Fleet Car Summer 2019

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Volume 17. No. 2 Summer 2019

FEATURES

Nissan Electrifies UEFA Champions League Final 2019

INTERVIEWS: Gareth Dunsmore, Head of Marketing & Commercial Cars Nissan Europe • Frank Jordan, Opel Director of Innovation & Advanced Engineering FIRST DRIVES: Kia’s electric vehicles PRODUCT UPDATE: Volkswagen’s line-up REPORT: RSA Annual International Road Safety Conference 2019 LAUNCH PAD: Tesla 3, Skoda Scala, Opel Corsa-e, Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe, SEAT & Cupra, BMW XI OFF-ROAD: Ford Ranger Raptor SPECIAL FEATURE: FEATURE: Electro-Mobility for the Fleet Car sector

Contents Summer 2019 4 News • New motorway service stations in West • Loans up at Volkswagen Financial Services • Business cases for EVs need to be analysed • Plus: Junction Box

Fleet Car Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 www.fleetcar.ie

6 Interview I With Gareth Dunsmore, Nissan Europe Head of Marketing & Commercial Cars 8 Product Update I Honda’s 192 offers for Civic Diesel, NSX driven

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Deputy Editor: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie Contibutors: Rob Van Dieten

9 Interview II With Frank Jordan, Opel Director of Innovation & Advanced Engineering

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Newspress Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey

10 Fleeting Shots • Formula 1 The Knowledge by David Hayhoe review • Ferrari Museum marks 90 years • Volkswagen’s electric Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap

Advertising: Mary Morrissey Design: Eamon Wynne

11 Product Update II Volkswagen Group Ireland’s year to date performance Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie

Engaging Connectivity

www.fleetcar.ie | 3 12 First Drive Kia’s new all-electric duo of e-Niro and e-Soul arrive in Ireland 13 Trophy Event Madrid goes electric for UEFA Champions League Final with Nissan 14 Report RSA Annual International Road Safety Conference in Dublin Castle 16 Launch Pad • Tesla Model 3 • Škoda Scala • Mercedes-Benz CLA • Opel Corsa-e • Seat el-Born & Cupra Formentor • BMW X1 18 Electromobility The electric and hybrid models coming our way 22 Off-Road Ford Ranger Raptor driven

Disclaimer: Fleet Car Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this

publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

AWARDS 2020

DIARY DATE THURSDAY

10

OCTOBER

Attend the Fleet Transport Awards & Networking Event and Yield great results for years to come... your road to success

Thursday 10 October 2019, Citywest Hotel, Dublin

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4 | NEWS I

New Motorway services open on N17/M17/M6 coming from the N60 through the western part of County Mayo to use the new M17 motorway section opened last year from Tuam to Athenry, which links up with the M6.

Likewise, the new Circle K facility between Athlone and Moate will attract passing eastwest traffic to and from the capital, coming from the M17 and Galway region, while the new Kinnegad Plaza which opened at the end of May will cater for the more north western orientated traffic commuting from Donegal, Sligo, Longford and N5 routes.

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ewly constructed service station developments along the N17, new M17 and M4 will be appreciated by all motorists heading from the West of Ireland to the East and visaversa. With safe and secure stopping off points lacking along these primary routes, the added services provided by Top Oil, Circle K and The Plaza Group will provide a much needed respite for the weary traveller, particularly those in company vehicles, or those seeking an overnight halt. High mileage car drivers, express parcel couriers, coach and truck drivers will avail of the numerous services and provisions on site at the new venues.

Top Oil’s new station on the N17 at Lisduff, Claremorris on the Galway Road will be welcomed by the additional 1,500 motorists

At each venue, high profile consumer brands are part of the stop-off offerings such as Spar shop, Insomnia coffee, Lotto as in the case of the Top Oil, Claremorris facility while Circle K between Junction 7/8 on the M6 will be open 24 hours offering fuel, deli, HGV parking, showers and toilets. It’s part of a €35m investment in four such sites across Ireland, creating hundreds of jobs.

Operated by Supermac’s founder Pat McDonagh, the Kinnegad Plaza, on the Westmeath Border, is another addition to its growing service station developments nationwide. Apart from its restaurant and fast food outlet, Papa John’s Pizza, SuperSubs and Bewleys are the other brands associated with the facility.

As Ireland’s motorway network continues to improve, the threat and dangers of driver fatigue is on the increase as company representatives clock up additional kilometres. Therefore, these service station developments will prove invaluable in terms of road safety.

Peugeot 508 SW arrives The estate version of the stylish Peugeot 508, the 508 SW arrives in Ireland this July. Prices start from €34,110.

Offered in four trims of Active, Allure, GT Line and GT, engine options include two 1.6-litre PureTech petrols and four diesel options, based on the 1.5-litre BlueHDi and 2.0-litre BlueHDi engines. Arriving at the end of this year is a 225bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version that can do up to 50km on electric power, using a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol 180bhp engine and a 110bhp electric motor.

Practicality wise the 508 SW comes with a generous boot capacity of 530 litres with the luggage cover closed, up to 1780 litres using Magic Flat rear seats.

Mazda plans for petrol future Mazda believes that its new Skyactiv-X, which will come to Ireland by Q4 this year in the new Mazda3 will revise opinions predicting the demise of the petrol engine.

Featuring Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine which develops 180 PS and 224 Nm of torque is the world’s fi rst commercial petrol unit to combine the spark ignition of a petrol engine with the compression ignition of a diesel.

Featuring mild-hybrid technology, WLTP measurements return CO 2 emissions of 96 g/km and 4.3 litre/100km fuel consumption. The All-New Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Saloon achieved 96 g/km CO2 emissions and

FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

NEWS II | 5

a fuel economy of 4.3 l/100km.

It will be offered on the Mazda3 hatchback and saloon matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.

SEAT appoints new dealers in Kerry and Sligo Two new dealers are joining the SEAT family in Ireland. Aherns Castleisland in Kerry, the current Opel, Mazda and BMW dealer will cater to customers in the South-West of the country when it goes live by the end of the summer.

Meanwhile Connollys of Sligo, the well established Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz retailer will become a SEAT dealer by September. The additions will bring to twenty five the number of SEAT dealers in Ireland.

“We’re delighted to welcome Aherns and Connollys to the SEAT family” said Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland. “They will help us continue to further increase our market share which this year has grown 0.5% to 3.4%. We’ve been focusing on key market areas with the recent additions of Spirit SEAT in Sandyford in Dublin and Johnson & Perrot in Mahon Point Cork, and these new dealers in Kerry and Sligo give us a comprehensive customer reach right across the country.

IONITY launches in Ireland IONITY, the joint venture of BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group that is building a high power charging network for electric vehicles along major highways in Europe has opened its fi rst Irish outlet at Cashel, County Tipperary just off Junction 8 of the M8.

The facility offers four fast chargers that have the potential to charge at speeds of up to 350kW. A flat fee of €8 is applied for each charge.

A total of 6 IONITY fast chargers along major arteries in Ireland are planned as well as one in Northern Ireland.

14% increase in loans provided by VWFSI in 2019

O

ne in two of every vehicles sold

by Volkswagen Group Ireland brands is financed through Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFSI), the Group’s dedicated fi nancial services provider. That equates to one in eight of all new vehicles sold in Ireland.

In the fi rst five months of 2019 VWFSI provided car loans to Irish customers to the value of more than €325 million, representing a growth of 14% compared to 2018. The recent addition of Leasing to its product portfolio is aimed specifically at supporting the needs of fleet and business customers.

Products and services VWFSI offers include Personal Contract Plans (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP) and Business Leasing, as well as Service and Maintenance products.

Around two thirds of customers choose PCPs with a recent survey indicating that over 93% of existing customers were satisfied with VWFSI’s products and services, while 9 out of 10 customers testified they would “defi nitely consider VWFSI fi nance for their next vehicle.”

Reliable analysis needed to make EV and hybrid business cases for fleets

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leets need to compile accurate and reliable data about their use of electric and hybrid vehicles if they are to make a compelling case for more widespread use within their organisations.

That’s according to Peter Golding, Managing Director at f leet software specialist FleetCheck, who says many businesses are failing to effectively monitor how the vehicles are performing in real world conditions.

“Our view is that there needs to be a combination of on-the-road information gathered through telematics and careful analysis of this data using fleet soft ware.

For example, one of the fi rst things that almost any user of PHEVs will discover is the often considerable disparity between official fuel consumption and actual figures.

Th is is usually met with disappointment and the overall perception of these hybrids is negatively affected but with reliable data and thorough analysis, you can look at why this is happening and try to close the gap – is it a question of driving style or perhaps the type of journeys being undertaken? Can action be taken to improve these issues?

For fleets that view PHEVs as a long-term

replacement for diesels, these questions are important.”

He added that similar analysis can be beneficial for EVs. “What is needed is detailed and relevant analysis that helps managers make decisions about which drivers have business travel patterns that fit well with the abilities of EVs and, as with PHEVs, accurate real world data is essential to do this.

www.fleetcar.ie

6 | INTERVIEW I

Nissan’s Electric EcoSystem: Transforming the way we live and drive Leaf, the world’s best-selling electric car,” he added.

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issan is on track to provide solutions to enable its customers to become self sufficient in meeting their domestic and industrial electricity needs.

At the build up to the UEFA Champions League Final in Madrid, Gareth Dunsmore, Head of Marketing & Commercial Cars Nissan Europe described how this interesting development will work in a most eco-friendly manner. Basically the car or van is the platform as in the case of the Nissan Leaf and eNV200.

He began by outlining Nissan’s impact with the UEFA Champions League which is now in its fi fth season as official Automotive sponsor. “Over 360 Leaf and eNV200 courtesy vehicles were on the ground, covering 220,000 km emissionfree throughout Madrid city during the Final weekend, but our involvement does not end there as 36 additional electric vehicles chargers were installed allowing to continue our campaign to install 120 additional chargers across Portugal and Spain this year, as happened in the UK in recent times,” he said. He was prett y excited about ongoing developments with the new Leaf Nismo RC 2.0 sportscar plus the latest and more powerful Leaf e+ just launched.

“With dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and an aggressive body shape – as well as a custom-designed aerodynamic trophy display case for this event - the Leaf Nismo RC 2.0 demonstrates the latest in the performance side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology. It has double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, containing advanced electric battery technology and drivetrain components sourced from the Nissan FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

The Final came as Nissan prepares to begin deliveries of the new Leaf e+ to European customers, introducing a new 62kWh battery with a range of 385km, new personalisation options and equipped with Nissan’s e-Pedal and ProPILOT technologies. The Leaf is made at Nissan’s award-winning plant in Sunderland, UK, for export to markets across Europe including Spain, and remains the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, with global sales of more than 410,000 and sales in Europe leading the competition with 41,589 units in 2018.

Gareth mentioned the Electrifying Wind Tour in which the 40 kWh and new 62 kWh e+ powered Nissans were on a European city roadshow taking in Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid and Oslo. He stated that Nissan’s first venture into the Formula E Race Series is beginning to bear fruit with a credible second place in Berlin recently. According to Gareth, sponsorship of the Cricket World Cup in England led to a special project that’s underway at local level, emphasising the future philosophy of the brand in the short term. Under Nissan’s policy of ‘Transforming the way we live and drive’ it’s not just about selling electric vehicles but a more sustainable way of living.

This journey will assist customers in reducing their CO2 and through Nissan’s Electric EcoSystem plans are afoot to make this happen. Nissan Energy is to become the platform to forge partnerships both corporate and public (individual) to advance this collective goal. “Later this year, the Nissan Energy ROAM, a portable, weatherproof power pack will be introduced, using cells from a pre-owned Leaf/eNV200 battery pack [which will] provide a storage capacity of 700 watthours and a power output of 1 kilowatt,” he said.

“Weighing approximately 20 kg, it’s the first e-generator using recycled batteries,” emphasised Gareth. Major collaborative projects are underway at Amsterdam’s

Schiphol Airport and Ajax’s football stadium. “At the Johan Cruyff stadium, we have placed 148 ePacks that produce enough electric back-up for events to the tune of 3 megawatts, powered by solar roof panels and an off-shore wind farm, while KLM uses four Nissan ROAM packs for remote use on the tarmac when planes are parked far away from the terminal and needing electric power nearby eliminating the need for mobile diesel generator units.”

Nissan is bringing its game changing Nissan Energy Solar including xStorage Home – an energy storage system - to cricket club Beddington CC in South London, providing an environmentally friendly and more grid independent way of generating and storing energy while saving hundreds of pounds each year on its energy bills. “The xStorage battery will increase the efficiency of solar panels on the club’s pavilion, by storing the energy they generate for use later, and reducing the club’s reliance on expensive energy supplied at peak times by the grid. This also reduces the club’s reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the integration of renewable energy technologies, and creating a more sustainable energy future for the club.”

Other projects under wraps for now are with Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and in New York and Melbourne sporting arenas. Another recent innovative project was a trailer tent with all of its electrical requirements run off ROAM ePack boxes.

On asked about the ongoing source of these reusable battery packs, Gareth explained that the first sets of batteries are flowing through from the early Leafs sold eight to nine years. “Some have covered up to 300,000 km which is incredible, added to the fact that seventy percent of their power output is still intact.”

“Much of the work in remodelling the used batteries into ROAM Energy Second life is carried out in Sunderland,” he said. “As vehicle manufacturers, this method of recycling helps Nissan to meet its end of life obligation.”

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

I N T R O D U C I N G

CO 2 from 101 g/km

Self-charging Hybrid

Electrically-assisted petrol engine

New Ford Mondeo Hybrid. Get Hybrid smart.

From just

â‚Ź34,080* *This offer applies to all Mondeo Titanium HEV 4Dr models registered by September 30th 2019 at participating Ford Dealers only.

Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. Figures quoted are NEDC CO2mpass, WLPT: 127-138 g/km. See ford.ie for full details, terms and conditions.

8 | PRODUCT UPDATE I

NSX showcases Honda’s technology while Civic Diesel gets a High Five for 192

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ithnearlyeverymanufacturer full of news about their special deals for the 192 registration period at the moment, Honda hit the road in a novel way to get us to shout about their forthcoming offers.

‘Come along to Mondello Park to try out our entire range of products,’ they told us.

‘Oh, and, there might just be a surprise there as well.’

You see, when they said their entire range of cars they weren’t joking. Along with the regular hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs was the Civic Type R…..and a rather gorgeous NSX! Which we will come to in due course. First though, what’s probably of more relevance to our readers is Honda’s 192 ‘High Five’ offer on the Civic Diesel. For a limited time, the popular fleet favourite - winner of the Fleet Car Awards C-Segment category for the past two years - will be available with a choice of one of the following 5 special offers: • • • • •

3.9% APR PCP Finance Available €3,000 Guaranteed Minimum Trade – In Value Upgrade to 9-speed automatic Complimentary Platinum Service Plan and 1 years Free Road Tax €1,000 Deposit Contribution

The ‘High Five’ offer applies to both the 5-door hatchback and 4-door Sedan/ saloon models. Since its launch the 120PS 1.6 i-DTEC diesel version of the Civic, offered with either 6-speed manual or 9-speed auto transmissions, has impressed with both its strong performance and fuel efficiency, while the range of ‘Honda Sensing’ safety systems offered as standard across the Honda range also have strong appeal for fleet buyers.

Speaking at the Mondello event, John Saunders, Sales & Marketing Director of Universal Honda said; “Civic continues as one of the cornerstones of the Honda Range here in Ireland and the newly refi ned diesel engine really offers our FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

customers leading reliability, fuel economy and driving pleasure for which the model has long been renowned. With these 5 extremely competitive offers there is now an option for everybody, meaning our customers can drive away in a new Civic diesel from as litt le as €299 per month or choose an upgrade to the 9-speed automatic at no added cost.”

Back to the track, and ahead of the high performance cars there was a chance to sample more everyday models including the Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC with CVT transmission.

Not the most obvious of track cars to put it mildly, but nevertheless it proved quite a hoot around the Mondello circuit.

Equally the HR-V and CR-V are more at home doing the school run than being chucked at speed into corners but perform predictably when pushed to their limits. In comparison, the Civic, whether in hatch or saloon form, and with either petrol or diesel engines, is a composed performer, feeling very stable at higher speeds, while rewarding the push-on driver.

That performance pales in comparison though with its hot sibling, the Civic Type R. This is one car that most definitely feels at home on the track - as befits its status as the world’s fastest front-wheel drive production car around the Nurburgring in Germany. Selecting the track-focussed R+ mode which adjusts the adaptive dampers, steering force, gear shift feeling and thrott le response makes the car ultra responsive, while the 320PS from the 2.0 VTEC Turbo rockets the car down the straights. The short-throw six-speed

manual gearbox allows mega-fast gearchanges, with the thrott le blipping on down-shift ensuring smooth changes.

For sheer sense of occasion though the rest can’t hold a candle to the NSX. Th is second generation 2-seater mid-engined hybrid sportscar has been a long time arriving, particularly to these shores, but the wait is worth it. Developing 580bhp from a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo and no fewer than three electric motors, it’s neck-snappingly fast. We were warned not to attempt to approach the car’s limits around the track but even staying well within the car’s capabilities it impressed with its responsive steering and brakes, while the safety technology on board pulls you back into shape should you get over-enthusiastic.

It sounds fantastic too, encouraging you to push the loud pedal to the floor time and again just to hear that raucous V6 which happily isn’t muted by the hybrid motors.

If we were to offer a criticism from our brief drive, it’s that the interior is perhaps a litt le too much like regular Hondas to feel particularly special.

Not that that would stop us placing an order for one in our dream garage.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

INTERVIEW II | 9

One-to-One OPEL'S ELECTRIC VISION with Frank Jordan, Opel Director of Innovation & Advanced Engineering

Opel has unveiled its fi rst all-electric car, the Corsa-e which goes on sale here early next year. It’s the start of a fairly major electric and hybrid offensive by the Groupe PSA owned German brand. Fleet Car caught up with Frank Jordan, Opel Director of Innovation and Advanced Engineering to fi nd out the brand’s plans for the future.

Now that Opel is part of Groupe PSA, can you give us an overview of the development of electric technology with regards to which brand within the wider company is doing what?

FJ: Basically we don’t have any one engineering team with Groupe PSA Engineering. In Rüsselsheim with Opel Vauxhall we have dedicated engineering areas like fuel cell development for the whole group. Most of the development for this car was done with the French team because we became a member of the family less than two years ago and the foundation of this car was already set, but of course we also have our experts in Opel with a long time experience from the General Motors (GM) world that the Groupe is now using on battery Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

technology, especially on durability of batteries. Overall we have a global expert network and every year we announce new people. It’s a fruitful joint venture to say who is the best for what specific area. So essentially we are working as one big team in different locations.

customer everything should feel familiar.

Th at’s why the ecosystem around the car is also so important. All our dealers can handle and service the cars, and can offer the full range of wall boxes and whatever you need for your electrified experience.

Unlike other manufacturers which are producing stand-alone electric cars, the new Corsa-e is very similar visually to the internal combustion engined version.

What is your rationale for going down that route?

Where are we at with regards to fuel cell technology?

FJ: We looked at the other route too. Now it is time to bring electric cars on scale and scale is only possible if you use common parts of the traditional engined powered cars. We of course hope that we will have very high volume, but this concept and the platform was designed from the very beginning for all the different power systems, so we have no compromises. The big advantage is we can react on volume much easier, the electric car is produced on the same line - even the battery pack is produced at the same plant so we can easily produce on demand. We can also use all these high volume common components in the electric version which we couldn’t do otherwise. It’s more flexible and gives us better economies of scale. There will be a time when electric dedicated platforms make more sense but I don’t believe it’s now.

Do customers like to see an electric car that looks like an internal combustion engined version?

FJ: Feedback so far has been very positive.

We want to make people at ease - they should not fear to drive something different. The whole concept of the car, we make it as easy as possible. For the

FJ: My team is doing fuel cell development at Rüsselsheim on behalf of Groupe PSA. We are heavily investing in fuel cell technology but we still have to fi nd the right products that we can really get to achieve affordable cost of ownership. We have concepts and we will also announce a bit more in the next months, but in the end there is a time for fuel cells but it’s not in the next five years. It depends on the ecosystem. Currently there is no [agreed] vision how we store hydrogen, for instance. There will be a time for fuel cell, the question is when as it depends on a lot of other factors. We are ready, we could do it. The support base is much more mature than it was ten years ago, you can now buy parts much closer to production status, there are companies doing fuel cells and tanks, but I don’t believe the market is ready.

You’ve announced an electric Vivaro van and sister vehicle Zafira Life to appear in 2020. What can you tell us about them?

FJ: We’re not providing specific details of the vehicle at this time but it will be a similar concept as you see with the Corsa-e. We will produce the electric version and the IC versions on the same line, so it’s set up for the same idea to bring electrification to a standard vehicle to allow us to react to customer demands perfectly.

www.fleetcar.ie

Book Review:

10 | FLEETING SHOTS since, his expanding seasonby-season record notebooks were recognised and featured in various magazines, guides

by David Hayhoe and yearbooks. His own 2nd Edition – Veloce Publishing – www.veloce.co.uk publications, the Grand ISBN 978-1-787112-37-7 Price: £55 Prix Data Books were well received, as was the first his is one coffee table book that will never gather dust. As edition of this book, with the latest update soon as it’s spotted, taken to now even more comprehensive. hand, it will not be left down. David Hayhoe, the author of Formula 1 - The From an Irish perspective, it is enthralling Knowledge would have been a wonderful to trawl through the vast number of charts and interesting guest on Mastermind, and figure tables to seek out the few natives judging alone on what has been outlined that not only made the grade, but also and described in the early chapters of this made their mark in this 69 year history book. Most notable are the mentions of 550-page hardback.

Jordan Grand Prix which had a world It’s a fascinating read, which must have taken wide following and it was good to see years to compile. A labour of love obviously. Eddie’s 2005 EJ15 photo featured in the Having known David for more than 30 centre-section. years, he takes Formula 1 very seriously.

Prior to the era of the internet, David was It was ironic, yet co-incidental that in the lodging data and other related information week of receiving the signed book in the in hand written format. Over the years post, three time World Champion Niki

Formula 1 The Knowledge Records & Trivia Since 1950

T

Lauda passed away. Made looking up his record all the more interesting.

Guess the conversation between Niki and his great rival James Hunt in the afterlife began with covering the years since the latter’s departure from this world. For those of us still on earth, a great way to catch up is by having David Hayhoe’s Formula 1 - The Knowledge by your side!

90 years of Ferrari’s technological evolution

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cuderia Ferrari - the most successful team in the history of Formula 1 - turns 90 in 2019. An anniversary that the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy has decided to mark with a major celebratory exhibition.

Founded in Modena on 16 November 1929 by Enzo Ferrari who understood the potential of gentlemen drivers to deliver great racing performances, Scuderia Ferrari has written many of the most unforgettable chapters in motorsport. The team which began using Alfa Romeo cars was first known as Società Anonima Scuderia

Opicina hillclimb where Tazio Nuvolari gave the marque its first ever win and classic endurance races like the 24 Hour races at Le Mans, Daytona, Spa and the Sebring 12 Hours, and, of course, Formula 1.

Ferrari. It quickly sped to prominence on both the Italian and world stages, rapidly entrusting its cars to the leading drivers of the day in categories of all kinds.

These included the Mille Miglia, the very first event for Scuderia Ferrari in 1930, followed by the Targa Florio, the Trieste-

The cars featured in the “90 Years” exhibition are a testament to that glorious history, beginning with the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider, which became the very first car to sport the Prancing Horse as part of its livery at Le Mans in 1932. The final car of the exhibition is the SF71H: the singleseater which Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen raced in only last season.

Volkswagen ID.R achieves fastest emission-free lap of all time

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olkswagen has achieved another milestone in electro-mobility: The ID.R, powered by two electric motors, lapped the NürburgringNordschleife in 6:05.336 minutes – faster than any electric vehicle before it. Romain Dumas (F) beat the previous record set by Peter Dumbreck (GB, NIO EP9) in 2017 by 40.564 seconds.

With an average speed of 206.96 km/h, the ID.R once again underlined the impressive performance capabilities of Volkswagen’s electric drive. This FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

500 kW (680 PS) emission-free race car is the racing flagship of the future fully electric ID. product family from Volkswagen.

Within just twelve months, Volkswagen Motorsport has already set three track records with the ID.R. On 24 June 2018, Romain Dumas achieved the absolute track record of 7:57.148 minutes at the renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (USA). Just three weeks later, he achieved a new best time for electric cars of 43.86 seconds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in southern England. The new record on the legendary Nordschleife has now been added to this successful run.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

PRODUCT UPDATE II | 11

Volkswagen Group Ireland performing strongly in difficult market

D

espite the challenges from a car market that is 7.6%% down overall this year compared to the same period in 2018, Volkswagen Group Ireland is in a positive mood about its state of health approaching the 192 registration period.

Vehicles (BEVs) and 30 Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs). By 2030 there will be at least one electric version of every car on sale.

new Octavia in April next year. Late 2020 will see the arrival of the all-electric iV with a 500km range.

Volkswagen Ireland’s best selling brand has gained 0.5% market share year on year, accounting for 11.3% of all new registrations in 2019 said Volkswagen Brand Director Gerrit Heimberg.

Audi Audi, like other premium brands, has been heavily impacted by the surge in used imports, stressed Brand Director Thorsten Godulla. While overall imports this year are up 3%, Audi imports have jumped 7%, with over four thousand cars brought in from the UK. He highlighted Audi’s youthful model line-up, with an average age of just 2.3 years. Recent arrivals have included the A1, Q3 and A6, with the later the best selling premium car in Ireland.

Of much interest to fleet customers will be the arrival of the new Passat towards the end of the year. It will include a GTE Plug-In hybrid version with a range of up to 51km on electric power. Separately interest remains high in the ID.3 1st which can be pre-booked now with deliveries next summer. The all-electric Golf-sized hatchback will be followed by at least four more electric vehicles.

Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Group Ireland, Carla Wentzel (pictured), presenting to motoring journalists at a recent event in Mondello Park, highlighted that the Group, which comprises the Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Seat and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, as well as Volkswagen Financial Services, is bucking the overall market trend, with sales only 1.8% down year on year.

She highlighted a couple of noticeable developments in the market this year, fi rstly the growth in sales of electric vehicles (EVs), and secondly the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions. In both cases Volkswagen Group brands are outperforming the market, seeing a jump of 335% in EV sales versus the overall market increase of 271%, while automatic car sales are up 36.6% compared to the market’s 18.5%.

The VW Group is heavily committed to an EV future said Carla, pointing out that already there are eight plants dedicated to electric vehicle production in Germany, China and the USA. By 2025 25% of new cars produced by the four brands will be EVs comprising 70 Battery Electric Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

SEAT SEAT’s healthy 3.4% market share, up 0.5%, has been driven by having one of the freshest model line-ups of any manufacturer, not least its triumvirate of crossover SUVs, the Arona, Ateca and Tarraco according to Brand Director Niall Phillips.

Following the launch of Cupra as a standalone performance brand, the Formentor will join the family in Q1 2020. A new Leon hatchback is due by late Quarter 1, 2020, while expect to see the El Born, the brand’s fi rst all-electric offering by the end of 2020 or early 2021. Škoda Making it into the top five brands in Ireland this year has been a major achievement for Škoda, stated Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing & Product. 8.0% market share this year represents a 2% year on year gain.

Top performers include Superb which remains number one in its segment, the ever popular Octavia and the Kodiaq.

Just arrived is the new Scala hatchback and the Octavia Soleil special edition. A Superb facelift at the end of the year will include a hybrid version, while also on the way are the Kamiq, a smaller SUV, and a

A revamped A4 arrives in the last quarter of this year, while on the electric front the e-tron will be joined by the e-tron Sportback in Quarter 1 2020 and the e-tron GT toward the end of the year.

A smaller electric SUV currently codenamed Q4 is also due in 2020, while hybrid versions of the A6, A7, A8 and Q5 are also pending.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles A 1% growth to 19.1% market share is keeping VWCV at the top of the LCV market said Managing Director Alan Bateson. Driving the success is the new Crafter which is challenging the best sellers in the large van category, while the Caddy continues to be the market leader in its size.

The updated T6.1 Transporter arrives in November, while also eagerly anticipated is the Grand California campervan, due here this summer. End of 2019 will also see electric version of the Transporter and Caddy in association with VW partner ABT. Alan highlighted a continuing growth in lease products and pointed to VWCV's 'Finding Made Easy' programme where the company brings vehicles to potential customers to test drive.

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12 | FIRST DRIVE

Kia’s electric duo go live

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ccasionally you come away from driving a new car launch thinking ‘This just might be a gamechanger’.

That was the impression after driving the latest two new Kias to enter the Irish market place, the e-Niro and e-Soul. That both are all-electric models is both unsurprising and significant.

Unsurprising in that hardly a day seems to go by at present without a manufacturer announcing their EV plans, but significant in that both the e-Niro and e-Soul tick the two most important boxes pertaining to EVs at present - a decent range capability and competitive pricing. e-Niro The e-Niro will be hoping to emulate the success of the Plugin Hybrid version of the Niro which is presently Ireland’s best selling PHEV. It is offered with a choice of two battery options.

The standard 39.2 kWh version (designated the e-Niro (MR) - for Mid-Range) has 136PS horsepower, a range of up to 289km and is priced at €33,495 which includes VRT reduction of €5,000 and €5,000 SEAI grant. The more powerful Long-Range version (e-Niro (LR) has a 64 kWh battery, develops 204PS and can travel up to 455km on a single charge. It retails for €37,495 after grants.

Only one trim level is offered but specification is generous and includes 17” alloys and leather seats with the front seats (and steering wheel) heated. Android Auto/Apple Car Play is available through a 7” inch screen as is Tom Tom Navigation. On the safety front the e-Niro comes with Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Sound System, a Heads Up Display and Blind Spot Detection .

Charging for both vehicles is via Type 2 / CCS connectors, though Kia will not be supplying 3-pin plug ‘granny’ chargers with the car. Instead the focus will be on installing dedicated wall boxes at home - Kia sales staff have been trained to provide comprehensive information to potential customers as to what best suits their needs. The e-Niro and e-Soul can charge up to a maximum speed of 100kW meaning a theoretical 30 minutes should bring them from 10% to 60% charge - if you can find a 100kW charge station.

One notable feature is regenerative braking. There are four levels that the driver can manually select using steering mounted toggles, but the clever bit is you can also select Smart Recuperation which works with the car’s radar and sat-nav to automatically apply greater regenerative braking when approaching a roundabout for instance, or if there is traffic ahead. A Smart Eco Pedal Guide display on the driver’s instrument cluster also keeps the driver aware of real-time battery usage based on accelerator pedal input.

Warranty wise, Kia is offering a 7-Year, 150,000-kilometre warranty on both cars, which also covers the car’s electric motor and battery pack.

The success of the Hyundai Kona Electric which boasts the same 64kWh battery and the Niro PHEV suggest that Kia is well placed to capitalise on the burgeoning interest in electric vehicles. With both cars marginally undercutting the Hyundai on price (plus the option of a cheaper shorter range e-Niro), Kia’s timing in launching these cars could just be spot-on.

e-Soul Those looking to stand out a little more from the crowd may prefer the e-Soul, which has been reinvented as an all-electric model for European markets. The funky looking boxy hatchback is visually similar to the earlier iteration but features all-new exterior panels.

It’s offered with the single long-range 64kWh battery giving a range of up to 452km.

Two trim levels are offered. K2 versions are priced at €35,995 and include a 10.25” touchscreen and 7” supervision cluster, LED headlights and safety features including Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control and Front Collision Avoidance. Opt for the K3 model at €37,995 and you get full leather trim, a Harmon Kardon FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

Kia e-Soul interior Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

TROPHY EVENT | 13

Nissan and the Greening of Madrid Divisional General Manager of Marketing Communications, Connected Car Services, Customer Experience, at Nissan Europe said: “The Champions League Final and Nissan’s electric vehicles are a perfect match because they are both exciting and at the top of their game. We are thrilled to offer attendees the experience of zero emissions transportation on the streets of Madrid, a city that is already at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.”

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s Madrid embraced hosting the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final with a number of UEFA Champions Festival Villages located in the city centre and at the newly constructed 68,000 seater Estadio Metropolitano Stadium, an eco-friendly stamp was to be seen all around the Spanish capital with the help of Nissan.

Record numbers of all-electric Nissan vehicles formed the official courtesy fleet over the Final weekend with the Japanese brand providing 363 LEAF cars and e-NV200 vans to transport officials and visitors, creating a high profi le presence that covered more than 220,000 allelectric kilometres.

NISMO RC 2.0 race car, which was driven by Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos to deliver the UEFA Champions League Trophy from the UEFA Champions Festival in Puerta del Sol to the Estadio Metropolitano.

With dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and an aggressive body shape – as well as a custom-designed aerodynamic trophy display case for this event - the LEAF NISMO RC 2.0 demonstrates the latest in the performance side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology. It has double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, containing advanced electric battery technology and drivetrain components sourced from the Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling electric car.

Now in its fifth season as Official Automotive Sponsor of the world’s largest annual sporting event, Nissan’s objective was to improve Madrid’s air quality and reduce the environmental impact on the host city during this high-traffic weekend, with the largest zero-emissions fleet in the history of the competition.

The Champions League Final comes as Nissan is preparing to begin deliveries of the new LEAF e+ to European customers, featuring a new higher powered 62kWh battery with an increased range distance of 385km and equipped with Nissan’s e-Pedal and ProPILOT technologies.

Th is year the Nissan line-up had a special addition – the high performance LEAF

Speaking at a special press gathering prior to the Final, Gareth Dunsmore,

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

The city of Madrid has banned old diesel and petrol cars from some parts of the city centre as part of a move to reduce congestion and pollution. A new lowemissions zone covers 472 hectares (1,166 acres) and means that all petrol vehicles registered before the year 2000 and diesel versions registered before 2006 are banned from the area unless they are used by residents of the area or meet other exemptions. Only vehicles with zero emissions are permitted in downtown Madrid and the city has installed more than 110 car chargers to encourage further electrification. To expand that infrastructure over the course of the UEFA Champions League Final weekend, Nissan has added an additional 36 chargers around the city which will all be deployed in Spain after the event.

The new Estadio Metropolitano Stadium is playing its eco-friendly part also as the home of Atletico Madrid, named after the original venue in the heart of the city, the team’s ground until 1966. Situated on the Avenida Lui Argonones, named in honour of Spain’s UEFA Euro 2008 – winning coach, the new Stadium opened to the public on 16 September 2017. Built with environmental concerns in mind, its LED lighting and solar panels reduce energy consumption, while recycled rainwater irrigates the pitch, which was in full flow during half-time at the big match.

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14 | REPORT

International best practices highlighted at RSA Road Safety Conference It represents a 68% reduction in fatalities since 1998 when the first Road Safety Strategy was published - that year 458 road deaths were recorded.

Equally though there was agreement on the need to remain focused in the drive to improve road safety.

Chairperson of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell said in her welcoming address that there remains a stubborn cohort engaging in speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts and using phones. To tackle this hardcore element will require ongoing collaboration with all shareholders, she observed. Ms O'Donnell was critical of populist politicians who accuse the RSA of destroying rural society and reiterated the organisation’s determination to take whatever steps were necessary to further reduce road deaths and injuries.

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robably unsurprisingly, the mainstream media was quick to latch onto Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Moyagh Murdock’s comment that Ireland is unlikely to reach the target of 124 deaths a year by 2020 as outlined in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.

To focus though on that admittedly ambitious target fails to appreciate the advancements that have been achieved in road safety in this country in the past decade or more. The fact is that Ireland is now one of the safest countries in the world in which to use public roads.

That progress has been recognised in Ireland winning this year’s European Transport Safety Council Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) award. The annual award is presented to a European country that has demonstrated continued progress on road safety combined with a strategic approach to tackling the problem across government.

Overall road safety has been a relative success in Europe said Matt hew Baldwin who is European Coordinator for Road Safety, European Commission, DG Move. Speaking via a video contribution he said that road deaths in the EU has fallen from 200 deaths per million in 1973 to 50 per million now (Ireland’s rate is 30 deaths per million), however that still equals 25,000 deaths a year.

However to put that into perspective, the EU accounts for just 2% of the 1.3 million annual road deaths worldwide. As he succinctly observed, that’s the equivalent of ten full aircraft crashing every day.

Mr. Baldwin explained that since 2018 a new EU road safety strategy is based on the Safe System approach which adopts the philosophy that deaths and injuries are not the inevitable price to be paid for mistakes, and that mistakes are largely preventable. The strategy establishes KPIs on the key safety variables including safe vehicles, safe infrastructure, safe road use and speed.

Attendees heard from a range of speakers from countries around the world outlining their efforts and experiences in targeting reductions in road deaths and serious injuries, and the consensus across the board was that Ireland has gone from being an also-ran to becoming one of the safest nations in which to drive.

Moyagh Murdock reiterated the message that Ireland cannot become complacent about road safety. She credited the improvements achieved over the past twenty years to having adopted a very strategic approach that has seen key interventions such as the National Car Test (NCT), mandatory alcohol testing and reduced alcohol levels, penalty points and a graduated driving licence approach.

Most recent figures for 2018 show that Ireland recorded the third lowest level of road traffic deaths in Europe behind Norway and the UK. 146 people died on our roads last year, a record low figure.

Other key factors were positive support and stakeholder engagement, especially with An Garda, a better infrastructure, mass media support and road users themselves taking the message on board.

Ms. Murdock was speaking at the RSA’s annual International Road Safety Conference in Dublin Castle on June 13, where the topic this year was ‘Best Practice in Road Safety Strategy Development’.

FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

REPORT | 15 With the current strategy running out in 2020 the RSA is now engaged in developing a new plan that will factor in new elements including technology, climate change agenda, how citizens want to live their lives, cycling and walking.

Mr. Frank Mütze from the Policy & Project Office, of the European Transport Safety Council (ESTC) talked about how to develop best practice road safety strategies. The ESTC undertook analysis of four leading countries, Ireland, Spain, Norway and Sweden and identified that the common themes they had to reduce road fatalities were a vision, clear targets, safety performing indicators, a lead agency or authority with the necessary authorisation, effective monitoring, cooperation between stakeholders and a science based approach.

Mr. Mütze said that the EC will establish an exploratory group to come up with an elaborate framework for road classification that better incorporates speed limits into road design and layout.

Member States should be encouraged to confer national incentives for the purchase of safe vehicles and travel policies and introduce vehicle safety requirements as part of public procurements.

Another entity dedicated to improving safety for all road users is the German Road Safety Council (DVR). Its President, Professor Dr. Walter Eichendorf outlined DVR’s Vision Zero Prevention Strategy which has as its basis that every accident is preventable. Areas which can lead to improvements include increased traffic supervision, the use of alcohol interlocks, and applying heavy penalties for the use of distraction devices such as phones. He added that there needs to be more of a focus on safety of vulnerable road users with the use of brake assistance and pedestrian detection technology in vehicles, best practice in good street design in towns, and keeping distances between bicycle and car at more than 1.5 metres. However, he acknowledged that this later recommendation would mean that many roads will become one directional only.

The Conference heard from speakers from the Netherland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Slovenia who outlined the measures taken in their respective countries to address road safety challenges.

As the country with the lowest rates of fatalities in Europe in 2018 (20 per million), Ms. Guro Ranes, Director of Road Safety Safety, Norwegian Public Roads Administration said that its success wasn’t achieved by doing anything particularly special, but attributed it to a systematic and science-based approach based on Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

the Vision Zero concept it borrowed from Sweden in 2001. ‘Keep going’ was her message to other countries.

Spain is another country that has moved from being one of the worst in the EU, with a death rate of 126 per million in 2003 to the current 39 per million. A strategic approach, political prioritisation, more enforcement and a penalty point system have been instrumental in improving figures said Dr. Álvaro Gómez Méndez, Head of Spain’s National Road Safety Observatory, Directorate General for Traffic.

Highlighting the importance of remaining focused was Professor Barry Watson of the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia.

After years of success, Australia implemented its third safety strategy in 2010 for 2011 to 2020. Up to the end of 2014 road fatality performance was looking good but fatalities began to rise from early 2015 and by mid-2017 fatalities had decreased by only 13%. An independent enquiry recommended amongst others stronger national leadership, a major funding commitment, a need to set a Vison Zero target and commitment to KPIs. The message he said was that a road safety strategy needed to be more than just a collection of possible actions and targets, it should have a guiding vision to promote coherent goals, and needed to have aspirational road trauma reduction targets. Success should not be judged solely on whether the target is achieved, but using a more nuanced approach focusing on KPIs. Mr. Stephen Perkins, Head of Research & Policy Analysis, International Transport Forum and OECD outlined the latest national performance benchmarking results collated by the intergovernmental organisation that has 60 member countries working on transport policy. It produces an annual road safety report and a series of reports on specific issues like speed and cars risk, economic development, serious injuries, and alcohol among others. He said that the most recent results in 2017 and 2018 were encouraging with most countries reporting reductions in accidents. Overall while deaths were down 6% (or 17% if the US is excluded), there has been a slowdown in reduction, meaning international road safety targets such as the 50% reduction target for read deaths by 2020 set out in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGS) targets will not be met.

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16 | LAUNCH PAD I

Tesla’s aims for mainstream market with new Model 3

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esla’s most affordable car to date, the Model 3 has gone on sale in Ireland with a starting price of €49,900 for the Standard Range Plus specification, while the Performance trim is priced from €60,700. First deliveries are expected to start in July.

The all-electric five seater saloon comes with impressive range capabilities; the rear wheel drive Standard Range Plus can cover 415km under WLTP measurements, while the all-wheel-drive Performance can eke out as much as 530km on a single charge.

Both versions are also extremely rapid, returning the 0-100km/h measurement in 5.6 and 3.2 seconds respectively.

As well as the option to rapid charge via Tesla’s own range of dedicated superchargers at 29 cents per kWh, the Model 3 can also be fast charged via CCS chargers.

Whereas the Model 3 Standard Range Plus uses a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels, the Model 3 Performance offers 4WD via dual-electric motor setup. It also comes with a Track Mode especially for circuit use that adjusts power front to rear, increases re-gen braking and can simultaneously apply brake and motor torque to simulate a limited slip differential.

The interior of the Model 3 is unique in that it doesn’t feature any keys, buttons or knobs.

Instead all controls are managed through the centrally mounted 15” touchscreen.

New customers receive one year’s Premium connectivity which contains satellite maps with live traffic visualisation, Spotify and over-the-air updates via Wi-Fi & cellular.

Orders for the new Model 3 can be placed via the online configurator at www.tesla. com Cathal Doyle

Škoda hopes new Scala will scale the heights

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koda’s new compact hatchback, the Scala has gone on sale with prices starting from €23,650.

Launched with an introductory 1.9% PCP offer, key selling features include a class leading interior spaciousness, and the latest in connectivity and infotainment technology.

Offered initially in two trim grades of Ambition and Style, a third entry level Active spec is set to be added before year end. You get 16” alloy wheels, rear LED indicators, air-conditioning and a 6.5” colour touch screen on Ambition models as well as the Image Package, which consists of the glass rear fi fth door or tailgate. The Style model receives 17” alloy wheels and

We have come to expect big boots from Škoda and the Scala doesn’t disappoint, offering 467 litres with the seats up. Rear seat passengers are also well catered for dimensions wise.

full LED headlights as well as the Bolero 8” infotainment unit.

The Scala comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless phone charging capability. It features the latest generation USB-c ports while built-in SIM cards offering access to Škoda Connected Services

Engines offered at launch include two petrols - a 1.0 TSI 115bhp and a 1.5 TSI 150bhp, with a 95bhp version of the 1.0 TSI to follow later. Both units are available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission. A 115bhp 1.6 TDI is the diesel option. Fuel consumption figures are quoted from 5.2 / 5.7 l/100km for the 1.0 / 1.5 petrols, and from 4.5l/100km for the diesel.

Cathal Doyle

New upper class CLA from Mercedes-Benz

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hen Mercedes-Benz introduced the A-Class back in 1997, not only did it set a standard in the compact car segment but att racted millions of new customers to the premium German marque. A number of generations later and additions to the range notably the CLA and a Saloon, the time has come for another evolution in that the all new CLA sees the model move up a notch to a higher position and compete with other premium brands in that sector.

“Compared to its predecessor, it is 48 mm longer, 53 mm wider with a wheelbase FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

“CLA is fully equipped with high-tech driver assistance features that combine with new design elements and subtle body and interior detailing that give its a fresh new appeal whilst preserving all of its original allure,” he added.

extended by 30 mm. Height is reduced by 2 mm. Drag coefficient is a low 0.23. Its lower centre of gravity and wider track plus 63 mm front and 55 mm rear – give it the sportiest driving characteristics of all models in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars,” described Ciaran Allen, Sales Manager.

Available in three design lines: Style, Progressive and AMG, the most popular models here will be a 180 petrol version priced from €34,110 (with annual road tax of €270) and an 180d automatic version priced from €37,300 (with an annual road tax €180).

Jarlath Sweeney

LAUNCH PAD II | 17

Opel’s electric offensive gets switched on!

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pel has unveiled its fi rst allelectric model, the Corsa-e ahead of its arrival in Ireland next March. It’s the start of a major electric offensive by the Groupe PSA owned brand, with four electrified models due by the end of 2020.

They include a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version of the Grandland X which arrives in February which combines two electric motors with a 200PS petrol engine and can deliver up to 52km on electric power.

It’s expected to have a price of around €44,000 before grants.

the Corsa-e comes with a claimed range of 330kms (WLTP measurement), via a 50lWh battery that develops 136bhp and 240Nm of torque. That’s enough to accelerate to 100km/h from standstill in 8.1 seconds. Drivers can choose between three driving modes of Normal, Eco (increased range) and Sport (higher driving dynamics).

Also on the way are all-electric versions of the next generation Mokka X and Vivaro LCV. Visually similar to forthcoming internal combustion engine powered models,

Prices are to be confi rmed but Opel tells us it should be in the same ball-park as the Renault Zoe, currently Ireland’s cheapest electric car.

Seat & Cupra’s future green offerings

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wo forthcoming models from Seat and offshoot brand Cupra will target different markets but both come with green credentials.

The el-Born will be Seat’s fi rst electric car to go on sale in Ireland towards the end of 2020. It will be the second all-electric car from the Volkswagen Group built on the MEB platform after Volkswagen’s ID.3.

The rear wheel drive el-Born will achieve between 300 and 420km depending on driving style on a single charge of the 58kWh battery and will accelerate to 100km/h in just 7.5 seconds courtesy of the 204PS motor. It can accept fast charging up to 100kW meaning in

theory you can get enough energy to cover a distance of 260km in just 30 minutes.

Cupra launched as a stand alone brand last year but the forthcoming Formentor will be its first unique product. The crossover SUV is similar in size to the Ateca but is a litt le lower, wider and shorter.

It will feature plug-in hybrid technology that will allow the car to travel for up to 50km on electric power on a single charge. A total output of 245PS is quoted though we may see the 300PS 2.0 litre TSI unit in the Ateca for an even more powerful version. It’s also 4WD ready.

New BMW X1 on sale with hybrid version to follow

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he second generation of BMW’s smallest crossover SUV, the X1 arrives in Ireland this month.

Notable features include a move from rear to front wheel drive, and the arrival of a plug-in hybrid version next year.

Prices start from €38,975.

Mounting the engine traversely to allow for a front wheel drive layout has freed up extra interior space, notably in the boot which has grown by 85 litres to 505 litres. As before the X1 also comes in 4WD versions.

There are four model variants: SE, Sport, xLine and M Sport. Engine wise there Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

in front (sDrive20i) and rear wheel drive (xDrive20i). It delivers a total power output of 192hp with a maximum torque of 280Nm.

are two petrol and two diesels in the line-up. The petrol range starts with the 140hp 1.5-litre sDrive18i that has a peak torque of 220Nm. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch auto with CO2 emissions of 125g/ km. There’s also a 2.0-litre X1 available

The diesel range utilises a 2.0-litre powerplant and both the sDrive and xDrive18d models deliver 150hp and a peak torque of 350Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 36.7-53.3 mpg for the sDrive and 36.7-55.4mpg for the xDrive. Finally the 190hp all-wheel-drive xDrive 20d delivers a maximum torque of 400Nm while emitt ing 123g/km of CO2 .

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18 | ELECTROMOBILITY

Moving to a fleet friendly electric car future Overall the motor industry has been reasonably positive about the Climate Action Plan, stressing that both individually and collectively they are committed to the wider goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said “The Motor Industry continues to be supportive of the drive towards zero emissions transport. The Climate Action Plan is hugely ambitious and it is important that we get greater clarity on the detail of any proposals, both short term and long term.

The Industry is a key stakeholder, as the provider of vehicles to this project, and in particular welcomes the State’s commitment to supporting the implementation of an extensive nationwide charging infrastructure that will support the roll-out of these vehicles. The Plan underlines the big growth in zero-emitt ing vehicles will happen from 2024 onward, and in that context, it is important that the State and the Industry start an engagement process now to consider policies that will support change both pre and post 2024.”

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f there had been any lingering doubt over the relevancy of electric and hybrid cars in our immediate future, the Government’s Climate Action Plan has made it clear that everyone from private buyers to fleet customers are going to have to come to terms with phasing out their traditional petrol and diesel engined cars in the not too distance future.

The target is indeed ambitious - that in just over ten years time no internal combustion engined cars will be sold in Ireland.

To achieve such a goal will require a radical overhaul, not just of what cars are being offered by manufacturers, but of the entire infrastructure to support an EV world. Indeed right now infrastructure is one of the biggest reasons why electric cars have not been adopted in greater numbers. It may be a chicken and egg situation but until drivers can be confident of being able to fast charge their electric cars at public service stations without suffering undue delays, it’s unrealistic to hope for a serious growth in EV sales.

Is the Climate Action Plan feasible? If you are to look at the numbers it certainly looks daunting if not downright impossible.

Even though sales of electric cars have soared this year, they account for less than 2,000 of the nearly 80,000 vehicles sold in Ireland in2019. If you look at our total car park of 2.7 million vehicles we will need to be replacing existing internal combustion engined cars at an incredible rate to get anywhere near that target by 2030.

Another reality pushing against achieving growth in electric car sales is that manufacturers are struggling to meet demand right now, and realistically Ireland won’t be to the forefront of their minds when it comes to allocating cars.

FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

Some manufacturers are bullish about electric car sales.

Volkswagen Group Ireland for example is predicting that one in five cars sold in 2021 will be electric powered. However it warns that success will involve more than just the car manufacturers stepping up to the plate. “The growth needs to be supported by public charging infrastructure and incentives from the Government to replace older combustion engine cars by new cleaner electric, plug-in hybrids and also latest-generation EU6 petrol and diesel engines as they will still be an important contribution to achieving the EU emissions targets of 95g/km by 2021 and beyond,” a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile Nissan, while welcoming the Government’s Climate Action Plan has highlighted its concern with the amount of used cars being imported, cautioning that the plan is not complete without a strategy to address the 110,000 polluting used cars currently imported into Ireland each year.

“The Government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions is welcome but its Climate Action Plan will be undermined if it does not take action to stop the flood of polluting used car imports from the U.K. onto Irish roads,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland.

“The majority of these imports do not meet the current EU standard for CO2 emissions and we are importing almost 80 of them for each zero emissions electric vehicle (EV) sold in Ireland. The Government has got a lot of things right but it took its eye off the ball on this issue,” he added.

Impact for business car users For the fleet sector the Climate Action Plan will mean a radical review too. Traditionally a diesel dominated sector, not least because of the opportunities to reclaim VAT on that fuel, the company car industry now needs to look at alternative fuels

ELECTROMOBILITY | 19 and will no doubt be lobbying the Government for incentives to encourage business users away from diesel.

On that front it’s a case of recognising that right now electric cars don’t meet the needs of many company car users who are typically high mileage drivers. Th is is despite some models now offering ranges of nearly 500km. Thus while the declaration of 0% Benefit In Kind (BIK) tax awarded to drivers of electric cars up to a value of €50,000 was undoubtedly welcomed by the industry, it is of litt le benefit for those drivers who pound up and down across the country every day. So why not provide a similar incentive for hybrid cars? They may not be the long term solution but right now they are a realistic and practical lower emission solution to diesel or petrol.

Equally while being able to claim VAT back on diesel is a vital incentive for business users, it really needs to be extended to hybrid petrol and even petrol cars, if just for a limited number of years until such time as electric cars become a more feasible option for fleet drivers.

Electric and hybrid cars - whats new?

The good news is that manufacturers are falling over themselves right now to bring electric and hybrid cars to market. There’s no doubt that the options available to customers will explode in the next year or two. So here, brand by brand, are the new eco-friendly cars we can expect to see arrive in the next couple of years.

ALFA ROMEO: 2020 will see the arrival of the Tonale, a plug-in hybrid SUV that will fit below the Stelvio size-wise.

AUDI: The recently launched all-electric e-tron will be followed by the e-tron Sportback in Q1 next year, while a crossover SUV version currently code-named e-tron Q4 will arrive late 2020.

A production version of the Vision GT Concept is expected in about two years time. A plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 is expected this autumn, with similar versions of the A6, A7, A8, Q1 and Q2 due next year.

Audi e-Tron

BMW: Hybrid and electric vehicles are marketed under the iPerformance branding. BMW has announced its intention to launch over a dozen new all-electric models by 2023, two years ahead of its earlier plans. The all-electric i3 is now a reasonably

familiar sight on Irish roads, and will be joined next year by the iX3 crossover, while 2021 will see the the iNext larger SUV and the i4 electric coupe. There are an increasing number of plug-in hybrid models being offered including versions of the 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 and X5 as well as the soon to arrive X1.

BMW iX3 Concept

CITROËN: A PHEV version of the C5 Aircross is due in Q2 next year offering a 50km electric-only range. Sister brand DS will get an all-electric version of the DS3, the DS3 Crossback E-Tense in Q1 2020, while the DS 7 Crossback gets the PHEV treatment in Q4 this year.

FIAT: Expect a fully-electric version of the 500 next year.

FORD: The Mondeo PHEV has kicked off Ford’s hybrid assault.

HEV versions of the Fiesta and Focus are in the pipeline, as is a PHEV Transit Custom, timeframes to be fi nalised. 2020 will see a new Kuga which will have a PHEV version with an electric range of 50km. A pure electric SUV with a claimed driving range of 600k is also expected next year. We also await the arrival of a PHEV version of the new Puma compact SUV. HONDA: Honda’s fi rst HEV in Europe, the CR-V Hybrid went on sale last year. It will be joined by a hybrid version of the Jazz while Honda is set to unveiled an electric car, the Honda e, at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

HYUNDAI: With the electric version of the Kona breaking electric car sales records in Ireland, a hybrid version due imminently will further boost the small SUV’s desirability.

Also expected very soon is a refreshed Ioniq with an increased driving range of 294km and boasting new technology.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER: The multi-award winning I-Pace has given Jaguar a strong boost in the electric car market while Range Rover currently offers a hybrid version of the Range Rover. Just gone on sale is the new Range Rover Evoque which has mild-hybrid technology and should be joined by a PHEV version next year. The next generation Discovery Sport will also feature MHEV technology as standard with a PHEV version coming later in 2020.

JEEP: A PHEV version of the Renegade is expected in the middle of next year. www.fleetcar.ie

20 | ELECTROMOBILITY KIA: Just launched are all-electric versions of the Niro and Soul Higher powered versions of both cars can achieve over 450km on a battery charge while the e-Niro also has a lower range version capable of achieving 289km. Next January will see the arrival of a PHEV version of the Ceed.

KIA e-Soul

MAZDA: The focus of the Japanese manufacturer is on producing more efficient and cleaner petrol engines, but the new Mazda3 does have mild hybrid systems incorporated into its petrol engines.

MERCEDES-BENZ: The first all-electric car, the EQC is almost with us, with the Edition 1886 due this month, to be followed by the EQC 400 4Matic in October. Plug-in hybrid versions of the

OPEL: The new Corsa comes with an electric version that will deliver 330km of range from a 50kW battery. It is scheduled to arrive here towards the end of Q1 next year. Before that we’ll get a PHEV version of the Grandland X featuring two electric motors. 2021 will see an electric Zafi ra Life people carrier.

Opel Grandland X PHEV

PEUGEOT: Two new models announced by Peugeot and due here early in 2020, the 208 and 2008 will come with all-electric versions powered by a 50kWh battery and ranges of 340km and 310km respectively. Before that a PHEV version of the 508 fastback and estate will arrive before year end offering a 50km range on electric power. Next Spring will also see the 3008 gett ing the Hybrid4 system.

New Peugeot e-2008

Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition

A-Class and B-Class are also due in the coming months.

MINI: Next year should see the arrival of a MINI EV hatch likely to share its motor and battery with the BMW i3.

RENAULT: An all-new Zoe is on the way and will feature optional DC charging capabilities up to 50kW for the fi rst time.

The Z.E. 50 battery offers a range of up to 390km, 20% more than before. A new Clio is also on the way with a hybrid version, the Clio E-TECH joining the range in 2020. Next year will also see PHEV versions of the next generation Captur and Megane.

MITSUBISHI: The Outlander PHEV, the world’s fi rst plug-in hybrid SUV, recently achieved a key milestone with sales of 200,000 worldwide since its launch in 2013. Nothing confirmed for certain yet but there’s reason to expect hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Eclipse Cross and a full electric ASX in the not too distant future.

NISSAN: A more powerful version of the Leaf featuring a 62kW battery goes on sale this month. The Leaf e+ 3.ZERO will come with 217PS and offer ranges up to 385km.

New Renault Zoe FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

ELECTROMOBILITY | 21 SEAT: Based on the MEB platform, the el-Born, Seat’s fi rst all-electric vehicle will arrive towards the end of next year promising a range of up to 420km. Meanwhile offshoot brand Cupra will launch the Formentor, a PHEV performance SUV

by Q3 of 2020.

TESLA: The new Model 3 joins the all-electric brand’s family alongside the Model S and Model X. Tesla’s most affordable model to date is now available to order in Ireland with prices from €48,900. It can offer a range of up to 529km on a single charge.

TOYOTA: The brand that has made hybrid power a cornerstone of its marketing approach will launch a rugged looking crossover type version of the Corolla called the Corolla Trak in time for 192 sales.

SEAT el-Born

ŠKODA: The Superb gets a facelift toward year end which will also include a PHEV version capable of 55km on electric power. After that, the end of 2020 will see the arrival of the fi rst all-electric model, the iV. It’s predicted to have a range of about 500km on a single charge.

VOLKSWAGEN: A Plug-in hybrid version of the new Passat will arrive before year end offering up to 51km range on electric power. The middle of next year will see the arrival of the ID.3, a replacement for the e-Golf, and the first model from Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. 1st Edition versions are available to order now. It will offer ranges of a 350-550km on a single charge.

Expect at least four more ID electric vehicles to follow. We can also expect some mild hybrid engine technology in the next generation Golf.

SUBARU: The fi rst stage of Subaru’s electrification strategy is the new e-Boxer hybrids which will feature in the XV and new Forester. The mild-hybrid models are set to arrive here from November. Subaru has also announced a collaboration with Toyota to jointly develop a BEV-dedicated platform as early as next year.

Volkswagen ID.3

VOLVO: As well as the XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV, a new range of ‘B’ badged cars indicate mild hybrid technology on all-wheel-drive versions. Two variants, B4 and B5 (190 and 235hp respectively) will be offered on the XC60 while next year will see the XC40 get a PHEV version using a T5 petrol Twin Engine. Meanwhile the Polestar 2, a four seater fastback from Volvo’s all-electric offshoot has just launched but it’s not clear if or when it will come to Ireland.

Subaru Forester and XV e-BOXER

Volvo Polestar 2

Telsa Model 3 Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

www.fleetcar.ie

22 | OFF-ROAD manner of adding muscle to the Ranger’s body styling to merit the Raptor badging.

Noticeable are the extended flared wheel arches and bold new grille sporting the large Ford lettering inspired by the F-150 Raptor. The front and rear bumpers are redesigned (with visible tow hooks) and the new running boards are unique to Ranger Raptor. With its higher ground clearance and wider stance, the Ranger Raptor is ready for action. Signature touches inside such as blue stitching on the leather seats and dash board along with some other trim traits dedicated to Raptor enhance the cabin’s look and feel.

Rapturous Applause • Unbreakable Ford Ranger Raptor

W

hat do you get when you put the minds of an Ulsterman and an Essex native from Ford’s Performance Department together? The Ranger Raptor, the toughest special version of Europe’s best selling Pick-up truck.

Now both residing in Australia where Pickups are called Utes (or Utilities), Damien Ross, Chief Programme Engineer and David Dewitt, Exterior Design Manager at Ford Motor Company came up with a heavily revised sporty version of the Ranger that’s simply unbreakable. And worthy of the name Raptor which fi rst emerged under Ford’s Performance brand SVT ten years ago with the big F150 Pickup in the States. As American customers love the ‘King of Trucks’, Damien and David set about creating the same impact with the more compact Ranger, and then some.

Side-by-side the Ranger Raptor is wider (by 150mm) and slightly higher (by 50mm giving more ground clearance), but has a specially designed chassis, suspension system and larger brakes. One of the first items on the agenda for Damien to develop was the rear suspension which uses the ‘Watts link’ coil spring system together with race-bred FOX Racing long travel with position sensitive damping to deliver 30% more suspension travel on the front axle, 22% on the rear.

The 2.3mm super strong reinforced heavyduty chassis can now withstand up to 1G (force) of additional loading while FLEETCAR | Summer 2019

ventilated disc brakes are fitted all round for better stopping ability, in contrast to the Ranger’s rear drums.

From the 2.0 litre EcoBlue bi-turbo Euro 6 diesel, over 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque is maxed out, achieved through a slick 10-speed autobox (from the F150 and the Mustang range). Additional consideration was carried out with off-road tyre specialist BFGoodrich to not only get the size and pattern right but to provide added grip and durability, therefore BF’s all-terrain 285/70R17 LT tyre was specified.

Further into the technical side, there were no half measures here either. From the standard 4x2 configuration, all-wheel drive can be engaged at the flick of a switch (either high or low modes). Traction control and Electronic Stability play a role in the six driving modules which include BAJA (Cross-country Rally spec) sport, grass/gravel/snow, mud/sand, rock and of course ‘normal’ modes.

Again using the standard Ranger’s strong foundation, electronic rear differential lock and Hill Descent Control are also included. Up to 850mm in water depth can be waded safely. However, there are some slight limitations due to these modifications meaning the Raptor has just a 2.5 tonne towing capacity compared to 3.5t on the Ranger, while payload is reduced to 620 kg (from 1 tonne).

No mercy was shown during the most arduous two-day test along the west of Morocco. From rock surfaces to gravel tracks and soft sand dunes, the Raptor excelled brilliantly. A different breed, truly a thoroughbred desert racer and standout lifestyle off roader. For underside protection the extended sump guard is 2.3mm in thickness and was needed over the high yumps as the Raptor bucklashed along the challenging conditions parallel to the seashore around Essaouira. All modes from the six-terrain management system were used to tackle the wide range of surfaces and driving challenges undertaken. Landmark sites along the route included passing by the Jimi Hendrix Bar and film locations used by the Game of Th rones, Alexander and John Wick 3.

On sale in Ireland from August, Ranger Raptor will be priced from €63,950.

“The experience of the Ranger Raptor, hands down, is how far you can push it offroad and still ride smoothly on-road,” said Damien. “Everything about the Ranger Raptor builds on the already outstanding sophisticated feel and functional capability of the Ranger, and then goes further. From a driving dynamic fun standpoint, it is really an exceptionally special vehicle.

Great fun too!”

Just as Banbridge, County Down native Damien should feel proud of his development, so too should David in the Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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Typical Example: Octavia 1.0 TSI 115 BHP SOLEIL OTRP €25,450. Deposit €7,567.64. 36 Monthly payments of €249 including fixed price service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final payment €9,386. Total Hire Purchase Price €25,450. APR 0%. €0 cost of credit. Minimum deposit 10%. Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland is authorised by the federal financial Supervisory authority (BaFIN) in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Lending criteria, fees and terms and conditions apply. Subject to lending criteria. Hire Purchase agreement. *Offer available on all orders taken & registered before 31st July 2019.

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