HiQ receiving high praise from motorists

HiQ is celebrating a major customer triumph after 98 per cent of its customers revealed that they would drive back to one of their centres or recommend them to a friend.

In a boost for the fast fit network, an independent survey revealed that nearly every one of the 612 sample customers questioned would happily return to a HiQ forecourt.

In a further show of strength, 91 per cent of drivers indicated that they were highly satisfied with their experience at a HiQ centre.

More than 75 per-cent of the HiQ fast fit network participated in the research.

The research was undertaken by Midlands based data capture specialists Connect Direct who were commissioned to measure customer standards in the HiQ fast fit network.

The research programme, referred to as HiQ’s ‘mirror hanger’ campaign, took place between November and December 2009.

The news strengthens HiQ’s claim of being the ‘fast fit network you can be sure of’ and comes on the back of some encouraging 2009 trading results.

In the first 12 months of opening as a fully franchised operation, retail turnover was up in double digit figures, average ticket value rose by more than 5 per cent and retail footfall increased by more than 8 per cent.

HiQ Retail Director Juergen Titz said: “The results are extremely encouraging for us, but we know that there is still a lot of work still to do.

“Our strategy is to change the face of the fast fit sector and become the fast fit network you can be sure of’

“Customer service is absolutely paramount in this strategy and we continue to set rigorous standards on a monthly basis to keep us ahead of our competitors.

“Our strength lies in the fact that we are a national brand with the peace of mind of having ‘local heroes’ in the community carrying out the work.”

For more information about HiQ click on http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/

Leading motoring lawyer calls for new drivers to curb their speed

One of the UK’s leading motoring lawyers is calling for new drivers to slow down, drive more carefully and stop using their mobile phones at the wheel or face the possibility of joining the thousands of other recently passed drivers who have to take their tests again.

Catherine Junor, a partner at Higgs & Sons, the largest legal practice in the Black Country, counts high profile sports personalities, professionals and senior business leaders amongst her clients. Increasingly, her clients are asking her to act for their children who have recently passed their tests.

“Since 2007, 63,101 newly qualified drivers have gone on to lose their licence, within two years of passing their test.

“The number of new drivers whose licences have been revoked under the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act is a staggering figure. Many new drivers are teenagers and as well as advising them to curb their behaviour at the wheel, I would call on parents and guardians to also be mindful of what kind of cars newly qualified drivers are using.”

Many parents may not be aware that in the two years following passing their driving test, it only takes six points for a newly qualified driver to have their licence revoked. The need to take your test again can hold huge consequences for people who require their vehicle for work or studying. In addition, a court case is the last thing someone needs who is just starting at University or on the career ladder.

Catherine said: “Revocation of a driving licence is not always a foregone conclusion. I would call on newly qualified drivers, parents and guardians, to ensure the right legal support is in place to avoid becoming just another number.”

To find out more you can contact Catherine directly on 0845 111 5050.

Gold medal winning car for olympic hopeful gymnast

Alan Day Volkswagen is giving practical support to one of Great Britain’s top Olympic hopefuls as he trains for 2012.

Silver medal-winning gymnast, Daniel Keating, has been given a new Volkswagen Polo by the retailer to help him on his journey to success as he travels to training and competition events.

Daniel joins a growing list of Alan Day Ambassadors – high profile sporting personalities and organisations such as Darren Gough, Saracens and Les Ferdinand – who help the Volkswagen dealership in their annual programme of community and fundraising activities, and the Volkswagen retailer is currently considering local events for Daniel to take part in.

Paul Tanner, Managing Director, from Alan Day Volkswagen, said: “Renowned for its dynamic performance, stylish looks and superior fuel efficiency, we believed the new Polo was the ideal vehicle to support Daniel in his preparation for major competitions.

“We have been impressed by Daniel’s undoubted talent and dedication and we are honoured to sponsor him by providing a car with qualities that reflects his skills – flexibility, strength, balance and control.

“What’s more, as the new Polo has just been selected and European Car of the Year 2010, we thought it entirely appropriate that a budding Olympic gold medallist should drive the car currently on the top step of the motoring podium.”

Daniel Keating won the World Championships All Around silver medal at the O2 Arena in October 2009, to add to the silver he took at the Senior European championship in Italy earlier in the year, along with a bronze on the pommel horse. At the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Daniel competed in the All Around final and finished ninth on the pommel horse.

Alan Day, which has sites in Southgate, Hampstead, and the City of London, is a family-owned business that has been delivering the highest levels of customer service to its customers since 1972.

New Polo, the fifth generation of the supermini, is the most technically advanced version in its 34 year history, but it remains true to the brand's core values of safety, reliability, quality and value for money.

Despite the increase in size, the Polo is lighter than the model it replaces leading to improved fuel economy and emissions.

The new Polo is available to order from Alan Day now with prices starting at £10,035.

The Car of the Year is an international award, judged by a panel of senior motoring journalists across Europe. The panel aims to give an expert, independent view of the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the past 12 months.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

Top technician reaches new heights

A van technician from Wolsey Volkswagen in Ipswich is celebrating after reaching the top of his profession.

Matt Lankester (39) from Martlesham, recently gained his master technician status after completing an intensive on-the-job training and assessment programme through the Volkswagen Academy.

Specialising in commercial vehicles, Matt will pass on his expertise to his colleagues within the growing van division at Wolsey.

Matt joined the Sproughton Road retailer as a qualified technician having formerly specialised in trucks for 10 years, from apprentice level, with Mercedes Benz. His commercial vehicle expertise uniquely placed him in the ideal position to develop the business to meet customers’ needs.

As part of his graduation, Matt was taken on a two day trip to the Volkswagen factory in Hanover. Commenting on this course, Matt said: “We understand the importance of keeping customers’ vans fully operational, therefore the increased knowledge I have gained from my training will ensure we can offer the very best service to our customers.

“It was an added bonus to be taken to Hanover and a most enjoyable two days.”

Wolsey Van Centre brand manager, Tim Hargraves, added: “Matt is thoroughly professional in his job and this qualification is reward for his efforts.

“His colleagues will certainly benefit from working with a technician of this calibre.”

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

Car dealer gets in gear for fashion show

Cardiff’s leading motor dealership Sinclair Volkswagen is revving up to support The Show – the first ever Breast Cancer Care fundraising fashion show to be held in Wales.

The catwalk event, taking place at Cardiff City Hall on 24 February, joins the London and Scotland Shows in celebrating fashion and fundraising.

Charity supporters attending the event will be in with a chance of winning a night in a top luxury hotel and the use of a stunning Volkswagen Eos two-door convertible for May Bank Holiday weekend in a live auction both prizes sponsored by Sinclair Volkswagen Cardiff.

Helen Griffiths, fundraiser for Breast Cancer Care Cymru, said: “We are very grateful to Sinclair Volkswagen for donating these fabulous prizes and really appreciate their generous support.

“We are so excited to be bringing The Show to Cardiff. The event has been tremendously successful in London and Scotland and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring it to Wales.

“All of the models taking part in the fashion show have had a diagnosis of breast cancer so, in addition to raising funds and awareness, the message of the event is one of hope – there is life after breast cancer and you can still feel sexy and glamorous, even after surgery.”

The Show event is supported by women and men who have experienced a diagnosis of breast cancer and share the same determination to radiate beauty, energy and style in spite of their breast cancer experience.

Richard Seaward, brand manager for Sinclair Volkswagen Cardiff, added: “We are honoured to be able to support this very worthy cause by sponsoring the star prizes and hope that the event is a huge success, raising significant funds for Breast Cancer Care.”

The prize includes the use of a Volkswagen Eos from 1-3May1, as well as an overnight stay for two people at the prestigious Hurst Hotel on the Marsh, Llangharne2, including champagne on arrival, breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course evening meal. Guests are also able to enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool and gym facilities.

The last few remaining tickets for The Show are available at £80 each or bookable as a table of ten for £800 from the Breast Cancer Care special events team on 020 7960 3554.

For further information call Sue Foster on 01902 714957 / 07850 274889 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

SALES TEAM HAS A MAKEOVER IN PLYMOUTH

Plymouth’s Volkswagen retailer, Murray, has boosted its senior management team with the appointment of a new business manager.

Alan Hayward has been promoted at the Millbay Road site after two years as sales executive with the retailer.

The 50-year-old began his automotive career in 1991, but has over 30 years’ experience in a sales environment. Alan has worked for a number of manufacturers and next year will celebrate 20 years in the motor industry.

He said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to growing the business.

“My focus is on providing a service customers expect from such a prestigious brand and company.

“I’m grateful to Murray Volkswagen for giving me this opportunity to develop my career.”

Kevin Murray, brand manager for Murray Volkswagen, said: “Alan is very ambitious and has already demonstrated a superb track record during his time in Plymouth.

“We believe he will make a significant impact on the team and customers during this challenging time in the automotive industry.”

CHILTERN RAILWAYS ARRIVES ON TIME WITH £1,000 FOR AYLESBURY RESIDENT

An Aylesbury man has been presented with £1,000 by Chiltern Railways after a survey to find out what the region’s residents would do with a spare £1,000.

David Rickard spotted Chiltern Railway’s survey on the rail company’s Twitter account and decided to answer the short questionnaire in which respondents could be in with a chance of winning the £1,000.

He says “I was really surprised to have won the £1,000 and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In the survey I said that I would save the cash. Now that I have received the £1,000 it will go straight into the bank as I am currently saving to buy a house and this will make a big difference.”

Chiltern Railways posted the survey question “What would you do with a spare £1,000?” to highlight the fact that rail commuters from the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border area travelling to London can save over £1,000 a year on the cost of a season ticket.

The survey results revealed that over a third of respondents (37 per cent) would rather spend a grand on a holiday than save it or pay off debts. However, 28 per cent showed their caring side by offering to treat the family or put the money towards helping others.

Chiltern Railways spokesperson Emma Gascoigne says: "We’re delighted that the £1,000 prize has been put to great use and hope that David manages to find his dream house soon.”

A Chiltern Railways Season ticket valid for travel from Wendover to Marylebone , including a parking, offers savings of £1,070 compared to travel from Tring to Euston. In addition, Chiltern Railways season ticket holders can enjoy free weekend travel anywhere on the Chiltern Railways network.


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For further media information please contact the Chiltern Railways press office on 020 7333 3014. Alternatively, please call Emma Gascoigne on 07771 668793 or mailto: press@chilternrailways.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

1. Chiltern Railways is working to create a mainline between the West Midlands/Warwickshire/Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire and London, with journey times to London cut by 20%
2. Chiltern Railways runs into London Marylebone, one of the most attractive stations in London. Marylebone is within walking distance of Oxford Street, London Zoo and Madame Tussauds and with great tube connections
3. Chiltern Railways was the first train company to introduce tickets by text message sent direct to your mobile phone
4. Chiltern Railways trains are some of the most punctual in Britain, with 95% of trains arriving on time, leading to passenger satisfaction of 91%
5. Chiltern Railways is owned by Deutsche Bahn AG and is part of DB Regio, Deutsche Bahn’s local and regional service provider.
6. Our awarding winning website - www.chilternrailways.co.uk - has full timetable information, as well as a summary of Chiltern Railways’ great value fares and destination guides to give you inspiration where to go and money off a number of attractions along our line.
7. Chiltern Railways now have a new hotel booking service on their website powered by hotel.info, which gives customers a best price guarantee and access to 210,000 hotels worldwide.
8. Select here to become a fan of Chiltern Railways on Facebook.
9. Select here to follow Chiltern Railways on Twitter