SPRING/summer 2016
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O 2016
ENGLAND GOALKEEPING LEGEND TALKS EUR
MAGAZINE
GROUP A
PLUS:
FRANCE JUNE 10.
20.00
ALBANIA JUNE 11. 14.00
ROMANIA JUNE 15.
17.00
FRANCE JUNE 15.
20.00
ROMANIA JUNE 19.
20.00
SWITZERLAN JUNE 19.
JUNE 11. 17.00
ENGLAND JUNE 11. 20.00
RUSSIA 14.00
ENGLAND JUNE 16.
14.00
SLOVAKIA JUNE 20.
20.00
RUSSIA JUNE 20.
20.00
20.00
17.00
17.00
20.00
17.00
17.00
ALBANIA
ROMANIA
EURO 2016
SWITZERLAND Stade de
ROMANIA France, Saint-Denis
D
Lens
GROUP D
SWITZERLAN Parc des
D
Princes, Paris
ALBANIA Marseille
TURKEY
ALBANIA Stade de Stade Pierre
JUNE 12.
Lyon, Lyon
14.00
SPAIN
France
JUNE 13.
Mauroy, Lille
14.00
SPAIN JUNE 17.
20.00
CZECH REP
JUNE 17.
20.00
CZECH REP
JUNE 21.
SLOVAKIA
20.00
Bordeaux
RUSSIA
Stade Velodrome,
Marseille
1
Mauroy, Lille
Stade Geoffroy Stadium de
RUNNER UP
JUNE 25.
WALES
Guichard, St
A Stade Geoffroy
JUNE 30.
2 3
20.00
Nice, Nice
WINNER MATCH
Stade Velodrome,
Lens
3RD PLACE A/C/D
Parc des Princes,
WINNER MATCH
JULY 1. 20.00
4
JULY 6. 20.00
WINNER QF
Stade de Lyon,
WINNER MATCH
Stade Pierre
RUNNER UP
Stadium de
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your local GROUPAUTO Motor Factor to learn more.
WINNER QF
JUNE 7. 20.00
17.00
3RD PLACE
JUNE 13.
5
A/B/F
Mauroy, Lille
WINNER MATCH
Stade de Bordeaux,
JUNE 18.
14.00
ITALY
WINNER QF
JUNE 27.
17.00
RUNNER UP
Stade de France,
4
Marseille
JUNE 22.
6
D
Saint-Denis
20.00
SWEDEN JUNE 22.
20.00
WINNER A
JUNE 26.
14.00
3RD PLACE
C/D/E
Stade de Lyon,
WINNER MATCH
JULY 3. 20.00
WINNER MATCH
Stade de France,
RUNNER UP
JUNE 27.
has been around obviously. Buffon of Italy for a long the best in world! I’d like time - I still think he is and if he can to inspire Wales. see how Bale gets on Hopefully opportunity Vardy gets and shines his like we know he can!
Lyon
7
7
QUARTER-FINALS
Winners Runners-Up Golden Boot
GROUP F
8
Saint-Denis
B
20.00
RUNNER UP
We spoke to predictions England legend Peter for EURO Shilton and 2016! How do they match asked him for his PLAYERS TO LOOK up to yours? I’ll be watching OUT FOR the keepers YOUR PICKS Golden Gloves Hero Villain
Stade de Nice,
F
Nice
8
AUSTRIA JUNE 14.
17.00
PORTUGAL JUNE 14.
20.00
ICELAND JUNE 18.
17.00
PORTUGAL JUNE 18.
20.00
HUNGARY JUNE 22.
17.00
ICELAND JUNE 22.
w
14.00
BELGIUM
6
Bordeaux
WINNER E
3 Stade Velodrome,
17.00
ITALY JUNE 17.
5
SEMI-FINALS
20.00
17.00
TURKEY
CZECH REP
CROATIA
CROATIA Parc des
Princes, Paris
CZECH REP
Stadium de
Toulouse, Toulouse
TURKEY Stade de Stade Geoffroy
Nice, Nice
CROATIA Guichard, St
Etienne
SPAIN
Stade de Bordeaux,
Bordeaux
TURKEY
Stade Bollaert-Delelis,
Lens
BELGIUM
E
REP OF IRELAND SWEDEN
ITALY
REP OF IRELAND
WINNER C
JUNE 26.
Stade Pierre
WINNER MATCH
JULY 2. 20.00
4
IT TO THE I think France FINAL Germany have have a decent chance on home soil. to be considered success but after the World if England can handle Cup the young talented squad the pressure with then why not!
Sponsors EURO 2016 of the IGNITION Wall Planner Contact
2
Lyon
QUARTER-FINALS
Mauroy, Lille
E
Toulouse, Toulouse
PETER’S PICKS
Marseille
Princes, Paris
00
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
1
Paris
QUARTER-FINALS
20.00
Lyon, Lyon
POLAND POLAND
GERMANY
JULY 10, 20.
BELGIUM JUNE 13.
3
WINNER F
JUNE 26.
N IRELAND France, Saint-Denis
THE FINAL
2
Marseille
SEMI-FINALS
B/E/F
WINNER QF
17.00
UKRAINE Mauroy, Lille
QUARTER-FINALS
1
20.00
3RD PLACE
Stade Bollaert-Delelis,
WINNER B
JUNE 25.
POLAND
N IRELAND Stade de Stade de
Stade Velodrome, Parc des
C
St Etienne
WINNER D
N IRELAND
Stade Pierre
Stade de
RUNNER UP
Guichard,
WINNER MATCH
Etienne
WALES Toulouse, Toulouse
JUNE 25.
UKRAINE
14.00
Lens
ENGLAND
SPAIN
D
GROUP E
SLOVAKIA Stade Pierre
Stade Bollaert-Delelis,
GERMANY
C
JUNE 21.
SLOVAKIA
Stade de Bordeaux,
17.00
CROATIA
WALES
RUSSIA
FRANCE – 10 JULY 2016
10 JUNE
SWITZERLAN Stade Bollaert-Delelis,
Stade Velodrome,
ENGLAND
B
GROUP C GERMANY JUNE 12.
POLAND JUNE 12.
UKRAINE JUNE 16.
GERMANY JUNE 16.
UKRAINE JUNE 21.
N IRELAND JUNE 21.
FRANCE
A
GROUP B WALES
JUNE 15.
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D
20.00
ITALY
Stade de Stade de
Lyon, Lyon
SWEDEN France, Saint-Denis
Stadium de
SWEDEN Toulouse, Toulouse
REP OF IRELAND
Stade de Bordeaux,
Bordeaux
REP OF IRELAND
Stade Pierre
Mauroy, Lille
BELGIUM Stade de
Nice, Nice
PORTUGAL
F
AUSTRIA
ICELAND
HUNGARY
HUNGARY
Stade de Bordeaux, Stade Geoffroy
Bordeaux
ICELAND Guichard, St
Etienne
HUNGARY
Stade Velodrome,
Marseille
AUSTRIA Parc des
Princes, Paris
PORTUGAL Stade de Stade de
Lyon, Lyon
AUSTRIA France, Saint-Denis
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Editor’s letter Here it is! You’re latest edition of IGNITION magazine brought to you by GROUPAUTO...
Top Car Gadgets
We take a look at the newest car gadgets that will make your life easier.
Peter Shilton Exclusive
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England’s all time number one talks to IGNITION about his career, Leicester City success and EURO 2016!
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In this jam-packed edition we focus on Euro 2016 in France with an exclusive interview with England legend Peter ‘Safe Hands’ Shilton. We give you tips on how to throw a themed party when sitting down with your pals to watch the games and enclose a Euro 2016 wall planner you can place in your garage workshop to track every match. We meet up with Jet Ski champion Anya Colley, boxing twin Gavin McDonnell and players from the Premier League Darts and Super League Netball teams. Also in this edition we’ve done the hard work for you and found the perfect gift ideas for Father’s Day.
Let’s Chat
We Love the Darts
Check out our guide on how to include social media in your customer service strategy.
ApprovedGarages.co.uk sponsors the 2016 Premier League Darts and interviews the top 10 darts players in the world.
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We also look at social media techniques you can implement to engage with your customers and how you can take inspiration from dealerships to improve customer service in your own garage. Don’t forget, GROUPAUTO motor factors have access to quality parts and provide high levels of service to independent garages across the UK. Find your local GROUPAUTO motor factor today at www.groupauto.co.uk/distributor. Chris Chaplin GROUPAUTO
Game Changers
Anya Colley
IGNITION Magazine speaks to the British, European & World Jet Skiing Champion about her extreme hobbies!
Quality parts available from your local GROUPAUTO motor factor that will change the way you do business.
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Impressive structures breaking new heights.
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01274 654600
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We pair up the perfect beer and snacks to kick-off any Euro 2016 party.
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EXCL
USIV
ONE OF WORLD FOOTBALL’S GREATEST SHOT STOPPERS, PETER SHILTON, TALKS TO IGNITION ABOUT HIS SCHOOLDAYS, CLUB SUCCESSES AND ENGLAND MEMORIES AS WELL AS GIVING HIS VIEWS ON EURO 2016 IN FRANCE NEXT MONTH.
Peter Shilton achieved an incredible 125 caps for England, becoming the most capped England player in history. This could have been many more if not for sharing the shirt with Ray Clemence during part of his England career.
E INT
ERVI
EW
HOW DOES THE ENGLAND SQUAD LOOK FOR EURO 2016 IN YOUR VIEW?
England has some fantastic players in the squad. With a young front line in Harry Kane and Vardy that are both on form we have a strong strike force. The Everton duo of Stones and Barkley in my opinion should be utilised. Barkley, with his spark, has hints of Gazza about him. I’m disappointed with Wiltshire’s injury situation as he is a serious diamond in the pack. CAN YOU NAME 3 OF THE BEST PLAYERS YOU HAVE PLAYED WITH IN YOUR ENGLAND CAREER?
That’s such a difficult one to pick out just three in my career. I played behind Bobby Moore when I first made the England side. Bobby wasn’t only a leader but he had quality in passing and tackling and although he was to the end of his career he was still class. Gary Lineker was a top striker, maybe not the ultimate footballer, but in the box he was a great goal scorer, something that doesn’t come easy at the top level. I would certainly put Gazza on
that list, when he was at his best that is. Gazza could do anything, score goals, be creative, tackle – his overall ability was up there but unfortunately that lack of self-discipline stopped him being the greatest.
THE HOME NATION SUCCESS IN QUALIFYING WAS FANTASTIC. LOOKING AT THEIR GROUPS IN FRANCE HOW DO YOU SEE THEM ALL FAIRING? WILL THEY MAKE IT TO THE KNOCK OUT STAGES?
You can never tell in cup competitions. Northern Ireland has done an incredible job getting to this stage and anything they gain from the group is a bonus. Michael O’Neill has done a superb job. Republic of Ireland has a tough group but with a manager like Martin O’Neill with his hunger to win he will get the best out of his players. The two draws against Germany and Poland during qualifying prove their quality and desire.
Wales will make it difficult for any team. Bale will inspire the squad and I can see them in the knock out stages with England. On ability England are probably in the best position they have been in for some time. Since the World Cup, Hodgson has moulded a squad of young players that can get better and better. My big concern would be defensively, I think the Stones and Cahill partnership has looked the strongest pairing. We need to prove in tournament stage that we have the will-to-win attitude that’s needed. HOW DOES JOE HART COMPARE TO THE GREATS LIKE YOURSELF?
Joe Hart is England’s number one and the first choice for good reason. He is well established although he must keep on his toes as the other keepers challenging him like Foster and Butland are in great form too. I had similar competition in the number one shirt with Ray Clemence, Chris Woods, Dave Beasant but that only makes you better and more focused.
CONTINUED...
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PLAYING FOR YOUR COUNTRY BRINGS PLAYERS FROM OTHER CLUBS TOGETHER. WHAT SORT OF THINGS DID YOU ALL DO OUTSIDE OF TRAINING TO BECOME CLOSER AS A TEAM?
Managers over the years had different ideas. For example with Ron Greenwood he would let players go down to the local on the Sunday night before starting training camp on the Monday which you could not imagine teams doing nowadays. Don Revy on the other hand, although players hated it, used to play bingo and carpet bowls! Playing for England needs to feel like playing at your club and you also need some good characters to help make it fun. You also need strong characters that can cope with the pressures and time away on tour. WHO WERE THE FUN CHARACTERS YOU CAN REMEMBER?
There were always great characters. Kevin Samson was funny telling stories and jokes. Gazza was always a pain playing tricks on people but it was very amusing – as long as it wasn’t you on the end of it.
YOU HAVE PLAYED IN THE BIG COMPETITIONS AND BEEN CLOSE TO MAKING THE FINAL AT ITALIA 90, DO YOU THINK ENGLAND CAN GO ONE BETTER IN FRANCE?
We were unlucky in all three of the World Cups I was involved in. In 82 we had an unfortunate time with injuries to Trevor Brooking and Kevin Keegan. We didn’t lose a game but came home after draws with Spain and Germany. In Mexico 86 we had the infamous hand of god and we had two incidents not picked up by the referee that may have changed the game, although I’m not sure we would have beaten Argentina either way. Then we had bad luck in Italia 90. Firstly Brian Robson got injured before going out to the competition and then the penalty shootout in the Semi Final was simply a lottery. When Peter started his career keepers were without gloves and tried everything they could to help the ball stick to their hands. In 06
one game against Leeds United Peter recalls a funny solution to this. “Leeds keeper Gary Sprake was going through a difficult time with fans due to a few mistakes in previous games and I kept seeing pieces of paper appearing in his goal and couldn’t work out what they were. On the final whistle I ran over to shake hands with Sprake when I realised his hands were covered in white blobs. During the game Gary had decided to chew strip after strip of chewing gum and stick them to his hands and finger tips in an attempt to improve his grip. It’s safe to say we didn’t shake hands – it was very strange!” “The thing is keepers are easy targets for criticism as every mistake is highlighted more than any other position. A keeper can have five top saves but that one mistake can be singled out and tarnish a great performance.”
team was an incredible period. I then went on to play for England Youth and progressing on to playing for England at all levels, something that had only ever been done once before. All these sort of moments were special to me. WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THE YOUNG GOALKEEPERS IN CLUBS AROUND THE COUNTRY?
I would say work as hard as you can and try and improve your weaknesses. Try and get proper coaching from a trainer, use books or online tutorials for better techniques. BEING A SUPPORTER OF LEICESTER CITY, HOW IMPRESSED ARE YOU WITH THEIR SUCCESS THIS SEASON?
I think at club level it was my time at Nottingham Forest. I joined after they just
I support all the teams I have played for; Southampton, Derby, Plymouth, Stoke and my time at Nottingham Forest with the success we had means they will always be close to my heart. I have a real affinity with all the supporters and clubs I have played for, I tried to give 100% in every game and the fans respected that. If I’m going to be honest though the one team I have followed since I was young is Leicester City
got promotion and it was an incredible time for the club. Everything went so well for us; three years winning the league, 2 european cups and league cups – it doesn’t get much better but to be honest I couldn’t forget the earlier parts of my career.
and their success this season is special. I can compare the success of Leicester City with my time at Forest, when critics thought their early season success was just a flash in the pan and the bubble would burst, Leicester just continued to progress.
I always remember starting out as a schoolboy in the game with loads of ambition. I worked hard, trained after school and then went home to do my homework. Getting in to the Leicester schools team was fantastic.
WHAT DO YOU PUT THEIR SUCCESS DOWN TO?
WHAT WAS THE BEST EVER PERIOD FOR YOU IN YOUR LONG SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL CAREER?
I always set myself goals and one of mine was to play for England schoolboys which I achieved playing at Wembley in front of 90,000 against Scotland schoolboys. Then to sign for Leicester as an apprentice where we had to do all the jobs around the ground like clean boots and wash the kit, then making my debut for the 1st team when I was still an apprentice against Everton - taking over from Gordon Banks when I was just 17 - playing for my home team of Leicester City from youth to first
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I think they had a good base to build on from the end of last year. Right through the team they have quality. Kasper Schmeichel is a solid keeper plenty of stature like his dad and leadership qualities. Two centre halves in Morgan and Huff that remind me of Larry Lloyd and Kenny Burns. The midfield has real quality with Mahrez and Kanté, and also Drinkwater really stepping up this season. Then there’s the scoring sensation Jamie Vardy, who has always been a top goal scorer but seems to have gone up that extra level. The manager has great experience and has brought out the best in players and it seems to be a fantastic team spirit he has instilled.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO ENJOY PLAYING FOR YOUR MANAGER AND LOOKING BACK WHICH MANAGER DID YOU MOST ENJOY PLAYING FOR?
You’ve got to enjoy your football full stop. I think the pressure has got to be taken off players by the manager. Clough was good at that. We always knew he was in control of everything and all we had to concentrate on was playing football. We didn’t have to worry about the press as Clough would keep them in their place. Claudio Ranieri has done that for his players.
CONTINUED...
WHAT WAS THE BEST GOAL SCORED AGAINST YOU EVER?
I ALWAYS LIKE TO THINK THEY HAD TO BE GREAT GOALS TO BEAT ME!
Maradona was the best player I have ever played against and his goal against me was quality, but Alan Mullery scored a volley against me from about 25 yards that was given Match of the Day Goal of the Season in 1974. He was playing for Fulham against me when I was playing for Leicester. I always said I got my fingers to it but it was when the ball was on the way back out of the net he hit it that hard - I always like to think they had to be great goals to beat me! WHAT’S THE BEST GOAL SCORED BY AN ENGLAND TEAM MATE?
The goal from David Platt against Belgium at Italia 90 was unbelievable. The technique for the finish after Gazza put in a quality pass was top draw. Also to score in the last minute of extra time to put us into the quarter finals has to put it as one of the best World Cup goals I have been involved in. COULD YOU PICK OUT KEY PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR AT THE EURO’S?
I will be watching the keepers obviously. Buffon of Italy has been around for a long time and I have a lot of respect for him - I still think he is the best in world. It will be interesting to see if he can still perform on the big stage this time round. I’m also interested to see how Bale gets on and if he can inspire Wales. Hopefully Vardy gets his opportunity to shine like we know he can!
WHO MAKES IT TO THE FINAL?
I think France have a decent chance on home soil. Germany have to be considered after the World Cup success but if England can handle the pressure with the young talented squad then why not!
THROWING A EURO 2016 PARTY?
We’ve scoured Europe for the best party food and drinks so you can throw your own EURO 2016 party. Check it out on page 18!
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Tif f Needell
BOXING
Approved Garages’ Man Gavin McDonnell Set For World Title Fight British boxer Gavin McDonnell has battled his way up the ranks and is closing in on his shot at a world title after the unanimous points victory over Jorge Sanchez.
McDonnell vs. Sanchez was on the undercard of an impressive fight night, which was live on Sky Sports Box Office in February. Sanchez - nicknamed El Bufalo - was previously unbeaten and started the fight strong. But after he hit the canvas in the second round, super fit McDonnell eased to a comfortable win.
McDonnell took the WBC Silver Super-bantamweight title and upped the ante in his campaign to become WBC Super-bantamweight champion by the end of 2016.
There were 6,000 people there just for the weigh-in! In such a rich vein of form, it’s hard to imagine that McDonnell’s first ever professional fight was just a little over five years ago. Approved Garages has stood by their man and continue to sponsor the Doncaster born champion in his world title plans. “It's snowballed for me and it just keeps getting better,” said McDonnell in post-fight interview with Sky Sports . “I fought in the Sheffield Arena a couple of times in front of 9,000 but there were 5 or 6,000 there for the weigh-in yesterday”
Gavin McDonnell in action
Gavin McDonnell Born: March 30, 1986 (age 30) Division: Super-bantamweight Total fights: 15 Draws: 2 Losses: 0 Wins by KO: 4 Follow: @bigtwinnygav
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SPACE:
WHAT’S THE NEXT LEAP FOR MANKIND? AFTER BRITISH ASTRONAUT, TIM PEAKE, WAS LAUNCHED INTO SPACE ON THE 15TH DECEMBER 2015, IGNITION MAGAZINE WANTED TO FIND OUT WHAT ELSE WAS HAPPENING UP THERE!
TIM PEAKE BRITISH ASTRONAUT PEAKE WILL WORK ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS AND HOUSEKEEPING. ONE OF THE MAIN PARTS OF THE ASTRONAUTS’ WORK IS TO KEEP EVERYTHING WORKING ON THE SPACE STATION. TIM PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST SPACEWALK OUTSIDE THE ISS BY A BRITISH ASTRONAUT ON 15TH JANUARY 2016. HOPEFULLY HE’LL BE ABLE TO GET A DECENT BREW.
EXOMARS 2016 EXOMARS, WHICH IS MADE UP OF TWO OTHER SPACE MODULES, WILL TELL US MORE ABOUT THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE AND STRUCTURE. EXOMARS WILL ACT AS A DATA COMMUNICATIONS RELAY FOR ANOTHER VESSEL IN 2018. I WONDER IF MATT DAMON’S STILL UP THERE?
JUNO NASA'S JUNO SPACECRAFT IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AT JUPITER ON JULY 4TH, ALMOST FIVE YEARS AFTER THE PROBE LAUNCHED. THE SOLAR-POWERED JUNO WILL MAP OUT JUPITER'S MAGNETIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS, TELLING US KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE ENORMOUS PLANET'S EVOLUTION AND MAKE UP — INCLUDING WHETHER OR NOT IT HAS A SOLID BODY. WHAT ELSE WILL WE FIND?!
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ROSETTA COMET THE FIRST EVER MISSION TO ORBIT AND LAND ON A COMET WILL WRAP UP ON SEPT 30TH, WHEN THE SPACECRAFT SPIRALS DOWN ONTO THE SURFACE OF THE 2.5 MILE-WIDE COMET. LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2004 THE SPACECRAFT ARRIVED TO ORBIT THE COMET IN AUGUST 2014. THE ROSETTA MOTHERSHIP THEN SENT A LANDER CRAFT DOWN ONTO THE ICY COMET’S SURFACE IN NOVEMBER 2014. ARMAGEDDON ANYONE?
SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM NASA'S LARGEST & MOST POWERFUL SPACE SHIP YET, CALLED THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS), IS ON TRACK FOR A TEST FLIGHT IN 2017. THE ROCKET IS DESIGNED TO CARRY ASTRONAUTS FARTHER INTO THE SOLAR SYSTEM THAN EVER BEFORE. TO INFINTY.......AND BEYOND!
SPACE FAQ’S EVER WONDERED HOW MUCH IT COSTS FOR A SPACE SHUTTLE TO BE LAUNCHED, OR WHAT PLANETS WE COULD INHABIT? IGNITION MAGAZINE HAS THE ANSWERS...
Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LAUNCH A SPACE SHUTTLE?
Q. IS THE FLAG STILL ON THE MOON?
Q. WHICH PLANETS WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO LIVE ON?
A. THE AVERAGE COST TO LAUNCH A SPACE SHUTTLE IS ABOUT $450 MILLION PER MISSION.
A. YES. ALTHOUGH NOT VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE FROM EARTH, THE AMERICAN FLAG IS STILL ON THE MOON.
A. MERCURY, MARS, PLUTO AND THE SATELLITES OF THE GIANT PLANETS ARE POSSIBILITIES.
Q. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST OBJECT WE KNOW ABOUT IN THE UNIVERSE?
Q. WHAT KIND OF FOOD DO ASTRONAUTS EAT IN SPACE?
Q. HOW FAST DOES THE SPACE SHUTTLE HAVE TO TRAVEL TO LEAVE THE ATMOSPHERE?
A. NASA'S GALAXY EVOLUTION EXPLORER (GALEX) IS AN ORBITING SPACE TELESCOPE THAT WILL OBSERVE GALAXIES ACROSS 10 BILLION YEARS OF COSMIC HISTORY.
A. DEHYDRATED FOODS, LIKE MACARONI CHEESE AND EGGS, THE ASTRONAUTS ADD WATER TO THEM IN SPACE TO SOFTEN THEM BACK UP.
A. 25,805 MILES PER HOUR OR 11.2 KILOMETERS PER SECOND.
Q. WHY DOES THE MOON SHINE?
Q. WHAT IS AN ASTRONAUT'S SALARY?
Q. WHO WAS THE YOUNGEST ASTRONAUT TO DATE?
A. SEASONED STRONAUT’S CAN EARN UP TO £100,000 PER YEAR.
A. SALLY RIDE WAS 32 YEARS, 23 DAYS OLD WHEN SHE FLEW ON STS-7 IN JUNE 1983.
A. WHEN WE SEE THE MOON, WHAT WE CALL MOON SHINE IS DUE TO THE LIGHT OF THE SUN SHINING ON THE MOON'S SURFACE.
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WITH SKYSRAPERS BREAKING NEW HEIGHTS AND VAST TUNNELS CREATING MORE & MORE TRANSPORTATION LINKS, IGNITION MAGAZINE TAKES A LOOK AT THE MOST IMPRESSIVE STRUCTURES ON THE PLANET!
MEGA2. SKYTREE, TOKYO Time to build: 4 years Cost to build: £806 million The world's tallest ’tower’ in the world (Burj Khalifa remains the world's tallest building) opened in 2012 in Tokyo.
1. LONDON CROSSRAIL, LONDON Time to build: 11 years Cost to build: £23 billion Eight tunneling machines recently wrapped up 26 new miles of tunnel for the new subway track that will connect 40 stations—including 10 completely new ones—to improve transportation in England's capital.
Standing 2,080 feet, the $1.8 billion tower has six TV transmission antennas and has two observation decks for panoramic views, allowing tourists to survey Japan's capital city from 1,476 feet up. As the Skytree's opening approached, people reportedly waited in line for a week to get tickets. By the opening, trips up the tower were fully booked for the first two months of operation.
Crossrail's tunnels are made up of more than 200,000 concrete tunnel segments, with each weighing 3.4 tonnes. Completion date: December 2018
3. FFR GRAND STADE, PARIS Time to build: 4 years Cost to build: £552 million Retractable roofs are nice. Retractable fields, too. Put them together and add 82,000 seats and the rugby federation of France will have a nearly mobile stadium on a giant scale located just south of Paris. The two million-square-foot venue will become one of the largest stadiums in all of Europe, including serving as the largest roofed entertainment venue and one of the most moving. Completion date: 2017
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5. BAY BRIDGE EASTERN SPAN, SAN FRANCISCO Time to build: 12 years Cost to build: ÂŁ6.4 billion
4. SONGJIANG HOTEL, CHINA Time to build: 2 years Cost to build: ÂŁ538 million Don't mind the waterfall. It's a key feature of this hotel built into a 328-foot-tall quarry outside of Shanghai. The 19-story hotel will have the waterfall cascading down the middle and two hotel floors that are entirely underwater. The building will use geothermal technologies to generate its own electricity and lighting, while greenery will blanket a roof that extends two storeys above the edge of the quarry.
The world's longest self-anchored suspension bridge, thanks to its 2,047-foot main span, is also the world's widest bridge. A single 2.6-foot-diameter main cable loops around the roadway, held aloft on a 525-foot tower that supports 90% of the bridge's weight. The newest section of bridge has been under construction for nearly 12 years and follows years of political bickering, engineering challenges and cost overruns
6. NEW CENTURY GLOBAL CENTRE, CHINA Time to build: 3 years Cost to build: Too much! At more than 18 million square feet, the New Century Global Centre is the world's largest freestanding building in terms of floor space. The structure includes multiple shopping malls, hotels, offices, theatres, theme-park-like attractions, and even a water park.
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Y R E IV L W E N IL E V N U G WIX RACIN N O S A E S C C T B 6 1 0 2 E H AHEAD OF T As they enter their third season as title sponsors, WIX Filters are proud and looking forward to the new campaign in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with a fresh new look. The WIX Racing Mercedes A-Class takes inspiration from the WIX Filters Global Rallycross car, driven by Nelson Piquet Jr, which with its bold and predominant design will make the WIX Racing Mercedes A-Class, driven by Adam Morgan stand out amongst the rest of the field.
manufactures and distributes products for the automotive market. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin and fuel.
Since 1939, WIX has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs,
As well as on track, the new livery will be replicated on the WIX Filters replica show car
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WIX uses motorsports as a gruelling testing ground for scenarios involving high temperatures, fluctuations in pressure and rapid breakdown of engine oil.
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which is used within the business for garage visits and trade shows 5 days a week. If you see the BTCC replica show car in your area, share a picture through one of our social media channels.
The high level motorsport branding fits in well with the WIX brand having had such a rich motorsport heritage throughout our 76 year history Including NASCAR in America and of course, Global Rallycross. “We had fantastic results in 2015 with 7 podiums including the win at Thruxton and
now the whole team look to build on that by going for the Independents trophy” Anton Spires – Marketing Coordinator.
/wixracinguk
You can follow WIX Racing on various forms of social media to keep up to date with all the latest information from the team and driver.
@wixracinguk @wixracinguk
Watch the WIX Racing car in action at a circuit near you! The full BTCC calendar is displayed below: April 2-3: Brands Hatch (Indy) April 16-17: Donington Park May 7-8: Thruxton June 4-5: Oulton Park (Island) June 18-19: Croft July 30-31: Snetterton August 13-14: Knockhill August 27-28: Rockingham September 17-18: Silverstone October 1-2: Brands Hatch (Grand Prix)
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW WIX'S HOSPITALITY VIDEO
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15
Auto Dealership Tips: How they’re attracting the Millennials Industries everywhere are upping their game to attract a new type of customer: The millennial!
These customers are attracted by experiential customer service and transactions.
These customers, also known as the Generation Y are the generation born between the early 80’s to the early 2000’s.
We take a look at what the big players in the auto dealership game are doing around the world and how you can attract these customers using some similar methods.
01. LEXUS STORE, TOKYO Lexus wanted customers to experience the brand without getting behind a steering wheel.
What an independent garage can do:
They developed a retail space, where guests could experience the brand by experiencing the brand personality – right from the design, artwork, culture, film, music and more.
• Play music that resonates with the image of your brand for your customers in the waiting area
They also serve a world renowned coffee at their very own Lexus Café.
• Create a unique brand for your business by giving it a personality
• Display some artwork in the reception area or try placing photographs, plants or other items that brighten up the space
02. ISLAND LINCOLN, FLORIDA
CA
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OFFE
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RBUC
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As if that isn’t enough, the dealership has an 1890’s style barbershop and hairstylist on site.
You needn’t rush off to hire a barber or hairstylist. Instead, opt for subtler ways to attract the millennial customer • Buy a coffee machine to serve your customers some posh coffee • If you have space then create a play area with some toys. Keep your magazines up to date and you could even buy a television to put in the waiting area • For quirkier upgrades in your waiting room, you could get a massage chair for the customer to use whilst they wait.
KS
The members are entitled to benefits such as gourmet coffee from their very own coffee shop called ‘Carbucks’ (Are you also picking up that artistic coffee is trendy with dealerships?), access to their full ‘Work Out Room’, a play area for children, as well access to their games arcade.
What an independent garage can do:
FFE CO
This auto dealership allows customers to enrol into a ‘club membership’.
TIPS for your garage: Allow flexibility by working around the customer’s day Impeccable presentation in all customer exposed areas is vital Invest in a coffee machine and some fresh coffee beans If a customer drops off their car before work, offer a breakfast bag – or if they are picking up their car at 7pm leave a snack and drink on the passenger seat?
Why not give first time customers a loyalty discount?
Offer free Wi-Fi connection in your waiting area
It pays to be tech-savvy in this digital age and sign up to Facebook, Twitter and maybe even Instagram! Some garages have started sending their customers video clips of the work being carried out on their vehicles It’s all about being transparent for the millennial customer!
If your customer brings a small child, then why not offer a colouring book and a pack of crayons? You can even just simply give them a balloon or a sticker. For more tips on how to attract customers, take a look at our social media tips on page 24.
03. ASTON MARTIN, LOS ANGELES The Club Aston in Los Angeles is the ultimate breath-taking experience for any Bond-loving consumer. Aston Martin have created a James Bond adventure within their dealership. Entry to this upscale place requires a pre-booked appointment and a thumbprint identification opens a vault like door. The customer is to go onwards from there to a stark circular chamber with James Bond music playing softly in the background. The salespeople then approach the customer with a classic Bond beverage: Martini (Shaken, not stirred, of course!). The interior boasts a mirrored ceiling, steel panelling and huge doors to protect your new Aston Martin from evil-doers. We really can’t make this stuff up!
What an independent garage can do: From this we learn that with many millennial customers, it’s all about having a unique experience – something that sets you apart and something they can tweet about to their friends later. That is why it’s especially important to create an atmosphere worth experiencing.
• It’s not necessary to think of this on a grand scale – you can simply host an event night for ladies’ car maintenance, or a 007 themed evening for your regular customers. • Allow digital parity – make sure you have a Facebook and Twitter page to publicise any events you decide to host.
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O1.
O2.
O3.
Don’t forget to check out our EXCLUSIVE interview with England legend Peter Shilton AND put up your EURO 2016 Wall Planner!
01. BEER!
Every good party needs good beer! We’ve picked ‘Kill Your Darlings’ from Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell. This Vienna style lager is reddish brown and has crisp, fresh flavours. Perfect to wash down the rest of our party treats! 18
02. ALL THE MEAT!
How do you make a burger better? Add more meat! This Beef and Chorizo burger will be a hit at your party. By adding Spanish Chorizo and paprika to the mince, your guests will be blown away by the flavour!
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O4.
03. SWEET TOOTH?
If you prefer the sweeter treats at parties then why not try a Belgian Waffle covered in fresh strawberries and cream. You can buy these from any supermarket and will be great after the spicy Chorizo burger! Also: why not try them with Nutella
HOW TO THROW A
O5.
EURO 2016 PARTY
O6.
At IGNITION we love football and we love a party! Put them together and we’re in. We’ve scoured Europe to find you the best party food and drinks so you throw your own EURO 2016 party and impress your mates!
04. SOMETHING NEW!
Pierogi (pronounced pi-roh-ghee) are a Polish delicacy. These stuffed dumplings can be sweet or savoury and are bursting with flavour. They’re also surprisingly easy to make and are a great bite-size snack. Serve with sour cream dip and fried onions.
05.
06.
FOR THE LADIES!
GET A ‘PIZZA’ THIS!
Vodka, lemon juice, raspberry licquer and champagne? What more do you need from a cocktail. To make: Mix Vodka with the lemon juice, licquer, sugar syrup and ice then shake or stir until cold. Top with sparkling wine for a refreshing finish.
The only way to make a party better? Pizza! Why not make your own and let your guests choose their own toppings. We recommend mozzarella, spicy salami , basil and tomato! Feeling brave? Try and make a Calzone to really show off. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
19
A WINNING EXPERIENCE
Racing drivers know everything about their cars. Professional racers and enthusiasts get regular practice. They assess the opposition, the track and the racing conditions. They rehearse the start. They visualise the finish. Then they plan their racing strategy. They imagine all of the possible scenarios. Head for the front, right from the off? Perhaps. Or, maybe, hold back at the start and stay out of trouble, with the aim of exploiting an opportunity at the business end of the race. It’s a risk, yes, but it’s one they will have taken before – and sometimes with reward. The point is, they have alternatives. They can rely on experience when they need to. It was a different story for these two race day rookies. They were about to take on the regulars after winning a sales incentive.
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Their day was all about two choices. Go for broke, or just aim to get around in one piece!
Leewood Motor Club is a 400 metre autograss circuit, located near Wilmslow in Cheshire.
This particular incentive was organised by Gates, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of belts and tensioners for timing belt drives and front-end accessory drives. The driving experience was intended as a reward for sales performance. The two Gates drivers would be racing around an unfamiliar track against club racers during a club racing day – all of whom would be desperate to win.
After a health and safety briefing, there would be an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Gates car, practice a racing start, then take the car out around the track. They will race in two qualifying heats of up to eight cars, followed by a final. Each race will be 4 laps of the circuit. May the best driver win!
Two Drivers, One Car, Same Track
David Smith was a complete race driving day rookie, a fact that became evident right from the start:
David Smith is the proprietor of the Nottinghamshire-based motor factor DSW. Chris Warner is a van delivery driver with Partic Motor Spares, a motor factor based in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
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Starting trouble
“These cars are very light and very powerful, so you can get away really quickly. I had a trial start and when the
starting rope went up, I floored the accelerator only to discover that the pit mechanic had forgotten to put the pins in the bonnet. It flew up. I was going like stink and could see absolutely nothing." Second place in Heat 1 marked him out as a man to be beaten and in Heat 2, most of the club drivers managed to achieve that thanks to some artful racing and some circuit skulduggery. "It was great fun and when you are out in front you've got so much more time to make decisions. I then found out just how competitive everybody else was and got completely knocked off the track in the second race. Once I'd managed to extract myself from the tyre wall, I did manage to get back into the race but 5th place was about the best I could manage." Starting from the back in his final, David crept through the field only to be edged out of a 4th place finish on the line. It was a fine series of results to take home from your racing debut. Dusty road With some experience of super carts and motorcycle racing, Chris Warner knew a little bit more about what to expect from the competition - if not the equipment: “I was wearing my own racing suit and full-face helmet. I couldn't understand why everybody else was wearing a motocross helmet. It's not a clean ride and I realised that when you wear a full-face helmet with the visor down, all the dust from the track gets pulled inside the visor. Each time I went into a corner, I got half a tonne of dust up my nostrils."
“THERES NO SPEEDO ON THE DASHBOARD, SO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DOING 500 MPH DOWN THE STRAIGHT”
He decided to stay out of trouble at the back of the field for the first two heats and atoned with a fighting performance in his final: "There's no speedo on the dashboard, so you feel like you are doing 500 mph down the straight, which adds to the excitement. I could really feel the competitive edge kick in during the last race." A satisfying 5th place finish was a just reward for the late rush.
As the manufacturer of the drive belts, Gates was no doubt pleased to hear that both drivers were impressed by the amount of power delivered by the engine, and that they were able to use it to give as good an account of themselves around the track as they did on the sales circuit.
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21
CO AN LL YA EY
AN ION E P MP O UR CHA E , D S S! I H L K Y IS OR S U T T I W G E R E J B D G H T N N A CI ST RA AIN AG
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How did you get into racing jet skis? I just rode them for fun from the age of 5 with friends and family until I went to watch a European race while on holiday in Portugal in 2004; it was definitely love at first sight. After some persuading I managed to get my parents to let me give it a go. So in the very cold winter months of 2005 I took part in my very first race, I instantly loved it and have never looked back.
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Apart from Jet skiing, what are your other passions? Anything adrenalin based, I use motocross to help with my jet ski training but anything that gets my heart beat up and pretty much anything that challenges me ... mini bikes, snow boarding , mountain biking, wake boarding.
Who are your inspirations and idols? Every single person on the start line of my race. Sport to me is about competing and every single person on that start line is important. You never know who is going to be on fire that day! You work hard to get good and you work even harder to get better, and that person on fire that day inspires you to work even harder than that.
If you could travel across America by land what transport would you use? Never really thought about this but I would probably drive a great big motor home with a large garage in the back, so I could then take a lot of toys, like a motocross bike, mountain bike, jet ski etc… (I get bored easy and it’s a long drive). And of course let’s not forget my mates… I could fit more in this than a car!
How much time do you spend training both physical and riding? I have a personal trainer Peter Eccles at Elite Training and train 3 days a week with one-to-one sessions working to improve my strength, endurance and overall fitness for racing. Being physically fit not only improves my racing endurance it also improves my confidence and mind set.
Do you get full sponsorship for your racing? I actually get help in different ways from each of my sponsors and all of them are amazing. I know people say this all the time but honestly without these sponsors there would be no racing for me full stop. My sponsors are the reason I can do what I love and I feel very honoured and lucky to have such a supportive team beside me. We’re very close to the start of the season and the only thing left for me now is to fund my flights to the USA - so if anyone out there owns an airline?! haha.
How do you relax if at all? Bit of a tough question for me because relaxing isn’t something I’m known to be good at but I guess I’d say road trips… I have the best girl friends ever and we take on road trips, sing our way to our destination and just generally have a blast.
So does jet skiing earn you a living? No it never has but I would love it to. That would make life perfect. I work 2 sometimes 3 jobs to fund what I do. When I was younger my parents dedicated so much time, effort and money for me to race stand-up jet skis in close course but now I’m working on my own to find funds for what I do.
Have you sustained any major injuries racing or whilst doing any of your adrenaline sports? I have had a couple of bad soft tissue damages when I have been t- boned, a couple of black eyes and bruised ribs but that's all, thank goodness. I have however broken my arm 3 times climbing a tree, ice skating and riding a horse.
So following on from the above how long do you think you will be able to keep racing top flight jet skis? I would like to think for many years to come. I am probably at my fittest that I have ever been right now. Certainly the strongest I have ever been. Like most sports though it's not just about you it's about the team behind you. You have to have the whole package to be at the top.
To find out more about Anya and her upcoming competitions visit: www.anyas.co.uk
www.facebook.com/anyacolley
@AnyaColley52
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23
socialclub the
SO YOU’VE GOT A FACEBOOK PAGE AND YOU OCCASIONALLY CHECK WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF TWITTER, BUT HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS? HERE’S SOME USEFUL TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR BUSINESS ‘SOCIAL’ LIFE FLYING:
TWITTER IN A NUTSHELL
• Follow people who are of interest/relevant to your business • Send quick-fire, punchy messages (max. 140 characters so readers don’t get bored) • Share interesting news to build a network of followers
#HASHTAGS? TRENDING? RETWEET? WHAT’S THAT I HEAR YOU SAY?!
Create a #hashtag to aggregate a conversation around that topic (limit your tweet to 2 hashtags) Be creative – think of a hashtag that you think other Twitter users will be talking about. Use hashtags that already exist to push your news to a wider audience - #WednesdayWisdom, #ThrowbackThursday, #TGIF; are just some examples of generic hashtags that you can relate in some way to your business. If a hashtag is trending it means it’s a hot topic at that moment in time. Trend lists help users find out about breaking news in real time.
IT’S NOT JUST YOUR NEWS! Retweet relevant subjects that will be of interest to your followers. Keep your followers following - people only follow people or businesses who they are interested in hearing about.
MAKE SURE YOUR TWEETS ARE INTERESTING, RELEVANT AND REGULAR 284 million users Your customers are amongst those tweeters! Capture their attention with special offers, interesting facts and competitions. 18 minutes to change the world Lifespan of a tweet is approximately 18 minutes, after that it’s old news!
TIP TOPTIP FOLLOW THE TREND CHECK WHAT’S TRENDING IN THE TOPICS COLUMN AND MAKE THE #HASHTAG RELEVANT TO YOUR BUSINESS.
Tweet regularly; keep your news at the top of your followers’ feeds. Be careful of spamming the same message over and over again! No one wants to see your BOGOF offer 5 times in a row…
ENGAGE WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS Fewer characters = more engagement Tweets with #hashtags/images = double the engagement rate of those without Only 19% of brands tweet on the weekends - make your business one of them
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FACEBOOK ISN’T JUST FOR TEENAGERS!
Over 30 million Facebook users in the UK alone, it’s safe to say you’re customers are using it. FACT: 1 of every 7 minutes spent online is spent on Facebook!
FIRST THINGS FIRST
…SET UP YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE WITH AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE - MAKE IT CLEAR EXACTLY WHAT YOU DO Share your business page with your friends Make your page a shop window to your business. There are several ways you can post to your page • Photo, link or video with a caption • Create an event page • Location check Customers can ‘check in’ to your business by using GPS if you have identified your location correctly
THE 80-20 RULE FOR POSTING PERFECTION • QUESTION POSTS HAVE 92% HIGHER ENGAGEMENT • DON’T BE ANNOYING - 73% OF SOCIAL MEDIA USERS HAVE ‘UNLIKED’ A BRAND BECAUSE THEY POSTED TOO FREQUENTLY
TOPTIP
TO KEEP R FRIENDS U O Y T N A UW . ETHING YO YOUR FEED IF IT’S SOM HE TOP OF T O T IT IN U CAN P SEEING, YO EMENTS, T ANNOUNC C U D O R P R L FO EVENTS. GREAT TOO HER MAJOR T O D N A S RIE ANNIVERSA BUSINESS
SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TO TWITTER, FACEBOOK ALLOWS MORE FREEDOM WITH YOUR POSTS Think about what your audience would like to see Use a variety of content Use good quality images Post links that they are likely to click
80%
OF YOUR POSTS SHOULD BE SOCIAL
20%
SHOULD BE ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR SOCIAL STARDOM
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CUSTOMER’S INTERACTIONS WITHIN THE HOUR, EVEN THE NEGATIVE ONES. Build your following organically – put your Facebook and Twitter handles on your emails, leaflets and even your work stationery. If you receive negative feedback, reviews, comments count to 10 and think about your response. You can’t change the fact that a customer is unhappy, but you can satisfy them in the way you respond.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS CONTACT THE AUTOCARE TEAM ON 01274 654605 FOR A FREE GUIDE
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25
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LD IN E H E LL B I 2016 W y S a E M h AM THE G o, 8th-12t orld of W nd Orla ESPN Wide e . at th Complex s Sport www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
27
Cool
Car Gadgets
3
Featuring some of the coolest, most exciting car gadgets...
1
2
1. MINDMOBILE CAR LOCATOR
2. AUDIOVOX DVR-300HD DASHCAM
3. CLIFFORD SMARTSTART GPS
Never forgot your phone again. The MindMobile will send out the reminder ring tone when you forget your phone. Never worry about forget where you park your car. This device marks your parking location on your Smartphone and show you how to find it. The device also has a USB port and features a Date & Time Stamped on parking location.Useful for parking meters.
7cm LCD monitor, full HD with 30 frames per second, wide-angle lens, Focal length 3.55 mm. Built-in microphone and loudspeaker, the time and date shown in the video and the device feature two recording modes: endless loop and constant recording. With built-in G-Sensor for automatic recording in the event of accidents - Motion-detection or power-on auto-record.
The Clifford SmartStart GPS (VSM250i) allows control and communication between your smartphone, and your vehicle via the Clifford SmartStart app. You can remote start, lock and unlock your car as well as many other options including remote locking, boot release, simple with a push of a button on your smartphone. Annual subscription required, but no data charges.
Amazon.co.uk £27.95
groupauto.co.uk/distributor from £89.99
Clifford.co.uk from £99.99
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4
6
5
4. ROOF RACK 4 MAN TENT
5. DUAL HEATED TRAVEL MUG
6. KNIGHT RIDER K.I.T.T. CAR USB
Camp in style with this spacious 4 man/ family tent. Expedition quality, tough and convenient. The sleeping area 230cm (Width) X 175cm (Length) X 130cm (Height). Comes complete with foam mattress for a cosy night sleep, Ladder, waterproof travel cover and zip on annex.
The mug keeps your coffee warm wherever you go. Plug it into your car’s power outlet for heat on your long commute. Your coffee will stay hot and fresh all the way to the office, where you can plug it into your computer or USB hub. The Dual Heated Travel Mug is made of durable stainless steel and holds 16oz of your favourite hot beverage.
BE THE HOFF Looks like KITT’s voicebox from the ‘80s series Knight Rider. Light bars sync to audio which plays back 11 different phrases. 1982 Pontiac Trans Am not included.
direct4x4.co.uk £1199.99
thinkgeek.com $22.99
Amazon.co.uk £13.50
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29
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A
STAND UP
COMEDIAN?
By Comedian Jim Bayes 30
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Jim Bayes has been performing as a stand-up since March 2012 and has barely had a week with no gig. He has created a solid 30 minute set as well as having written 2 one hour solo shows for the smaller festivals. With an endearing persona he has built a set of one liner jokes, physical comedy and the storytelling style that has made him a favourite among audiences. Jim also holds courses on stand-up comedy and what it takes to get in on the act. Getting into stand-up is quite easy, there are no official entry level requirements, there’s no education route but you can find courses out there. There's no recognised governing body and no license required. Stand up is a thing anyone can do at any time in their life, with absolutely zero experience or performance skills. If you want to become a good professional stand-up you really have to die first. I mean die on stage while a room full of total strangers hate you; and they will hate you even though all you're trying to do is make them laugh. At the risk of sounding profound, if you want audiences to love you, you must be prepared to allow some to hate you especially in the early days - it's really not personal. Luckily the gigs where they hate you aren't that frequent so I'm really just trying to scare you away so there's more gigs for me. Although these death gigs are rare, you still will have to experience one at some point to become stronger as a performer and learn your craft. A superb comedian called Jonathan Mayor once told me that audiences are in groups of 5, 2 like you, 2 don't (that's just normal) and then there's the 1 that can be swayed. Your job is to give the 2 that like you enough of a performance, they sway the floating voter your way and you eventually drag the other 2 along rather than have the ones that aren't keen drag the floaty vote with them and make the 2 that like you lose faith...Which then becomes a stage death. You of course have to learn comedy in front of an audience. Standing alone in your bedroom telling jokes will only teach you how to tell the jokes when no one is listening; pretty useless really. Without an audience you won't learn which of your jokes are actually funny, what kind of reaction an audience might give, will they groan or sigh or laugh or sit silently hoping the next one is funnier or that a trapdoor will open and you'll be dropped into a pit of lions.
As touched upon earlier there are courses you can attend to learn how to generate material, I myself run one called Learning Funny (www.learningfunny.co.uk) in Hull and Bradford and there's the ‘Fabulous Laugh’ in Leeds, a course run by a brilliant comic named Silky, as well as some very good ones in London and across the country. These courses will teach you how to write jokes or craft a set; you absolutely must create your own.
The early days are a slog, driving to the corners of the country for 10 minutes stage time, night after night, spending every spare penny on fuel or trains and every spare minute gigging. Every one of your friends will assume you'll be on the Apollo soon and people will often say "here's one for you" or assume their rubbish banter is going in your set.
You should also decide what kind of act you'd like to be as this will help you write to that style, maybe a one liner type such as Milton Jones or Tim Vine, maybe a character act like Lee Nelson or the Pub Landlord Al Murray, maybe you want to be dry like Jo Brand, miserable like Jack Dee, ranty like Rhod Gilbert, self-depreciative like Sarah Millican or observational like Michael McIntyre. Whichever style you set out with may change eventually, which is absolutely fine, because as you first set sail on the comedy sea you're going to sometimes experience calm waters and at other times more waves than a Mexican football game. These ups and downs may lead you to modify your style or change it altogether.
You might do a gong show, one of those gigs that the audience can vote you off if you don't make them laugh. You might do a wonderful club gig to a rocking room full of laughter and the audience all think you're fantastic, some nights they will consider carrying you out of the room on their shoulders and rename the town after you, make you major and immediately erect a statue, other nights they will chase you out of town with pitchforks. You may meet faces from the TV, share a stage with someone like John Bishop or Andi Osho, personally I like to play Phoenix Nights cast bingo and cross off a name every time I gig with one of the cast (I'm on 7 of them so far). You will probably change your set 12 times, forget a joke on stage, swear unnecessarily, lie, embellish and maybe even tell truths to strangers about yourself that you'd never tell your best friends. Stand-up comedy is easy to get into, but it's hard to make it work; yes there is a lot of travel, yes there are many late nights, yes you'll have to miss birthdays due to gigs, miss out on weddings, parties and all kinds of family events, yes you'll not make much money, yes you'll spend a lot of money building your experience, yes you'll think of jokes and then have to stop doing them because another act already thought of it, but yes it's absolutely worth it, it's a brilliant experience.
You will probably change your set 12 times, forget a joke on stage, swear unnecessarily, lie, embellish and maybe even tell truths to strangers about yourself that you'd never tell your best friends.
You'll need to book yourself in for some open mic gigs to start out of course, it takes about 2 years or 250 gigs before you see paid work. Open mic gigs are around in most big cities and towns, the longest running one is at the Ape and Apple in Manchester but there are some good ones in Leeds, Newcastle, Cradley Heath, Hull, Nottingham and Liverpool that I have utilised several times.
Just give it a go if you're thinking about it, I'd advise anyone to just try it once, maybe I'll see you in a green room soon. For more details on Jim’s courses or just advice on getting started please visit: www.jimbayescomedy.co.uk.
You can find them on forums such as Open Mic Finder, Chortle, the British Comedy Guide and Facebook Comedy Forum. You may find you need to book a few weeks in advance and my advice would be to go watch a couple of times before performing.
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Tif f Needell S E T H T R A D E #LOV
OFFICIAL PARTNER OF
The Betway Premier League Darts has a ten-player field competing across four months at 16 arena venues, to contest for the prestigious title, which was previously won by Gary Anderson in May 2015.
BETWAY PREMIER LEA
GUE DARTS
The 2016 Premier League has been even bigger and better than ever. With every round televised live on Sky Sports, the sport is growing in popularity as audience numbers continue to soar. The league kicked off in Leeds on February 4th, and will soon reach its thrilling finale at the O2 Arena in London on May 19th. For the first time ever, there will also be a match outside the British Isles as the PDC takes the Premier League to the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam for the penultimate round on May 12th. £725K Prize Pot
This season the Premier League prize money received a cash injection - the overall winner will take home a cheque for £200k!
Winner
£200,000
Runner-Up
£100,000
Semi-Finalists
£75,000
Fifth Place
£60,000
Sixth Place
£50,000
Seventh Place
£45,000
Eighth Place
£40,000
Ninth Place
£30,000
Tenth Place
£25,000
LET’S TALK TO THE PLAYERS! Raymond VAN BARNEVELD
Michael VAN GERWEN
Robert THORNTON
Phil TAYLOR
FIGHTING TALK!
TAKING DARTS HOME!
COMEBACK KING
FERRARI DARTS?!
Q: How does it feel being back in the Premier League?
Q: Last year you told us you were tinkering with your darts. What are you doing darts-wise this year?
Q: Who’s your favourite to win the Premier League 2016?
A: To be honest, we all think that Phil Taylor is the best player in the world. But every year it is the Premier League and you play each player twice, and he hasn’t won it from the last three years, so that says enough. There are more players with fantastic capabilities to lift the trophy. 32
Q: This year there is a leg in the Netherlands. Are you looking forward to that?
A: Yes, the premier league in Netherlands – 9000 tickets sold out in the first 47 mins, so it will go really well. It’s time for the people of Holland to see something special with the Premier League.
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A: Yeah it’s great. I was taken out of it the last time. But I needed the time off. I had a bad time last year, with a couple of deaths and I needed to spend time with the family.
A: For the premier league, I’ve got brand-new ones. Brand-new redesigned super-duper ones. Ferrari ones. The best I’ve ever had. I’m playing proper with them.
Here are some memorable moments in the Premier League 2016 so far: A decade in darts! 16th February 2016 marked 10 years since Barneveld’s debut in the PDC kicked off at the 2006 Premier League season in Blackburn! Michael van Gerwen makes HISTORY! We saw the highest three-dart average ever seen on television! Mighty Mike achieved a 123.40 average on night 4 in Aberdeen, nudging ahead of Phil Taylor in the record books at the same time. The flying Scotsman. Gary Anderson missed the launch night in Leeds due to a chest infection. He scored his first point on night 4 in Aberdeen back on Scottish soil.
Approved Garages sponsorship of darts
#agplayer
SHOOTOUT CHALLENGE Check out the DARTS shootout challenge where Adrian Lewis and James Wade teamed up with Superleague Netball players Sasha Corbin and Lindsay Keable for Approved Garages’ shootout challenge: Search ‘Approved Garages Shootout challenge’ in YouTube.
Approved Garages have benefitted from a share of the darts’ huge audience on social media as the figures for the website page visits, especially during the darts matches has been almost treble the amount they normally are!
Approved Garages have been giving out prizes and free tickets to the Premier League Darts games. Their most popular competition is the #agplayer competition where entrants vote for their ‘Player of the night’ held every Thursday during each match on Twitter. Entrants get a chance to win a pair of tickets to the finals night at the O2 arena in London.
includes:
500+
We’ve got an additional 500+ followers combined on our social media accounts. Follow us on: Twitter @approvedgarages, Instagram @approved_garages and Facebook www.facebook.com/approvedgarages.
DID YOU KNOW? • A darts board is positioned 68 inches above the ground - that’s 5ft 8 inches! • Darts has a long history, starting in Medieval England. Soldiers threw shortened arrows at sections of tree or barrels in order to improve their accuracy. • Before his career in darts, Phil Taylor used to be a ceramic engineer making toilet handles! • James ‘The Machine’ Wade’s nickname comes from the fact that he used to be a mechanic before turning professional.
Peter WRIGHT
Dave CHISNALL
Gary ANDERSON
THE SHOWMAN!
AIMING HIGH
REIGNING CHAMP
Q: Your celebration as you come on and how you get the crowd going is great. Does that give you extra confidence?
Q: Aside from the Premier League what do you hope to achieve in 2016?
Q: Do you find it hard to find time to practice?
A: It does. It gives me confidence and I’m honoured about playing in front of all those people who turn up and take out their Thursday nights to watch the darts. You don’t want to let them down. So that’s what I do. I enjoy myself and make sure they enjoy it too.
A: I hope I can win a major. Everyone is saying it’s coming, but you’ve got to do it. I think I’m playing well enough so that’s my goal this year. I’ve been in the top 10 for 4 years now. So the next goal is to win a major.
A: Once the Premier League starts, we leave home on a Wednesday Morning and get back on a Monday. So that gives us half a day to unpack, get your stuff ready, do what you can do on a Tuesday and then off again on a Wednesday. Even keeping up with the washing – having your clothes ready!
For a chance to win a signed darts board, enter our competition at: ww.approvedgarages.co.uk/ competition/agn/ to enter! T&Cs apply.
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Tif f Needell
BOSAL AUTOMOTIVE AND INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS LTD
‘BLUE ANGEL’ acts as an environmental compass
In co-operation with the technical control board TÜV Nord, the German Federal Environmental Agency introduced the ‘Blue Angel’ (or ‘Blauer Engel’) ecolabel back in 1978. The certificate is awarded for products and services which, when examined in their entirety, prove to be especially environmentally friendly, while at the same time offering maximum technical quality and functionality. As a result, the ecolabel is only awarded to catalytic converters that, during comprehensive tests, meet the
numerous criteria demanded by the RAL-UZ 184 standard. To achieve the standard, components are subjected to a new testing procedure that not only includes an emissions test, but also an artificial ageing process. For garages and car owners, it offers a reliable guideline for purchasing a high quality replacement catalytic converter something that is especially important when you consider the number of poor quality components that are making their way into the market.
More than 12,000 products and services from around 1,500 companies are distinguished with the ‘Blue Angel’, which essentially acts as an environmental compass for new products. Continued compliance is ensured through annual follow-up examinations which are undertaken by a certified organisation. To request further details about Bosal’s range of ‘Blue Angel’ catalytic converters, Call 01772 771010
“GREEN” BEARING MATS Instead of using plastic mineral fibres, catalytic converters with the Blue Angel exclusively use bearing mats that are completely harmless to health, score ≥ 40 on the carcinogenic index and have a high biosolubility. They support the ceramic substrates safely and reliably against vibrations, are especially eco-friendly and recyclable. CERAMIC SUBSTRATES Bosal strives to use highly efficient ceramic substrates with OEMwashcoat technology: the supporting surface area is given a coating that contains the catalytically active elements – the precious metals palladium, rhodium and platinum. Bosal guarantees a sufficient precious metal load for its catalytic converters with the Blue Angel – for ongoing compliance with the emission limit values.
INSTALLATION KIT The specific installation kit is always included with Bosal catalytic converters.
STAINLESS STEEL HOUSING Housing made from high-quality stainless steel makes catalysts carrying the Blue Angel especially robust and corrosion resistant.
For over 30 years BOSAL has been committed to developing type approved products for the independent aftermarket. Not only do our genuine replacement parts meet OE performance criteria, they are also guaranteed to fit right first time, last longer, enhance the fuel efficiency of the
vehicle through optimised back pressure and benefit the environment through cleaner emissions. Our strategy of introducing OE technology to the aftermarket has made our name synonymous with the highest standards of design and quality.
Exhaust Systems Bosal offers one of the widest range of exhaust products in Europe. Each piece uses aluminised materials for enhanced durability and is guaranteed to perform to the same standards as the original product.
Catalytic Converters & DPF’s Bosal manufacture catalytic converters for both petrol and diesel engine cars including those equipped with On Board Diagnostics (OBD). Bosal also offer a comprehensive range of diesel particulate filters.
Accessories Sourcing mounting parts from the manufacturer that designs and makes the exhaust system is the only logical choice so Bosal also develops the installation hardware for its products.
Towbars & E-sets Bosal also offers an extensive range of quality towbars for the aftermarket. Bosal Oris is today the largest manufacturer of towbars and the leading OE supplier to the Automotive Industry.
Cycle Carriers Bosal compact foldable cycle carriers are now in stock, easy to fit just put straight onto your towball and clamp in place, no tools required. With a choice of two or three bicycle options, suitable for electric bikes, with optional push on ramp, so no heavy lifting.
More Information www.bosal.co.uk www.catalogue.bosal.com
Sales Technical support Tel: 01772 771010 Tel: 0800 374710 Email: sales.baic@eur.bosal.com Email: technical.baic@eur.bosal.com
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IMPROVEMENTS How can we make some of the dullest sports more competitive and exciting? How can we simplify everyday mundane tasks that take up too much of our valuable time? We combine a splash of imagination and a dollop of technology to cook up some inspiring improvements to F1, golf, styling your hair and cleaning your car.
Share your own ideas on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/garageignition - the wackier the better! We will feature the best ideas in the next edition of IGNITION.
F1 s inscreami Skin nana & Ba rows r Ar ng ines BoosOnete eng y nois longer have the big has seriously lost its pizazz! We no that once
Formula the excitement e seen all sorts of rules restricting past the stands of fans and we hav k in to the sport. bac k spar the te igni to Mario Kart was. We feel F1 needs a touch of up the circuit! And what ana skin - it would certainly liven ban a of w thro ical tact a gine Ima opportunities? the track to help increase passing about booster arrows placed on
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In-car Cleaner
The car manufacturers need to get in touch with Mr Dyson to get this idea in to production. A mini robot discreetly hidden in your car that wakes up when you park up on the drive and cleans your car thoroughly inside out. Every trip out with the kids leaves mucky footprints on the back of your seat and crumbs galore in every nook and cranny. Who has time to clean their car every weekend and why should we have to wait that long anyway?
Instant Hair Stylist
We wake up on a morning, was h our hair, dry our hair before spe nding an age styling it to still end up unhapp y over the way our ‘do’ looks! We all need an 'Instant Stylist' – a simple gadget where you could select the hair style from a digital screen, place on the futuristic looking helmet and in seconds it automat ically cleans, dries and styles perfectly right down to the last strand of hair. Extend this idea to an instant ten o’clock shadow rem over and we’re on to a winner.
Crazy Golf Full Size with crazy golf style challenges. Navigate over
Imagine an 18 hole golf course a windmill with your driver or use your pitching wedge to drop your ball in to the top of a steam train funnel that filters out on to the green! Watching the golf pros hit a 9 iron through the ‘rings of fire’ to make it on to the 8th green for a chance of a birdie would certainly make it more competitive.
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Tif f Right2Choose Needell This is your
What is Right2Choose Right2Choose is a campaign supported by just about everyone in the independent automotive trade to promote the independent garage sector as a credible alternative for vehicle service and repair.
Under European Regulations; • Car owners are NOT obliged to visit a main dealer for a service or repair during their vehicle’s warranty period • Independent garages CAN carry out service and repair work on ANY vehicle without invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty
Who’s driving it? Right2Choose was set up to drive (pardon the pun!) sales into your workshop by encouraging motorists to use their local garage. It is managed by the IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation).
Are you backing the Right2Choose campaign at your garage? Give motorists a reason 2Choose you… Be honest and transparent with customers Keep them informed at every stage of the repair, servicing and MOT process Give them a reason to come back. Satisfied customers will recommend you to their friends and family
Over 1100 distributor locations in the UK, find your local GROUPAUTO motor factor at www.groupauto.co.uk
Quality Assurance Always use OE / Matched Quality parts and fluids and be able to prove it… (Customers can insist on this)
TOP TIP - Under Block Exemption Regulations, you can now access the vehicle manufacturers’ training programmes and they can’t charge you more than they charge their own dealers.
GROUPAUTO motor factors supply OE / Matched quality parts from over 120 approved suppliers to their garage customers. 38
Keep your technicians’ training records up date and have them available for customer assurance
To find out more speak to a GROUPAUTO motor factor about industry accredited technician training.
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Keep your equipment up to date. Make sure your tools and equipment are regularly checked and calibrated and have the records to prove it. Good News travels fast, so start spreading the word today… Make customers aware of their rights Display a Right2Choose poster in your premises Give customers Right2Choose leaflets to give to their family and friends
FACT:
UK motorists prefer to use independent garages Research carried out in 2015 suggests that, all else being equal, motorists prefer independent garages. The study, by GForces, found that over half of the 2000 drivers polled used independent garages, while a much smaller number (only 34.1%) used main dealers for aftermarket work. Maria McCullough, AutoCare and Approved Garages network manager added “While aftermarket work is often cheaper at independent garages, the sector really wins out by building trusting relationships with customers. “That’s certainly true at our networks, which recently achieved a 99% customer satisfaction score from Motor Codes, the government-backed, self-regulatory body for the motor industry.” You can order marketing materials to support the Right2Choose campaign. MARIA MCCULLOUGH GARAGE NETWORKS MANAGER
Visit www.right2choose.org.uk for more information or contact 01274 654609
HOT OFF
Independent garages celebrate as motorist’s right to choose is CONFIRMED!! In a major victory for the independent aftermarket, the Swedish Supreme Court dismissed a petition by carmaker Kia for leave to appeal against a conviction for a breach of competition laws in the Swedish market. Kia terms for its seven year warranty outlined that any prescribed service must be performed by a brand authorised workshop. Under European law, car owners are no longer obliged to go to their dealer during the vehicle’s warranty period. “The Swedish verdict is fundamentally important; it’s the first of its kind within the EU, and is a huge victory for the aftermarket. It sets an important precedent for the independent aftermarket within Europe,” said Wendy Williamson, chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF).
THE
PRESS!
“The aftermarket has to educate ill-informed motorists about their rights, so it is essential the IAAF is made aware of any Block Exemption infringements as soon as possible so we can react quickly to resolve them.” The consumer’s right to choose will be further enshrined in upcoming European legislation. Under the new laws, qualified independent garages will be certified to work on any car, old or new, and will be granted access to all the functions required to service, repair and update modern cars. Commenting on the developments, AutoCare and Approved Garages’ network manager Maria McCullough said, “Nobody in the independent sector is asking for preferential treatment.
Under the new laws, qualified independent garages will be certified to work on any car, old or new
All we are asking for is a level playing field. The decision in Sweden, and the new EU legislation, will help to make sure we get one.”
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t s o m the
ts n i a l p m o ! ! c r e y v a e d i l o h
the "We found t sand was no in like the sand e. r the brochu ure Your broch sand shows the t it as yellow bu was white."
"We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels."
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B. Dover, Leeds
"There are too many Spanish people. The receptionist speaks Spanish. The food is Spanish. Too many foreigners now live abroad."
Hugh Jass Exeter
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I.P. Freely, Shrewsbury
PLACE S Lee Keybum
"I think it sh ould be explained in the brochu re that the lo cal store does not sell proper biscuits like custard cr eams or ginger nu ts."
"They should less not allow top sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax."
"No-one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled."
16 IN 20 IT
Plymouth
TO V IS
"I compared the size of our one-bedroom apartment to our friends' three-bedroom apartment and ours was significantly smaller."
EED UN O Y
BRAZIL
Bea O'Pro blem Nottingham
A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties. You don't want to miss it.
HONG KONG
Anita Bath, Sheffield
Mike Rotch Bradford
Hong Kong, a blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just the local grub that's amazing – although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world.
ANTARCTICA
This is bucket-list stuff. It's that first sight of the breathtaking, most inhospitable place on the planet; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; spotting whales from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now
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In each edition of IGNITION we aim to provide you with ‘how-to’ guides in association with a GROUPAUTO approved supplier.
DON’T TAKE A RISK
WITH BRAKING Braking components are absolutely vital to the safe running of your vehicle and the safety of those around you. ‘Lightweight’ brake discs are advertised in the market place to increase fuel economy but is this really the best option? In order to be competitive, some manufacturers cut their production and distribution costs by reducing the quantity and quality of materials used during manufacture. Reduced weight can affect the discs ability to dissipate heat, which can have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of your brakes. Some distributors and technicians are unknowingly supplying and fitting these discs and, depending on driving style, this can lead to increased warranty claims and potentially, total failure of the disc.
Not all discs are created equal
These ‘lightweight’ brake discs do not have the same strength or thermal efficiency as the original parts. Problems include: Thinner friction plates with increased air gap – less material to absorb and dissipate heat, increasing the chance of brake fade, brake judder, Disc Thickness Variation and premature failure. Material cost savings – More chance of uneven wear, braking noise and brittleness with the potential to cause cracks. Vent vane sizes reduced – Can result in premature structural failure of the disc. These changes do not replicate OE specifications. A brake disc’s inability to dissipate heat will result in an increased risk of brake fade and severely reduced brake performance.
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In reality, was it cheaper or was it exactly what you paid for? Cutting costs often means cutting quality. This can lead to more problems down the road with drivers experiencing issues such as brake judder. A major cause of brake judder is Disc Thickness Variation (DTV), which is commonly misdiagnosed as ‘warped’ discs. This occurs when the brake disc becomes worn in a single area of the discs surface and is often caused by excessive run-out. Other consequences of buying cheaper braking components include: Poor pedal feel Accelerated pad wear Increased brake noise Unequal pressure when braking Vibrations The question you have to ask, is it worth it? Don’t take the risk, choose Blue Print Blue Print supplies an extensive range of over 10,000 Braking components, including discs, pads, sensors and more. Our impressive range of brake discs, including high-carbon discs, are balanced to minimise noise and vibration in order to ensure comfort. All discs are researched, specified and manufactured to be OE matching replacements, in accordance with ECE-90 regulations, and our ‘Three year unlimited mileage warranty’ against manufacturing defects guarantees quality.
HOW-TO GUIRDEAKFOERD: ISC
CHANGING A B
A+
Check the brake fluid level and condition, allowing space for fluid to return from the pistons as they’re retracted. Replace the fluid if necessary. Loosen wheel bolts before raising the vehicle. With the vehicle raised and supported safely, remove the wheels and inspect the rims and tyres for any abnormal wear or damage. Inspect all surrounding components for wear and damage. These include steering and suspension parts, bushes, bearings, hoses, connectors, ABS sensors, and shock absorbers. Worn suspension parts can cause vibration under braking and extend braking distance. Using suitable tools, remove the caliper and move to one side. Do NOT hang the caliper by the brake hose. Some vehicles may have a pad wear indicator that will need disconnecting. Remove the brake pads and guide plates. Retract the brake caliper piston using the correct tool to avoid any damage.
Technical Training G-Xpert is GROUPAUTO’s brand for technical training. It provides garages with the necessary technical expertise to confidently approach repair tasks. In 2015 over 1000 technicians attended courses held by GROUPAUTO training partners.
Our Training Partners The courses are run by industry leading technical training providers. Independent garages up and down the country take advantage of the quality courses available at venues across the UK.
Unbolt the caliper carrier. When removing the brake disc, avoid excessive force as this can cause damage to wheel hubs, bearings and ABS sensors. Inspect the old discs and pads. Wear patterns can indicate underlying faults with adjacent components. Thoroughly clean the wheel hub with a wire wheel or brush, ensuring all corrosion is removed. Uneven surfaces lead to problems such as judder and disc thickness variation. Fit the new brake disc. Some brake discs come with an oil-based protective coating which must be removed before fitting. Clean the caliper and inspect for damage, especially on the protective dust cover and slider guides. Clean the caliper carrier and inspect guide bolts. Apply brake grease to the contact surfaces of the carrier and guide plates where fitted. Refit the caliper carrier, ensuring the bolts are tightened to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended torque setting. Apply ceramic paste to the contact surfaces of the new brake pads, without getting any on the friction surfaces. The pads should fit easily into the carriers without the need for force.
TEKNE provides training courses for independent garage mechanics to ensure they have the technical expertise required to repair all vehicles, including the most recent, in order to strengthen their sales and profitability for the future. With 34 years in the automotive repair industry, ADS (Automotive Diagnostic Solutions) offers a wealth of technical training experience to garage mechanics. The training courses are led by Frank Massey, a globally respected expert in diagnostic systems and test equipment.
Accreditations All modules from TEKNE and ADS are ATA relevant and CPD approved.
Refit the caliper, ensuring it is tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications, and reconnect the brake pad wear indicator where fitted. Inspect and clean the wheel fittings, and replace any that appear worn or damaged. When refitting the wheels, avoid tightening using an impact wrench. Lower the vehicle before tightening the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench. Press the brake pedal until normal pedal pressure is felt. Check the brake fluid level and top up if required. Test drive the vehicle to ensure correct operation of the braking system.
How to Book? For more information on the courses available and to book your place call 01274 654605 today.
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DENSO LAUNCHES IRIDIUM TT SPARK PLUG WITH EPIC MOTORSPORT ROAD TRIP An ambitious pan-European road trip provided the perfect backdrop to launch DENSO’s all-new Iridium TT Spark Plug. The campaign, dubbed Track 2 Track, took in current race tracks and some ‘forgotten’ gems from Formula One history.
Rebecca Jackson & Natalia Freidina
The aftermarket car parts innovator travelled from Moscow to the UK with two professional racing drivers, Natalia Freidina and Rebecca Jackson. Hailing from Russia, Natalia Freidina is an experienced racer, reaching the pan-European FIA GT3 Championship, while British driver Rebecca Jackson is on a three-year mission to reach the pinnacle of sportscar racing as she plans to enter the Le Mans 24 Hours, this year. The duo drove a sports car fitted with the DENSO Iridium TT Spark Plug across an ambitious nine countries in just ten days. The new Iridium TT Spark Plug - which boasts the world’s smallest electrode diameter at 0.4mm - offers optimal engine performance; with unrivalled ignitability, fuel efficiency and durability, with a lifetime of up to 74,000 miles. The new consolidated range includes 19 part numbers covering more than 3,000 competitors’ references. While the 2,000 miles journey from Moscow
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to the UK only touched on Iridium TT’s full lifetime, the initiative demonstrated DENSO’s continuing commitment to providing customers and motorists across Europe with innovative, high-performance, market-leading products. The Iridium TT Spark Plug’s leading-performance comes from DENSO’s unique SIP technology, meaning less voltage is required to create the spark, which is greater and more effective than other standard or platinum plugs. The Track 2 Track campaign was also designed to mirror the company’s rich heritage in performance products and motorsport. As a key sponsor of the Toyota World Endurance Championship, which includes a 24 hour race at the world-famous Le Mans; DENSO is synonymous with competitive motorsport, and has been present in every major competition, from Formula One to the World Rally Championship.
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With this in mind, as well as inviting customers and media to enjoy thrilling on-track action at the Moscow Raceway, the Poznan circuit in Poland and Brands Hatch in the UK, the epic road trip also took DENSO to pay homage to three of the most memorable arenas of motorsport history. The first stop for DENSO was the Masaryk Circuit in the Czech Republic, which is a circuit steeped in motorsport history. The track hosted the Grand Prix in the 1930s, and was the home of the first ever Grand Prix in Czechoslovakia in 1930. The new Brno track was built shortly after and is now known as one of the most beautiful circuits in Europe. The historic Österreichring in Austria was next on the Track 2 Track F1 pilgrimage. Now known as the Red Bull Ring, the Österreichring has hosted some of the greatest names in motorsport. The legendary track is now so remote that
The highlight of the day had to be the passenger ride around the circuit with Rebecca Jackson. Wow, what a driver!” large parts of the track were no longer accessible by vehicles. Though it last hosted a Grand Prix in 1987, remnants of the classic track were rediscovered and duly driven on by the T2T crew. The final pit stop was the old Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, one of the most infamous tracks in Grand Prix history. Known for its extremely high-speeds, the T2T team visited the Masta Kink, a fearsome series of bends that formed part of the old Belgian track, - and made it simply too dangerous for the Grand Prix to continue using it. It last hosted a Grand Prix in 1970. A modern track was subsequently built, where it is now home to the Belgium Grand Prix.
GROUPAUTO member Justin Bailey, director of Motorcare Motor Factors, attended the live event at Brands Hatch and said: “It was a privilege to be invited to the DENSO T2T event, being educated on spark plug technology with the revolutionary Iridium TT and then having the chance to drive around Brands Hatch was fantastic. The highlight of the day had to be the passenger ride around the circuit with Rebecca Jackson. Wow, what a driver!”
Get in touch today to find out more:
To find out more about DENSO’s Iridium TT Spark Plug range, visit www.denso-am.co.uk or contact our Customer Service Team on 02476 843 410 or by email: am_order@denso-sales.co.uk
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we’re Photo credit: Chris Midgley
nuts
NETBALL
The Vitality Netball Superleague represents the pinnacle of club netball in the UK and the eight participating clubs boast the very best players in the country. • 14 rounds • 1 Grand Final • 20 matches live on Sky Sports Super Saturday The season kicked off with the first ever Super Saturday Netball event on 30th January.
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ABOUT OFFICIAL PARTNER OF
ENGLAND NETBALL AND THE NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE
Over 8,000 netball fans attended as all eight teams played their first match in front of a packed Genting Arena, Birmingham.
marathon 90-hour netball match which ran from Friday 12th February all the way through Monday 15th February.
Approved Garages held a shootout challenge in the fan zone, which attracted an impressive crowd.
Approved Garages gathered their netball team and travelled down to London to take part in the netball event that raised over £20,000 for Sport Relief!
They held a competition for fans to win a sports bundle and Bronze tickets to the final – the winner was the most goals scored in one minute! Record Breakers! To celebrate England Netball’s 90th birthday, England Netball invited netball teams from all over the nation to participate in a
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The 90-hour challenge successfully made it into the Guinness World Records for the most players in a netball exhibition match, ever!
Approved Garages met with the teams at the Netball Media Day held at Sky Sports Studios in London. Find out what they had to say ahead of the 2016 season.
SARA BAYMAN POSITION: C/WD
Manchester Thunder North West’s netball Superleague team Home Venue: The Manchester Thunderdome, AKA Wright Robinson Sports College Team Captain: Sara Bayman Coach: Dan Ryan Team colour: Black and Yellow Q: How old were you when you started playing netball? A: I was 9 years old, so I started playing at primary school and then just continued into high school.
Q: Do you feel added pressure being England’s captain? A: No, there is a bit of pressure being captain but it’s nice, it’s actually an honour and I think that is how you need to look at it. It’s a massive privilege; we have a lot of youngsters in the team and it’s nice to be able to play alongside them in the initial stages of their career and hopefully impart some wisdom.
GEORGIA LEES POSITION: C/WA
Surrey Storm Franchise team for the London and South East Region Home Venue: Surrey Sports Park Team Captain: Hannah Reid Coach: Tamsin Greenway Team colour: Blue Q: How old were you when you started playing netball? A: I was 11, so I think I was quite late.
Q: Netball is now the most played women’s sport in the UK. What advice would you give to budding young players in the UK? A: It’s just enjoying it. Being a female in sports is actually really difficult. You are pulled in so many directions. Sport is a very privileged thing, the unit you get as a bunch of women playing sport for the same reason - I have made friends for life.
Mia Ritchie
POSITION: C/WA
Team Bath Represents the South West and West of England Home Venue: University of Bath Sports Training Village Team Captain: Eboni Beckford-Chambers Coach: Anna Stembridge Team colour: Yellow and Blue
Q: During a week, how many hours do you put into training? A: Around 20-24 hours, so on average 4 hours a day. 2 in the morning, 2 in the evening, sometimes more – depends where games fall, you might get a rest day if you’ve had a game. Q: What’s been your biggest achievement so far? A: Representing England. I’ve wanted to do that since I was a little girl. I eventually got to do it, in Bath, which is my hometown in 2012, so that was amazing.
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Lindsay Keable
POSITION: GD/GK
Hertfordshire Mavericks Representing the East region Home Venue: Hertfordshire Sports Village Team Captain: Layla Guscoth Coach: Sam Bird Team colour: Purple Q: How old were you when you started playing netball? A: I was 7
A: You do get the moment (because we are a bunch of girls, without being stereotypical) where you have the ‘Sky’ hair, ‘Sky’ make-up… the pressure is there, but you take it in your stride. It’s just like every other game with just a bit more hairspray and you start playing and then you don’t even remember there are cameras. It’s when someone tells you afterwards, ‘oh my god, I just saw you’.
Q: Do you feel more pressure playing a game that is live on Sky?
SASHA CORBIN POSITION: C/WA
Loughborough Lightning The Midland’s netball Superleague team Home Venue: Sir David Wallace Arena, Leicester Team Captain: Ama Agbeze Coach: Karen Atkinson Team colour: Purple
Q: What is your ideal job? A: This is my Ideal job! I’d just love it to be professional. At the moment, this is definitely what I’d like to be doing. As for life after I retire? I don’t know yet but I like TV stuff – so I’m thinking about anything media related.
Q: The profile of the game has changed – how have the changes affected you as a player? A: think it’s fantastic. On my social media, I get young people who feel inspired from the games I have been a part of and they voice it and it’s great.
Stacey Francis POSITION: GD/GK/WD
Yorkshire Jets Vitality Netball Superleague team for Yorkshire Home Venue: Leeds Beckett University Team Captain: Stacey Francis Coach: Anna Carter Team colour: Pink Q: Have you got a sporting idol outside the game? A: I love Serena Williams. I think she is a phenomenal human being. Like ridiculous. I like her relentlessness and willingness to come back from a whole heap of criticism – I would love to be at the top of my game for
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years and years and years and then just decide to take a break as I’m doing right now, and then come back and absolutely just dominate life. Q: What advice would you give to budding young netball players? A: I’d say don’t take it too seriously. There are so many young girls I meet that say, ‘OMG how do I play for England? How did you get to where you are?’ and it’s not to say that is a bad thing, but that was never my aspiration. I played sports because I loved being an athlete. I did football, I did basketball and netball.
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Team Northumbria
Celtic Dragons
Home Venue: Sport Central at Northumbria University Team Captain: Natalie Connor Coach: TeAroha Keenan Team colour: Black and Red
Home Venue: Cwmbran Stadium Team Captain: Suzy Drane Coach: Trish Wilcox Team colour: Green
REPRESENTING THE NORTH EAST
THE NETBALL FRANCHISE BASED IN WALES
SEASON round up ouch! ouch! Superleague and England star Sasha Corbin suffers season ending injury in second round.
After an action packed season the Superleague may be drawing to a close, but the England team are getting ready get their red dresses back on for the next phase of their International campaign - Netball Europe Championships 2016.
England & Loughborugh Lightning defender Ama Agbeze crowned Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Month for January.
Follow @England_Netball for real-time news.
G’day Jade! Loughborugh Lightening’s captain Jade Clarke goes back down under to join the ANZ side Adelaide Thunderbirds.
England Netball smashes Guinness World Record in 90th Anniversary Challenge.
55-50!
FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT FOLLOW APPROVED GARAGES
TWITTER @ApprovedGarages
Netball London Live! - Mavericks weather the Storm in a nail-biting 55-50 victory over the reigning champions.
INSTAGRAM @Approved_Garages
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Combined Clutch and DMF Kits: Practical and Profitable
SACHS ZMS Modul Range Simplifies Sourcing and Fitting for Clutch and DMF Renewal Replacing a vehicle’s clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) during the same repair operation improves workshop throughput, and delivers savings for its customers in terms of labour costs and reduced future vehicle downtime. However, when comparing price and availability of parts for the job, the workshop may end up buying a clutch of one brand and a DMF of another brand from different motor factors. In addition to being a time consuming way of sourcing components, any brand mismatch introduces the potential for incompatibility in the clutch and DMF system.
Guaranteed compatible
To help overcome these problems, ZF Services UK Ltd has applied its long experience of supplying the aftermarket with clutches and DMFs to the development of complete kits for renewing 50
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both components on a variety of vehicles. The kit is known as a ‘ZMS Modul’ and contains the clutch cover, clutch driven plate and DMF together with new fixing screws and assembly grease. Depending on the application, some kits also include the clutch release bearing or concentric slave cylinder. All of the major components in each kit are original equipment (OE) SACHS branded parts manufactured by ZF, certified by major vehicle manufacturers for use in their vehicles and meeting their exacting specifications for fit and performance. The use of OE parts is advisable not only for long-term reliability and maximum component life, but also to ensure that product quality is never in question when dealing with vehicles still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
DMF faults: address the cause, not the symptom
Like any mechanical component a DMF may develop a fault in service, although contrary to popular belief it is no more susceptible to this than a conventional clutch. Typical examples include scoring from allowing the driven plate to wear down to the rivets or overheating due to excessive clutch slip. Excessive DMF oscillation may cause premature wear to the arc springs within, which typically occurs at very low engine speeds. Driving in too high a gear, allowing the engine to idle for excessively long periods (e.g. to run air conditioning when parked) or frequent engine stalling are common causes. ZF’s ZMS Modul kit contains everything needed for a complete DMF and clutch replacement
Profit margin boost and fewer returns
For the workshop, purchasing a boxed SACHS ZMS Modul kit rather than sourcing parts individually saves time and cost, with the associated potential for additional profit margin. All of the kit parts are designed to operate together flawlessly, which makes the replacement process faster and more straightforward since correct fitment is assured. As a result, the need for product returns is reduced to virtually zero, barring damage to parts sustained in transit, mistakes in vehicle variant identification or incorrect fitting techniques.
A safer and more logical choice than a solid flywheel conversion
By contrast to their endorsement of ZMS Modul kits, vehicle manufacturers do not certify the use of conversion kits to retrofit a conventional clutch and flywheel into a vehicle that is designed to use a DMF, and for good reason. As this type of solid flywheel conversion does not contain the DMF’s efficient multi-spring damping system, it results in engine vibrations being transmitted to the rest of the vehicle, an increase in engine noise, greater stress on the remainder of the drivetrain, and a harsher drive. There are also many reports in the aftermarket of conversion kit components breaking apart after only a few hundreds or thousands of miles. Choosing a conversion kit represents a poor investment for both workshop and customer, and a considerable risk to reputation for the businesses that fit them.
Ensuring adequate maintenance and modifying the driving style are usually all that is needed to significantly extend DMF life. Less often considered is that faults in other vehicle systems may cause the noise and vibration issues usually attributed to the DMF, some of which may go on to accelerate DMF wear if not corrected promptly. The answer is to follow a systematic approach to fault diagnosis within the vehicle’s mechanical and electronics systems rather than assume at the outset that the DMF is at fault. (For workshops that need assistance in this area, ZF Services UK can provide training if required.) Workshops intending to source only a replacement clutch kit would be well advised to first assess DMF function and wear, and if necessary consider the ZMS Modul combined clutch and DMF kit instead.
The ZMS Modul range of DMF and clutch kits currently comprises over 40 lines covering more than 60 applications, ranging from superminis to four-tonne light commercial vehicles. Marques catered for include Alfa Romeo, Audi, Citroën, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot, Seat, Skoda, VW and Volvo, and the range is expected to expand further as customer demand grows.
Matched SACHS DMF, driven plate and clutch cover ensure problem-free fitting
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TradeTEC lubricants sets standard.
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Launched in 2014, the TradeTEC brand of lubricants has seen unprecedented growth, with garages benefitting from the brand’s high quality product range and exclusive availability through GROUPAUTO motor factors. Manufactured by the UK’s leading independently owned oil blender, there are currently 26 grades available in the TradeTEC range comprising fully and semi-synthetic oils along with premium gear and transmission oils. Products are available in a range of sizes from bulk to IBCs to 199L, 20L, 5L and 1Litre packs. As well as having exclusive access to a premium product range, garages can also benefit from the range’s simplicity and distinctive product packaging. Many garages have taken advantage of the free lubricants assessment offered by the TradeTEC lubricants program. To arrange your free assessment by GROUPAUTO’s lubricants technical expert, simply contact
your local GROUPAUTO member. The high-quality lubricants are blended with virgin base oils and manufactured to meet or exceed OEM vehicle specifications using the latest, advanced additive technology to ensure complete gear box, transmission and system protection.
Garages can also navigate the easily-accessible website, www.tradetec-oil.co.uk, specifically produced to allow customers to access vital information.
Garages will also be pleased to know that all TradeTEC products are supported by a quality guarantee ensuring they all meet the ‘parts of matching quality’ under European Block Exemption Regulations. All TradeTEC lubricants can be used for vehicle servicing without invalidating the vehicle or the replacement parts warranty providing the application is as given in the TradeTEC Technical Data Sheet. Independent garages are encouraged to invest in the exclusive range of lubricants, enabling them to offer premium products to motorists.
And to make things even more effortless, garages can simply input the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) to select the correct oil for a specific vehicle and then input their postcode to find the nearest GROUPAUTO member. The TradeTEC product range is solely available from GROUPAUTO members now.
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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#
RIO READY
It certainly doesn’t feel like 4 years since we saw Mo Farrah’s iconic pose for the first time or crowned Chris Hoy as the most decorated British Olympian of all time but here we are again gearing up for the biggest international event in the sporting calendar - the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Here at IGNITION, we’ve done our research and found out some interesting facts about the 28th Modern Olympic Games and who Team GB’s medal hopefuls are, four years on from our biggest medal haul in over 100 years at London 2012.
SOUTH AMERICA
TO BE HELD IN
5 -21
ST
AUGUST 2016
10,500 202
SPORTS
32 306
54
1ST
OLYMPICS
TH
42
VENUES
THE
MEDAL EVENTS
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ATHLETES
COUNTRIES
INCLUDING
2 NEW ADDITIONS
& GOLF
RUGBY
7.5 MILLION
TICKETS
S PAS
Helen Glover & Heather Stanning The rowing pair of Helen Glover and Heather Stanning is in great form in preparation for Rio 2016. In the 2015 women’s pair final at the World Championship they won a second successive gold. At the start of 2015 they won European gold in Poland. They are the first British rowers to hold the Olympic, World, European and World Cup titles plus Olympic, World and European records simultaneously.
Amber Hill One of Britain’s most exciting young talents will be aiming high in her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. Amber had a great start to 2016 with gold at the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship in February and her nerves of steel will hold her in good stead in the women’s skeet event for Team GB. Amber took up the sport at the age of 9 after being inspired by her Grandad, who has been by her side ever since.
Lizzie Armitstead Leading up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio confidence is high for Lizzie Armitstead, the 27 year old from Otley in Yorkshire. Lizzie won silver in the London 2012 road race and won the Strade Bianche one-day race in Italy earlier this year. The course in Brazil covers 141km ending with an 8.9km climb and a technical descent before a flat run to the finish.
Adam Gemili Adam Gemili is a former professional footballer turned athlete and is the only Britain to legally break 20 seconds over 200m and the only British athlete to go under 10 seconds for the 100m. He has won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and double gold at the European championships in 2014 and hopes of success are high on the track at the Olympics this summer.
Nick Dempsey This will be the fifth Olympic games for Windsurfer Nick Demspey and, after winning bronze at Athens 2004 and silver at London 2012, the gold medal is well within reach for him at Rio. He almost missed out on his chance to complete his medal collection when it was decided in 2012 that Kitesurfing would replace Windsurfing in the competition but the decision was later reversed by the Olympic committee.
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GAME
CHANGERS PAUTO Motor Factors IGNITION Magazine looks at how GROU etitive prices can offer you quality products at comp
Clutch Head to your local GROUPAUTO motor factor for leading, Original Equipment suppliers of Clutch systems catering to all of the leading vehicle producers. Whether you’re after Clutch Kits, Flywheels, DMFs, Master & Slave Cylinders or CSCs; our members have access to the best Original Equipment suppliers to offer you the right product at competitive prices. The best way for you to avoid future customer complaints and warranty issues is to fit a genuine replacement - it is OE for a reason!
Engine Management
Wipers
R
TM
With a comprehensive range of Original Equipment suppliers such as Bosch, Delphi, Hella, Denso and Beru to mention a few, GROUPAUTO motor factors can offer you a real alternative to main dealers for quality automotive parts in the aftermarket. All GROUPAUTO motor factors have access to over TEN OE suppliers just for Engine Management; guaranteeing you the right part, from an OE supplier, at the right price.
There are many different types of wiper blades available, for example: standard wiper blades, spoiler wiper blades, flat wiper blades, retrofit blade upgrades, exact fit and universal blades. All GROUPAUTO motor factor can offer garages a complete range of wiper blades for cars, including upgrade options for some older vehicles, enabling the benefits of latest technology to be applied to older vehicles as well.
Make sure you call your local GROUPAUTO distributor to gain the best prices for quality products. Visit www.groupauto.co.uk or scan the QR code 56
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The extra reward programme.
h c s o B E E FR * OBD100! a r t x e n i o j u o y n whe
Be rewarded for your loyalty with extra. • With the extra rewards programme, you can earn points when you return barcodes from Bosch automotive products** • Join today and when you send back 50 barcodes, receive the points AND a FREE Bosch OBD100, a handy workshop diagnostic tool, which reads, displays, deletes and resets emission-related trouble codes • Points can be redeemed against a wide variety of rewards. To join extra visit www.extra-rewards.co.uk *Promotion begins 01/03/2016 and is open whilst stocks last. Open to extra participants only. To take part, register on www.extra-rewards.co.uk. No cash alternative. Workshops already participating in the extra programme can also receive an OBD100 - go online to find out how, or check your monthly extra e-newsletter. ** Selected Bosch automotive products. See www.extra-rewards.co.uk for the qualifying products.
Golf Ball Finding Glasses
The Smoking Gun Food Smoker
You might think your dad’s losing his marbles but don’t let him lose his golf balls! These ingenious glasses make white objects stand out so golf balls are easy to spot in the grass. With all the time saved he could go another 18-holer!
Is your dad a bit of a foodie? Why not give him the ultimate manly kitchen gadget with this hand held food smoker and take this summer’s BBQs to a whole new level!
Debenhams, £3.60
Lakeland, £59.95
Brooklyn BrewShop Beer Making Kit Get dad to do some B.I.Y. (Brew It Yourself ) with this Beer Making Kit. The kits are available in a range of flavours and strengths and contain everything needed to make 3.5 litres of beer. He’ll probably want to show off his brewing skills with a tasting session too talk about a gift that benefits the giver!
OUR TOP PICKS FOR
Firebox.com, £39.99
There’s no doubt, dads can be hard to buy for! Here at IGNITION, we’ve searched the web for the best gifts for every type of dad, from the golf buff to the DIY enthusiast - we’ve got Father’s Day covered!
Propel Atom 1.0 Micro Drone Let dad turn the living room into his own personal airspace with this Propel Atom drone. The six axis gyroscopic chip and four channel flight control allows for great manoeuvrability and control of the drone both indoors and outdoors…he’ll be performing 360º aerial stunts in no time! Maplin, £29.99
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Wooden iPhone Case Keep dad looking stylish with this sleek wooden phone case. Individually handcrafted from solid American timber, the grain of the wood means every case is unique and built to last. NativeUnion.co.uk, £34.99
iBed Lap Desk
Lucas SlickMist Detailing Kit
Give your dad the gift of slobbing out with this beanbag tray that holds your iPad in place. Designed to act as a desk while you’re on the move, but we think breakfast in bed with a film is a much better use!
If your dad is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to his car then this kit will keep him occupied for hours. From leading brand Lucas Oil, this kit contains everything needed to keep every part of the car gleaming!
iwantoneofthose.com, £12.99
GROUPAUTO Motor Factor, £17.99
DON’T FORGET
JUNE
GIFTS
15TH
Wallet Ninja Multi Tool Never let it be said that men can’t multi-task! The Wallet Ninja has a total of 18 functions and conveniently fits into any credit card slot. Give dad one of these and he’ll be ready to tackle any of the everyday challenges life throws at us! Firebox.com, £8.99
Gentlemen’s Hardware Shoe Polish Kit
Magnogrip Magnetic Wristband
They say that a man’s shoes say a lot about him - this compact shoe shine kit is an ideal gift for the dapper dads out there to keep their favourite brogues shining
Sometimes the practical gifts are the best and the MagnoGrip wristband is about as handy as it gets! It’s great for those fiddly DIY jobs and it means you won’t be roped into handing your dad screws while he’s up a ladder!
ASOS.com, £14.99
Roobix.co.uk, £9.95
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N EW
The
Oxford
ENGLISH Dictionary “It was nice bumping into you”…and other everyday lies It would seem that we British folk don’t always say what we actually mean...whether it’s that we’re just too polite or we don’t have the balls to come right out and say it, it’s amusing how much our language is entwined with verbal irony. Here’s some of the funniest ‘little white lies’ to look out for at home and at work...
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“Anyone fancy a cup of tea?”
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
1. My offer is strictly limited to three people in the immediate vicinity. 2. I am just being polite; I have no intention of making a round of teas.
1. I’ve forgotten it already.
“Sounds great, I’ll let you know!” 1. It’s a terrible idea.
“Nice bumping into you, let’s catch up soon!” 1. It was nice catching up but I won’t be contacting you again.
1. I am not leaving the house today unless it’s on fire.
“I like your hair, have you had it cut?” 1. I am acknowledging it to make conversation. I have seen better haircuts on a dog.
“No offence but...” 1. What I am about to say is going to be offensive but you can’t get upset because I said no offence.
“No, yeah that’s really interesting.” 1. You are boring me to death.
“With all due respect...” 1. Which is hardly any respect at all. 2. I think you’re an idiot.
“It could be worse.” 1. It couldn’t possibly be any worse.
“You look fine.” 1. We don’t have time for you to change.
1. That’s definitely the wrong way of looking at it.
“I might join you later.”
“No harm done.” 1. You have caused complete and utter chaos.
“That’s one way of looking at it.”
“Excuse me, sorry, is anyone sitting here?” 1. I can’t see anyone, move your bag.
“I’m fine.” 1. I am definitely not fine but you will have to guess what’s wrong with me.
“I beg your pardon?” 1. What you’re saying is making me absolutley livid.
“I’m sure it’s partly my fault.”
“Just whenever you get a minute...”
1. It’s definitely your fault.
1. NOW!
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BRAINGAMES
Take a journey of self-discovery to see the inner happening of your brain.
PERSONALITY
The kind of personality you have is the result of certain unique configurations within your brain.
Select one for each question. Add up the scores in brackets once you’re done and find out which personality type you are. When you’re at home, what is your favourite thing to do? 1) Watch films (2) 2) Chat to friends on social media (1) 3) Sleep (3) What sounds like your ideal birthday celebration? 1) Being in the company of only your friends and family (1) 2) Not telling anyone it’s your birthday and hoping no one remembers (3) 3) Going to work and telling your co-workers (2) How do you feel in large crowds? 1) Nervous (3) 2) Excited (1) 3) Calm (2) SCORE between 13-18: Introvert You prefer spending time alone. Your idea of a fun night in is a good book or a taking a well-deserved nap. Often drained by social encounters, you much prefer peace and quiet and feel comfortable with situations you’re familiar with as introverts are said to react to change more slowly and less intensely.
BRAIN EXERCISE
What kind of food do you like to order at a restaurant? 1) Chef’s recommendations (2) 2) New things you’ve never tried (1) 3) Your usual (3) What would be your instant reaction if a stranger asked to take a photo with you? 1) Gladly accept and talk to them (1) 2) Walk away immediately without uttering a single word (3) 3) Ask them what it’s for before making a decision (2) When faced with a problem, what do you usually do? 1) Address the problem immediately (1) 2) Think about what to do and take action (2) 3) Sit back and let things sort themselves out (3)
SCORE of 11 or 12: Ambivert You possess qualities of both an introvert and extrovert. Sometimes you like being alone, and others, you want to be surrounded with people. Your personality depends on the situation and your mood. So often you’ll find your version of a perfect evening is a couple of drinks with a group of friends and then retiring home to read a book. As an Ambivert, you’re also more adaptive to context and situations and then react extrovertly or introvertly accordingly.
SCORE between 6 – 10: Extrovert You’re talkative and sociable. Not afraid of trying something new or going to explore different places. You enjoy attention and company and feel most energised when you have half a dozen friends or family members around you. Extraverts are good at monitoring the events going on around them and seem particularly programmed to register changes.
Research suggests that the brain is like a muscle! It gets stronger with practice. Here are a few exercises for your brain...
Can you figure out what the next pattern in the sequence is?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
RIDDLES
What room can no one enter? A Mushroom
Feed me and I live, yet give me drink and I die. What am I? Fire A Stamp
Answer:
The “x” moved by 2 counter-clockwise and the white spot moved by 3 counter-clockwise.
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What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
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www.lucaselectrical.co.uk/lightbooster
Trust Lucas
GROUPAUTO IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TRADING GROUP IN THE INDEPENDENT AFTERMARKET, WITH OVER 360 MOTOR FACTOR MEMBERS AND OVER 670 INDEPENDENT GARAGES. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN BECOME PART OF IT. BECOME PART OF OUR INDEPENDENT GARAGE SCHEMES We have 3 independent garage schemes - AutoCare, Top Truck and The Approved Garage Network. We have substantial presence throughout the UK, with a combined total of over 670 garages. Our garage schemes benefit from consistent and highly competitive pricing on all parts, guaranteed quality parts and service, along with unrivalled garage support, and new customer generation.
PURCHASE FROM OUR APPROVED DISTRIBUTORS Over 600 parts distributor locations in the UK, providing independent garages with access to OE or matched quality parts. Our buying power allows members to pass on the savings, offer an outstanding service and provide added value schemes to garages that no other automotive trade distributor can match. Scan below to find your local distributor.
HIGH QUALITY APPROVED SUPPLIER In the UK we have over 120 Approved Suppliers who undergo a strict tender process agreeing to buying and quality terms for our distributors. You can expect the highest quality parts at highly competitive prices with a service to match from any GROUPAUTO distributor. Please visit our website at www.groupauto.co.uk for our full list of Approved Suppliers.
Scan here to find your local GROUPAUTO distributor. an Alliance Automotive Group company