Driven - Issue Seven

Driven

Issue 7 April 2017

Contents.

4-7

Ducati Diavel Diesel

“Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!”

8-9

The future of mobility.

Find out more about our Cambridge dealership moves in 2017.

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Get social with us.

Join the conversation online.

Vindis upgrade.

A new car may be closer than you think.

The brand new SEAT Ibiza.

We lift the lid on the latest Ibiza model, coming this Summer.

12-13 Vehicle tax is changing.

A new vehicle tax system came into place on 1st April. Do you know the facts?

14-15 A day in the life.

We spoke to Service Advisor, Lucy Holt, to see what her daily job entails.

16-17 The new icon.

The popular Golf has been upgraded and is available at your local Vindis Volkswagen.

18-21 The Neon VELO racing team.

From a passion for bikes to one of the most successful UK cycling teams.

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23

Meet Fletch, the latest addition to the Vindis Group family

A car that talks to traffic lights.

The latest technology from Audi signals a move towards autonomous driving.

24-25 Bentley Continental Supersports

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The world’s fastest and most powerful four seater car doesn’t come along everyday.

A new concept of sport.

The brand new Ducati Supersport and Supersport S.

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We’re halfway there!

Great news! We’ve hit the halfway mark on our Macmillan target.

28-29 California dreaming...

The Volkswagen California range is the perfect addition to your summer holiday.

30-31 The story behind the brand.

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From brakes to beans.

Ever wondered how our brands came to be? We look back to where it all started.

Welcome to the April 2017 edition of Driven magazine.

2017 is set to be an exciting year for the Vindis Group - with a number of changes to our Cambridge based dealerships - all designed to offer you an enhanced customer experience when you visit us. Bentley Cambridge will be the first to move into its new and improved home in May, and we hope to offer you some confirmed dates for our other sites very soon.

Naturally the above means that we will be hosting a number of special launch events over 2017, and these give us a great opportunity to meet many more of you and to thank you for your continued custom. We have had great success with our events last year, but are working to make this years’ even more fun.

You may not be aware of the latest addition to the Vindis family, in the form of a 1969 Volkswagen Camper van. Das Kaffeewagen, or Fletch as we call him, will be offering fresh coffee at both our sites and local events (and on roadsides near you!), so do let us know if you’ve spotted him out using #FindFletch on Twitter.

We’re also taking a look at the one of the latest additions to the Ducati lineup, the brand new SEAT Ibiza and the Bentley Continental Supersports, which boasts the title of the worlds most powerful four seater car. It truly is something very special.

For the sports fans amongst you, make sure you turn to page 18 for a special interview with the Neon VELO racing team, one of the most exciting - and coolest - cycling teams currently on the race circuit.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Driven, and we’ll be working hard to bring you the next one in the Autumn. Until then, take care and I wish you and your family a very happy Summer.

Jamie Vindis Managing Director, Vindis Group

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666 Ducati Diavel Diesel

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A collaboration between two Italian icons, the Ducati Diavel Diesel conjures images of rock’n’roll lifestyles, merging the past and future in one brand new limited edition model. Ducati describe the inspiration for the bike as an ‘imaginary post-apocalyptic and retro-futuristic world with hyperkinetic vitality’, and with a description like that, you know you’ll be in for a treat.

With only 666 of the bikes being built, a number derived from the six letters in each of the three words in the model’s name, the bike certainly has exclusivity on its side, and each model will be delivered with an engraved plate on the frame. It’s an aggressive looking bike, built with a commanding road presence and it’s a very exciting prospect indeed.

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“Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!”

Back in 2010, when the first Ducati Diavel was publicly revealed at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Ducati shared the inspiration behind the bike’s name. Early on in the development process a member of staff saw the prototype and exclaimed “Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!”. With diavel being a local Bolognese dialect word for devil, the bike was always going to be a stand out model and, with the Diavel Diesel, we certainly wouldn’t expect anything less.

The Ducati Diavel Diesel is a collaboration between Andrea Rosso, the Creative Director of Diesel Licensing and the Ducati Design Centre.

(Ducati fans may remember the Ducati Monster Diesel from 2012 which took on a similarly head-turning makeover.) The Diavel Diesel is instantly recognisable from its industrial style, hand-brushed, stainless steel superstructure with visible welding. The real leather seat blends perfectly with the bike’s colour for a timeless look, and it’s one of this model’s unique features.

Being only 770mm from the ground you can really

appreciate the cruiser style from this incredible machine.

The red Diesel logo adorns the cover of the side conveyors, and the red theme continues to the colour of the front Brembo brake callipers, five chain links and the instrument panel with its vintage displays.

Even the exhaust system has been given a makeover with black silencers and a black Zircotec ceramic coating on the tubes. It’s clear that special consideration has been given to every inch of this new model.

The Ducati Diavel Diesel comes with the Testastretta 11˚ Dual Spark heart. This engine delivers 162bhp and 130Nm torque for high performance mixed with a manageable ride.

Ducati Safety Pack comes as standard with the Diavel Diesel for maximum control and safety.

This pack includes the Brembo brake system with Bosch ABS and Ducati Traction Control.

ducati diavel diesel

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ducati diavel diesel

“It’s an important bike that reflects the rock side of Diesel’s DNA,” explains Andrea Rosso. “The wording ‘Never look back’ engraved with the two logos captures the essence of this collaboration: a timeless bike that catches the eye with so many unmistakeable details, such as the brushed stainless steel with visible welding and rivets.

Should you wish to continue the look, Diesel have released a Ducatidedicated collection of jeans, a biker jacket and t-shirts to arrive alongside the bike.

This incredible machine is now available. For more information on this, and the rest of the Ducati range, please speak to your local Vindis Ducati Store.

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Looking to the future of mobility with the Vindis Group in Cambridge.

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017 brings some exciting changes, with new investments and developments across the Vindis Group. If you caught the last issue of Driven you will know that Huntingdon Audi has undergone an extensive renovation and we officially launched the new dealership back at the end of April.

vehicle owners can work or entertain their families in comfort.”

Of course, we are still very much in the early stages and work will continue throughout 2017 but we can confirm the dealership moves and their new locations.

Elsewhere in the Group, we have been undergoing a long planning process in order to offer an easier and more accessible ownership experience to all customers. With the plans now finalised we are excited to share a glimpse of these with you here; but don’t worry, we will be fully communicating further details with all customers in due course.

Bentley Cambridge, currently located on Milton Road, will be moving to a brand new site just off the A14 to the north of Cambridge. This new site is much larger than our current one, and allows us to offer our most engaging Bentley experience to date. The site will feature an eight-car showroom – with dedicated handover facilities - to show off the latest Bentley line-up, alongside parking for over 60 cars; making your Jamie Vindis, Managing Director at the Vindis next visit as easy as it should be. Inside, we will Group commented, “For a number of years, the be running a five-bay service operation, with our Vindis Group have been looking to develop Bentley trained technicians using the very latest and improve our representation and customer diagnostic equipment to care for your vehicle. offering in and around Cambridge. Having been Dedicated valet services and improved facilities present in Cambridgeshire for over 60 years both in and out of the dealership will make at several of the same facilities that we have your next visit to Bentley Cambridge a thrilling today, our 2017 redevelopment presents a great prospect. We’re on track for a May opening, but opportunity to change the face of the motoring we will of course keep you updated as to its industry in Cambridge.” progress as we go.

“Modern mobility is about more than just owning and servicing a car. We need to be able to supplement these traditional models with innovative new ideas, such as providing shortterm on-demand vehicle usage, delivering alternative transportation solutions, or creating relaxed and accessible environments where

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Following Bentley’s move, we will be moving ŠKODA Cambridge into the Milton Road site, alongside our Volkswagen business, where we will be renovating the building into a dedicated 20 new and used car showroom, offering the ultimate in buying experiences for new and used customers alike.

In addition, Cambridge Volkswagen will be undergoing significant redevelopment, introducing the new Corporate Identity, and transforming this site into a dedicated Sales Facility offering exceptional and easy customer access and interactions.

Repair and maintenance work for both ŠKODA and Volkswagen Cambridge, will be moving to a new, dedicated aftersales and ownership facility just a short drive north, off the A10.

Jamie explained, “The dedicated function model allows us to offer new ways to meet customer requirements, and also provides the opportunity to hugely enhance the environment in which maintenance and repair operations are conducted.”

“We want our Cambridge businesses to become “hubs” for our customers to call in and visit us; whether to socialise over a superb coffee, or escape to the calm of our private meeting facilities and work spaces.”

From our family, to yours.

This new aftersales site will offer some exciting and innovative new ideas to offer customers, “We have taken the learning from our e-bikes offering over the last couple of years and have lots of exciting new options to either tempt people to visit us, or to get them on their onward journey quickly and easily.”

Finally, Vindis Van Centre Cambridge will then take the place of ŠKODA Cambridge on Cowley Road – moving from the current location in St Ives – in order to give our commercial vehicle customers a modern dealership and an easier experience in the heart of Cambridge.

“We believe that our new developments provide a superb platform for us to offer customers a new and engaging interaction with the company, and one that is in keeping with meeting the needs of both experience and convenience” said Jamie; and we will be looking to keep you fully up to date as each of the projects evolve.

facebook.com/vindisgroup @vindisgroup vindisgroup @vindisgroup vindisgroup 9

Vindis Upgrade Motoring without the downsides.

When you buy a new car from Vindis you’ll join our exclusive upgrade scheme. This means we will contact you at the opportune time for you to upgrade your vehicle, which could be earlier than you think.

Your needs, your preferences, your way.

You can choose to stay in your current model, or, if your circumstances have changed, opt for something bigger or smaller. You can even choose to move across our brands. The power really is in your hands.

No downsides, just simplicity and convenience.

Vindis Upgrade, probably the best way of purchasing your next vehicle.

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It’s all upsides when you upgrade.

The new SEAT Ibiza

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he announcement of the brand new SEAT Ibiza, one of the brand’s popular compact cars, has brought great excitement to the team at Vindis Milton Keynes SEAT and, with its recent debut at the Geneva Motor Show, we can’t wait to welcome it when it goes on sale this June.

The Ibiza is the brand’s longest running model and was launched all the way back in 1984, selling over 5 million vehicles since.

The new model will be the fifth generation of the popular supermini and promises to be as stylish and practical, with the latest engines, technology and assistance systems.

The new Ibiza is very slightly wider than the previous model but remains compact and easy to handle in all situations. Its clever design means that leg room and head room have increased, and even the boot has been enlarged by a useful 63 litres. Underneath the bonnet a range of engines will be available including a 95PS of 115PS 1.0 litre petrol or opt for the diesel with either 80, 95 or 115PS. Further engines will arrive with us later in the year, so do speak to the team at Vindis Milton Keynes SEAT to discover the perfect engine for your lifestyle.

The new Ibiza is now only available as a five door model but you can now choose one of four trims to suit your style, from Reference, the starting trim, up to Style and then FR and XCellence. The FR and Xcellence trim sit side by side and offer either performance focussed styling, with sporty design features and exterior black pack on the FR or a sophisticated, elegant design with a focus on comfort and technology in the XCellence.

Both top models come with interior ambient LED lighting.

In a fully connected world it’s important our cars follow suit and communicate with our mobile phones and the Ibiza offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink in order to achieve this. A redesigned interior brings a large touchscreen with glass panel for a highquality display, no matter which function you are using.

For more information on the new Ibiza range, please contact the team at Vindis Milton Keynes SEAT, on 01908 351199 or mkseatenquiries@vindis.com who will be happy to answer any questions, and book you an exciting test drive at a date and time to suit.

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Vehicle tax is changing...

Stay ahead with our handy guide to the new tax system.

You may be aware that since 1st April 2017, the way a vehicle is taxed has changed, and a new system is in place. The previous system was fairly straightforward; the more CO2 your vehicle emits, the more tax you pay.

Emit under 100g/km and you pay nothing.

With new engine technologies, many new cars are much more environmentally friendly and fall into the lower categories, which is great news for motorists, but bad news for the Treasury.

Changes announced in 2015 by George Osbourne mean there are now three categories and we’re here to help try and

explain how this new system will affect you.

It’s important to note that these changes only apply to new vehicles registered from 1st April onwards. All vehicles purchased and registered before this date will still abide by the pre-April tax system. The new system is easy to understand once you get your head around the new rules, so hopefully the table opposite should help you discover your next tax bracket, if you are thinking about purchasing a new vehicle. Of course, our teams are happy to answer all of your questions, so if there is anything you would like clarifying, please just get in touch.

I want to buy a brand-new vehicle, how do these changes affect me?

• There are now three categories in the new tax system, based not only on CO2 emissions but also on price; zero emissions, standard rate and premium rate.

• Each new vehicle will come with a First Year Rate, which is based on emissions. From then on the vehicle converts to a standard rate, which is £140 regardless of the CO2 that the vehicle emits. These rates can be found in the table opposite.

• Cars with a list price of over £40,000 when new pay an additional rate of £310 per year on top of the standard rate for five years after the first licence.

• Zero emissions vehicle are the only vehicles to carry the £0 tax rate.

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VED BANDS & RATES FOR CARS REGISTERED FROM 1ST APRIL 2017 CO2 emissions (g/km)

First year rate

Standard rate*

0

£0

£0

1-50

£10

£140

51-75

£25

£140

76-90

£100

£140

91-100

£120

£140

101-110

£140

£140

111-130

£160

£140

131-150

£200

£140

151-170

£500

£140

171-190

£800

£140

191-225

£1200

£140

226-255

£1700

£140

Over 255

£2000

£140

*Cars worth over £40,000 will pay £450 for five years after the first licence, made up from the standard rate plus the £310 premium.

FAQs I ordered my vehicle on 1st March. Do I still use the old tax system?

The new tax system works from the new vehicle’s registration date, not the date of order. If your vehicle arrived in the UK and was registered before 1st April 2017 then yes, otherwise the new system applies.

I ordered an electric vehicle, but the list price on my car is over £40,000. Where do I stand?

Unfortunately in this situation, despite reaping the benefits of zero-emission driving, the list price overrides the emissions, and this will therefore carry the £310 premium rate for the first five years after the first licence (effectively years two to six). This will then revert back to a £0 tax rate for the rest of the vehicle’s life.

My car falls under the £40,000 threshold as standard, but I have added some options to the vehicle. Does this affect my tax?

Yes. The tax system relates to the list price of your specific vehicle, which includes any options you have added upon order. If the price of a standard new car is £38,000, but you add £2,500 of options you will hit the threshold and incur the five-year premium rate of tax.

How does this affect hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicles?

Alternative fuel such as hybrid, bi-ethanol and LPG receive a £10 reduction on vehicle tax rates, whether standard or premium.

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A day in the life.

Hi Lucy, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! Well, I’m a very outgoing person and I love organising social events with my friends. At the weekends, I love going out and enjoying some good food, drinks and dancing! On a school night, you’ll probably find me enjoying one of my favourite box sets, something like The Walking Dead which I’m a huge fan of.

What is your favourite part of your current role?

I really enjoy the customer interaction my job role provides and building relationships with customers is really rewarding, both for me and the business as a whole. I love having a good catch up with our customers and hearing their latest news when they pop in for a service or MOT.

Could you give us a brief ‘day in the life’ of a Service Advisor?

My day kicks off around 8am when I park up my own ŠKODA and head into the showroom. I start by prepping my desk and making sure I have everything I need. At the top of the list is always a nice coffee! I start to check in the day’s customers as they arrive, asking them if there is any additional work they require, getting them comfortable in their loan cars and checking when they need to have their cars returned. We then organise the work as efficiently as possible, so that we can return each car on time. I liaise with the technicians and parts department frequently to make sure everything is running to schedule, and to check if there is any extra identified work that I will need to talk to the customer about. I keep in regular contact with all of our customers, letting them know what’s happening by phone and CitNow videos. I also take a lot of bookings which is great as I love to see the diary filling up.

Once the vehicles are complete I begin to invoice the work and call the customer to arrange collection.

Unfortunately, sometimes this can be to deliver bad news or a bill that they weren’t expecting but I have to ensure they know exactly what is going on. Once all the cars are back with their owners, I help to park up the loan cars for the night, checking mileages, condition and cleanliness, then I organise the day’s invoices.

Finally, I start prepping for the following day’s bookings. It’s always busy, and each day is different but always thoroughly enjoyable.

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Introducing Lucy Holt, one of our lovely Service Advisors at Vindis ŠKODA Bury St. Edmunds.

You can choose any model from the ŠKODA range. What would you pick, and what ‘must have’ options do you choose?

Oh it’s definitely a Fabia Monte Carlo, I am currently driving my second one. I love how stylish and sporty it looks. They are nippy and practical and as most of my driving involves zipping around town it’s perfect for my needs. I love the panoramic roof, that’s probably my favourite ‘must-have’ option… or perhaps the Bluetooth music connection!

What would you say is the most frequently asked question from customers?

That’s an easy one, the most asked question from customers right now is about the new ŠKODA Kodiaq.

It’s amazing how much interest we have already received around this car and customers are always asking when our demonstrators will arrive. At the time of writing, we are still waiting to hear ourselves but do register your interest so we can let you know as soon as we do. We had a Kodiaq in the showroom for one day and it just looks awesome. We can’t wait for it to arrive.

ŠKODA seems to win every award going! What do you think the brand does well, and why do you think they’re so popular?

Without a doubt, it’s because we are #drivenbysomethingdifferent. We are lucky to have fantastic products to show our customers, they offer great value for money, great build quality and specification and are built with real life in mind. They really are ‘simply clever’ cars.

Congratulations, you’ve just passed your accreditation, which is a fantastic achievement!

Can you tell us a bit about what this entailed?

I have been working towards my accreditation since starting with Vindis ŠKODA. With Vindis’ support, I have achieved this by various online courses, training days at the Volkswagen National Training Centre and coaching from other members of staff. I am really happy to have passed and now be accredited.

What do you think makes Vindis different to other companies?

Vindis is a great family run business that really cares about its customers and employees alike. It is really rewarding to be part of a company that is forward thinking and never afraid to try new things, and I really feel like we do that in the ŠKODA division.

Finally, is there any advice you can give to customers about maintaining their vehicles?

Remember to always get your car checked and serviced regularly, (and always bring it to Vindis ŠKODA!)

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The new icon.

Introducing the new Volkswagen Golf

If you have visited your local Vindis Volkswagen dealership recently you may have noticed an exciting new addition to the showroom. We’re talking about the most iconic model in the brand’s line-up, that’s right, the Volkswagen Golf. And now you can experience the future of driving pleasure, today.

With Volkswagen on to a real winner with the previous Golf, this latest model has thankfully changed very little on the exterior. Small design changes give a more modern look to the new Golf and include a redesigned grille with chrome strip, new bumpers and front wings, and LED lights as standard on all models.

Personalisation is easy with a range of solid, metallic and pearlescent paints, and from 15” to 19” alloy wheels in a range of designs, depending on your chosen model.

As with the previous generation the vehicle is available in both hatchback and estate versions so there’s no need to compromise should you require the extra space.

Underneath the bonnet the range of updated engines start with the base 1.0 litre petrol engine offering 85PS and rise to the 230PS and 245PS powerhouses available in the Golf GTI and GTI Performance respectively. Opt for the exhilarating Golf R for sheer, unadulterated power and the 2.0 litre engine will provide 310PS, alongside sport suspension and 4MOTION all-wheel drive for one of the most exciting driving experiences available in a car, in which you can still collect the children from school, and fit in your weekly shop. All available engines come with BlueMotion technology for increased efficiency and, ultimately, lower running costs.

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Inside the cabin connectivity and technology are key. A next-generation touchscreen infotainment system comes as standard and the incredible gesture control feature (available as an option on SE Navigation models and above) can be used easily alongside Discover Navigation Pro. With gesture control, navigating through menus whilst driving has never been easier and you can change radio stations, playlists or browse pictures in the media library with a swipe of your hand.

Running out of juice on your mobile? Opt for the wireless charging function on your new Golf and you can charge your phone without having to search around for cables. And, if you prefer, you can opt for the Active Info Display (which is shown in the bottom image below), which replaces the standard analogue dials with an interactive 12.3 inch screen. Five different driving modes allow you to further personalise your view.

The new Golf has already proved a hit in our showrooms so, should you wish to book a test drive, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your nearest Vindis Volkswagen dealership. Of course, there’s so much technology on hand, why not ask one of our Sales Executives for a tour around this new model? You’ll be surprised just how much Volkswagen have packed in!

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A passion for bikes to an elite racing squad.

Driven sat down with ex-professional racer turned Director Sportif, Gabby Durrin, to talk about all things cycling at Neon VELO.

Neon Velo Cycling Team

@Neon_Velo

Neonvelocyclingteam

18 Š Nathaniel Rosa

W

hat started with a passion for bikes with a group of friends has become a talented racing team, currently competing in some of the toughest races across the country.

The Neon VELO cycling team is fronted by Director Sportif and Marketing Executive, Gabby Durrin, who herself is one of the most successful British cyclocross (an off-road, crosscountry style of racing) riders, with an incredible 13 years professional competing experience across the world. Now retired from the sport, Gabby and the hard-working staff behind the team bring their own expertise to the next generation of cyclists and work tirelessly to push them beyond their limits, and become one of the top racing teams in the UK. With Gabby currently driving the team’s Audi A6 Avant S Line, from Vindis Group Fleet, and with a real passion for cycling here, all across the Group, we decided to find out more about the sport, and the world of professional racing. We sat down with Gabby to get an insight into the team and what the future holds for them.

© Nathaniel Rosa

© Nathaniel Rosa

Gabby started the story, “Neon VELO started off as a local cycling team in Hertfordshire which slowly grew to what it is today - an elite, professional men’s squad. It grew from a passion for bike racing, looking good and having fun with friends. Today VELO is one of the top teams in the UK and consists of eight dedicated, super talented young guys who will compete in the Premier Elite road series.

From here we have developed into a high-end lifestyle brand and the team are the perfect people to showcase our products. We’re true believers in creating opportunities, fulfilling dreams and promoting the world of cycling to everyone. Most importantly, we’re a team that gives back.”

and Elite. VELO is in the Elite tier, and compete in the top premier series in the UK and Ireland.

There are races every weekend from April through to September, you can see it’s a pretty full on sport!” She is keen to point out just how important the team ‘behind-the scenes’ are, ensuring the riders have everything they need to out-perform their competitors on the day. A professional team structure begins with the Director Sportif, followed by the Team Mechanic, Soigneurs and finally the riders. Without these unsung heroes, running a very tight ship the team simply wouldn’t be possible. “The staff are the hardest working.

Early mornings and late nights are a common occurrence. The key to great team staff is to appear stress free, showing that everything Of course, the world of cycling is a fastis under control so that the riders have no paced sport, and it can be confusing if you’re worries and can focus on their job - racing not a follower already, so how does it all work? their bike. A seamless, smooth operation is Gabby tells us; “There are three main tiers in what we aim for.” professional cycling - World Tour, Pro Conti

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Here at Vindis, we have many keen cyclists across all of our dealerships at all levels and we know that lots of our customers love cycling as a hobby. Our loan-bikes at ŠKODA Cambridge are always in high demand so we know it’s a popular sport in our area, particularly in and around Cambridge where cycling is a fantastic way to get from A to B (and in most cases, a lot quicker than taking the roads too!) For many it’s difficult to turn a hobby into a career, so are there any words of wisdom to pass on to budding young racers?

Of course, a professional racing team require “Cycling is a great sport to get into. It’s very very specific equipment and only the best accessible and has grown significantly in the will do. So, what kit are the Neon VELO team past few years. You don’t need to have the currently using? “The Neon VELO cycling team most expensive bike to enjoy yourself out on are very lucky to have the support of Giant St country lanes. As with everything, it just needs Paul’s and H2 in London”, Gabby tells us. “The to be fun and an enjoyable way to spend your race bike is a Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1. It’s spare time. If you are going to be riding long great for the team as it’s very lightweight and a miles I would definitely advise a good bike fit really responsive race machine. The guys have as it will make the whole process much more some of the best equipment currently available.” comfortable.”

© http://paulywright.co.uk

Racing in some of the top races in the country requires the eight team members to be on the top of their game at all times, and training is a 24/7 job. “To be one of the best cyclists you have to be exceedingly dedicated and focussed. Mental tenacity is what sets you apart and training is daily. A typical week will involve long endurance hours, interval training and a recovery ride. Aside from the bike side the guys will also do a lot of gym and core strength work in the gym.”

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© http://paulywright.co.uk

© Nathaniel Rosa

© Nathaniel Rosa

We’re very proud to support the team and be the suppliers of their race vehicle, a stunning Audi A6 Avant S line, which is hugely important for keeping the staff alongside the riders at all times and supply vital new kit and nutrition along the way. Comfort, space and reliability are of the utmost importance and Gabby tells us why the A6 Avant is the perfect car for them.

“The A6 Avant S line is definitely our car of choice. It’s a fantastic vehicle that meets the demands of a professional cycling team race car; speed, control, style and space. Having two Audi estate cars gives us plenty of space to transport riders and carry all the kit bags. During the race the car becomes a hive of activity. The race mechanic sits in the back and has spare race wheels in the boot along with all his tools, and water bottles and nutrition for the racers.

The team director drives the car and needs to feel 100% confident in the handling of the car, and the Audi A6 Avant delivers every time.

Confidence, class and style!”

calendar. It is an epic gruelling race on some of Ireland’s toughest roads. A race like this really brings the team together and the riders learn to push through some tough moments on the bike. After eight days of battle the guys get to enjoy a well-earned Guinness!”

With an exciting and busy year coming up for the team, and with the race season kicking off in April with the East Cleveland Klondike GP we ask what’s next for the team? “VELO has lots of exciting projects in the works for 2017. We are currently partnering with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness and bring access and insight to an elite cycling team. VELO the brand will be launching some awesome high end boutique lifestyle products. And finally the team will be racing hard and achieving some great things!

Stay tuned.”

If you wish to keep up to date with the latest team and race news, make sure you sign up to There must be one race that the team have the newsletter on www.neonvelocyclingteam. really set their sights on winning so we asked com. We wish the Neon VELO cycling team Gabby what, in her opinion, was the ultimate the best of luck in their upcoming races and race? She tells us, “The An Post Ras UCI 8-day are behind them all the way! stage race in Ireland is the highlight of our race

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From brakes to beans.

Meet Fletch, the latest addition to the Vindis family.

H

ere at the Vindis Group we love getting our customers involved in everything going on at our dealerships, and this is why we try our best to offer as many events as we can. Whether these are off site experience days, or dealership model launches, we just love getting you all together to share the latest news.

It’s thanks to this, (and the fact that we know you love the coffee at our dealerships), that the Vindis coffee van, Das Kaffeewagen, was dreamt up. What started as a great idea soon turned into a reality as we found the perfect vehicle for our latest venture; a stunning 1969 Volkswagen camper van, that was just in need of a little TLC.

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Sent off to a specialist company, who worked hard on renovating the interior, the van was also given a makeover and a health check by our team of Technicians.

Having previously been a well-loved vehicle, coming with its own ‘Fletcher’ stickers we knew it was only right to honour the van’s name. Fletch has now hit the roads, and will be at a spot near you very soon, with his handler, (and our lovely Barista), Becky.

Now that Fletch is out on the roads, there’s no stopping him and we need you to help us keep tabs on his whereabouts!

If you see him, make sure you send us a picture using #FindFletch.

A car that talks to traffic lights?

This latest technology could be your car in the not too distant future.

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urrent technology in use in the USA signals an important leap forward in the move towards autonomous driving, (that’s driverless or self-driving cars) that we’ve heard a lot about throughout 2016. Love them or hate them, self-driving cars are where the future is heading so it’s certainly exciting to see current new technologies changing the way we drive already.

Audi proudly arrives as the first of our brands to truly connect cars to the city with integration of traffic light information into the car.

The idea behind this move is not only to save time for drivers but to improve the flow of traffic and reduce emissions in towns and cities. Certain A4 and Q7 models for the American market sold since June 2016 (and importantly have been equipped with Audi Connect) already successfully use this technology.

Pom Malhotra, General Manager, Connected Vehicles commented, “This feature represents Audi’s first step in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) integration. In the future we could envision this technology integrated into vehicle navigation and start/ stop functionality.”

Pilot projects in Germany and Italy are underway however here in Europe we may have to wait a

little longer due to the vast amount of traffic data across the continent. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting move on the road to a fully connected driving experience.

The technology works simply by displaying the light information to the Audi Virtual Cockpit or head-up display, letting the driver know if they will reach the upcoming lights before they change.

If not, the system counts down to the next green light, allowing drivers to prepare and save both time and fuel, and keep traffic moving at a more consistent pace.

Michael Zweck, the Audi Traffic Light Information project manager, said “In our tests, the number of cars that had to brake to a standstill in traffic fell by around 20 per cent. This saved time for the driver and also made fuel savings of about 15 per cent.”

We already have a range of clever features in our cars that point towards an autonomous future, including Traffic Jam Assist and Park Assist, so we look forward to adding this new feature too!

We’ll keep you updated on this future Audi technology as we hear but in the meantime, should you have any questions about current Audi technology or models, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Vindis Audi centre.

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0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Welcome to the world’s fastest four-seater.

Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley Continental Supersports

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he purchase of a Bentley is a no compromise decision, offering as much comfort, refinement and luxury as it does exhilarating performance. And now that performance has been taken up a notch and into true supercar territory.

How does ‘world’s fastest and most powerful four seater car’ sound to you?

The new Bentley Continental Supersports is a difficult car to describe and is one of the rare vehicles to which descriptions do no justice. It’s a car that needs to be driven to truly understand the power that lies beneath the bonnet, and a driving experience only available to those lucky enough to be sat in the driver’s seat. Bentley themselves describe the Supersports as ‘the ultimate Continental experience’ and who are we to argue?

A phenomenal 700bhp comes from Bentley’s iconic W12 engine, so called thanks to its twelve cylinders laid out in a compact W shape as opposed to the traditional V. The improvements have come thanks to the precise engineering developed by the Bentley Motorsport team and technology from the highly-limited edition Continental GT3-R. This vehicle is certainly not for those who prefer life in the slow lane as 0-60mph will take you just 3.4 seconds, all the way up to a top speed of 209mph. Whether choosing Drive or Sport mode, each allows for a tailored driving experience offering comfort and refinement on one hand, and agression and presence on the other.

The brake discs on the Continental Supersports are the largest of their

type currently available and offer optimal performance with minimal wear, even when pushed to their limit.

On the exterior the vehicle keeps its sleek Continental styling but comes with the addition of sporty carbon fibre accents, including a large rear spoiler to improve handling. (Is a car really a supercar without carbon fibre accents?)

The race-inspired design continues into the interior where chequered carbonfibre completes the look. If choosing your exquisite two-tone interior on the rest of the range wasn’t hard enough, the Continental Supersports comes with an option of a threecolour split. If further personalisation is required, carbon fibre door mirrors and chequered side panels can be added, alongside Supersports decals.

Opt for Supersports X specification and the vehicle takes on a whole new character, with unique two-tone paint options and a titanium exhaust for an enhanced engine note. It’s a truly beautiful vehicle.

The Continental Supersports is a strictly limited edition model so if you are interested in more information regarding the Coupe, or its Convertible counterpart, please speak to a member of the team at Bentley Cambridge. Our phone number can be found at the back of this magazine. Don’t forget that we are now in our brand new dealership, so keep an eye out for the latest dates and information. Should you have any questions at all, please email info@bentleycambridge.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We look forward to seeing you.

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A new concept of sport Ducati Supersport/Supersport S

The Ducati Supersport is the ultimate no compromise bike, as comfortable on winding country roads as it is on long stretches of motorway.

The latest Ducati trellis frame and adjustable suspension ensures a high level of precision and control.

Three riding modes, Sport, Touring and Urban optimise control and adapt the bike to your chosen riding style. Ducati Quick Shift up/down is included as standard on the Supersport S. The Plexiglas screen is height adjustable for perfect aerodynamic protection whilst a 16 litre tank means the fun doesn’t stop before you’re ready.

The Supersport offers Daytime Running Lights with LED technology for maximum visibility and a sharp look.

The Supersport guarantees long maintenance intervals, with oil changes every 15,000km or 12 months, and valve clearance checks every 30,000km.

With a kerb weight of just 210kg, pure riding pleasure is achieved through the mix of comfort and handling alongside the excitement brought by the powerful 113 HP Testastretta 11˚ engine.

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Both Ducati Red and Star White Silk paint ensure the new Supersport is instantly recognisable as a Ducati, and a true head-turner on the roads.

For more information, or to book your test ride on the new Supersport, contact the team at Ducati Cambridge or Ducati Peterborough for more information on the Ducati range.

We’re halfway there!

And we couldn’t have done it without you.

At the time of writing we have raised an incredible £31,326 for Macmillan Cancer Support, towards our target of £52,000, so we are well on our way to success. To date we’ve held a range of activities within our dealerships such as delicious coffee mornings and Christmas jumper days and have even had one of our members of staff going the extra mile with a gruelling bike ride from Brampton, Cambridgeshire, to Santander in the north of Spain.

However, we won’t rest until we have smashed that £52,000 target so the next challenge is suitably testing for our brave team. Having set out to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge last year, our senior management team have now set their sights on the Rat Race Dirty Weekend 2017. Taking place on 6th May, at Burghley House near Stamford, the team will have to battle through 200 obstacles over 20 miles to reach the finish line. Although kept as a secret to entrants until the day of the event, previous obstacles

have included rope climbs, the ‘world’s longest monkey bars’, a climbing wall, high nets over the river, a plunge pool and the aptly named ‘Stink Trench’, (we’ll leave that one to your imagination!) Of course, in true obstacle course style, there’ll be plenty of mud and water and we can guarantee an amusing finish line photo at the end.

Of course, this is all done to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and we can’t do it without you. Our target of £52,000 will cover the cost of a Macmillan nurse in our local area and it’s a subject close to the heart of both staff and customers. Macmillan work tirelessly and we’re immensely proud to add our support to such a worthy cause.

So, why not keep an eye on how we’re getting on, and of course if you would like to support our team in their latest challenge, all donations are greatly appreciated. Simply head to www.justgiving.com/company/ VindisGroup to pledge your support.

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California dreaming...

Sun, sea and sleeping for four.

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here are few vehicles that truly embody the spirit of open-road freedom than the iconic Volkswagen Camper Van. The Volkswagen van has been a part of our adventurous nature since it was first built back in 1949, offered as a versatile utility vehicle. Since then it has come in many variations, from the traditional camper van we all know and love, to delivery vans, pick-up trucks and even ambulances! It wasn’t until the ‘50s that we saw the beginnings of the Camper Van as we know it, and thankfully many advances in both comfort and technology has brought us to the latest variation of the iconic Camper Van, Volkswagen’s California Beach and California Ocean.

Now, in 2017, it still remains the adventurous, spacious vehicle it once was but provides the latest safety technology and creature comforts to become your home away from home. And with Summer thankfully fast approaching, what better time to take a look at the latest models?

The California Beach is Volkswagen’s easy to live with camper and provides everything you need for that short break away. Sit down with family and friends under the awning (available as an option on both models), on chairs stored in the tailgate, before retiring inside to fold down your comfy beds, which sleep up to four adults. The folding bench converts to a warm bed for two, and simply pop up the aluminium roof to open up a further airy space for a further two adults.

Up front there’s all the technology and driving assistance systems you’d expect from your usual vehicle, with a colour DAB radio, eight speakers, Bluetooth and

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semi-automatic air-conditioning. The door mirrors are electrically heated and adjustable to ensure easy visibility at all time, no matter where you find yourself.

Add daytime running lights, a rear fog light and hill-hold assist (a handy feature which helps to prevent roll back when stopped on a slope), alongside a choice of a 102PS, (California Beach only), 150PS, or 204PS engines (California Ocean only) and you’ve found yourself the perfect addition to your family!

Should you decide that camping stove dinners won’t quite cut, then the California Ocean model comes complete with a fully fitted compact kitchen, including a two-ring gas hob, 42 litre fridge and 30 litre water tank. Who needs hotels when you’ve got this level of comfort in your campervan!

Opt for Grape Yellow (available on the Beach model) to unleash your inner hippy, Black Berry to channel your inner rockstar or Bamboo Garden Green to blend seamlessly with any landscape.

Did you know we also offer Californias for rent? If you’re planning the perfect family getaway this Summer, and fancy trying out the adventurous lifestyle, why not speak to your local Vindis Van Centre about renting one for the week? Our team will talk you through everything you need to know about the van before sending you off on your action-packed holiday!

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The story behind the brand.

We take a look back at how our beloved brands started out.

VW

In May 1937 the German government had a plan to create an affordable, well-built car that would be capable of travelling across their new road network, They started a stateowned motor company, known at Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH. Thankfully, the company was renamed a year later to Volkswagenwerk GmbH. After

calling upon engineer Ferdinand Porsche to come up with a design, and the resulting vehicle was displayed at the 1939 Berlin Motor Show.

Described as the ‘Kraft durch Freude-Wagen’ or ‘Strength through Joy Car’ it became officially known as the Type 1. Though it isn’t clear where the name originated, it soon became affectionately known as the Beetle and, besides huge popularity in Germany, became the topselling import into the US.

body. Taking this idea to the engineers Ben convinced them that this new vehicle would be a success and, as The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle you can probably guess, he story begins with one Dutch importer, managed to win them over!

Ben Pon, who on a visit to the factory Nicknamed ‘Bulli’ in German, in 1947 noticed that some of the the new Transporter used the employees had built themselves a Beetle engine and carried eight custom vehicle to transport heavy people, with removable seats parts around the site. Inventive Ben for transporting large items. The took this idea and sketched a brand first Transporter rolled off the new vehicle, with a box-shaped production line in March 1956.

VWCV

skoda

that history was made, and with the 1925 merger 1925 into Pizen Skodovka Co. the company became ŠKODA as we know it today,

Many may not be aware that ŠKODA started out in 1895, in the Czech Republic, manufacturing two wheels instead of four. Keen cyclist friends, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement decided to build their own bicycle. Happily, this bike was such a success that the pair added motorbikes to their repertoire in 1899. With race wins and a broken time records under their belts, they were spurred on to create their first ever car, the immensely popular L&K Voiturette A. It was here

seat

In the first half of the 20th century, Spain’s automotive market was relatively small, with only 3.1 cars per 1000 inhabitants. A much needed boost was required in order to motorise Spain, so on May 9th, 1950 the Sociedad Espanola de Automoviles de Turismo was founded by

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a state-owned company, and the first factory was opened in Barcelona. The first model to be developed was the 1400, and output began at just five vehicles per day. As the automotive market in Spain grew, so did the demand for the new SEAT vehicles and by 1956 the brand hit a landmark, producing 10,000 vehicles in a single year.

Audi

The story begins back in 1899 with the founding of Horch & Cie Motorwagen Werke in Cologne by August Horch. After becoming involved in the building of his first car, and a disagreement with the management board, August left in 1909 to form a brand new motor company. The new company’s name came from the Latin translation of his surname, so ‘Horch’ became ‘Audi’. Horch’s

new company were particularly successful in the Austrian Alpine Runs between 1911 and 1914 and the brand became internationally well known. Then, in June 1932, Audi, Horchwerke, DKW and Wanderer merged to become Auto Union AG. The four ring logo was acquired to represent the four founder companies. In 1965, following wartime upheaval, a new Auto Union began producing vehicles with new four-stroke engines, sold under the new brand name Audi.

ducati

grew rapidly. With the additional production of radio equipment in 1931, growth was vast and in June 1935 the first brick was laid at the Borgo Panigale factory. Business was booming, until Adriano, Bruno and Marcello Cavalieri Ducati, the outbreak of WW2, when the factory was along with their father Antonio, founded bombed. Rebuilding efforts began soon after but Ducati on 4th July 1926. Producing electronic in 1954, the now state-controlled company split condensers in the family’s basement, the into Ducati Elettrotecnica and Ducati Meccanica. company started with just three employees.

The latter began producing diesel engines and Their first product, called ‘Manens’, a coin-sized Triumph vehicles and from here the future of condenser, became so popular that the business Ducati was sealed.

bentley Having left school to work as an apprentice railway engineer, and learning invaluable knowledge along the way, Walter Owen Bentley, (or W.O Bentley as you may know him) soon joined forces with his brother, who was already selling DFP cars, to start Bentley & Bentley. The pair soon started producing pistons for the cars made our of lighter

materials, such as aluminium and copper, which gave the vehicles the advantage on the tracks. Following a brief period in the war, building rotary engines and dreaming of building his very own car, his dream came true. Founding Bentley Motors Limited on 18th January 1919 in Cricklewood, London, the first Bentley car was built that year. In 1920 they tested the first 3 litre Bentley, and in 1921 the very first Bentley vehicle was delivered.

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Vindis Group Volkswagen

Audi

Commercial Vehicles

Ducati

ŠKODA

SEAT

Bedford Volkswagen 01234 327932 Cambridge Volkswagen 01223 424472 Cookes of Fakenham 01328 864951 Huntingdon Volkswagen 01480 461019 Sawston Volkswagen 01223 833110 Vindis Van Centre St. Ives 01223 653333 Vindis Van Centre Northampton 01604 210600 Vindis ŠKODA Bury St. Edmunds 01284 732160 Vindis ŠKODA Cambridge 01223 507507

Bentley

Bentley Cambridge 01223 423515

Bedford Audi 01234 320033 Cambridge Audi 01223 414181 Huntingdon Audi 01480 454545 Northampton Audi 01604 683555 Peterborough Audi 01733 384444 Ducati Cambridge 01223 317959 Ducati Peterborough 01733 599959 Milton Keynes SEAT 01908 351199 Vindis Group Fleet 01480 416900 Cambridge TPS Centre Bishop’s Stortford TPS Centre 01223 219100

©Vindis Group Driven Magazine. Issue 7, 2017 Vindis Group, 1 Washingley Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6WP