CHELMSFORD SALES TEAM’S MOVEMBER CHARITY CHALLENGE

A Chelmsford sales team is hoping to raise over £1,000 for charity by taking part in the now traditional ‘Movember moustache challenge’.

Led by sales manager, Stuart Lund, nineteen staff at Inchcape Volkswagen will not shave their upper lips during November, with all money donated going to the Prostate Cancer charity.

Two female staff will join in by wearing false moustaches during the month.

Stuart said: “Prostate cancer is something everyone is aware of and Movember is a fun way of raising money for a fantastic cause.

“It’s fantastic that so many staff are taking part and we’re hoping everyone has some growth to show at the end of the month.

“We’re encouraging customers to get involved and hope to not only reach our target, but smash it.”

To help the Volkswagen team reach their target simply go to http://uk.movember.com/mospace/762754

BETS PAY OFF IN £1M FLEET DEAL

A Lancashire retailer is celebrating one its biggest account wins this year, after linking with a Wigan-based national betting company.

Totepool, a unique betting service provider synonymous with horseracing, has instructed Preston-based Volkswagen Van Centre (Lancashire) to supply its whole fleet of 50 commercial vehicles over the next three years.

An initial order of nine Crafter and Transporter vans has just been delivered, worth approximately £180,000. The fleet will consist mainly of Crafters with a number of Transporters and Caddy Maxi vehicles.

Diane Foster, the Tote’s fleet manager, said: “As the Tote covers the whole of the UK the vans are vital to transport equipment between racecourses throughout the year.

“The service we experienced from Volkswagen Van Centre (Lancashire) was superb and the vans will fit perfectly to our requirements thanks to the efforts of
their fleet account executive Tony Moore.

“The Volkswagen brand speaks excellence and as the Tote already operates a completely Volkswagen job-need car fleet it was an easy decision to make when choosing our new commercial vehicle fleet supplier.”

Paul Hoinville, head of business at Volkswagen Van Centre (Lancashire), said: “This is a fantastic account win for the company and provides evidence of our commitment to our fleet customers.

“We look forward to providing the Tote with their fleet of Volkswagen commercial vehicles.”

YOUNGSTERS GIVEN £40,000 CHANCE TO SHINE

Two Cheshire youngsters have been given the opportunity of a lifetime after winning apprenticeships at a Crewe car retailer.

Tom Chadwick (16) from Willaston and Ashley Jones (18) from Nantwich are embarking on a three-year apprenticeship with Crewe Volkswagen after qualifying from an initial 12-month assessment programme.

Over the next three years Crewe Volkswagen will invest nearly £80,000 to train Tom and Ashley through to technician status.

Tom has been involved in car mechanics for many years and is a successful National Autograss racing driver, maintaining and servicing his own car.

He said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is the only job I have ever wanted to do. I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.

“I am over the moon to I be given this opportunity and very grateful to Crewe Volkswagen for giving me this chance.”

Ashley, who is equally enthusiastic about the next three years, said: “To be selected to join a prestigious apprenticeship programme is simply brilliant.

“I know it will be hard work, but I’m looking forward to learning from the experienced technicians at the retailer.”

Crewe Volkswagen’s service manager, Scott Cunningham, said: “Tom and Ashley’s passion for cars was one of the main reasons why they’ve been given these places on the apprenticeship programme.

“I’m confident they will come through the three years with flying colours.”

HORSHAM ANNOUNCED AS SECOND LOCATION FOR GOODYEAR PETROL GIVEAWAY

Tyre giant announces Horsham as second location for its EfficientGrip fuel campaign.

A nationwide campaign by tyre leader Goodyear to promote its environmentally friendly EfficientGrip tyres will come to Horsham on Saturday.

Goodyear is teaming up with Texaco on Brighton Road in Mannings Heath, Horsham, to give motorists a £20 fill up on Saturday 6 November. The free £20 top up of unleaded or diesel fuel will be available from 10am to 2pm or until stocks run out.

The campaign launched this week in Gateshead where over 700 motorists benefitted from £20 of free fuel.

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, said: “The campaign is designed to educate motorists on the benefits of fitting EfficientGrip tyres to their car. They can save financially as well as helping the environment.

“Once fitted, our EfficientGrip tyres could be saving motorists as much as 1 litre of fuel in every tank – this is because the tyre uses a new generation of tread compound, which reduces the amount of energy needed to make the tyre roll. This lower rolling resistance causes a lower rate of fuel consumption, reducing the C02 emissions a car emits.”

Goodyear’s generosity does not end at the pump in Horsham. A £10 Sainsbury’s fuel voucher will also be given to customers for every EfficientGrip tyre they purchase at a participating HiQ outlet in the region or via www.hiqonline.co.uk.

Along with improving fuel efficiency, the tyre offers high-mileage, good wet braking performance, resistance to aquaplaning and a noticeably quiet ride.

Horsham is one of five petrol giveaway locations across England. The final three will be announced in the coming days with plenty of opportunity for the whole of the country to benefit from the free fuel giveaway.

For further information about the campaign visit www.goodyear.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to journalists

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR. For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 959/07971 465739 or email lee@connect-group.com.

A senior team of Goodyear personnel will be available on the day. Press are invited to the Texaco station on Saturday 6 November. Please call Lee on 07974 230690 if you would like to attend or would like to send a photographer/crew.

NEW START FOR VAN CENTRE

An Exeter business has introduced a new management team ahead of its proposed move to new premises.

Carrs Volkswagen Van Centre in Marsh Barton, part of the south west’s biggest motor group, has appointed Stephen Weedon as new head of business and David Bennetts as sales manager.

The duo have over 40 years of automotive experience between them, bringing vital experience to the growing site.

Stephen (42) from Kingsteinton has worked across the south west motor industry since leaving the army in 1993. Having trained as a technician in the army, he has progressed through the ranks to now head up the Exeter Volkswagen site.

David’s experience covers all sectors of the sales department for a variety of manufacturers since 1987.

Initially the main focus will be on Carrs’ move to the brand new site in Marsh Barton, with the prospect of new jobs in early 2011.

Carrs’ managing director, Andy Barrett, said: “Stephen and David’s appointments show the company’s commitment to providing a strong business leadership within the Volkswagen commercial vehicle sector in Exeter and Devon.

“Both Stephen and David have graduated with diplomas in automotive management, something which is rare in the industry and we’re proud to have them at one of our flagship sites.”

Stephen commented: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity at such an exciting time for Carrs and Volkswagen.

“This van centre has enormous potential and I’m looking forward to working with staff to ensure customers are provided with the service and products they expect from such a prestigious brand.”

HiQ offering free fuel to motorists

The HiQ fast fit network is preparing to give away thousands of pounds worth of free petrol to motorists across the UK, it was revealed.

In an exclusive giveaway – in conjunction with Goodyear – drivers who purchase an environmentally friendly EfficientGrip tyre online will receive a £10 fuel voucher to be used at their nearest Sainsbury station.

In addition, they can receive £20, £30 and £40 if they kit their cars out with two, three or four EfficientGrip tyres online.

The huge incentive has been set-up to coincide with Goodyear’s high profile launch of its award winning tyre, which will feature free fuel giveaways at five unnamed petrol stations across England in the coming weeks - including free fuel in Gateshead today. (2nd)

HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this incentive to motorists, which we hope will make a difference to them when filling up their next tank.

“The giveaway ties in nicely with the EfficientGrip launch, as the tyre also offers vast savings over a period of time, courtesy of its FuelSaving Technology.

“We are delighted to stock the product and thoroughly endorse it across the HiQ fast fit network.”

“The EfficientGrip boasts great handling and braking qualities, while providing excellent mileage and reduced fuel consumption due to its outstanding rolling resistance.”

Goodyear’s brand manager Michelle Fisher said: “Once fitted, our EfficientGrip tyres could be saving motorists as much as 1 litre of fuel in every tank – this is because the tyre uses a new generation of tread compound, which reduces the amount of energy needed to make the tyre roll.

“This lower rolling resistance causes a lower rate of fuel consumption, reducing the CO2 emissions a car emits.”

To purchase an EffiicentGrip tyre from HiQ online and earn a free fuel voucher, click on www.hiqonline.co.uk

MP OPENS UP GREENER MOTORING TO BARKING RESIDENTS

On Friday 5th November, The Rt. Hon Margaret Hodge MP will be introducing greener motoring to Barking’s motorists when The Barking Service Station Forecourt & Shop is officially opened.

The busy Barking Texaco Service Station on Ripple Road has been extensively redeveloped, and this Friday sees the culmination of four months’ work and £750,000 investment when the facilities are officially opened with a celebratory forecourt open day.

The Rt. Hon Margaret Hodge MP will be the guest of honour introducing local residents to a host of new services such as an extended and refitted SPAR shop, a new jet wash area, state of the art pumps and pipes, as well as the introduction of Autogas LPG.

As a viable, alternative to petrol and diesel, Autogas offers motorists savings of up to a third on fuel costs* and can dramatically reduce the impact driving has on the environment. Motorists interested in finding out more about how to save fuel costs and run cleaner, greener vehicles can meet the experts at the Barking Service Station open day this Friday.

Paul Oxford from Autogas explains the benefits for road users and the environment: “Vehicles running on LPG produce far less carbon dioxide, but they also emit far fewer of the other harmful emissions such as oxides of nitrogen and microscopic particles, known as PM10s, which are found in diesel and petrol and have a damaging effect on the environment.

“In fact vehicles running on LPG produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol. In terms of oxides of nitrogen, which is equally as harmful to the environment, Autogas delivers 120 per cent less than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel.

“PM10, or small particle, emissions, which have been singled out in road pollution studies as being particularly harmful to children and people suffering from Asthma, are significantly reduced in vehicles running on Autogas; figures show 120 per cent less PM10 emissions than diesel vehicles.

“But it is likely that the financial benefits of switching to LPG will be even more attractive to Barking residents. Fuel costs can be reduced by as much as 33 per cent and the conversion cost, usually around £1,800, can be recouped in less than two years*.”

Barking Service Station is located on the A13 West Bound, 3.5 miles from Canary Wharf, 3.4 miles from the City Airport and 2.9 miles from the O2 Arena. The Rt. Hon Margaret Hodge will be in attendance from 2:30pm. As the A13 is dual carriageway, motorists travelling from Docklands A406 should make a U-turn after passing the service station on the right.

- ENDS -

*41 per cent fuel costs calculated based on fuel costs taken from www.whatprice.co.uk 01/11/10, consumption figures taken from www.renault.co.uk for a 2.0 140 petrol Laguna Sport Tourer and assuming a 20% reduction in fuel consumption for LPG.

Notes to Editors:
- Autogas Limited
Converting a vehicle to run on LPG can be done quickly and easily by an approved converter and costs around £1,800. Most petrol powered cars, and even light commercial vehicles, can be easily converted to run on LPG.
There are now more than 1,400 public access Autogas refuelling sites with the majority of these on petrol forecourts. Autogas is the UK’s leading supplier 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 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 Autogas site.
- Barking Service Station
Kennford Limited acquired the Barking service station in 2007 and has invested in excess of £750,000 pounds on the redevelopment. This has confirmed the company’s Texaco franchise for a further 5 years and resulted in prominent branding on the forecourt including bins, advertising panels and a total new canopy.

Issued on behalf of Autogas by Connect PR
For further information, please contact Kathy Hodson
Connect PR, The Chubb Building, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT
Tel: 01902 714957 / 07890 381725
Email: Kathy@connect-group.com