Ford image of the week - the 1994 Overland Challenge

This week's specially selected photo from Ford to celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 recalls how during the winter of 1993-1994 a combination of Ford Mondeos and Ford Mavericks set off from London to support an attempt to drive overland between London and New York via the Bering Strait.

This overland (and ice) route didn't prove successful but the team did find alternative means to reach Alaska and, eventually, New York.

In 2010, the Ford Fiesta used conventional routes to embark on a 15,000-mile round-the-world trip that saw the small car visit a total of 21 countries.

The round-the-world programme for the Fiesta took over 50 days to complete, covering North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

The drive was a demonstration of the 'One Ford' global strategy, which is putting the Fiesta, Focus, Kuga and Mondeo models on sale globally. On its round-the-world tour, the Fiesta visited the birthplace of its 1.6 petrol engine at the Ford Bridgend plant in Wales.

The original Ford Mondeo and the Ford Maverick are pictured taking part in the 1994 Overland Challenge from London to New York.

javascript:void(0)

Bradley family celebrate 40 years motoring

Bradley Motor Works, the Land Rover, Jaguar and Honda dealers on the Dublin Road in Galway, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the family business.

The dealership, originally founded by Bob Bradley in 1971. During that time three of Bob's children have joined him in the business - his son Robert and two daughters Gillian and Tara.

Joining them recently to celebrate was Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Tom Costello as well as representatives of Galway's business community including Paul Faller, Chairman of Galway City Business Association; Declan Dooley, President of Galway Chamber; Dearbhla Byrne, President of Network Galway; John Killeen of Lets Do It Galway' and John Coyle, Hygeia. Representatives of Land Rober/Jaguar Ireland attended and made a presentation to Bob acknowledging Bradley's achievement in reaching 40 years in business and the long-time relationship with the brand.

Representing the office of the Mayor, Cllr Tom Costello, commended the Bradleys on their continued success as a Galway family business contributing to the local economy and keeping a staff team in employment over many decades. Bradley's is quite unique in Ireland, being an indigenous family run motor business.

Bob Bradley said "We have many life-long clients who came to us first in the 1970s. In many cases, we now serve the next generation of their families'.

Irish Ferries extends New Year offer period

Irish Ferries has extended the New Year well into January with the announcement that their 10 percent early booking discount offer will apply to all fares booked before 11th January.

A second offer that remains in place, is the chance to secure a booking on payment of a low €100 deposit with the balance payable six weeks before departure - one that contrasts with others who seek payment in full or a more significant deposit at time of booking.

Finally, repeated again in 2012 is the offer of a free trip toBritain for a car plus two passengers for all motorist return bookings to France during June, July and August - an offer unmatched by any rival.

Throughout 2012, Irish Ferries' cruise ferry Oscar Wilde (pictured) will operate its traditional three sailings per week in each direction service between Rosslare and the French ports of Roscoff and Cherbourg.

For bookings and information visit www.irishferries.com or call 0818 300 400.

Murphy masters the Valvoline Forest Championship

2011 was another fabulous year for the Valvoline Forest Championship which remained highly competitive throughout the season and enjoyed good quantities of entries considering the recession, writes Austin Shinnors, PRO Valvoline Forest Championship (Pictured).

The six round series kicked off with a quartet of Forest rallies based in Munster, starting with the Sean Conlon rally at Mitchelstown, followed by theWilliam Loughman at Carrick-on-Suir, the Munster Moonraker at Lismore, and the Jim Walsh Cork Forest out of Mallow. The final two rounds were hosted by Northern clubs, Omagh MC and the Bushwhacker and Rathfriland MC with the Down Rally.

The Valvoline Championship was dominated by Owen Murphy and James O'Brien in the Mitsubishi Evo9. The first all-Cork crew to win this series, they were on the case from the start with victories in Mitchelstown and Carrick.

A leaking radiator forced retirement on round three - the Moonraker - but Murphy bounced back with a maximum score at home in Cork.

Green light for Newlands

The Newlands Cross flyover is to begin construction next year, and in 2014 one of the last bottlenecks on the way into Dublin will be no more.

Funding for the project has been secured from the European Investment Bank and Bank of Ireland.

Permission for the flyover was granted in 2008, but the recession deferred beginning the work.

Former 'Stig' and AA's Nicola Hudson on saving fuel

A new short film which encourages motorists to reduce their fuel bill by driving efficiently and which features former 'Stig' Ben Collins of Top Gear fame and the AA's Nicola Hudson, has just been launched, writes Trish Whelan.

In the film Collins first drives a Mazda 2 around the Mondello track in his 'normal' style using a litre of regular fuel. Following an efficient driving tutorial from Nicola and using Topaz fuel, they achieve fuel savings of 62.5 percent on the second drive.

You can view the film on the Topaz website - www.topaz.ie

Nicola says it was a hair raising experience as Ben found it difficult to take his foot off the accelerator - old habits die hard. Topaz Director Paul Candon says not all fuels are the same and the additive inTopaz fuels makes them more fuel efficient.

The duo are pictured here in a Mazda MX 5 which the ace driver put through its paces.

Inspector Morse's Jag to compete in 10-day marathon

The famous burgundy red Mk II Jaguar which featured in the hit ITV television series Inspector Morse, is among the entries for the road going element of RB12, a unique 10-day marathon for cars, boats and aircraft, which starts on 21 June 2012.

Starting and finishing at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in Dorset - the venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events - it will be the first time 50 cars, 50 boats and 50 aircraft will compete in a 10-let circumnavigation of Britain's coastline simultaneously.

The iconic 1960 car, now owned by Australian publishing company International Publishing Group, was driven by the late John Thaw CBE in all 33 episodes of the popular detective series, in which he starred as grumpy super-sleuth Inspector Morse. The series ran for 13 years.

The distinctive car remains housed in the UK and will feature in a cameo role in an upcoming prequel to the series, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first episode. Set in 1965, Shaun Evans will play Morse.

47 jobs created by Renault over last six months

French motor company Renault generated 47 jobs in Ireland over the last six months. The jobs were as a result of the launch of Renault Finance, the introduction of ZE ambassadors and the opening of two new dealerships.

In August, Renault Finance saw 15 new jobs created in operations, finance and marketing roles. These positions are based at Renault Ireland's HQ in Dublin.

In September, Renault announced eight new electric vehicle ambassadors, dedicated to the the brand's range of EVs. These are based in key dealerships around the country.

November saw the opening of two new premises: Tullamore Motors in Offaly and Dennehy Motors in Limerick. The two new premises will see 24 new jobs over the next 12 months.

Honda scores a First in Reliability Stakes

The latest Car Reliability from Which? Car reports that in the 2011 Which? Car Survey, Honda was the most reliable of all 34 brands they covered, writes Trish Whelan.

This was the biggest independent surveys of car reliability and owner satisfaction in the UK.

The survey, which asked car owners to rate their own cars, was calculated from the number of breakdown, faults and niggles suffered by all models in the last 12 months. The score for each of these was then combined to provide an overall reliability score for each manufacturer. As breakdowns are more serious than faults or niggles, they were given a heavier weighting than the other two areas.

Frank Kennedy of Universal Honda expressed his delight at this latest result: "The Which? Car Survey is very comprehensive in that car owners who live with their cars are the people who rate the cars. This means that potential buyers will be able to make an informed decision as how good it is to own a Honda which has been rated so highly by existing owners."

Honda is up one place from last year when it came second in the Which? Car survey.

Car owners were asked to rate out of five how satisfied they were with their car and also how likely they were to recommend the car to a friend.

The car as advertising medium

The day might not be far away when you'll be offered a substantial discount on your new car if you provide a bunch of family information, writes Brian Byrne.

The result could mean that when you drive afterwards, your favourite restaurant could 'talk' to you through your entertainment system if you're in the area, making a short term offer to tempt you in.

It could be the local McDonalds, suggesting that you bring in your son aged six today or tomorrow, to get a birthday treat. Or a florist reminding you to remember your anniversary at the weekend by ordering flowers now for your wife.

Spooky? Maybe. The advertising industry calls it Contextual Branding—the art of sending the right message, to the right audience, at the right time. They have been doing in in Japan for years, on the mobile phone system. But now they're looking at targeting car owners, in cahoots with the dealer networks.

The full story is here in Fast Company magazine.

Soon, fines for using GPS?

Here's something that bears watching—or rather, NOT watching your GPS system while driving, writes Brian Byrne.

Sounds crazy, right? The little screens, whether built in or stuck onto the windscreen, are supposed to help us, not make us more dangerous.

Well, in Ottawa, Canada, police are ready to fine people seen looking at their screens while driving.

They say the GPS is as much a distraction as as cellphones.

The police say users should rely on the audio, or have a passenger prompt them from the screen info.

We'll be back to a man with a red flag soon.

Full story in the Ottawa Citizen.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid - most technically advanced Volvo ever

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid and is Volvo Car Corporation's most technically advanced model ever.

This is an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose which of the three cars they want to drive at any given moment. These range from Pure (solely using its electric motor as much as possible), Hybrid, the standard setting whenever the car is started; and Power, using the total power output of 215+70hp. The electric motor's lightning-fast torque delivery helps propel it from 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds.

Pressing the AWD button activates the electrical 4WD, designed to give better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads.

It was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last March and comes in just one colour - Electric Silver.

As yet we don't know when we will have the car here in Ireland, but a limited number go on sale across the pond early 2012, increasing there in 2013.

Kizashi 4WD - new mid-sized saloon from Suzuki

This is Suzuki's D Segment car, Kizashi, which will be introduced in the UK in January.

The Japanese name means 'A sign of great things to come' as the car represents a new direction for Suzuki and has been developed as the flagship model in the global Suzuki passenger car line-up, with a premium feel and high levels of standard specification.

It has switchable 2/4WD with CVT/6-speed manual mode operated via the steering wheel switches or the gear shift lever.

The 2.4 petrol engine will output 178PS; ESP and seven airbags will be fitted as standard, including a driver's knee one.

The combined fuel consumption is expected to be 34.0mpg, with C02 emissions of 191g/km.

Boot space is 461 litres.

We're not sure when it will arrive here.

New concept from Lexus

Lexus will unveil a new concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9th January, 2012.

Designed by Calty, the company's design studio in Newport Beach, California, the concept showcases the new design direction embraced by Lexus.

Sorry this teaser pic is all we can show you for now, but we'll have some more information next week.

New Panda coming in February

Fiat Ireland will be launching the new generation Panda in the early spring, with first versions due towards the end of February, writes Brian Byrne.

The new car retains the style of the very successful predecessor, but is longer, taller and wider.

Engine options will include two versions of Fiat's TwinAir 2-cylinder engine, a normally-aspirated one with 65hp and a turbocharged one with 85hp, both with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. A 1.3 diesel will also be available.

Electronic stability control will be initially an option, but becomes standard from September.

Fiat will be offering three grades initially. Prices and specifications for the Irish market have not yet been finalised.

Ford models hit the runway

The Ford Motor Company has unveiled its latest models, but this time instead of a fleet of shiny new vehicles, fashion models donned a variety of Ford Focus car parts and took to the catwalk in a stylish photo shoot.

The unique pieces, a car dress and necklace, were commissioned by Ford and were designed by two designers - Scottish designer Judy Clarke who worked under the late Alexander McQueen and assisted in the design of Sarah Jessica Parker's now famed green dress which she wore for the premier of Sex and the City back in 2008 - and Katherine Hawkins, responsible for the necklace made from cool metals, plastics and rubbery bits!

The dress uses chiffon, red car lights, kilt buckles and tweed.

The model, above, is clad in Focus parts.

Suzuki Ireland appoints new General Manager

Suzuki Ireland has announced the appointment of Wayne Doolan as the new General Manager for Suzuki Cars and Marine with effect from 1st January 2012.

Educated in Terenure College, Wayne has been with Suzuki Ireland for the last 11 years in the position of Financial Controller.

The announcement follows the imminent retirement of the current General Manager, Niall O'Gorman.

Wayne says he is 'excited to be taking charge of Suzuki in this challenging economic environment'.

He went on to wish Niall well in his retirement, his dedication and commitment to Suzuki has earned him a reputation of being one of the industries 'True Gentlemen'.

Jobs boost with opening of Frank Keane Volkswagen

Frank Keane Volkswagen will create 50 new jobs over the next 18 months at their new premises on Dublin's Long Mile Road.

Frank Keane Holdings has been a leading light in the motor industry since 1967 and this new Dealership is the newest addition to the Volkswagen Dublin Dealer network.

The dealership, which opened yesterday, will retail Volkswagen cars and commercial vehicles and offer Volkswagen Service through a dedicated service department. It will also feature Dublin's first indoor commercial vehicle showroom with a dedicated specialist to advise customers.

The opening is the culmination of a €2.5m investment in conjunction with Volkswagen Bank.

The new dealership is offering a new VW Golf from €199 per month (6.5% APR) and the VW Caddy Van from €189 per month (4.9% APR). There will also be free vehicle health checks available and VW servicing from €99.

Delay on Ampera deliveries

Deliveries of Opel's Ampera extended-range EV are to be delayed while the parent GM sorts out the issues raised by three battery fires after crash tests of the Volt US model which shares the technology, writes Brian Byrne.

The Ampera and Volt, pictured above, are both built in the same US plant, on the same underpinnings but different bodies.

Although Opel has begun to deliver Amperas to dealerships in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland, customers won't be getting the cars until the problem is fully assessed.

The Ampera is not yet on sale in Ireland. RHD versions are due in May.

GM plans to sell 10,000 units of the Ampera in Europe next year.

The Volt has been on sale in the US since last year. The perceived problem only relates to crash-tested cars, and is believed to be because the lithium-ion battery backs weren't fully discharged after the crash tests.

Smartphones not so smart for pedestrian impacts

An estimated one in ten pedestrians crossing the road are putting themselves and others at risk, writes Brian Byrne, because they use mobile devices to text or listen to music.

That's the view of Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby, who has conducted his own observations. Thing is, there are no official figures about this aspect of traffic-related injuries, and motorists mostly get the blame.

"The worst part about this is that the statistics are not just under-reported, they are not reported at all, so we don't know how many accidents or deaths have occurred because someone was distracted by their phone or iPod," Mr Scruby told the Australian Courier-Mail newspaper. "It just goes down as a pedestrian being hit."

He said that when people were distracted by mobile phones they 'behave like sheep' and follow others on to the road without looking.

Paramedics who have to treat the injured and police who have to follow up the incidents both say it is difficult to get true statistics because the people involved don't admit that they were using the phone at the time they were involved in the collisions with cars, bicycles and other pedestrians.

Autopilot bus in Madrid

Madrid's bus service has managed to have one of its vehicles travel around the city on auto-pilot, writes Brian Byrne using WiMAX internet and GPS to alert it to traffic problems.

The experiment was carried out by the automation and robotics center of the Spanish Council of Advanced Scientific Research (CSIC). The GPS sensors allow, for instance, that if one bus detects traffic, it can then send this information to the central communication system. 

Then management can decide to send a message out to other buses with the same affected stops to see if they can avoid this particular stretch of road or warn passengers that they may want to alter their commute for just one day. Likewise, once an ambulance moves or an accident is cleared up, a signal can be sent that the route has re-opened.

George Harrison's Aston Martin DB5 sells for £350,000

An Aston Martin ordered by George Harrison in 1965 sold at auction in London last week for £350,000 after fierce bidding from around the world.

The car was produced in late 1964 and supplied new on 1st January 1965 to the famous Beatle.

The car was eventually knocked down to an anonymous Beatle and Aston Martin fan from Houston in Texas who said: "George harrison would be amazed about all the money his car is going to raise for Christian causes."

In the same auction by Coys in London, a Mercedes-Benz 540 K formerly owned by Bernie Ecclestone, which had been estimated at £500,000, sold for £864,000.

Skoda reveals new photos of VisionD concept

Skoda has released new images of its VisionD concept.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, this stylish design is an indication of the future design direction for all future Skoda cars.

The model is inspired by classic form and design. The car has a strong, sporty look, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs.