South Wales business appoints two new brand managers

A South Wales business has appointed two of the region’s most experienced automotive managers.

Volkswagen retailer, Sinclair has appointed Clive Hopkins and Tim Gowling to lead their Commercial Vehicle businesses in Swansea and Cardiff.

Clive will bring 35 years of automotive knowledge to the van centre on Gorseinon Road, Swansea, while Tim who has spent 16 years at Sinclair Volkswagen Port Talbot will take over as the head of the Van Centre in Cardiff.

Clive and Tim will be responsible for strengthening the Volkswagen brand and establishing new and maintaining existing relationships with businesses and van drivers in and around South Wales.

Speaking about the new role, Tim said “I’m delighted to be taking this role and look forward to continuing the high quality of customer service”.

“Sinclair Volkswagen’s friendly, professional and dedicated work force will make it an enjoyable working environment.

“My challenge is to expand the business and strengthen our reputation in the local area and it is one that I’m looking forward to progressing.

Telford business receives government training boost

A Telford business has introduced a new government-funded apprentice training programme aimed at strengthening its customer service.

Inchcape Volkswagen, in association with the Learning Skills Partnership, has launched a course to introduce new talent into the automotive industry and enhance its offering.

Amy Swingler, from Trench, accepted the new customer host role and will begin a six month intensive training programme, resulting in a NVQ Level 2 customer service qualification.

The 18-year-old successfully completed an assessment day which included group exercises and an individual presentation in front of a panel of Inchcape managers and representatives from the Learning Skills Partnership, in addition to a one-to-one interview.

Speaking of her appointment, Amy added: “I had recently completed my A-levels and decided an apprenticeship would be the ideally opportunity to start building my business skills. The interview process was very nerve wracking but I am delighted to have secured the position.”

The dedicated role was launched following customers feedback. The training programme covers all customer facing skills including body language and problem solving plus in-depth product knowledge.

Volkswagen passenger cars is carrying out a pilot scheme with the Learning Skills Partnership across a number of sites in the UK as course co-ordinator, Lee Wilks explains.

He said: “The on-going pilot scheme has shown promise and will be fully assessed in the near future. We hope the government-funded programme will continue and introduce further customer host roles across the Volkswagen network.”

Inchcape Telford’s brand manager, Andy Poole, said: “This new role is not about selling its more about being the first point of contact for customers, ensuring their experience is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“This role is introducing new blood into the industry and therefore a clear training framework will help nurture and develop Amy’s skills; after all she could be one of our future managers.”

HiQ investing in further fast fit expertise with a Carr purchase

The HiQ network is celebrating a new addition to its team with the appointment of a new fast fit manager.

Stuart Carr has been unveiled as the network’s new fast fit manager and has been lured from IN’n’OUT Services Ltd, where he worked as an operations project manager for three years.

He will immediately begin increasing sales opportunities for franchisees in their servicing, mechanical, and repair offerings.

High on his agenda is the development of HiQ’s fleet servicing proposition while he will also assist franchisees with new industry products and machinery, while providing support with their centre layouts and design.

HiQ’s commercial manager Farrell Dolan said: “The appointment of Stuart is a major coup for us at HiQ.

“His role is a pivotal one and we’re delighted with his arrival. We recognise the importance of growing profit for every one of our franchisees.

“We believe that there is lots of potential to do this, particularly in franchisees’ ‘non-tyre activities’ which is why we have created this role.”

Stuart is a fully trained automotive technician, so is more than familiar with the fast fit industry. And in addition is a certified project manager, which is critical as new HiQ sites are developed and opened over the next two years.

He said: “This is a huge job and one that I am really looking forward to. I bring a lot of practical experience to the table that will assist in developing the HiQ strategy.

“The role will be concentrated around driving and setting the strategies for franchisees’ non tyre business.

“I have always been able to provide an effective link between centre managers and the executive team and I look forward to doing the same at HiQ.”

The announcement is further good news for the network, which recently announced its quarter one trading figures.

Total gross profit for the opening quarter rose to 9.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2009.

Total tyre sales grew to 5.4 per cent while total footfall increased by 8.6 per cent in a set of impressive figures for the fast fit car care brand.

LOYALTY BRINGS ITS OWN REWARDS

A fleet sales manager from Volkswagen retailer, Isaac Agnew, has joined an exclusive club after being recognised for his outstanding services to the automotive industry.

John O’Reilly, from Belfast, was presented with a Volkswagen Gold Pin following his exceptional service to the brand, at a recent ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

Having joined Isaac Agnew in 2000, John has made a notable impression with customers and his team having accumulated a series of accolades. John joined the fleet department from previous sales roles and was promoted to manager in 2005. He was awarded Volkswagen Fleet Sales Executive of the Year in 2002 and for the past ten years his team has been a finalist in the Volkswagen Fleet awards which recognises and rewards standards and service.

Speaking of his award John said: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Pin; it’s a huge honour.

“I firmly believe that this award is testament to my team, their hard work, dedication and energy ensures we continually work towards meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs.”

The prestigious Volkswagen Gold Pins are only awarded to an elite group of individuals every year.

Chris Craft, director at Volkswagen UK, said: “John thoroughly deserves this award after providing invaluable service to the Volkswagen brand.

“His positive attitude and support of Volkswagen standards is an inspiration to all staff at Isaac Agnew.”

For more information contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

AUTOGAS – THE THIRD FUEL OF CHOICE FOR MOTORISTS

Autogas UK has welcomed comments from Inigo Palacio Prada, chairman of the Global Automotive Industry Network (GAIN), highlighting that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stands out as the ‘third fuel of choice for motorists’.

LPG represents a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel, with more than 14.6 million vehicles worldwide making the most of its financial and environmental benefits.

In an interview for Automotive Industries magazine(1), Inigo Palacio Prada explained how LPG not only saves money and reduces harmful emissions with no loss of engine performance but is also readily available right now, through the Autogas refuelling network – making it the third fuel of choice for motorists.

“Electric vehicles are no doubt going to emerge as an alternative to traditional automotive fuels at some stage in the future,” said Prada. “We must remember that Autogas can provide significant benefits over gasoline and diesel and is available here and now.”

Emma Bartle, spokesperson for Autogas Limited said: “We welcome the comments of Mr Prada, which echo our beliefs that LPG is the most accessible alternative to petrol and diesel currently available.

“Although electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, LPG is readily available right now, with a comprehensive refuelling network throughout the UK.

“Environmental concerns run deeper than just reducing CO2 emissions. Vehicles running on LPG do produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel, but also 120 per cent less oxides of nitrogen than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel, and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles(2).

“All of these other pollutants should also be considered when trying to improve urban air quality.

“And, of course, drivers are already reaping the benefits of reduced motoring costs. Forecourt prices of LPG are typically half that of petrol or diesel, making it attractive to individuals and commercial operators, and LPG motorists can benefit from up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge as well as lower company car tax or vehicle excise duty.”

Autogas is the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, with more than 200 refuelling sites and ambitious plans to expand the network further over the next year.To help drivers find their nearest LPG service station Autogas, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, offers a free to download ‘point of interest’ file for leading satellite navigation systems. Users can log onto www.autogasfinder.co.uk or www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/satnav to upload the Autogas locator file so that no matter where you they are in the UK they can find their nearest Calor Autogas site.

GAIN is the network set up by the World LP Gas Association to promote Autogas to consumers and governments worldwide.

For further information on fuel supplies and bulk tank installation, contact Calor on 0800 216 659 or visit www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk.

ENDS

1 Automotive Industries magazine, September 2009
2 Small particle emissions are related to health effects including increased risk of heart and lung disease and problems such as asthma. All figures taken form the EETP 2003


Notes to Editors
- There are around 1,400 public access vehicle refuelling sites in the UK in addition to which many businesses have their own “bunkered” facilities.

- LPG powered vehicles listed on the Powershift register can gain up to 100 per cent discounts and exemptions from the London congestion charge

- There are around 150,000 LPG vehicles on UK roads

- Finding your nearest Calor Autogas refuelling site couldn't be simpler – a file of retail sites is available for downloaded from the Autogas web site (www.autogasfinder.co.uk)

- A savings calculator can be found on www.autogas.ltd.uk

LPG Boost for High Performance Vehicles

There is a commonly held view that running a car on LPG can reduce acceleration and power. But try telling that to one of the UK’s quickest drivers, British Touring Car Championship star Tom Onslow-Cole, who, with the help of Calor has set the record straight once and for all.

Leading LPG supplier Calor has always acknowledged the benefits of Autogas LPG for high performance cars, but now the theory has really been put to the test. Working together with Approved Installers Prins, Calor has converted a 2 litre Honda Civic Type R to run on Autogas with fantastic results.

Tom Onslow-Cole, who is often seen on the BTCC podium, took the Type R for a spin on the race track, with amazing results.

Tom said: “I was taken aback by the performance of the converted Type R. It handled superbly as you’d expect, but the response of the engine increased.

“The overall performance of the car was better and more powerful, making it a far better track car than I could have imagined. I was really impressed with the car, which was extremely quick around the track. ”

Not only has the performance of the Honda improved, it has been consistently delivering combined consumption figures of 28 mpg when running on LPG. Compared to the manufacturer’s quoted combined figure of 31mpg for its unmodified version, and given that LPG is currently retailing at under half the price of petrol*, the converted Honda has delivered a saving of over 42 per cent, without any noticeable changes to its performance.

Click here to see a video of Calor's LPG Honda in action trackside

PETROL PRICES CONTINUE TO SOAR - HAS THERE EVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO SWITCH TO LPG?

As the volatility of petrol prices continues and the introduction of an additional two pence per litre tax looms, motorists should consider converting to LPG to enjoy savings of up to 37 per cent(1).

Having started the year positively with petrol prices as low as 85 pence per litre, motorists once again face rapidly rising prices at the pumps as unleaded fuel prices continue to rise.

Prices have slowly been creeping up over the last few months, once again breaking the £1 barrier with a peak of 103.9 pence per litre in early July and threatening to reach last year’s peak of 118 pence per litre. National average prices currently stand at 102.5 pence per litre(2) and the Government will be imposing its additional two pence a litre tax on pump prices on 1 September.

Autogas Limited’s National Marketing Coordinator, Emma Bartle, says the case for LPG has always been strong but more and more people are realising its financial benefits as well as recognising its environmental credentials.

Emma explains: “LPG currently retails at around half the price of petrol and diesel(3) and we have seen more and more people switching to LPG mainly due to reduced payback periods, the desire to be more environmentally aware and, of course, the cost savings LPG can offer.

“Converting a vehicle to run on LPG can be done quickly and easily by an approved converter and costs around £1,800. Based on current fuel prices and an annual mileage of 20,000 miles it would take around 22 months to recoup this initial cost(4).”

LPG is by far the most widely available alternative fuel available in the UK. Vehicles running on LPG produce far fewer harmful emissions that contribute to environmental and health problems than traditional road fuels. LPG vehicles produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel; 120% less NOx than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel; and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles5.

Although LPG achieves slightly fewer miles per gallon than petrol or diesel, the cost of refilling far outweighs any shortfall and there is no noticeable loss of power or performance. LPG vehicles can also benefit from up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge.

For further information on fuel supplies and bulk tank installation, contact Calor on 0800 216 659 or visit www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk.

Notes to Editors
There are now more than 1,400 public access sites with the majority of these on petrol forecourts.

Autogas Limited, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, currently supplies around 220 outlets in the UK. A full list can be found at www.autogas.ltd.uk. In addition, Calor supplies autogas from over 150 outlets through its Calor Centres, Morrisons supermarkets and other independent sites. Details of the Calor supplied sites can be found at www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk .

To make it even easier to find your nearest LPG refuelling site, Autogas offers a free to download point of interest file for leading satellite navigation systems. Users can log onto www.autogasfinder.co.uk or www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/satnav to upload the Autogas locator file so that no matter where you are in the UK you can find your nearest Calor Autogas site.

Calor and Autogas advise that conversions should always be carried out by an LPGA Approved Installer and, as there are around 200 outlets currently registered in the UK, it is easy to find your nearest specialist – a full list of Approved Installers can be found at http://www.autogas.ltd.uk/lpg-conversion/lpg-vehicle-conversion.htm.

1 Savings are based on official combined consumption figures published on www.renault.co.uk for 2.0 16V Laguna Sport Tourer assuming a 20% reduction for LPG. National average fuel prices taken from www.fleetnews.co.uk. In order to calculate potential fuel savings, Autogas has made a savings calculator available on its web site: www.autogas.ltd.uk.

2 www.fleetnews.co.uk

3 www.fleetnews.co.uk: Prices correct at 10.08.09
Petrol 102.5 pence per litre
LPG 51.5 pence per litre

4 Calculation assumes conversion fee of £1,800 including VAT with an annual mileage of 20,000 miles. Payback period equates to 22.03 months based on calculation for Renault Laguna above.

5 Small particle emissions are related to health effects including increased risk of heart and lung disease and problems such as asthma. All figures taken form the European Emissions Testing Programme 2003

The following LPG powered vehicles are available for road testing:

Saab 93 saloon Linear SE 1.8 manual
Saab 93 estate Linear 1.8 manual
Renault Laguna Expression Sport Tourer 2.0 manual
Vauxhall Astra 1.4 sxi estate manual
Vauxhall Astra 1.4 sxi 5 door hatch
Renault Megane Sport 2.0 manual 225 5 door hatch
Vauxhall Insignia 1.8 Exclusive 5 door Hatch
Honda Civic Type R