Fuel laundering costs the State €150m a year

Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the retail sector, has called for tax reform and a better resourced Garda and Revenue response to illegal diesel laundering. The group said at least 12 percent of all diesel sold in Ireland is illegal, costing the State €150m a year.

Retail Ireland Chairman and Topaz Director Frank Gleeson said rising prices have encouraged criminals to exploit the big difference in price between diesel intended for agricultural use, and for road use. In a submission, Retail Ireland have asked the Government to equalize the duty rates for agri fuel and motor fuel to stop the illegal fuel trade as lower taxed fuel wouldn't be available. They also want the introduction of a reclaim system for agri fuel users, and a robust marker to be introduced to agri gas oil that makes it easily detected by Revenue as well as the traceability of fuel from port to forecourt.

A further negative knock-on effect for legitimate forecourt retailers is their stores suffer as fewer customers enter the premises. The consequence is fewer hours worked, job losses and in some cases business closures.

Retail Ireland want filling stations and sites selling illegal diesel to be closed down. Apart from border counties, illegal fuel has been found in Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly and Dublin which suggests the illegal fuel market is spreading.

2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager here in the Spring

The 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager will arrive in Ireland in the spring. This is the latest iteration of the original people carrier which sold 13 million units in 120 countries over the past 27 years.

The 2.8 turbo-diesel engine with superior economy and lower emissions, means it will be the only power train offered to Irish buyers.

While the exterior of the 2012 model will look much the same, the interior is vastly different having been completely overhauled with new soft-touch dashboard that includes a relocated gear selector, new dials and switches and new, easier-to-use ventilation controls. Higher quality materials are also used throughout. Chrysler say the Grand Voyager continues to set new benchmarks for the large MPV segment.

All models now benefit from standard power-operated sliding doors; a power tailgate; cruise control; three-zone climate control; alloy wheels; fully-adjustable second-row captain's chairs, six airbags and Bluetooth connectivity.

Prices currently start at €45,995 and are not expected to increase much when the new model arrives.

The current model is pictured above.

Increased numbers of entries for ICOTY award this year

At the recent launch of the 2012 Continental Irish Car of the Year competition, Gerry Murphy, Chairman of the IMWA commented: "There has been a very small rise in car sales this year in relation to 2010, and reflecting that slight increase we also have an increased number of entries for the Continental Irish Car of the Year title - up from 39 last year to 46 this year."

He added that the general economic slowdown has impacted on the number of new models coming onto the market, but this year's field of runners shows that the quality of the eligible cars is being maintained - from really exciting superminis right up to luxury / sport models, they are all there in this year's crop.

"For the average motorist, it might seem that we have a bewildering range of cars vying for the title this year," commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor. "But the real value of the awards is that each year, the expert IMWA jurors can help Irish motorists navigate through the bewildering range of choices, by identifying the key models that fit with the likes and requirements of the average Irish driver."

Last year's title went to the Nissan Juke while the van accolade was won by the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Pictured above at the launch of the 2012 competition in the Convention Centre in Dublin are - Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland; model Karena Graham; and Gerry Murphy, Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers' Association.

46 cars compete for Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012

A field of 46 candidates for the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012 awards has been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA), writes Trish Whelan.

The Continental Irish Car of the Year and Continental Irish Van of the Year will be revealed at a gala event in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Thursday 17th November.

The full field of candidates are:

Audi A6, Audi A7, BMW 1 Series, BMW 1 SEries M, BMW 6 Series, BMW X3, Chrysler Delta, Chrysler Voyager, Citroen C4, Citroen DS3 Racing, Citroen DS4, Ford C-MAX, Ford Focus, Ford Grand C-MAX, Honda CR-Z, Hyundai i40, Hyundai ix20, Jeep Compass, Jeep G Cherokee, Kia Picanto, Kia Rio, Lexus CT200h, Mazda5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Mini Coupe, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Micra, Nissan Murano, Peugeot 508, Renault Megane Trophy, Renault Wind, Range Rover Evoque, SEAT Alhambra, SEAT Leon Cupra R, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Verso-S, Toyota Yaris, VW Golf R, VW Jetta, VW Passat, VW Sharan, VW Touareg, and VW Touran.

The 24 voting members of the IMWA assess each vehicle, attributing points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety, to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

2012 Irish Motor Industry Awards open for entries

Businesses in the Motor Industry across the country are being invited to celebrate their successes and achievements at the 2012 Irish Motor Industry Awards, hosted by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) in association with Castrol Professional.

Following the success of the inaugural awards held last November, the second ceremony will be held at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on Thursday 23 February 2012, at the prestigious SIMI Annual Dinner. There are six award categories, with entries invited from car retailers, after sales operations and repair businesses from across the Irish Motor Industry.

The six award categories are: 1. franchised Retail Operation of the Year. 2. franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year. 3. franchised Dealership of the Year. 4. Bodyshop of the Year. 5. Independent Retailer of the Year. 6. Motor Industry Person of the Year.

The awards are free to enter and the deadline for entries is Friday, 16th December 2011. Full details from www.irishmotorindustryawards.com

Ford announces extended service warranty in 2012

Ford customers can extend their warranty by choosing an approved Ford service centre for annual servicing.

It means Ford owners who choose to have their annual service at a Ford dealer will automatically receive the offer of a one year warranty on their car. Customers who have bought a new Ford and who have their car serviced at an approved Ford service centre, once their two-year warranty has elapsed, will automatically be offered a warranty for an additional year covering vital components on the car. Provided they continue to have the car serviced by a Ford dealer, the warranty can be renewed each year up to a maximum of five years following the lapse of the original two-year warranty.

The new service warranty offer will be available to both customers who have bought new cars from Ford, and Ford owners who bought their cars second-hand, provided the car in question is less than seven years old.

The new extended warranty provision will be introduced in 2012. More complete details on the terms and conditions will be announced at that time.

Nissan unveils its stunning Juke-R

Here is the first glimpse of Nissan's ultimate compact crossover: Juke-R.

The car was unveiled unexpectedly at a Nissan Crossover media launch in Malaga when it was revealed as a 'surprise guest'.

The Juke-R harnesses the bold design of the provocative Juke (which won Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011), with the speed and power of the company's flagship GT-R, creating what Nissan claim is 'the world's fastest, most innovative crossover'.

Just two versions of the Juke-R are being created, one in each of left-hand and right-hand drive. The cars have been developed by Nissan and are being built by motorsports outfit RML with input from Nissan Technology Centre for Europe. Testing of the car starts in November.

Volkswagen Bank accept 73% of customer applications

Volkswagen Bank is 'Open for Business' and so far this year has lent €27m to finance the purchase of new Volkswagens in Ireland.

Almost 1,800 customers who have bought new Volkswagens this year have done so with money from Volkswagen Bank with a 75% acceptance rate for customer applications. Of this number, some 148 have been bought with the Solutions product whereby Volkswagen guarantee the residual value.

Finance packages start from 3.9% APR and the scheme offers customers the choice of tailored payment plans including Hire Purchase and Solutions PCP.

Customers can choose from a number of VW vehicles including Passat, Polo, Golf, Jetta (pictured), Scirocco and Passat ranges.

Kia comes to the Kingdom

Kia Motors Ireland has appointed McElligotts of Tralee as Kia dealers in Kerry.

In welcoming McElligotts to the Kia dealer network, Kia Managing Director James Brooks said "Kia has come a long way in the last few years and the fact that we can attract a dealership with a reputation for quality and service like McElligotts is testimony to this. We are looking forward to working with Patrick and his team for many years to come."

Patrick McElligott expressed his satisfaction at joining the Kia network.

Pictured at the announcement are from left - Donal Lynch (McElligotts), Luke Messitt (Kia Motors Ireland), Patrick McElligott of McElligotts of Tralee, and James Brooks of Kia Motors Ireland.

New Opel Insignia 1.4 petrol option

Opel has produced a new 1.4 turbo petrol engine outputting 140hp for the Insignia range which provides economy option for buyers who don't want to go the diesel route, writes Trish Whelan.

It is in Band B for road tax and is priced from €24,995.

Ongoing engine and chassis engineering have led to improvements in the fuel economy of the entire range. The standard 2.0CDTi turbo diesel engines are now inside tax Band A and are still available in 130 or 160hp outputs.

New C02 reducing Start/Stop technology is available on most manual models.

The Insignia 2.0CDTi 160hp 4x4 drops into Band C, while the Sri Limited Edition is available from €29,995.

The 2012 Insignia is now available to order from Opel dealerships.

Stephen Wright on the mark in Down Rally

Stephen Wright from Newbliss, Co Monaghan had the best result of his career on Saturday's Down rally, the final round of the 2011 Valvoline Forest Rally Championship, writes Austin Shinnors, PRO Valvoline National Forest Championship.

The 21 year old finished third overall and first of the Valvoline Championship crews. Wright was at the wheel of his Evo6 and co-driven by his sister Suzanne.

The early leaders of the Valvoline section of the rally were Frank Kelly (Escort Mk2) and Vincent McAree (Evo9). However, McAree retired on stage three whilst in the lead with a broken sump and Kelly put his Escort off on stage five. Wright then took over the lead through stages six and seven of an increasingly slippery event and he exercised great maturity to register his first win in the Valvoline Championship. Enda McNulty, who was best Valvoline driver on the previous round Omagh, rolled out on the first stage.

The Valvoline podium was completed with James Coleman, second in his Escort Mk2 and Patsy Keenan who commutes from Atlanta, third in his Evo9.

Don't drive so close to me!

Driver training specialist Simon Elstow this week advises motorists on braking properly, and how stopping distances are affected by adverse weather conditions.

Six of the best ways to get a grip on braking are:

* Brake in a straight line if possible. Braking while going through a bend unbalances the car.

* Brake smoothly.

* Don't underestimate how long it takes you to stop. At 30mph, you take 23 metres or five car lengths to stop, at 50 this doubles to 53m (12 car lengths); at 70 it takes 96m or 21 car lengths.

* Always leave at least two seconds between yourself and the car in front. Watch the car in front go past a lamp post or tree, and count how long it takes you to reach it.

* As a guide, you should at least double this in the wet, and quadruple it in snow and ice.

* For extra winter grip, consider winter tires which maintain grip well below that of normal tyres which start to stiffen below 7o C.

Elstow says "Braking is a skill that needs practice - do it properly and you'll improve fuel consumption and journey times. If you prepare in time, and look further down the road, you can avoid stopping as often, i.e. look ahead and plan to meet a gap in the traffic on a roundabout."

Wagon fills Focus range

The new Ford Focus range in Ireland has been completed with the recent arrival of the new Focus Wagon model, writes Trish Whelan. It joins the hatch and saloon introduced last March.

The Wagon has a load capacity of 11516mm3. Prices start at €21,925.

Ireland has not traditionally been a strong market for wagon or estate models unlike most markets across Europe, but there is now a growing interest in these models for the extra versatility they can offer, particularly for families.

The new Focus Wagon is available with a 1.6 petrol or diesel engine and a 2.0 diesel with automatic transmission. The 1.6 diesel, with just 117g/km C02 emissions, is in the lowest priced tax band A, while the 1.6 petrol and 2.0 automatic powertrains fall into tax band B.

Road Test: Mercedes-Benz CLS

I wrote a while back about a Mercedes-Benz that did pretty well everything expected from a car of that brand, but which lacked the 'magic' I expected from the three-pointed star, writes Brian Byrne.

Well, I have been spending some time in one that truly does have the magic. But you have to pay for it. The new generation CLS 350 CDI is for those very fortunate few of Ireland's rich still outside NAMA.

CLS changed the perception of Mercedes-Benz from the time the first 'Vision' concept of the car hit the motor shows in 2003. A brand new theme of large 4-door luxury coupes was eventually followed by other prestige makers after the production car rolled out and now both BMW and Audi have comparable competitors.

Cathal drives off in new Renault Grand Megane

Cathal O'Connell from Ballycullane, Wexford, but now living in Cork, drove off in his brand new Renault Grand Megane after a nail biting live radio final on the Breakfast Show on Today FM on Friday morning (21 October).

The competition, in association with the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show which Renault Ireland sponsor, has been running for the past two weeks and the seven lucky finalists including Cathal, were invited to the newly launched Renault dealership at Blackstone Motors in Drogheda to be in with a chance to win their choice of three Renault Megane models - the coupe, hatch or Grand Megane.

Cathal's key clicked open the door of the prize car.

An electrician by trade, he told listeners that he had never won a competition before.

€25,000 in cash and prizes in Toyota Yaris competition

To celebrate the launch of the new 3rd generation Yaris, Toyota Ireland is kicking off a new promotion on Monday 24th October, on their Facebook page, which will see them give away €25,000 in cash and prizes over the next four weeks.

As part of the 'Fit More In' campaign which showcases the Yaris' array of features and increased interior space, the Facebook promotion features daily prizes of €10 iTunes vouchers, cash prizes and a grand cash price of €5,000 for one lucky winner.

To enter, log on to Toyota's Facebook page, 'like it', and go to the 'Fit More In' promotion tab, where you can mouse-over an image of the Yaris and find the daily 'sweet spot' to be entered into the daily prize draw. These are related to key features of the Yaris, like heated mirrors and alloy wheels etc.

The new Toyota Yaris is available from €14,760, with three grades. Features include seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Break Assist as standard on all grades.

The Yaris delivers 4.8 L/100km (that's 58.9mpg) on the combined cycle (1.0 VVT-i) and is in Band A, the lowest band for annual road tax of €104.

Kia begins to produce the Venga in Slovakia

Kia Motors Slovakia has started to build the Kia Venga alongside the cee'd family and popular Sportage at its European factory in Zilina, Slovakia, writes Trish Whelan.

The B-segment MPV model was previously built at its sister company plant in the Czech Republic before production was moved to Zilina.

The Zilina plant is expanding to include a third shift and a second engine shop and will employ an extra 1,000 staff bringing the total to 4,000 employees.

Last year, Kia Motors invested over €40 million in modifying the production lines to incorporate the Venga as well as investing in staff training.

The 1.4 DSL Venga retails here from €18,720. With C02 emissions of 117g/km, it is in Band A for annual road tax.

Along with the new Sportage, Venga earned the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating l

All Vengas sold in Europe offer buyers ABS with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Assist Control, six airbags, active front head rests, ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchors.

80 years of production at Ford Dagenham

In a year of milestones for Ford of Britain, the company is also recognizing 80 years of production at Ford Dagenham, its largest UK facility.

Thousands of Irish men found work at the Dagenham plant after the Ford assembly ceased in Cork.

From Edsel Ford digging the first turf in May 1929 to the first vehicle, a Model AA truck, rolling off the production line on 1st October 1931, Ford's Dagenham estate took 28 months to build. Roll forward 80 years and Dagenham remains Ford's largest UK facility and one of the country's main automotive centers.

Dagenham today is home to an engine plant, a stamping plant and tool room, a power train engineering team and a substantial transport operation. Some 4,500 people work on the Dagenham Estate, making it London's largest industrial employer.

In its 80 years, nearly 11 million vehicles and more than 38 million engines have been built at the 475-acre site.

And Dagenham's future looks bright, with Ford committing to a £1.5 billion of investment in affordable, low C02 technologies over the next five years at its four UK engineering and manufacturing facilities.

Take a test drive in Skoda's 4x4 range of vehicles

Skoda unveiled its new range of 4x4 vehicles at last month's Ploughing Championships to great interest from 'townies' and farmers alike, writes Trish Whelan.

Now Skoda is giving the public the opportunity to test drive the cars for themselves in Skoda dealerships during Skoda's Open Week from 1-5 November. An added incentive is those who take a test drive will receive a free winter driving pack which will be useful in the months ahead.

The 4x4 range includes SUV, saloon and estate models. All are powered by the latest common rail diesel engines coupled to the Haldex Clutch that distributes drive between the front and rear wheels as required.

All Skoda's 4x4 range are sub 163 g/km. Yeti derivatives fall into Band C with annual road tax of €302 while the Superb achieves Band D with annual road tax of €447.

At the launch, Skoda's Marketing Manager Ray Leddy (pictured at The Ploughing) said "The maneuverability and reliability of 4x4 driving was once the preserve of the large SUV. Increasing fuel prices and C02 based taxation has since seen their popularity decline. However, Skoda's 4x4 capability, coupled with low tax brand and fuel efficient diesel engines, offers an affordable alternative to traditional SUV's this winter."

Leading the charge for Skoda's 4x4 range is the Yeti 2.0 TDI 170bhp. Standard spec includes seven airbags, ESP, adaptable seating, dual zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Superb 4x4 prices start from €34,410; Octavia prices are from €28,210; Scout from €31,815; and Yetis from €29,545.

Fifteen Irish entries for London to Brighton car run

Fifteen Irish veteran car fans will be salivating at the thought of taking part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run which takes place on Sunday 6th November when over 500 Veteran vehicles unite for the 115th anniversary of the greatest free to spectate motoring event in the UK.

Apart from the Irish entries, cars from as far afield as China, Australia, South Africa, the USA and across Europe will line up at the start at London's Hyde Park and embark on the 60-mile historic drive to the seafront at Madeira Drive in Brighton.

The event, organized by the Royal Automobile Club, includes a collection of pre-1905 veteran cars, 47 of which date prior to 1900. Over 149 makes will be represented. The first car to leave Hyde Park at 7:02am will be a 1894 Benz Velo.

Our picture shows one of the 86 De Dions entered for this year's London to Brighton Veteran Car run.

VW appoints Mondial to enhance customer services

Volkswagen Ireland has appointed Mondial Assistance Ireland to manage and enhance customer service across the VW Passenger, Audi, Skoda, Seat and VW Commercial brands.

Under the new agreement, Mondial Assistance will administer sales and after-sales queries to boost the customer journey experience and, in turn, increase loyalty and help keep customers.

"Our partnership with Mondial Assistance is part of our Group's commitment to customer satisfaction," says Paul Edwards, Customer Service Manager of Volkswagen Group Ireland.

Volkswagen aim to ensure its customers enjoy the best level of service across all their brands and throughout the customer experience.

Volkswagen aim to make the brand number one in the customer service area.

New B-Class here next March

The new generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class goes on sale in Ireland next March at a starting price of €28,750 for the B180 CDI, writes Brian Byrne from Vienna.

The car—designated a Sports Tourer by the maker—is substantially improved in both looks and quality feel over the outgoing car, which was first launched in 2005 and was refreshed three years later.

There will be four engines available at launch, two petrol and two diesels. The most important one for the Irish market will be the 109hp 1.8 diesel, which will be A rated for Irish road tax considerations. It is noteworthy that this engine will be mounted transversely for the first time in the new B-Class.

A more powerful version of the same engine (136hp) will give the car the B200 CDI designation.

The new car is lower than the current model, and features a more upright seat position that offers more space inside. The company claims the car has more legroom in the back than even the S-Class and E-Class.

The 4-cylinder petrol engines are turbocharged and mark the arrival of a brand new series of M-B engines. They output 122/156hp and are B and C rated for Irish emissions.

The aerodynamics of the new car are particularly impressive, with a drag coefficient of 0.26.

The first driving impression today was of a car that is much more composed than its predecessor, a very nice drive on a mix of motorway and rolling hills country roads, with good looks and a much improved interior.

A fuller review later.