Continental IVOTY contenders

The list of eligible vans for the title of Continental Irish Van of the Year 2014 has been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA) Van of the Year Jury. The winner of the 2014 overall Irish Van of the Year title will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry on Thursday November 21, 2013.

The eligible vans for this year’s award are as follows Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV200, Renault Kangoo and Toyota ProAce

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.

“For Irish van drivers or fleet managers in the market for a new van, the overall guidance and reviews of the IMWA van jury are a great help in identifying what just might be the best vehicle to meet their needs," said Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres.

Brian Byrne, Chairman of the IMWA Van Jury said that in the context of the overall depressed market, there is a reduced number of entrants for this year’s award. "However, they are all excellent vehicles and it is still a wide open competition for the title”.

The winners of the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2014 category award winners – Car-Derived Van and SUV Commercial – will be announced in January 2014.

Last year’s Continental Irish Van of the Year title was awarded to the Ford Transit Custom. The Car-Derived Van and Commercial SUV category awards went to the Ford Fiesta Van and the Ford Kuga Van respectively.

New Panamera Turbo S for Tokyo Show

The Panamera Turbo S model will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show which takes place from 22 November to 1 December, writes Trish Whelan.

With a power output of 570hp, the all-wheel-drive four door, four seat Porsche Panamera Turbo S epitomises the Gran Turismo concept.

It features an advanced adaptive chassis technology and exclusive styling details. Like the 20-inch 911 Turbo II wheels which are not only larger but also significantly wider than the standard wheels on other models. The metallic exterior paint colour, Palladium, is available solely for the new model.

It sees a 50hp increase in power compared to the Panamera Turbo engine. The twin-turbocharged V8 engine combines 0-60mph (0-100km/h) in just 3.8 seconds.

Priced in the UK from £131,049 and is on sale now with deliveries from January 2014. We don't know Irish details as of yet.

Warning against burning tyres this Halloween

People preparing bonfires for the Halloween celebrations tonight are advised not to include tyres among the material they plan to burn, writes Brian Byrne.

Tom Dennigan, General Manager of Continental Tyres Ireland says: "We have heard many reports from our tyre dealer customers on the ground of increased incidences of theft of old tyres in the run up to Halloween. We have to assume that these have been stolen with a view to burning them on bonfires and we would strongly advise against that."

He says aside from it being illegal, smoke from burning tyres carries toxins that are detrimental to both humans and animals. "The residue from burnt tyres can also be very damaging to the environment. The only safe way to burn a tyre is in a concrete kiln which would have sophisticated filtration system in place to neutralise any toxins.

"In view of the strong family-focus of Halloween celebrations, often with young children being allowed out late for the first time, it is all the more important that we ensure that bonfires are safe for all revellers, young and old. For this reason it is not advisable to burn tyres of indeed, any other material that may release noxious fumes or that could risk exploding when heated."

Carmakers on track for 2015 emissions target

European car emissions fell 3 percent in 2012 from 2011 putting automakers on track to meet a carbon emissions target in 2015, writes Trish Whelan.

The decline took average new car carbon emissions down to 132.2 grams per kilometer in 2012, close to a 130g/km target for 2015, according to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), which provides scientific data to guide policy-making.

With the 28-nation European Union likely to reach easily its 2015 target, the European Commission has proposed a C02 target of 95g/km for 2020.

But Germany, seeking to protect its luxury carmakers, insisted that the bloc tear up agreement reached in June on implementing the goal.

Member states are now trying to agree on a revised compromise on more fuel-efficient, less polluting vehicles.

New S-Class tech heads towards driverless cars

Many future features of autonomous cars are available now in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in Ireland yesterday, writes Trish Whelan.

New S-Class is being seen by Mercedes-Benz as an important crossroads on the way towards the development of a car capable of being driven without driver intervention

One feature that shows this more than any other is the optional Distronic Plus with Stop & Go Pilot. The system reduces rear-end collisions, lowers fuel consumption. It works by automatically ensuring that the car follows the vehicle in front - braking, accelerating, even steering autonomously so the driver can relax in traffic jams and other such slow-moving conditions. With a series of cameras and sensors the car can see and hear in all directions at the same time, and predict movements of other cars.

Available equipment includes air suspension and adaptive damping, distance monitoring systems, the sensors and cameras that alert the driver to potential dangers, brake assist, active lane keeping, adaptive high beam assist, night view thermal imaging that flags the presence of pedestrians and animals on the road, all form part of the S-Class safety offering.

There's also a system that reads the road and adjusts the suspension automatically to flatten out bumps that may lie ahead. Other safety items spot the risk of a rear end collision and deploy belt tensioners to reduce injury.

Owners can choose from many different shades of ambient lighting throughout the cabin, depending on their mood.

Many owners are chauffeur-driven, so the new S-Class is offered in standard and long-wheel versions.

A new GLA is set to arrive in March, followed by a new C-Class in May/June (this is a combination between S-Class and CLA).

Spirit goes Skoda

The Spirit Motor Group in Sandyford is the latest dealer in the Skoda Ireland network, writes Brian Byrne.

The additiion of the brand to the dealership will create ten new jobs, growing to 20 over time, bringing the total number of people employed by Spirit Motor Group in Sandyford to over 80. The new dealership will operate from a showroom on Rowan Avenue in Sandyford, across the road from the Beacon Hospital.

John Donegan, Brand Director, Skoda Ireland said the brand is marking 20 years in business in Ireland and are undertaking one of the biggest model launch programmes in the company’s 117-year history.

Alan Moore is Dealer Principal of the new Spirit Skoda dealership.

Pictured at the launch of the initiative are Gerard O’Farrell, Group MD of Spirit Motor Group, Robert Guy, Head of Sales, Skoda Ireland, Alan Moore; dealer principal, Spirit Motor Group and Simon Barrett; Brand Manager, Spirit Skoda.

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will sell here at prices below those of the model it replaces, writes Trish Whelan.

The new S-Class is at the zenith of the transformation that has taken place across the Mercedes-Benz range over recent years in terms of new model development and design, technical advancement and price competitiveness.

This is a major step by the carmaker towards a car so technically advanced that it can virtually drive itself - they predict this will become a reality within the next 10 years. Add to that the fact that it exudes graciousness and luxury as well as being classically elegant with a smooth, rounded appearance.

Two hybrid versions will be sold here, one petrol and one diesel. First here is the S350 BlueTEC diesel priced at €98,255 which is €4,000 lower than the previous entry model. Others, for which prices will be announced later, are the S300 BlueTEC HYBRID, with an annual road tax of €200; the S400 Hybrid; S500 and S500 plug-in Hybrid - the first S-Class with fuel consumption lower than 4-litres per 100kms and the first luxury car in the world to emit less than 75g/km C02. All engines meet latest Euro-6 emissions levels, consuming up to 20 percent less fuel than the outgoing series.

Inside, space has been increased in all directions. Controls and displays include two colour screens - one to provide driver information and the other to control comfort and infotainment features. Fitments include a business class centre console, automatic climate control, heated armrests, cup holders that can heat and cool drinks, and two folding tables. The split view screen means the driver can be looking at relevant information on the right hand side of the screen while the front seat passenger can be watching a DVD on the same screen. Other features include voice-controlled telephone and audio systems with an option of having text messages and emails read aloud. There's also a huge array of safety features onboard.

The new S-Class is the first car in the world to fully adopt LED lighting, inside and out. There are no light bulbs, anywhere.

Such is the demand, the 50 cars ordered have already been sold. Additional supply will be available shortly.

Pictured above at today's launch are Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive, Stephen Byrne and Ciaran Allen, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

Keenan Bauer Motors win top Citroen award

Keenan Bauer Motors, Mullingar, have been awarded the Citroen Motors Ireland Dealer of the Year 2013 award from a network of 24 authorised dealerships nationwide.

Dealer Principals, Pat Keenan and David Bauer were officially presented with the award by Frédéric Soulier, Managing Director, Citroen Motors Ireland at their dealership in Mullingar last week.

Keenan Bauer have represented the Citroen franchise in the East Midlands for over 10 years.

Frédéric Soulier (on right), and Neil Plunkett, Zone Manager, Citroen Motors Ireland are pictured above at the presentation of the award to Pat Keenan and David Bauer.

Toyota holding top place nine months in

Toyota has managed to hold onto its global lead in numbers of vehicles sold, writes Brian Byrne.

With some 7.14m units built in the first nine months of 2013, the Japanese carmaker fended off an revitalised GM showing a 5 percent increase to a 7.25m total, and VW's 7.03m units, also up 5 percent on the same period last year.

Toyota led in sales from 2008 through 2010, but slipped to third in 2011 after natural disasters in Asia. It regained its top position in 2012.

Audi arrives to South Tipp for one day only

Audi Cork will host an Audi test drive event on Sunday 10 November to give the people of South Tipperary an opportunity to test drive The Future is Now 2014 Audi range while being treated to a few hours of fun for all the family, writes Trish Whelan.

Anyone who takes part in a test drive event will automatically be in with a chance to win an Audi Sportscar Experience to drive one the Audi R8 V10 Coupe World Performance Car of the Year 2010. There will also be a chance to win a 4-star hotel weekend break for two people.

Brian Quinlan, general sales manager at Audi Cork says 'the enhancements across the complete Audi range for 2014 exceed all previous years'. The complete range will be available for test drives on the day.

Guests can enjoy family entertainment, food and refreshments. The event will also feature cookery demonstrations by chef Rachel Allen.

This Audi test drive day takes place on 10 November at the Minella Hotel, Clonmel from 10am to 5pm. You can pre-book your test drive by phoning 1890 444 445 or email futurenowcork@audievent.ie

BMW details new 2 Series

BMW will be putting its new 2 Series on sale in March of next year, writes Brian Byrne.

Following its new model naming system, the new car will replace the coupe version of the 1 Series, and will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

It will be longer and wider than the current 1 Series Coupe and will also have a lower roofline.

In Germany it will cost around €3,000 more than the 1 Series hatchback. Two petrol and three diesel engines will be in the powertrain range.

New A8 goes on order next month

The new generation of the Audi A8 goes on order from next month at a strating price of €92,800, writes Brian Byrne.

First deliveries of the new car here will be in January 2014.

Among features of the new car are full LED headlights across the range, higher power with lower emissions, and visual details including new chrome elements and window surrounds, reshaped bonnet, and revised tail-lights.

All body dimensions remain the same as the current outgoing version.

A 3.0TDI 260hp engine will be favoured by most buyers in Ireland. It qualifies for tax band C or annual road tax of €390. A 4.2TDI with 385hp is also available as is the 4.0 TFSI petrol engine in the top of the range S8 with cylinder on demand technology.

An 8-speed transmission is standard.

Focus best-selling car worldwide

Ford Focus, the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world in 2012, retains the title for the first half of 2013, writes Brian Byrne.

Ford Fiesta ranks as the fourth best-selling vehicle and earns the top spot as the best-selling subcompact car globally, with 356,434 units registered in the first half of 2013.

This makes Ford the only brand to have two nameplates among the global top five best-sellers, according to Ford analysis of Polk global vehicle registration data.

Ford Focus grew 20 percent in the first half of 2013 from the same period last year, to 589,709 registrations, mostly driven by increasing demand from customers in China and other Asian countries. China is the single biggest global market for the car with one-third of Focus sales.

In Ireland, Focus has been best-selling car in 9 out of the 14 years since its launch in 1999 and with sales of 105,070 is the best-selling nameplate in this country over that period.

Shortlist for Continental Irish Car of the Year

The shortlist of models for the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2014 has been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA). Sponsored by Continental Tyres Ireland, the overall winner of the 2014 title will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, on Thursday 21st November, writes Trish Whelan.

The shortlisted models are as follows (in alphabetical order):

BMW 4 Series, Citroen C4 Picasso, Dacia Sandero, Ford Fiesta ST, Kia Carens, Mazda6, Nissan Juke Nismo, Peugeot 2008, Peugeot 208 GTi, Range Rover, Renault Clio, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Auris, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf GTI

From 51 eligible cars, selection of the shortlisted vehicles is based on votes from the 28 voting members of the IMWA, taking into account such factors as value for money, style, engineering and performance.

Tom Dennigan of sponsor Continental Tyres Ireland said: “As a snapshot of the range of excellent cars available to Irish motorists, this year’s shortlist for the title has it all, from interesting and exciting new concepts to revisions of familiar old favourites”.

Gerry Murphy, Chairman of the IMWA, said: “What an excellent range of cars in this year’s shortlist – the most exciting for a number of years – they really show how, in latter years, the car manufacturers have developed a range of totally new car segments – it won’t be an easy task to choose a winner from this great line up”.

The winner of last year’s Continental Irish Car of the Year was the BMW 3 Series.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland and Gerry Murphy of the IMWA are pictured above.

Drones may steal business from LCVs

Is order fulfillment of small packages going to be done by air instead of by van in the near future? asks Brian Byrne.

Could be that instead of the postman's van, an unmanned aerial vehicle — better known as drones used mainly by the US military — will drop off that parcel of books ordered from Amazon or wherever.

Well, a Sydney business named Flirtey plans to deliver rental textbooks to universities using drones, very soon.

It's believed to be the first use of fully automated commercial drones for package delivery in the world, and the company plans to launch similar delivery services in the US in 2015.

The books rental company, Zookal, claims deliveries can be made in as little as two or three minutes, in comparison to the days required for traditional shipping methods. Upon arrival at its delivery destination, a drone will hover and lower the parcel through a custom delivery mechanism that is attached to a retractable cord. A smartphone application can track the parcels for the customer.

The move is made possible by the relaxation of rules by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority in order to encourage the adoption of drone technology. With systems made possible by the convergence of internet, GPS and digital communications, the operators expect that package delivery costs can be cut to a tenth of their current price.

Flirtey is working to draft a set of guidelines for the use of commercial drones.

Strokestown Park's winter lectures

Strokestown Park House, in association with the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses & Estates, NUI Maynooth, has announced a series of informative public lectures to take place at Strokestown Park House from up to April 2014. Attendance is free and all are welcome to attend.

The next lecture will take place on Sunday 24 November at 3pm by Sinéad Byrne (NUI Maynooth). It is entitled 'Hyde and his work need money': Douglas Hyde in North America 1905-06.

Lectures planned for 2014 include Sunday 9 February at 3pm by Mel Farrell (NUI Maynooth): 'the Leitrim Famine Rentals: A case study.'

The lecture on Sunday 9th March at 3pm will be given by Jacqueline Corwley (NUI Maynooth): 'History repeats itself': Was the incumbered estates court the 'NAMA' of 1850s?

Sunday 6 April at 3pm, Fidelma Byrne (NUI Maynooth): will talk on 'Thou shalt not kill': murder in pre-famine Ireland: the case of Robert Rickerby, 1817.

For more information or to book your place at the lectures contact Strokestown Park House on 071 9633013 or email info@strokestownpark.ie

The Irish National Famine Museum is located in the original Stable Yards of Strokestown Park House, in Stokestown, Co Roscommon.

Improving Europe helps Ford post record profit

With shrinking European losses combined with strong results in North America and Asia, Ford Motor Company has posted a record third-quarter pre-tax profit of $2.6 billion, up $426 million from a year earlier.

Ford's operating loss in Europe narrowed to $228 million during the third quarter from $468 million a year earlier.

Ford expects its full-year loss in Europe to be lower than 2012's loss of $1.75 billion; it had previously said losses would match 2012.

The company expects to turn a full-year profit in 2015 in the region according to Stephen Odell, Ford's chief of European operations.

Escape Irish winter to Malta sunshine

Concorde Travel are offering one week packages to the Mediterranean island of Malta from €311pp departing from Dublin, writes Trish Whelan.

Malta is rich in history and culture with ancient temples, forts and grand palaces as well as varied traditional fare offered by the local restaurants.

7 night packages this November include:
Stay at the 3* St George's Park in St Julian's, based on 2 sharing a studio, self-catering, from €311pp; or at the 4* Dolmen Hotel in Qawra, b&b basis from €376pp. Alternatively, choose the 4* Seabank Hotel in Mellieha, all inclusive basis, from €576pp or at the 5* Meridien Hotel in St Julian's, b&b, from €496pp.

The price includes 7 nights accommodation as stated, return flights, transfers and all taxes.

www.concordetravel.ie or tel 01 7759300.

Opel's Little ADAM Christmas toy

Yes, we know, it's too soon to be talking about Christmas with Hallow'een still to come. But maybe Opel's Lifestyle Collection will help Santa add a bit of variety for a special little person when he calls on Christmas Eve night.

Like the new 'Little ADAM' racer. A real eye-catcher that authentically reflects the looks of its full-scale model, with its sunny yellow and black exterior, combined with sporty white wheels.

It's made by German company, Ferbedo, who have been specialising in building vehicles for kids for over 100 years. The 5kg-light 725 x 295 x 380mm miniature ADAM is made out of top-quality, weather-resistant material and is powered by an environment-friendly, muscle-only propulsion system!

It will be available from November for €74.99 (RRP incl. 19% VAT, but excluding shipping costs). You can check it out on www.opel-collection.com, or contact your local Opel dealer.

Gadgetinsurance.com celebrates iPhone 5S & 5C launch

Apple's newest smartphone models will hit the stores this Friday, 25 October and to celebrate gadgetinsurance.com has announced a limited offer of 10 percent off annual policies.

A recent survey by Behaviour & Attitudes for gadgetinsurance.com found massive growth in smart phone and tablet access and usage here in Ireland. Some 79 percent of Irish adults have a portable online device which can be used on the go. On average, Irish adults have access to three portable online devices at home. Smartphone ownership is highest amongst the 16-24 year olds with 81 percent ownership.

However, 55 percent of those surveyed said they did not currently hold insurance for any of their gadgets.

Gadgetinsurance.com offer iPhone and smartphone insurance cover providing protection against theft, accidental damage and water damage. Additional loss cover is also available. This promotion is available to use in the ROI between 25-27 October. Log onto gadgetinsurance.com and enter the following unique code to avail of this promotion. Code: GPGP298791. www.blueinsurance.ie

Pictured above are Ian Kennedy, Marketing Manager, gadgetinsurance.com; and Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director, gadgetinsurance.com

Europe's new-car sales to grow 2.5% in 2014

European vehicle sales are likely to grow in 2014 for the first time in seven years although unemployment and the lingering impact of sovereign debt problems will limit the extent, a think tank affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group said.

European vehicle sales will rise 2.5 percent to 13.87 million units next year, the Korea Automotive Research Institute said in a recent report. The rise compares with a forecast decline of 3.8 percent to 13.53 million this year.

The report said Chinese demand is likely to push global vehicle sale growth to 4 percent next year from 3 percent this year.

Free India & Sri Lanka info talk tonight

GoHop.ie and the Tropical Medical Bureau are holding a free India and Sri Lanka travel information evening with guest speakers Andre Migliarina and Dr Graham Fry.

The event takes place this evening, 23 October, at the Tropical Medical Bureau at 54 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, from 6pm until 7:30pm.

There is no cost to attend these talks, but as places are limited you should RSVP to yes@gohop.ie or on Facebook.

Andre Migliarina is one of Gohop.ie's senior specialist travel consultants. Dr Graham Fry is the Medical Director of the Tropical Medical Bureau which he set up in 1988. It now has 21 clinics in Ireland.

New C-Class to be unveiled in Detroit

Mercedes-Benz have unveiled some details of its fourth generation C-Class sedan, more than two months before it's due to make its world debut at the Detroit auto show, writes Trish Whelan.

They say it will be a significantly more advanced car than its predecessor in terms of build.

The car will have a new lightweight body structure with a newly developed aluminium hybrid construction process that the carmaker claims will shave as much as 100kg (220 pounds) over the current model depending on the engine it uses. A lighter weight is said to contribute to a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption on certain models without any loss in power.

The new C-Class will be offered with an optional Airmatic air suspension in combination with selected engines. It also provides an automatic self-levelling feature that lowers the car at highway speeds for improved aerodynamics and added fuel economy. A new air conditioning system that relies on GPS data to detect tunnels, automatically closes the air recirculation flap to prevent fumes from entering the cabin.

The car will go on sale next year.

New York holiday deals

Whether you are looking to shop in one of the world's most fashionable cities or to discover an array of cultural landmarks, there's plenty to see and do in New York.

Go to the MET Museum, have a coffee in Central Park, explore Times Square and see the famous Statue of Liberty.

Deals from Gohop.ie include:
4 nights in a 3* hotel, room only basis, from €606pp, departing Dublin 14 November 2013;
7 nights in a 3* hotel, room only, from €778pp, ex Dublin 21 November 2013
6 nights in a 3* hotel, b&b, from €742pp, ex Cork 29 November 2013
3 nights in a 3* hotel, b&b, from €666pp, ex Shannon 4 December 2013
2 nights in a 3* hotel, room only, from €620pp, ex Dublin 12 December 2013
3 nights in a 3* hotel, room only basis, from €497pp, ex Dublin 16 January 2014

Price includes return flights, accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Gohop.ie is fully bonded and licensed with the IATA. www.gohop.ie, or www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie