris Johnson, Robert Llewellyn, Chris Evans, Ken Gibson, Lord March, Ewan McGregor / Charlie Boorman, and, yes, Jeremy Clarkson.

Ben Collins (aka The Stig), stunt driver for the latest Bond movie, 'Skyfall',  accepted the award on behalf of Eon Productions. “Eon has enjoyed a long and close relationship with the motor industry," Collins said, "and 'Skyfall' is the latest example of how vehicles represent a key element in the franchise. We look forward to more fast-paced adventures ahead.”

Raising the profile of vehicles

MIPAA Chairman Al Clarke praised Eon for its global showcase of vehicles: “Bond has probably done more to raise the profile of vehicles than any other single character in the history of film. He has driven and crashed his way through a fleet that would make any insurance broker weep, let alone Q.

"Along the way Eon has given a showcase to cars, buses, motorcycles and commercial vehicles of all types to billions of people across the world. The 2012 MIPAA Chairman’s Award is presented to James Bond in recognition of the remarkable visibility given to the wide range of products manufactured by the motor industry.”

The Award was presented on December 11 2012 at the annual MIPAA Christmas lunch, organised in partnership with Newspress.