The Irish car market will recover to around 135,000 units in 2014, according to Mercedes-Benz Ireland's Ciaran Allen.
But he says next year will remain 'another very tough' market situation.
He said their high end business has been put on hold for the moment but that the company is concentrating on providing value in its volume models, especially C-Class, and E-Class.
He announced further reductions in the price of the C-Class models of 9 percent, making the total cut in prices on the model of €12,000 since 2009.
He also said the company will be extending its Star Select used car programme during 2010.
30 November 2009
27 November 2009
Mazda team's Movember
Mazda Motor Ireland has gone moustache-alicious as each and every male member of the team has dedicated themselves to growing a tash as part of the popular Movember charity ‘drive’ – and the girls have even joined in – with fake ones of course!
The tash styles range from Magnum PI to Charlie Chaplin to a demure 1930’s gentleman’s fashion!
David McGonigle, Managing Director of Mazda Motor Ireland comments “It’s a charity I feel strongly about and was keen to get the team involved – they didn’t need much persuasion! So far we have collectively raised approximately €1,000, and that’s before we send out the latest photo of our ‘mo’s’ with a request for donations! Check us out on twitter or donate to the MazdaMo’s team on http://ie.movember.com/”
Movember ends Monday 30th November.
26 November 2009
Peugeot wins ICOTY
The Peugeot 3008 has won the Continental Irish Car of the Year Award presented by the Irish Motoring Writers Association.
In category wins, the Honda Jazz was given the Continental Irish Small Car of the Year 2010 award. The Family Car section was won by the Volkswagen Golf. The SUV/Crossover winner was again the Peugeot 3008. The MPV of the Year is the Renault Grand Scenic. The Luxury/Sport Car winner is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Ford Connect won the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2010 award.
The winning cars were selected by the 27 voting members of the IMWA.
Pictured are Beverley McConnell, Peugeot Ireland; Paddy Murphy, of sponsors Continental Tyres; David McConnell, MD Peugeot Ireland; Michael Moroney, chairman IMWA; Emma Toner and Mark Hayes, Peugeot Ireland, with the trophy won by their Peugeot 3008.
Scrappage 'only chance' for car trade
A scrappage scheme in the Budget is the only measure that can positively impact on the car sales business in Ireland, according to Alan Nolan of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
He was commenting this morning on the news that long-established dealership EP Mooney had closed yesterday, with the loss of a hundred jobs. The company underwent a restructuring in the past year whereby it let 150 people go, but was unable to continue because of the lack of bank financing.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr Nolan said the car trade had lost 11,000 jobs since the beginning of 2008, or 25 percent. He added that the current situation where the business was trying to keep 75 percent of its workforce in an environment where sales were down by 70 percent is 'unsustainable'.
He also said that the situation would impact on the used car business also, as the supply of used cars is dependent on trade-ins for new cars.
He was commenting this morning on the news that long-established dealership EP Mooney had closed yesterday, with the loss of a hundred jobs. The company underwent a restructuring in the past year whereby it let 150 people go, but was unable to continue because of the lack of bank financing.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr Nolan said the car trade had lost 11,000 jobs since the beginning of 2008, or 25 percent. He added that the current situation where the business was trying to keep 75 percent of its workforce in an environment where sales were down by 70 percent is 'unsustainable'.
He also said that the situation would impact on the used car business also, as the supply of used cars is dependent on trade-ins for new cars.
Ten new 5-star cars
Ten out of a dozen cars which have gone through the Euro NCAP crash tests achieved five stars, the highest rating currently possible.
They are the BMW X1, Chevrolet Cruze, Citroën DS3, Infiniti FX, Mazda 3, Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes GLK, Opel Astra, Peugeot 5008 and the Volkswagen Scirocco.
The Chevrolet Cruze, not yet on sale in Ireland, achieved the highest level of adult occupant safety at 96 percent. It was followed by the new Opel Astra with 95 percent.
The Chevrolet Spark missed out on a five-star award as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not fitted as standard on any variant. In contrast ESC is fitted as standard in all variants in the other cars in today’s line-up -- a direct result of Euro NCAP’s incentive of points under its new rating scheme introduced at the begging of this year.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser was awarded only three stars, because of deficiencies in adult passenger safety.
They are the BMW X1, Chevrolet Cruze, Citroën DS3, Infiniti FX, Mazda 3, Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes GLK, Opel Astra, Peugeot 5008 and the Volkswagen Scirocco.
The Chevrolet Cruze, not yet on sale in Ireland, achieved the highest level of adult occupant safety at 96 percent. It was followed by the new Opel Astra with 95 percent.
The Chevrolet Spark missed out on a five-star award as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not fitted as standard on any variant. In contrast ESC is fitted as standard in all variants in the other cars in today’s line-up -- a direct result of Euro NCAP’s incentive of points under its new rating scheme introduced at the begging of this year.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser was awarded only three stars, because of deficiencies in adult passenger safety.
25 November 2009
EP Mooney closes
The latest car sales firm to go under in the recession is EP Mooney. The company's directors have appointed a liquidator, ending almost 36 years in business.
Two years ago the company had 11 franchises in seven locations and employed 250 people. With the meltdown of the Irish motor trade over the last 18 months it restructured, shedding 150 jobs and implementing pay cuts of up to 30 percent. Today the directors terminated the remainder of the busiuness, closing five remaining branches with the loss of 95 jobs.
In a statement this evening the company blames inability to get bank credit as a key reason for the situation that led to its closure.
Grant Thornton is the provisional liquidator appointed by the company.
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Two years ago the company had 11 franchises in seven locations and employed 250 people. With the meltdown of the Irish motor trade over the last 18 months it restructured, shedding 150 jobs and implementing pay cuts of up to 30 percent. Today the directors terminated the remainder of the busiuness, closing five remaining branches with the loss of 95 jobs.
In a statement this evening the company blames inability to get bank credit as a key reason for the situation that led to its closure.
Grant Thornton is the provisional liquidator appointed by the company.
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Saab sale off
The proposed sale of GM's Saab subsidiary to Koenigsegg Group AB has terminated at the discretion of the buyer.
GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson, said the company is disappointed. He said GM will take the next several days to assess the situation.
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GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson, said the company is disappointed. He said GM will take the next several days to assess the situation.
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Astra gets five stars
The European new car safety assessment organization, Euro NCAP, has awarded the new Opel Astra five stars for safety.
Euro NCAP gave its highest points ever awarded for Astra’s active head restraints which protect against whiplash. Whiplash is the most common occupant injury suffered when a car is hit from behind.
Opel’s active headrest system, an integral part of the brand’s industry-leading seats, is in itself a technical innovation. It is completely reversible, requiring no dealer reset after a rear-end collision.
The Astra scored very well on its front passenger occupant protection in a frontal impact. NCAP also added points because Electronic Stability Controlplus – a computerized technology that improves a vehicle’s stability by detecting and minimizing skids – is standard on all variants in all of the 27 countries which use Euro NCAP ratings as well as Norway and Switzerland.
24 November 2009
Spark in Berlin
Chevrolet has given a further showing of its new supermini, the Spark, at a night celebrating young creative people in Berlin.
The successor to the Matiz is due for launch early in 2010.
The event also saw a very special Spark reinterpreted by Berlin fashion designer Mischa Woeste and her Smeilinener label. Inspired by her spring/summer collection for 2010.
23 November 2009
New 5 Series revealed
BMW has revealed details of its sixth generation of the 5 Series.
Due for launch in March in RHD form, the car is sleeker looking than the current model and will come with the highest ever levels of specification in the nameplate.
Equipment will include the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission
Buyers of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose between three diesel powerplants and four petrol engines from launch.
20 November 2009
Speed cameras contract signed
Forty-five mobile speed cameras will be in use around the country from the middle of next year.
The government has signed the contract with a commercial company who will operate the cameras.
They will be used on parts of the road network which the Garda has identified as accident prone.
The contract is worth €16m a year.
The government has signed the contract with a commercial company who will operate the cameras.
They will be used on parts of the road network which the Garda has identified as accident prone.
The contract is worth €16m a year.
Lexus price reductions
Lexus Ireland has announced price reductions of between €2,185-€25,760 across its models range, without cutting specification.
The IS 220d S-design reduces in price from €38,340 to €35,480, while the top of the range LS460 reduces from €126,980 to €109,950. The reductions across the range average 9.0%.
In addition, there are new efficiencies, with the IS220d moving from band D to band C, with a CO2 output of 148g/km and annual road tax of €302. In January 2010, Lexus will also introduce a front wheel drive version of RX Hybrid, starting from €55,500 and emitting 140g CO2/km which places it in tax band B, and road tax of €156 per year.
The SC 430 reduces by €25,760 to €105,000.
The IS 220d S-design reduces in price from €38,340 to €35,480, while the top of the range LS460 reduces from €126,980 to €109,950. The reductions across the range average 9.0%.
In addition, there are new efficiencies, with the IS220d moving from band D to band C, with a CO2 output of 148g/km and annual road tax of €302. In January 2010, Lexus will also introduce a front wheel drive version of RX Hybrid, starting from €55,500 and emitting 140g CO2/km which places it in tax band B, and road tax of €156 per year.
The SC 430 reduces by €25,760 to €105,000.
19 November 2009
New Prius and Verso on sale
Toyota Ireland has put its new generation Prius and Verso on sale.
The Prius is the third generation of the model and now comes in at an entry level price of €25,995, over €1,000 less than the outgoing car.
A 1.8 134bhp petrol engine replaces the previous 1.5-litre.
The new Verso prices range from €29,850-33,430. It comes with 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol engines, with a 2.0 diesel option.
Kia prices tumble
Kia Ireland has cut prices for their Picanto, Rio and cee’d models.
Picanto is down by €1,850, Rio by €1,500 and cee’d by €2,000.
Picanto prices now start at €9,995, Rio from €12,865 and the cee’d at €17,500. Diesel Rio and cee'd models now start at €13,550 and €18,500 respectively.
The cee’d 1.6 Diesel SW is from €20,000.
VW Ireland cuts prices
Volkswagen Ireland has announced price reductions and specification upgrades across their range.
Golf models have been chopped by 10 percent whilst ESP has been added as standard. The Passat gets an 11 percent price cut.
Pack options offer savings of up to 40 percent against single options.
And Volkswagen Ireland in conjunction with Volkswagen Bank Ireland are offering finance at 6.75 percent APR. The bank has a current approval rate of 67 percent.
Golf models have been chopped by 10 percent whilst ESP has been added as standard. The Passat gets an 11 percent price cut.
Pack options offer savings of up to 40 percent against single options.
And Volkswagen Ireland in conjunction with Volkswagen Bank Ireland are offering finance at 6.75 percent APR. The bank has a current approval rate of 67 percent.
The 141mpg Alto
After a successful New Zealand North-South drive at an average of 64mpg last month, the Suzuki Alto has taken part in a further MPG marathon, this time down through Australia, managing to complete the journey at an average consumption of 72mpg overall.
That represented an 18.5 per ent improvement over the official Australian combined figure and a staggering 141mpg (2.0 L/100km) attained in City traffic – the lowest recorded of any entered vehicle.
The Global Green Challenge ran North-South from Darwin to Adelaide and placed conventional and alternative fuel cars against each other in a 1,900 miles real world test.
Alto won the ‘Light’ and ‘Small’ car categories; ‘best urban cycle’ category and an overall CO2 emission of 89.9g/km, using just 123 litres of fuel for the seven-day trip.
The Alto is one of the lowest emission vehicles on sale in Ireland at 103g/km with an annual Road Tax of €104. Alto is priced at €11,500 for the manual and €13,295 for the automatic model.
Changes to Corsa powertrains
Opel is introducing significantly more efficient engines in its Corsa early next year.
With an overall drop in fuel consumption of more than 13 percent across the model's engine range, some of the engines also get more power.
A 95hp 1.3 diesel offers 3.7 L/100km, equivalent to 76.3mpg. There will also be a 75hp variant of the same engine, both of which will be in the A CO2 Tax Band here.
The 1.0 petrol engine has been improved to give 5hp more while emissions drop to 117g/km. The 1.2 petrol will now offer 85hp, 5hp more than before.
There are also revised set-ups on the steering and suspension to improve ride and handling.
With an overall drop in fuel consumption of more than 13 percent across the model's engine range, some of the engines also get more power.
A 95hp 1.3 diesel offers 3.7 L/100km, equivalent to 76.3mpg. There will also be a 75hp variant of the same engine, both of which will be in the A CO2 Tax Band here.
The 1.0 petrol engine has been improved to give 5hp more while emissions drop to 117g/km. The 1.2 petrol will now offer 85hp, 5hp more than before.
There are also revised set-ups on the steering and suspension to improve ride and handling.
18 November 2009
Marketing begins for Leaf
Nissan has begun its global marketing campaign for the Leaf EV compact family hatch, which will go on sale in Ireland in March 2011.
According to the company, the cost of the Leaf will be 'within 1-2 percent of the purchase price of a standard hatch in the segment.
Decisions will be made in different markets as to whether owners will lease or buy batteries. The former is the preference of Nissan, who say customers will then be able to upgrade batteries during the life of the car.
Nissan is working with the ESB here on a partnership project with Renault to set up a charging infrastructure for EVs.
17 November 2009
Fastest car for Top Gear Live
The world's fastest production car, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, will feature at the Top Gear Live show in the RDS between 3-6 December.
The all-new show for this year has more cars, more stunts and — crucially — more fire!
The key sponsor of the show in Ireland Brown Thomas.
Highlights include constantly burning rally cars, the world’s largest interactive game, the world’s first indoor loop-the-loop, the Stig leading a troupe of world record-breaking precision drivers — not to mention the ringmasters themselves; Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May at the head of the motoring mayhem.
Ticket prices start at €49. For ticket information log on to www.topgearlive.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie or call 0818 300 800.
Land Rover MY10s less costly
Land Rover prices for 2010 model year are offering substantial savings across the range, from a reduction of almost €4,000 on the new Discovery 4 to a cut of €24,230 on the top version of the Range Rover.
This is despite major upgrades in style and interior quality in all models, as well as several new engines with both more power and greater efficiencies.
The Discovery 4 is now powered by a new 3.0 V6 turbodiesel at a starting price of €51,980. The Range Rover Sport also gets the new 3.0 TDV6 diesel and a new V8 5.0 Supercharged petrol engine together with exterior changes and a redesigned and more refined interior. It starts at €77,530.
The Range Rover now starts at €100,180 for the 3.6 TD V8.
16 November 2009
New Doblo revealed
Fiat has revealed details of its new generation Doblo, which is sold as both a van and a passenger vehicle which can be configured to carry up to seven people.
The new Doblo is built on a new platform, has more passenger space on a wheelbase that is claimed to be the longest in the segment, and is powered by a Band B (Ireland) 1.3 Multijet 90hp engine.
There will also be a 95hp petrol engine and two other diesel Multijet of 105hp and 135hp, as well as a diesel version with a Dualogic robotized gearbox.
The Doblo cargo offers a more roomy load compartment than the previous model, with load volumes up to 4.2 cubic metres, payload to 1000kg, and combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km.
There will be short and long wheelbase van, high top van, short and long wheelbase 5-seater combi.
The new models are due to be launched from mid-January 2010.
Renault reveals Fluence EV strategy
Renault plans to offer the electric version of its Fluence midsized saloon at the same price as the car's internal combustion engine variants.
Fluence is an additional model between Megane and Laguna and the EV version will be manufactured along with the mainstream versions at a Renault factory in Turkey.
The car is aimed at global markets and the concept Fluence ZE (zero emissions) was shown at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.
Renault now has four EV models upcoming, including the Zoe city car, the Kangoo, and the Twizy. The Fluence EV will go on sale initially in Denmark and Israel, which are developing strong electric vehicle infrastructures, from the first half of 2011. In keeping with the company's strategy of offering a range of mass-market EV vehicles, the car will be rolled out in other markets soon afterwards.
Irish Van of the Year 2010
The shortlist for the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2010 has been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Van of the Year Jury. The winner of the 2010 overall van title and category award winners (Car-Derived Van and SUV Commercial) will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, on Thursday November 26, 2009.
The finalists are as follows: Ford Fiesta Van, Ford Kuga Commercial, Ford Transit Connect, Honda CR-V, Renault Kangoo, Subaru Forester, Verde Cargovan.
The Continental Irish Van of the Year jury is comprised of nine specialist members of the IMWA. In order to find the winning van and category winners each year, the jury members assess each van that is launched on the Irish market, grading each vehicle on such attributes as: value for money, versatility, build quality and performance.
This year sees a change in sponsorship for the Van awards. Semperit Tyres who sponsored the awards for the last 20-years is passing the title to Continental Tyres.
The finalists are as follows: Ford Fiesta Van, Ford Kuga Commercial, Ford Transit Connect, Honda CR-V, Renault Kangoo, Subaru Forester, Verde Cargovan.
The Continental Irish Van of the Year jury is comprised of nine specialist members of the IMWA. In order to find the winning van and category winners each year, the jury members assess each van that is launched on the Irish market, grading each vehicle on such attributes as: value for money, versatility, build quality and performance.
This year sees a change in sponsorship for the Van awards. Semperit Tyres who sponsored the awards for the last 20-years is passing the title to Continental Tyres.
The $1m phone call
It was a phone call that cost this car owner a million dollars.
That's because he drove his Bugatti Veyron into a march in Texas when he reached down to pick up his dropped mobile phone.
He wasn't hurt. But felt a big pain in his wallet.
That's because he drove his Bugatti Veyron into a march in Texas when he reached down to pick up his dropped mobile phone.
He wasn't hurt. But felt a big pain in his wallet.
Our View: Carbon Tax
Carbon Tax is on the line for the next Budget. We actually have had them for decades in Ireland as duties on fuel, so it seems likely that the 'new' CTs will be an extra revenue gathering exercise for a self-bankrupted Government.
The new CT will happen. But we all should know the views outside the Department of Finance. Here are a couple.
Carbon and Tax Neutrality by Frank Schnittger.
EU Mulls Europe-wide Carbon Tax.
Bottom line: Is a brand new tax right without deleting the existing 'carbon' duties? Think about it.
The new CT will happen. But we all should know the views outside the Department of Finance. Here are a couple.
Carbon and Tax Neutrality by Frank Schnittger.
EU Mulls Europe-wide Carbon Tax.
Bottom line: Is a brand new tax right without deleting the existing 'carbon' duties? Think about it.
13 November 2009
Remembrance for road victims
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking people nationwide to remember the victims of road crashes on ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’, this Sunday 15th November 2009.
The RSA will be joining forces with Road Safety Officers, Emergency Services and members of An Garda Síochána to mark the day and remember those who have died on our roads.
Up to Friday 13th November 2009 a total of 22,646 lives have been lost on Irish roads since the recording of road deaths began in 1959. That’s equivalent to the total population of Tralee town and its environs being lost on our roads.
The RSA will be joining forces with Road Safety Officers, Emergency Services and members of An Garda Síochána to mark the day and remember those who have died on our roads.
Up to Friday 13th November 2009 a total of 22,646 lives have been lost on Irish roads since the recording of road deaths began in 1959. That’s equivalent to the total population of Tralee town and its environs being lost on our roads.
Deals at Nissan MotorShow
Nissan is running a 'Motor Show' promotion at its dealers from November 20 to December 10, with offers of cashback and free servicing deals.
It's also the opportunity to see and feel Ireland's cheapest new car, the new Nissan Pixo, which is going on sale at an entry price of €9,895.
Anybody buying a Pixo, Micra, Note or Tiida during the promotion will get three years of servicing absolutely free.
And there's a CashBack offer on the Qashqai with €2,010 to be given back on any petrol or 2.0 Qashqai ordered during the Nissan MotorShow. This offer applies to both 5- and 7-seat models.
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It's also the opportunity to see and feel Ireland's cheapest new car, the new Nissan Pixo, which is going on sale at an entry price of €9,895.
Anybody buying a Pixo, Micra, Note or Tiida during the promotion will get three years of servicing absolutely free.
And there's a CashBack offer on the Qashqai with €2,010 to be given back on any petrol or 2.0 Qashqai ordered during the Nissan MotorShow. This offer applies to both 5- and 7-seat models.
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BMW wants intelligent lights
They have problems in the US with their traffic lights. So do we. BMW is pushing for a better way.
Inflatable seatbelts from Ford
Ford Motor Company will introduce the motor industry’s first inflatable seat belts in 2010, designed to provide better protection for back-seat passengers.
The belts will make their debut on the US best-selling Ford Explorer and spread the force of a crash over an area five times bigger than conventional seat belts. This helps to reduce head, neck and chest injuries by easing pressure and reducing movement in the event of an impact.
In research carried out by Ford, 90 percent of respondents also said the inflatable seat belts were more comfortable than traditional belts –- a factor that could help to increase rear seat belt usage. The company plans to extend inflatable seat belt technology to its vehicles around the world.
12 November 2009
New Irish motoring TV show
A new Irish produced motoring TV programme begins on Friday 20 November on the TV3 affiliated station 3e.
Xccelerate is the only motoring programme on Irish television that is produced entirely in Ireland, with Irish cars, Irish locations and Irish presenters.
It is produced by City Productions and presented by motoring journalist Conor Twomey and broadcaster Rachel Wyse.
Xccelerate will deal with all types of vehicles, from the more affordable to the most desirable due to hit Irish streets in 2010.
The show also aims to put some fun back into motoring, but it won't be going completely over the top with wacky stunts and unattainable supercars every week.
Tune in to 3e Fridays from 20th November 2009 at 7pm (Sky 105, NTL 106).
First pictures of new Volvo S60
Here are the first official pictures of the all-new Volvo S60 which will be unveiled in production form at next spring's Geneva Motor Show.
Among the technologies which will be available in the new car, aimed at BMW's 3-Series, is Pedestrian Detection - a safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.
Production of the S60 will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium.
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Yeti ready to roll
Skoda's Yeti crossover goes on sale in Ireland in early December priced from €19,990.
The entry model will be powered by a 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine with 105hp and Band C CO2 rating while a 2.0 110hp diesel version with upgraded specification will cost €22,665 and is rated at Band B.
The production version of the Yeti was presented at this year’s Geneva Motorshow.
A 'VarioFlex' seating system includes three separate rear seats that can be adjusted or even removed completely. When they are removed the Yeti can carry up to 1,760 litres of luggage.
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11 November 2009
Pixo puts it up in price
Nissan's new Pixo city car goes on sale in Ireland at a base price of €9,895, the cheapest car in the segment.
Powered by a 1.0 petrol engine it has a CO2 emissions rating of 103g/km. There are two grades, SV and SVE, and an automatic version is available.
The A segment in which it is positioned has doubled in size in the last year and some industry sources believe it will double again next year. Since 1982, the B segment Micra has been Nissan's entry level car, and the arrival of the Pixo completes the small car offerings from the brand along with the Note.
Nissan Ireland has set a conservative forecast of achieving 150 units sales in the first quarter of 2010. In the sequence below, the company's Paul O'Sullivan talks to Brian Byrne about the positioning and strategy for the new car.
10 November 2009
Travel article sorter
It's North America based in terms of sources, but this new website is making a good fist of sorting the most relevant travel articles and news about any particular destination.
It's called Moebii (pronounced Moh-bee) and we figure we'll be using it for backgrounders for our own travels.
It's called Moebii (pronounced Moh-bee) and we figure we'll be using it for backgrounders for our own travels.
Mondello Rallycross on Sunday
Mondello Park is the venue this Sunday for the final Rallycross event of the year as the 09/10 Motorsport Ireland championship passes its half way point. The County Kildare Motor Club will preside over round four of the series which looks set to continue the recent upward trend in Rallycross entries.
With the UK championship now completed the Irish series will once again be bolstered by entries from across the water. ‘Mad’ Mark Watson returns to Mondello having missed the last event to take in the Rallycross Superprix and will be hoping to mount a stronger challenge than his last visit where he came home a fortunate third despite a below par performance, by his standards. Making a first Supercar appearance at Mondello will be Scottish visitor Andy Scott in a car which will be very familiar to Irish Rallycross fans, the ex George Tracey and Ollie O’Donovan Peugeot 306. Also expected is Ford Focus driver Kevin Proctor bringing the visiting field to three and the Supercar entry to a dozen cars.
The overall championship this season has had three different winners from three events. Reigning champion Michael Coyne took round one with his modified class Nova, while round two went to Supercar driver Tommy Graham with his Fiesta. Coyne and Graham then failed to score at round three, leaving the way open for Andrew Morris to take victory, but they still sit one and two in the series. Coyne leads the way from Graham and Supercar newcomer David Dempsey, who is followed by giant killer Kieran Curran, with his 1600cc 2wd Corsa and the Supercars of Morris and Watson.
While the Supercar entry is always the focus for fans the supporting cast of Modified Cars, Stockhatch, Junior Rallycross and Rallycars continues to provide excellent entertainment. The Modified grid continues to move towards the twenty mark, and with entries still coming in this level could be reached this Sunday for the first time in many years. Following his problems at round three Michael Coyne finds himself off the top of the points table in this division for the first time in many years as he trails Tigra driver Dessie Tierney in second, tied on points with his brother Brendan. Round two winner Ian O’Connell returns having missed the last event at Mondello and he too could cause problems for Coyne making this the most difficult season yet for the perennial modified class dominator.
Having shelved his European Rallycross ambitions for the moment Derek Tohill has returned to his Stockhatch roots to once again lead the series. Two wins for Tohill have enabled him to move ahead of fellow race winner Gordon Lynch and former champion Michael Duke who share second place. Proving the worth of the Junior championship is Robert Critchley who has picked up two podiums on his graduation from the junior class to sit fourth in the standings.
The Junior class which Critchley has left behind is still as busy as ever producing future stars with two sons of former competitors emerging as the top dogs in the series. Simon Quinn and Niall Murray have shared the wins between them, two to Quinn and one to Murray but despite their dominance neither sits on top of the points. While Quinn and Murray have both missed a round Andrew Patterson has scored consistently to lead the way ahead of rookie Paul Barrett. All four plus at least four more drivers are all capable of finishing on the podium this Sunday in a class which is regularly providing some of the closest Rallycross competition despite the youth of its competitors.
Sunday’s event gets underway with the first round of heats at 10.15am. The event takes a break for half an hour following the second runoff heats and then finishes off the day with the third runs commencing at 1.45pm and the finals at 3.30pm.
With the UK championship now completed the Irish series will once again be bolstered by entries from across the water. ‘Mad’ Mark Watson returns to Mondello having missed the last event to take in the Rallycross Superprix and will be hoping to mount a stronger challenge than his last visit where he came home a fortunate third despite a below par performance, by his standards. Making a first Supercar appearance at Mondello will be Scottish visitor Andy Scott in a car which will be very familiar to Irish Rallycross fans, the ex George Tracey and Ollie O’Donovan Peugeot 306. Also expected is Ford Focus driver Kevin Proctor bringing the visiting field to three and the Supercar entry to a dozen cars.
The overall championship this season has had three different winners from three events. Reigning champion Michael Coyne took round one with his modified class Nova, while round two went to Supercar driver Tommy Graham with his Fiesta. Coyne and Graham then failed to score at round three, leaving the way open for Andrew Morris to take victory, but they still sit one and two in the series. Coyne leads the way from Graham and Supercar newcomer David Dempsey, who is followed by giant killer Kieran Curran, with his 1600cc 2wd Corsa and the Supercars of Morris and Watson.
While the Supercar entry is always the focus for fans the supporting cast of Modified Cars, Stockhatch, Junior Rallycross and Rallycars continues to provide excellent entertainment. The Modified grid continues to move towards the twenty mark, and with entries still coming in this level could be reached this Sunday for the first time in many years. Following his problems at round three Michael Coyne finds himself off the top of the points table in this division for the first time in many years as he trails Tigra driver Dessie Tierney in second, tied on points with his brother Brendan. Round two winner Ian O’Connell returns having missed the last event at Mondello and he too could cause problems for Coyne making this the most difficult season yet for the perennial modified class dominator.
Having shelved his European Rallycross ambitions for the moment Derek Tohill has returned to his Stockhatch roots to once again lead the series. Two wins for Tohill have enabled him to move ahead of fellow race winner Gordon Lynch and former champion Michael Duke who share second place. Proving the worth of the Junior championship is Robert Critchley who has picked up two podiums on his graduation from the junior class to sit fourth in the standings.
The Junior class which Critchley has left behind is still as busy as ever producing future stars with two sons of former competitors emerging as the top dogs in the series. Simon Quinn and Niall Murray have shared the wins between them, two to Quinn and one to Murray but despite their dominance neither sits on top of the points. While Quinn and Murray have both missed a round Andrew Patterson has scored consistently to lead the way ahead of rookie Paul Barrett. All four plus at least four more drivers are all capable of finishing on the podium this Sunday in a class which is regularly providing some of the closest Rallycross competition despite the youth of its competitors.
Sunday’s event gets underway with the first round of heats at 10.15am. The event takes a break for half an hour following the second runoff heats and then finishes off the day with the third runs commencing at 1.45pm and the finals at 3.30pm.
New engines for C5
Citroën has introduced two new greener power-plants in the C5 range.
They are a new BMW co-developed 1.6i 16V 155hp petrol engine, replacing the 2.0i 16V 143hp unit, and a new 2.0HDi 16V 160hp diesel replacing the 2.0HDi 16V 140hp and the 2.2HDi 16V 173hp engines.
The new 1.6i provides an 8 percent increase in power, and with an 18.5 percent improvement in combined-cycle fuel economy with 16 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
The new 2.0HDi provides a 14 percent increase in power, a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and 4 percent reduced CO2 emissions to 147g/km.
Citroen in Ireland is currently being restructured as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company.
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They are a new BMW co-developed 1.6i 16V 155hp petrol engine, replacing the 2.0i 16V 143hp unit, and a new 2.0HDi 16V 160hp diesel replacing the 2.0HDi 16V 140hp and the 2.2HDi 16V 173hp engines.
The new 1.6i provides an 8 percent increase in power, and with an 18.5 percent improvement in combined-cycle fuel economy with 16 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
The new 2.0HDi provides a 14 percent increase in power, a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy and 4 percent reduced CO2 emissions to 147g/km.
Citroen in Ireland is currently being restructured as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company.
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9 November 2009
Electric Kangoo in 2011
Renault has announced that it will manufacture its future electric, zero-emission Kangoo Van in northern France, on the same production line as the internal combustion versions, starting in the first half of 2011.
Kangoo be bop Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. Concept were the precursors of the future electric Kangoo Van, which will be designed for professionals, primarily for urban and suburban use.
Kangoo be bop Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. Concept were the precursors of the future electric Kangoo Van, which will be designed for professionals, primarily for urban and suburban use.
Renewed call for scrappage scheme
More jobs will be lost in the motor trade if a scrappage scheme isn't introduced.
That was the stark warning today from Alan Nolan of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
He said that the trade had kept job losses in the business at 25% in the last year despite a drop in business of 70%. But he warned that this is unsustainable.
An estimated 6,000 jobs have been lost in the trade in the last 12 months.
Adding that a scrappage scheme is a 'no brainer' to help the trade he said that a properly managed scheme would not alone take 'dirty' cars off the road but would help the state coffers substantialy.
"Each car sold means €5,000 for the state," he noted.
That was the stark warning today from Alan Nolan of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.
He said that the trade had kept job losses in the business at 25% in the last year despite a drop in business of 70%. But he warned that this is unsustainable.
An estimated 6,000 jobs have been lost in the trade in the last 12 months.
Adding that a scrappage scheme is a 'no brainer' to help the trade he said that a properly managed scheme would not alone take 'dirty' cars off the road but would help the state coffers substantialy.
"Each car sold means €5,000 for the state," he noted.
Biofuels push
Transport fuel suppliers will be required to provide 4% of all fuels in the form of biofuels according to new regulations announced by the minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Eamonn Ryan.
The minister said the move was partly to insulate Ireland in case of an oil 'shock' from traditional sources of supply, but would also reduce the country's CO2 emissions.
He added that the percentage would be ramped up as biofuels technnology improved.
He also claimed the initiative would facilitate the development of a green fuels industry here.
The minister said the move was partly to insulate Ireland in case of an oil 'shock' from traditional sources of supply, but would also reduce the country's CO2 emissions.
He added that the percentage would be ramped up as biofuels technnology improved.
He also claimed the initiative would facilitate the development of a green fuels industry here.
5 November 2009
Shift to lower CO2 cars
More than three out of four new cars bought in Ireland this year were in CO2 bands A, B or C.
These are described as 'energy efficient' cars, according to the 'Energy in Transport 2009', published today by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
The report found that the sale of energy efficient cars rose from 43 per cent to 73 per cent following the introduction of changes to the VRT and tax system in 2008. In the first half of 2009, 78 percent of new cars purchased were fuel efficient.
There has been a marked shift towards diesel-fuelled cars, with diesel cars doubling their share of sales between the first and second halves of 2008.
In the first half of 2009 diesel cars comprised 56 percent of new cars purchased. Average CO2 emissions of new cars purchased in the twelve months between July 2008 and 2009 have fallen by 12 percent.
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These are described as 'energy efficient' cars, according to the 'Energy in Transport 2009', published today by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
The report found that the sale of energy efficient cars rose from 43 per cent to 73 per cent following the introduction of changes to the VRT and tax system in 2008. In the first half of 2009, 78 percent of new cars purchased were fuel efficient.
There has been a marked shift towards diesel-fuelled cars, with diesel cars doubling their share of sales between the first and second halves of 2008.
In the first half of 2009 diesel cars comprised 56 percent of new cars purchased. Average CO2 emissions of new cars purchased in the twelve months between July 2008 and 2009 have fallen by 12 percent.
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Chrysler, Dodge brands to exit Europe
The Chrysler and Dodge brands will no longer be on sale in European car showrooms after 2011.
Current mainstream Chrysler and Dodge models will be rebadged as Fiats and Lancias. New models produced by the American brands will also sell as Lancias and Fiats.
Only the Jeep brand will remain from the Chrysler stable in Europe. But Jeep will eliminate the Patriot and Compass crossovers after 2012 and replace them with a single, Fiat-based, C-segment vehicle. The iconic Wrangler will also be substantially revised.
The Chrysler Voyager will become Lancia's replacement for its Phedra. The Dodge Journey will become Fiat's replacement for Fiat's Ulysse. Fiat's Croma will be replaced by a Dodge-based mid-sized sedan. And the Dodge Nitro successor will be sold as Fiat's next Sedici.
By 2014, Chrysler will use three shared platforms with Fiat. Three models will be produced per platform, compared to two at the moment.
The move, following Fiat's virtual takeover of Chrysler-Jeep, completely reverses the programme which was started in 2006 to make the Dodge brand a big one in Europe.
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Current mainstream Chrysler and Dodge models will be rebadged as Fiats and Lancias. New models produced by the American brands will also sell as Lancias and Fiats.
Only the Jeep brand will remain from the Chrysler stable in Europe. But Jeep will eliminate the Patriot and Compass crossovers after 2012 and replace them with a single, Fiat-based, C-segment vehicle. The iconic Wrangler will also be substantially revised.
The Chrysler Voyager will become Lancia's replacement for its Phedra. The Dodge Journey will become Fiat's replacement for Fiat's Ulysse. Fiat's Croma will be replaced by a Dodge-based mid-sized sedan. And the Dodge Nitro successor will be sold as Fiat's next Sedici.
By 2014, Chrysler will use three shared platforms with Fiat. Three models will be produced per platform, compared to two at the moment.
The move, following Fiat's virtual takeover of Chrysler-Jeep, completely reverses the programme which was started in 2006 to make the Dodge brand a big one in Europe.
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