Intentions 113 EN

Intentions Y27_06 / 2016 periodical magazine of LeasePlan Belgium appears four times a year in January - March - June - September

Start your holiday rejuvenated!

Summer feature

Auto Hybrids: the booming business of ‘plug-ins’ Trip tips Come rain or shine Lunch@ The best places for lunch in Ghent

leaseplan.be

Les Business Editions de Ford : un équipement comme nulle part ailleurs.

LA NOUVELLE FORD MONDEO BUSINESS EDITION L’équipement de base d’une Ford Business Edition est sans pareil. Ainsi, la nouvelle FORD MONDEO BUSINESS EDITION comprend le système de navigation, le régulateur de vitesse, l’écran tactile, l’aide au stationnement arrière et le système téléphone mains libres avec commande vocale. Aidez votre entreprise à aller de l’avant et surfez sur ford.be

ATN net* à partir de

L/100 KM

64,99€

3,6

3,6-7,5 L/100 KM.

CO2

94

94-174 G/KM CO2.

Les chiffres de consommation et d’émission s’appliquent aux véhicules avec les pneus de série, comme décrit dans les équipements de série. Des pneus optionnels peuvent engendrer d’autres valeurs d’émission de CO2 et de consommation. Pour plus d’informations, renseignez-vous auprès de votre distributeur Ford et rendez-vous sur notre site www.fr.ford.be/FleetLeasing. *Basé sur la Ford Mondeo Business Edition 1.5 TDCi 5P – 120cv – Start/Stop – ECOnetic - couleur métallisée. Le calcul de l’Avantage net mensuel se fonde sur le taux maximal de précompte professionnel de 53,5%.

Ces valeurs sont données à titre purement indicatif et n’engagent pas la responsabilité de Ford Motor Company SA en cas de différence entre l’Avantage indiqué et l’Avantage finalement obtenu.

Spécifications du véhicule non représentatives. Donnons la priorité à la sécurité. Informations environnementales [A.R. 19/03/2004]: www.fr.ford.be/environnement.

Intentions Edito 3

edito Dear Reader, At LeasePlan, we have been on a roll in the last few months.

We are never lacking in dynamism, but this has been quite a special period at LeasePlan. We have been involved in such a lot of new things, and this is still continuing. Last year, we set the tone in the leasing market by being the first to introduce private leasing on a large scale. It has turned out to be a great hit and is something in which we certainly see a future. But that does not mean we have forgotten about our ‘traditional’ customers. Far from it! In fact we have never invested so heavily in innovations to make our customers' lives easier as we are doing now. We're working on things today that will be of benefit tomorrow. My LeasePlan, for example, will be further extended to include some very useful features such as a self-service tool and a booking tool. Nevertheless, we are doing more than just developing new tools. We are also keen to see things from your perspective, issues that are important to your fleet and your company. These include the increasing trend towards petrol cars in vehicle fleets and employee mobility. More than ever, we are your mobility partner!

I would also like to thank you for joining us on our fascinating journey with mobility. On the subject of fascinating journeys, perhaps you will be driving off soon to a sunny resort in your LeasePlan car. If so, I'd like to wish you a wonderful holiday with your family and friends!

Johan Portier Managing Director LeasePlan Belgium

Follow us on social networks! facebook.com / LeasePlanBelgium @LeasePlanBE linkedin.com / company / leaseplan-belgium

4 Intentions Contents

contents 06

LeasePlan News

Everything you want to know about…

Summer Feature

08

Body and soul in top form

10

Not superfoods,

but powerhouse foods

12

I'm going on holiday

and I'm taking… My car!

14

Is it going to be a sporty summer?

16

Trip tips

Come rain or shine 18 Escape Jump in the car, take to the road and enjoy the summer!

CONTACT LEASEPLAN INTENTIONS Excelsiorlaan 8 - 1930 Zaventem - 02-722 62 11 leaseplan@leaseplan.be - leaseplan.be © LeasePlan 2016 PUBLISHER JOHAN PORTIER

CREATION ACTIVE - 02-467 61 50 activeonline.be ADVERTISING PATRICK QUATENNENS - 02-467 61 68

The Act on the protection of privacy in relation to the processing of personal data: personal data will be transmitted to and recorded in a file in the possession of LeasePlan Fleet Management nv with its registered office located at Excelsiorlaan 8, 1930 Zaventem, which is responsible for processing. Personal data will be used by LeasePlan with a view to (i) managing pre-contractual and contractual relations, (ii) preventing misuse and irregularities, (iii) compiling statistics and testing, (iv) providing assistance and information to drivers and (v) conducting satisfaction surveys among drivers. Personal data may be disclosed to third parties in a contractual relationship with LeasePlan, including suppliers and subcontractors of LeasePlan. You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal data by writing to LeasePlan at the above address and / or the e-mail address privacy@leaseplan.be.

20 Auto Hybrids: the booming business of ‘plug-ins’

10

22 Lunch@ The best places for lunch in Ghent

Nouvelle

Renault MEGANE Activez vos sensations

à partir de

14.835 €

hTVA (1) ATN net à partir de 56 €/mois (2)

3,7 - 6,0 L/100 KM. 95 - 134 G CO2/KM.

Informations environnementales [A.R. 19.03.2004] sur www.renault.be

(1) Nouvelle Renault Mégane Life Energy TCe 100. Prix catalogue conseillé de base et sans option hTVA au 01/03/2016. (2) Basé sur Nouvelle Renault Mégane Life Energy dCi 90 sans options, contribution nette mensuelle sur l’Avantage de Toute Nature (ATN) à payer par un employé utilisateur d’un véhicule de société, sur base du taux maximal de précompte professionnel de 53,5% ; ces valeurs sont communiquées à titre purement informatif et n’engagent pas la responsabilité de Renault Belgique Luxembourg S.A. en cas de différence entre l’avantage communiqué et l’avantage réellement obtenu.

Renault préconise

6 Intentions News

Keep to the national rules!

Every country has its own Highway Code. Intentions reveals the most eye-catching traffic rules in our neighbouring countries. If your final destination or the countries you're travelling through are not included in the summary below, please check the website of the Flemish Automobile Association, the VAB: vab.be (> Reizen > Europese wegeninfo).

1. Germany

3. Luxembourg •

Use of a retro-reflective vest is compulsory.

•

When two vehicles drive towards each other at a crossroads and

•

Use of a retro-reflective vest is compulsory.

want to turn left, it's compulsory to cross each other on the left

•

‘Grüne Welle’: this road sign means that you can expect a

(tight turn).

sequence of synchronised green traffic lights, provided you keep to the prescribed speed.

•

4. The Netherlands

‘Umweltzones’ (environmental areas): only vehicles with an envi-

•

On provincial roads, stripes indicate the speed limit.

ronmental badge are allowed to drive within this defined area.

•

100 kilometre per hour roads have a double broken or solid white line in the middle of the road. The asphalt between the

2. France • •

Use of a retro-reflective vest is compulsory.

80 kilometre per hour roads have the same double white line,

•

60 kilometre per hour roads have a broken white line at the

Having an alcohol tester is compulsory, but there are no fines.

You may, however, have to purchase one, and probably at a

•

lines is green.

•

but without the green colour.

higher price.

sides. There are no markings in the centre, to force drivers to

In the mountains, vehicles travelling uphill have right of way.

drive carefully.

news

Intentions News 7

The latest

by LeasePlan

Let us know!

Do you have any suggestions or feel that LeasePlan can improve in any area?

If so, please send an e-mail to info@leaseplan.be

My LeasePlan continues to make your life easier Under the motto ‘it’s easier to leaseplan’, the appointment planner in My LeasePlan has been up and running for some time now. This planner, located in My LeasePlan for drivers via www.leaseplan.be/myleaseplan, can be used at any time and in any place to make an appointment for maintenance via the booking tool. But that’s not the only purpose for which My LeasePlan can be used. This tool also offers a host of other

Kumpen and Longin get off to a good start in the 2016 ­NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

possibilities: Following their successful first round of the • Updating your mileage: in order to keep track of the vehicle's consumption and report it correctly, it’s important to pass on your mileage regularly;

2016 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, Anthony Kumpen and Stienes Longin have continued

• Consulting your contract and services that are included;

to do well in the second round. Both drivers,

• Replacing your fuel card or requesting your PIN code;

sponsored by LeasePlan, won at the Venray

• Downloading documents: authentication for resident’s parking permit and pur-

Oval in the Netherlands, thereby consolidating

chase order for periodic motor-vehicle testing, etc.; • Locating summer and winter tyres: you can use this tool to locate the tyre centre where your summer and winter tyres are stored.

If you still don’t have access to My LeasePlan?

Please contact us at drivercare@leaseplan.be or on 078 150 600.

their leading position in the first and second elite races. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the rest of the season, Anthony and Stienes!

8 Intentions Summer feature

Body and soul in top form

Yoga and Pilates are definitely in fashion. It is the combination of tension and relaxation in these two disciplines that makes them so attractive. They are often mentioned in the same breath as sports that are beneficial for both body and soul, but what exactly are the differences between the two? Except for a mat, the two forms of exercise actually have far less in common than is generally thought.

Intentions Summer feature 9

First of all, yoga has quite an impressive history, having originated in India some 5,000 years ago. The first archaeological evidence of the existence of yoga are stone seals excavated from the Indus valley depicting figures in yoga postures. Pilates, on the other hand, wasn't introduced until the early 20th century by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, making it a much newer discipline than yoga. Seeing that Pilates himself was a yoga practitioner before developing his own discipline, we can assume that he used his experience with the ancient Oriental form of exercise and combined this with callisthenics (exercising using your own body weight) and ballet.

Pilates: strength, flexibility and balance Pilates consists of a series of flowing exercises that you can carry out on the floor, which also makes the sport easy to practise at home.

Through various exercises involving a wide range of positions, you use muscles that you probably didn’t know you had. But in the end

It won't come as any surprise to hear that your flexibility improves

it's all about the ‘core’, the muscles that keep the body properly in

considerably when you practice yoga regularly. You will also work hard

balance and the muscles that support the spine.

on improving your balance and muscle function. The psychological

Every exercise strengthens and stretches the muscles and every

effects of yoga should also not be underestimated. After a while you

movement has a maximum number of repetitions. Quality is more

will be able to handle tensions better and release them more quickly.

important than quantity: you train your muscles so precisely and efficiently with control that, if you perform the exercises correctly, repetitions are unnecessary. The exercises are carried out very fluently

Should I choose Pilates or yoga?

with great precision and control from your body core, in complete concentration and with the correct breathing. You flow ‘into’ the

The choice between the two forms of exercise is therefore an

exercises, as it were, and forget the world around you.

extremely personal one and depends very much on the intended

Strength, flexibility and balance: three terms which articulate the

effects and your personality. Someone who has more of a focus

essence of what Pilates is about. You’ll develop long and strong mus-

on their interior life is likely to prefer yoga, while someone with

cles (particularly the core muscles), while at the same time improving

a more external focus will be more inclined to go for Pilates.

your body awareness and building a better posture. As an added

You may, however, actually need to make precisely the opposite

bonus there will be a major improvement in your general fitness and

choice. An extrovert person may benefit more from the calming

stability after only a couple of sessions.

effects of yoga, while a more introvert person may do better

Yoga: mind, senses and body

giving Pilates a try. In the end you do not even have to choose.

Just do them both!

In its broader context, yoga is a philosophy that teaches you to master your mind, your senses and your body in order to attain union with God. But don’t be put off by this rather woolly definition. In the West,

At home or in the studio?

what we term as yoga is in fact hatha yoga, the technique of adopting successive different asanas (specific body postures) in combination

Since you don't need much more than a mat to do Pilates or yoga,

with controlled breathing (pranayama). In today's hectic society, this

both disciplines are perfect for practice at home. There are also

discipline is perfect for bringing body and soul back into balance

numerous YouTube channels that can guide you. Before you begin

without paying too much attention to the religious aspect.

without any preparation, however, it might be a good idea to take

A yoga session consists of a sequence of different asanas that are

a few lessons in a Pilates or yoga studio first. The instructor can

suited to the practitioner's level. There are very accessible positions, as

point out what you should be focusing on and whether you are

well as extremely challenging variants. These movements are complet-

making the movements correctly. The sudden rise in popularity in

ed slowly or more quickly depending on the type of yoga. Usually, a sun

both Pilates and Yoga in Belgium is also the reason why studios

salutation is also performed, and this is no doubt the most well-known

are opening up everywhere. No doubt you will be able to find one

yoga series. The session is concluded with a moment of rest (‘medita-

close to you!

tion’) to restore the balance between tension and relaxation.

10 Intentions Summer feature

Not superfoods, but powerhouse foods

Intentions Summer feature 11

Goji berries, maca, spirulina… these words might seem unfamiliar, but for some people this is literally their daily fare. These are but a few examples of superfoods: ingredients that are gaining popularity throughout the world. But is it really necessary to add these ‘strange foods’ to your diet? And are there also ‘normal’ alternatives if you want to eat more healthily? Intentions has looked into it for you.

We seem to be getting superfood fatigue. On the one hand, dissent-

fruit among the top 10 powerhouse foods is nevertheless striking. The

ing voices can be heard about whether or not these foods really have

highest scoring fruit we found is lemon, followed by strawberry and

beneficial effects. As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

orange. It is also striking to see that broccoli, generally considered

Of course there is no food that makes all other food superfluous. The

one of the healthiest vegetables, only comes in at 12, and therefore

term superfood is also rather redundant, because there are no criteria

scores lower than, for example, chicory. We also find two green herbs

to differentiate between ‘super’ and ‘normal’. There are, however, cer-

in the list: parsley and chives. In reality, however, their impact is less

tain fruit and vegetables whose positive effects on the general health

significant. Just try and eat 250 grams of parsley!

have actually been proven.

Best of both worlds

Powerhouse foods

So what is the actual benefit of this list of powerhouses? Should you

So forget about superfood, because the new trend in healthy eating

only be eating these vegetables? Of course not! Other varieties of

is powerhouse foods - fruit and vegetables packed with healthy nutri-

vegetables which are not on the list are healthy too. And variety is still

ents. Unlike superfoods, the effects of powerhouse foods have been

extremely important. This list should just be a source of inspiration.

proven by proper scientific research. That is really the trouble with

Put these greens on the menu a bit more often. Now that summer is

superfoods: despite their massive following, the effects of superfoods

just around the corner, it's an ideal opportunity to combine various

are far from scientifically proven.

vegetables to make a delicious mixed-vegetable dish. And if you're

The US Center for Disease Control recently drew up a list of extremely

really adventurous, why not add a few chia seeds or include some

healthy foodstuffs whose effects have actually been scientifically sub-

quinoa too...

stantiated. In order to be able to be labelled as a powerhouse food, a foodstuff must contain a minimum of 10 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of 17 of the most important nutrients in every 100 kilocalories.

Waarin zit de meeste ‘power’?

• Watercress

• Cabbage lettuce

• Chinese cabbage

• Parsley

• Chard

• Endive

• Spinach

• Chives

• Chicory

• Kale

What immediately stands out on this list is that they are all leaf vegetables (which are also predominantly green). All these vegetables share a common feature of reducing the risk of cancer. What is more, they should also all dramatically reduce oxidative stress in the body. Above all, they are brimming with good vitamins. Spinach, for example, contains in particular a lot of iron and a powerful range of vitamins. It stimulates good bowel function and supports memory function. Kale in turn contains the highest concentration of beneficial nutrients of all types of cabbage.

The list does not include any superfoods, but we can put that down to the lack of scientific research. However, the fact that there is no

12 Intentions Summer feature

I'm going on holiday and I'm taking…

My car!

The car is the most popular means of transport for travelling to a holiday destination, the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned rest. It won't be a rest for your car though, especially when it is going to be a long journey.

Check your vehicle documents

Check your tyres

Before departing, it's important to make sure all the necessary doc-

Check the tread on your tyres before you depart (must be at least 1.6

uments are in the vehicle, including the registration, the certificate

mm over the entire circumference). Also check the tyre pressures

of conformity and a green insurance card that is valid for the country

(including for your spare wheel). The weight of the luggage usually

you're visiting and all the countries you travel through. If you're

means that normal tyre pressures are inadequate.

towing a boat or caravan, please let LeasePlan know well in advance, so that we can temporarily extend your cover. And don't forget to take a European accident statement form with you.

Our website provides an overview of a tyre centre in your area. You can also contact LeasePlan Driver Services on +32 78 150600 or +32 2 7226000.

Bikes on a roof-mounted bike rack can easily increase fuel consumption by up to 25%.

LeasePlan Assistance at hand If you have a breakdown, please contact LeasePlan Driver Services.

You should never allow repairs to be carried out without the prior consent of LeasePlan. If you do, you run the risk of having to pay for them yourself.

Take care

LeasePlan Assistance will provide you with technical assistance both

In some countries, it's compulsory to carry a set of spare bulbs and

at home at abroad. So don't hesitate to contact LeasePlan Driver

fuses. A spare key may also be required, because many of the elec-

Services if you have any questions and make sure you have the num-

tronic devices can be activated using the key code. You should also

ber saved on your mobile phone: +32 78 150600 or +32 2 7226000.

bear in mind that the driver – and in some countries all the passengers as well – must have a reflective vest. If you wear glasses, certain

Don't take too much luggage

countries require you to carry a spare pair with you. In the magazine's

Don't overload your vehicle with heavy items and things you don't

news column, we've listed the rules that are applicable in common

need. Try to distribute the luggage evenly and make sure the heaviest

holiday destinations.

items are placed above the axles. Avoid having loose luggage that

Check the oil level

can be dangerous in case of an accident. Braking distances are longer for a heavily loaded vehicle. This risk is increased if your vehicle is

During a long journey, your vehicle will consume more oil than usual.

fitted with a roof box. Also bear in mind that excessive luggage, roof

It's therefore advisable to check the oil level after 1,000 kilometres to

boxes and bike racks are not very helpful in terms of fuel consump-

avoid annoying breakdowns.

tion. Bikes on a roof-mounted bike rack, for example, can easily

Most garages will do a pre-holiday check up for you, so make sure to

increase fuel consumption by up to 25% at a speed of 120 kph.

book your car in!

Intentions Summer feature 13

Keep informed about your route

dehydration. Air conditioning reduces the humidity in the air and

Every summer there are days when traffic is extremely heavy. That's

therefore in your body as well. If you wear contact lenses, you should

certainly the case during those weekends when road traffic is par-

make sure they are moistened regularly.

ticularly dense due to the numbers of holidaymakers departing and returning from holiday. So check the website of the car club of the

Don't give carjackers a chance

country you're travelling through.

Always be vigilant if a stranger tries to attract your attention. In the event of a real problem, several people will usually ask for help. Never

• In France this is Bison Fûté bison-fute.equipement.fr

leave objects or clothing behind in the vehicle. Always lock the vehicle, even when driving. Try to avoid secluded places.

• In the Netherlands the ANWB anwb.nl • ADAC in Germany

LeasePlan wishes you an enjoyable and safe holiday!

adac.be • RAC in the UK rac.co.uk

For additional information, please contact LeasePlan Driver Services on our direct number: +32 78 150600 or +32 2 7226000.

Take periodic breaks Divide up your journey time well, especially at night. Twenty per cent of accidents at night are due to fatigue. So make sure you're well rested before you depart and don't hesitate to pull over at the first sign

112: the universal emergency number

of tiredness. Take a break every two hours to stretch your legs and consider letting someone else take over driving. You can even plan

The universal telephone number for emergency services through-

your breaks to take time to enjoy some local places of interest.

out Europe is 112. The number should only be used in real emer-

The sun: friend and foe

gencies, for example when your life, health, safety, or that of the environment, is in danger. So only use it when intervention by the

When the outside temperature is 31 to 35 degrees, the temperature

emergency services is strictly necessary. The number can always

inside the car can rise to 55 degrees. It's therefore important to cover

be reached free of charge from every landline or mobile phone,

your windscreen or find a shady spot when taking a break. Always

and is valid in all 27 Member States of the European Union,

ensure there's plenty of fresh air, even if your vehicle is fitted with

as well as Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Iceland, Liechtenstein,

air conditioning. Set the air conditioning to five degrees below the

Monaco, Norway, Turkey, Switzerland and Vatican City.

outside temperature, but never below 20 degrees. When using the air conditioning, it's important to drink plenty of fluids and prevent

14 Intentions Summer feature

Is it going to be a sporty summer?

If you are not the sporting type, don't panic! We're not going to push you into working up a sweat under the blazing sun. After all, you can enjoy watching sport too. Intentions has come up with an exciting programme which you can follow on the TV or on holiday if you happen to be near one of the following events!

Wimbledon, the Championships Tennis (from 27 June to 10 July)

Will Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams manage to defend their titles from last year on the sacred grass court? What can we expect from our best Belgian tennis players: David Goffin, Yanina Wickmayer and Kirsten Flipkens? The most prestigious tournament in the tennis calendar reaches its climax on Saturday 9 July for the women and on Sunday 10 July for the men. wimbledon.com

Intentions Summer feature 15

Euro 2016 (France)

Football (until 10 July)

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Mixed Sports (from 5 to 21 August)

As this edition went to press, it was impossible to know whether the

It’s not yet known who will be making the long 9,500-kilometre cross-

Red Devils will play a significant role at the European Championship.

ing from Belgium to Rio. The Olympic Games are held every four years

Given their status as one of the favourites, it might be wise to set

and represent the absolute pinnacle in the careers of many athletes.

aside the date in your diary: Sunday 10 July at 21:00.

Fans of Rugby Sevens and golf will be only too pleased to see that

uefa.com

these sports are back on this year's Olympic schedule! rio2016.com

Giro d’Italia Femminile

Cycling (from 1 to 10 July)

We have got our fingers crossed for Kim De Baat, the only Belgian cyclist at the time of going to press who has a place in the elite wom-

Vuelta (Spain)

Cycling (from 20 August to 11 September)

22 teams are gearing up for the fight for the red jersey. For this 71st

en’s Giro Rosa. Spread over ten stages between Gaiarine (Venice) and

edition, the organisers of the Vuelta have set out 21 stages over

Verbania Pallanza (Piedmont), the women will have to ride no less

3,277.3 km with 51 climbs. The race will start in Ourense. The contest

than 857.8 km.

will mostly be fought in northern Spain, although the final finish line

girorosa.it

will once again be in Madrid.

Tour de Frankrijk

F1 Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)

Nine flat stages, one stage through an undulating landscape, nine

Who will cross the line first at the foot of the Raidillon: Rosberg,

mountain stages – including four with an uphill finish – two individual

Hamilton or Räikkönen? Or will another driver come up with a

time trials and two rest days in between: that is what the 103rd Tour de

surprise? The fans of this unique spectacle in the Ardennes certainly

Cycling (from 2 to 25 July)

Motorsport (from 26 to 28 August)

France has on the menu! Spread over 3,519 km, this is another chance

won’t be put off by the strong controversy over the new qualification

to dream your way through the beautiful French landscape with land-

system.

marks such as Le Mont-Saint-Michel and the Champs-Élysées.

spagrandprix.com

letour.fr

The Spa 24 Hours

Motor Sport (van 26 tot 31 juli)

Without doubt, the greatest race on the GT calendar on the greatest

La Tomatina

No Category (31 August)

Time for a ‘sport’ of a completely different calibre. On the eve of the new school year, we should be in Spain for ‘La Tomatina’. Buñol in the

circuit in the world! What more could you want? More than 60 cars will

province of Valencia is the venue for the annual tomato fight on the

be on the starting grid at the culmination of the Blancpain GT Series,

last Wednesday in August. This typical piece of folklore culture was

which also represents the second round of the first season of the

first organised in 1945 and attracts thousands of participants from

Intercontinental GT Challenge. This race will have both the teams and

around the world. In 2002, the festival was given the label of ‘Festivity

the drivers raring to go.

of International Tourist Interest’.

24hoursofspa.com

latomatina.info

European Championship (Amsterdam)

The Memorial Van Damme

The Belgian team for the European Athletics Championship in the

The final leg of the IAAF Diamond League takes place annually in a

Atletics (from 6 to 10 July)

Atletics (9 september)

Netherlands consists of more than 15 athletes. For most of them,

packed King Baudouin Stadium. It's the ideal opportunity to see all

including the Belgian Tornados, this will be a dress rehearsal for

the big stars of the athletics world in all possible disciplines. It also

the Olympic Games a month later, while for others it will be the last

gives Belgian athletes a unique opportunity to be seen by their home

chance to qualify. A number of Belgians will have a chance to win a

audience!

medal. european-athletics.org

memorialvandamme.be

16 Intentions Trip tips

Come

rain or shine During the summer months we just love spending our time outdoors.

Especially when there are children in the mix. There is nothing they like better than romping around in the garden. But what if the weather puts a stop to this? No need to be disheartened: just plan some fun activities indoors! If you find you are short of ideas, no problem! Intentions has a number of great tips for you.

Pirates of the sea Fancy a fun day out? If so, Legenturia in Zaventem is the place to be for the whole family. The huge pirate-themed indoor playground, is undoubtedly a fun attraction for children.

But there is more: you can challenge each other to a game of laser shooting or bowling. Or try out Zorb Ball, a strange but hilarious form of football, in which each player is in a rolling bubble. At the weekends, there are organised shows, such as the disco show, with the Legenturia dragon, where the kids can learn cool dance moves and go exploring with Captain Coda and his dragon. legenturia.be

A museum?

With children?

Win 10 Triple Tickets for Legenturia Try your luck and visit the Legenturia website, because Intentions

Isn't that boring? Such fears are quickly dispelled at the Children’s

is giving away 10 Triple Tickets (entrance ticket for 1 adult and 2

Museum in Ixelles/Elsene. This hands-on museum gives children the

children). All you have to do is find the answer to the following

opportunity to discover the world around them and find out about

question:

other cultures in a playful way. The museum includes a labyrinth, a family supermarket and a jungle. The current ‘Time to Wonder’

What's the name of the special kind of football that can be played

exhibition aims to stimulate all the senses for children aged 6 to 12.

at Legenturia?

They can touch, smell, look, listen and taste, but above all learn while

Send the correct answer to this question before 8 July 2016 to

having fun!

marketing@leaseplan.be. Winners will be notified by e-mail.

childrenmuseum.be

Intentions Trip tips 17

Roll up those sleeves!

Learning through play: there’s nowhere better to do this than in a workshop. With its Colruyt Academy at six different locations across the country, Colruyt has been offering a wide range of affordable workshops for some time. These have a lot to offer children.

The programme changes throughout the year, but to give you an idea, there are currently workshops helping children to learn about gardening and cooking, and to discover the magical world of conjuring. Or perhaps you'd like something more relaxing? If so, be sure to let your youngster try out infant or children's yoga! colruytgroupacademy.be

Pick out the stars in the sky If it’s raining on a Wednesday or Sunday afternoon, go along with your family to discover the night sky at the Mira Public Observatory and immerse yourself in astronomy, space travel and meteorology. Visitors can explore the sky over Flanders with a rotating star map. You'll

The amazing world of water

learn how to find the Great

If it's too wet for a visit to the zoo, why not go along to the water world

Bear and what is so special about the North Star. And there are all

of Aquatopia in Antwerp? Here you can experience more than 10,000

sorts of interesting facts to learn in the area of meteorology. You’ll

animals that live in or around water: from the smallest seahorse to

learn about how the seasons developed on Earth with a scale model

the largest shark. There are no less than seven different amazing wa-

and perhaps you can find out when to expect some better weather

ter worlds to discover: the rainforest, the swamp, the mangrove, the

from the digital weather station. The icing on the cake is of course the

coral reefs, the ocean, the lab and the submarine. If you’re planning

observation deck featuring two telescope domes. Be sure to discover

to visit with small children, please note that prams are not allowed

it for yourself!

inside, but there are baby slings available free of charge.

mira.be

aquatopia.be

Passage of discovery!

The Pass describes itself as the first scientific adventure park in Belgium, situated at the huge former colliery in Crachet. The site offers interactive exhibits and an observatory park, where you can learn about how science and technology make the world go round. The whole area was renovated by the world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who was inspired to highlight the scale of the former colliery that operated on the site. Besides taking in the numerous exhibits, you can also take part in various activities that occur throughout the day: from 3D printing to building a house or programming a robot. You won't believe your eyes! pass.be

18 Intentions Escape

Jump in the car, take to the road and enjoy the summer!

You don't need to go far to discover some wonderful destinations, as can be seen in the regions that Intentions has selected for you in this edition together with Sunjets. So pack your bags, it's time to go…

UNIQUE OFFERS Specially for the readers of Intentions, Sunjets.be has special offers available for these destinations. For further details, check out leaseplan.be and sunjets.be / nl / leaseplan

Intentions Escape 19

North Brabant

Limburg

The Dutch province of North Brabant is perfect for families. Plan a

Relax and enjoy the Limburg countryside. Don't forget to take your

the Netherlands

Belgium

trip to Beekse Bergen where you can experience a safari on foot, by

bike, because Limburg is just brimming with beautiful cycle routes.

boat, on a bus or even with your own car. The park boasts no less

The brand new showpiece for cycling enthusiasts can be found in the

than 1,250 different animals, including the big five. The Efteling

provincial domain of Bokrijk, where you can cycle right through ‘De

amusement park is also certainly worth a visit. There is something

Wijers’ lake area. With the water on either side at eye level, you’ll be

for everyone here, whether you're looking for exciting roller coasters,

literally cycling through the water. But if you’re more of a city person,

enchanting attractions or spectacular shows. If you would prefer

be sure to visit Hasselt, the Capital City of Taste, or the youngest town

to enjoy the countryside with the family, the forests of Brabant are

in Belgium, Genk! For shopaholics, there is always the shopping

perfect for a day of cycling or walking.

paradise of Maasmechelen Village.

Rhine

Kent

Experience the romance of the Rhine in Germany. A boat trip on the

The county of Kent, in south-east England is not called the ‘Garden of

river is an absolute must. It's the perfect way to view the numerous

England’ for nothing. You can lose yourself blissfully in the beautiful

castles and fortresses along the banks of the river. The legendary

countryside that the region has to offer. Dream away at the romantic

Lorelei rock with its singing siren is a sight you really shouldn't

Leeds Castle or the world-famous Sissinghurst Garden. Admire the

miss. If you want to pause for a while, relax in the spa town of Bad

magnificent White Cliffs of Dover in the sunset when their white

Neuenahr. But if you fancy something more active, be sure to visit the

colour is replaced by a warm red glow. You can also go on safari with

rural region of Münsterland, a paradise for horse lovers. Or go skiing

the kids in Kent in Port Lympne Reserve in Hythe. Or for a pleasant

in Alpincenter Bottrop, the longest indoor ski slope in the world. From

day shopping, visit the bustling streets of the splendid medieval town

late November to late December, Cologne and Bonn hold wonderful

of Canterbury.

Germany

Christmas markets. Definitely worth a visit!

England

Hybrids: 20 Intentions Auto

the booming business of ‘plug-ins’ The days when Toyota was the one and only manufacturer in the hybrid market are now consigned to the history books. Almost every brand catalogue now includes a hybrid vehicle and they are available in virtually every segment.

The hybrid hype has yet to be translated into firm orders, but it's clear that manufacturers are preparing for the future.

A Belgian invention!

The hybrid car is a Belgian invention and dates back to the 19th century.

Henri Pieper and his sons were specialised at the time in the production of weapons, bicycles and electrical appliances in Liège. In 1899, they proposed their first ‘mixed’ vehicle, which was powered both by petrol and electricity. These combined Piepers were first produced in 1901 and four years later the patent for their design was taken over by the Auto Mixte company, of which Tudor Batteries was one of the shareholders.

The ‘hybridisation’ of the motor industry was initiated by Toyota in 1997.

Intentions Auto 21

Strictly speaking, any car that uses multiple drive mechanisms may call itself a ‘hybrid’. In practice, the petrol-electricity combination, in which the electric motor performs an auxiliary role in support of the conventional internal combustion engine, is the type most commonly seen by far. The principle is relatively simple: while driving, ‘lost’ braking energy is recovered and stored in a battery, to be relayed in turn to an electric motor as the vehicle accelerates. Depending on the driving conditions and the power required, the energy can act both as a primary and as a secondary drive mechanism.

The ‘hybridisation’ of the motor industry was initiated by Toyota in 1997, when it brought out the very first hybrid, the Prius, to prove that the combination of a petrol engine and an electric auxiliary drive was able to compete with the ubiquitous diesel engines of the time.

Will hybrid vehicles lose out to ‘plug-ins’ like this Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

Almost 20 years later, practically all manufacturers have become convinced of the added value offered by hybrid drive technology,

According to the research company LMC Automotive, the number

especially now that the European Union emission reductions (requir-

of rechargeable vehicles will reach an annual volume of around 1.2

ing new vehicles in the European Union not to exceed 95 g/km CO2

million units by 2025. From 2021, twice as many rechargeable hybrids

emissions by 2020) are creeping ever closer.

will be sold in Europe compared to normal versions (600,000 and 325,000 respectively).

In recent years, the rise of plug-in hybrids has been particularly significant and these have been gradually superseding ‘ordinary’ hybrids.

Pros and cons of hybrid cars

"Meeting market expectations" It therefore appears that full hybrid vehicles are going to have to compete with ‘plug-ins’. This development is unstoppable now, and the same can be said for the range of vehicles coming from the

Pros •

•

•

manufacturers. The same conclusion was drawn by KPMG in a study

Low running costs and low CO2 emissions. This advantage

on the car market in 2014. “Increasing consumer concern about fuel

mainly plays a role in the urban environment or in places

efficiency and pollution has given manufacturers the impetus to

where the traffic is usually very busy.

focus more in the near future on plug-in and fuel-cell technology,”

Tax benefits for the fleet market linked to low CO2 emis-

claims Frank Vancamp, Head of Automotive and partner at KPMG

sions: tax deductions, CO2 contribution and, to a lesser

Belgium. “Developing a new technology takes time. Car manufactures

extent, SG&A expenses.

will therefore be focusing on developing more efficient conventional

Reliability and maintenance costs: the electric motor

combustion engines at the same time. In doing so, they are seeking

requires no maintenance and the combustion engine is

to meet market expectations.”

used less.

•

"Clean" image and respect for the environment.

1.7% of the total market in Belgium

•

Driving performance and drive comfort: the combination of

KMPG expects plug-in hybrids to be the most popular in the alter-

combustion engine and electric motor increases the total

native drive segment. This view applies both to the BRIC countries

power of the vehicle.

(Brazil, Russia, India and China) and also to North America, Western Europe and the Asia/Pacific countries. Growth is also being seen in

Cons

Belgium, although there could be a lot more. In 2015, 9,357 hybrid

•

High purchase price, especially for rechargeable hybrids.

vehicles were delivered in Belgium (8,336 hybrid-petrol and 1,021

•

Increased weight due to the batteries and the electric

hybrid-diesel vehicles). This means a 12.5% increase in comparison

• •

motor.

with 2014, but in the end only 1.86% of the total market in Belgium.

Practical aspects: the batteries take up some of the

This low market share can be explained by high purchase prices,

luggage space.

which are not adequately offset by low running costs and tax benefits

Towing capacity: most hybrid vehicles are unable to tow

(deductions and CO2 contribution, etc.).

a trailer.

•

In contrast to the electric motor, the batteries wear out over time and their energy capacity declines. Although the manufacturers are offering attractive guarantees, replacement costs are high.

Ghent the city with the village atmosphere 22 Intentions Lunch@

It's finally here: summer is just around the corner. Nothing could be better than to get away from it all for lunch in a pavement café. This edition of Intentions puts the spotlight on the best locations in Ghent.

MOSQUITO COAST HOOGPOORT 28 TUE - SAT FROM 11.00U KITCHEN: 12U TO 14U On its website, Mosquito Coast describes itself as a quirky café with

DOK2016 JUNCTION OF KOOPVAARDIJLAAN AND AFRIKALAAN

an adventurous character that immerses you completely in a weird

Every summer since June 2011, DOK has been transforming the aban-

and wonderful world with its cosy intercontinental décor, extensive

doned site of the Old Ghent Docks into a vibrant and inspiring meeting

travel library and numerous photos and souvenirs. The fact that this

place for small concerts, sports, exhibitions, waffles, a pavement

travel café also has a pleasant courtyard garden with great tropical

café, films, new and refreshing ideas and a touch of craziness. It's a

vibes ensures that it's the ideal place for a delicious lunch both in

meeting place, a platform for creative work and a workspace, but at

summer and in winter. But be warned: you might end up staying to

the same time it is also a place where people can gather for small and

spend some time sipping on one of their delicious cocktails.

big events, for young and old, a place where everyone is welcome.

VOORUIT CAFÉ SINT-PIETERSNIEUWSTRAAT 23 MON - SAT FROM 10U SUNDAY FROM 12U With its Art Deco atmosphere, the interior of Vooruit Café has been drawing visitors for many years now. Sitting outside Vooruit is equally pleasant. In fine weather, the colourful chairs are brought out of storage to offer a place for sun-worshippers and room for those who prefer a place in the shade. The café also offers free Wi-Fi and there are plenty of power sockets if you feel the need to catch up with your work. But you'll have to be quick, because reservation is not allowed on the patio…

PRÊT POUR UN CROSSOVER ?

DÉMARREZ VOTRE HISTOIRE EN NISSAN X-TRAIL.

NISSAN BUSINESS. BUSINESS, BUT NOT AS USUAL. NISSAN X-TRAIL BUSINESS EDITION dCi 130 • Système de navigation NissanConnect • Technologie Nissan Safety Shield • Avec 5 ou 7 places Infos et conditions chez votre concessionnaire Nissan

X-TRAIL 129 -149 G/KM

4,9 - 6,4 L/100 KM

Annonceur : Nissan Belux s.a. (Importateur), Bist 12, 2630 Aartselaar. N° TVA/BCE de la succursale : BE0838.306.068.

Photos non contractuelles. Informations environnementales : A.R. 19/03/2004 : www.nissan.be

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