LSE: 512.40 GBP -2.80 (-0.54%)
Menu
Close
16 July 26 Press releases

Avoch retiree celebrates winning brand new £24K electric car in national competition

  • Retired civil servant wins big after entering Autotrader’s Electric Car giveaway 
  • David Brims lands top prize of a new all-electric Fiat Grande Panda 
  • Autotrader’s Electric Car giveaway has given away nearly £2 million worth of cars since 2021 

A retired civil servant from Avoch hit the jackpot after winning a brand-new electric car in a free online competition from Autotrader, the UK’s biggest automotive marketplace. 

David Brims, who is based just outside of Inverness, claimed the massive prize worth £24,000 after entering Autotrader’s Electric Car giveaway. 

David, who is a retired government vet and lives on the south-east coast of the Black Isle, finally landed the top prize of a Fiat Grande Panda La Prima after several attempts entering Autotrader’s popular competition.  

David, who enjoyed a 40-year career in the civil service and was involved in managing a number of high-profile animal welfare and animal health cases over the years, including bird flu and BSE, now spends most of his time supporting and volunteering in the local community. This includes being a trishaw pilot with Cycling Without Age Scotland volunteering and PAT testing for the Black Isle Library of Things 

As part of the win and to help David settle in as easy as possible with his new electric car, David has also received a contribution of up to £1,300 towards his insurance courtesy of MoneySuperMarket and a £1,000 public charging credit from Octopus Electroverse. 

The range topping version of the Grande Panda La Prima features up to 199 miles of electric range, 17” alloy wheels designed to enhance both style and aerodynamics, and an impressive premium interior finish with onboard navigation.  

David commented, "Winning the giveaway couldn’t have come at a better time for me as I was trying to work out how to replace my ageing car that always seemed to need repairing. I always hoped that my next vehicle would be electric as I have a bit of green streak myself – I currently have air source heating in my home, recently upgraded the insulation and am also looking to install solar panels for the property very soon. 

"An electric car wasn’t in my current budget so I’m absolutely thrilled to have finally won the giveaway after numerous times trying! I’ve now got a car that I’ve always hoped for and it has allowed me to continue being as sustainable as possible across all parts of my everyday life. I’m looking forward to going on several road trips over the coming months including seeing my sister in the Scottish capital for the Edinburgh Festival and taking in the scenic surroundings of the local area on my way to Aberdeen to see friends."

We are absolutely thrilled for David on winning the keys to a brand-new electric car. Winning our monthly giveaway is always a special moment, but it’s extra rewarding to know the new car is going to someone who genuinely needed a reliable upgrade and has been longing to make the switch to a cleaner, modern and a cheaper to run option in the long term. We hope David has a fantastic time driving down to the Festival and exploring all the roads around Scotland in his amazing Fiat Grande Panda!

Key spokesperson

Erin Baker

Autotrader’s Editorial Director

CONNECT

Since starting the giveaway in 2021, Autotrader – which has the largest selection of used and new EVs in the UK - has given away £2 million worth of cars to over 50 winners across the UK, as well as £60,000 worth of insurance. 

 

To find out more about Autotrader’s electric car giveaway visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/electric/giveaway  

 

And for more info about EVs including guides to buying an electric car, visit the Autotrader electric hub here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/electric   

Share:
Up next
14 Million Brits Have Been Sunburnt Behind the Wheel, as Autotrader and British Skin Foundation Warn of Hidden UV Dangers on the Road
Read More
Used EV prices return to growth for the first time since 2022 as wider used car market strengthens
Read More
Two British "Queens" up for sale on Autotrader: Sir Elton John and Queen Elizabeth II’s cars hit the market
Read More

Stay up to date

Follow us on our social channels to keep up with the latest news, insights and company developments.

 

If you would like to be added to our News & views mailing list, or have any media-related enquiries, please contact our press team:

Autotrader UK

Autotrader Insight

Autotrader Life

Other Group sites

Looking to join the team?

Check out careers

Looking to make a sale?

Sell your vehicle

Looking to make a purchase?

Buy a vehicle

Keep in touch

Sign up to our email alerts service:

RNS alerts

Join our news & views mailing list
or submit media-related enquiries:

Contact our press team
  • ©2026 Autotrader Group plc. Registered in England with company number: 09439967.