KNUTSFORD ANNOUNCED AS FOURTH LOCATION FOR GOODYEAR PETROL GIVEAWAY

Tyre giant announces ‘next stop Knutsford’ for its EfficientGrip fuel campaign

A nationwide campaign by tyre leader Goodyear to promote its environmentally friendly EfficientGrip tyres will come to Knutsford on Monday 22 November 2010.

Goodyear is teaming up with Esso on Tabley Hill Lane, Knutsford, to give motorists a £20 fill up on. The free £20 top up of unleaded or diesel fuel will be available from 7.30am to 9.30am and then again from 5pm to 7pm or until stocks run out.

The campaign launched at the beginning of November in Gateshead where over 700 motorists benefitted from £20 of free fuel. Since then, Goodyear has travelled to Horsham and Chipping Norton to give away 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 Knutsford. 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.

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 Hazel Crawford-Upton on 01902 714 959/07974 230690 or email hazel@connect-group.com.

A senior team of Goodyear personnel will be available on the day. Press are invited to the Esso station on Monday 22 November. Please call Hazel on 07974 230690 if you would like to attend or would like to send a photographer/crew.

GOODYEAR’S EFFICIENTGRIP TYRE CHALLENGES WITH IMPROVED FUEL CONSUMPTION

The role tyres play in the environmental performance of a vehicle was exemplified this weekend as Goodyear participated in the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge (BLFCC).

Entering the challenge with a Ford Fiesta Econetic 1.6 Diesel, equipped with EfficientGrip tyres and driven by the UK’s thriftiest resident, the leading tyre firm clocked up an impressive 53 miles to the gallon.

Using fuel efficient driving techniques and benefiting from the low rolling resistance of EfficientGrip, Clare Selwood from Nottingham crossed the finish line in Pall Mall, London having completed the 60 mile route from Maderia Drive, Brighton.

Clare’s performance clearly demonstrated the fuel saving benefits of the EfficientGrip tyre having increased the mile per gallon ratio by 12 miles compared to a vehicle travelling the same route on competitor premium tyres.

“Our participation in the BLFCC underlines our commitment to develop innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of vehicles,” said James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear Dunlop.

“The Goodyear EfficientGrip tyre is a perfect example of this commitment. The tyre not only cuts fuel consumption, but doesn’t compromise on wet grip or road safety.”

For further information and tips on how to drive more efficiently, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

Clare Selwood from Nottingham was crowned the UK’s thriftiest resident by Goodyear in October 2010. She beat over 300 entries by stating over 100 money saving reasons as to why she should to win the nationwide search. Clare won £1,000, four EfficientGrip tyres and the opportunity to drive Goodyear’s vehicle in the BLFCC.

Photo caption: Michelle Fisher, Goodyear brand manager (centre), alongside the UK’s thriftiest family (going clockwise) Clare Selwood, Scott Riggans, Lenny Riggans and Barry Selwood.

DERBY BUSINESS LAUNCHES NEW TRAINEE PROGRAMME

A Derby business has launched the success of its new apprentice training programme.

Imperial Commercials Volkswagen Van Centre received over 250 applicants for the one position as a Volkswagen sales trainee.

The programme is designed to help encourage young new talent into the automotive industry.

Megan Stamp, from Alvaston, accepted the sales trainee role and now begins an 18-month intensive training programme, which will see her experience and learn all aspects of the business.

The 19-year-old successfully completed three interviews in which she faced various managers plus a panel of employees from the Derby team, before being offered the Volkswagen position.

As one of the UK’s largest truck dealership networks, Imperial Commercials presently operates a three year apprenticeship scheme for technicians in conjunction with Derby College and was named as a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards, earlier this year.

The company believes it is vitally important to invest in the future and it’s this commitment that has led to its latest role as Matthew Lawrenson, regional director of Imperial Commercials, explained.

“Our aim is to bring young new blood into the industry and therefore we feel there needs to be a clear framework to help nurture and develop the right skills for these individuals, after all these apprentices could be our future managers.

“The series of interviews enabled various team members to be instrumental in the recruitment process. We have received very positive feedback on this style of interviewing from both Megan and our team.

“This new apprentice training programme may be still in its infancy but we have been so pleased with the response and calibre of applicants that we plan to implement it across our network.”

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

VAN CENTRE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The service team from a Hereford Volkswagen retailer, has been hailed as one of the top eight in the UK after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

The team were also among the top 100 in Europe recognised by the Volkswagen brand for its superior aftersales service.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent customer loyalty figures collated throughout the year ensured South Hereford Garages secured its status as one of Britain’s best.

South Hereford Garages director, Charles Richards, said: “To have one of the best aftersales service teams in the UK and Europe is testament to the expertise and hard work of everyone at the site.

“The team thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as they continually strive to deliver total customer satisfaction.

“The team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given accurate information before, during and after their car has visited our after sales department.

“Their positive attitude has inspired everyone at the retailer and is demonstrated with this award.”

Charles was presented with the Volkswagen Service Quality Award at a gala event at Volkswagen’s Auto Museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Don Hewitt, Volkswagen UK Loyalty Development Manager, said: “We are delighted that eight UK Retailers have been recognised in this way. We strive for the very highest standards and these retailers have set a fine example to the rest of the network.”

For further information on the Volkswagen range on Roman Road call South Hereford Garages on 01432 376200.

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

NEW APPOINTMENT DRIVES VAN CENTRE FORWARD

A Cambridge Van Centre has invested in over a quarter of a century of experience to drive its new sales and rental division forward.

Vindis Van Service Centre has appointed Juliet Saunders to the Cowley Road site bringing with her 25 years of commercial vehicle experience.

Juliet, from Willingham, has built her expertise having occupied various job roles for a local commercial vehicle business, Marshall. Her passion for customer interaction and sales led her to specialise in this field for the past 15 years.

Juliet is responsible for developing the new Volkswagen business which originally opened in July this year as a Volkswagen commercial vehicle service centre. The business has now expanded its offering and has introduced both the sales and rental facilities.

Juliet said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to establishing relationships with local businesses and van operators.

“I aim to bring new life into the business and continue to develop the high level of customer service that people have come to expect of the Vindis Group.

Shane Fenwick, brand manager for Vindis Van Centre Volkswagen, said: “Juliet comes with a superb track record and we firmly believe she will make a significant impact on the team and customers.”

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

GOODYEAR’S EFFICIENTGRIP TYRE CHALLENGES WITH IMPROVED FUEL CONSUMPTION

The role tyres play in the environmental performance of a vehicle has been exemplified as Goodyear participated in the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge (BLFCC).

Entering the challenge with a Ford Fiesta Econetic 1.6 Diesel, equipped with EfficientGrip tyres and driven by the UK’s thriftiest resident, the leading tyre firm clocked up an impressive 53 miles to the gallon.

Using fuel efficient driving techniques and benefiting from the low rolling resistance of EfficientGrip, Clare Selwood from Nottingham crossed the finish line in Pall Mall, London having completed the 60 mile route from Maderia Drive, Brighton.

Clare’s performance clearly demonstrated the fuel saving benefits of the EfficientGrip tyre having increased the mile per gallon ratio by 12 miles compared to a vehicle travelling the same route on competitor premium tyres.

“Our participation in the BLFCC underlines our commitment to develop innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of vehicles,” said James Bailey, corporate communications manager for Goodyear Dunlop.

“The Goodyear EfficientGrip tyre is a perfect example of this commitment. The tyre not only cuts fuel consumption, but doesn’t compromise on wet grip or road safety.”

For further information and tips on how to drive more efficiently, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

Clare Selwood from Nottingham was crowned the UK’s thriftiest resident by Goodyear in October 2010. She beat over 300 entries by stating over 100 money saving reasons as to why she should to win the nationwide search. Clare won £1,000, four EfficientGrip tyres and the opportunity to drive Goodyear’s vehicle in the BLFCC.

Photo caption: Michelle Fisher, Goodyear brand manager (centre), alongside the UK’s thriftiest family (going clockwise) Clare Selwood, Scott Riggans, Lenny Riggans and Barry Selwood.

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

HUNDREDS OF EARLY BIRDS CATCH A BREAKFAST

Two Sittingbourne businesses have joined forces to provide early morning workers with the most important meal of the day.

JCB Volkswagen Van Centre and Sittingbourne Cafe launched a temporary customer service initiative in 2009 to provide JCB’s service customers with a breakfast voucher while their vehicle was being worked on.

But after over 1,000 people utilised the ‘early bird’ service in the first 12 months, it’s now being introduced full time

Matt Rochester, aftersales manager at JCB Sittingbourne Van Centre, said: “Every month nearly 100 service customers to our St. Michael's Road site enjoy a breakfast at the Sittingbourne Cafe while they wait for work to be carried out on their vehicle.

“The phenomenal success of the ‘early bird’ initiative has taken us all by surprise and we’ve now decided to make it permanent.

“We introduced it for customers who need to be on the road or working early in the morning and we’re delighted with the positive customer feedback.”

Steve Beard, from Chatham-based Rainham Refrigeration, said: “It’s a fantastic idea and means our vans serviced without any impact on the working day.

“The food is great and we’ll be using this service every time our vehicles serviced or in for an MOT.”

Matt concluded: “JCB’s service department is open from 6am, but as the cafe opens at 7am customers are given complimentary refreshments in our waiting area until breakfast can be served.”