MAGAZINE
AIR AMBULANCE
REMARKABLE RESCUES
WINTER 2015/16
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The lifestyle Magazine for independent garages
PLUS EMAIL MARKETING QUIZ OF THE YEAR CONQUER THE SLOPES + AMAZING XMAS GIFTS
I LOVE THRASHING IT ROUND THRUXTON
TIFF
NEEDELL
TALKS: TRACK DAYS,THE FIFTH GEAR,SPORTING HOME LIFE & MORE... BIGGEST SUCCESSES OF 2015
DROP TOPS CONVERTIBLES FOR ANY BUDGET
Cars ENTERING THE CAR PARC IN 2015
INTERVIEW WITH ENGLAND RUGBY UNION STAR TOM YOUNGS
Join us on facebook.com/ngksparkplugsuk or at twitter.com/ngk_uk
40 YEARS SERVICING THE UK AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Lasting relationships are built on trust and respect From NGK UK’s first OE contact on the ground breaking Lotus Esprit in 1976. To the equally advanced design of today’s Lotus Elise, Exige and the new Evora 400 models, NGK and Lotus have had an enduring partnership on road and track. FITTED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AROUND THE WORLD
Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Chevrolet Chrysler
Citroen Daewoo Daihatsu Daimler Ferrari Fiat Ford
Honda Hyundai Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lamborghini
Lancia Land Rover Lexus Lotus Maserati Maybach Mazda
McLaren Mercedes Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Perodua Peugeot
Proton Renault Rolls Royce Seat Skoda Smart Suzuki
Subaru Toyota Vauxhall Volvo VW
ngkntk.co.uk
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A WARM WELCOME TO THE WINTER IGNITION… SPAM
SAFE Email marketing
A simple guide to becoming an email marketing pro this side of Christmas.
SUV Showdown Don’t get snowed in this winter…grab a bargain 4x4 and plough through the snow.
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It’s the end of the year already, 2015 disappears in a blink of an eye. We all round up the year with Christmas parties, last minute gift buying and New Year celebrations. We take a look at what we have achieved in the last 12 months and plan on how to improve business and home-life for 2016. In this winter edition of IGNITION ‘yule’ find ideas for snacks and cocktails to create for your own festive parties, a sack full of ‘must-have’ presents to buy your kids this Christmas and a guide to the ultimate advent calendars from a low cost PlayMobil option to the Porsche Design selection for the mega-rich. On page 14 why not test your colleagues on what they can remember from 2015 with our take on the Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Tiff Needell spent time with us at Thruxton in the heart of Hampshire to talk about his track days, Fifth Gear, home life and how he caught a bit of luck to kick start his racing career as a young 19 year old!
On the cover: Timothy ‘Tiff’ Needell
Lifesavers of the sky We spoke to the Air Ambulance team about their most remarkable rescues.
Racing driver turned TV presenter Tiff talks to IGNITION at Thruxton Motorsport Centre.
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We share insights in to email marketing for your garage and feature articles from some of GROUPAUTO suppliers; BTN Turbo, Mahle Filters, Elta, NGK & Comma Oil. For 2016 instead of giving stuff up as a New Year’s resolution just to fail by week two, take on something new and exciting like one of the thrill-seeking challenges you will find on page 60. Whatever you do this festive break and in to the new year - have a great one on us! The IGNITION Team
Conquer the slopes Ski or board? Get ready for the ski season with our guide to UK and Europe’s best skiing centres & resorts.
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What’s in your stocking? This year’s hottest presents and where to find them.
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Get in touch: @GarageIgnition www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition marketing@groupauto.co.uk Advertising and editorial:
Brrrilliant deals! Winter must-have products available via your GROUPAUTO motor factor
Eat, Drink and be Merry! Simple but sensational festive home-made foods and drinks that must be on the menu this xmas!
01274 654600
chris.chaplin@groupauto.co.uk
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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SUV
SHOWDOWN WITH winter well within our midst, THE NIGHTMARE PROSPECT OF GETTING AROUND IN SHOCKING WEATHER IS A CONCERN TO US ALL. RATHER THAN SITTING HOME, STARING BLEAKLY OUT THE WINDOW AT THE ENSUING CHAOS, GRAB YOURSELF A BARGAIN SUV AND BECOME KING OF THE ROAD THIS WINTER. IGNITION HAS TAKEN A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST SUVS UNDER £15K.
HONDA CR-V Tidy styling and highly practical, the CR-V is a solid choice. Not as fun to drive as its rivals, but relatively well equipped for the price. Definitely worth considering if you need a big car for little money. We found: £13,000, 2013, 8k miles, 2.0L petrol, cruise control, air-con
LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 The compact Land Rover Freelander 2 has a comfortable drive and excellent off-road ability. The new Discovery Sport, should also lead to a rise in the availabilty of second hand Freelander 2s. Not the sportiest of drives, nor the cheapest to buy, but a very good all-rounder. We found: £14,300, 2011, 34,500 miles, 2.2L diesel, sat nav, leather trim, heated seats
HISTORY OF THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER The Land Rover Defender was originally called the Land Rover Ninety and Land Rover One Ten (wheelbase lengths), these two models were first in production in 1948. The first of the ‘Defenders’ was born in 1983, and has been a huge hit ever since. In October 2013 Land Rover announced that production would end in December 2015 after a continuous run of 67 years. The Defender has been used as a military vehicle all over the world, due to it’s versatility and simplicity in nature.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER The archetypal off-roader. The Defender will get you over any terrain, in any weather. The rugged styling and heritage make this a truly great SUV. However, if interior comforts and finish quality are top of your list, you may want to look elsewhere. We found: £13,950, 2010, 59,000 miles, 2.4L Diesel
BMW X5 KIA SPORTAGE In terms of value for money, the Kia Sportage should be everyone’s first choice. The Sportage has plenty of interior features and decent SUV styling, however it isn’t a 4x4, so beware if you’re after a true off roader. We found: £14,500, 2013, 12k miles, 1.7L diesel (2WD), Bluetooth, cruise control and 5 years left of the generous 7 year Kia warranty.
The BMW X5 was a game changer when it first hit the SUV scene. Combining a sporty drive and styling, with 4x4 ability, this is a good choice for anyone looking for superb interior features and finish. Probably not a great buy for those looking to hit the beaten track. We found: £9,500, 2006, 3.0d sport, less than 70k, full leather, sat nav and parking sensors www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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Images are for illustration purposes only
Take Our
CHRISTMAS Personality Quiz
Are you jolly like Frosty the Snowman or are you a humbug like Scrooge? Take our quiz and find out which Christmas personality you have! You might be surprised…
How do you plan on spending Christmas cheer?
Christmas is…. A. B. C.
Present day The most wonderful time of the year Commercialism at it’s finest
A. B. C.
What do you want most this Christmas?
Do you believe in Santa Claus? A. B. C.
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Of course! Woah, Santa isn’t real? No. I’m not four
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Giving out presents and decorating Lending a helping hand to the less fortunate Christmas cheer? I’ll be cheerful if you stop mentioning it
A. B. C.
That special gift I’ve been looking forward to! For all my family and friends to have a good day To hide in my room until New Years
Do you have a Christmas tree in your home? A. B. C.
I have trees, stockings, the lot! Yep, I let everyone help decorate Nope. Not even a photo of a Christmas tree
HOW DID YOU DO? Mainly A’s Santa’s Little Helper
Are you going to any office parties this year? A. B. C.
I’ve helped organise it, of course! Oh yes, I’m looking forward to it No I have better things to do... like watching paint dry.
You love helping others and giving presents. You like to be organised and make sure everything goes to plan, making sure the tree is up early enough and everyone gets their portion of Christmas pudding!
Mainly B’s
Frosty the Snowman You’re happy go lucky at Christmas, as long as everyones having a good time, so are you. You like to take it easy and sit back and enjoy the Christmas period.
How do you plan what to buy people on your list? A. B. C.
I plan a budget and pick something that fits I just buy things that will make them happy I don’t. I always get a gift card
Mainly C’s
Scrooge You despise Christmas and everything about it. You don’t like giving presents or Christmas carolers and you’d rather sit on your own with a bottle of cherry than go to the office party! www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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OUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE
Once seen as the sports of the elite, the snowsports are now more accessible than ever with indoor real snow slopes cropping up all over the UK, offering lessons and equipment hire at affordable prices for everyone. If you fancy hitting the slopes (or more importantly the après-ski) this winter season then our definitive guide tells you everything you need to know, from which sport is right for you to finding a holiday resort to really put those new found skills to the test.
to help you
CONQUER THE SLOPES this winter
Vs
SKIING Easy to pick up as it’s based on independent leg movement which comes naturally but this can also mean it’s easy to get away with doing it badly!
A bit of a pain having to carry around both skiis and poles clumping along in ski boots but the lifts will be a doddle for you!
DIFFICULTY
CONVENIENCE
RISK
Whilst more risky than skiing for injuries, snowboarding injuries tend to be less serious. The main risks are to the upper body with wrist and cocyx fractures being most common.
A
COST
C
D
AVERAGE
TOTAL : £850
A. Ski Boots B. Bindings C. Poles D. Skis
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Learning is a long and bruising process getting used to your legs being fixed together but once you’ve mastered that bit it’s much easier to advance.
Easy to walk around ‘looking cool’ with your snowboard under one arm but the lifts can be pretty tricky with just one foot!
Biggest risk of injury is to legs, especially knees, however collision injuries with skiers are much more common as skiers go much faster than snowboarders
B
BOARDING
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A C
B
AVERAGE
TOTAL : £780
A. Snowboard Boots B. Bindings C. Board
PRACTISE
PRACTISE
PRACTISE Chill Factore, Manchester 1st lesson (110 mins) £65 Beginner Day Course £165
Snow Factor, Renfrew 1st lesson (90 mins) £39 Beginner Day Course £159
Snozone, Castleford 1st lesson (90 mins) £32.49 Beginner Day Course £175.99
Snowdome, Tamworth
The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
1st lesson (2 hours) £63
1st lesson (2 hours) £42.30
Beginner Day Course £169
Beginner Day Course £157.50
THE
TRYSIL, NORWAY £££
MOUNTAINS
A great choice for the families, Trysil’s resort offers complimentary childcare. It also boasts 2 snow parks and a host of activities such as husky sledding and snowmobiling!
ARE CALLING
OUR PICK OF EUROPE’S BEST RESORTS
VAL THORENS, FRANCE ££
PAMPOROVO, BULGARIA £
The highest ski resort in Europe at 2300m altitude and the largest linked ski area in the world! A trendy resort that all ages and budgets can enjoy.
Great for beginners and those wishing to advance - the schools have an excellent rep. The après ski is also a fraction of the cost of most European resorts!
MAYRHOFEN, AUSTRIA ££
VERBIER, SWITZERLAND £££
The party capital of ski resorts! Mayrhofen hosts Snowbombing every April - the biggest music festival of the season. You might not even make it to the slopes!
Known for its beautiful scenery, luxury chalets and designer shops, Verbier is definitely the crème de la crème of opulent winter resorts.
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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KEEP COOL THIS WINTER winter fashion is more than just an excuse to dig out some cosy clobber. layer up in the right way with these stylish articles and add some life to your winter wardrobe.
FOR HIM navy wool blend flannel trousers £15.00 PRIMARK
GREY ROLL NECK TEAL TEXTURED CREW £22 & £25 NeXT
Bobble beanie in ecru lambswool £16.00 ASOS
BROGUE CHUKKA BOOTS IN ‘Chocolate’ LEATHEr £60.00 RIVER ISLAND 10
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Charcoal wool blend Overcoat £95.00 topman
nIke quilted bomber jacket £90.00 SIZE? new balance 420 trainers £60.00 Asos
FOR HER
Turtle neck jumper
Suede patchwork skirt
Vagabond tyra back tab boots
£35.00 river island
£85.00 topshop
£90.00 office www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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ELECTRIC
EVOLUTION Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more popular as manufacturers such as Ford, Citroen, Nissan and BMW push out an increasing number of models. With purchase costs reducing and a government plug-in car grant of £5,000 available it’s no wonder motorist and business people alike are plugging in.
POSITIVES:
NEGATIVES:
Greener Reduce your carbon footprint. Electric vehicles powered by electricity from hydro, wind, solar or nuclear sources produce no carbon in operation.
Recharge Points Although more service stations are installing electric points motorists will have to plan out longer journeys a bit more stringently.
Money Saving A money back grant from the government and lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel thanks to increasing range of battery.
Charging Time Fully electric cars can take hours to recharge the battery. Some recent models have the ability to rapid recharge but can still take 30 minutes to hit 80%.
Range Range is always a sticking point but research shows that most motorists drive an average of 40 miles per day and future models of vehicle will have 10 times this range or more.
VS.
Reduced Noise Pollution Electric cars have the ability to offer smooth drive and high acceleration with almost no noise.
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Electricity Electric isn’t free so research in to the type of vehicle and what it takes to recharge is essential to ensure motorists don’t get hit too hard on their energy bill.
FLASH DESIGN! Eco-friendly doesn’t mean boring design when you consider some of the makes and models of electric and hybrid vehicles that are available today.
NISSAN LEAF
The Nissan Leaf was introduced back in 2011 and the sleek styling and futuristic lighting gives this electric car an elegant feel. The Nissan Leaf can go about 40 miles on just 11 KWH of electricity which translates into the equivalent of more than 120 miles per gallon.
BMW I3
The baby brother of the BMW i8 is just as good looking and boasts a superb 168bhp electric motor that can run to 81 miles on one charge, while range extender offers up to 150 miles. An expensive option though even with the government grant.
TESLA MODEL S Not the cheapest electric car out there but a good looking executive motor. The range is exceptional too with up to 300 miles on full charge.
RENAULT ZOE
The Renault Zoe is an attractive design with its slender angled lights and modern interior. It’s also one of the cheapest electric vehicles on offer.
TECHNICAL TRAINING Being prepared for such technology is essential to a thriving independent garage business. Training courses from the GROUPAUTO approved training provider’s eXponentia and ADS give technicians the opportunity to learn about hybrid and electric technology.
For details of training courses please call us on 01274 654605.
GROUPAUTO DELIVERY VANS OF THE FUTURE? GROUPAUTO member ME Autoparts in Grimsby trialled a fully electric Citroën Berlingo van to see what all the hype was about. For one week they used the van on usual day to day delivery runs and the van never ran out of battery during the week. On average the van would do over 100 miles when it was fully charged and it could be topped up easily during lunch breaks or between runs as it is equipped with a ‘Rapid Charge’ mode, which charges the battery to 80% capacity in just 35 minutes.
No-compromise on practicality Another good thing about the Berlingo van is that it was actually designed with electric power in mind from the outset, so the load space has not been reduced to incorporate the electric motor. Instead the motor is positioned under the bonnet and the battery pack under the load deck.
BERLINGO ELECTRIC 636KG PAYLOAD WEIGHT 3.7M3 LOADSPACE VOLUME 100% CHARGE IN 8-12 HOURS
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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1
3
6
Which of these is the title of an animated superhero Disney film released in January 2015?
It was announced in February that Andrew Garfield would no longer play the role of which Superhero?
In 2015, Super Mario celebrated how many years since his debut?
a. Big Hero 12 b. Big Hero 6 c. Big Hero 10 d. Big Hero 9
a. Superman b. Thor c. Iron Man d. Spider-Man
a. 50 b. 40 c. 30 d. 20
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2
7
The lead singer of which band broke his leg on stage yet continued to sing in a June 2015 gig?
Who created a new company called Alphabet Inc. in August of 2015?
Which song by Sam Smith won the 2015 Grammy for "Song of the Year"?
a. Stereophonics b. Coldplay c. U2 d. Foo Fighters
a. Google b. Netflix c. Facebook d. Yahoo
a. Down With Me b. In With Me c. Out With Me d. Stay With Me
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8
Making its debut on March 19th 1935, what board game will turn 80 in 2015?
Who did GROUPAUTO join forces with in March 2015?
a. Monopoly b. Cluedo c. Risk d. Checkers
a. Formula 1 b. UAN c. SKY d. Top Gear
How well do you remember 2015? have a go at our 2015 quiz and why not ask around the workshop to test your trivia skills. 14
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9 Who was the leading goalscorer in the Premier League 2014/15?
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Which of these is the best selling car of 2015?
Boxing great, Muhammad Ali, celebrated what birthday in January 2015?
a. Ford Fiesta b. Nissan Qashqai c. Volkswagen Polo d. Vauxhall Corsa
a. Wayne Rooney b. Sergio Aguero c. Harry Kane d. Marouanne Chamakh
10 Which rap star declared himself bankrupt in July 2015?
a. 53 b. 73 c. 63 d. 83
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Which of these was the most googled celebrity female in 2015?
Which well loved characted was reportedly killed in the last season of Game of Thrones?
a. Lorde b. Kim Kardashian c. Mel B d. Ariana Grande
a. Kanye West b. Eminem c. 50 Cent d. Jay Z
a. Hodor b. Jon Snow c. Tywin Lannister d. Ser Jorah
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Phil Rudd pleaded guilty to a string of crimes in 2015. He is the former drummer of which band?
In September 2015 how many years will have passed since the first episode of Fawlty Towers aired?
a. Rolling Stones b. ACDC c. Sex Pistols d. Black Sabbath
a. 25 b. 40 c. 30 d.15
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Played between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, where did Super Bowl XLIX take place?
Billy Bob Thornton won a Golden Globe Award in 2015 for his role in what popular TV show?
a. Texas b. Florida c. California d. Arizona
a. Breaking Bad b. True Detective c. The Missing d. Fargo
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Which horse won the 2015 Grand National at Aintree?
What’s the premium garage support programme available through GROUPAUTO?
a. Many Homes b. Many Hides c. Many Clouds d. Many Skies
a. AutoCare b. Garageteam c. Autohelp d. Carbits
1 -b 2-d 3-d 4-a
5-a 6-c 7-d 8-b
Answers www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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9-b 10 - c 11 - b 12 - c
13 - a 14 - d 15 - d 16 - a
17 - b 18 - b 19 - b 20 - d
Training at night
The dark nights and often unlit roads are no excuse to pile on the chunk over the winter months. With the correct lighting gear, training at night can be a hugely rewarding experience. Lucas know the sporting cyclist very well, the company after all has it’s fair share! They demand performance but they are not going to want to strap on large lighting units or external battery packs to their carefully tuned road machines. Enter the KOTR Sport Range… Featuring robust yet compact and lightweight construction, KOTR Sport lights perfectly complement the aerodynamic designs of modern road bikes. Riding at speed in the dark will require a bright light with a long beam so that you can see hazards before you feel them. This is where the Lucas KOTR Sport F500 excels.
With its stealth-like, aircraft grade aluminum body and intense 500 lumen output, it looks as great as it performs, offering subtle, unobtrusive styling that perfectly complements modern road bikes. So now you can see where you’re going, you’ll want to be sure that you can be seen by others. It may sound cliché but as drivers we all know that we can’t see as well in the dark no matter how many carrots we consume and at night there are likely to be tired eyes on the road. A small rear light like the Lucas KOTR R15 on your seat stem won’t weigh you down and will ensure that you are visible from the rear. Lucas recommends that lights be used even in the daytime hours, as drivers now expect to see daytime running lamps on vehicles. They also advise that a dedicated flashing unit like the F40 Sport is used to support the main beam for increased visibility.
Off-roading at night
For those of you wishing to propel yourselves through pitch black wooded areas on two wheels, you’re going to need some extreme power. You won’t have to worry about oncoming traffic so the more lumens the better. Lucas Trail Blazer lights generate up to 3000 lumens of light. The intense
beam illuminates even the most dense of off-road conditions, allowing bikers to see every obstacle that stands in their way. Trail Blazer bike lights open up a world of possibilities for night trails and extreme cyclists. These powerful CREE LED bike lights are powered by external battery packs for maximum power and extended run times.
THE PRODUCTS 16
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KOTR SPORT 500
F40 SPORT
Commuting in the dark
There are many reasons to choose to cycle to work. Whether it is to improve fitness, save money or contribute to helping the environment, increasing numbers of people are taking to two wheels for the commute. However, those bright summer evenings are short lived and many are put off by safety concerns when darkness creeps in. City cycling can be a hazardous activity but with the right gear you can continue to enjoy that smug feeling as you freewheel though lines of stationary traffic.
with 500 lumens of light. This is about perfect for road use; anything else could dazzle oncoming traffic and cause more harm than good. To reduce this risk further the KOTR features a wide, dipped beam, which projects light down in front of you. This is perfect for highlighting slippery manhole covers, drains and those ever-common potholes. Perhaps the most hazardous part of any cyclist’s commute will be crossroads, islands and junctions.
Many cyclists overlook the importance of side visibility in these circumstances. This is why Lucas incorporated 180˚ light into every KOTR City product. They are also USB rechargeable and so can be easily recharged at the office via PC, laptop or mains charger. The KOTR City 500F also boasts a USB power bank so you can charge other devices. Perfect for powering a flat mobile phone in an emergency.
The Lucas KOTR City range has been designed specifically for cycling commuters and offers a host of clever features designed to improve safety in and around towns and cities. Just as recommended for sports cyclists, you’ll want a good bright front light. The powerful KOTR City 500F will provide you
King of the Road since 1878
Whilst the arrival of the Lucas brand into the world of cycling may appear to many as a new venture. Others will be aware of the rich pedigree that the world-renowned brand possesses and the key role that it played within the history of cycle lighting. Lucas was in fact responsible for introducing the earliest bicycle lamps into the UK. These original lamps were powered by acetylene gas, produced by combining calcium carbide with water. Lucas was established in 1872, the same year that the petrol engine was first patented. The business that Joseph Lucas founded in Birmingham, still the global HQ of Lucas today, represents the consistency and durability of Lucas products. Joseph Lucas was born in Birmingham in 1834 and began dealing in paraffin oil for
TRAIL BLAZER
CITY 500
domestic lamps and other products in the early 1860s. By 1875, a small workshop was opened in Little King Street with five employees. The early product range included ship’s lamps and notably the first Lucas “King of the Road” bicycle lamp, for use on the Penny Farthing, produced in 1878. An official patent was obtained in 1880 for the “King of the Road” bicycle lamp. In 1882, Joseph formed a private partnership with his son, Harry, trading under the title of Joseph Lucas & Son. Business expanded dramatically in the bicycle boom of the time. A new factory was built which later developed into the iconic Great King Street premises for the successful Lucas Electrical business in Birmingham.
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CITY 85F
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PROS Movie going is magic! You're more likely to be affected by a film if you see it theatrically. At home, you might be inclined to pick up the phone if it rings, or hit the pause button for a toilet break.
PROS The popcorn is much better. There are some good varieties of microwave popcorn available on the market. None of them taste as good as the stuff you get at a movie theater.
GOING TO THE
cinema
vs
CONS Other people. From laughing obnoxiously to talking on the phone, bringing food clearly not designated for a cinema and annoying kids, other people can completely ruin your experience.
CONS Cost. Going to the movies, including snacks can cost you up to ÂŁ20 and also the travelling to get there! Even worse if the movie is a let down!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
DEC 18
Han Solo, Princess Leia & Luke Skywalker return to the big screen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, set approximately 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. Will the force be strong in this one?
PROS
One of the best features of Netflix’s streaming content is its variety of TV shows. It offers access to entire series from dramas like ‘Breaking Bad’ & ‘House of Cards’ to comedies such as ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ & ‘Arrested Development’
PROS
Netflix streaming is easy to set up, all you need to do is download the app (or go the website), enter your account and you’re there. Many systems such as PlayStation or Xbox even come with a built-in Netflix app.
CONS
Minimal access to new releases in film and television. Recently added titles are rarely updated, making it difficult to find new content.
CONS
Hard to pick! If you haven’t already decided what you are going to watch it’s difficult to browse effectively and find something you’d like.
The hateful eight
DEC 25
The new film by Quentin Tarantino stars Kurt Russell & Samuel L Jackson as bounty hunters trying to escort a fugitive across America. Betrayal and deception are sure to follow...
Daddy's Home
DEC 25
Will Ferrell stars as a mild mannered radio executive trying to be a stepdad to his wife’s two children. But trouble arises when their loose cannon father (Mark Wahlberg) returns to the frame.
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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IT’S IN THE MAIL We spoke to some of our autocare and approved garages network members about successful marketing techniques they have introduced to become a top independent garage. Why not take inspiration from these ideas and implement them in your business.
95% of online consumers have an email account
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS…
91% of consumer check their email s at least once a day
EMAIL MARKETING IS A TRIED AND TESTED WAY OF SENDING A PERSONALISED MESSAGE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS, AND THE BEST BIT IS IT’S CHEAP.
1.
TO: YOU FROM: ME BLAH, BLAH, BLAH , BLAH, BLAH
People actually pr efer to receive promotio ns via email as oppose d to Facebook or Twitt er
FACTOIDS
BECOME TOP OF THE INBOX IN A FEW SIMPLE STEPS! WOULD YOU OPEN YOUR EMAIL?? • Use a subject line that will grab your customers’ attention, don’t give them a reason to delete it! • Capitalize words to draw their attention e.g. FREE screen wash with every winter service TIP: be careful not to get CAP happy as spam filters don’t like too many CAPITAL LETTERS.
2.
ID ENTIFY YOURSELF 20
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N SPA O I T
How will your email benefit them? (that’s all your customers are interested in).
AVER
8
E ADU AG
GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT!
N
SECS
ATTEN LT
BE CLEAR
3.
4.
DON’T BORE THEM
YOU DON’T NEED TO REINVENT THE WHEEL
USE IMAGES + PUNCHY TEXT
Test your campaigns and run them again if they are successful.
You know the saying ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ - it’s true - don’t bore your customers with war & peace, use images and bullet points or short punchy paragraphs .
5. DON’T GET SPAM FILTERED! There isn’t a magic formula to avoid the spam assassin but there’s some best practice that can help reduce the chances of your email going to junk. • • • • •
Personalise the content so it is relevant to your customer Avoid excessive use of ‘CAPS’ and ‘!!!!’ especially in the subject line Limit the use of coloured fonts Provide a clear unsubscribe link Test your email
6. IT TAKES TWO COMMUNICATION IS A TWO-WAY STREET Don’t lose them - include a call to action with a button link to more info. TIP: Don’t send emails from a ‘noreply’ email address - customers are more likely to engage if they can reply direct to your email.
SAFE
SPAM
EMAIL CAMPAIGN SOFTWARE THAT’S WORTH A TRY: • CAMPAIGN MONITOR - WWW.CAMPAIGNMONITOR.COM • MAIL CHIMP - WWW.MAILCHIMP.COM BENEFITS: • Choose from a variety of free, professionally designed templates • Interactive analytics tools – see how your campaign is doing in real time • Automatically optimized email campaigns for all devices • Help & guidance on how to avoid the spam filter • FREE no obligation trial References www.socialmouths.com - Top 10 Social Media Blog 2014
On a typically murky October day at the Thruxton race circuit in the heart of Hampshire we interviewed racing driver and TV presenting legend Tiff Needell. Over sausage, chips and beans we discussed his career highlights, new found love for football and had a heated ‘proper pint’ debate.
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Firstly tell us some more about your link with Thruxton Race track. I’ve been doing the experience rides for 4 years now at this Thruxton Circuit. I live close to the track and thought it would be great to offer the public the chance to fly round the circuit with me to see what a road car can really do. I once did 40 rides in one day which is over 300 miles sideways so it was exhausting! It’s great though to meet the diverse people of the public and see the smiles on their faces. People can’t believe this BMW M4 has had no tuning or special parts fitted, it’s simply the road car you can buy from the showroom. We go through some tyres mind!
Why is the BMW in your eyes a great driver’s car? Any of the M Series BMWs are perfect machines. This M4 is an exciting responsive car and easy to slide around. I can play with it whilst talking and not worry whether it will suddenly snap unpredictably like some super cars.
You have done some incredible challenges on TopGear and more recently Fifth Gear, but is there one in particular that stands out for you?
went out to Portugal and drove the Holy Trinity of HyperCars; the LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918. This will be featured on the internet in November. The three of us sliding these hyper cars through corners was epic.
We interviewed Nigel Lamb for the summer edition of IGNITION magazine; you raced against his Breitling Air Race plane. How was it? It was great we shot this for our new series of Fifth Gear which was aired in June on the Sky History channel. His stunt plane racing past the window of our Lamborghini was unique, as usually now with health and safety rules we have to be on separate parallel runways and not as close. The latest episodes will repeat on ITV4 in November. On TopGear in the 1990s we shot some great footage when I had a drag race in an Aston Martin DB7 against a Jaguar fighter jet. My idea was to mount the camera in the passenger footwell of the Aston filming over my shoulder out of the window. I was showing off to the camera that I was just about to pass the finish line first when suddenly out of nowhere the pilot in his jet roared past.
With new technology in cars now it’s harder than ever to maintain them yourself. Did you tinker much with your cars in the past? Yes I had to when I was racing! Although, I spent more time fixing my second hand Ford Transit van that I towed my racing car around with than working on my actual racing car! I used to change rocker arms on the hard shoulder of the M1 trying to get to race tracks around the country.
Tell us a bit more about your change of fortune after winning a racing car?! I used to go to racing schools in the late 60’s and entered a Motorsports magazine competition and won the most amazing Lotus 69F which I have recently bought back.
I have just finished an amazing shoot with Chris Harris and Marino Franchitti where we
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Continued... It’s been rebuilt and the owner has had it returned to immaculate condition. I race it a couple of times a year in historic races. I actually had a win in Easter about 2 years ago here at Thruxton and amazingly it was on the same track, in the same car that I won my very first race in 1972.
Is the best road car you have ever driven still the McLaren F1? I don’t think it will ever be beaten. The fact it has a manual gear lever, no power assistance, no traction control, great steering and then the sound of that V12 whaling away it really is the complete package.
What would you change in Formula One if you had your way? Oh well where do I start? The manufacturers are too involved and all they are bothered about is the manufacturer’s championship, something the public are not interested in. There is so much science and technology that it’s becoming less entertaining. We need to bring it back to be a driver’s championship and just have simple engines like 4litre V8s. Also some of the drivers are hogging the seats of F1, earning millions when young talent need to be given the chance.
I once did 40 rides in one day which is over 300 miles!
QUICKFIRE questions What car do you currently drive day to day?
The BMW 335i Touring, it has to be petrol not that horrible foul diesel fuel!
Favourite family holiday destination?
Disney Resort trips with the boys were wonderful when they were growing up, but recently for the first time we rented a Villa in the south of France. It was great value for money and a beautiful holiday with all my family.
Where would you go on a romantic getaway?
It would be a beach resort. The Maldives is romantic, my wife and I have been there once before and it was just mega. We will go back there some time.
What’s your best advice to budding racing drivers? It’s hard due to the expense of the sport so the success is more with the land of the rich. Graham Sharp is the person behind the Racing Steps Foundation which provides funds to help young British talent in the lower levels progress, there’s also a regulation in GT Racing where professional drivers must partner with an amateur driver which is brilliant for the young kids. For me any young driver lucky enough to be involved at any level of motorsport should just enjoy being out there doing what they love.
You have participated in adrenaline pumping sport like powerboat and motorsport racing, but is there any other thrill-seeking activities you have tried? Not really as I’m scared of heights but I suppose the only car that scared me was a 5000 horse power dragster. You have no control over a dragster if it goes wrong it goes wrong!
Are you a James Bond fan? I like the old Bond movies rather than the serious Bond of today. The Roger Moore one liner comedy moments were so funny.
The ultimate Bond classic car is the Aston Martin DB5, have you ever driven one? Yes although I’m not keen on the old classic cars. The DB5 was like driving a truck as it won’t stop or go round corners! I’d rather drive a more modern Ferrari 458 as it’s much more engaging and enjoyable to drive.
As a Southampton Football fan do you get to go to St Mary’s much? My sons wanted to go watch Premiership football and when we moved to the area near Southampton we decided to get season tickets. The first game we went to I was hooked. Seeing my two eldest sons wearing their red and white scarves, walking down to the ground with huge smiles of excitement on their faces was a great moment as a father and we now go to all the home games. I’d rather watch 90 minutes of football, with the amazing emotions you go through and the atmosphere from the fans, than sit through a F1 Grand Prix!
Favourite Southampton player past and present? Probably for me in my relatively short history as a Southampton fan would have to be Ricky Lambert. If we could put together a Saints team with current players that are now at other clubs that used to play for us we would have an incredible team. Imagine the likes of Adam Lallana, Shaw, Walcott, Schneiderlin, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gareth Bale all together – what a side we would have. I also love to see those players that have come through from non-league to become Premiership players like Vardy from Leicester City.
For more information on Thruxton Motorsport Centre please see page 62.
Favourite racing driver past or present?
Jim Clarke is my favourite of all time. Hamilton is probably the fastest driver and I’m starting to warm to his characteristics but he is still a bit too bling for me. I’m also a big fan of Vettel and how he is on and off the track – he also drives a Ferrari and of course you have to have Ferrari in Formula One.
Favourite musician or band?
The Doors are the best, Led Zeppelin too, and Rolling Stones rather than the Beatles.
Any particular film genre?
Not really, I don’t like sad ones as what’s the point in paying to cry, don’t like horror films as what’s the point in paying to be scared. Action with humour would be my choice. My wife drags me to the ballet and theatre but I enjoy it as it’s a special occasion and night out.
Favourite restaurant?
It’s hard to pick one in particular as we enjoy eating out. I would say The Pig in Brockenhurst, a country house restaurant with fantastic food.
Wine, beer or spirit?
Yes, to all the above!! All in moderation of course, nothing before midday! Real ale is my favourite and a quality southern pint with no ‘frothy top’ like you Northerners enjoy.
All photography by: justinsleephotography / www.justinslee.co.uk
W NTER H LIDAY DESTINATIONS Some people love the UK winter months but for those seeking a holiday escape there is plenty on offer across the globe for the adventurous and sun-loving types.
DUBAI
TENERIFE
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE. With luxurious hotels and perfect weather at this time of year it’s a great destination for winter.
Tenerife is the biggest and best-known Canary Island receiving over 10 million visitors a year. Popular tourist areas tend to be south resorts but step beyond this and you’ll also find a cultured and civilised island of extraordinary diversity. Temperatures averaging in the mid 20’s and a short 4 hour flight time from many UK airports make this an ideal seasonal holiday destination.
Must see: Platinum Heritage Luxury Tours and Safaris - A desert safari in Dubai is something everyone has to try at least once in their life. The romance of the desert conjures up images of the golden sands of Lawrence of Arabia, with the soft flames of an antique lamp and a gentle bonfire casting a warm glow around Bedouins. Visit: http://www.platinum-heritage.com
Dubai
Must see: Loro Parque - Watch the Dolphins and Orcas perform in front of your eyes at one of the most popular attractions in Tenerife – a real family favourite. Penguins have also made it their home on one of the largest icebergs outside of the Polar Regions! Visit: www.loroparquetenerife.com/
SWITZERLAND BARBADOS If you’re after a winter sports holiday, you can’t find a more gorgeous place to do it than Interlaken, the popular Swiss resort town. There are top class skiing, exciting toboggan runs, endless sledding tracks and perfect snowboarding locations and all with stunning views of the mountains. Must see: Interlaken is ideally located in an area surrounded with four attractive ski resorts to choose from. Snow parks, spacious ski slopes and long downhill runs bring challenges for ambitious skiers and amateur athletes. It’s a family-friendly resort and all the equipment can be hired on site. Visit: www.interlaken.ch/en/ 26
This lush West Indian island is the ideal hotspot for romance and adventure. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island food. Must see: Sail Calabaza Barbados - Barbados’s most exclusive, private and personalised catamaran sailing cruises is limited to 12 guests per trip to give the guests that special pampered feeling. Snorkel and swim with the catamaran crew and the turtles, explore the reefs, and many other beautiful scenes from the ocean. Visit: www.calabazasailingcruises.com/
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Interlaken, Switzerland
Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife
Coco Beach, Barbados
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Fault Diagnosis
Low power, excessive noise or smoke are often blamed on the turbo. Yet turbochargers are extremely reliable – only 1% of so-called turbo failures are due to a fault with the turbo itself. 28
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It’s essential to find out what caused the turbo to fail – or you may just repeat the problem
The turbocharger is an integral part of
Check specification
When a turbo stops working, it seems
the engine’s air, fuel, cooling and oil
Is the engine modified or worn out
obvious it should take the blame. But
systems, so any problem in these
with low compression? If the turbo
in nearly every instance, the reason
systems will have an effect on the
isn’t receiving the amount of energy it
for the failure almost certainly lies
turbo. Even if a diagnostic fault code
was designed for, it won’t perform
elsewhere.
points to the turbo, it may simply be
properly or may fail prematurely. Even
highlighting the result, not the cause.
simply overfilling the engine oil can
You can find more information on
Before you fit a replacement, it’s
over-pressurise the system and
the BTN Turbo website:
essential to find out what caused the
damage the turbo – or suggest there’s
wwwbtnturbo.com, and if you’d like
turbo to fail – or you may just repeat
a turbo problem.
to talk to an expert, call BTN Turbo on 01895 466666.
the problem. Check the oil Check hoses
In fact, over 90% of turbo failures are
A blocked filter or intercooler,
oil related: either oil starvation or
obstructions, leaks or splits in any
contamination. So examine this area
hoses or pipes, or even using non-OE
first when you’re searching for a fault.
spec parts, can lead to turbo failure.
Remember it’s vital to change the oil,
For example, a split air intake hose
and replace the oil and air filters,
can make the turbo over-rev and
when you fit the new turbo.
overboost.
Visit www.groupauto.co.uk/distributors or scan the QR code to find your nearest BTN Turbo stockist. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL
TIME OF THE YE AR
BROOKLYN LAGER
MIXED OLIVes
Craft beers are all the rage and Brooklyn Lager is a great example of their popularity. The British technique of dry-hopping has been used by Brooklyn Brewery to create an American original. The result is a wonderfully flavorful lager, smooth, refreshing and very versatile with food.
Every good supermarket or farm shop offers a great range of olives. We believe you can’t beat the ‘Crespo’ sachets. Why not add some chopped chilli and garlic to give your olives a bit of an extra boost.
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Spicy PORK SCRATChings This is an easy to make homemade snack and an absolute winner with a pint of ale. Make sure the pork skin is as dry as possible and cut in to finger sized strips. Salt the skin, roast at a high heat until crisp and then toss them in a spice mix of paprika, cumin and fennel seeds.
WHISKY SOUR The whisky sour was a prominent drink in the TV series Mad Men. A stylish classic that’s sure to go down well at your festive party. Combine the ingredients, shake with ice and serve over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice. • 2 ounces bourbon whisky • 2/3 ounce lemon juice • 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
' TIS T H E S E A S O N
P H OTO S H O OT LO C ATI O N
There’s no better time of the year to find an excuse to throw a party. Invite your friends and family round this Christmas and New Year period and impress them with amazing, yet simple to achieve, seasonal drinks and snacks.
Alfred Bar located in Meanwood, Leeds. The perfect neighbourhood bar where great drinks are brought to your table by welcoming and knowledgeable staff in surroundings that mix your local social club with 50’s Hitchcock. Alfred is part of the North Bar chain across the Leeds district, check out www.NorthBar.com for more details.
www.NorthBar.com
FOOD CREATED BY www.kravedeli.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY www.jamphotographic.co.uk
CRANBERRY MOJITO
Spiced honey Nuts
Brandy alexander
Simply add cranberry syrup for a seasonal twist on the traditional Mojito. Muddle lime juice and mint leaves in a glass. Stir in the syrup and rum, fill with ice and top with club soda before garnishing with cranberries and mint.
A seriously moreish snack, ideal for drinks parties. Simply melt honey in a pan, take a good variety of nuts and pour the mixture over them and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Transfer the nuts to a lined baking tray, and bake for 10 minutes before tossing them in a salt and raw cane sugar mix and letting them cool.
The Brandy Alexander is a sweet and creamy treat that’s perfect for the festive period. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• 2 oz cranberry syrup • 2 oz white rum • 3 oz club soda • Handful of mint leaves • Juice of 1/2 a lime
• 1 ounce brandy • 1 ounce crème de cacao • 2 ounces heavy cream
Scotch eggs IN PANKO CRUMB The flaky Japanese Panko crumb works really well as a coating for a Scotch egg. Try with a chilli dipping sauce or traditional piccalilli. These will go down a treat so make sure there’s enough for everyone!
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COMMA& WILL PALMER C omma-sponsored Will Palmer has broken all previous records to become the 2015 Duo BRDC Formula 4 champion shortly before we went to press. 18 year old Will is the son of former Formula 1 driver Jonathan – Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision which owns PalmerSport and four major British race circuits including Brands Hatch – and younger brother to Jolyon, who was also sponsored by Comma to win the 2014 GP2 championship and is now third driver for the Lotus Formula 1 team. Unsurprisingly, Will’s ambition is to graduate from Formula 4’s motorsport ‘Prep School’ and follow in their wheel-tracks. We caught up with him as he was still celebrating his record breaking achievement. How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a racing driver? Although I’ve been around motorsport all my life, it was only actually at the relatively old age of 13 that I really considered becoming a racing driver. I remember having my first test day in a kart at my local track in 2010, and since then I haven’t really looked back. Including the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Winter Championship – which you also won – you’ve enjoyed great success at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. Is that your favourite circuit? Snetterton is definitely a track I really enjoy driving. The new track flows very nicely with a great mix of challenging corners. It’s a track where I seem to always have good results as well so I always look forward to going there! In terms of my absolute favourite track to drive, for the pure thrill it has to be Brands Hatch GP – it’s so unique and filled with high speed, flowing corners with very little runoff, which makes it a really exciting, and certainly challenging track to drive.
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Driving a race car is physically very demanding. What is your training regime? The physical side of motorsport is often overlooked from the outside, but in reality it does play a big part. Obviously, the faster the car, the more physically challenging it is to drive, so although I don’t struggle at all with the F4 car, I try to train as much as possible, without following a specific regime, to prepare myself for driving faster cars in the future. This consists mainly of strength work in the gym and running to improve cardio fitness. At just 18-years-old, you are driving an extremely powerful racing machine. How do you mentally cope with the pressure of that, and racing wheel-to-wheel too? It definitely helped me to start in Ginetta Juniors, which were very low powered cars, before moving to F4, so I was introduced quite gradually to more powerful cars. In terms of coping with a powerful machine like the F4 car, I think the confidence in the car comes naturally with more experience and familiarity with it. For racing wheel-to-wheel, the key I find is to stay as calm and as methodical as possible in the car even if it seems chaotic from the outside, which has helped me to have less incidents with other drivers than in the past. Do you follow a very strict diet plan and what is it? I’m a fairly tall driver at 6”1, so it’s important for me to keep my weight down as much as possible, aiming for under 70 kilos. I don’t follow a diet plan but I keep a rough track of the amount of calories I have in a day to keep my weight under control.
Your elder brother Jolyon is now a Formula One driver. Does he help you in your career and what have you learned from him? Jolyon has been extremely helpful in my career – he has been through all of it himself so has so much useful advice for me from his own experiences. One of his strengths has always been his racecraft, which he has helped me with in the past to improve that area of my own driving. Away from racing, what are your interests and are you particularly talented at anything else? Away from the track, I have just finished my A levels and am going to Bath University in September to study Mechanical Engineering alongside my racing commitments. I also enjoy playing tennis and I play the piano, though to say I was particularly talented at either might be a bit far! Does your Dad sometimes let you have a go in any of the amazing machines at his PalmerSport event in Bedfordshire, and have you ever gone head-to-head there with him or your brother? (If so, who won?) We normally have an annual family day at Bedford, which is always really good fun, and far more competitive than it should be between the three of us! It’s always really close between us and the order changes around all the time! Current F1 title protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg grew up together in karts. 10 years from now, who do you image would be your fiercest opponent if you were to be in a similar situation? It’s so difficult to know who will make it through to F1 nowadays, but out of the drivers I have raced against I would probably say it would be either Raoul Hyman or George Russell, who are both now racing in F3. I raced against both of them last year, and got on well with Raoul as my teammate, while George ended up winning the championship last year.
“
I remember having my first test day in a kart at my local track in 2010, and since then I haven’t really looked back.
”
Racing drivers are generally viewed as being fearless. Illness apart, is there anything that really scares you?
I actually think it is important for a racing driver not to be completely fearless – the cars might be very safe these days, but every so often, as we saw recently, we are reminded of the dangers that remain in the sport. While I certainly wouldn’t say I feel at all scared while I’m racing, there’s a degree of underlying awareness about the danger that does exist which is in itself something of a safety measure, preventing dangerous manoeuvres which could result in an unnecessary accident.
Comma announces new environment sustainable VAG-specific antifreeze/coolant. New Comma Xstream® GG40® with BASF Glysantin® is officially approved for all Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini (TL 774-J) models from 2012 onwards - currently over 400,000 UK vehicles. Based on a mix of glycol and glycerine derived from a renewable source - a by-product of biodiesel production - it is classified as a Si-OAT (Silicated Organic Additive Technology) product. Its introduction is driven by VAG’s wish to bring a more environmentally sustainable antifreeze/coolant to market. New Comma Xstream® GG40® is complementary to, and does not replace Comma Xstream® G40® - which is already approved for all VAG models from 2005 onwards - because that product also
meets approvals or application requirements for certain models from other vehicle manufacturers, e.g. Mercedes Benz and Porsche. Comma’s application data therefore now recommends both Xstream® GG40® and Xstream® G40® for all VAG models from 2012 onwards. VAG has its own G-coding system for manufacturer-approved coolants, which you are likely to encounter in handbooks for its vehicles. For your guidance, new Comma Xstream® GG40® is equivalent to VAG Code 13, and Comma Xstream® G40® is equivalent to VAG Code G12++. New Comma Xstream® GG40® with BASF Glysantin® is available now in both Concentrate and Ready Mixed 5 litre packs and 2 litre Concentrate.
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N A C U O Y S T SPOR O R P A E M O C BE 15KG
AT ANY AGE!
WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES YOU CAN START AT ANY AGE AND EVEN BECOME A PRO AT! FROM GOLF TO LONG DISTANCE RUNNING WE HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT WILL GET YOU MOVING! 34
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GOLF
The benefits of picking up golf include stress reduction, longer life expectancy, better sleep and even improved socialisation. Have a look at our feature on the Dan Plan below and see how you can start teeing off... Oldest competitor: Gary Player - 79
FENCING
ARCHERY
RUNNING Running is a sport you can pick up at any age and the positives are endless. Apart from burning the calories and reducing weight, running also helps to improve energy levels and stamina. Find a local running club and get started today. Oldest competitor: Marathon runner, Fauja Singh - 101
This is a great sport for boosting your mental and physical health and fitness. Archery can be played indoor and outdoor and is known to improve focus, patience and is also relatively inexpensive! Get practicing your longbow today. Oldest competitor: Hubert Van Innis - 67
Fencing is a good cardiovascular exercise which will increase stamina and burn calories. It’s also a workout for the mind as you will need concentration and mental discipline to do well. There are even Senior Fencing World Championships for people to compete in! Oldest competitor: Karl Münich - 63
DARTS
Believe it or not, the game of darts is actually a professional competitive sport, but you’re more likely to see it played in your local pub or bar. It’s a challenging game that requires a high level of skill, accuracy and a steady hand. Health benefits include: Improves hand/eye coordination, strategic thinking, improved concentration & also builds confidence. You’ll be scoring 180’s in no time! Oldest competitor: John MaGowan - 70
THE DAN PLAN On April 5th, 2010, Dan McLaughlin quit his day job as a commercial photographer and began The Dan Plan. Having never played 18 holes of golf in his life, Dan started the 10,000 hour journey to become a professional golfer with just a putter. After five months of putting, he received his second club, a pitching wedge. Just before the first anniversary of The Dan Plan, Dan took his first full-swing lesson. After 18 months he swung a driver for the first time. On December 28, 2011 he played his first full round with a full set of clubs. Since then he has never looked back... Logging in 30-plus hours a week he will hit the 10,000 hour milestone by December 2016. During this time, Dan plans to develop his skills through deliberate practice, eventually winning amateur events and obtaining his PGA Tour card through a successful appearance in the PGA Tour’s Qualifying School, or “Q-School”. As of April 1, 2015 Dan’s handicap was 5.5.
WHY?
Through his journey Dan hopes to inspire others to start exploring the possibilities life affords them. Though his isn’t an easy endeavour and is quite possibly impossible, if it inspires even one person to quit their day job and find happiness in their own plan, then the Dan Plan is a success.
FIND OUT MORE AT:
http://thedanplan.com/
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MOTOR CODES GARAGE OF THE YEAR 2015
CRESCENT MOTORING SERVICES Crescent Motors of Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire are flying the flag for the AutoCare network as they continue to win awards for their customer service. Crescent Motors have been an AutoCare garage for three years; they make the most of everything that the AutoCare programme has to offer which together with their own drive and ambition they are way ahead of the competition.
EXCELLENCE IN CUStomer service 36
2013
In four consecutive years they have won several awards; 2011 ‘Golden Garage’ award in the Motor Codes National Garage Competition; the Burton Mail ‘Customer Service of the Year’ award in 2012; the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ award in 2013 and 2014; Motor Codes Garage of the Year award in 2014 and again in 2015 and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce ‘Best Customer Service
motor codes garage of the year
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2014
Performance’ award in 2015. How do they find the time to fix cars? Well…that’s just it; it’s not just about fixing cars for Managing Director Steve Tallett and his team, it’s about providing a complete service, one that is trusted and remembered by every customer that drives out of their garage.
best CUStomer service performance
2015
What makes Crescent Motors stand out?
Their garage is equipped with four workshop bays and 5 tonne capacity ramps to service, MOT and repair classes 4, 7 and 5a vehicles, as well larger commercial vehicles.
Crescent Motors go above and beyond just servicing and repairing cars to make sure they stand out. Memorable customer service is at the heart of everything that they do.
Branded courtesy cars
Keeping motorists on the road whilst their vehicle is in for repair.
Facebook and Twitter
Crescent Motors keep their customers in the know by regularly sharing news, offers and events information via their social media pages.
855 followers on Twitter @cresmotors
296 LIKES on Facebook
Not just a 9 to 5
The team at Crescent Motors help drum up new business by inviting local residents to free informative evenings specially designed to offer car maintenance tips to motorists.
First impressions count
When customers walk through the door at Crescent Motors they are greeted with a main dealer-esque reception area with clean tiled floors, soft furnishings, magazines, a water machine and even toys to keep the kids entertained.
What makes AutoCare garages different? AutoCare garage members get access to a range of business services that really set them apart from the rest‌
Ladies’ themed nights help to break down the stigma that surrounds women drivers and independent garages. New driver nights aimed at educating drivers who are new to the road.
Branding
First Impressions Count
Software
Improved Efficiency
Training
StAY Ahead of the Game
Marketing
stationery & POS Materials
PLUS: Motor Codes membership
MOTOR CODES
For more information contact the team on 01274 654605. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
37
CUP
The Mosconi Cup is an annual nine-ball pool tournament contested between teams representing Europe and the USA. The trophy is named after American player Willie Mosconi, and is comparable to the Ryder Cup in golf. Returning to Las Vegas, the Mosconi Cup pits two-five-man teams in an intense battle over four days of play this December. This year’s event marks the 22nd anniversary of the Mosconi Cup broadcasted around the world and is one of sport’s must-see events. When? - Monday 7th to Thursday 10th December 2015 Where? - Tropicana Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Prize Money - $20,000 per winning player
Europe Win 5 Years Running In the last 5 years Europe retained the title and is ready to make it six. Darren Appleton from England has played in all 5 wins for Europe. We caught up with him before he jetted out to Vegas! 2014 Europe 11 – 5 USA (Tower Circus, Blackpool) 2013 Europe 11 – 2 USA (Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas) 2012 Europe 11 – 9 USA (York Hall, Bethnal Green, London) 2011 Europe 11 – 7 USA (MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas) 2010 Europe 11 – 8 USA (York Hall, Bethnal Green, London)
Dynamite Darren Appleton talks to IGNITION Magazine How much are you looking forward to the Mosconi Cup and what in particular?
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8
2
comes to
5
38
12
I N O C S O M
11
s a g e V s a L
It’s the best event in world and the best show in pool and it’s what we work all year for. At the beginning of the year, it’s your goal to get in the team. This year there will be more people watching than even and a new venue at the Tropicana in Vegas. There’ll be new players on each team and I believe that America will have a good chance.
What’s the camaraderie like in the Europe camp during this competition? It’s great. There are a lot of guys that don’t mix much at regular tournaments but they put that aside and become best friends for the week. We make sure there’s a good atmosphere and support each other to try and make it the best week of the year.
You have been in many pressure situations in games and obviously when teammates are relying on you too in this type of competition how do you handle it? I generally go on my experience. I have many big pressure situations in individual events which you draw on. I was lucky I was brought up playing in lots of team events which has held me in good stead for tournaments like the Mosconi Cup and World Cup of Pool. You don’t want to let anyone down so you’re more focused than in an individual event.
You started playing when you were just 12 years old. Did you have a table at home or where did you practice growing up? I played for one year with my brother Shane who had a table at home but it was just for fun. It wasn’t until I was 15 that I started playing in pool leagues and really taking it seriously. From there I just got hooked and started playing in four or five leagues a week then moved up to county level and started winning. I knew then that was what I had to do for a living. My brother and cousin Andy Appleton were both fantastic players and that gave me such a great start.
7 10
9 13
1
Any particular reason you are nicknamed ‘Dynamite’? When I was younger I was a terrible loser and would throw my toys out the pram at regular intervals. I’d throw chalk, I’d throw my cue – I just couldn’t accept losing! I also played very quickly and was quite explosive at the table. A guy called Ralph Winnfield who had a pool room in Wakefield starting calling me Dynamite and it stuck. I’ve managed to calm down quite a bit since those days!
You have been extremely successful in the game but what for you is the standout moment in your pool career?
unbelievable. I never expected to win and went on to beat Mark Selby in the final. Also, the 2010 Mosconi Cup in London was probably the best week I’ve ever had in pool.
Which car past or present would you love to own? I don’t know a whole lot about cars but probably a Lamborghini.
What is the first car you owned? I had a 1996 Nova as my first car after passing my test. I think everyone in my generation had a Nova at some point in their life.
There’s quite a few. Winning the Chinese World 8 Ball Championship earlier this year was
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HOW DOES A PLANE STAY IN THE SKY? Most of us have been on a plane, and many of us have sat in our seat wondering just how on earth it stays in the sky. The key to keeping a plane flying is the wings. As the jet engines thrust the plane forward, the wing splits the air. Some air flows fast over the wing and the rest flows under it slowly. The faster flow of air over the wing lowers the air pressure above it. Then the higher pressure of the slow-moving air underneath pushes upward on the wing, creating ‘lift’.
LIFT
Lift must be equal to gravity/weight, or the plane will rise and rise and rise...
There are 4 forces acting on a plane as it flies through the air. This combination of forces needs to be balanced in order for the plane to fly safely.
DRAG Drag is the plane’s friction with the air. This is countered by thrust
WEIGHT Weight or gravity, is critical to flying. Weight must be countered by lift, or the plane will plummet. 40
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THRUST Engines or propellers create thrust, which drives the plane forward.
WINGS Both the shape and angle of the wings determines how well a plane will fly. The upper surface of a wing is curved, meaning the air has to travel further and go slightly faster than the air that passes underneath.
17h 35m LONGEST FLIGHT
Antonov An-225 BIGGEST PLANE
2,193 mph FASTEST PLANE
Emirates have begun scheduling flights from Dubai to Panama City. The first of which will be on February 1st 2016. A new record for commercial flights.
The single Antonov An-225 is the world's heaviest aircraft ever (maximum takeoff weight greater than 640 tonnes). Length 84m/Width 88.4m
The SR-71 Blackbird is the current record-holder for a manned airbreathing jet aircraft. Introduced: 1966 Retired: 1999
50,000 AVERAGE NUMBER OF FLIGHTS PER DAY There are 50,000 flights worldwide every day, 30,000 are in the U.S alone!
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EURO
2016 ENGLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND ALL QUALIFY FOR EURO 2016 IN FRANCE...AND HOPEFULLY BY THE TIME YOU’RE READING THIS, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND WILL HAVE QUALIFIED TOO!
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HOW ENGLAND DID IT.. England scored more goals than Spain and Germany; they only conceded 4 goals across all 10 games and were the only team to qualify unbeaten…The last team to do that went onto win Euro 2012. 8th Sep 2014
SWITZERLAND 9th Oct 2014
ENGLAND
0 - 2 ENGLAND 5 - 0 SAN MARIN0
COULD THE HENRI DELAUNAY CUP BE WON BY A HOME NATION? It’s Euros glory for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. England achieved a 100% win record in group E; Northern Ireland topped group F and qualified for their first ever European Championship and Wales qualified for their first major tournament in over 50 years showcasing assuring performances from Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who they will surely be looking to keep fit.
ONES TO WATCH We take a look at the players that are hoping to shine at Euro 2016.
ROSS
12th Oct 2014
ESTONIA
0 - 1 ENGLAND
15th Nov 2014
ENGLAND
3 - 1 SLOVENIA
27th Mar 2015
ENGLAND
4 - 0 LITHUANIA
Harry Kane makes his senior England debut at Wembley and scores after 79 seconds 14th Jun 2015
SLOVENIA
2 - 3 ENGLAND 8th Sep 2015
5th Sep 2015
SAN MARINO
0 - 6 ENGLAND
8th Sep 2015
ENGLAND
2 - 0 SWITZERLAND
Rooney surpasses Sir Bobby Charlton’s long standing goal scoring record with goal no. 50 against the Swiss! 9th Oct 2015
ENGLAND
2 - 0 ESTONIA
GARETH
STUART
BARKLEY BALE
DALLAS
Country: England Age: 21 Position: Att Midfield
Country: Wales Age: 26 Position: Winger
Described as a mix of Paul Gascoigne & Michael Ballack, Barkley has impressed in qualifying with his pace and power. A future England captain?
Since moving to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale has gone from strength to strength and will be looking to impress at his first major tournament.
PACO
CHRISTOPH
Country: N Ireland Country: N Ireland Age: 24 Age: 24 Position: Winger Position: Winger The young winger has The winger beenyoung integral in has been integral in helping Northern helping Northern Ireland qualify for Ireland qualify Euro 2016 andfor will Euro 2016 and want to carry onwill his want carry on his good to form. good form.
ANTHONY
ALCACER KRAMER MARTIAL Country: Spain Age: 22 Position: Striker
Country: Germany Age: 23 Position: Def Midfield
Country: France Age: 20 Position: Striker
Alcacer is strong, speedy and direct, and he was a key figure in Valencia's fourth-placed La Liga finish last season, scoring 11 goals.
Playing a box-to-box role, Kramer is just as impressive in his passing as he is in his defensive duties. A Germany regular for years to come.
The young attacker has impressed since his move to Manchester United and is often compared to Thierry Henry. Can he do the same on the big stage?
CATCH THE FINAL GROUP STAGE DRAW ON THE 12TH DECEMBER AT 17:00 BST LIVE ON SKYSPORTS NEWS
12th Oct 2015
LITHUANIA
0 - 3 ENGLAND
WATCH OUT FOR YOUR EURO 2016 WALL PLANNER IN OUR SPRING EDITION AND OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PETER SHILTON...
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Illustrations sourced from getty images
Vending machines d sell fizzy drinks an chocolate, right? Well that and caviar...
There are vending machines in sports centres and shopping malls. They stand proud in schools and hotels. You can clunk in cash and dunk for your drink in stations and airports. But if it sometimes seems like vending machines are taking over the country - like an army of static robot sentries - you should wait until you see vending machine culture in other parts of the world. It’s not just the sheer volume of machines in countries like China, Japan and the US, it’s what they sell. Here’s our guide to some of the weirdest vending machines in the world.
Live crabs
In China you can get Coca Cola from one vending machine, crisps from the one next to it, and live crabs from the one next to that. Yep, in China, live hairy crab, a local delicacy, is available from a vending machine. The crabs probably aren’t best pleased.
Raw meat
They love meat in the southern states of the US of A, and in Alabama they love it so much that the effort of queuing up for it and having to interact with other human being before the scoffing can start can get a bit much. So they found a solution: raw meat, from sausage to steak, in a vending machine. Tasty!
Coca Cola
What’s unusual about a Coca Cola vending machine. Not a darn thing. Except that in Singapore, you sometimes have to hug the machine before it will dispense the (free) Coke. Gimmicky but fun, sort of.
Wine
It’s the news secret middle class alcoholics will be raising a toast of something fruity-with-a-hint-of-oak to. Somebody has invented a wine vending machine, which is currently in service in the States but will surely be coming to a dark corner of Waitrose some day soon.
Strawberries
It’s an age old problem: you wake up at 4am and there isn’t a strawberry to be had. Well it’s one problem humanity no longer has to struggle with. Farmers in Belgium have invented a 24 hour chilled fresh strawberry vending machine that - as the name suggests - vends chilled strawberries 24 hours a day.
Chips
Chips (or French Fries) are so popular in the Western world that it was only a matter of time before somebody invented a way to get at them after a swim or before boarding a plane. This French Fry vending machine is in Las Vegas (where chips are also popular but are something else altogether).
The full night in
This Chinese vending machine sells everyday snacks like chocolate and crisps and whatnot, but interestingly the same machine will also sell you a) condoms and b) viagra (or the Chinese equivalent). In other words, all the ingredients for a good night in.
Healthy snacks
t junk - fizzy drinks, fried potato Vending machines used to be all abou these are nothing snacks, live hairy crabs and so on. But explains the increasing proliferaif not health conscious times, which s and other stick t tion of machines selling peas, carro ld to one, but you ear-o six-y a lead d healthy items. You coul almost certainly couldn’t make it eat.
Taxis
machine (yet), but in No, you can’t buy a taxi from a vending the back of your taxi. in k drin cool a buy New Orleans you can
Caviar
for those of us (well, It’s a niche market, we’ll grant you, but a hurry, there are now vending you) who are wealthy, hungry and in caviar from ng machines that dispense caviar. Buyi le point, who the miss to s a vending machine seem . rgot esca sells also hine mac somehow. This
Eggs
stalls you still come It’s a high tech version of those roadside an honesty box. and across in rural parts with a pile of eggs the Netherlands. in ation oper in This egg vending machine is
Cocktails Bars can be a nightmare, given the scrum to get a drink and the fact that barmen always serve pretty girls first (and bar women never serve blokes first), so this cocktail vending machi ne, created by industrial engineers at the University of Bremen in Germany, could be a winner. It can mix and dispense nine differe nt drinks.
Rice
Hug Me
Japan has more vending machines per head of popul ation than any other country, so as well as fizzy drinks, sex toys and iPods there’s also a machine dispensing rice.
Croquettes Croquettes are mashed potato fritters with meat, vegeta bles, cheese or fish, dipped in breadcrumbs and deep fried. And they are available from vending machines in the Netherlands .
Diet machines Stung by recent criticism, fizzy drinks manufacturers have hit back with vending machines that not only feature calorie counts on each drinks button, but also urge customers to try health ier alternatives.
Mashed potato In Singapore, mashed potato is such an exciting prosp ect that it’s now available instantly from a vending machine. If that doesn’t sound appetising enough, you can add machine-m ixed gravy at the push of a button.
Baguettes Where would a Frenchman be without a baguette? Nowhere, that’s where. Thankfully he needn’t ever find himself in that situation again, thanks to these Parisian baguette vending machines. Fresh bread, without any of that annoying conversation. So there are some of the strangest food vending machines in the world. It’s not just food though - you can now buy books, gold and iPads from a vending machine somewhere in the world. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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ADVENT
Calendars
Lego Friends Christmas Calendar - £14.99
Barbie Advent Calendar - £17.99
Biscuiteers Advent Calendar - £55
Build the holiday story as you follow Mia on a sledding adventure! Spot the wildfire in the forest on the way to her friend Ewa’s house. Help them prepare a delicious Christmas dinner and then share in the excitement as they open all their presents!
Count down to Christmas in Barbie Style! Each day brings a new fashion accessory for Barbie Doll or the girl. The set includes a festive dress decorated with hearts. Daily deliveries for the doll include shoes, necklaces, purses, a perfume bottle, and fun extras.
A hand-crafted cloth advent calendar. The limited edition design features a host of hand-finished embroidered biscuiteers designs including reindeer and a ginger Santa alongside appliqued candy canes, holly and biscuiteers Christmas trees.
Playmobil Advent Calendar - £19.99
Personalised Advent Activities Box - £18
Advent Calendar of Tea - £44.50
A different little Playmobil or two every day until you build up the full scene of Santa’s workshop in full Christmas mode. There’s also a bonus memory game once you’ve opened all the windows.
The personalised box contains 24 festive envelopes marked 1-24, each with a little activity card inside. Make the 24 activities truly personal to you and your Christmas, or add new ideas to spark your children’s imagination in the run up to the big day.
The calendar features 24 sachets of luxurious loose leaf tea, and make the perfect edible advent calendar for Christmas. Each day you can enjoy two cups of fine tea, perfect to give as a gourmet gift, enjoy yourself or share.
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! s d i K r o F t s u J t o N
Drinks by the Dram Whisky Calendar - £149.95
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar - £149
Porsche Advent Calendar - £635,000 (2010)
Behind each of the 24 windows lies a different 3cl Drinks By The Dram sample of delicious whisky, so this year be sure to count down to Christmas in style.
Featuring £420 worth of beauty favourites, each drawer revealing a fantastic beauty treat hand picked from the best brands in the liberty beauty hall. Packaged in a box showcasing the iconic Liberty Tudor storefront, a perfect little pre-Christmas pampering.
Everything you’d expect from a seven figure purchase starting with a 2m high brushed aluminium calendar, a Porsche Design P’6910 watch, custom Porsche Design kitchen and yacht. It also includes 18 carat gold sunglasses, Porsche design cufflinks, and expensive trainers.
Drinks By The Dram Cognac Calendar - £149.95
Wedgewood Advent House - £12,000
Diamond Advent Calendar £1.7 million (2010)
Produced in the Cognac region, this tremendous double-distilled, French oak matured spirit is more than suitable for all debonair chaps, ladies of good taste, and cocktail enthusiasts.
Hand crafted house in exquisite miniature, inspired by Georgian architecture. A new delightful ornament inspired by iconic Wedgewood blue and white Jasper ware, porcelain charms can then be placed back in its Wedgewood blue nook for display.
The filigree glass artwork contains 24 precious diamonds carved with numbers representing the days up to Christmas. Also included in the ‘one of a kind’ piece are diamond shaped fairies along with small parcels of 100 quarter carat diamonds.
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AIR AMBULANCE MOST
REMARKABLE RESCUES
WE SPOKE TO THE AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE ABOUT SOME OF THEIR MOST INTERESTING & WEIRDEST RESCUES. WITH THOUSANDS OF LIVES SAVED AND OVER A DECADE IN ACTION THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THEIR DARING RESCUE STORIES...
LIFESAVERS FROM THE SKY On August 29 last year Dave Mckenzie from AutoCare garage McKenzie’s Garage in Matlock was working under a car when the vehicle’s weight shifted and the support collapsed, pinning him to the garage floor. The freak accident broke 11 ribs and his pelvis, damaged his left eye, punctured both lungs and bruised his heart. The Air Ambulance arrived and got him to the Queen’s Medical Centrein Nottingham in just seven minutes from take-off and quickly into surgery. When he was on the road to recovery, Dave and his wife Liz, along with AutoCare network manager Maria McCullough, presented a cheque for £2000 from their fundraising efforts to the crew at Air Ambulance who helped save his life.
A BIT X-TREME We once had to land at the top of a jump at a motorcross accident – it was the only flat bit!
ROAD TRIP! Birmingham Children’s hospital is a challenging landing site we often have to make. The hospital is right in the city centre, so the main A38 has to be closed to allow helicopters to land.
OH BUOY! Landing at Grimsby docks next to some of the enormous ships ferrying coal made our helicopter look very small – not something we’re used to!
THE AIR AMBULANCE’S LIFESAVING MISSIONS ARE FUNDED BY YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS - THEY DO NOT RECEIVE ANY GOVERNMENT FUNDING. PLEASE DONATE AT: WWW.THEAIRAMBULANCESERVICE.ORG.UK 48
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We rescued a patient who was inside a Zorbing ball – one of those giant inflatable hamster wheel style balls that people run around in. Getting them out was interesting!
“
RISKY BUSINESS RAF Croughton (USA Army base Nr Banbury). We’re not usually allowed to fly over, let alone land there, but it was for a contractor who had an accident.
PIER PRESSURE We landed at Mablethorpe beach once – the holidaymakers weren’t very impressed by all the sand.
We had to do a lot of clarifying that the most senior people were aware what was happening in case we should be shot down! We were escorted by people with lots of guns.
“
MIND YOUR HEAD
WE WERE ESCORTED BY PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF GUNS.
MORE ABOUT AIR AMBULANCE... The Air Ambulance journey began with the launch of Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) in 2003 and they have been saving lives for more than a decade. Their rapid response time to trauma and medical emergency can be the difference between life and death. The two regional air ambulances fly across the counties of Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland. They operate over an area of 3850 square miles covering many of the UKs major road networks including the M1, M6, M69 and M42. With an average response of just 13 minutes, between them they attend on average 6 missions a day. Visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk for more information and how to help raise money!
FUN FACTS: IT COSTS £36 IN AVIATION FUEL TO FLY FOR 10 MINUTES
THEIR HELICOPTERS FLY AT A TOP SPEED OF 185MPH - AROUND 4 TIMES FASTER THAN BY ROAD.
2 A HELICOPTER WITHOUT KIT OR CREW WEIGHS ABOUT 2 TONNES
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WHY CABIN FILTERS KEEP CAR AND DRIVER HEALTHY
NEW FILTER
CONTAMINATED FILTER
To cope with this workload, modern cabin filters are equipped with highly active filter media. As a rule, these consist of several layers, playing different roles: a layer of activated carbon embedded between two layers of high-performance fleece. The fleece keeps out and stores pollen, particulate matter and other solid substances, while the activated carbon captures gaseous pollutants such as ozone, odorous substances, nitrogen oxides, water vapour and petrol molecules. The filter performance and storage capacity of a cabin filter is precisely defined in its original equipment specification, but generally its service life is up to 18,000 miles or two years, depending on the vehicle manufacturer. However, because of the high microbial load, it is recommended that it is replaced at least once a year.
The Evaporator: The HVAC System’s Hygiene Hurdle These cabin filter specification calculations are based purely on the intake and separation performance of ambient air under normal conditions. However, in practice the cabin filter faces a hurdle in the shape of the evaporator the part of the HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system that cools the air in the cabin. The humidity in the ambient air condenses on its closely set cooling fins of the evaporator. This condensation is, in itself, completely unproblematic. However, if the bacterial load increases because an inferior quality filter insert is fitted or an old and heavily contaminated filter is left unchanged, this can quickly lead to the formation of mould. This mould can combine with various other microorganisms to form a living deposit, but the unhealthy colonisation
“
only becomes noticeable when a mouldy, rotten smell exudes from the ventilation nozzles. Itching in the eyes and nose can be an indicator of this problem.
Activated Carbon To Combat Pollutants Although efforts are being made to make cabin filters antibacterial by means of various coatings, these have proven to be absolutely ineffective in both laboratory and on-road tests. Therefore, regularly changing the cabin filter remains the most effective method of protection against bacterial contamination in the cabin.
ACTIVATED CARBON LAYER
As the filter does its job of filtering and adsorbing toxins, oxidation processes take place, which gradually consume the carbon in its core. At this stage, the filter has fulfilled its task and should be replaced. If an unpleasant odour emanates from the ventilation nozzles, this is a clear sign that the replacement is overdue. At this stage, any contaminated and polluted environment should also be cleaned, particularly the evaporator. However, if this also is neglected for too long, there is a danger that the evaporator will need to be completely replaced, with the associated cost implications.
“
Dust, pollen, spores, smoke and soot, brake and tyre abrasion, dust, ozone and other gases, benzene and sulphur compounds - the list of unhealthy and dangerous substances in the air around us, is a long one. As a result, stringent requirements are placed on cabin filters, particularly as a passenger car filter has to clean up to 100,000 litres of polluted air per hour, with a truck filter having to deal with as much as five times that amount.
a passenger car filter has to clean up to 100,000 litres of polluted air per hour
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HVAC System
How To Keep The HVAC System Healthy Reliable protection can only really be achieved by voluntarily shortening the replacement interval of the cabin air filter, ideally to twice a year. A new cabin filter in the spring will eliminate the impurities accumulated by the filter during the cold season. This enables the HVAC system to work more efficiently over the summer when it is under high load. A new cabin filter in the autumn will remove the pollen and pollutants that accumulated over the summer. This ensures that full heating performance can be delivered in the cold season, allowing windscreens and windows to be cleared quickly.
ON-GOING PRACTICAL TIPS The 20-second rule
The 2-year rule
If the car is parked in the sun, open all the windows first to let out the build-up of heat. Only then turn on the HVAC system and close the windows. This saves a lot of energy, protects the HVAC system and shortens the cooling time needed to reach a pleasant interior temperature.
An A/C service should be performed every two years. This is the only way to ensure that the cooling circuit is supplied with the proper amount of refrigerant and oil, which is essential for maximum cooling performance and the long service life of the refrigerant compressor.
The 8-degree rule
For more information about the quality products available from MAHLE Aftermarket, call the sales team on: 0845 688 5007 or visit: www.mahle-aftermarket.com
The cabin temperature of the vehicle, should be set no more than 8째C lower than the outside temperature. This means that if the outside temperature is 30째C, the HVAC system should be set no cooler than 22째C.
The 10-minute rule The HVAC system should be turned off around ten minutes before reaching the destination and the ventilation set to fresh air. This not only prevents a heat shock when leaving the vehicle, but also dries the condensation from the evaporator and the air ducts, which significantly slows down the growth of mould, bacteria and yeast. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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SAFEST CARS
ON THE MARKET
Cars are assessed by Euro NCAP in four areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems – and the criteria gets tougher every year. The first three categories assess the car's structure combined with safety systems such as airbags to see how much protection is offered to occupants and pedestrians in
2012 VOLVO V40 HATCHBACK
the event of a crash.
The safety assistance category looks at the level and efficiency of safety technology that's fitted to the car to help prevent a crash from happening in the first place. This includes electronic stability control, lane-departure warning systems and systems that can automatically apply the
brakes if they sense you’re going to hit a car in front. Every car that's tested is given a percentage for each category and then an overall star rating out of five. All the cars on our list achieved a five-star rating in 2014 – the toughest tests yet – apart from the Volvo V40, which scored a never-beaten set of scores back in 2012.
The Volvo V40 is the safest car you can currently buy, beating every other car ever tested by Euro NCAP. Volvo has had a reputation for building safe cars for a long time and the V40 is proof that it continues to do so today, scoring highly in all four categories. It got a 98% rating for adult occupant protection, scored 100% in the safety assist category and an innovative external pedestrian airbag helped it score a record 88% for pedestrian protection, which is a weak point for most cars. Although the V40 is the only car in this list not to have been tested over the last 12 months, its incredible score means it still tops our list.
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A 90% score for adult occupant protection is pretty outstanding and unsurprisingly the Kia Sorento excelled in every area.
2014 KIA SORENTO SUV
In comparison, the 83% child protection score doesn’t seem as good, but it’s still very impressive. But Euro NCAP places a lot of emphasis on automatic emergency braking systems (which apply the brakes to reduce the chances or severity of a low-speed crash), so the Sorento only scored 71% for safety assistance. That’s a shame, because fitting this equipment could have boosted the Sorento higher up the list.
2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SALOON
The current Volkswagen Passat comprehensively beat the already brilliant score achieved by the previous model – and there isn’t a single area where it doesn’t impress. Once again, adult occupants are well protected from front and side impacts, while the Passat’s headrests do a good job of reducing whiplash injuries. Although the car’s 87% score for child protection is very respectable, it lost a fraction of a point for a slightly high loading on a child’s neck. Aside from this, the Passat is a safe way for kids to travel.
Few cars offer such comprehensive protection for the driver as the Nissan Qashqai. The current model scored full marks for driver protection, while adult passengers are protected almost as well, earning it a respectable 88% score in this area.
2014 NISSAN QASHQAI SUV
The Qashqai also scored full marks for its protection of an 18-month-old child, helping it to an 83% overall score for child safety. It also features ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outermost rear seats.
READ MORE: Safest cars on the market in 2015 | Carbuyer www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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ROAD TO THE
SUPER BOWL The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the highest level of professional football in the United States. The first ever Super Bowl - Super Bowl I was played on January 15, 1967, following the 1966 regular season. Super Bowl 50, is scheduled to be played on 7th February 2016 at Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco 49er’s home stadium) in Santa Clara, Cailfornia.
To win the Super Bowl, a team must first make it to the big game. That's no easy task. The first goal of any NFL team is to survive the grueling 16-game regular season schedule with a worthy record. Usually, 10 or more wins are required to make the playoffs, but 10 wins are no guarantee for a playoff berth. The NFL's structure also has an effect on which teams reach the post season. The NFL consists of two 16-team conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), which are subdivided into four four-team divisions (North, South, East, and West). Each division winner earns an automatic trip to the playoffs. In addition, the two non-division winners with the best overall record get in as wild card teams. The playoff teams in each conference are then ranked, or seeded, according to their finish as follows: • • • • • •
The division winner with the best record The division winner with the second-best record The division winner with the third-best record The division winner with the fourth-best record The wild card team with the best record The second wild card team
There are four rounds in the NFL playoffs. Both conferences use the same format. Here is a breakdown of each round: Wild card round - The two top seeds automatically advance to the Divisional playoff round, which is their reward for their regular season success. The two wild card teams travel to the home field of the lower-seeded division winners. The sixth seeded team plays the third seeded team, and the fifth seed plays the fourth seed. Divisional playoff round - The two top seeds have home field advantage in this round no matter who wins in the wild card round. The match ups depend on the results of the wild card round. If seed 6 wins, it plays seed 1 in the Divisional playoffs. However, if seeds 3 and 4 win their respective games, seed 1 plays seed 4. Conference championship round - The two teams that survive the first two rounds meet to play for the conference championship. The team with highest seed plays on their home field. The conference champion advances to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl - The world championship game, where the two conference champions play in a pre-determined site. Typically, the Super Bowl is played on the last Sunday in January or the first Sunday in February. by Kevin Bonsor www.howstuffworks.com 54
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Above: Tom Brady celebrates as winner and MVP of Super Bowl XLIX. The Patriots beat the Seahawks 28-24. Below: Patriots rookie Malcom Butler intercepts a pass on the goal line, in the last minute, to clinch the victory in 2015.
T HROW A SUPE R B O W L PARTY T O REM EM BER GROUPAUTO drafted in American intern Matt Hermiz, to teach us Brits the proper way to throw an All-American Super Bowl party. Here are Matt’s top tips:
Drink
Pick a team!
Beer, beer and more beer. Nothing says ‘stars and stripes’ quite like Coors, Bud light and Budweiser. Try get your hands on a keg and some red ‘solo’ cups for a truly authentic American feel.
The Super Bowl is much more exciting when you’re rooting for someone.
Do your research MENU
Food If you’re playing the host, you better make sure you’re fully committed... Our friends over the pond don’t do things by halves. Fan favourites include:
Chips and dip
Get to know the rules and plays. There’s nothing worse than a host with no idea.
Pretzels Grilled meats Pigs in blankets Sliders (mini burgers) Pizza Chicken wings Tacos, quesadillas &
burritos
Shrimp cocktail Cookies, brownies, ca kes
Viewing experience Don’t host a Super Bowl party if your TV is anything less than colossal. GO BIG OR GO HOME!
SUPER BOWL
Seating must be in abundance. All of your guests should have a comfortable seat, with a good viewing angle.
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We’ve picked out some great winter deals available via your local groupauto motor factor. why not speak to them to find out more about their wide range of accessories. MAYPOLE BATTERY CHARGER 3.8A 12V AUTO MAYMP7423
• 6 volt and 12 volt charging modes • Fully automatic from diagnosis and recovery to charging and maintenance • Fast and trickle charging modes
from
£21.49
OSRAM H7 NBU+110 TWIN PACK OSR64210NBU-HCB
POLYGARD SCREENWASH 5 LTR MIS18210
• Suitable for summer and winter use • Makes up to 80 litres of screen wash • Effective to -20oC • 5 litre bottle
from
£2.99
RECHARGEABLE INSPECTION TORCH COAA9R
• See 40 metres further compared to a standard Osram OE bulb • A like for like replacement, road legal, halogen • Genuine Osram original equipment quality
• Weighs just 18g with the battery fitted • Provides 12 lumens of light for up to 75 mins • Comes complete with a pocket clip, battery, charger
from
from
£16.99
£30.99
MAYPOLE CAR COVER BREATHABLE -X.LARGE MAYMP9881
• Extra large water resistant polypropylene car cover • Breathable and water resistant (not waterproof ) • Allows condensation to evaporate
from
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£20.99
sealey space warmer MAYMP7423
• Fitted with thermostat and digital room temperature display both given in °C. • Proven pump system can operate with either paraffin, kerosene or diesel. • Fitted with safety cut-out
from
£499.95
SWARFEGA POWERWASH ULTRA CONCentrate DEBPUC25L
• Concentrated Formula Maximises the chemical concentration for diluting with water • Compatible - With all hot and cold vehicle cleaning equipment
from
£20.99
COMSCA5L
• Suitable for use in petrol and diesel engines • This premium traditional antifreeze gives protection from -36oC to +45oC • Gives 2 years Longlife protection
from
£12.49
BRADEX EASY START HOLBES1A
• Starts all engines, including diesel, petrol and paraffin • A mixture of volatile aromatics which ensure initial firing • Works in arctic conditions • 300ml aerosol can
from
£3.49
HOLTS DE-ICER
SNOW SHOVEL KIT
HOLDI6
MAYMP694
• Effectively clears frost and ice from all types of glass • The quick acting, no smear formulation provides ultimate protection down to -15°C
from
SUPER COLDMASTER
£1.49
BOSCH WIPER BLADES flat and conventional blades always at competitive prices.
• Essential winter home and motoring accessory • Ideal for clearing snow quickly to keep you moving • Compact design for easy storage
from
£4.99
visit the garage area at
www.groupauto.co.uk contact your groupauto motor factor for more information on any products featured in ignition
scan here to find your local motor factor
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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Just when you think they’ve got it all… Here’s 8 of this year’s ‘hottest’ presents, bound to fly off the shelves this Christmas. If you haven’t already sent these to Santa, you better get cracking!
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My Friend Freddy £39.99, Boots Amaze your kids this Christmas with this interactive bear that can be programmed via a free app to know everything about them.
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Pie Face Game £19.99, Smyths Keep the kids and their friends laughing for hours with this tension building game. Just be prepared for a lot of mess!
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Anki Overdrive Starter Kit £149.00, Harrods Using the OVERDRIVE app, players can take control of futuristic Supercars and race around epic battlefields, challenging friends in a variety of game modes or go head-to-head.
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3D Magic 3D Maker £39.99, Argos The perfect gift for the budding engineers out there, the 3D Maker kit comes with special gel pens and moulds and a curing lamp to create 3D objects- so the kids can make their own toys!
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids £199.00, Samsung This simple and easy to use tablet offers a kid-friendly user experience. The colourful interface and characters will keep the nippers entertained wherever you go.
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Minions Tumbling Stuart £34.99, Argos A favourite character of children and adults alike, this plush Stuart toy can talk, laugh and fall forwards and backwards in a silly tumbling motion.
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Thunderbirds Interactive Tracy Island £71.99, Smyths Thunderbirds are go with this super cool interactive playset, packed with over 50 actions, lights and sounds.
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Swegway £319.99, Amazon They may be banned from roads and streets but we think these self balancing scooters are simply too cool not to try out. It may not be the hoverboard we expected in 2015 but it’s nearly there!
www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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! IT IM L E H T O T E IF L E LIV Some peoples drive for excitement leads them to extreme activities like swimming with man-eating sharks, diving off bridges with a rope attached to their feet and hurtling down ice covered slopes. Here we check out what the UK, Europe and the World has to offer when it comes to four of the most popular thrill seeking adventures.
Bungee jumping comes in a number of forms in the commercial world including; single, tandem and FAB (front and back) jumps or even the ‘reverse-bungee’ catapult jump!
Skydiving is the ultimate thrill seekers activity hurtling from a plane to earth at around 120mph and descending at a rate of 5,000 feet in 40 seconds!
Middlesborough Transporter Bridge, UK This iconic north east location makes for an extreme bungee jump over water and is the highest and only bridge bungee jump in the UK. Visit www.ukbungee.com for more UK locations. Kawarau Suspension Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand The original birth place of bungee jumping – the classic experience location! The jump is only 43 metres but bragging rights are yours when you tell people it’s where the first bungee jump took place. Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland If you remember the opening scene to Bond’s GoldenEye you will recognise this location. The bungee jump is an awesome 220 metre drop down the face of the Verzasca Dam. Macau Tower in Macau, China Classed as the highest building bungee jump in the world with 233 metres of air between you and the end of the spring in the rope!
Beccles, UK Beccles Airfield is the home to UK Parachuting specialising in tandem skydives by professional staff, most former Parachute Regiment and Special Forces trained. Soar to a height of 13,000ft, almost 2 miles, before jumping from the plane with your instructor and experience the sensation of freefall. Visit www.ukparachuting.co.uk Seville, Spain Skydive is the centre just south of Seville and one of the best places in Europe to experience this daredevil activity. Flying up to 15,000ft places Skydive as the highest altitude in Europe and the only way you can reach 130mph in freefall. Victoria Falls, Zambia Diving from a plane over Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world has to be on most peoples’ bucket list and no doubt the most impressive of locations to skydive. Florida, USA Skydive Space Centre is famous for the world’s highest tandem skydive at a staggering 18,000ft. Spot the Kennedy Space Centre and the shuttle launch pads.
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S T E G T A H T G N I H T ANY S I G N I C A R D O O L B YOUR G N I O D H T R O W Y L B A B PRO HUNTER S. THOMPSON
White-water rafting is guaranteed to give you the biggest rush once you hit the rapids and have to focus on the commands of your guide to dodge the troubled waters ahead.
Flying close to the ground over beautiful terrain secured to a wire is an adrenaline pumping experience and a cost effective thrill compared to some.
River Tryweryn, North Wales Here the white-water flows through beautiful scenes of woodland and rolling hills. Don’t get too distracted trying to spot the otters, kingfishers and leaping salmon as you could end up in the cold welsh waters. Visit www.canoewales.com Magpie River, Canada Magpie Lake, the start of this eight-day trip through the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec province - A real spectacle of an adventure. Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho Known as one of the world’s most popular white-water rivers, Middle Fork Salmon River provides rapids up to Class IV amongst jaw-dropping alpine and forest scenery. Futaleufú River, Chile The Futaleufú River offers white-water rafting through glacier-fed lakes in the high Andes of Patagonia where transparent blue waters cascade among alpine mountain scenery of the highest quality.
Zip World, Wales Zip World Velocity and Zip World Titan make North Wales the hotspot for zip lining. Velocity is the longest zip line in the northern hemisphere spanning over a mile, exceeding 100mph and starting 500ft high! Zip World Titan, opened June 2014 at Llechwedd Slate Caverns, and has the first 4 person zip line in Europe. Visit www.zipworld.co.uk Jungle Flight, Thailand Jungle Flight in Chiang Mai has over 34 platforms and more than three miles worth of zip lines. Race over the rainforest floor of the Doi Lankah Mountain, one of Thailand’s five highest peaks. Dragon’s Breath, Haiti The longest zip line in the Caribbean runs over land and water for 2,600 feet. The zip line, known as Dragon’s Breath in Haiti, can reach speeds of 50 mph and starts 500 feet above Labadee beach. Sky Trek, Costa Rica Over 1.7 miles of cables speed you through the trees of the Monteverde hills in Costa Rica. Sky Trek has ten zip line cables reaching 100 metres in height, and up to 750 metres in length, giving panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. www.groupauto.co.uk/ignition
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DRIVING EXPERIENCES THRILL EXPERIENCES / SKID PAN / KARTING SUPERCARS / JUNIOR DRIVING DAYS 4X4 / TIFF NEEDELL BMW M4 FAST LAPS FOR LATEST OFFERS VISIT WWW.THRUXTONRACING.CO.UK
THRUXTON IS MY LOCAL TRACK AND ONE OF MY FAVOURITES. I HAD MY FIRST WIN THERE. THE CHALLENGE IT OFFERS STILL GIVES ME A GREAT BUZZ - ESPECIALLY IN THE POWERFUL BMW M4. 62
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WITH OVER 600 PART DISTRIBUTORS ACROSS THE UK WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
LARGE ENOUGH TO LEAD, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Find your local GROUPAUTO parts distributor at www.groupauto.co.uk or scan the QR code.
GROUPAUTO IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TRADING GROUP IN THE INDEPENDENT AFTERMARKET, WITH OVER 360 MOTOR FACTOR MEMBERS AND OVER 600 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 600 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 With over 600 parts distributor locations in the UK, our membership is by far the largest network in the UK. There are 4 distributor types which are known as ‘Members’ and are broken down into the following categories, Automotive, Commercial Vehicle, Retail and Colour Services. 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.
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