X-FACTOR JUDGE IS NATIONAL WINTER BREAKDOWN HERO

A survey has revealed that motorists would choose Cheryl Cole as their winter breakdown hero.

Goodyear teamed up with Mountain Rescue England and Wales to commission the research to reveal how motorists prepare and drive during the cold weather.

Results showed that 36% of drivers questioned would like Cheryl Cole to come to their rescue in the event of a breakdown with Robbie Williams polling as the top male celebrity choice.

However, Goodyear’s brand manager, Michelle Fisher, said that the results also showed a lack of awareness when it came to driving safely throughout the winter: “While our national survey in partnership with Mountain Rescue produced some fun results, it also shows areas of great concern.

“From those drivers questioned over 80% said they didn’t fit cold weather tyres, 11% said they carried out no basic vehicle safety checks and 47% didn’t carry a winter car kit containing essential items such as a snow shovel and fleece blanket.”

Michelle added: “It’s important that drivers know how best to prepare for the difficult driving conditions, as a little basic preparation can prevent incidents that require the help of breakdown and emergency services .”

Goodyear recommends motorists switch to cold weather tyres when temperatures drop below 7oC to improve car handling and braking performance. Goodyear’s award winning UltraGrip 7+ cold weather tyre delivers unparalleled control in hazardous winter conditions. Voted best cold weather tyre by a leading weekly car magazine, the tyre was tested and proven to stop six car lengths shorter than a conventional tyre on snow.

For more information on cold weather tyres and winter driving tips visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

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

'HERO HECTOR' RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

An Aberdeen lollipop man has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Hector McKenzie, affectionately known as Hero Hector, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents from Ferryhill Primary School due to his extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Christine Dunhill, chairperson of Ferryhill Primary School’s parent council, said: “We nominated Hector because he has been tirelessly teaching road safety for nearly ten years outside our school in the rain, sleet, snow and sunshine.

“He participates in road safety activities with children from nursery and upwards. He brings his own warmth to the role, which is reflected in the wee presents he receives from the children and parents at this time of year. In addition, Hector has been pro-active in reminding impatient drivers around the school to be mindful of children at the beginning and end of school days.”

On making the national shortlist Hector said: “I’m thrilled to have made the shortlist. I’ve been the school’s lollipop man for about 20 years, so it’s lovely for the community to recognise my work in this way.”

Hector is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for his car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, he has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Ferryhill Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Hector’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk .

ENDS

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

OLDHAM SERVICE TEAM BOOSTED BY AWARD-WINNING MANAGER

An Oldham retailer has been boosted by the appointment of a new senior manager to its team.

Paul Morton is Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen’s new service manager, taking control of the company’s growing service department.

The 32-year-old has worked in the north west motor industry since 1994, after starting his career as a technician apprentice. He was recently given the ‘Leading Lights’ award which recognises achievements by managers within the company.

Jason Chisnall, brand manager at Smith Knight Fay Volkswagen, is delighted with Paul’s appointment. He said: “Paul has vast experience with the Volkswagen brand and across the service sector of the business; his expertise is a valuable addition to the team in Oldham.

“The main focus will be to deliver consistently high levels of service to customers.”

During Paul’s automotive career he has successfully moved up the career ladder with a variety of manufacturers. His previous roles include technician, master technician, workshop controller and assistant service manager.

He said: “I am looking forward to the fresh challenge. The staff at Oldham are fantastic and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.

“There is a low staff turnover which provides a great platform for customers to build a rapport with staff and vice versa.”

TYRE-LESS PAM RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

A Basildon financial officer has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Pam Slingsby, affectionately known as tyre-less Pam, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents at Basildon Church of England Primary School due to her extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Paul Field, headmaster at Basildon Church of England Primary School, said: “We’ve nominated Pam because she has worked to create a safe environment for our children through her knowledge and application of health and safety procedures.

“She is meticulous in her organisation and constantly aware of the need to consider the correct safety provisions for school events and developments.”

Speaking of her nomination, Pam said: “A lot of the health and safety work devolved to me from our headmaster when I joined the school in 2004. It has become one of my favourite aspects of the job – so I’m delighted that the school has nominated me for this award.”

Pam is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for her car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, she has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Basildon Church of England Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Pam’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk .

ENDS

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

SUPER STEVE RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY ACCOLADE

A Portsmouth school site manager has made the shortlist in Goodyear’s national search for the best unsung school safety hero.

Steve Culver, affectionately known as super Steve, was nominated by colleagues, pupils and parents at Medina Primary School due to his extraordinary commitment to school safety.

Howard Payne, headmaster at Medina Primary School, said: “We’ve nominated Steve because of the superb dedication he’s displayed in a short space of time. During the winter he arrives early to ensure the pathways, which are very long, are safe and clear for pupils.

“He also ensures that the community events and activities held at the school premises after hours do not have an adverse effect on the safety of pupils. In the short time Steve’s been here, he’s made a real impact.”

Speaking of his nomination, Steve said: “I’m really pleased to have been nominated for this award as I get a lot of fulfilment from helping people, so it’s good to know other people get that feeling from the work I do.”

Steve is now in with a chance of winning a set of Goodyear OptiGrip tyres for his car. Tyres that provide shorter braking distances in the wet by revealing new tread as it wears. For being shortlisted, he has already won high visibility jackets and a brightly coloured walking rope for the children at Medina Primary School.

Michelle Fisher, brand manager at Goodyear, commented: “To hear about Steve’s work is simply an inspiration to us all. Road safety is an important message that needs to be communicated to children, especially when they are travelling to and from school. It’s encouraging to see so many individuals being recognised for their outstanding efforts and safety initiatives.”

For more information about Goodyear visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

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

MOTORISTS GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE COLD WEATHER

With the onset of winter, motorists are switching to cold weather tyres to experience the benefits of these specialist tyres.

According to leading tyre specialist Goodyear, sales of cold weather tyres have increased by a massive 521 per cent following last year’s harshest winter for 30 years.

The news will be a welcome announcement for the secretary of state for Transport, Philip Hammond MP, who revealed that Britain’s resilience to cope with winter driving conditions would be better if people switched to cold weather tyres.

With weather conditions set to deteriorate even further over the coming months, Goodyear believes that the experience of last winter had already proved invaluable for drivers.

Kate Rock, PR support manager for Goodyear said: “Our European neighbours already understand the importance of fitting specialist cold weather tyres and the UK is now catching up.

“Safety conscious motorists are already converting and many more are considering the fitment of cold weather tyres. However, as more drivers become aware, tyre retailers need to stock up in order to meet demand.”

Goodyear is encouraging drivers to change their tyres urgently as most of the UK has already experienced the first fall of snow and with temperatures failing to reach 7°C. It also believes that a planned change is preferable than an impulse purchase.

For further information and tips on how to stay safe this winter, visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

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

CREWE MOTORING EXPERT AMONGST UK ELITE

A motoring specialist from Crewe is among the best in the country after reaching the national finals of the Volkswagen Service Qualification World Championship in Milton Keynes.

Master technician, Artur Ziminski (29) from Crewe Volkswagen achieved the prestigious final for the chance to represent the UK at the Volkswagen World Final.

Over 500 UK-based Volkswagen master technicians entered the preliminary rounds, but just five reached the national final.

For reaching the final and his contribution to the business, Crewe Volkswagen director, John Smyth, presented Artur with a revolutionary Tissot watch.

Artur, from Crewe, has worked at Crewe Volkswagen since 2006, and achieved master technician status in just three years this April; it usually takes about six years.

He said: “It is an honour to be recognised for the work you do everyday. Tension is always high during the contest so you really have to be focused so you can complete the assessments and series of practical tasks, but the adrenaline keeps you going.

“To be presented with my watch has capped off a brilliant year for me.”

Crewe Volkswagen’s brand manager, Ken Potter, said: “Everyone at the retailer is proud of the achievements of Artur.

“He has proved to be amongst the elite in his particular discipline in the UK and it proves the training programmes he has attended are worthwhile.
“Artur is a great role model for the technicians at Crewe and he is widely respected by everyone here.”

Artur received a finalist trophy, certificate and £150 worth of Virgin Leisure vouchers.

Matthew Barham, Volkswagen UK’s quality development manager said: “Artur did exceptionally well to get to the final against some very good master technicians.

“He may not have claimed the UK title on this occasion but to be one of the top five master technicians in the UK is an excellent achievement and something he should be very proud of.”