They will replace the Ford Focus estates previously used by the service.
They were supplied by Dooley Motors of Carlow.
31 May 2010
Carlow GP service chooses Kuga
Four new Ford Kugas have been bought by the Carlow-based out-of-hours GP cooperative, Caredoc.
They will replace the Ford Focus estates previously used by the service.
They were supplied by Dooley Motors of Carlow.
They will replace the Ford Focus estates previously used by the service.
They were supplied by Dooley Motors of Carlow.
Mazda to run on hydrogen in Le Mans
Mazda is to compete in a new section in this year's 24 Hpours of Le Mans, with a petrol/hydrogen rotary engined car.
The section is called 'Le Mans into the Future' and will present several vehicles using alternative powertrains with electric, hybrid and natural gas as well as hydrogen.
Mazda last won the race in 1991 in the first and only rotary-engined race car.
The section is called 'Le Mans into the Future' and will present several vehicles using alternative powertrains with electric, hybrid and natural gas as well as hydrogen.
Mazda last won the race in 1991 in the first and only rotary-engined race car.
28 May 2010
Saab mulling small car
CEO Victor Muller says he is negotiating with other carmakers to share a technology and platform for the car, which he feels will help bring buyers attracted by the brand's core values.
Saab was bought by Netherlands-based Spyker, a supercar manufacturer, from GM. It has recently restarted production of its new 9-5 large sedan, stalled during the negotiations with GM.
EU forces warranty changes
From next month, car warranties won't be nullified if the owner of the car decides to have the vehicle serviced by an independent provider.
This follows a change in the rules by the EU, aimed at cutting the costs of car ownership.
Up to now, car companies required owners to have their cars serviced at an approved dealership, in order to maintain warranty cover.
The EU saw this as an abuse of anti-trust rules.
This follows a change in the rules by the EU, aimed at cutting the costs of car ownership.
Up to now, car companies required owners to have their cars serviced at an approved dealership, in order to maintain warranty cover.
The EU saw this as an abuse of anti-trust rules.
27 May 2010
From crinoline stays and pepper mills
So, which modern car manufacturer can name the making of steel stays for crinoline skirts as amongst its products portfolio?
Ah, that'd be the Lion brand from France, Peugeot. The company is celebrating 200 years since its founding brothers converted their father's corn mill into a steel mill at the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Steel tools, saws, and the famous pepper mills were also produced in the early days, using from 1858 the emblem of the lion to suggest strength. Bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, cars and vans evolved from these through the decades.
In 1891, the company produced its first petrol powered car, the Type 2. The launch of the 201 after WW1 began the numeric designation of its cars, a system which has continued until the recent arrival of the RCZ coupe. The 201 was also the first car to have independently suspended front wheels.
Cars highlights have included the 403, the first mass-produced diesel powered saloon; the iconic 205 with its many versions and sporting victories; the particulate filter as a world first on the 607; the HDi FAP engine's victory at Le Mans, and the BB1 concept, the urban crossover between the car and the scooter.
With a total of 55 million cars built to date, Peugeot was the tenth ranking manufacturer in the world last year, selling in 160 countries. It will be producing no fewer than 14 new models between 2010 and 2012, and brand new style lines illustrated by the SR1 concept car.
And not a crinoline stay in sight ...
Ah, that'd be the Lion brand from France, Peugeot. The company is celebrating 200 years since its founding brothers converted their father's corn mill into a steel mill at the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Steel tools, saws, and the famous pepper mills were also produced in the early days, using from 1858 the emblem of the lion to suggest strength. Bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, cars and vans evolved from these through the decades.
Cars highlights have included the 403, the first mass-produced diesel powered saloon; the iconic 205 with its many versions and sporting victories; the particulate filter as a world first on the 607; the HDi FAP engine's victory at Le Mans, and the BB1 concept, the urban crossover between the car and the scooter.
With a total of 55 million cars built to date, Peugeot was the tenth ranking manufacturer in the world last year, selling in 160 countries. It will be producing no fewer than 14 new models between 2010 and 2012, and brand new style lines illustrated by the SR1 concept car.
And not a crinoline stay in sight ...
26 May 2010
New Golf Van on sale
Volkswagen Ireland has launched the van version of the Golf VI.
There's a choice of two engines and trim levels - Trendline 1.6TDI 3DR 90BHP Van for €21,890 and Comfortline 1.6TDI 3DR 105BHP Van at €23,795.
There's a choice of two engines and trim levels - Trendline 1.6TDI 3DR 90BHP Van for €21,890 and Comfortline 1.6TDI 3DR 105BHP Van at €23,795.
Hybrid C-MAXs planned
Full hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of Ford's upcoming second generation C-MAX will be produced in Europe from 2013.
The new C-MAX is the first car to be built on Ford's new compact platform, on which at least 10 new and derivative models will be developed for sale around the world.
The five-seat version of the new MPV begins production in September, while the 7-seat with sliding doors is due to be started before the end of the year.
The C-MAX hybrids are part of Ford's plan to introduce five battery electric vehicle and hybrid models in Europe by 2013. The lineup also includes the full electric Ford Transit Connect, due in 2011, and a full-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus that arrives in 2012.
The new C-MAX is the first car to be built on Ford's new compact platform, on which at least 10 new and derivative models will be developed for sale around the world.
The five-seat version of the new MPV begins production in September, while the 7-seat with sliding doors is due to be started before the end of the year.
The C-MAX hybrids are part of Ford's plan to introduce five battery electric vehicle and hybrid models in Europe by 2013. The lineup also includes the full electric Ford Transit Connect, due in 2011, and a full-electric derivative of the next-generation Ford Focus that arrives in 2012.
Battery power from waste geothermal water
One of the concerns about growth in the use of electric cars is where the lithium for the batteries will come in the much larger quantities needed.
Well, some it might be coming in a very green way from the waste water in geothermal power plants.
And a Californian company is betting its future on this.
Pity we don't have geothermal power here.
Well, some it might be coming in a very green way from the waste water in geothermal power plants.
And a Californian company is betting its future on this.
Pity we don't have geothermal power here.
25 May 2010
Countryman from €24,400
BMW Ireland has confirmed the launch price for its new Countryman model, due to arrive here in September.
The car, the first four-door Mini and the largest in the range, will start at €23,800 plus charges.
The specification options include 4WD, and the car is described as a 'crossover'.
At launch the Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two AWD models – the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4.
The car, the first four-door Mini and the largest in the range, will start at €23,800 plus charges.
The specification options include 4WD, and the car is described as a 'crossover'.
At launch the Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two AWD models – the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4.
Revised S-MAX, Galaxy, go on sale
Ford's revised S-MAX and Galaxy models go on sale this week at a starting prove of €29,995.
The new models have interior and exterior design changes and also feature the new, high efficiency 2.0 EcoBoost petrol engine. An improved version of the TDCi 2.0 engine is also included in the range for both vehicles.
The new S-MAX is available in Ireland in three trim levels - Zetec, Titanium and Titanium S. A special launch model for €29,995 has steel wheels, front electric windows, manual air conditioning, cruise control and ESP.
Similarly, the new Galaxy is available in three trim levels - Zetec; Ghia; and Titanium - starting at €31,495.
The 115hp 2.0 diesels are C rated, while the 140hp versions are D rated. The 203hp Titanium ECOboost 2.0 petrol engine is E rated.
The new models have interior and exterior design changes and also feature the new, high efficiency 2.0 EcoBoost petrol engine. An improved version of the TDCi 2.0 engine is also included in the range for both vehicles.
The new S-MAX is available in Ireland in three trim levels - Zetec, Titanium and Titanium S. A special launch model for €29,995 has steel wheels, front electric windows, manual air conditioning, cruise control and ESP.
Similarly, the new Galaxy is available in three trim levels - Zetec; Ghia; and Titanium - starting at €31,495.
The 115hp 2.0 diesels are C rated, while the 140hp versions are D rated. The 203hp Titanium ECOboost 2.0 petrol engine is E rated.
Kia plans EV Picanto
An electric version is on the cards for the next generation Kia Picanto, due to go on sale next year. The EV variant will be in production in Korea in 2012 and will be available in Europe within three years.
Lithium polymer batteries will be used, which are smaller and more powerful than the current lithium-ion batteries in use by electric and hybrid makers.
The car as planned will be fully rechargeable in five hours, and will offer a range of 100kms.
The standard Picanto itself will be powered by a new 1.0 3-cylinder range which will include a 110hp turbocharged version.
Lithium polymer batteries will be used, which are smaller and more powerful than the current lithium-ion batteries in use by electric and hybrid makers.
The car as planned will be fully rechargeable in five hours, and will offer a range of 100kms.
The standard Picanto itself will be powered by a new 1.0 3-cylinder range which will include a 110hp turbocharged version.
Midlife refresh for Mondeo
Ford's Mondeo will be shown at the autumn's Paris Show with a significant midlife facelift, which will include a new grille, and changed front and rear bumper profiles.
The basic shell of the car will be unchanged, though the detail cues will echo those of the new-generation Focus concept shown at Detroit, and the interior will gain upgraded materials and some minor changes.
Current engines will be carried forward, including the 2.0 EcoBoost petrol unit which got its first outing in the revised S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs.
The basic shell of the car will be unchanged, though the detail cues will echo those of the new-generation Focus concept shown at Detroit, and the interior will gain upgraded materials and some minor changes.
Current engines will be carried forward, including the 2.0 EcoBoost petrol unit which got its first outing in the revised S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs.
Motorcycle Expo this weekend
The first ever 'Mondello Motorcycle Expo', in association with the Sunday World, takes place at the county Kildare motorsport venue this Sunday.
The main exhibition area will house the latest offerings from motorcycle manufacturers BMW Motorrad, Yamaha, Ducati and Triumph as well as a host of other motorcycling suppliers and traders. Also exhibiting will be motorcycle clubs, owners clubs, custom bikes, show bikes, race organising clubs and a number of feature displays. Anyone arriving on a road bike can also enter the 'Bike of the Show' competition by putting their bike on display in the paddock area.
The live action will alternate between the main Mondello Park circuit and the venue's off-road course. The circuit will be the arena for activities ranging from Gary Rothwell's stunt show which includes him leaping from his bike to be dragged along behind it at over 80 mph, to parade laps for classic race and road bikes.
Racing fans will be catered for with two invitation races for up to 1000cc bikes as well as a display of Minimoto racing. Motorcycle Drag Racing will make its first appearance at the circuit also. Among the numerous other features will be a custom bike build, a wheelie machine where show visitors can learn to wheelie and all of the major road race organising clubs.
Adult admission to the Mondello Motorcycle Expo is €15, and under-sixteens will be admitted free of charge. MCUI competition licence holders will be admitted for €10. For further information see www.mondellopark.ie.
The main exhibition area will house the latest offerings from motorcycle manufacturers BMW Motorrad, Yamaha, Ducati and Triumph as well as a host of other motorcycling suppliers and traders. Also exhibiting will be motorcycle clubs, owners clubs, custom bikes, show bikes, race organising clubs and a number of feature displays. Anyone arriving on a road bike can also enter the 'Bike of the Show' competition by putting their bike on display in the paddock area.
The live action will alternate between the main Mondello Park circuit and the venue's off-road course. The circuit will be the arena for activities ranging from Gary Rothwell's stunt show which includes him leaping from his bike to be dragged along behind it at over 80 mph, to parade laps for classic race and road bikes.
Racing fans will be catered for with two invitation races for up to 1000cc bikes as well as a display of Minimoto racing. Motorcycle Drag Racing will make its first appearance at the circuit also. Among the numerous other features will be a custom bike build, a wheelie machine where show visitors can learn to wheelie and all of the major road race organising clubs.
Adult admission to the Mondello Motorcycle Expo is €15, and under-sixteens will be admitted free of charge. MCUI competition licence holders will be admitted for €10. For further information see www.mondellopark.ie.
Survey looks at car buying
While the sales of new cars are substantially up on last year, albeit from a shockingly low base, a new AA Ireland survey suggests caution still roams the showrooms.
The research among more than 7,000 motorists indicates that more than two-thirds of respondents 'are not likely' to buy a new car in the near future. A quarter of those questioned won't be buying until beyond 2012, and just 16 percent plan to change their cars this year, with 6 percent planning for a new car as opposed to used.
Just over half of respondents surveyed said they plan to buy a secondhand car and one in ten will do so in 2010. Some 11 percent say they'll buy an electric car at some stage beyond 2010.
The research among more than 7,000 motorists indicates that more than two-thirds of respondents 'are not likely' to buy a new car in the near future. A quarter of those questioned won't be buying until beyond 2012, and just 16 percent plan to change their cars this year, with 6 percent planning for a new car as opposed to used.
Just over half of respondents surveyed said they plan to buy a secondhand car and one in ten will do so in 2010. Some 11 percent say they'll buy an electric car at some stage beyond 2010.
i-MiEVs in Dublin
These are five of the 15 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric city cars which have just been rolled out in trials in Ireland as part of an agreement between the Irish Government, the ESB and Mitsubishi Europe.
Trinity College Dublin will be doing research into how temporary 'owners' use the cars in real life.
The deal was officially signed yesterday at a ceremony in TCD.
Traffic lights to manage engines?
So, how would you like it if that red traffic light automatically stopped your engine?
That might be on the cards if a patent applied for in the US results in a computer system that would have the traffic lights 'manage' engines stopped in the queue at a red.
The system would stop the cars' engines, and restart them in sequence at what it judges to be the optimum time for each in order to move on efficiently and save fuel while stopped.
The patent has been applied for by IBM on behalf of four inventors from India, one of whom lives in Florida.
The idea is based on the concept of 'networked' vehicles, a matter that is attracting an increasing interest among manufacturers of motor vehicle communications systems.
For anyone interested, the actual patent application can be read here.
That might be on the cards if a patent applied for in the US results in a computer system that would have the traffic lights 'manage' engines stopped in the queue at a red.
The system would stop the cars' engines, and restart them in sequence at what it judges to be the optimum time for each in order to move on efficiently and save fuel while stopped.
The patent has been applied for by IBM on behalf of four inventors from India, one of whom lives in Florida.
The idea is based on the concept of 'networked' vehicles, a matter that is attracting an increasing interest among manufacturers of motor vehicle communications systems.
For anyone interested, the actual patent application can be read here.
24 May 2010
The fastest mower cuts it in speed record
Driver, Don Wales steered the Kawasaki-powered Countax ride-on machine beyond the 87mph barrier for the first time, surpassing the previous top speed of 80.792 mph reached by Bob Cleveland on a home-built lawnmower in 2006 at Bonneville Flats, USA,
In line with regulations, the eight-time landspeed record holder cut grass outside Pendine’s Museum of Speed before beating the existing four-year old target on the military beach by nearly 6mph on Saturday (86.069).
The grandson of Sir Donald Campbell, who made his debut in 1924 on the same sands, then went on to set the new outright world landspeed record for a lawnmower at 87.833 mph, after successfully completing two individually timed runs within a one-hour period along the shores of Carmathen Bay in Sunday’s session.
Agreement signed for Mitsubishi EV trials here
Mitsubishi Motors is to supply a number of its i-MiEV electric city cars to the ESB as part of a research programme to establish the usage patterns likely in Irish buyers of electric vehicles.
The agreement was signed today in Trinity College Dublin, which will evaluate the actual results of the research.
The cars will be provided to both residential and corporate fleet customers as part of the trial. There are 15 vehicles involved in the trial, which will be delivered to their first 'owners' from later today.
The agreement was signed today in Trinity College Dublin, which will evaluate the actual results of the research.
The cars will be provided to both residential and corporate fleet customers as part of the trial. There are 15 vehicles involved in the trial, which will be delivered to their first 'owners' from later today.
200,000th Freelander 2
Freelander 2 became the first SUV vehicle in the world to use intelligent Stop/Start technology in early 2009.
Four out of every five Freelander 2s sold are to customers in Britain.
Another electric car announcement
Ireland's electric car odyssey continues. The latest point in the journey will be marked today with an announcement by Minister Eamon Ryan of a new partnership between the Irish Government and Mitsubishi and ESB's first electric car trial.
At the announcement in Trinity College will be ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus; President of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, Akinoro Nakanishi; and
President of Mitsubishi Corporation Automobile Europe, Tomoo Yoshikawa.
Mitsubishi's first mass-produced electric car, the i-MiEV, is a city car.
At the announcement in Trinity College will be ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus; President of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, Akinoro Nakanishi; and
President of Mitsubishi Corporation Automobile Europe, Tomoo Yoshikawa.
Mitsubishi's first mass-produced electric car, the i-MiEV, is a city car.
21 May 2010
Topaz will help get you Direct to the sun
The promotion will see motorists receive €20 worth of holiday vouchers for every €20 spent on fuel at any Topaz station nationwide. A maximum of €60 worth of vouchers per person travelling can be collected and put towards a sun holiday to one of more than 20 destinations from the Direct Holidays range.
Among the destinations covered by the promotion this summer are Portugal, Turkey Spain, Crete, Egypt, Tunisia, Cyprus and the Canary Islands. The full range of can be found on www.directholidays.ie.
Our pictures shows Amanda Kelly, Marketing Manager, Direct Holidays, with Aidan Cahill, Marketing Manager, Topaz.
Toyota invests in Tesla EV maker
Toyota has invested $50 million in the California electric carmaker Tesla and the two companies will cooperate on the development of electric cars and production systems.
Tesla is already selling an electric sports car, the Roadster, and has plans for a saloon. More than 1,000 units of the Roadster have been bought in the US, Europe and Asia.
Toyota has produced some 2.5 million hybrid petrol-electric cars since the first Prius was launched.
Tesla is already selling an electric sports car, the Roadster, and has plans for a saloon. More than 1,000 units of the Roadster have been bought in the US, Europe and Asia.
Toyota has produced some 2.5 million hybrid petrol-electric cars since the first Prius was launched.
ESP to be standard on Fiesta
Ford in Ireland is to provide electronic stability control as standard across its Fiesta supermini range, Car+Travel has learned.
This follows the move by Ford in Britain last month to provide ESP as standard on the model.
An official announcement from Ford Ireland is expected in the next couple of weeks.
This follows the move by Ford in Britain last month to provide ESP as standard on the model.
An official announcement from Ford Ireland is expected in the next couple of weeks.
Government 'cynical' on Carbon Tax: AA
The addition of further taxation to fuel prices by the Government was a 'cynical' move that has further put up the cost of living for Irish motorists.
That's the view of AA Ireland, whose spokesman Conor Faughnan also damned the tax as being 'falsely named'.
The organisation's director of policy was commenting on the latest survey of fuel prices which showed 'sharp' increases in petrol and diesel at Irish forecourts. The average now is 134.4c a litre for petrol and 125.5c per litre for diesel.
“World factors like oil and the dollar are only part of the story,” says Faughnan. “The bigger issue is tax. Of your €200 or so monthly fuel bill, more than €120 goes directly to the government in tax. In adding to that amount in the last budget through the cynically and quite falsely named Carbon Tax it has been the Irish government, rather than the global economy, which has pushed up our cost of living.”
That's the view of AA Ireland, whose spokesman Conor Faughnan also damned the tax as being 'falsely named'.
The organisation's director of policy was commenting on the latest survey of fuel prices which showed 'sharp' increases in petrol and diesel at Irish forecourts. The average now is 134.4c a litre for petrol and 125.5c per litre for diesel.
“World factors like oil and the dollar are only part of the story,” says Faughnan. “The bigger issue is tax. Of your €200 or so monthly fuel bill, more than €120 goes directly to the government in tax. In adding to that amount in the last budget through the cynically and quite falsely named Carbon Tax it has been the Irish government, rather than the global economy, which has pushed up our cost of living.”
New BMW facility simulates the world
The Energy and Environmental Test Centre features five environmental and climate test rigs which includes the largest wind tunnel built specifically for the motor industry.
A key benefit is that tests can be re-run in exactly the same conditions, something not possible in real world testing.
20 May 2010
Citroen enhances scrappage deal
Citroen Ireland has enhanced its scrappage offer with a choice of three special models.
The offer is available from 19 May to 30th June and includes the new Citroën C3 VT 1.4 95hp available from €11,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €1,500 Citroën Scrappage Bonus.
The C4 VTR 1.6hdi 90hp is available from €15,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €3,100 Citroën Scrappage Bonus while the C5 VTR 1.6hdi 110hp is available from €20,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €3,500 Citroën Scrappage Bonus.
Five other models qualify for the Government Scrappage Allowance – the Citroën C1, C3 Picasso, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso and the Grand C4 Picasso.
The offer is available from 19 May to 30th June and includes the new Citroën C3 VT 1.4 95hp available from €11,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €1,500 Citroën Scrappage Bonus.
The C4 VTR 1.6hdi 90hp is available from €15,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €3,100 Citroën Scrappage Bonus while the C5 VTR 1.6hdi 110hp is available from €20,900 – including €1,500 Government Scrappage Allowance and €3,500 Citroën Scrappage Bonus.
Five other models qualify for the Government Scrappage Allowance – the Citroën C1, C3 Picasso, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso and the Grand C4 Picasso.
19 May 2010
Just three Lexus cars involved in recall
An international recall of certain Lexus LS models will involve a total of three vehicles in Ireland, according to Lexus Ireland.
The recall relates to a computer hardware issue controlling the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system in the vehicles, which enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high speed driving than conventional steering, by changing the ratio.
The VGRS system may, in rare instances, exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-centre condition after driving away from a very tight turn where the steering was at the full lock position. This off-centre position will automatically be corrected by the VGRS system as the vehicles proceeds (taking approx 1 to 3 seconds)
The correction will require the replacement of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in each of the three affected vehicles.
The recall relates to a computer hardware issue controlling the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system in the vehicles, which enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high speed driving than conventional steering, by changing the ratio.
The VGRS system may, in rare instances, exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-centre condition after driving away from a very tight turn where the steering was at the full lock position. This off-centre position will automatically be corrected by the VGRS system as the vehicles proceeds (taking approx 1 to 3 seconds)
The correction will require the replacement of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in each of the three affected vehicles.
C-MAX will be Ford's first Europe hybrid
Ford's first hybrid in Europe will be a variant of the new generation C-MAX compact MPV.
In full- and plug-in hybrid forms, the cars will be built in Spain and are due to go on sale in 2013.
Ford will introduce five battery electric vehicle and hybrid models in Europe by 2013. These will include the full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect in 2011, and a battery-electric variant of the next-generation Ford Focus in 2012.
In full- and plug-in hybrid forms, the cars will be built in Spain and are due to go on sale in 2013.
Ford will introduce five battery electric vehicle and hybrid models in Europe by 2013. These will include the full battery-electric Ford Transit Connect in 2011, and a battery-electric variant of the next-generation Ford Focus in 2012.
18 May 2010
Hybrid 5 Series next year
BMW will have a full hybrid version of its 5 Series on sale next year.
The technology will also be introduced to the 3 Series as the company works to cut its fleet carbon emissions by 25 percent between 2008-2020.
That's the year the EU wants all carmakers to achieve a fleet average of 95g/km. BMW's fleet average at the end of 2009 was 150g/km.
The upcoming 7 Series hybrid will be of the 'mild' variety and won't be able to drive on electric power alone. But the hybrid variants of the 3 and 5 Series cars will be able to, like Toyota's Prius.
The technology will also be introduced to the 3 Series as the company works to cut its fleet carbon emissions by 25 percent between 2008-2020.
That's the year the EU wants all carmakers to achieve a fleet average of 95g/km. BMW's fleet average at the end of 2009 was 150g/km.
The upcoming 7 Series hybrid will be of the 'mild' variety and won't be able to drive on electric power alone. But the hybrid variants of the 3 and 5 Series cars will be able to, like Toyota's Prius.
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