fleet car spring 2010

Volume 8. No. 1. Spring 2010

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Toyota Prius‘Future Proof’ Hybrid Synergy Drive

inco

rpor

atin

gin

corp

orat

ing

Newsletter for Approved Driving Instructors.

The latest on low emission motoring

Car Hire 2010

FEATURE

FLEETCAR | Spring 2010 3

www.fl eetcar.ie

4 News • EU fl eet sector to recover? • Fleet managers targeted by Safety Campaigners • COP 15 Driving Sustainability • Menu Service pricing on offer to fl eets • Junction Box

6 Report EU Road Safety Action Programme 2011-2020, Brussels, Belgium

8 Focus Renault Ireland’s new Business Policy for cars & commercials

10 Launch Pad New from Audi, Alfa, Fiat, Skoda and BMW

13 Tyres State of play from Continental

14 Review North American Motor Show – Detroit, USA

17 DIRECTION Newsletter of the Approved Driving Instructors (ADI)

26 Feature Car Hire/Rental Market 2010

31 FLEET MANAGEMENT • Latest from low-emission motoring • Launch Pad – Honda Insight & Opel Ampera • Outlook – Peugeot going forward • TESTED – Toyota Prius & Volvo V50 DRIVe

36 Fleeting Shots Pictures from Dakar 2010, Ford Motorsport, Mercedes- Benz & ACEA

38 Interview With James Brooks, Managing Director, KIA Motors Ireland

contents Spring 2010

Fleet Car Magazine

D’Alton Street, Claremorris,

Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826

Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571

Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie

ISSN: 1649-9433

www.fl eetcar.ie

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

Contributors:

Gerry Murphy, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Donal

Dempsey, HeadlineAuto.

Photography:

Jarlath Sweeney, Gerry Murphy, Cathal Doyle,

Newspress, HeadlineAuto, H2Logics, John T Ohle.

Administration:

Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Helen Maguire.

Advertising:

Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney.

Design: Eamon Wynne

P 10

P 14

P 36

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet

Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet

Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/

Fleet Maritime are published by JJDS

Publications Ltd. Registered Offi ce: D’Alton

Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767

Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specifi c matter.

Please send me an issue of Fleet Transport magazine (plus supplements) every month for one year starting with

the next available issue for the cost of €65 (Ireland), €85 (Europe) €120 US.Name: Job Title

Company: Email:

Address:

Phone: Fax:

Three ways to subscribe:

1. Cheque made payable to Fleet Transport for €

2. Please charge my debit/credit card for the amount of €

Laser, Mastercard, Visa, Electron & Maestro.

Card No.

Expiry Date: CVV No.

Signature: Date:

3. Please invoice me for €

Purchase Order No. (if applicable).

Send completed form to:

Subscriptions, Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street,

Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Fax: +353 94 9373571 FC02.10

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

www.fl eetcar.iewww.fl eetcar.ieFleet Car Magazine’s new websiteFleet Car Magazine’s new website

NOW ON T W ITTER NOW ON T W ITTER TOO!TOO!

NEWS 1

New Safety Campaign Targeting Fleet Managers

European fl eet market set to recover by 2011

Road safety charity Brake has launched a new campaign specifi cally targeted at fl eet

managers, to help them educate and improve safety for company drivers. At the heart of the campaign is a range of new e-learning tools to help educate and persuade people who drive for work of the importance of making a commitment to drive safely. Th e dedicated website, www.pledge2drivesafely.org has been developed.

Th e campaign is run via workshops, which fl eet managers att end to learn how to deliver the messages and infl uence driving behaviour within their own organisations. It aims to achieve bett er driver safety by asking drivers to make 7 safety-critical Pledges and giving them the knowledge and att itudes to keep those Pledges. Th ey are:

Sober UpWake UpBuck UpCheck UpBelt UpShut UpSlow Down

It revolves around the online resources available via the website, which contains interactive, audio and video content, covering those 7 golden rules behind Brake’s Pledge2DriveSafely: Resources on the site include a virtual conference presentation by Brake Chief

Executive, Mary Williams OBE, and a quiz to test drivers’ knowledge and understanding of it.

Also featured are video interviews with people who have been bereaved by road crashes involving at-work drivers, as a means of focusing discussions around specifi c topics, and bringing the stark message home to drivers that their actions can have horrifi c and devastating consequences.

Th e site off ers a series of interactive games for drivers to participate in as aids to learning, including a ‘morning aft er calculator’ showing

the time it takes for alcohol to leave the body, and ‘where will you stop?’ indicating stopping distances at diff erent speeds.

Managers can also use the new site to order essential resources, branded with their own company logo, to help them deliver road safety campaigns to drivers within their organisation.

Th e site is password protected, being made accessible to anyone who att ends the Pledge2DriveSafely workshop. Th e one-day workshop for managers gives in-depth advice and guidance on how to use the

resources on the new site. It also covers techniques for delivering the messages, from leading group discussions to one to one coaching, as well as important grounding in the background research behind the Pledge campaign.

As a result of the collapse of the banking sector in 2008, credit, even for well-established

companies, became more expensive, which curtailed the growth of the fl eet industry. Th e rise in the cost of re-fi nancing caused lease-holders to extend their leasing contracts, and the decline in business activities caused many companies to lay off their workforce and downsize their fl eet requirements to cut costs. Th is all contributed to the reduction in demand for new company cars, and caused a signifi cant decline in new purchases. Datamonitor estimates that new company car purchases in 2009 will register a fall of about 26% in the 25 European markets.

Th e downturn in the fl eet market provided the impetus for leasing companies to streamline their business processes and chart out new business strategies in an att empt to minimize the impact of the credit crunch. For example, these fi rms are now focusing on consolidating their market position and portfolio rather than geographic expansion. In addition, to improve residual values, leasing companies are looking to diversify their

remarketing eff orts into channels such as direct sales to retail and drivers, auctions, and the exportation of end-of-contract cars. Both they and their customers are att empting to extend leasing contracts to mitigate the impact of the fall in the residual values of end-of-contract cars. Furthermore, customers are demanding fuel-effi cient cars to save themselves from the burden of governmental emissions-based taxes, which are likely to alter the portfolio of many lease-holders in favour of more environmentally-friendly cars. Of late, the European economy has begun to show some signs of recovery. Government intervention and stimulus packages have improved the fi nancial and banking sectors, thus giving hope of a revival in the fl eet sector. Datamonitor expects the market’s recovery to commence in early 2010, with sizeable growth not expected until the end of that year. However, some sectors will recover faster than others. New company car purchases are expected to show a modest growth of 4.6% in 2010, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2009 and 2014.

4 FLEETCAR | Spring 2010

Peugeot’s New Look

It was in 1810 that Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot turned their father’s cereal mill into a steel foundry and took the Peugeot family into the industrial era.

Now 200 years later, a new chapter in the Peugeot story is about to open with a further evolution of the brand; a new styling direction, a new corporate Lion badge and a new signature - MOTION & EMOTION.

KIA’s EU Sales Record

KIA’s Motors Europe reached a milestone on the European Continent with sales of over 50,000 units in the UK during 2009. Benefi ting from the Scrappage Scheme, its best seller was the Picanto with the cee’d next in line. To come in 2010 is the New European built Sorento to follow the recently launched Venga Mini MPV.

Check Safety Rating on New Cars

Th e Road Safety Authority (RSA) recommends that anyone considering buying a new car under the Government’s Car Scrappage Scheme should examine closely information about the safety performance of the car before buying. “Th e best source of such information is the European New Car Assessment Programme or Euro NCAP. Euro NCAP provides a realistic and independent measurement of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe by rating their performance in crash testing. Consumers then have the opportunity to compare the safety performance of similar sized vehicles with their chosen car,” advises Noel Brett , CEO, Road Safety Authority.

Richard Hill of Peak Performance

www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 5

NEWS 11

At the Driving Sustainability Conference hosted by the three main automobile manufacturers

associations during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 15) in Copenhagen, Ivan Hodac, Secretary General, ACEA stated that, “Automakers are part of the solutions necessary to address climate change – we need and want to be part of the policy discussion at COP 15 and beyond, throughout the Globe.”

“I ndeed , t he energ y and transport sectors, in particular, are sectors where growing demand is a reality. And there is a link, to a certain extent, between energy consumption and motorisation and economic growth. It is oft en taken for granted, but in industrialized countr ies, com mercia l vehicles move about 70% of all freight -bringing us things we rely on daily. Personal mobility is a powerful symbol of freedom and autonomy; and means access to culture, education, and health care.”

“So, one side, there is rapid economic development and the resulting increasing demand for transportation, especially in the developing world. On the other side, there is the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Th e policies that are being developed and deployed must, in parallel, address other major issues, such as energy security, demographic change and rapid urbanisation.

“In addressing climate change, cooperation is essential for us all to succeed. Th e challenge of more sustainable mobility serves very well to explain why such a partnership is indispensable.”

“Automakers see the reality of how the world is changing, and we are moving fast to help fi nd solutions. Mobility will continue to be important, both for commercial and personal use and for the

ongoing economic and social development within world markets. So what solutions can the automotive industry bring? What can we do to advance sustainable mobility?”

“For automakers, sustainable mobility means fulfi lling the industry’s fundamental role as a provider of transport in a way that maximizes energy effi ciency while conserving the earth’s limited natural resources.”

“Th is is a critical time for the auto industry. Th e wake of the current fi nancial crisis and economic

recession could reshape the global automotive industry. Economists agree that the worst may well be over, but it is still very diffi cult to see a real upturn on the horizon.”

Whatever our outlook, we recognize that achieving a sustainable future will require co-operation with partners, both inside and outside our industry. Sustainability is about joining ideas, minds and eff orts to create meaningful, long-term value. Co-operation is essential for us all to succeed.”

Co-operation is essential for sustainable mobility to succeed

Motor manufacturers are set to extend their franchise dealer menu pricing initiatives

in 2010 to stop fl eets sending their older vehicles to independent garages. UK Motor industry e-commerce specialist epyx says that as the recession sees fl eets operate increasing numbers of four and even fi ve year vehicles, independent servicing becomes more att ractive. Ken Trinder, Head of Business Development for epyx, explained: “A fl eet that runs its vehicles on a three year cycle is likely to stay with franchise dealers because a proper manufacturer service history is an important factor in strong residual values and also because the vehicle is probably covered by a three year warranty.” “However, as fl eets extend their cycles, these factors become less important and turning to

independent garages for service and maintenance becomes a strong option for reasons of cost.” He explained: “Menu pricing is the obvious way for manufacturers to help their franchise dealers fi ght back against any potential ‘defections’ to independent garages. By off ering value for money, fi xed cost SMR for older vehicles, they can retain fl eet business.”

“Before e-commerce technology was available, menu pricing initiatives were very administration intensive and tended to be limited to a few items, such as major services,” he added. “However, manufacturers are now able to put thousands of diff erent maintenance actions on their fl eet menu pricing lists. Crucially, they can also change prices across their network in moments, reacting rapidly in what is currently a very dynamic fl eet SMR sector.”

Manufacturers set to adopt wider menu pricing schemes to stop fl eet defection to independents

Škoda becomes more sustainable Škoda realises the importance of protecting the environment for future generations through sustainability. As such, all current Škoda models (Fabia, Roomster, Octavia, Yeti and Superb) are certifi ed by the Vehicle Certifi cation Agency in the UK, and meet Directive 2005/64/EC. Part of this legislation requires that 80 per cent of a vehicle’s weight is recyclable.

However, Škoda has gone one step further in its native Czech Republic by not only ensuring that its cars are recyclable, but also that their reusable potential i s f u l f i l l e d . Partner company, Callparts, off ers a nat ionw ide collection a nd d i sposa l network in the Czech Republic, allowing owners of older Škodas to dispose of their cars in an environmentally-friendly way.

Posh signs for Subaru

Peterborough United aff ectionately known as ‘Th e Posh’ owned by Irishman Darragh MacAnthony has signed up with Subaru as offi cial club car supplier. A brand new Legacy Estate diesel is already wearing the famed blue shirt with more signings to follow. Manchester United and Arsenal have similar endorsement deals with Audi and Citroen respectively.

Audi FSI makes ‘Best Engines’ List

Audi earned top honours for two engines on the respected “10 Best Engines” list from Ward’s AutoWorld in the US. Both the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine with the A4, and supercharged six cylinder 3.0 TFSI engine for the S4 model impressed the Ward’s editors.

“Th is year’s list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance,” Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. “Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing effi ciency.”

REPORT

6 FLEETCAR | Spring 2010 Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie

European Road Safety Action Programme 2011 – 2020

The European Commission requires the priority recommendations for action to achieve a positive impact

on road safety and public health while also improving mobility, energy, the environment and the economy – that was the theme of the presentations made at the European Road Safety Action Programme 2011 – 2020 at the European Commission’s Charlemagne building in Brussels offi cially opened by Mr. Antonio Tanjam, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of transport. In all 20 presentations were made by various speakers in the day-long programme att ended by Jarlath Sweeney, editor, Fleet Car.

In 2008, 39,000 European citizens died in road accidents. Th e EU objective to halve the number of deaths in road accidents by 2010 (i.e. 25,000 deaths) has proved too diffi cult to achieve. More than 400 stakeholders with diff erent backgrounds discussed the problems and the state of play in road safety in the European Union.

“Th e public consultation and today’s conference contributed to defi ning a clear and measurable European action programme on road safety for the period 2011-2020. Europe cannot be lax on road safety – tens of thousands of human lives are at stake each year. Th is action programme will help us remain demanding and determined in our fi ght against road accidents. Th e new action programme will also focus on key priorities such as accidents in rural roads (60% of the total number of deaths) and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and elderly people,” said Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani.

Interestingly 76% of respondents to a (internet based) consultation among road users – cars, trucks, motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists

perceived that traffi c is safer now than 10 years ago. Young drivers (63%) and car drivers (31%) were identifi ed as the main casualty problems. The most important countermeasures on infrastructure were assessed to be road classifi cation – appropriate match between function, speed limit, design, layout (57%), facilities for pedestrians and cyclists (57%) speed management in urban areas (49%) and the implementation of safety audit and safety inspection (47%). High priority was also directed towards law enforcement in relation to drink driving and speed limits. With regard to vehicles – bett er brakes, lighting and intelligent systems were cited as bett er ways at preventing injuries as well as improving the safety quality of vehicle standards and equipment for HGVs.

More political willingness was called upon, as was improvement in EU policy in order to achieve the collective goal in reducing road deaths and injuries across Europe.

Aft er giving an assessment of the results of the current European Road Safety Action Programme (2001 – 2010), the Commission will release the outcome of the consultation process that has taken place over the past months to contribute to the next action programme. Th is process has involved experts as well as citizens in general, with a view to gathering ideas on future actions that can help further improve road safety in the EU.

Th e debate took place in the form of panel discussions with experts and plenary sessions with all participants. Subjects for the fi rst panel discussion were the safety of vehicles and of infrastructure, with focus on the safety of motorcycles, vehicles of the future such as electric cars, eco-driving, and on how to adjust infrastructure to diff erent categories of road users. Th e second panel discussion dealt with the role that citizens can play in improving

road safety. Panellists represented road victims, professional drivers, public authorities, traffi c police and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and elderly people as well as industry representatives.

During the event the Annual Excellence in Road Safety Awards ceremony of the European Road Safety Charter (ERSC) took place. Th ese Awards acknowledge the six most innovative and successful initiatives undertaken by ERSC signatories. Th e ESB was short listed.

See more details on this and the Conference on www.fl eet.ie


FOCUS

Renault Ireland launch 2010 Business Policy

Buoyant from the successful start to 2010, Renault Ireland is looking to further its growing market share with

the introduction of the 2010 Renault Business Policy. Stemming from its 2009 Fleet Policy, the new programme features a number of modifi cations that will att ract the business user, be it passenger car or light commercial vehicle operator. “Basically, we have reduced the Business threshold from 5 vehicles to 3 vehicles,” explained John Sullivan, Fleet Sales Director, Renault Ireland. “We have also changed the criteria for commercial vehicle sales by introducing two diff erent levels of Business support – Level 1 is for small business owners or sole traders with 1 or 2 vehicles provided they are registered for VAT. Level 2 is for fl eets with 3 or more vehicles,” he added. As an added sweetner, John said, “Business owners who purchase 3 or more Renault vehicles (cars or vans) during 2010 will qualify for the Renault Business Owner Volume Bonus.”

Th e 2010 Renault Business Policy is directed at bone fi de business owners, not private individuals or sole traders that are involved in the sale or resale of vehicles. Separate packages will be off ered to Leasing companies in relation to volume bonus for passenger vehicle sales only. “In addition, there is a minimum retention period of 6 months for all vehicles supplied under the Renault Business Policy,” stated John.

Together with Gary Breen, newly appointed Fleet Sales Manager and Julien Lelorrain, Product Manager and the Renault Ireland Dealer Network is in a position to elevate the French brand into a strong player in the corporate/fl eet car and commercial sectors. And for 2010, the Renault product range is extending att ractive, eco-friendly, economical with improved quality all round.

Each Dealer will have a nominated Business sales person as a point of contact for this specifi c customer. “Th is person will become the Dealership ambassador for all aspects of this business that includes sales and most importantly aft ersales,” concluded John.

For the 2010 Renault Business Policy, Renault Ireland concentrates on the new Mègane family which includes the Hatch, Coupe and the Grand Mègane – formerly known as the Sport Tourer (Estate). Not only does the Mègane range off er three diff erent body types, the price structure and discounts available for the Business Policy customer is unbeatable,

not to mention the recently announced 5 year/unlimited mileage warranty now on all Renault cars and vans.

According to Julien Lelorrain, the Renault Grand Mègane is the ultimate combination of practicality, design and technology. “A perfect blend of space and style,” he stressed. “Th e future of the estate car is here,” he added.

Th ree levels of specifi cations are available in the new Grand Mègane: Royale, Dynamique and TomTom Edition (with built-in TomTom sat nav).

“Renault Grand Mègane is a great deal in the current economic climate with value for money a key priority for purchasers. Grand Mègane Royale 1.5 dCi 86 comes with an incredible price, lowest annual road tax of €104, servicing every two years.” Th e Grand

Mègane’s boot off ers a generous load area from 486 litres with the fi ve-seat confi guration, up to 1600 litres by simply folding down the rear seats. “Spacious and ingenious,” is how Julien described the Grand Mègane’s load arena, “the Grand Mègane’s boot comes with a clever storage compartment system that makes it easier to organise the loading space and to make your life and journey easier.”

In order to deliver both responsive and secure handling, the Grand Mègane has a perfectly balanced chassis and precise steering. Together with a range of high-performance economical and ecological engines, the Grand Mègane is proof that driving an estate car can be a real pleasure.

While featuring a huge list of standard equipment the version featuring the built-in TomTom sat nav will be appreciated by the

Model Engine Spec level RRPBusinessDiscount

BusinessPrice

Mègane Hatch 1.5 dCi 86bhp Royale €20,300 €4,800 €15,500

Mègane Coupe 1.5 dCi 86bhp Royale €20,900 €5,300 €15,600

Grand Mégane 1.5 dCi 86bhp Royale €21,100 €5,000 €16,100

Pictured clockwise: Renault Grand Megane, Interior and Boot

high mileage cross-country driver as will the urban user. “To get you where you want to go with minimum fuss, the Grand Mègane offers an easy-to-use satellite navigation solution (as standard or option), developed exclusively with TomTom, world-renowned experts in the fi eld.”

All models wearing the Renault badge come under the Business Plus programme from the Twingo, Clio Hatchback and Grand Clio, Grand Modus and Kangoo Kar. Coming in above the 3 strong Mègane range is the Scenic, Grand Scenic and Espace MPVs as well as the Kaleos SUV. Th en there is the Laguna trio – Hatch, Tourer and sleek Coupe. Th e Renault commercial vehicle line-up includes the Kangoo van, Trafi c and Master – the latt er being replaced by an all-new model due here soon – see Cover Story in Fleet Transport. Th e Kangoo range will have a long wheelbase version added while the Trafi c will get a makeover shortly.

Having pipped the Government to the post by introducing the fi rst Irish Scrappage Scheme, Renault Ireland has announced another fi rst by launching a 5-year extended warranty programme available for all new Renault cars and vans.

“Renault already provides one of the best ‘bumper to bumper’ warranty covers on the Irish market, with its current 3-year warranty including 3 year AA roadside assist covering up to 100,000km and up to 150,000km on Laguna, Koleos and Espace models,” emphasised Julien.

“Th e Renault for You extended warranty will off er Renault customers a ‘peace of mind’ motoring solution that suits their practical needs, at an aff ordable price,” he added.

Th e new Renault for You programme will enable Renault customers extend their manufacturer warranty from the current 3-year warranty to up to 5-years unlimited mileage, and is sure to

position Renault as leader among European manufacturers on the Irish market in terms of warranty cover. Th is 5-year warranty will include fully comprehensive breakdown assistance cover which includes in particular; nationwide recovery, home assist, over night accommodation, 24-hour hire vehicle and a dedicated 24-hour help-line.

For more information on the Renault Business Policy please contact: John Sullivan, Fleet Sales Director- [email protected] Breen, Fleet Sales Manager- [email protected] Julien Lelorrian, Product Manager- [email protected]

FOCUS

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 9

Renault Mègane Hatch Renault Mègane Coupe

New Renault Master

Renault Mègane TomTom close-up

LAUNCH PAD


Little and Large from Audi with new A8 and A1

Alfa Romeo bring back Giulietta name for 147 replacement

Fiat ‘rEVOlutionize’ Punto

Deemed to be the ‘sportiest sedan of the luxury class’, the next generation A8 from

Audi due this Spring is not the only highlight of the German automaker’s centenary as the new A1 will enter the subcompact segment.

Sporting a more elegant (all aluminium) body the new A8 features more powerful and effi cient engines, more luxurious equipment and is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s lighter too – by 6.5 kgs. Th e power spectrum of the three engines available initially (from 3.0 TDI, 4.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI) lies between 250 – 372 hp, and consume on average 22% less fuel than their respective predecessors.

As expected safety through various assistance systems has been improved as

has infotainment systems through higher equipment levels. Its new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission has higher overall gear ratios. Other new functions include all-LED highlights, new touch screen Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that incorporates ‘anticipatory’ satellite Navigation System that’s capable of marking out pedestrians via night-vision-assist.

Audi will be the fi rst manufacturer to off er a premium car in the subcompact segment with the Audi A1. Targeting a young audience the launch plan includes promotion on every medium possible such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitt er as well as through the mainstream media. A1 appeared in concept form at motor shows in Tokyo (2007) and Paris (2008) but

the fi nal version is a best-kept secret. “Th e new A1 has Audi design in its genes”, stated Stefan Sielaff , Head of Design at Audi AG. “Th e front overhang is short, but the wheel wells are pronounced, giving the A1 a wide road stance. Th ere will be many ways to customise the A1 to your personal ideas, especially in the interior.”

“Audi is renowned for taking a lot of features of its show cars into series production. Th e roof arch is a unique characteristic of the Tokyo show car; there is a certain dynamism in the fl ow of the A and C pillars. Th e future is almost here – the countdown to this A1 is on,” he added.

Back in the 1950’s, the Alfa Romeo Giuliett a caught the imagination of car

enthusiasts, making the dream of owning a true performing Italian car a reality. Now for the 147 replacement, Alfa has brought back the legendary name for 21st Century drivers who are looking for a distinctive style and a high level of comfort.

With strong styling from all angles, design traits stem from the Alfa 8C and MiTo, which have been well received by the public. One of the distinctive features is the absence of a standard rear door handle as per the Alfa 156 from 1987.

Th e driveline features Stop/Start technology and Euro 5 engine emission controls which range from 1.4 litre TB petrols and 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre JTDM diesels that have power outputs from 105 hp – 235 hp. Alfa DNA – the 3 sett ing

driving system – Dynamic, Normal and All Weather is included here. At 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide built on a 2.63 metre wheelbase makes it bigger all round than its predecessor.

New Giuliett a is set to get hearts and minds pumping at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales across Europe will follow when presented to the World. As Alfa Romeo celebrates its centenary, the Giuiett a will be joined later in the year by a yet to be named 166 replacement.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Fiat Punto Evo is

making its way here. It aims to build on the success of its predecessor, the Grande Punto, and become a benchmark for innovation, safety and style thanks to several new features.

Technological advances of the Punto Evo includes a broad range of Euro 5 engines, including the second-generation 1.3 MultiJet and new 1.4 MultiAir petrol. Still with reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo off ers Start&Stop system.

Inside the car, there is also a debut for the new Blue&Me-TomTom infotainment system, whose practical colour touch-screen allows you to manage phone calls, satellite navigation and all the driving information you need, which it downloads directly from the on-board computer systems.

Finally, the Fiat Punto Evo is even more attractive thanks to the work done by Fiat’s Centro Stile. The interiors (dashboard, seats and instruments) have been completely revamped.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 11

LAUNCH PAD

Skoda broadens range with Yeti and Superb Estate

Skoda Ireland expect great things about the Yeti – its new compact sports utility/

crossover vehicle. With a starting price of less than €20,000, for the entry-level 1.2 litre TSI petrol, one gets a spacious, versatile and practical fi ve-seater with generous levels of standard equipment and safety features. As with all SUVs, drivers will appreciate the Yeti – its elevated view from its raised seating position and increased ground clearance, while its passengers will like the 3 independent rear seats. Th ese can be removed completely to turn the Yeti van-like as up to 1760 litres of luggage space becomes available.

Most sales will come from the 2.0 litre TDI (110 bhp) common-rail diesel with Band B CO2 emission, equating to annual road tax of just €156. 140 bhp and 170 bhp versions will also be on the list in due course as will a 1.8 TSI (160 bhp) petrol – all featuring 4x4 drive systems.

On the Active trim level there’s a 6.5” colour touch screen sound system with SD card port and 6-CD changer.

With the Yeti name associated with snow, the timing of its launch in Ireland was rather opportune as it arrived just before Christmas. It was recently voted the Czech Motoring Journalists Club Car of the Year. All versions have air-con, Bluetooth, alloys, roof-rails plus numerous options.

Meanwhile the new Skoda Superb Estate is set to become the most luxurious car ever to wear the famous winged arrow badge.

Not to be outdone by the hatchback ’s innovative Twin Door tailgate, the Superb Estate’s boot – the biggest in its class – has its fair share of neat touches too. All models are fi tt ed with a pair of lights built into the tailgate to illuminate not only the load bay but also the

area around the rear of the car. A third, LED light in the boot can be removed all together and used as a torch and, thanks to its magnetic body, mounted to the car’s body.

Th e tailgate itself has an optional power-operated function while the integrated luggage cover automatically retracts when the boot is opened. Customers can also specify the variable fl oor, which extends over the rear bumper to help with awkward loads. And if the Superb Estate’s cavernous load bay (633 litres with the rear seats in place, 1,865 litres seats down) still isn’t big enough, all models are fi tt ed with roof rails. A selection of petrol and diesel engines mated to either manual or DSG auto boxes.

To come also is the new Skoda Superb Estate 4x4 with its fourth-generation Haldex clutch four-wheel drive system which will off er comfort and safety, whatever the weather.

New Fiat Doblo – doubles up on space!

Designed by Centro Stile Fiat alongside the new Fiat Professional Doblo Cargo

van the new Doblo passenger is all about roominess. Available as a 5-seater or 7-seater it was created with practicality and comfort in mind. Compared to the previous model the new Doblo apart from new styling features new engines and new technology throughout. Th is was achieved by building the car on a new platform (Grande Punto), which boasts the longest wheelbase in its class – at 2755 mm. As a result maximum boot space extends to 3200 litres (with the seats folded down). Biggest change is with the new independent bi-link

suspension layout that ensures extra travelling comfort. Vibrant colours, materials and trims enhance the smartly designed interior with

numerous storage options placed all-round.Euro 5 compatible engines (that have Stop/Start technology) range from 3 x 1.3 litre MultiJet diesels – 90/105 and 135 hp mated to 5 and 6 speed gearboxes.

Active safety items include the latest electronic stability control devices such as ABS with EBD – electronic brake force distribution as well as ESP complemented by a Hill Holder System as standard. With crumple zones, front and front-side airbags for head and chest protection, the new Doblo goes beyond the highest passive safety standards required.

New BMW 5 Series has got it allAuto Start/Stop, Park Assist, Night Vision,

Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning are among the latest technological developments in the automotive industry and all of these can be found in the sixth generation BMW 5 Series. Ever since 1972 the 5 series has been a car to aspire to and this new model is no diff erent. A litt le more sportier and elegant than the previous model, the BMW trademark kidney-grille looks more prominent than before. Inside, the extra space should be noticeable – up to 13 mm more rear leg room, thanks to its 2968 mm wheelbase – the

longest of its type in its segment. Boot space has not been compromised either as there is 520 litres available.

Featuring the most perfect 50:50 weight distribution ensures the perfect balance when it comes to ride and handling, aided of course by a super effi cient driveline. Take the 520d for example, likely to be the best selling model as per previous generations – it now has 184 bhp and 380 Nm and wait for it – only 132 g/km CO2 which brings it within Band B (€156 annual road tax). A new 8-speed automatic can be specifi ed over the standard 6-speed manual. Expect a new estate and M-Sport versions in due course.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 13

TYRES

The dramatic fall in new car registrations is well documented. Th ere is however, another statistic which must be causing

concern to anyone that takes interest in road safety in Ireland.

Sales of replacement tyres fell signifi cantly last year - by up to 20% compared to 2008 according to Paddy Murphy, General Sales Manager of Continental Tyres Ireland. Now given that there has been no appreciable drop in the overall number of cars on our roads, if anything you would have expected sales to have increased last year as people hold onto their cars for longer.

It’s a worrying trend admits Paddy. “Clearly the economic recession has led many consumers to delay new tyre purchases ... and probably break the law,” he says, noting that evidence from Continental’s tyre dealers suggests that the number of drivers coming in to change tyres where the tyre tread is below the minimum legal 1.6mm is on the increase. Another perhaps less surprising trend is that motorists are becoming more cost conscious and are opting for cheaper tyres, a decision that may save money in the short term, but Paddy points out can have implications for road safety.

In this respect he welcomes the introduction from April of this year of a new requirement in the NCT test for a tyre to have an ‘E’ mark to certify compliance with international regulations, which will prevent sub-standard tyres reaching the market here. However he called for the introduction of speed ratings to also be made part of the NCT test, noting that buyers often purchase tyres with a lower speed rating than that specifi ed by the manufacturer.

2012 will see further explanations of the dark science that is tyre technology when EU legislation will make tyre labelling mandatory. It will provide customers on information relating to the fuel effi ciency, wet grip and external noise performance of tyres, and it is hoped will lead to a move toward more fuel effi cient tyres that will be equivalent to removing up to 1.3 million passenger cars from EU roads every year.

If you take an interest in tyres, the recent cold weather did have one side benefi t as it got people talking about having appropriate tyres for more diffi cult weather situations. While we don’t need extremes like studded tyres as used in some Scandanavian countries in winter months, Paddy Murphy believes that for the Irish climate we should consider cold weather tyres for our cars instead of standard tyres.

At temperatures of 7 degrees (below centigrade) or lower, cold weather tyres become more fl exible thanks to a higher content of natural rubber, giving bett er grip and overall performance. Th e tread patt ern also delivers bett er grip on wet and snowy roads – the former certainly far from a rare phenomenon in Ireland. A greater number of sipes or cuts in the tyre provide bett er biting edges to interact with the wintry surface.

Countries like the Netherlands and with climates not dissimilar to our own have seen a dramatic increase in the sales of cold weather tyres in recent years. “Cold weather tyres perform signifi cantly bett er in winter and are only marginally inferior in summer,” says Paddy. “Th e bott om line is that for optimum

tyre performance and wear motorists should use standard tyres April to September and cold weather tyres October to March.”

Having recently revealed its latest product in the UK where Fleet Car was the only Irish representative, Continental Tyres has now launched the ContiSportContact 5 P onto the Irish market. Speaking at the launch, Paddy Murphy said that this new high performance tyre focuses on the key targets of grip and handling. Primarily for 19” wheels and larger, it will be fi tt ed as original equipment on a range of performance cars including the Audi TT RS, Renault Megane Sport RS, Mercedes C-Class AMG and E-Class AMG and Mercedes SK AMG with further approvals expected. Th e tyre uses Continental’s Macro Block Technology to create large tread blocks on the outer shoulder for bett er stability with increased fl exibility. Further technology includes a mix of polymers and carbon called Black Chilli which Continental says gives improved braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces. Th e tyre also has an additional 3mm tread depth indicator (as well as the mandatory 1.6mm), at which point Contintental recommends replacing tyres for optimum safety in the wet.

Continental launches New Performance Tyre amid fears of increased illegal Tyre usage

ecent coldas it got

riate tyresns. While ded tyresntries in

ves that nsider

tead

ow es er er ad et ly d. in to

with n have

of cold d weatherwinter andmer,” saysoptimum

Paddy Murphy, General Sales Manager of Continental Tyres Ireland


REVIEW

You know things have changed in the motor industry when Ford launches a major European model like the new

Focus in America.

Th e opening press conference in Detroit combined the not inconsiderable charisma of Ford CEO Alan Mulally with a fl ashy and upbeat stage show that conveyed one clear message: optimism. It also unveiled the third generation of Ford’s ever-popular family hatchback, a car that seems more important to the brand now than ever before.

Ford’s press conference spelled out its single-minded, recession-busting strategy that’s giving the whole brand direction. It’s called the

‘One Ford’ plan and it means taking successful and effi cient European cars like the new Focus, Fiesta and the next Mondeo, and selling them worldwide. In unveiling of a more stylish premium Focus is vital because Ford believes its US customers will want to downsize en masse over the next three years.

It’s more upmarket than ever and we’re told this high-end specifi cation will translate to European models, due on sale during the fi rst quarter of 2011. Mulally revealed that ten global C-segment models will spin-off the new Focus platform and that an electric version will be built in Michigan, giving the assembled Ford employees plenty of reasons to whoop with optimism. In all, the Blue

Oval perfectly judged the balance between positivity and cockiness here, and the Focus stole the show.

And the rest...

Not that it had much competition from its US counterparts. Chrysler’s stand seemed hurriedly integrated with Fiat’s, but there was early evidence of synergy between the two newly united brands in the form of the Chrysler Delta Concept - eff ectively a Lancia Delta with Chrysler grille. It’s a start, but how a car designed for Milan will fair in Michigan is anyone’s guess...

Th e General Motors area was quiet as a crypt

North American International Auto Show 2010

Cadillac XTS Platinum ConceptBuick Regal GS

Ford Focus Ford Transit Connect

Chevrolet Aero RS

1922 Ford Electric


REVIEW

and, depressingly, the biggest GM news of the day came from interviews with its executives, who were quoted as saying that Saab would be “wound-up” in the near future, prompting a fl urry of reports that GM never intended to sell the ailing Swedish brand anyway - to Spyker, Ecclestone or anyone else.

Upbeat Europeans

Elsewhere, European manufacturers were more upbeat, even though none unveiled mainstream models here. BMW tantalized by revealing a scorching hot version of the Z4 with a 335bhp straight six under its lengthy bonnet. Zero to 62mph takes the snappily named Z4 sDrive35i just 4.8 seconds, putt ing

its performance on a par with BMW’s M cars.

Volkswagen came up with a sleek hybrid coupe concept that’s likely to be called a Jett a hybrid, and is powered by the VW Group’s 1.4 TSI engine combined with a lithium-ion batt ery powered electric motor. It emits just 98g/km CO2 emissions but can hit 140mph.

Mercedes had a clay silhouett e of the next CLS, while Audi previewed the new A8 and Mini launched the Beachcomber concept; an intuitively packaged, funky SUV.

Meanwhile Honda and Toyota took the opportunity of an American motor show

to launch two new hybrids - both of which claimed to have ‘sporty’ driving characteristics. Honda’s production-ready CR-Z was the more appealing, reviving the spirit of the CRX with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain and decent 2+2 looks. Th e European version will make its debut at Geneva.

Th ere was no gett ing away from it though - Detroit 2010 belonged to Ford. Especially when Mulally announced that, in every division of its business around the world, the Blue Oval has been profi table in the last quarter of 2009. For now, it is single-handedly proving that car manufacturers in America have a future - and that gave the whole show cause for optimism.

- Detroit, USA

Volvo C30 BEVVolkswagen Jett aMustang Drop-Top

Lancia-Chrysler Delta Mercedes-Benz E-Class Concept Mini Beachcomber Concept

Text: Jarlath Sweeney & Gerry Murphy www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 17

NEWS 1

To avoid any additional vehicle damage and expense caused as a result of driving over potholes, TyreSafe, the tyre safety organisation,

is advising motorists to ensure their wheels are properly aligned. Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle’s steering and suspension geometries or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the eff ects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible.

“Th e recent bad weather will inevitably increase the number of potholes we see on our roads which can cause a number of serious safety issues for drivers,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “If a car’s wheels are not correctly aligned it may pull to one side or cause vibrations in the steering wheel which can be distracting and make the vehicle diffi cult to control. By visiting your local garage or tyre dealer they will be able to perform some simple checks to make sure the wheels are correctly aligned, helping you to stay safe.”

According to the AA, last February’s heavy snow increased insurance claims for pothole damage by more than 250 percent. With the current prolonged spell of snow and freezing conditions, road damage is expected to be even worse this year.

As well as the safety benefi ts off ered by correct wheel alignment, motorists can also reduce their running costs. When a vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, it is less likely to suff er from premature tyre wear as the tyres point in the correct direction, reducing any ‘scrubbing’ action on the road surface. Th is also helps to reduce the rolling resistance of the tyres meaning that fuel costs are also reduced.

“When a driver has their wheel alignment checked, the garage will also be able to give the tyres a proper inspection to ensure they have not suff ered any damage from the pothole,” continues Jackson. “Cuts or bulges in a tyre mean that it is likely to have suff ered some serious internal damage making it unsafe and illegal. Th e garage will also be able to check that the tyres have adequate tread depth and the correct pressure, both essential for safe driving.”

Many road signs in Europe are internationally standardised, however recent research by the Institute of Advanced

Motorists (IAM) has found that tourists driving in foreign countries are “three times more likely to be involved in an accident abroad due to ignorance of local traffi c laws.” Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) the long stay airport parking and travel extras specialist, has put together a table of European road signs for the ‘Know Before You Go’ section of its website - www.aph.com/news/knowbeforeyougo highlights unusual road signs found in popular holiday destinations in Europe.

Th e APH research table highlights the unusual signs which could confuse drivers and found that while France has few signs that diff er from those in the UK, Germany has a number of confusing ones too and some of the Swedish road signs also have a slight variation on the international signing system.

Nick Caunter, MD of APH, says: “More and more holidaymakers choose to hire a car in Europe or drive their own car abroad, so we felt it was important to highlight to drivers the most confusing European road signs. Th e table helps travellers to study the road signs at their holiday destination before leaving the UK and they can also print off the table from the ‘Know Before You Go’ section of our website, and take it abroad with them.”

Check wheel alignment after pothole damage

‘Know Before You Go’ driving abroad

Newsletter for Approved Driving Instructors Volume 1, No. 1 Spring 2010

A novel new road safety awareness campaign has been launched by the RoadSafety Authority (RSA) and Park Rite, using awareness

raising posters. Th ey display seatbelt-wearing and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) messages at highly visible locations, at the entry and exit point and pay station areas, in Park Rite car parks throughout the country. Park Rite has provided all the poster sites in their car parks free of charge to the RSA.

According to Noel Brett , Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority,“Th e aim of the campaign, is to deliver an important road safety message to drivers and passengers at a key point of intervention, the start of their journey.”

He added, “The RSA is indebted to Park Rite for their generous support of this campaign. Indeed we have been working together to promote road safety for the past fi ve years. I have no doubt that this campaign will create a greater awareness of seatbelt wearing rates among drivers and passengers, and encourage drivers to use their dipped headlights during the daytime.”

RSA teams-up with Park Rite

Pictured right are Noel Brett , CEO, RSA & John O’Gara, CEO Park Rite

18 FLEETDIRECTION | Spring 2010

NEWS 11 DIRECTION

In the fi rst six months of 2009 the share of newly registered passenger cars in the UK featuring the ESP active safety system increased by three

percentage points to 59 percent compared with the full year in 2008 . Th e increase was largely driven by the small car sector where 23 percent of new cars had ESP on board as standard or optional equipment. Only 11 percent of sales in the mini compact class featured ESP - a fall of 2 percent.

In Germany, the share of newly registered passenger cars featuring the ESP safety system has fallen for the fi rst time. Recently published data indicates that the share fell to 78 percent in the fi rst six months of 2009, three percentage points down from the fi gure for 2008. Th e main reason for this is the substantial rise in sales of small vehicles featuring few extras. In the mini compact class, where sales grew fastest, the share of vehicles equipped with ESP fell from 33 to 19 percent. “Even for small vehicles, ESP off ers extra safety as numerous studies have shown,” said Dr. Werner Struth president of Bosch Chassis Systems Control Division.

However, Bosch is optimistic that this will improve in the next few months. In 2009, for example, several manufacturers have made ESP standard equipment in new models for the fi rst time. Moreover, an EU regulation passed in 2009, which will take eff ect from November 2011, stipulates that all new passenger-car and commercial-vehicle models must

be equipped with this active safety system. And this will apply to all new vehicles from November 2014. In addition the new EuroNCAP star rating, introduced in February 2009 now includes ESP. In 2010, Bosch will start series production of generation 9 brake control systems. Its engineers have been able to reduce the weight and size by up to 30 percent as compared to the previous version. A further reduction in cost supports the eff orts of the automotive industry and authorities to make active safety systems

standard equipment worldwide.

In the fi rst six months of 2009, the share of vehicles equipped with ESP rose again in nearly every European country. Th e fi gure for Italy, for example, rose by four percentage points to 55 percent, while the fi gure for Spain rose to 69 percent. Only France has recorded a similar development to Germany and posted a decline. In France, this is due to a government incentive to promote vehicles that emit less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Once again, this mainly benefi ted sales of small cars with few extras.

Commenting on the ESP fi gures for the UK, Edmund King, AA President said, “Particularly in winter it is essential to avoid crashes by skidding, and ESP vehicle active safety technology is a proven life saver in these conditions. We urge new car buyers to choose cars fi tt ed with electronic stability control either as standard or as an option before other extras such as alloy wheels or iPod connections are considered.”

The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2010 is now available in bookshops priced at £15.99 (€18.99 in Ireland).

Commenting on the 2010 guide, Editor Derek Bulmer said: “Last year was clearly a diffi cult year for hotels and restaurants but those establishments who reacted by being more fl exible and creative appear to be riding the storm. Value for money has also been an important factor and we have awarded 28 new Bib Gourmand awards – ‘good food at moderate prices’ – which refl ects this.”

“Chefs have had to be more resourceful and restaurants have had to adapt to changing eating habits. Some have even introduced ‘credit crunch’ menus to help fi ght the recession. Long-established restaurants have proved to be resilient but we have also seen plenty of new openings.“Th ere is now a greater geographical spread of starred restaurants and the inspectors will continue to seek out establishments serving particularly good food, wherever they are situated.”

Th e format of the MICHELIN guide means it off ers its readers an unrivalled selection of hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets. Th e 2010 guide recommends more than 1,900 hotels and guesthouses and around 1,900 restaurants and pubs. All are reg u la rly a nd anonymously i n s pec ted by Michelin’s ow n team of professional, full-time inspectors and inclusion in the guide is free of charge.

Late last year in the UK, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) called on the Department for Transport there to change the

Highway Code so that it includes guidance for learner drivers on how to handle their vehicle around trucks and that knowledge and understanding of how to behave around trucks to be included as part of the driving test. Should this be the case in Ireland too? Here in Ireland our Rules of the Road does include guidance on how to behave around cars, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and even farm machinery but not around trucks and HGV’s.

FTA’s Policy Director, James Hookham says, “As road users, whether we’re on two, four or even sixteen wheels, we all have a responsibility to act sensibly and within the law.”

“It’s unfair to make lorry drivers the scapegoat. Whenever there is an accident, or even a near miss, involving a lorry, the common assumption is that the lorry driver is at fault. But how many of us are aware of how much clearance we need to give HGVs when we are overtaking or how much distance do we need to keep to enable a lorry driver to see us?” Hookham continues.

Th e FTA also wants all haulage & freight companies to make sure their drivers’ training is up to date and comprehensive. Perhaps it is time for the authorities here to take action too.

ESP on board message getting through!

Call to improve Learner Driver’s awareness around trucks

MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2010 - Out Now

Galway Association of Driving Instructors (GADI) is an association based in Galway, and includes members from both City and County.

It was formed back in October 2008 under the stewardship of Chairperson Liam Joyce. Liam is still the Chairman and heads up G.A.D.I which currently has forty four members from Galway City and County. Th at equates to more than two-thirds of the total number of Driving Schools in the county. Th ey have a committ ee of six members who are extremely active and keep the membership informed of changes, decisions and all the news from the industry.

Th e overall objective of G.A.D.I. is to engage the driving instruction industry in Galway and Th e Road Safety Authority (RSA) into shaping a bett er working environment in order to promote road safety. Here is a group of like-minded driving instructors who, despite being competitors in their day to day business work together to improve road safety for all. Th ey also act as a lobby group corresponding regularly with Galway City and County Councils to promote bett er road signage, road markings and speed limit signs, so that all road users have the best information and guidance to make sound decisions when using our road networks.

Other aims and objectives of the G.A.D.I. include the promotion of road safety, recognition from Local and National Authorities, liaise with relevant Authorities, educate learner drivers in relation to proper driving skills and decrease road fatalities through driver training. Th e association members are all Authorised Driving Instructors (ADI’s) recognised by and are in constant contact with the RSA with the promotion of road safety being a core objective of the group.

Members of Galway Association of Driving Instructors can avail of a number of special discount deals that the Association has negotiated with The Galway Advertiser for advertising, Kieran Farrell Tyres for new tyres, AON for very competitive rates on driving instructor's insurance and First Ireland (AIG Insurance) off er all G.A.D.I. members a discount off their driving instructors insurance when renewal date is due.

It has been another record year for safety on our roads with 2009 being the safest year on Ireland’s roads since road deaths were fi rst

recorded in 1959. According to Road Safety Authority fi gures, a total of 240 people tragically lost their lives on Irish roads in 2009. Th is is 39 fewer fatalities compared with last year.

A breakdown of fi gures for 2009 shows that in total 240 people lost their lives compared to 279 in 2008, representing a 14% reduction. Drivers make up the biggest number with 128(53%) dying in crashes. 40 were pedestrians, 38 passengers, 27 motorcyclists and 7 cyclists.

While remembering the families and friends of all those killed on the roads, Road users, An Garda Siochana, the Road Safety Authority and other agencies were all rightly praised for their contributions to the reduction in road accidents in 2009. We should, however also pay tribute to vast numbers of competent Driving Instructors who have contributed enormously to the improving safety records being achieved over a number of years now for the high quality of driving instruction that they administer daily to our learner drivers.

A closer look at some of the key provisional statistics for 2009 shows that 40% of road deaths were under 25 years of age,49% of road deaths occurred at the weekend, Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week with 51 road deaths and the hours between 6pm and 8pm were the most dangerous, with 30 deaths (13%).

Th e average monthly fatality rate was 20 in 2009 compared to 23 in 2008 and 28 in 2007. Th e safest month of the year was September when 13 deaths occurred. Th is is also the safest month on record.

Commenting on the fi gures Noel Brett , CEO of the RSA said: “Th anks to the support of the public and a real willingness to change behaviour the range of measures implemented in 2009 across education, enforcement and engineering has resulted in our safest year on record. Indeed, in 2009 the European Transport Safety Council ranked Ireland 6th in Europe for road safety.”

He concluded by adding, “I want to thank all road users for their eff orts in 2009 and I would appeal to everyone to build on the achievements made to make 2010 even safer.”

G.A.D.I – serving the needs of the ADIs in the West

2009 – Safest on the Roads to date


DIRECTION ADIs

With Ireland sea-locked and located on the periphery of Europe, we are uniquely dependent on the transport industry whether its

road haulage or bus/coach public service vehicles. According to leading transport tuition provider Tony Hynes, transport is a career path worth pursuing especially in these very challenging times.

“Transport and logistics off ers many excellent opportunities for those wishing to set up their own haulage or passenger business or job seekers wishing to access employment in this fundamental important economic sector.”

Th e Certifi cation of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management (which is obligatory if you want to put your own truck or bus on the road) is increasingly becoming a prerequisite to pursuing a career in transport. “As well as enhancing your career, qualifying you as a Transport Manager and up-skilling, it is also an internationally recognised qualifi cation for life. If you are unemployed or facing the loss of your job

you may be entitled to funding for the course from your local FAS, Local Employment Offi ces (Obair) or Social Welfare,” explained Tony.

Certifi ed by the Chartered Institute of Transport & Logistics the subjects covered in the course include: sett ing up and managing a transport business; eff ective marketing techniques; employment, Health and Safety and contract law; costing/pricing and fi nancial management; tachograph and hours of driving legislation; national and international documentation etc.

Approved CPC courses in Transport Management are run at weekends by Tony Hynes of CPC.ie who has successfully put thousands of students through the CPC exam by using his own specially developed materials and his unique dynamic delivery style.

CPC.ie also run “Driver CPC” courses for Truck and Bus drivers at 30 venues nationwide. If you wish to obtain further information you can contact Tony at: 086-2458379; 087-6363003; [email protected] or visit www.CPC.ie

New Transport Career with CPC.ie


PROFILE DIRECTION

As 2009 turned into 2010 Dublin’s Airport Driving School was in a position to claim forty years experience in the fi eld of driver education. Originally based at Cloghran beside Dublin Airport,

the well appointed head offi ce, is now located in the St Margaret’s, Business Park, Finglas, and was opened by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey T.D., in 2008.

Back in the 1970s the idea of road safety and driver training was in its infancy. It was a diff erent era, the fi tt ing of seatbelts was not required, and the wearing of them was not compulsory until 1980’s. While we have come a long way since then, the need to hold a driving licence is possibly more important than ever.

With all aspects of Motoring and Road Safety, both good and bad receiving so much media att ention, ‘Fleet’ went to meet with Tom Murphy, Managing Director of Airport Driving School to see how things have progressed over the last four decades. From small beginnings Airport Driving School (ADS) now operates a fl eet of over thirty vehicles, servicing the greater Dublin area and the surrounding Counties. Airport’s vehicles are a familiar sight on the roads and the striking red livery makes them un-missable to other motorists and pedestrians alike. All of whom are ‘potential’ customers in some form or other.

Th e company has built a loyal customer base, with both private and commercial clients. Names such as Irish Ferries, Coca-Cola, FÁS and the Dublin Port Authority, are some listed among the corporate sector. In the area of private tuition ‘word of mouth’ referrals from previous satisfi ed clients remains the most powerful means of att racting new business in addition to providing an instant and highly accurate barometer of your performance.

Th e ADS fl eet can cover licences from Motorbike through to Artic, and includes a Commercial SUV with horsebox trailer to cater for the ‘B+E’ licence class. Th e training vehicles are of the highest standard from the Nissan Micra cars - to the 6x2 Mercedes-Benz Actros Mega-Space tractor and 13.6-metre Tri-axle semi-trailer.

Flagship of the passenger vehicle fl eet is a - 2009 Mercedes ‘Tourismo’ Class ‘D’ Coach with full touring spec.

Dual-controls and air conditioning, are standard in cars and commercials alike, with Class ‘B’ clients having a choice of manual or automatic

transmission. All commercial vehicles meet either Euro 4 or 5 specifi cations and depending on licence category, the lifespan of the vehicles varies from three to fi ve years.

Apart from the 09 Mercedes Turismo, ADS operates two other vehicles worthy of note. To cater for its advanced driving programmes, clients can avail of a Ford Focus RS and a BMW M6. Advanced driving programmes are one of the many special services off ered.

In addition to Forklift training certifi ed by the ‘Road Transport Industry Training Board’ (RTITB) and recognised by the Irish Health & Safety Authority, Airport Driving School also provides CPC courses for both Driver and Transport Manager, plus ADR programmes and Driving Instructor Courses enabling people to prepare for the Road Safety Authorities ‘Approved Driving Instructor’ (ADI) exams.

With regard to the implementation of legislation on Driver CPC and Instructor ADI. Tom is supportive of the measures and pleased with the outcomes they have produced. Feedback from drivers on the Airport’s CPC programmes has been very positive and he believes the training modules will produce bett er informed, more knowledgeable drivers - promoting a more positive att itude to the profession and the transport industry.

Airport Driving SchoolAll classes of instruction - All under one roof

Noel Dempsey T.D., Minister for Transport performed the offi cial opening of Airport Driving School in 2008. Also pictured is Kieran Ryan and Tom Murphy, Airport Driving School

DIRECTION PROFILE

Text: Paul White – paul@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 21

Along with many CPC training providers he does express concerns about the lowering of course fees, hoping that standards will not suff er as a result. An issue that has been highlighted to the RSA from a number of quarters and one which the RSA state they intend to monitor closely.

For a newcomer to the transport sector moving from a Class ‘B’ licence through to Class D, ED, or EC, has become an expensive undertaking. When one includes the various Driver Th eory Tests, Medical Reports, and Test Application Fees, which all have to be paid before you get behind the wheel, the amount may prove prohibitive for many.

We asked Tom what if any eff ect this has had on demand for lessons, with particular reference to the Bus as we are now over the fi rst year of the CPC. What Tom has found is that while the costs have increased, so has the quality and the determination of the person. When someone invests so much in their future they really want to succeed. For unemployed persons, there is some funding available through various FÁS and Social Welfare retraining grant aided schemes.

Since putt ing the fi rst car on the road, one major change has been in the area of vehicle technology, no more so than in the truck and bus categories. Th is has led Airport to develop a driver/vehicle familiarisation element to their driver training. With the vast array of on-board equipment and diagnostic systems so much a part of any modern vehicle. It is not only valuable but very important for the driver to fully understand what the function is of each of the seventy-two switches and controls as found on the 09 Turismo Coach.

As legislation now requires, all Driving Instructors must be RSA approved for the class or classes of vehicle they wish to instruct in. All Instructors employed by ADS undergo a further two week in-house training and assessment programme, which then continues as an on-going continuous assessment throughout their career with the School. Th is, according to Tom ensures standards are maintained.

Tom believes that the RSA is starting to make itself known and already the ADI process has begun to set standards in an industry which cried out for improvement for a long time. One issue he and many others would like to see addressed is one where a set number of compulsory hours tuition must be taken before a test application can be submitt ed.

Th e motivation behind this is not for selfi sh reasons to create more business. Compulsory lessons would help to improve the standard of test applicants and so streamline throughput and thereby shorten waiting lists. Also it would open people to the fact that their driving can be improved and so develop and promote a culture of wanting to improve.

Th is is one area where Tom sees the future growth in the business. By providing specialist Advanced Driving Courses using hi-performance vehicles, and the providing of education programmes such as CPC and ADR.

Where will Airport Driving School be in the ‘next fi ve years’? Well Tom believes that while we are set for challenging times ahead, Airport will be a stronger company, increasing business through improving quality, and meeting the customers needs. At either beginner level or up-skilling

to higher category licences or advanced driving awards.

In modern life a Driving Licence is a necessity. People no longer always live close to where they work and employment circumstances can change in an instant. Th e mobility and freedom aff orded a licence is oft en underestimated. Even with the economy slower than previous years obtaining a licence is an investment in your future.

To ensure the survival of any business into its fourth decade the business model must be fl exible and be able to adapt. Airport has moved with the times by providing customers with high-spec up to date vehicles. Also by off ering clients a one stop shop from their fi rst day on the road. Starting with either a car or a bike and progressing to commercial driving licences. Th en taking it further to advanced theory and practical training, and possibly embarking on a career as a driver trainer - all under one roof at Airport Driving School.

MOBILITY DIRECTION


Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland celebrates four decades of dedicated instruction

In 2010, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) celebrates 40 years of providing information and instruction to people with disabilities. DDAI operates its National Driving

Assessment Centre at the DDAI Headquarters in Ballindine, Claremorris, County Mayo. Th e centre is equipped with the only Static Assessment Unit in the country and provides assessments to learner drivers, as part of driver rehabilitation or to benefi t older drivers.

For anyone with a disability beginning, continuing or returning to driving, a driving assessment may be recommended to establish what one’s most suitable options are.

A driving assessment may be required to decide what adaptive driving equipment and vehicle are best suited to one’s requirements, in order to drive in safety and comfort.

At the Association’s centre in Ballindine advanced equipment is available for assessing ability. A static assessment unit assesses the motor ability of upper and lower limbs in terms of strength, mobility and motor reaction time. Mental reactions and decision making ability are also tested. Th is assessment is an important component of evaluating what car adaptations, if any, are required for the prospective driver. Th is information is particularly useful for those beginning to drive. It is advisable that for those returning to driving or having their driving reassessed, poor performance on the static unit is not conclusive. For experienced drivers it does not re-create the real driving situation. Moderate results should be supported by an in car on road assessment.

The Static Unit assessment is enhanced by an on road assessment with an experienced instructor. An In-Car On-Road Assessment may be requested to ascertain if any cognitive/perceptual defi cits aff ect one’s ability to drive. Cars are available, which off er a range of adaptations to meet the needs of the majority of clients. Th e on road assessment allows for a more realistic driving situation. Th is form of assessment has also proved to be a bett er environment for clients returning to driving but now in an adapted vehicle.

Th e various assessments will identify elements which need to be addressed and also unfortunately elements which cannot be successfully addressed. Adaptations cannot always assist every person whether able bodied or disabled to drive successfully.

Drivers learning to drive for the fi rst time should obtain driving lessons from a qualifi ed instructor. While the learner driver may feel confi dent and competent driving in their own local area, the driving environment is increasingly complex and it is important that the ability to cope with this is confi rmed with the help of the instructor’s experience.

From 30th April 2009 Driving Instruction in Ireland has been regulated. Learner drivers can be confi dent that if they use a full ADI Permit holder they will get good quality tuition.

Drivers with a disability, who require special adaptations to their

vehicle, may fi nd greater diffi culty in obtaining instruction. A number of providers provide lessons in cars with automatic transmissions, but there are a limited number of agencies providing tuition in cars with standard and advanced adaptations for people with disability. Th e Disabled Drivers Association provides centre based training in vehicles which are specially adapted for drivers who have a disability. Th e driving school is unique in that it is the only year round residential driving school in Ireland. Driving lessons in diversely adapted vehicles are given as part of an intensive programme of driving instruction.

The Association is fully compliant with legal requirements, as instruction is always provided by a fully qualifi ed ADI permit holder. Th ey have long experience in teaching drivers to drive with specialist adaptations (e.g. hand controls, left foot accelerators, steering spinners etc.) and are familiar with the needs of a wide range of disabilities. In addition to standard hours of tuition, the Association provides instruction through a unique intensive residential course at Ballindine centre. Th e tuition element of this course is sometimes supported by a grant under Health Payment/Allowances from the Department of Health and Children as administered by the HSE. It consists of three weeks of tuition which can be taken in block or in phased week long

periods of tuition.

Driving is an essential part of independence and social interaction and in rural areas in particular is an essential support to the rural lifestyle. Even in urban areas, as personal mobility declines with age, the importance of driving oft en increases.

Drivers are oft en concerned about coping with the demands of driving as they get older and sometimes ex per ience a loss of confi dence in their abilities. While there is a point in many peoples lives where

the decision to stop driving is the appropriate one, this may not always be the case and drivers and their families might be well advised to seek professional assistance before coming to such a major life decision.

Confi dence is an integral part of competent driving and many drivers may fi nd their driving years extended by improving their driving skills to meet the demands of today’s modern infrastructure. An older person may choose to engage in a course of driving lessons to refresh their skills and knowledge as more complex road systems extend around the country.

Others may find that the driving task is eased by assistive technology; such as specialist mirrors, electric handbrake, push button start or simply moving to automatic transmission may provide a more convenient, comfortable, safer form of driving.An older person, who may never have driven or may not have driven for a period of time, possibly through reliance on a partner, may wish to learn anew or to restore confi dence to enable them to drive regularly.

Th e Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland has assisted older drivers by conducting driving assessments, providing information on assistive technology and appropriate vehicle choice. We have also provided refresher courses of instruction of the kind described above.

DIRECTION SAFETY


Newly-published road casualty fi gures for Scotland show the need for drivers and

motorcyclists to consider refresher training to improve their skills, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Loss of control was the most oft en reported contributory factor for fatal road accidents. Failing to look properly was the second most commonly reported factor. Being careless, reckless or in a hurry, travelling too fast for the conditions, failing to judge another person’s path or speed and being impaired by alcohol were also among the top six factors in fatal accidents. A total of 270 people lost their lives on Scotland’s roads in 2008, down from 281 in 2007 and the lowest fi gure since records began. Th e number of people reported seriously injured rose by eight

per cent to 2,568.

Kathleen Braidwood, RoSPA’s road safety offi cer for Scotland, said: “Th ese detailed road casualty fi gures show that driver or rider errors are the most commonly cited factors in reported road accidents in Scotland. Th ey highlight a real need to promote a lifelong learning approach to training for drivers and motorcyclists - for individuals but also for companies employing people who drive in the course of their work.

“Th e only formal driver or rider training most of us do is in preparation for our learner tests. But we can all pick up bad habits over time and that is why having an independent assessment of our skills or some further training, perhaps even leading to an advanced test, is a good investment.”

Registration is now open for the third international congress on tackling speed, taking place in central London on 13 May 2010 –

book now to secure your place at this very popular event on the most important road safety topic. Th is widely-acclaimed, biennial congress at the Royal College of Surgeons brings together world experts from academia and practitioners to discuss -

Latest research into eff ectiveness of speed management measures, • including ISAInternational policies to reduce speed limits• Successful road engineering measures to control speed and • protect communitiesSpeed enforcement developments• Best practice speed-awareness education •

Organised as a not-for-profi t initiative by Brake’s Road Safety Forum, for road safety professionals this important event is low-cost thanks to sponsorship from Olympus KeyMed and Speed Check Services, helping

to encourage att endance from a range of practitioners and campaigners as well as academics to share and enable best practice. It costs just £136 for Road Safety Forum subscribers and £176 for non-subscribers (you can join the Road Safety Forum at the time of booking for just £40 to get the lower rate and benefi t from year round updates on global road safety research). International delegates can also benefi t from the weak pound by att ending this London event.

Speakers include academics from the University of Leeds, Strathclyde University, and the London School of Tropical Medicine, as well as practitioners from government agencies. Further emerging agenda details can be seen at www.brake.org.uk/speed. Th e congress is an intensive one-day event to encourage att endance from those who don’t want to incur overnight expenses in London. However, discounted rates at nearby hotels are available. To book on, call Brake on (0044) +1484 559909 or email [email protected]

The internet dashboard, or ‘infotainment system’ is the next in-car device that could cause a major distraction to drivers, says the

IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Intel and Google are both looking into interactive dashboards, including 10-inch screens above the gearstick which will show 3D maps, web pages and even videos. Other similar systems are being previewed at trade shows.

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “If drivers were tempted to use the internet or watch videos on the move, the results could be deadly.”

“If it’s not acceptable to read a novel while driving, how can it be acceptable to read a multimedia display? Just how much information can a car driver absorb and still drive responsibly?”“Th ere is a fi ne line between providing useful extra information and causing a dangerous distraction. Th is

system appears to cross that line,” Peter added.

“Viewing things like restaurant reviews and venue information online while driving should be illegal, and it should be an off ence to buy, sell, fi t and transmit information for this particular use.”

Th e systems are not designed to be used on the move, but not all systems will be impossible to use while driving. One car manufacturer’s version, due out this autumn, bears the notice: “Please only use the online services when traffi c conditions allow you to do so safely.”

“It should be made clear that the system should only be used when the vehicle is parked,” concluded Peter.

Further Training Call To Improve Driving Skills

Digital dashboards are a safety hazard, says IAM

International Congress on Speed, London, May 2010

DIRECTION FINANCE

24 FLEETDIRECTION | Spring 2010 Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fl eet.ie

I1. n sourcing the most suitable model vehicle, look at a number of vehicles across a range of manufacturers and having identifi ed the best one for you check prices for that make and model in

more than one dealership. A litt le bit of homework can literally save thousands of Euros. Most major car brands off er att ractive rebates to Driving Instructor Schools. It is no co-incidence that pupils very oft en stick with the model and brand they learned to drive in.

Decide on the best means to fi nance the purchase. Th rough a 2. term loan, lease or hire purchase or indeed from savings. As a rule organising your own fi nance, will get you a bett er rate than is off ered in a dealership. If sett ing up in business do not use savings to fi nance an asset such as a vehicle, as you may need working capital in the business in the future.

Match the fi nance term to the expected operating life of the vehicle. 3. If you deem that three years is the maximum age of your fl eet, fi nance the asset so that there is a balloon payment at the end of the three year period no greater than the value of the vehicle.

In calculating the best make and model vehicle to operate, bear 4. in mind the expected residual value of the vehicle at the end of its operating life. Certain vehicles may cost more initially but have a stronger residual value even in the current economic climate.

Look at the overall cost of the vehicles life. Does mileage per 5. annum justify a diesel vehicle, what is the standard warranty, what is the life span on wear and tear items such a pads, discs and clutches. What is the cost of standard bodywork repair?

On purchase of the vehicle can a maintenance contract be 6. negotiated. Can you negotiate a fi xed monthly cost that will cover all maintenance and tyres (excluding bodywork), so allowing you to have a fi xed monthly operating cost?

In the current market is it expected that you operate a certain 7. brand and type of vehicle. Th is may be a very important element in vehicle choice in order to att ract suffi cient pupils to make the venture viable.

How viable is the business should be a question well researched 8. long before a vehicle purchase takes place. Are you in a job that will allow you to take leave of absence so that if the fi nancial plans are not met you have a get out clause?

Bank Support/Business Support. It’s vitally important that you 9. have the support of your friendly Bank Manager, as in business you will have peaks and troughs with regard to cash requirements. In relation to business support a well defi ned business plan tends to concentrate the mind with regard to administration and compliance requirements, marketing and selling of the business and the manner in which follow- up business is developed.

Similar to every other business, cash fl ow is king, and while your 10. business plan may demonstrate a profi table business, unless funds are available to meet the direct debits your business will cease to exist. Off er discounts for pre-paid block bookings and remember if it’s a new venture you are embarking on, keep the initial drawings to a minimum.

10 Financial Tips for The Driving Instruction Industry


FEATURE

Car Hire/Rental Sector more important than ever for Motor Industry

Sales to Car Hire/Rental companies always generated a big chunk of business for Irish car importers/distributors and

dealers in the fi rst quarter of each year. Some car distributors and dealers were much more active in this area than others but as fi nance has become tight for the car rental companies and for the distributors, negotiating these deals have taken a whole new confi guration. Banks are having a huge infl uence on who is buying and who is in a position to supply. Th e banking sector is reluctant to fi nance both sides of the supply chain. Some car hire companies are fi nding it diffi cult to borrow money to fi nance the upgrade of their fl eets while dealerships are fi nding it impossible to raise fi nance for Buy-Backs.

For 2010, there is a nervous vibe around the industry. Supply and the price that car rental companies can squeeze from car suppliers are paramount to the health of the Irish car rental sector. We have to go back to 2008 for a starting point. At the end of that year many car hire fi rms held onto a big portion of their fl eets for an additional year meaning that there was a fall off in car sales to hire companies for 2009. By then tourist fi gures were also plummeting and like many other industries in the hospitality sector, 2009 was an extraordinarily diffi cult year for car rental companies.

Th e outlook for the car hire industry for 2010 is also looking bleak. Competition in the industry is fi erce and rental rates are under extreme pressure because of fewer customers and defl ation in the economy as a whole. Some car hire companies, especially those in negative growth are under severe pressure even to survive. Th ey are also under pressure to fi nance the purchase of new cars outright to keep their fl eets modern. Like most businesses, cash is king and those with cash reserves are in a bett er position to purchase new cars.

Beleaguered car dealers nationwide are well out of the Buy-Back system too. Gone are the days when a dealership would register cars in February or March and take them back from the car rental companies in October and off er for sale at a knock-down price. Th e banks just won’t fi nance this activity any more.

Diminishing tourist numbers coming to Ireland, plus necessary cutbacks within the car rental industry coupled with a crippling lack of fi nance from the banks has severely condensed the size of the car hire purchase pie.

So, what are the most popular cars around that make up Car Hire fl eets; the most suitable and the most practical for the task? Fleet Car’s Gerry Murphy looks at the popular

segments and the cars each car manufacturer has available.

A Segment: City Cars

Th e three amigo’s Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo must be pooled together with all coming from the same stable. All have Toyota engines and prices are eff ectively the same. All come with fi ve-doors.

Other fi ve-door models like Daihatsu’s tidy Sirion, Chevrolet’s versatile Matiz and the Fiat ultra practical Panda while the stylish Fiat 500 also scores well with combination of style and zest.

Ford recently produced the new Ka and although not quite as distinctive as the old model, the new Ka is like a miniature Fiesta but only comes with three doors.

Hyundai’s i10 has a reputation for being frugal and practical. Ease of access for a car so small is good and economical just like the Kia Picanto, which punches well above its weight in terms of size, and of course the Kia 7-year warranty.

Nissan claims that the new Pixo launched at the end of 2009 is the cheapest car in Ireland. Prices start at €9,895 and it comes with a 1.0-litre 3-Cylinder engine sharing DNA with sister product, the Suzuki Alto. Opel’s Agila is a taller type of A sector hatchback car. Access is excellent and it is a sibling of the Suzuki Splash.

Renault’s Twingo is extremely popular all over Europe. Comfort is a defi nite plus point but being only available in three-door form does aff ect the practicality.

Volkswagen’s smallest car is the Fox. It is sturdy and versatile for such a diminutive car with its 55bhp 1.2-litre engine; you get typical Volkswagen build quality too. Prices start at €12,090 available in three-door form only.

B Segment: Super-Minis

Chevrolet’s Aveo is available with 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines and in hatchback or saloon form. While neither will blow your mind for frills or thrills, they are cheap and reasonably well assembled. Prices begin at €12,495 for a three-door hatch.

Citroen’s playful C2 is quite a litt le jewel. Featuring a 1.3-litre engine, it has plenty of zip. Europeans love the C2 especially in the Gallic territory. Citroen will have a new organisation in place in Ireland soon and deals could be easy to negotiate.

Fiat has a new Punto, the Punto Evo on the way. Stocks of the Grande Punto may still be available and prices/rental rates for it should be keen. However, as is the trend recently the new version might be even cheaper.

Th e Ford Fiesta is the market leader by a mile. It is also the best car in the class. Th ere is a huge range of engines, trims and options. Few

FEATURE


cars out there will hold their residual value like the Fiesta.

Honda’s Jazz is really well built and drives beautifully. It is also well equipped and while prices are listed from €16,295, which sounds loft y, the quality is outstanding and the specifi cation matches.

Hyundai’s stylish i20 is a very useful litt le car. Bigger inside than it looks from outside, it meets the practical package required in a hire car. You can have 3-or 5-door, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel with prices starting at €12,995. Good value for money!

Kia’s Rio is a litt le dated but is still a value for money option. At just €12,865 you get a 1.4-litre petrol engine that is capable of pulling a lot more car. You can also have a 1.5-litre diesel and don’t forget, Kia is now off ering a 7-year warranty on all their cars – the Rio too.

One of supreme supermini’s on the market today is the Mazda2. It is critically acclaimed everywhere. You can have 3/5 doors, a choice of 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. Catalogue prices start at €14,595.

For fun and funkiness the Mini has few rivals. Th e choice engine options and prices are extensive. A Mini First priced at €18,250 is, perhaps a litt le steeper than run-of-the-mill supermini’s but it’s no ordinary car. Neither is it as practical as other models as space in the rear is very cramped and it only comes in three-door.

Mitsubishi off ers the Colt in the B segment. It comes with wholesome 1.1, 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Th is dependable small car is a genuine contender.

Nissan’s popular Micra goes on and on. Still, it is as fresh today as when it fi rst time arrived. It is easy to drive, ultra reliable and proven popular in the hire-car sector. Th ree and fi ve-door models with a choice of 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel gives you plenty of options.

Th e Opel Corsa is a fi rm car hire favourite all over Europe. Sturdy, practical and easy to drive, it is the ideal small car companion for holidays or short business trips. Again three and fi ve-door versions are available with 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre diesel engines to choose from.

Peugeot’s 207 has pedigree in the hire car market. It is comfortable, agile and gives you the notion that you are in a much bigger car. Th ere are fi ve petrol engines and three diesels, both starting at 1.4 with catalogue prices starting at €15,145.

Th e Renault Clio in 3 and 5-door is stylish with all the att ributes needed in a small hire

car. You can also get a version with a TomTom sat-nav inbuilt. Prices start at €13,960 for the 1.2-litre petrol and there is also a 1.5-litre diesel available. It now comes with a 5-Year warranty.

Seat off ers the new Ibiza. Th e base model is a 1.2-litre 3-door. Five-door versions are also planned as are diesel models. Skoda, another VW stable mate off ers the Fabia in the supermini segment. Space is a big positive as is the quality of the build. Coming in fi ve-door form, there is a range of diesel and petrol engines starting with a 1.2-litre Classic with a listed price of €11.990.

Suzuki’s Swift was Semperit Irish Car of the Year in 2006. It is easy and fun to drive with great space available. It has a nift y 1.3-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. It is due an update soon but the original still has bundles of charm.

Ever popular, the Toyota Yaris is the optimum hire car. Reliable, easy to drive and spacious in the cabin and in the boot make it an ideal all-rounder. It comes in 3 and 5-door with 1.0/1.3 litre petrol and 1.4 diesels and prices starting at €14,430.

Volkswagen’s all-new Polo is the European Car of the Year 2010. Put simply, it is a miniature Golf with the same att ributes. Th e 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine is lively enough and the 1.6 diesel is powerful. Prices start at €14,530 for the base model. C Segment – Compact Family

Chevrolet’s Lacetti Hatch, Saloon and Estate with 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines can’t be discounted if you are looking for value. Residual values, however, are likely to be low too.

Citroen has an all-new C3 coming soon. Some existing stocks of the old model might be an option at cut prices. Th e new one will come in a version emitt ing just 99 g/km of CO2, with the 1.6HDi 90 DPFS engine.

We include the Dodge Calibre here as it is a cross between a hatchback and an estate, which might just make it the ideal hire car in this size. Engine sizes start with a 2.0-litre diesel and prices start at just €17,995.

Fiat off ers the tidy Bravo in this bracket. Sometimes misrepresented, there is only a fi ve-door available but there is a long list of trims and specifi cation. With ‘Fiat Bonus’ included prices start at €14,995, which is cheaper than many B segment cars.

Th e Ford Focus is Ireland’s favourite car, not only with the general public but also with car hire companies. Have it in a 3 and 5-door hatch, 4-door saloon and/or Estate. Starting at € 21,015.00 for the three-door Style model, the Focus is great on the road and that gives the driver the confi dence.

Honda’s Civic, winner of the Semperit Irish Car of the Year in 2007, is a futuristic 3 and 5-door hatch joined by the less exotic 4-door saloon. Th ere are 1.4 and 1.8 petrol versions and a 2.2-litre diesel to select from. Honda also do hybrids, which might att ract eco-conscious customers. Prices start at €21,751.

By any standard Hyundai has got the i30 right. Eminently suitable for the hire car business the sprightly 1.4 petrol or the even bett er 1.6 diesel are both excellent. Competitively priced starting at €18,495the i30 is available in 5-door hatch or the i30 Cross Wagon estate.

Its sister brand Kia has a range of cee’d 5-door hatch, pro-cee’d 3-door hatch and cee’d Sporty Wagon estate models to rival all comers.


FEATURE

Others can’t rival the Kia 7-year warranty though. 1.4 petrol and 1.6-litre diesel are the available engines and with prices for the cee’d fi ve-door starting at €16,305.

Mazda updated the Mazda3 just a few months ago. Now a top-tier car it can stand-up to all rivals. Reliability is a byword with Mazda cars who off er the three in fi ve-door hatchbacks and four-door saloons. Listed prices start at €21,030.

With a starting price of €18,995, the four-door Mitsubishi Lancer Sportsback and Lancer Saloon must be genuine contenders. Th ese are straight forward motor cars, well built with Mitsubishi’s customary reliability, backed up by a 3-year/100,000k warranty. Coming with 1.5 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engines either will fi t the criteria for the job.

Nissan has two active models with the 5-door hatch and 4-door Tiida saloon. Space and comfort are impressive and you get two engine options, 1.6 petrol and their well-proven 1.5 diesel. Both styles are priced the same with the 1.6 petrol SE starting at €18,980.

Opel now has its stylish new Astra in the showrooms and ready to take the Irish market by storm. It is only here in 5-door hatchback form yet but other styles will come on stream later. Th e engine range consists of a 1.4i 16v VVT Turbo petrol combination along with a 1.7CDTi diesel. Th ere is a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel (from Fiat Auto) coming soon.

Peugeot off ers the 308 range of 3/5-door hatchbacks and SW estate cars in the segment. Comfort and stability are high points and space is generous too. Check out Peugeot’s excellent 1.6 HDi diesel. Also check out Peugeot’s impressive fuel consumption fi gures for the 308.

Renault has the Megane competing in the C-segment. Th e 1.6-litre 16v petrol Royale starts at €18,890 with a 1.5 dCi €1,400 more. Renault has become very active in the Irish market again aft er a staid period and this new enthusiasm could lead to some good deals from the French giant this year.

Seat, the sporty side of the VW group off ers the outstanding Leon hatchback. It has lots of character and a quality feel. Leon uses VW engines 1.4 petrol and 1.9 diesels despite its sleek appearance, you get space aplenty for passengers back and front. Prices start at €18,275.

For something a bit bigger and a traditional three-box saloon, the Skoda Octavia has few rivals. Strength, practicality and excellent structure are a few of the positives. Th ere is a vast array of engine choices in the Octavia range. Catalogue prices start at just €17,060.

Th e Subaru Impreza is well worth considering – if it’s on the list. You can have two specifi cation levels with the Boxer diesel engine. Th e 5-door has lots of features and Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Subaru

quotes a base price of €27,995, but you will negotiate a much lower price than that.

Toyota, with the Auris hatchback and the Corolla Saloon need little introduction. You could also include the Hybrid Prius as an alternative eco- friendly choice. Corolla prices start at €19,445 with the Auris starting at €20,620. Toyota manufactures eminently sensible cars that are ideal for the ‘rental’ car business.

Volvo’s S40 saloon and V50 estate are solid vehicles ideally suited in this sector. Prices for the S40 start at €27,560 for the 1.6 S petrol. Th e V50 Estate also uses the same engines and prices in the catalogue start at €29,420.

Th ere are two Volkswagen models to consider in the segment, the Golf and the Jett a Saloon. Th e Golf is the benchmark in the class and the latest version is just superb. Starting with the 1.4 petrol 3-door, the basic Golf costs €18,850 but there is a huge range to choose from. Th e Jett a has a huge boot att ached and prices start at €21,700.

D Segment – Large Family

Chevrolet’s new Epica is a practical motor in terms of space and luggage capacity but check out the Cruze for a car with more personality. With these we can include the inexpensive Chrysler Sebring, a car with an American allure.

Th e classy Citroen C5 was Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2009 and worthy of the award. Prices are also reasonable. We also love the Tourer.

Everyone knows that the Ford Mondeo is the benchmark in this class and there is a vast range to choose from in both saloon and estate and of course, you get Ford’s backup and dealership network as a bonus.

Kia’s Magentis is not too familiar on our roads, and there’s nothing remarkable to report about it although a good price may be negotiated. Th e Mazda6 should always feature on the shortlist as should the sensational Mazda6 Estate with its sharp handling and punchy ride; it is bigger than before and very reliable.

Opel’s Insignia is the newest mid-sized family saloon and hatchback to come on the market. It has taken the bar up another notch in terms of style and interior sophistication. It is a worthy winner of the European Car of the Year 2009.

Peugeot has just slashed the price of their sleek Peugeot 407 Executive. Th is is a lot of car for the money and Peugeot still produce some of the best diesel engines around – the 1.6 HDi in particular.

FEATURE

Text: Gerry Murphy - gerrym@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 29

Renault is making a big eff ort to create a new impact on the Irish market. Bett er prices, bett er warranties – now 5-years across the range – and a refreshing approach to aft er-care are just some of the goodies marking a swing back for Renault. Here the Laguna in hatch, estate and sleek coupe are off ered.

For sheer size and many great Skoda positives, few cars can compete with the Skoda Superb. Here is an executive size car at a family saloon price that has got to be seen to be believed. Check out the dual opening system leading to the huge boot.

Take a look at the Subaru Legacy. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 2.0 Boxer Diesel engine and a host of extras come as standard. Th ere is a new one with a much bolder stance on the way which should off er opportunities with existing stocks.

Everything you could need for a hire car is here in spades with the Toyota Avensis. Easy to drive, reliable and strong mechanics, buckets of space for passengers and luggage and a guaranteed resale value.

Strength and comfort are just a couple of pluses with the Volkswagen Passat. It is ideal for hiring in terms of size, reliability and keeping its value when selling on. You can also choose from a great range of engines. Check out the variants with the new seven-speed DSG transmission.

MPV’s - Multipurpose

Without doubt the Citroen C4 Picasso is the most stylish seven-seater around. Internally and externally it is beautifully appointed and a quick look at prices shows excellent value too. Check out the Citroen Berlingo passenger for more basic MPV motoring.

Th e Dodge Journey might just be the perfect MPV for combined boot space and seven-seat accommodation.

Fiat has a new Doblo on the way which has a lot more going for it than the old one. It’s a seven-seater too.

For Ford there are upgraded versions of the S-MAX and Galaxy on the way. Both set high standards and are good to drive, although I prefer the Galaxy, the S-MAX has many fans.

One of the most interesting relatively new passenger vehicles is the Hyundai Montana. Based on the H1 van this eight-seater MPV is at home in a variety of business and leisure roles.

Th e Kia Carnival is another big MPV with sliding side doors and a big 2.9-litre diesel engine. Th e rear seats are occasional seats and are suitable only for children.

Mazda call its Mazda5 a Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (C-MAV). It has sliding side doors, a clever seating arrangement that combines some luggage-carrying capability even with seven people on board.

Mitsubishi off ers the Grandis in the large MPV sector. It is particularly well endowed in the space department and comes with a powerful 2.0 diesel engine and luggage space too, even with all seven seats occupied.

Th e benchmark for MPV since fi rst launched, the Opel Zafi ra ticks all the boxes. It drives like a car and is lauded for its clever Flexi-seat system, which is the arrangement that all others are measured against.

It is some accolade for the Peugeot 3008 that the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association members voted it the Continental/Irish Car of the Year 2010. Th at an MPV would win the awards show how much it has impressed critics ahead of many other notable contenders. Just drive it! Peugeot also has a bigger seven-seat 5008 MPV on the way.

Renault has the much-loved Grand Scenic in the 7-seat MPV range. It is popular with tourists and families. Renault has a good track record here and the passenger Kangoo Kar is also on the books, which is a much plainer car.

A car that deserves high praise for its overall competence is the Seat Alhambra. It is a sister vehicle of the Volkswagen Sharan and the original Ford Galaxy. It will carry seven easily but it is now a dated model.

SsangYong is the passenger carrying specialist and the Rodius is comfortable and accommodating. It has oodles of power and despite its strange looks it is a highly competent car.

Th e new Verso is one of the best cars in the Toyota catalogue. It has a new modern interior and generous space for seven. It also drives exceptionally well for a car of this shape making it the MPV for all others to live up to.

Volkswagen is clearly expert in the MPV sector. Th e Sharan is a sturdy car with lots of space and powerful engines. Its other top-class people carrier is the Caravelle. Pound for pound it is one of VW’s best products and there is a new one based on the new Transporter T5 on the way.

FLEET MANAGEMENT LAUNCH PAD

scchhh – it’s the new Honda Insight

Opel Ampera – suitable for everyday driving

With the ongoing economic downturn, the trend for downsizing is expected to continue, with more and more company car

drivers moving from thirsty, larger vehicles to smaller, more effi cient machines. A recent poll showed that two-thirds of car buyers in this sector would opt for a greener car next time around. However, the vast majority said the main reason was to save money, not necessarily to be green. Honda’s own research has found that most drivers think hybrids are more expensive and in the past this has prevented them adopting the cleaner engine technology.

Now with the new Honda Insight lower cost and eco-friendly and motoring can be achieved. Th e new petrol-electric fi ve-door hatchback is a culmination of over 20 years of hybrid development.

In fact the Insight name was fi rst used wearing this technology back in 1999. Th e new model combines a frugal 1.4 litre 88 PS i-VTEC engine with a compact electric motor.

With the new Ampera, Opel promises the fi rst electrically driven automobile

with zero-emission capability in Europe that’s suitable for everyday driving. With the Voltec electric propulsion system providing lively acceleration and high levels of refi nement, the fi ve-door Ampera seats four passengers in comfort, off ers a useful boot for their luggage and features an extended range of more than 300 miles.

“Driving electrically is not only about ecology,” said Frank Weber, GM Global Vehicle Line Executive and Chief Engineer. “Driving electrically is also great fun. Instantaneous torque of 370 Newton metres under your right foot feels like being in a sports car, but in almost complete silence.”

Electricity drives the Ampera’s wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to around 60 kilometres, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kW, lithium-ion batt ery.

While driving on electricity delivered by the batt ery, the Ampera emits zero CO2. When the batt ery’s energy is depleted, a petrol or E85-fuelled engine-generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the batt ery. Th is mode of operation extends the range for several hundred additional miles,

until the batt ery can be charged via a standard household 240v outlet.

Unlike a conventional batt ery-electric vehicle, the Ampera eliminates ‘range anxiety,’ giving the confi dence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted batt ery.

Th e nearly silent electric drive unit delivers 370 Nm of instant torque, the equivalent of 150 bhp, zero to 60 mph acceleration in round nine seconds, and a top speed of 100 mph.

Th e Ampera will be well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most customers. For example, research by GM in Europe showed that approximately 80 percent of drivers travel less than 30 miles daily. Based on current fuel prices, Opel predicts that the Ampera will cost roughly one-fi ft h of the current cost per mile of an equivalent petrol engined car.

It made its world debut in production form at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 31

The latest on low-emission motoring

32 FLEETMANAGEMENT | Spring 2010 Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fl eet.ie

OUTLOOK FLEET MANAGEMENT

Peugeot: Going Forward the Eco-Friendly Way

To enable Peugeot to evolve and adapt to future challenges, Peugeot’s current styling direction will change into a

new look, typifi ed by the new Peugeot SR1 concept car. Th is dream car embodies a new stronger, more extreme and pure expression of the Peugeot Style of tomorrow and also displays a new look corporate Lion badge.

Th e SR1 concept car also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates Hybrid4 technology, which will be available in the Peugeot 3008 from 2011. On the SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power output of 218 bhp is combined with a rear electric motor developing 95 bhp. In electric only mode, the car becomes a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 57.7 mpg or 119 g/km of CO2.

W hen the two power trains operate simultaneously, the SR1 develops a potential maximum power output of 313 bhp, while benefi ting also from four-wheel drive.

With the use of Hybrid4 technology, which will eventually be available on diff erent models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept off ers convincing proof that driving enjoyment can be combined with environmental friendliness.

Th e vehicle’s dynamic effi ciency is enhanced by a rigid, lightweight structure comprising of a one-piece body incorporating a tubular chassis onto which are mounted the mechanical components and suspension.

Exploiting the best of existing technology to off er road holding worthy of this exceptional concept, the suspension consists of double wishbones with drop links at the front and the rear. For even greater driving precision, the SR1 innovates also through the adoption of four-wheel steering. Motorised links on the rear suspension wishbones control the turning angle of the rear wheels as a function of vehicle speed, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.

Th e Peugeot SR1 concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Th e Lion symbol, which has been associated with Peugeot products since 1858, is evolving too. Created by Peugeot’s own designers, the Lion badge is a focal point on every vehicle. Th e new Lion is now simpler in design, more dynamic, with a new posture and fl uidity. It has a new bi-metallic look through the use of both matt and polished fi nishes.

Three-dimensional in design for greater modernity it discards the current blue fl ag background for a stronger eff ect. Th e current Peugeot blue colour also becomes darker and is now combined into the new font used to create the Marque’s name.

Th e fi rst production vehicle to display this new Lion will be the stunning new Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupe to be launched soon.

To reduce its ecological footprint and dependency on fossil fuels, Peugeot has been actively investing in a range of new technologies to meet the needs of future mobility, without sacrifi cing driving enjoyment.

Today, Peugeot continues to improve engine effi ciency through its downsizing strategy for both petrol and HDi FAP diesel engines. Alongside this; the marque is also currently developing a new three cylinder petrol engine.

Tomorrow, the range of cars will consist of 100% electric, Micro-Hybrid, Full-Hybrid and Hybrid 4 Plug-in.

Peugeot SR1

Peugeot RC Hybrid4 Concept

FLEET MANAGEMENT TEST 1

How long can hybrid cars hold on to the environmental high ground? With a cascade of electric vehicles

(EV’s) coming down the line and the huge advances made by manufacturers with lower emission diesels especially, and in some cases petrol engines, the moral ground is shift ing under the pioneering hybrid, the Toyota Prius. But the Toyota is a worthy benchmark and the latest version - the third in the sequel - is cheaper than the car it replaces, has more power, is bett er built, comes with fi ve-star safety and emits just 89g/km of CO2.

With the Prius, Toyota has maintained the same wedge shape but has used some clever design tricks to make it look much more stylish. True, that would not be hard but the addition of bigger headlamps, low front spoiler and more prominent body lines have taken away some of the blandness of the old model.

Th is new Prius is a true family car like before, fi tt ing into a size somewhere between the Corolla and the Avensis. It feels more spacious inside and with the new central information console and placement of the gear knob in the centre, the Prius is now structured more like a traditional car than heretofore. Its new information display is rather impressive and the use of modern graphics and heads-up display for delivering occasional information is inspired. You will also be impressed with the high level of comfort from the seats and the driving position. I do have one major complaint though, and that is the poor visibility through the rear window. As a result of the split rear window design the view out of the back window is abysmal.

Getting back to the CO2 issue, Toyota believes hybrid drive is not an alternative to petrol or diesel but an addition, enhancing the effi ciency of existing powertrains. Th e Japanese automaker says that hybrid vehicles produce cleaner emissions than petrol-powered vehicles and less CO2 than diesel-powered vehicles. However, the race is well and truly on and other brands are squeezing CO2 emissions generated from petrol and diesels down to two-digit fi gures too.

In the new Prius it has combined a 1.8-litre petrol engine, replacing the 1.5 that was in the previous edition. Th e electric motor is now more powerful and the extra energy is instantly obvious as soon as you ask. Total system power output has been increased to 100 kW/136 DIN hp, yet fuel consumption has been reduced to only 3.9l/100 km and CO2 emissions to just 89 g/km. I have searched the records and cannot fi nd another family car to

match this but I also failed to come close to the fuel consumption mark during my week-long test drive. My average fi gure was 5.8l/100kms.

Some elements of the driving experience are also much improved. It is noticeably quieter and much more refi ned than the last model. Of course, it is almost completely silent when running on electric mode, but when in petrol mode it is impressively hushed. Toyota has also managed to suppress most external noises with good damping throughout the car. Th is is helped by the new, speed-sensitive power steering, improved suspension and the use of high-performance sound proofi ng materials throughout the engine and passenger compartments.

Th e Prius has received a fi ve-star rating from EuroNCAP. Seven airbags and active headrests are fi tt ed as standard, and an upgraded Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) regeneration system incorporates Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+). The Prius is also available with a new pre-emptive, Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

I have, in the past been hesitant in praising the previous versions of the Prius. To be truthful they left me cold and uninspired. Th is new model, however, does go some way in lift ing that caution. Th e fi gures seem to add up and the planet, we are assured, should benefi t from the lower CO2. But we still want cars that give some semblance of driving pleasure. Th e Prius is by no means perfect in that aspect but this one is much bett er than the fi rst two generations. Any decision to buy is also helped by the price of the new Prius. Starting at €25,900, that’s less than the old model, Toyota has managed to pitch hybrid drive motoring at an aff ordable level.

Text: Gerry Murphy - gerrym@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie | Spring 2010 33

Toyota PriusTEST DRIVE REPORTS

34 FLEETMANAGEMENT | Spring 2010 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

TEST 11 FLEET MANAGEMENT

Volvo V50 1.6DVolvo V50 1.6D

Fo l l o w i n g t h e G o v e r n m e n t announcement that changes the way we buy and tax our cars, Volvo like

some other manufacturers such as Ford and Volkswagen have taken the new low CO2 emission rating requirements very much to heart. DRIVe is the sub-title for Volvo’s range of lower CO2 emitt ing engines and in the case of the V50 tested, the 1.6 litre DRIVe comes with Start/Stop technology that off ers 104 g/km and up to 72.4 mpg (3.9L/100). Th is means that it comes under Band A (less than 120 g/km) which merits €104 annual road tax. Translated into BIK this rates favourably at 30%. Th e reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the car’s total potential for more effi cient, economical driving.

All DRIVe models benefi t from a lowered chassis – ride height has been dropped by 10mm. Th is lower ground clearance reduces fuel consumption at the same time as lowering the centre of gravity that, consequently, has a positive eff ect on the car’s handling. As for the tyres, Volvo worked closely with Michelin to develop a compound with uncompromising handling and wear characteristics coupled with low rolling resistance.

Further economy benefits were made, by optimising engine and gearbox management soft ware and introducing electrohydraulic steering. Th ere is also a gear shift indicator.

The Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop feature has the same modifi cations as the standard 1.6D DRIVe cars, but it also benefi ts from underbody panels for improved aerodynamics, a covered grille and DRIVe rear spoiler.

Th is DRIVe model has also been equipped with two intelligent new features. Th e fi rst is a Start/Stop function that allows the engine to switch off when the car is at a standstill. Start/Stop technology is particularly eff ective in urban traffi c, when savings of up to 8% can be achieved. When the driver puts the

gear lever into neutral and releases the clutch while at traffi c lights, for example, the engine switches off . Th e next time the driver presses the clutch the engine starts up again. Th is technology has reduced fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions by 4-5 % in mixed driving conditions.

When the car is at a standstill and the engine is switched off , some electronic systems such as the air conditioning step down to standby level in order to save fuel. However, Volvo's Start/Stop system continuously monitors the comfort level and automatically reactivates the air conditioning if, for instance, the temperature increases in the passenger compartment. Th e system does not set any limits for comfort-focused features such as the sound system or other facilities that the occupants will want to maintain. Th is innovative monitoring system has been made possible due to an additional small batt ery, which supports the larger batt ery by providing extra power. Th anks to this extra batt ery, Volvo's DRIVe models also feature particularly quick and smooth start-up. Th e audio system also remains unaff ected when the starter motor is activated.

Th e driver continuously receives feedback about system status via the in-car information display. Th e Start/Stop function can be engaged and disengaged via a DRIVe butt on in the centre console, and in the default sett ing, the function is activated.

Th e second new feature in the V50 DRIVe 1.6D with Start/Stop is a regenerative charge facility. Th is charges the batt ery as soon as the driver releases the accelerator or brakes while a gear is engaged. By harnessing the car's

kinetic energy, the alternator does not have to use diesel fuel as a power source to recharge the car's batt ery. Fuel savings of between 2 and 3 per cent have been achieved with this function.

Back in 2008 Volvo modifi ed the look of the V50 with new grille and headlamps while the rear got slimmer tail-lights and a revised boot handle. 46mm longer than the Volvo V40 saloon, up to 1307 litres of load space is available. Th e ultra-slim, free-fl oating centre stack, the interiors highlight, remains inspired by classic Scandinavian design themes.

As per the Ford Mondeo Econetic and Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion the lower gearing of the Volvo V50 requires a more cautious driving style. It is easy to get caught out in the wrong gear if the revs are dropped too low and too quickly. With 109 PS on tap and 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm one should think there is enough power in the 1.6 16V 4-cylinder unit but if there’s a load on board, more use of the accelerator and clutch will be required which obviously aff ects the overall fuel economy recording. On the various journeys fuel usage ranged from 4.950 L/100 kms (57.7 mpg) to 3.923 L/100 kms (72.4 mpg).

All round, a credible result. Range prices start at €29,820 (ex-works) but as this model had a number of extras – notably leather seats, 17” alloys, parking sensors, Bluetooth etc. it brought it up to almost €34,000.

FLEETING SHOTS

36 FLEETCAR | Spring 2010 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

A special contest was organised within this year’s Dakar Rally

held in South America sponsored by Chilean airline LAN.

Th e purpose was to elect ‘the Picture of the Year’ among a selection by photographers on the rally.

Nat a sha P i sa ren ko f rom Associated Press won the contest and received her prize from Augustin Agraz, Public Aff airs Manager of LAN Argentina.

Competitors interested in competing in 2010 can register for the championship by completing the online registration form that

can be found in the Competitors section of www.fi estasportt rophy.ie. Regulations for Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland, which include the new Fiesta R2, are also now available to download from the Competitors Download section of the site.

As in 2009, the Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland will compete in the same events as the 2010 TROA Irish Tarmac Championship. Competitors will cover around 130 stage kilometres on the fi rst day of the International rallies, with the exception of the Donegal Rally where FST Ireland will compete on the second day. Th is off ers competitors excellent value for money as well as giving them the option of competing on the full International event if they wish.

Both the Fiesta ST and the new for 2010 Fiesta R2 are eligible for the championship as well as the prize fund. Th e prize fund off ers over £2500 at every event and is guaranteed to the top eight FST Ireland fi nishers.

Celebrated Irish fashion designer Louise Kennedy has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz in a unique collaboration that aims

to showcase the elegant design and superior craft smanship upon which each has built their reputation. Louise is adding to her already extensive and loyal customer base by introducing her creations to the wider Mercedes-Benz customer network. Renowned for her passion and dedication, Louise Kennedy is internationally recognised for her designer collections, crystal ware and interior accessories. Her works are sold through f lagship outlets at Merrion Square, Dublin and West Halkin Street, London. Other outlets include Brown Th omas Dublin, Harrods of Knightsbridge and Ritz Carlton Powerscourt.

Dieter Zetsche – New ACEA President

DAKAR 2010 : Picture of the Year

2010 Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland Fashion Designer Louise Kennedy & Mercedes-Benz

Pictured with the new E-Class Coupé is designer Louise Kennedy with Mercedes-Benz Sales Manager Ciaran Allen (left ) and Chief Executive Stephen Byrne

Daimler AG Chairman and Mercedes-Benz car head Dieter Zetsche has taken over from Carlos Ghosn, Renault Chief, as

the new ACEA President. Th e Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers Association represents fi ft een European car, truck and bus manufacturers at EU level and beyond.

Apart from countering the extraordinary economic woes, the ACEA priorities for 2010 remain confi ned in four major catagories: contributing to sustainable mobility, further progress in road safety, improving the regulatory framework and enhancing competitiveness including progress in trade liberalisation.

“Th rough our trade association ACEA, we will continue to seek a deep dialogue with all stakeholders at EU level,” said Zetsche. “We look forward to working closely with the newly elected European Parliament and the new European Commission in order to help maintain a thriving automobile industry in Europe and strengthen

our global technology leadership.”

“Despite the challenges facing the entire industry, the European car manufacturer have focused on strengthening their competitiveness and investing in the technologies necessary for the future of mobility,” added Carlos Ghosn, refl ecting on his term as President. “In both areas, Governments and regulators play a decisive role in sett ing a predictable and stable operating environment.”

“Our industry is changing faster than at anytime in history, and a collaborative framework is vital for our mutual success.”


INTERVIEW

JS. To begin let’s look back to 2005 to where Kia was and is now – the diff erence is remarkable – the focus of the company, the style of the cars, the design – it’s so modern compared to the earlier models. You must be both proud and pleased.

JB. I joined the company in May 2005. We were then becoming a European manufacturer and keen to show our commitment to this marketplace. Very quickly aft er that we came along with some interesting models such as the cee’d family. We were so behind with image, type of model required and now we’ve got it right. In fact, we’re number one with the cee’d Sporty Wagon in the estate class in Ireland, which for some is a surprise.

JS. Th e Irish are not renowned for their love of station wagon, but the fact that there is an anti-SUV campaign out there, the option of a station wagon might be more att ractive now.

JB. It is no surprise that the Europeans have a love for wagons, whether they are for skiing or whatever. I think the market has shift ed square. Th e fi rst 7 seaters that came out were very niche. You know each family in Ireland does not have 5 children, the average family has 2.4 children and people were spending 4 or 5 grand more for a 7 seater car and really they’re spending that to bring someone else’s child home from football or swimming. With the cee’d Sporty Wagon you can get the bike in, the buggy in, a couple of footballs in or whatever plus you’re not paying 4/5 grand more. Certain people like the raised elevated seating, the vision that you have. We’ve moved much more towards practicalities in the market. You can use every inch of the Sporty Wagon for example. Irish families have on average 2/3 kids, but those kids bring a lot of gear with them. You know if you’ve got a 7 seater, the boot space can really be a problem. I think we have started to move more towards the European way. Moving towards family values.

JS. Th e progression of Kia the brand in Europe. Is that down to having two factories based in Europe, have you become more Europeanised in the way you actually design your cars and the way you sell your cars?

JB. I think what the European consumer wants and what’s the most important is a European looking car, the design of the car has to be att ractive. Certainly the design is very very important. People are not necessary looking where the car is made, if the quality is good. We’re trying to take giant leaps very quickly. It took Toyota 20 years, we’re trying to do it in 7. I think it was a statement of intent what we wanted to achieve in the European market by opening up these factories. When you look around the world, other manufacturers were having meetings and talking about cuts, whereas our colleagues were saying how do we invest in factories in Europe, so the gap was closing all the time. But the key to it all is the customer. When you’ve got a factory in Europe, products of European design, you want good quality. I think by having our factory which happens to be able to give the quality guarantee i.e. the 7 year warranty that we’re able to do.

JS. But as they say – ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’. From the presentation we had recently you have now moved up to number 4 in the global listing with Ford, Toyota and GM ahead. But while the progression has been gradual, has it been faster than expected?

JB. It has been very swift and we have made great strides in America – a big market, obviously Korea another big market and now with Europe we think there’s a further opportunity to grow. With regard to our brand profi le we have the sponsorship deal for the World Cup 2002 through to this year. We also have the tie-in with

UEFA also on the soccer side and the Australian Open in tennis. All these make Kia become more familiar, to become a household name, people become comfortable with the brand. I think with the product range now, people will be proud, be happy to show their Kia car to someone and people will not have to ask them “Where did that come from, I’ve never heard of them”. Th at actually doesn’t happen any more because the brand is fairly established, but you know, from through our own network it’s still a surprise to realise they’re part of a manufacturer that is 4th in the world.

JS. KIA also sponsors Real Madrid?

JB. Yes, a good sponsorship for us – quite prominent actually as they qualifi ed for the Champions League for the last 2 years. Sport has been given a greater awareness and football has been a driving force for the brand. Th ere probably is no bigger brand than football and we obviously share that sponsorship with sister-company Hyundai.

JS. With the new Kia Venga (pictured) you have 1.4 diesel, low resistance tyres, gear shift indicator – it’s really made for the Irish marketplace that we’re in now – low running cost, low purchase price, low tax etc.

JB. Yes, the motoring public don’t seem to ask about the price of the car anymore but they ask now about the road tax and now we have Stop/Start ISG as well. We can have A, B and C segment cars with all the advantages, no more so than the 7 year warranty. Now that the Government has introduced the Scrappage Scheme, this is an ideal car for people who also perhaps want to downgrade.

One-to-OneOne-to-One

with James Brooks, with James Brooks, Managing Director, Managing Director, Kia Motors IrelandKia Motors Irelandwith Jarlath Sweeneyeditor@fl eet.ie

fleet car spring 2010

Documents

fleet managers

fleet transport management

fleet management latest

orla sweeney

cathal doyle

gerry murphy

jarlath sweeneycontributors

news eu fl eet sector