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Citroen C4 Cactus Citroen will host its 191 Open Event in dealerships nationwide from 1-10 November when customers can go along and test drive the award-winning PureTech petrol engine in their preferred Citroen, writes Trish Whelan .   Citroen’s PureTech petrol engines have won International Engine of the Year in its class for years years in a row.   All 191 orders placed during the Open Event will benefit from 3 Year’s Free Servicing, low rate finance rates, scrappage and purchase contributions across the range. There has been a resurgence in demand for petrol vehicles in recent years and petrol now accounts for 39pc of sales to date this year compared to 28pc of sales in 2016. Limerick man and Citroen Ireland Managing Director Pat Ryan expects demand for Citroen’s petrol engines to increase further next year especially with the recent announcement of the 1pc VRT levy on diesel and the move to Euro 6.2 engines. Citroen’s range of passenger vehicles include th...

Dubliner Derek Tohill yesterday clinched the Parts for Cars Irish Rallycross Championship for the third year in a row by taking a clean sweep of victories at Mondello Park in his Ford Fiesta,  writes  Richard Burke .  Tohill qualified for the day’s main race by winning the Supercar Final, eleven seconds clear of former title holder Tommy Graham, and then went on to win the Super Final as well for the fifth time in six events to put the championship out of reach of his rival. Graham also took second place in the main race, giving him a successful return to the sport after a couple of years’ layoff, with another ex-champion, Michael Coyne, finishing third. Ireland’s Autotest team again finished second in the Ken Wharton Memorial International Autotest in Worcestershire, 33 seconds behind Northern Ireland, who won for the seventh year in a row, and 50 seconds ahead of third placed England. Current Irish Autotest champion Ian White from Kilkenny wa...

Eastwood in the Aston Martin Vantage GTE of TF Sport. Charlie Eastwood from Belfast has been selected as the Young Racing Driver of the Month for August, writes Richard Burk e . The 23 year-old shared TF Sport team’s Aston Martin Vantage to runner up position in the GTE Am class at the Silverstone round of the World Endurance Championship, having led earlier in the six hour race. Charlie started his racing career in karts at the age of eight, achieving great success, and won the 2012 Rotax World Final. He added the 2013 Rotax European title to his list of successes before switching to car racing in 2014, driving in the UK Formula 4 series, the New Zealand Toyota championship and the Formula Renault Eurocup during the next two seasons. He began an association with Porsche GB in late 2015, becoming the 2016/17 Porsche Carrera Cup GB scholar, which launched him into the Carrera Cup championship. Charlie won the Rookie title in 2016 as well as taking 3rd in the Pro class, and went ...

Eddie with his daughter Emily and his brother PJ at the mike. You may know him as the Motoring Editor of the Irish Independent, but there is another side to Eddie Cunningham, writes T rish Whelan . He has just written a collection of 20 short stories. Called ‘Letters in the Sky and other stories’, they are described as original, engrossing and unusual in that they pick the lock of the bizarre and the everyday. The book was launched at a special function in City West Hotel last evening with a huge number of well wishers from all over the country including Eddie's family, friends, and people from the Irish motor industry, there to congratulate him on his achievement and to wish him well.  With Eddie’s stories, nothing is as it seems; much is left to your imagination. They can be provocative, dark, warm and entertaining. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself re-reading them several times. A native of Clara, Co Offaly, Eddie is former Senior Deputy Editor...

The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now arriving in dealer showrooms fresh from having undergone a comprehensive mid-term makeover that has seen improvements made in all areas, writes Trish Whelan . Prices start from €37,710. This upgraded C-Class is available in saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet form and in two style and equipment lines - Avantgarde and AMG. The company says in terms of its design, specifications and technological advancement, this latest C-Class range 'goes well beyond what customers might expect for a car in its segment'.  A host of external design changes give it a distinctly more sporty appearance. These include redesigned front and rear bumpers, new front and rear lights, chrome highlighting, new silver and emerald green metallic colour additions, and diamond pattern grille on AMG versions.  Also new is its electronic architecture, a new generation of four-cylinder petrol engines, and an interior style boost reflected in...

Volkswagen in Germany is offering a special incentive to owners of Euro-1 to Euro-5 diesel vehicles in 14 of the country's most air-polluted cities to scrap them, writes Brian Byrne . The incentive is available across all of the VW Group's brands, including Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and are available for new vehicles and on a varying scale for nearly-new used vehicles. Volkswagen’s first environmental incentive from August 2017 to June 2018 successfully demonstrated that systematic fleet renewal is a swift and efficient way of improving air quality. Throughout the Group, over 210,000 old diesel vehicles were taken off the roads, scrapped and replaced by modern, cleaner models. In combination with the software updates for diesel vehicles, the company says nitrogen dioxide emissions have thus been reduced by over 10,000 tonnes per year.

Citroen Ireland has launched a new service website, www.citroenservice.ie which allows customers to book their service online with their local authorised Citroen dealership and receive a precise quote in advance of their service, writes Trish Whelan . The new website is all about providing customers with a convenient and fast way to book in their vehicle’s service. By booking online customers can avail of exclusive service offers including free bulb replacement and free technical updates and health checks for their vehicle. Services are carried out by Citroen’s specially trained technicians using the latest Citroen diagnostic equipment. Citroen also offer customers a 1-year warranty on all parts and accessories purchased through the brand’s Aftersales dealers and 3 months’ workmanship warranty on all repairs. Joseph Greene, Aftersales Manager, Citroen Ireland, said: “Our main aim is to make the service process as convenient and straight forward as possible and t...

P.G. Duffy & Sons in Newbridge, Co Kildare, have been welcomed to the Suzuki Ireland dealer network bringing the total number of showrooms representing the brand in the country to 23, writes Trish Whelan . The modern 100 square-metre dealership is operated by a family-owned business which has over 60 years’ experience in the motor trade. On display in the recently refurbished four-car showroom is the full Suzuki model range from the Celerio city car to the upgraded 2019 model year Vitara compact SUV. The dealership provides customers with servicing and repair facilities which adhere to the Suzuki Service Promise. Pricing is transparent and only genuine parts are used during any maintenance or repair work. Benefits also include a complementary health check. Dale Wyatt, Director of Automobile at Suzuki GB PLC says “P.G. Duffy & Sons is one of the region’s highly respected family-run businesses renowned for its loyal and repeat customers and we look for...

For the second consecutive year, Reen’s Rathmore, Main Peugeot Dealer for Co Kerry, has been crowned Peugeot Dealers of the Year 2018, writes Trish Whelan . The presentation was made to Dealer Principals, John and Tim Reen, at the annual Peugeot Dealer Conference at the Castleknock Hotel and Spa, Dublin. Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, said the Reen family have demonstrated continued drive and energy to ensure their customers are king, bringing the Peugeot brand to new heights in the Kingdom of Kerry. He congratulated them on another incredible performance in 2018. Tim Reen, Dealer Principal recognised his team’s strength at Reen’s Rathmore and thanked each and every one of their customers. The family-run business in Rathmore was first established by brothers John, Vincent and Donie Reen. Appointed Main Peugeot Dealers in 1987, the business grew in 2005 when a new state of the art showroom was opened...

BMW's X7 will go on sale next spring in RHD markets, writes Brian Byrne . The new flagship of the X models will feature a more prominent 'kidney' grille, and wider rear passenger doors than the front ones. It will be a seven-seat vehicle, with a boot capacity of 326L, and trim will include leather seats as standard. A three-part panoramic roof will also be standard. Engines will include a 340hp petrol, and diesels with 265hp and 400hp outputs. For offroad use, ground clearance can be lifted by up to 40mm.

Flack Bros, Main Peugeot Dealer for Co Monaghan, has been crowned Peugeot Sales Dealer of the Year 2018, writes Trish Whelan . A new annual award bestowed upon a Peugeot Dealer, the presentation was made to Dealer Principal, Noelle Flack and Melvin Jordan, at the Peugeot Dealer Conference at the Castleknock Hotel and Spa, Dublin. Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, said: “Flack Bros has delivered an unparalleled performance in 2018 and now commands a 10.8pc market share (cars and vans combined) in Co Monaghan, the highest Peugeot Dealer county share in our Network this year. Flack’s van market share represents a colossal 20.9pc meaning one in five vans in Monaghan is a new Peugeot van.” Noelle Flack, Dealer Principal, said: “A proud third generation Flack here at Flack Bros, I think each and every customer who has come through our door, without whom we would not be celebrating this award.” Established in 1929...

Volkswagen customers from 2020 will be able to avail of a range of services including and beyond the purchase of a car through a personal ID number, writes Brian Byrne . The system, to be rolled out through the company's 5,400 dealers in Europe will also allow online purchases, mobility services, software updates, and round the clock availability of support. VW plans to add five million of its customers each year globally to the initiative. As a major revamp of its sales and service format, the plan will also involve pop-up stores in high footfall city locations. In a developing digitisation of its sales network, Volkswagen will develop an internet platform which will handle the entire purchasing process through to contract conclusion, including financing, payment and even used car trade-ins. Customers will be able to choose from the entire brand model range and to complete their car purchase with their selected dealer online. For Volkswagen, the new platform will also ...

Ford has been demonstrating a connected vehicles technology that automatically suggests a speed at which cars approaching an intersection from different angles can all travel through without stopping, writes Brian Byrne . Called Intersection Priority Management, it was used this week in Milton Keynes, UK, as part of the British Government Autodrive Programme. The cars connect with each other and coordinate speeds so none of them have to stop at the junctions they are coming to. The test cars had drivers, but the developed technology will have important uses in autonomous cars. Every year, the average driver spends the equivalent of two days waiting at traffic lights. And not only can junctions be frustrating — they are also the cause of up to 60pc of road traffic accidents. As well as saving time, avoiding stopping at junctions could also save fuel, as drivers avoid braking and accelerating away from the lights.

Windsor Motor Group have opened a new Renault and Dacia dealership in North Dublin's Airside Retail Park. There will be 30 employees in the new facility, with Chris Hanlon as dealer manager. He has 15 years with the Windsor Motor Group which celebrates its own 50th anniversary this year. It's the Group's second partnership with Dacia this year, following the opening of Windsor Galway Renault and Dacia.

Jordan Hone with his father and co-driver Paul. Jordan Hone has been nominated for this year’s Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver Award for his performances in July and August, writes Richard Burke . The 22 year old from Claudy, Co Derry, drove his Opel Adam to victory in the Junior class of the Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally, taking 13th place overall. He also scored a class win in the Ulster International Rally three weeks later. Earlier in the year, Jordan finished as runner up in the Junior section of the Donegal International Rally, less than two seconds behind the eventual winner after swapping places all day. He also took a Junior win in the Carlow Mini Stages Rally. Jordan began rallying in 2013 at the age of 17, scoring a class win in his first ever event, and going on to take his class in the Northern Ireland Rally Championship. He was NI Junior Rally champion the following year, and won the Group N Production class in the Valvoline National...

Volkswagen Ireland's range of 191 offers include zero percent finance on many popular models, purchase contributions of up to €2,500 on selected models, and advanced technology upgrades available across the brand's range. The offers are related to cars ordered before the end of December. Zero percent PCP finance is available on Golf and Golf Estate Highline and R-Line models, Touran Highline and R-Line models, Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace Highline and R-Line models, and Passat Saloon and Estate Highline models. The purchase contributions are available when selected models are financed through the Volkswagen Bank. Depending on model, the competitively priced advanced technology upgrades include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and Road Sign Recognition. Volkswagen has also turned the R-Line pack into its own full trim line. Available on Polo, T-Roc, Golf, Touran, Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace models, the company says savings of up to €1,066 are available compa...

Opel Astra From early 2019 to the end of 2020, Opel will launch eight all-new or refreshed models, investing primarily in high-volume and profitable segments, writes Trish Whelan . By then, the German brand will be offering one of the newest portfolios of all volume manufacturers. With its PACE! plan, Opel has committed to bringing at least one all-new model onto the market every year. Next year alone, Opel will launch the new generation of the bestselling Corsa and the successor to the Vivaro as LCV and passenger car variants. Additional variants and equipment versions of the Combo will also be on sale.   The successor to the Mokka X will follow in 2020 and will play a pivotal role for the expansion of the company’s SUV sales from 25 to 40 per cent by 2021. Order books for both the all-electric new five-seater Corsa and the Grandland X PHEV will be open by late 2019. By the end of 2020, Opel will have four electrified models on offer and by 2024, there will b...

Linders have been appointed to the Opel Dealer network, writes Trish Whelan . Located in Finglas (J5 M50) and Turvey (J4 M1), Linders are the latest dealer to join the 29 nationwide dealers in the Opel network and will host a new showroom and service centre led by Managing Director, Paul Linders. Paul Linders said: “We feel the Opel brand is best suited to our dealerships in Finglas and Tuvey and we look forward to meeting the demand for Opel passenger and commercial vehicles in North County Dublin.” He added that Linders is a family brand driven by keeping the customer at its centre. “We aim to keep this in our sights as we move into what will be an exciting period in our 8-year adventure.” While Linders celebrate their 80th birthday, Opel will celebrate its 120th birthday in 2019.   In welcoming Linders to Opel, Gillian Whittall, General Manager, Opel Ireland said: “The 5-strong team at Linders have a wealth of experience, alongside an outstanding reput...

SEAT Ateca SUV SEAT’s 191 offers are now available from its 23-strong dealer network, writes Trish Whelan . From now, there are big savings across the brand’s SUV range which includes the Ateca SUV and Arona Crossover SUV with finance now available on these models from 1.9pc as well as finance from 1.9pc on the SEAT Leon and new SEAT Ibiza. For many, the New Year is an opportunity to upgrade their car and SEAT’s latest scrappage offers include up to €5,000 scrappage on the Leon range, €3,000 on the Ateca, €2,000 on the Ibiza, and €1,000 on the Arona. SEAT is offering a three-year service plan for €299 to all customers. Future car owners can save €531 on the Ateca SE product pack which now comes in at €500. There’s over €1,825 savings on the Leon SE product pack, now available for €500; and over €395 savings on the Ibiza SE product pack, costing €300. SEAT Ireland has enjoyed a hugely successful 2018 to date with a record high market share of 3pc.   The...