MEPs want 'clocking' to be EU criminal offence

Tampering with odometers — known as 'clocking' — occurs in up to 50pc of used cars across the EU, according to MEPs, writes Brian Byrne. And they want it stopped.

In a vote scheduled for next Thursday, they will look for EU wide tougher measures to deal with the fraud, to promote road safety and ensure that buyers aren't deceived.

The MEPs say that car companies 'should improve technical solutions' to prevent tampering, and it should be recognised across the EU as a criminal offence.

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Spirit Motor Group open flagship JLR showroom

The official opening of the new flagship Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Sandyford took place last evening along with the first Irish viewing of the new all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, writes Trish Whelan.

It was a memorable unveiling of both the new space and Jaguar's latest creation.

Speaking on behalf of all his colleagues in Spirit Motor Group and Jaguar Land Rover, Declan McCourt (Director, OHM Group) welcomed the large attendance to the newly redeveloped state-of-the art showroom, and especially guest of honour Prof Dr Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.

Prof Speth had flown in from India, and had earlier yesterday visited the Jaguar Land Rover software engineering centre in Shannon which will develop new technologies to support electrification and self-driving features on future Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

This 1961 E-Type Jaguar, and the Land Rover Defender pictured below, provided a classic background to the state-of-the-art showroom. 

The upgraded showroom in Arena Road, Sandyford, can accommodate 24 cars, with a superb lounge where people can relax and where they can see the latest car configuration area where customers can choose their car and its colours and specifications and see the result on a large wall screen — a first in a dealership in this country.

Mr McCourt said he particularly wanted to thank JLR Ireland, the importing company, and Jim Ryan the Dealer Principal as well as Alan Moore, Head of Retail, for all their work making sure the project was brought to fruition. "We have a great team and I know they will be delighted to be in this facility.

Brian O'Driscoll, JLR Ambassador; Prof Dr Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover; Declan McCourt, Director, OHM Group; and MC Kathryn Thomas.

MC for the evening was Katherine Thomas and Jaguar Land Rover ambassador Brian O'Driscoll was also present. Prof Speth officially cut the tape to declare the new showroom open.

Other guests included Leinster rugby captain Isa Nacewa and Jordi Murphy. Mr McCourt thanked the players and the team for having given so much enjoyment to so many people and wished them luck in the final of the Guinness PRO14 Final against Scarlets on Saturday 26 May.

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Renault Ireland extends its Late Late Show sponsorship

Renault Ireland is renewing its sponsorship of RTE's Late Late Show for another three years, writes Trish Whelan.

This extends the sponsorship to a total of six years. The show ends its current season this evening.

According to Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Group, the show has been a key contributor to building Renault brand awareness and engagement with Irish audiences and a platform to showcase its renewed model range over the last three years.

He is pictured with Ryan Tubridy, Late Late Show presenter.

C5 Aircross for Europe revealed

The European version of the new C5 Aircross SUV has been revealed in Paris, writes Brian Byrne.

Already on sale successfully in China, the new car for Europe is targeted to be the most comfortable SUV in its segment.

A high degree of personalisation will be available, with a possible 30 exterior colour options, and the interior will feature three individual, sliding, folding and reclining rear seats and best-in-class boot volume of 580-720L.

Power options will range through 130hp-180hp, with petrol and diesel engines available.

The car will launch in Europe at the end of this year.

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New Fiesta variants will expand options for nameplate

New Ford Fiesta ST.

Two variants of the latest Ford Fiesta arriving in Ireland in the next couple of months will expand the choice for the iconic small car nameplate, writes Trish Whelan.

The first will be the Fiesta Active, the first of a range of crossover variants of Ford's small and compact family cars range aimed at the rapidly growing trend in SUV-design cars.

New Ford Fiesta Active.

With a high level of specification and details such as special grille, body protection cladding, a higher ride height, and a 'Slippery' drive setting for safer progress in poor driving conditions, it will come to Ireland in June at a starting price of €21,900.

The new-generation Fiesta ST will bring the performance variant of the small car to a higher level, with a brand new 200hp 3-cylinder 1.5 petrol engine offering a 6.5s sprint to 100km/h. A more refined detailing for such hot hatches, plus a significantly more comfortable ride without any compromise in handling, is expected to open interest beyond the 'boy racer' image. Starting price when it arrives in July will be €28,120.

Ford Ireland MD Ciaran McMahon.

At the international drive for both cars in Provence, France, Ford Ireland MD Ciaran McMahon said both vehicles will further extend a strong following for the very strong following for the Fiesta nameplate. "The Fiesta Active will be a very good addition in a growth area, and the ST continues a tradition of being the heart of Ford performance cars."

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