Foust wins World RX of Finland

American Top Gear presenter Tanner Foust took a lights-to-flag victory at today’s rain-soaked World RX of Finland, round four of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy.

Driving a Polo RX Supercar as a wildcard entry with the Volkswagen Marklund team, Foust overcame tricky driving conditions to take his second win in Kouvola. Ford Olsbergs MSE team-mates Andreas Bakkerud and Reinis Nitiss finished second and third respectively.
An estimated 15,000 spectators attended the Finnish RX round this weekend to watch 24 Supercars battle it out in Kouvola, renowned as one of the most technically challenging circuits on the World RX calendar.

Heavy rain added extra pressure for the drivers who were also forced to contend with a treacherously slippery track. Joining the headline Supercar category over the weekend were 11 Touring Car entries, 16 Super1600s and 10 entries in the supporting RX Lites Cup.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland wins global aftersales award

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has been recognised globally as 'Aftersales Global Importer of the Year' at the Volkswagen Commercial vehicles awards in Hamburg, Germany, writes Trish Whelan.

The award, which was presented at a ceremony in Hamburg on 16 June, is the highest aftersales honour within the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brand that can be given to any of its importers.

Commenting on the award, Alan Bateson, Managing Director at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said "All of the team at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and our Van Centre Network understand that the power of partnership is about reliability, keeping customers' costs down and delivering on promises every time."

He added "We always guarantee every customer that we're here for the long-term, with a commitment to support their business and help it succeed. We deliver on this promise through our aftersales service and our strategic goal is to not only to be the best in Ireland, but also the best globally."

Alan Bateson and David Rave, National Service Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland are pictured accepting the award.

Audi working with Apple and Google for car systems

Audi has recognised the dominance of the two major mobile operating systems — Apple's IOS and Google's Android — by planning to have both in the multi-media interface of its future cars, writes Brian Byrne.

The premium brand of the Volkswagen Group is working with both companies to integrate the systems which they are both developing for automobile applications. Apple's is known as Carplay, while Google's is Android Auto.

Part of the work involves making the customer's data secure, and to this end Audi is separating the vehicle related functions from the infotainment elements.

Services such as navigation via Google Maps and the streaming service Google Play Music are already being made available to Audi through the cooperation, and the Audi development lab in Silicon Valley and Apple are conducting negotiations described by the carmaker as 'intensive'.

Dave Shannon to retire as MD of Toyota Ireland

Dave Shannon, who has been Managing Director of Toyota Ireland since 1994, has announced that he will retire from the position on 31 December, 2014.

Steve Tormey, currently Deputy Managing Director, will become Managing Director from January 2015.

Mr Shannon (pictured) has spent his entire business career in the motor industry. Having initially joined Toyota Ireland in 1976, he then moved on to become Managing Director of Daihatsu Ireland in 1992, which was then part of the Inchcape Group, before returning to the position of Managing Director of Toyota Ireland in 1994, at the invitation of Dr Tim Mahony.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Mr Shannon said "I am fortunate to be able to say that I have had a truly fulfilled career in the Irish Motor Industry over the past almost 40 years. I have enjoyed some wonderful successes with the Toyota Ireland brand but, above all, I cherish the opportunity I was given to meet truly extraordinary people right across the industry and to make lifelong friendships within Toyota and throughout our dealer network."

Donal O'Callaghan, Chief Executive, Killeen Group Holdings, owners of the Toyota and Lexus franchises in Ireland, added "Dave Shannon has made an enormous contribution to the success of Toyota Ireland over the years. He is a major figure in the Irish motor industry and will be missed by all for his vast knowledge of the business but above all for his intuitive understanding of the business and his ability to make sound business decisions and seize business opportunities.

"We wish Dave every success and a full and rewarding retirement following his many years of dedication to this company and the motor industry as a whole.

Mr Shannon will continue as an advisor to Toyota Ireland following on his retirement at year end.

easytrip survey: motorists' worst mishaps when holidaying at home

An easytrip survey of 500 motorists asked respondents what were their worst mishaps when enjoying a holiday break in Ireland.

It seems a flat car battery (32%) followed by running out of fuel (26%) were among the mishaps that motorists dread most.

In preparation for along road journey, the survey found that:

* 86 percent Google their route in advance
* 74 percent fill the car up with fuel the day before
* 40 percent stock up with snacks and drinks
* 23 percent check oil, water and tyre pressure

Commenting on the survey, Ciara O'Brien, General Manager of easy trip said "We sometimes forget what a beautiful country we have on our doorstep so it's fantastic to see so many people planning to soak up all that Ireland has to offer this summer.

"We would advise all holiday makers to pre-empt any glitches that could potentially ruin a trip by making sure your car is in top condition before setting off, planning your route in advance, taking regular breaks, especially when driving long distances, and above all by driving safely and patiently at all times."

Irish holidaymakers taking to the road this summer

Schools' out and the summer holidays are in full swing. While some people head for faraway climes, a survey by motoring solutions specialist easy trip has confirmed that the trend for 'staycationing' is as strong as ever, with 65 percent of holidaymakers opting to stay put and holiday in Ireland this summer.

Of those who intend to holiday in Ireland, the coastal counties are proving to be the preferred destination with Cork, Galway, Kerry, Mayo and Wexford coming out on top. Galway appears to be the most popular of all with almost 30 percent of respondents planning to 'head west' this summer. 60 percent of respondents estimated that their car journey will take three to four hours with most travelling with family members to their holiday destination.

When it comes to travelling companions, a quarter of those surveyed identified 'road rages' (people who get worked up about other drivers' behaviour - and yours!) as the worst type of passenger to share a car with. The best type of passengers were those who enjoy a good laugh.

More than 60 percent chose to while away the hours on a road trip by listening to the radio, playing CDs or playlists. U2 are the guy's favourite with girls preferring Adele. Least popular was One Direction! Interestingly in the age of tablets and portable DVDs, more than 25 percent of families play the old 'eye spy' game to keep the kids occupied on long journeys.

Whatever, just stay safe and have a good time!

Audi plans several plug-in hybrid vehicles

German carmaker Audi plans to launch at least four plug-in hybrid cars as it bets on the technology to counter rival BMW's electric cars, writes Trish Whelan.

Audi will roll out the A3 Sportback E-tron, its first plug-in hybrid, in Europe this month and here in Ireland at the end of this year.

The plug-in hybrid will compete with cars such as the battery-powered BMW i3 in a bid to win customers looking for environmentally friendly vehicles. Audi believes they are the best solution for low-emission vehicles because they don't face the same range constraints as battery-powered vehicles. Plug-in hybrids use a conventional internal combustion engine but can also run on electric power with zero emissions.

The A3 Sportback E-tron can be driven under electric power for up to 50km (about 30 miles). Using the petrol engine, it has a 600km range. BMW's i3 has a driving range of up to 160km, rising to 300km for the version with a range extender. The A3 Sportback E-tron has a 150hp 1.4 direct injection turbo petrol engine and a 102hp electric motor housed within the six-speed dual clutch transmission. The combined system power is 204hp; top speed is 222km/h in hybrid mode and 130km/h in pure electric mode. Average C02 emissions are 35g/km.

The A3 Sportback E-tron will be followed by other plug-in hybrids, beginning with the Q7 next year followed by the A6 long-wheel base saloon for China and the A8.

New Ford Focus ST revealed

Ford's new Focus ST makes its global debut today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, writes Trish Whelan.

We bring you photos of the new car which is scheduled to be in Irish dealerships from early 2015. Prices will be announced closer to time of arrival.

This is the most advanced Focus ST yet and offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification to ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience. For the first time it will be offered with the choice of two powerful engines - one petrol and one diesel.

The first diesel Focus ST delivers the most fuel-efficient and lowest C02 Ford performance car ever; 185hp, 2.0 TDCi achieves 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds, 4.4 L/100kms (64.2mpg), and 114g/km C02 (Tax Band A4 of €200p/a. For those who prefer petrol, the 250hp 2.0 EcoBoost delivers 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, returns 6.8 L/100km (41.5mpg), and with 158g/km C02 is in Tax Band D of €570p/a.

Five-door and wagon models will offer class-leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system.

Three trim levels are offered, ST1, ST2 and ST3. ST2 colours include Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm or Race Red.

Ford has sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in 40 countries worldwide since the car was first launched in 2002.

Renault Mégane gets three stars from Euro NCAP

The Renault Mégane Hatch has received just three stars out of a maximum five in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety crash tests, because a seat belt warning was not in multiple languages, writes Trish Whelan.

The irony is that in 2002, a previous generation of the Mégane was the first small car to achieve a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP in that it followed its stable mates Laguna - the very first car to achieve five stars - and the Vel Satis executive car. The Euro NCAP test regime became much more stringent a few years ago.

The model tested was the 1.5dCi 'Life' LHD version. The tests included crash test performance for Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian, and Safety assist.

On Safety Assist, Euro NCAP said: "Electronic stability control is standard equipment. A seatbelt reminder system is standard for the front and rear seats. The system for the front seats met Euro NCAP's requirements. However, the system for the rear seats uses text to inform the driver of the status of the rear seatbelts and, as this information was not available in all languages, the system failed Euro NCAP's assessment. Renault intend to address this issue very soon. With a compliant system, the Mégane Hatch would have been rated as four stars overall. A driver-set speed limitation device is also standard equipment and met Euro NCAP's requirements for systems of this type."

Don't let European strike action ruin your travel plans

Hundreds of Irish passengers were left stranded after their flights were grounded during the first two days of the recent French air traffic control strike, writes Trish Whelan.

www.Multitrip.com travel insurance is reminding Irish summer travellers to be aware of what their travel insurance policy covers them for, should strike action affect their travel plans in the future. It is important to check what cover is provided under your travel policy in the event of a strike. Many policies exclude cover for strike action and say it is the responsibility of the airlines to provide a refund to the customer for a cancelled flight, or provide an option to travel on a different date.

Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director of Multitrip.com says 'it's unbelievable that 25 percent of people are still travelling without travel insurance, especially as an annual European policy with them is just €17.95'.

"We have the unique optional cover of Travel Disruption available for unexpected costs incurred in making new arrangements due to strike action in addition to our strike cover."

Your photo could win you a tour of Scandinavia

Scandinavian Airlines has launched a campaign to capture the best image in Europe that portrays the hashtag #IcanflySAS.

As the leading carrier for Irish travellers to, from and within Scandinavia, Scandinavian Airlines is seeking images from entrants that truly unleash their creativity and expresses the emotion, excitement or experience of flying in any shape or form.

Irish entries are welcomed on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IcanflySAS. This pan-European competition will reward ingenious entries with spot prizes, including limited-edition SAS retro flight bags and travel vouchers.

The ultimate winner, along with a friend of family member of their choice, will win a 'circle' trip from their home country to all three Scandinavian capitals, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.

The prize will include four flights in SAS premium cabin, SAS Plus, City Cards for sightseeing, and hotel accommodation in each city, before flying on to the next stop.
Travelling in SAS lys will also allow the winner and their guest to enjoy the SAS airport lounges, Fast Track security, and complimentary food and beverages onboard as they fly to, from and between Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm

To enter, images can be posted using #IcanflySAS and each week the best will be showcased in a winners' gallery on facebook.com/SAS and spot prizes awarded. Entries are already being posted, so you can enter now for your chance to win. The competition closes on 17 September 2014.

Ireland SEAT boss moves to UK Audi

Cian O'Brien, currently director of the SEAT brand in Ireland, is to join Audi UK as its new Head of Sales Operations on 1st September. The 36-year-old native of Cork moves to this new Milton Keynes-based role, having overseen a period of significant success in which the SEAT business was Ireland's fastest-growing car brand in 2013.

In a varied career spanning 15 years he has also held the position of Aftersales Manager and Fleet & Used Car Manager for Audi Ireland. In addition, he brings with him extensive retail automotive experience having worked with Renault, Lexus, Audi and Nissan in a variety of management positions.

Andre Konsbruck, Director of Audi UK, said Cian will bring 'a real depth and breadth of experience' to the UK role. "We feel he is the right person to continue to lead our ambitious sales plans in which Audi aims to remain the UK's number one premium brand, with continued focus on customer satisfaction and profitability."

Toyota will sell FCV fuel cell car starting next year

Toyota said it plans to begin European and US sales of its FCV hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by the summer of 2015, writes Trish Whelan.

Toyota says the car will first go on sale in markets where the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is developed. It will debut in the Japanese market by next April priced at the equivalent of $69,348.

The Japanese carmaker has today unveiled the production version's exterior design in Tokyo, showing an electric blue vehicle with only subtly toned-down styling from the dramatically curved concept with gaping front air intakes shown at the Tokyo auto show last Autumn.

The four-seat FCV is built on an all-new dedicated fuel cell platform. Its two high-pressure hydrogen tanks give it a rage of 700 kilometres (435 miles).

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles hold great promise for reducing carbon dioxide emissions because they combine hydrogen and air in chemical process that produces electricity, with water vapour being the only 'exhaust'.

Toyota is prioritising fuel cell vehicles over battery-powered electric vehicles because it says they are better suited to long-range driving.

Ferrari wins 'best performance engine'

For the fourth year running, a Ferrari engine has triumphed in two categories of the prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards - Performance Engine of the Year and the Above 4.0 class.

The winner on this occasion is the naturally-aspirated 4.5 V8 engine that equips the 458 Italia and 458 Spider and, in its most powerful guise, the 458 Speciale.

The V8 won both awards two years running in 2011 and 2012, and with the company's naturally-asirated, 740hp 6262cc V12 that equips the F12berlietta taking the same accolades in 2013, Ferrari's award count is now an impressive eight in four years.

The international judging panel includes journalists from 35 nations and all praised the Ferrari V8's blend of sophisticated engineering, power, throttle response, precision, performance and efficiency along with its peerless soundtrack.

SKODA reaches new heights with Ryanair

Czech carmaker SKODA has taken to new heights advertising with Ryanair, writes Trish Whelan.

SKODA has recently launched in-flight advertisements with Ryanair which will see the car brand place a series of tray table ads on Ryanair flights to highlight the generous leg room in their flag ship model, the SKODA Superb.

The eye-catching prints will be placed on 513 tray tables to highlight their class leading rear left room on the executive Superb model. In addition, overhead lockers will be branded to emphasise the fact that the Superb Combi can fit 15-standard sized cabin bags.

SKODA Superb dimensions

The campaign will run for four weeks across 540 flights from Dublin Airport with a potential reach of 83,689 passengers. The ads were developed by Owens DDB and planned by Mediacom.

Raymond Leddy of SKODA Ireland explains the new ad campaign. "We were looking for an innovative and engaging way to communicate the merits of best in class leg space of our Superb model for quite some time. This is one of our most simple and effective campaigns yet. The Superb also has best in class luggage capacity so, in addition, we also have some clever advertising on the overhead lockers highlighting the fact that the Superb can accommodate 15 standard carry-on bags or, alternatively, if you are duty free shopping, 8,263 Toblerones!"

The SKODA Superb model is one of the largest cars in its class with unrivalled luggage capacity and rear legroom. Priced from €24,995 for the 1.4 TSI Active model, SKODA is offering rates of 1.42 percent APR for the new July registration plate change.

Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost wins International Engine of the Year for 3rd time

A small petrol engine that powers Ford cars including the new Fiesta has fought off competition from premium brands and supercars to win the 'Oscars' of the engine world for an unprecedented third time in a row, writes Trish Whelan.

Ford Motor Company's 1.0 EcoBoost engine - which lowers fuel consumption with sacrificing power - was today named 2014 International Engine of the Year for its drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology.

This tiny fuel-efficient and powerful 1.0 - which powers Fiesta and nine more cars in the Ford range - also is named 'Best Engine Under 1.0' for the third year in a row.

The judges praised the engine as 'one of the finest examples of powertrain engineering'.

Padraic Deane of Automotive Publications is the Irish juror for International Engine of the Year.

The panel of 82 automotive journalists from 35 countries also named the 1.0 EcoBoost the 'Best Engine Under 10' for the third year in a row at the Engine Expo 2014, in Stuttgart.

"To deliver the complete package of eye-popping fuel economy, surprising performance, quietness and refinement, we knew this little 1.0 engine would have to be a game changer," said Bob Fascetti, Vice President, Ford Powertrain Engineering. This 1.0 EcoBoost engine has now won 13 major awards.

Launched in Europe in 2012 with the Ford Focus, the 1.0 EcoBoost is now available in a further nine vehicles: Fiesta, B-MAX EcoSport, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, Tourneo Connect, Tourneo Courier, Transit Connect and Transit Courier.

Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles now account for one in five of all Ford cars sold in Ford's 20 traditional European markets.

This engine will also be offered in the new Mondeo when it launches later this year, the smallest engine to be specified in such a large family car.

Ford aims Edge SUV at German premium brands

Ford Motor believes it can win premium brand customers in Europe with the Edge large SUV which will go on sale late next year, writes Trish Whelan.

In Europe, the five-seat Edge will be aimed at market-leading SUV/crossovers from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It is bigger inside than the seven-seat Audi Q7 but would cost 'significantly less' according to Ford.

This new offering will offer technology to rival premium SUVs. Equipment available will include adaptive steering that alters the ratio depending on speed to make it easier to manoeuvre in urban situations, and it will be the first Ford to offer this technology. It will also become the first European Ford to be offered with noise cancelling technology that detects unwanted noise via cabin microphones and generates 'opposing' noise to block it out. Other technology includes Ford's Sync 2 connectivity system that links a smart phone to an eight-inch screen on the dashboard.

Edge was first introduced in 2006 primarily as a North American vehicle. It will now be sold in more than 100 markets. It is built in Ford's Oakville plant in Ontaria, Canada and will be made for the first time in right-hand drive versions.

In Europe, it will be sold with two versions of Ford's 2.0 diesel engine, one with 180hp and C02 emissions of 149g/km and the other with 210hp and emissions of 159g/km. All versions offer four-wheel-drive.

Edge is important to Ford's plan to return to profit in Europe by next year as the company aims to triple its European SUV sales by 2018 from 90,000 last year with the Edge and its other SUV offerings, the medium-sized Kuga and subcompact EcoSport.

Ford Edge

Enjoy a break at Carton House

You can make the most of the Summer weather and treat yourself to a luxury break at Carton House, Maynooth, this July.

Enjoy an overnight stay with dinner in the Linden Tree restaurant, a full Irish breakfast and a credit of €20 for the spa or golf, from €99 per person.

It's the perfect excuse to sneak away.

Subject to availability.

World RX moves to Finland

With three different winners from the opening three rounds in this year's FIA World Rallycross Championship, the battle to become the first ever World RX Champion is heating up, writes Trish Whelan.

Joining the World RX line-up for the first time this year will be former FIA GT1 World Champion Markus Winkelhock for the EKS RX Team plus American Top Gear presenter Tanner Foust who returns for the second of his four-round World RX campaign.

Eight miles north-east of the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Kouvola is Finland's 10th biggest city and will be home to round four of the season. At just over 1060 metres and split between 58 percent asphalt and 42 percent gravel, the circuit features one jump and a joker section towards the end of the lap. Twenty-five Supercars make up the headline Supercar category in Finland with the TouringCar and Super 1600 categories attracting a further 25 entries.

Currently leading the driver standings, and also the team standings for Ford Olsbergs MSE, is Latvia's Reinis Nitiss, who won in Norway. Three points adrift of him in the overall leaderboard is Norway's Petter 'Hollywood' Solberg who has made it to the final of each round so far. Third in the standings and representing Finland on home skil this weekend will be Volkswagen Marklund's Toomas 'Topi' Heikkinen who will be a firm favourite to win in front of a home crowd.

The full entry list for World RX of Finland can be found at
http://www.rallycrossrx.com/calendar/kouvola/2014

'Sounds of Honda/Ayrton Senna 1989' wins Grand Prix Award at Cannes festival

The 'Sound of Honda / Ayrton Senna 1989' has been awarded the 'Grand Prix', the highest award in the Titanium and Integrated Lions category of the 61st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

This is one of the most prestigious advertisement festivals/awards in the fields of advertising and communications.

The 'Sound of Honda / Ayrton Senna 1989' reproduces the the fastest lap at Suzuka Circuit by Senna driving the McLaren Honda MP4/5 in the qualifying of FIA Formula One World Championship in 1989.

Honda analysed the driving data including changes in the accelerator position, engine speed and vehicle speed and reproduced the engine sound for the lap using the actual vehicle. With this reproduced engine sound, Honda has developed three types of content - a short film that reproduces Senna's driving as well as its behind-the-scene documentary film, the 3-dimensional computer graphics web content '3D-View' and the iPhone app 'Sound of Honda'.

Awards are broken down by category and each category consists of four prize levels, with the Grand Prix at the top followed by Gold Lion, Silver Lion and Bronze Lion.

You can listen for yourself at http://www.honda.co.jp/internavi-dots/dots-lab/senna1989/) and/or watch the clip below.

Driving tips when holidaying in France

Irish families heading to France for their summer holidays, should be aware that driving abroad can be very different to driving at home. Preparation as always is the key. Make sure your car is fit for the journey, plan your route in advance, including fuel stops, and remember to check up on all the rules for driving in France before you go. Also, take all the relevant documentation with you.

To help, here are some tips on how to ensure you stay on the right side of the law when driving on French roads.

* In France, you drive on the right hand side of the road. It's often easy to forget this when you pull out from a roadside restaurant or service station on a country road. Have someone to remind you to Keep Right at times like this.

* You'll need to carry a breathalyser kit, with two disposable breathalysers. It must meet the NF standards and carry an NF certification. The French government have indefinitely canned the fine for non compliance but you still have to have one.

* The drink drive limit in France is 50mg per 100ml of blood. If you are driving, don't drink, and beware the morning after effect.

* On-the-spot fines or 'deposits' in France are severe. Always ask for an official receipt. Vehicles parking contrary to regulations may be towed away and impounded, which should prove very costly to your holiday fund.

* Holders of EU driving licenses exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h will have their licences confiscated on the spot by the police.

* You must, by law, carry a warning triangle, reflective jacket, and convert your headlamps when driving in France. It is recommended that you carry spare light bulbs if you can fit them easily.

* Driving on the right hand side of the road on unknown routes can be rather daunting. Take regular breaks, and always have a rest if you are getting tired.

* A child sitting in the front passenger seat must be at least 10 years old (or a baby up to 9 months in a rear-facing child seat).

* Remember the speed limits in France are different to ours and unlike here, they change when it rains, so make sure you know them before you go.

* Like here, radar speed camera detectors are illegal in France - whether or not you are using them. This legislation includes sat nav systems which show speed camera information.

* Many 'N' main roads and local authority 'D' and 'C' roads and a village name sign with a red border all signify the start of a 50km/h speed limit that continues until you pass the village name sign with a red bar across it and a black border signifying the village boundary and end of the speed limit.

* Always exit on the right side so you don't revert to driving on the left.

* Take all the relevant documentation with you. It's a good idea to have European Breakdown Cover so you'll never be left stranded should your car break down.

Minicab firm implements full Michelin tyre policy

Increasingly, large fleet operators - whether truck, van or passenger car owners - are taking a closer look at the tyres they use when it comes to calculating costs and clocking up savings.

Latest to take an interest in the topic is London's largest private minicab firm, Addison Lee. Until recently, the company used mid-range tyres on its 4,700 vehicles. After tests, they discovered that premium rubber does last longer, delivering at least eight percent longer life which, on Ford Galaxy models, amounted to a difference of 10,000 miles and even more on their Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

As a result, the company is putting its entire fleet on Michelin tyres with some 3,800 Ford Galaxy, 30 S-Class and 260 E-Class vehicles being fitted with the premium tyres.

Well-know Irish firms that have followed a similar course include Swords-based haulier Dixon International and Annacotty-based Cosgrave Transport. The latter has adopted a Michelin tyre policy across its fleet of 27 trucks and 75 trailers.

According to their managing director, Brian Cosgrove (pictured), in tests, steer tyres needed to be turned on the rim only once during their first life in service, clocking up 220,000 km before needing to be reproved. Tyres are supplied to Cosgrove by Mid-West Tyres who collect the old casings and return them to Michelin for remanufacturing processes.

Estate car sales up 160% here

SKODA Scout

With sales of estate cars on the increase here, the Octavia Combi (SKODA refers to estate cars as Combis), has increased sales of 47 percent over the first six months of 2014 which also reflects the general growth in the segment, writes Trish Whelan.

The Superb Combi has sold 49 percent more vehicles than the same period last year.

The SKODA Superb Combi (estate) was recently awarded there most satisfying estate car to live with according to owners in the latest Which? Car Survey with the car also topping the poll of the most searched for estate car on the Which? website.

Ireland still has a long way to go to reach European levels as hatch and saloon models still account for most sales with only 1 in 10 Octavias sold in Estate versions. In countries such as Sweden, Germany and Italy, Octavia Combi vehicles form the majority of sales with up to 60 percent of total sales compared to hatchbacks/saloons.

SKODA Scout rear

Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing & Product, SKODA Ireland says the main reasons for the increase in sales is due to the fact that Estate vehicles have become much more attractive and stylish. "Cost wise, there is now little or no difference in C02 and road taxes. There is also a large increase in outdoor activities - water sports and cycling especially - which are accommodated by additional boot capacity and functional roof rails."

The SKODA Octavia Combi starts from €19,995 increasing to €38,045 for the range topping performance 2.0 TSI 220bhp RS with DSG transmission.

In A C-Class of its own

Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne and sales manager Ciaran Allen are pictured with the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class which has just been launched.

Accounting for one in every five Mercedes-Benz cars sold in Ireland, the C-Class is available in four petrol and five diesel versions in a choice of three design and equipment lines - Avantgarde with grille-inset star aimed at younger buyers, Exclusive with a bonnet-mounted star aimed at the more conventional buyer, and an AMG line aimed at the sporty buyer - at prices from €37,750 (ex works) for petrol models and €37,950 for diesel models.

S-Class like in appearance, it is larger and more spacious than before and comes with an array of high-tech communications and safety features.