GARAGE IRELAND Vol 44 2017 2017 Vol
GARAGETRADER garageTRADER
CONTENTS GT
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E GARAG
DG IRELAN ARAGE IRELA ND Vol 4
2017
Vol 4
2017
GARA GETRA
DER
4 The Court of Justice is to rule on VRT.
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RADE
AGET
GAR
News
2017 Vol 4 ROI
subscriptions: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)
5 New car sales fall as used car imports increase according to the latest SIMI report. 6 D&S Roe are to distribute Magic Bullett fuel additive across Ireland. 33 Denis Naughten, TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently announced he is allocating €1 million to remove stockpiles of waste tyres that blight the Irish countryside.
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Pat Burns patburns@greerpublications.com Publishers James & Gladys Greer Designed by Shaun Byrne, Design Stics Unit 34 Crescent Business Park, Lisburn, BT28 2GN Tel: 048 9278 0108
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9 SDC Trailers reduces waste and increases productivity with 3M PPS Paint Preparation System. 10 Hurst Parts are distributing LuK clutches and flywheels. 14 Serfac launches a new battery range 17 Some timely advice on compressed air lines from Ace Air.
People 30 Ciara McKee from Component Sales in Magherafelt answers our Factor 10 questions. 34 Mulcahy Car Sales, Ardcroney, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary has been awarded the highly commended award at the Citroën & DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Awards 2017. 36 N. Conlan & Sons celebrated the launch of its luxurious new 12,500 sq. /ft. showroom with a special event attended by 500 loyal customers, local VIPs and Jaguar Land Rover enthusiasts. 38 Gary Maskrey from WAI Global is in the Driver’s Seat.
COMMENT
The latest SIMI/DoneDeal report highlights that despite the Irish economy performing strongly this year and the expectation of this positivity continuing into 2018, the Motor Industry is not by contrast mirroring this strong growth. New cars sales every month this year have been lower than their equivalent month in 2016. Brexit related uncertainty and the weakness of sterling are impacting negatively on the Industry, with the increases in used imports impacting on the residual values of Irish new cars, which increases the cost to change for the consumer looking for a new or newer car. This year has seen some rebalancing of fuel types in the market, the diesel share moving down from 70% to 65% and total hybrid and electric vehicles increasing from 2% to 4% in market share. For Used imports diesel remains at 79% of this market; almost 20,000 of these imports are pre Euro 5 vehicles, which means they are not fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particulate filter). With the forthcoming restrictions on older vehicles in cities the UK, environmental concerns have been expressed at the potential for such cars to be devalued in the UK and finding their way into this marketplace, negatively impacting on the environmental progress been made here by the improvement in new car sales since 2013.
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NEWS
Court of Justice to rule on Irish VRT T
he European Commission has referred Ireland to the Court of Justice considering that Irish rules on vehicle registration tax infringe the freedom to provide services. Irish legislation requires importers of vehicles to discharge, on registration, the entire tax applicable for permanent registration. This requirement applies to all imported cars regardless of the intended and actual duration of their use in the State and includes cars that are hired or leased from abroad for predetermined, limited periods of time. The Irish authorities introduced the possibility to obtain a subsequent refund of excess tax paid, but such a refund may only be granted following an inspection and exportation of the vehicle at issue. There is no provision for interest to be paid on excess tax which has been retained and a €500 fee is charged for the refund procedure. The Commission considers that Ireland’s system for taxing the registration of motor vehicles
imposes a disproportionate cashflow and financial burden on Irish residents seeking to import hired or leased cars for pre-determined, limited periods of time. In the Commission’s view, the national rules make it considerably more difficult and costly to hire and lease cars from other Member States than it is to hire or lease cars from companies in Ireland. Consequently, it considers that the Irish tax infringes the freedom to provide services and has referred the matter to the Court of Justice.
In the judgment, the Court of Justice first finds that the obligation to pay the full amount of registration tax is liable to render the rental or leasing of vehicles from a company established in another Member State more onerous than that from a company established in Ireland and is liable to deter both Irish residents from calling on vehicle rental or leasing services offered by service providers in other Member State and such service providers
from offering those services to Irish residents. The Court therefore finds that this obligation constitutes a restriction on the freedom to provide services and is incompatible with EU law. Further, the Court finds that the obligation to pay in advance the full amount of registration tax is not proportionate to the objective pursued by the tax (i.e. to compensate for the external effects and environmental effects of vehicle use). The Court recalls its previous case law in which it has held that economic objectives cannot constitute an overriding reason in the public interest justifying a restriction of the freedom to provide services. Although environmental protection may constitute such an overriding reason, the Court finds that the Irish system of registration tax does not pursue that objective proportionately. Since the duration of the use of rented or leased vehicles from a company established in another Member
State is limited and known in advance, a less restrictive measure could consist in levying, at the time of their registration, a registration tax proportionate to the duration of that use. Finally, the Court finds that by failing to provide for the payment of interest when registration tax is refunded and by deducting €500 by way of an administration charge from the amount of registration tax to be refunded, Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law. In response to the Commission’s reasoned Opinion, Ireland amended its legislation so that interest would be paid on the part of the repaid tax when the motor vehicle is exported and that the administrative fee would be reduced from €500 to €100. This amendment to the legislation entered into force on 1 January 2016 (the Commission required Ireland to comply by 27 April 2015) and the Commission therefore considers that Ireland failed to comply within the prescribed period.
VW Commercial Vehicles sponsor ploughing championships
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olkswagen Commercial Vehicles was the official motoring partner of the National Ploughing Championships. With one of the largest stands in the motoring section, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles had the full range of Commercial Vehicles on display including the brand new Crafter, Amarok, Transporter and Caddy. Visitors to the stand had the opportunity to enjoy a customer experience in the Amarok V6, Transporter 4Motion and Crafter 4Motion. Even bigger and better than last year’s display, the driving experience provided visitors the opportunity to be driven around a state of the art, off road experience demonstrating the different vehicle’s class leading features and road presence. 4- garageTRADER
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NEWS GT New car sales fall as used car imports increase
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he Q3 SIMI Motor Industry Review reports a drop of 10% in the new car market in Ireland. The review outlined that new car sales for the first nine months of 2017 (totalled 128,578) declined by 10.2% when compared to new cars sold during the same period of 2016. Used imports remain a significant feature of the market so far in 2017, with imports 37.7% (70,821) ahead of the first nine months of 2016.
The SIMI/DoneDeal report highlights that despite the Irish economy performing strongly this year and the expectation of this positivity continuing into 2018, the Motor industry is not by contrast mirroring this strong growth. New cars sales every month this year have been lower than their equivalent month in 2016. During the first nine months of 2017, new car sales declined in every county, with Mayo experiencing the largest decline at 19.28%, while Dublin had the smallest decline of 5.4%. New car sales in Dublin accounted for 41.63% of the total new car market, the report showed. Brexit related uncertainty and the weakness of sterling are impacting negatively on the industry, with the increases in used imports impacting on the residual values of Irish new cars, which increases the cost to change for the consumer looking for a new or newer car. In addition, with an increase in used imports of less than 3 years old, it is likely that some of these are displacing new car sales. Economist Jim Power is forecasting that used imports are likely to reach 97,000 in 2017 an increase of 34.4% on 2016 while new car sales are to finish at around 131,650 a decline of 10.2% on last year. This year has seen some rebalancing of fuel types in the market, the diesel share moving down from 70% to 65% and total hybrid and electric vehicles increasing from 2% to 4% in market share. For Used imports diesel remains at 79% of this market; almost 20,000 of these imports are pre Euro 5 vehicles, which means they are not fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particulate
Jim Power Chief Economist
filter). With the forthcoming restrictions on older vehicles in cities the UK, environmental concerns have been expressed at the potential for such cars to be devalued in the UK and finding their way into this marketplace, negatively impacting on the environmental progress that has been made here by the improvement in new car sales since 2013.
the potential to cause such vehicles to be exported into a neighbouring member state.
This is not just an issue in Ireland but in many other European countries, where one country’s restrictions on older cars having
Jim Power Economist and author of the SIMI/DoneDeal Report said: “The surge in used imports from the UK effectively means
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The report also shows a number of price decreases in the cost of motoring. The average price of a new car in September 2017 was 3.5% lower than a year earlier, while the cost of motor insurance in September 2017 was 14.3% lower than it was a year earlier.
that those prices are now setting prices for the domestic secondhand car stock, and this is making the cost of change to a new car more expensive and is also serving to undermine new car sales. In normal circumstances, the positive economic backdrop would be expected to deliver growth of up to 20% in the new car market in 2018. However, the distortionary impact of sterling weakness and the associated surge in used imports from the UK will in all likelihood more than offset the positive economics.� garageTRADER - 5
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D&S ROE
D&S Roe to Distribute Magic Bullet fuel treatment throughout Ireland
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ublin based wholesalers D&S Roe are to start introducing the Magic Bullet fuel additive range to the motor trade throughout Ireland. Magic Bullet is possibly the world’s best all round fuel treatment. Magic Bullet provides engines with increased performance, increased fuel efficiency, harmful emissions reduction and fuel stabilization in new or old vehicles. Magic Bullet is: Non Hazardous Non Flammable Non Toxic Non Combustable Magic Bullet offers a wide range of additives for all types of engine. The Magic Bullet range is manufactured in the UK & America and sold in China, Hawaii, Australia & the Philippines. 6- garageTRADER
Powerful decoking agents remove carbon deposits which build up over time, ensuring injectors and fuel lines are cleaned to nearly showroom standard. It is this cleaning action that allows the engine to extract up to 15% more power from the fuel therefore making it more economical. A cleaner engine will ensure optimisation of its performance, whilst reducing smoke and emissions making it better for the environment. With continuous use, emissions and therefore environmental impact are reduced by up to 25%. Magic Bullet have worked really hard to develop a range that covers all engines from motorbikes, cars, vans and trucks to agricultural, commercial and marine. The specially designed bottles mean that Magic Bullet couldn’t be easier to
use. It is self-mixing, simply just pour and go. D&S Roe Ltd is well established in the Irish motor trade and is a family owned business established in 1980. Together with the expertise and determination of Managing Director Sean Roe, the company’s reputation has brought its own success and for 38 years they have stood apart as the most reliable name in the Irish Motor Industry. D&S Roe Ltd are the sole distributor for many of the most prestigious names in the automotive world. Speaking to Garage Trader, David Roe said, “D&S Roe will be introducing the Magic Bullet range to the motor trade nationwide from November 20th 2017. We are well known in the motor trade and our sales representatives
on the road will be promoting the Magic Bullet range as ‘the energy drink for engines.’ “Performance, passion and integrity are just some of the core values that we uphold throughout the business. Our company does not only exceed customers expectations on a daily basis, but excels in them - based upon the strengths and interests built from a healthy working backbone within the company. With a passion for winning, D&S Roe strives towards innovation and exceptional customer care at both ends of the spectrum. “All orders are prepared in our industry standard warehousing facility and dispatched on the same day. Our HQ is based in the epicentre of Dublin’s car distribution sector located just on the M50 motorway,” said David.
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D&S ROE GT
Urban Drive Eco Friendly “Clean Burn” emissions reducer and fuel saver. Eco Friendly and treats all gasoline/ petrol and diesel engines Increases fuel efficiency – gain up to 10% more MPG Reduces harmful emissions by up to 25% Increases catalytic converter efficiency Reduces friction – can extend engine life Prevents sludge build up in fuel Prevents carbon build up Reduces greenhouse gases associated with city driving Full bottle treats up to 2 full tanks of fuel Gasoline Power Booster Restores performance for all gasoline engines. Improves horsepower & torque Increases throttle response Restores lost performance Lowers engine temperature – smoother running Safe to use – extends engine life Increases fuel efficiency by 6-8% Full bottle treats up to 2 full tanks of fuel Diesel Power Booster Restores performance for all diesel engines. Cleans & protects EGR valves Cleans & protects injection systems Increases horsepower & torque Increases throttle response
Restores lost performance Lowers engine temperature – smoother running Safe to use – extends engine life Full bottle treats up to 2 full tanks of fuel Emission Buster Eco friendly “Clean Burn” emissions reducer. Eco Friendly and treats all gasoline/ petrol and diesel engines Can help pass state emission tests Reduces harmful emissions by up to 25% Optimises O2 sensor operation Increase catalytic converter efficiency Do not under dose – it may not work effectively Using this product can increase your chances of passing your state emission test. To reduce emissions pour one full bottle into fuel tank and drive for approximately 15-20 miles before test or retest to allow product to work effectively. Gasoline Top Cat Catalytic converter cleaner. Top Cat is designed to comply with strict environmental standards Top Cat cleans & protects O2 sensors Reduces your harmful emissions Decreases soot particles during combustion Reduces carbon build up & clean EGR valves Attacks carbon build up on your
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petrol injectors A cleaner CAT means better performance and fuel efficiency Diesel Top Cat Catalytic converter cleaner. Top cat is designed to comply with strict environmental standards Reduces harmful build up in all catalytic converter systems Reduces harmful emissions Decreases soot particles during combustion Keeps your EGR valves clean Regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPF’s) Attacks carbon build up on your diesel injectors A cleaner Cat means better performance & fuel efficiency Motorcycle Power Booster Restores performance for motorcycles. For use in all motorcycles including 2 stroke engine. Increases horsepower & torque Increases throttle response Restores lost performance Lowers engine temperature – smoother running Safe to use – extends engine life Increases fuel efficiency by 6-8% Pour 115ml into fuel tank for positive results Treat up to 15 gallons with 350ml RV Eco Performance Eco friendly “Clean Burn” fuel enhancer. Treats all Gasoline and
diesel engines. Kyoto compliant. For all recreational vehicles and motor homes Treats all gasoline-petrol-diesel engines Reduces harmful emissions by up to 25% Increase catalytic converter efficiency Fuel saving of up to 8% Cleans fuel ones, extends engine life Keep particulate filters & EGR valves clean Cleans & protects O2 sensors Compensates for 90% reduced sulphur Lowers engine temperature Good for generators Treat up to 55 gallons with 220 litres Hyperburn Eco Fuel treatment for agricultural, commercial and plant. Non toxic, safe to use. Removes moisture and prevents bacterial growth in fuel A dramatic 6-10% increase in fuel efficiency Restores original performance Stabilises all fuel types in fuel and storage tanks Lowers engine temperatures for smoother running Significant reduction in harmful emissions. Compensates for low sulphur content Non-Chemical – Non-Hazardous Treat up to 220 litres with 1.1 litres garageTRADER - 7
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VALEO
New references for Volvo car applications
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aleo Service has released 24 new references for major Volvo car applications since February 2017. Those new Lighting Systems references feature applications for the popular XC 90 models. Supporting Valeo Service ‘We Care 4 You - Trust the Specialist’ strategy, Valeo Lighting Systems is constantly enriching its scope of products and extending its portfolio to many car applications over the world.
Accompanying the OE technological path, this extended mix of products is providing a large portfolio featuring cutting edge innovative technologies. 30% of these Volvo references are for instance offering the DBL feature (Dynamic Bending Lighting); in comparison with Fixed Beam Lighting (FBL), DBL provides a better visibility and security by increasing the range of light when travelling in curves.
2018 Valeo Clutch Catalogue
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he new 2017/2018 edition of the Clutch catalogue dedicated to passenger cars and LCV applications for all Valeo Service aftermarket product ranges has been released. The catalogue presents the full Valeo Service offer consisting of more than 3,000 transmission products among which clutch kits, DMF, passive hydraulic actuation and spare parts. The catalogue covers clutch applications from the Volkswagen Golf I to the latest Mercedes A Class or Citroën DS3. Valeo Service offers one of the widest European car park coverage of clutch products and the range keeps increasing as Valeo Service launches more than 300 new products per year. All the latest technological innovations are included, like the DMF with inner-damper, the hydraulic CSC for sequential gearboxes, the Valeo Self-Adjusting
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Technology (SAT, 29 p/n) and the High Efficiency Clutch kits (HEC, 80 p/n) that have been specifically developed for the aftermarket. SAT is a revolutionary technology using a self adjusting facing wear compensation device on the pressure plate increasing its effective thickness as the drive plate facing is wearing, while HEC is a robust combination of an improved cover assembly and a low wear facing material. Both are offering a constant and optimum pedal effort during the entire clutch life and don’t require any specific tool to be mounted contrary to other solutions proposed on the aftermarket.
Valeo “augments” its hotline with a new upgrade
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he new “We Care 4 You” strategy is the promise to improve the brand’s service to all its customers individually: distributors, workshops, drivers, fleet owners and insurers. As an Aftermarket Specialist, Valeo’s role is to bring an adapted answer to all customer needs, with customized product offers, and added value services. In accordance with this spirit and a start up mindset Valeo keeps on boosting its hotline performances and launches the Connected Assistance. The Valeo Technical Hotline is part of the Tech’Care program which
is dedicated to deliver Valeo’s technical expertise to its partners. The Valeo Technical Hotline answers calls all over the world and allows its customers and workshops to get product support on fitment issues, product application or cross reference enquiries. Using a customised CRM tool, Valeo Service is able to follow up and analyse workshops requests in order to better understand and answer the needs like identifying fitting issues in order to provide suitable technical bulletins for example. With the Connected Assistance, Valeo will offer a new interactive and visual support feature of the Technical hotline for its customers. In some cases, the Valeo Tech’Care hotliners can solve technical problems faster and better by seeing what the user sees instead of only using the telephone. This interactive service based on true augmented reality fills the gap and delivers even greater performances.
A brand new range of Air Mass flowmeters
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aleo Service continues its commitment to extend the wide product portfolio with a brand new range of air mass flow meters and releasing 221 Engine Management Systems sensors for passenger car. The brand reinforces its one stop shop supplier
positioning and helps distributors and their network enhance their portfolio in a clever manner. The offer now consists of more than 250 references, covering 7 categories of Engine Management Systems sensors.
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NEWS GT
EMaC, the UK’s leading provider of service plan and customer retention schemes to Ireland
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MaC, the UK’s leading provider of service plan and customer retention schemes to the UK automotive industry, continues to invest in the strength of its Ireland operations. Martin Purcell joins EMaC as Sales Development Manager for Ireland, bringing extensive motor industry experience and a first hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that dealers face when securing and delivering aftersales and servicing business. Martin joins EMaC from BMW Ireland, where he was Trade Parts and Bodyshop Business Development Manager. Previously he was after-sales manager
and service manager at several dealerships, including HB Dennis Motors and Stuarts Garages, both in Dublin, giving Martin a clear insight into the sales and administration demands dealers face on a day-to-day basis. John O’Donnell, Managing Director of EMaC, comments: “Martin has over 20 years of valuable expertise in the aftersales and dealership landscape in Ireland, making him the perfect addition to the EMaC team. This appointment underlines our commitment to bringing EMaC’s market leading service solutions to the Irish market.”
Martin Purcell, EMaC Sales Development Manager
Naughten tackles tyre stockpiles
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enis Naughten, TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently announced he is allocating €1 million to remove stockpiles of waste tyres that blight the Irish countryside. The Minister said the level of illegal dumping of waste tyres is a problem that needs to be met head on. The funding is being made available to Local Authorities to tackle the most significant dump sites in their areas. Latest estimates from the Local Authorities suggest there are more than 750,000 tyres randomly dumped in sites around the country, and this is a conservative estimate. “I am targeting this funding at tyres to clean up our countryside now and to ensure that the detrimental environmental and human health effects of these dumps are dealt with as soon as possible. “I am also supporting the introduction of a new compliance scheme to ensure that as many old tyres as possible are taken out of the system before the Scheme is introduced on October 1st this year.
The new Scheme will reassure consumers that their old tyres will be disposed of responsibly by the retailer when they buy new tyres.” Minister Naughten has adopted a two-pronged approach to deal with the problem of waste tyres. “A large part of the reason for this waste problem is a lack of information in relation to the tyres market in Ireland.
regulatory functions on behalf of its tyre producers and retail members. “Membership of the scheme will be mandatory for any operator placing tyres on the Irish market.
All operators will be obliged to provide data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the market. This will be the first time that there will be clarity in this regard,” added Minister Naughten.
Therefore, I will be announcing regulations within two weeks that will introduce a full compliance scheme for tyres. “This Scheme, to be run by Repak ELT, is based on the Extended Producer Responsibility principle and will carry out all
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NEWS
Mulcahy Car Sales Highly Commended
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ulcahy Car Sales, Ardcroney, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary has been awarded the highly commended award at the Citroën & DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Awards 2017. Damian Mulcahy was Pictured at the presentation is Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroën & DS Ireland, Daofficially mian Mulcahy, Dealer Principal, Mulcahy Car Sales and Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director presented of International Motors Limited (IML), UK & Ireland. with the award by at the 2017 Dealer Conference Mulcahy Car Sales has been Chris Graham, Managing Director, which took place at the Mullingar operating for almost 50 years and Citroën & DS Automobiles Ireland Park Hotel last month. was appointed a Citroën dealer in
1996. Charlie, Damian and all the team have worked extremely hard since the appointment with their sales steadily rising each year. They have invested significantly in the business including upgrading the IT systems this year and Damian has promoted and appointed Niamh Kennedy, Miss Ireland as a Brand Ambassador. Mulcahy Car Sales are heavily involved in their local community through the sponsorship of their local GAA club, Kilruane McDonaghs GAA Club. On receiving the award, Damian Mulcahy said, “I am delighted to receive this award acknowledgement from Citroën & DS Automobiles. At Mulcahy Car Sales our customers are our number one priority and we aim to provide the very best customer experience possible. We enjoy representing the Brands in Tipperary and we look forward to continuing to work with all at Citroën & DS Ireland in 2018.”
VW launch snapshot Top GAA stars at charity calendar Subaru launch
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ver the summer, Volkswagen Ireland wanted to engage with Ireland’s large Volkswagen community in a contemporary way. With this in mind, a competition was developed in collaboration with the Snapys entitled ‘Volkswagen Snapshot’, an Instagram-based photo competition designed to be an exercise of selfexpression and participation with the brand. Volkswagen received an incredible 5,000 entries over two months and they selected their twelve favourites to be curated into the 34- garageTRADER
2018 Volkswagen Snapshot Calendar. Volkswagen has partnered with Pieta House, a non-profit organisation, providing specialised treatment programmes for people who have suicidal ideation or who participate in self-harming, to retail the calendars to the public in order to raise funds. Each calendar will cost €10 and all proceeds go directly to Pieta House. The calendars, featuring a variety of images taken by contestants include a wedding in a vintage VW camper to scenes from the streets of Dublin, through an adventure in the mountains and all the way to a sunset in beautiful Kinsale. The winners of the competition were treated to an exciting visit to the Volkswagen factory during the summer, as well as a number of technology prizes. To purchase a calendar visit http://www.2018.vwsnapshot.ie/.
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ublin GAA Senior Footballers Paul Flynn and Eoghan O’Gara were joined by Dublin Hurlers Eoghan O’Donnell and Niall McMorrow, at Dollymount Strand, Bull Island, to launch the All-New Subaru XV Crossover and All-New Subaru Impreza for Subaru, the official car partner to Dublin GAA. The Sam Maguire Cup also made a welcome appearance down by the sea, after being successfully retained by the Dublin Footballers last month. A historic three-in-a-row for the Dublin GAA Footballers. The All-New Subaru XV Crossover
& Impreza are the first new models to be built on the new Subaru Global Platform. They are built to challenge the toughest weather and road conditions, the All-WheelDrive system in both models offers Subaru’s promise of driving fun, all-round safety and above-average resilience. While the new Subaru Global Platform preserves the distinctive combination of Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, it offers new dynamic values that result in superior handling and stability, improved hazard avoidance performance, more responsive steering, exceptionally low vibrations and driving comfort. It is packed with new safety features – the EyeSight driver assist technology is fitted as standard equipment. Both the All-New XV Crossover & All-New Impreza aim to offer world-class collision safety for total peace of mind and pure driving pleasure.
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NEWS GT
One in Ten Motorists have no breakdown cover
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esearch carried out by motoring services specialist, easytrip, Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has revealed that one in 10 motorists don’t have breakdown
cover for their vehicle – which potentially equates to 203,826 vehicles on Irish roads. Respondents to the easytrip survey were also asked if they had experienced a breakdown incident
in the last 12 months of which 35% said they did. The following breakdown incidents were revealed as the top five: Flat / damaged tyres (44%) Battery failure (25%)
Mechanical problem (12%) Keys lost or locked in vehicle (7%) Electrical fault (6%) The easytrip research highlighted the top three most stressful winter driving conditions for motorists as:
Driving on icy roads (57%) Poor visibility of cyclists on the road (43%) Glare from other driver’s headlights (41%) Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip Ireland, said: “It’s alarming to see that one in 10 drivers claim to have no breakdown cover. To reduce the risk of a breakdown incident we would advise motorist to check their vehicle regularly, in particular their tyres for any defects. Remember that the darker and colder weather can make driving more stressful so be prepared, drive slowly, and be ready to adapt to the wide range of driving conditions that the winter months can bring.”
AIG calls for mandatory telematics for young drivers
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IG Ireland has called for legislation to make telematics-based insurance mandatory for all drivers under the age of 25. AIG believes that by making telematics mandatory, many lives will be saved. Declan O’Rourke, General Manager of AIG Ireland commented, “During the National Slow Down Day, Gardaí detected a total of 225 vehicles breaking the speed limit one of which was a motorist travelling at 177km/h in a
100km/h zone in Co. Donegal.” “We are seeing exactly the same pattern and crucially, the technology now exists to identify these reckless and irresponsible drivers. For example, at AIG we have recently cancelled young driver policies for driving at 193km/h on a motorway and 170km/h on a secondary road. Eradicating reckless driving will reduce the threat to drivers, passengers and the general public.” “We feel telematics is a win-win,
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not just for road safety but also for our customers, many of whom are delighted with the cost savings, and being rewarded for safe driving.” “In addition, the Cost of Insurance Government Action Plan supports the use of technology to benefit consumers. AIG supports this recommendation and believes telematics is part of the answer to reduce costs for safe drivers and promote road safety”. AIG is committed to promoting safe driving and has gained
tremendous insight into Irish driver behaviour over the last four years since bringing telematics insurance products to the Irish market, consisting of BoxyMo, XLNTdriver Mobile App and AIG BoxClever. These products offer motorists a combination of discounted premiums, real-time information and timely feedback on their driving, to ultimately improve their driving behaviour and make Irish roads safer. garageTRADER - 35
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JLR LAUNCH
N. CONLAN & SONS CELEBRATE OPENING OF NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART JAGUAR LAND ROVER SHOWROOM
Raymond Conlan watches Jaguars, Land Rovers, Gerard O’Farrell cutting the ribbonx
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Conlan & Sons celebrated the launch of its luxurious new 12,500 sq. /ft. showroom with a special event attended by 500 loyal customers, local VIPs and Jaguar Land Rover enthusiasts. In addition to the 12,500 sq./ft. showroom the new premises incorporates a purposebuilt state-of-the-art 10,500 sq./ft. workshop and a 5,000 sq./ft. hightech bodyshop. Fiona O’Loughlin, Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South, was MC for the evening and welcomed keynote speaker, Sinead Kane, the first visually impaired runner to complete seven marathons over seven days on seven continents. Sinead delivered a powerful message on how adversity and resilience can stimulate growth and potential. The new showroom is the ultimate reflection of the Jaguar Land Rover 36- garageTRADER
ethos, offering customers a truly premium sales and ownership experience. Over the last 6 months, the Conlans showroom has been transformed into a landmark building in the local community with a warm, refined and eyecatching design. The new premises are not only the biggest in Ireland, but one of the finest in Europe and they are conveniently located between Naas and Newbridge just off the M7 at Junction 10, only twenty minutes from the M50. Conlans’ customers are now treated to the full range of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles with 7 Jaguars and 7 Land Rovers on display. What’s more, there are more parking spaces compared with the old site, as well as a thoroughly modern and luxurious design developed with the help of architecture firm Taylor Design Architects. N. Conlan & Sons Jaguar Land Rover has also included a new
Nicky and Raymond Conlon
handover bay, where customers will receive a VIP handover experience before driving straight out of the showroom. A modern colour and trim section gives visitors the perfect opportunity to ensure they can specify their new Jaguar Land Rover exactly how they want it. Conlans’ Jaguar Land Rover showroom is the latest dealership to launch Jaguar Land Rover’s new corporate identity and design in Ireland. This is currently being rolled out across the retail network in Ireland. By 2018 all retailer sites will be dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover sites, consistent in look and feel, with a premium design and high quality materials. Gerard O’Farrell, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is enjoying a period of rapid growth and a considerable part of our success is down to our excellent
retailers. N. Conlan & Sons’ stunning new showroom is a great addition to our retail network and a sure sign of their commitment to grow their business and provide an even stronger service to their customers. This new facility is a fitting home for our fantastic range of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.” Raymond Conlan, Managing Director at N.Conlan & Sons said: “Thank you to our customers for their loyalty and support over the last 52 years. The design, engineering, technology and craftmanship of Jaguar Land Rover are the ultimate in the sector, and we are delighted to partner with the brand. Together, we have a strong vehicle line up and excellent finance packages available. We are ready for a successful future, and are looking forward to a promising 2018.”
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NEWS GT
Dave Sheeran joins Donnelly Group as MD T he Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned new and used vehicle retailer has appointed a new managing director. Dave Sheeran joins the Donnelly Group from Opel Ireland, where he was Managing Director and brings with him 30 years of industry experience across Sales, Marketing and Aftersales in the UK and Europe. He will be responsible for leading the more than 720 employees that make up the Donnelly Group, which includes Donnelly and Taggart, across its eight locations in Northern Ireland incorporating 18 manufacturers including Fiat, Honda, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Terence Donnelly, Executive Chairman of the Donnelly Group, said:
“Dave Sheeran has a wealth of experience in the motor industry and is one of the most respected leaders in the local vehicle retailer sector and we’re delighted with his appointment.
“As the Donnelly Group celebrates 70 years serving the motoring public, I know that Dave Sheeran shares our values and will drive the Donnelly Group to continued future success.” Dave Sheeran joins the Donnelly Group at an exciting period in the company’s evolution as Directors Raymond Donnelly and Houston Taggart, commented: “The Donnelly Group is an institution in the local motoring sector and we are intent on continuing the pioneering strategy that differentiates the Group for its customers and the manufacturers we represent.
“Over the last number of years, we have strengthened our partnership with our vehicle franchises and invested in our showrooms as we continue to offer our customers the best value and service.” The Donnelly Group was founded Dave Sheeran, Centre, in 1947 by with Raymond and Terence Terence and Donnelly Raymond’s father Peter Donnelly The group, headquartered when he opened a vehicle repair in Dungannon, has grown and taxi business in Caledon, significantly over the decades County Tyrone.
Denis & Mary Ryan take top Citroen award
D
enis & Mary Ryan Car Sales, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, has been awarded the Citroën & DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Award 2017, from a network of 19 authorised sales dealerships nationwide. Denis and Mary Ryan were officially presented with the award by Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroën & DS Ireland at the 2017 Dealer Conference. Originally appointed to the Citroën Network in 1991; Denis & Mary Ryan Car Sales are the longest serving Citroën dealership in Ireland. As proud sponsor of Schull and Goleen Social Centres, and of the Fastnet Film Festival the dealership places a strong value on supporting the local community.
At Denis & Mary Ryan’s the team strive to provide the highest standards of service to ensure their customers have a positive sales and service experience. Long term employee, and resident Consultant Technician Derry Collins, epitomises the dealership’s excellent approach to customer care. Denis and Mary have built the dealership over 25 years, and with their son Donnacha now working with them the future of this family business is very strong. Denis Ryan, said, “On behalf of Mary, all the team and myself, I am thrilled to accept this award for Dealer of the Year 2017 from Citroën & DS Ireland. All of team are passionate about providing the highest level of service to our
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Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroën & DS Ireland, Denis & Mary Ryan, Dealer Principals of Denis & Mary Ryan Car Sales and Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of International Motors Limited (IML), UK & Ireland.
customers and I would like to thank our customers for their loyal support over the years. We are very proud to represent Citroën in Cork; as a brand with a rich heritage and
an award-winning range of cars today; the future looks bright with more launches to look forward to in 2018.“ garageTRADER - 37
GT GT
DRIVER’S SEAT
In the Driver’s Seat – Gary Maskrey, Director Of Sales UK &Ireland, WAI
T
ell us about your career so far?
I have been involved in the automotive aftermarket for over 30 years, I started my aftermarket life with GKN autoparts after leaving college, got my first role with a supplier working for Valeo Distribution who had just announced themselves into the UK aftermarket, and the experience this opportunity provided has helped me in my career thus far. I have now been with WAI nearly 4 years which seems to have flown by, 38- garageTRADER
here’s to the next 4! Did you plan to get involved in this industry?
Do not give up, you will get knockbacks but keep persevering and the results will come.
Yes I always wanted to be involved in the industry but was not sure at what part of the industry, so I enrolled in college and through this worked in all aspects from dealerships to bodyshops and then motor factors, I quickly realized that the parts side was the area for me.
Whom do you most admire? I most admired my Mum, who brought me up when Dad died. She taught me the values I hold today.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The pressures I put on myself. What is your most effective or personal asset? Time.
You’ve won the lottery. What car would you rush out and buy? Good question, not sure there are so many options! How do you relax? I like to read (when I get the time), spending time with the family, especially my two young granddaughters Tell us something surprising about yourself… I used to sing in a church choir when I was young.
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