Norton Way Corporate Newsletter - August 2016 by Norton Way

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norton way MONTH

AUG

ISSUE

FORECAST

NEXT F1:

Summer is finally here!

SOCIAL

CONTACT DEALER

Belgium GP, Aug 28th

MAZDA TO LAUNCH A PICK-UP IN THE UK?

CONTACT THE GROUP CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES AND INFORMATION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

2 4 6

NORTON WAY WINNING at the Motor Trade Awards

AWARDS FOR HONDA Impressive month for Honda

EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS? Kia provide fleet of 447 vehicles!

8 10 12

SKODA MOST DEPENDABLE Most dependable UK car brand 2016

NISSAN BEST SUV

In the 2016 Telegraph Car Awards

MEDIA OPINION: PEUGEOT Don't take out word for it!

14 16

MAZDA PICK-UP?

Are Mazda launching a Pick-Up?

INDUSTRY CHANGES

Road tax and Ecotricity changes

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HASHTAG WI At the Motor Trader Awards

#MTraderAwards The prestigious 2016 Motor Trader Industry Awards were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on the 13th July. The awards highlighted best practice and the top achievers in the UK car retailing sector. Attended by over 1,200 of the finest from the industry it is firmly established as the biggest event in the retail motor industry calendar.

Norton Way Group were finalists in the following categories: • Bodyshop of the Year Award • Sales Team of the Year Award • Franchised Dealership of the Year Award Our Corporate sales team won the highly respected ‘Sales Team of the Year’ Award, which was an excellent & well-deserved win. Representing the group at the event was Managing Director, David Grainger, who was also joined by Norton Way Mazda Sales Managers- Bruce Palmer, Maria Avery and Michael Katasi, Norton Way Bodyshop Manager2

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INNING!

Steve Armstrong, Bodyshop Administrator- Ina Siliwonczuk and Corporate Quality Manager Dave Wright and Operations Director Richard Siney. Everyone enjoyed the evening, especially considering it was being held at the historic Grosvenor House, which continues its timehonoured tradition for the exceptional style, service and facilities expected from a 5-star luxury hotel in London. The hotel has hosted every Motor Trader Industry Awards gala dinner for the last 26 years. David Grainger, Managing Director, commented: “A fantastic achievement for the corporate sales team but also for the business as a whole. I want to personally thank each and every individual across the business for making this achievement possible.” 3

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Impressive month o

HONDA JAZZ WINS AT 2016 TELEGRAPH CARS AWARDS 2016

The reliable and popular Honda Jazz picked up the Best Small Hatchback at the 2016 Telegraph Cars Awards.

the ‘Fit’ in some markets, has sold over 5 million units worldwide since the first generation model was introduced in 2001 and it is currently being manufactured in seven countries. What the judges said: “Many have tried to copy the Jazz’s formula for success, but nothing does it quite so well. For a small car interior space is impressive, and Honda’s reliability record is superb.” Phil Webb, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: “Being recognised by one of the foremost motoring teams at one of our national newspapers is a fantastic accolade for both the brand and the Jazz. The Jazz is a very important model for us, with an extremely loyal following, so we look forward to seeing this success continue.”

All awards, given out by the Daily Telegraph publication, were chosen by a panel of expert test teams who over the last 12 months have put hundreds of cars through a rigorous review process including everything from early first drives to a detailed 10-point test and living with the cars on a long-term test basis. Their choices were a reflection of the best new models on sale today across a broad range of categories, with the third generation launched last year, the latest incarnation of the Jazz builds on the strong reputation of its highly successful predecessors. The global car, also known as

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of awards for Honda

award winning Next generation The next generation Civic has won its first UK award at the Auto Express New Car Awards, by picking up the coveted Design Award. The award was voted for by readers of autoexpress.co.uk and Civic beat 14 competitors to claim the top spot. It turned out to be a comprehensive victory too, after acquiring almost a fifth of the entire vote. It is certainly proving to be one of the most anticipated arrivals to the UK forecourts in 2017! The production version is set for global unveil at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September; after the concept was unveiled at March’s Geneva Motor Show to critical acclaim. Produced at the Honda UK Manufacturing (HUM) site in Swindon, the car will be exported to global markets, including the US. The design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda’s core European model, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics. The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm

wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. New larger and wider wheels and tyres give a feeling of an assured stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior. The all-new Civic Hatchback will feature a range of three powertrain options: 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines, and a revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. Civic will be the first European model to feature the two all-new petrol engines. Phil Webb, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: “This time last year we were starting to refresh the range. Since then, we have significantly increased our market share, expanded our offering and started to win awards again. “This Design Award for the next generation Civic is all the more significant because it is voted for by readers. It’s a sign of things to come and we expect big things for this car.”

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full time: Eu

Kia provided fleet of 447 vehicl Kia was the official tournament automotive partner to the 2016 Euros

UEFA EURO 2016™ tournament on 10 June. As an official sponsor of the quadrennial tournament, Kia Motors supplied a fleet of 447 vehicles to transport national football teams, referees, officials, delegates and VIPs during UEFA EURO 2016™. More than 80 delegates from Hyundai-Kia Motors and UEFA took part in the ceremony in Saint-Denis. As the official automotive partner of EURO, Kia provided tournament vehicles to the Organizing Committee. The 447-strong fleet includes the Sportage crossover, Optima sedan, Sorento SUV, Carens compact MPV, Soul urban

ven those of us who don’t show a lot of interest in soccer watched a little part of the Euro’s to shout for our country, which in the end Portugal claimed the title of. One thing which you may have noticed was the main partnership with Kia. Kia Motors Corporation supplied hundreds of vehicles to UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) to assist in the running of the 2016 UEFA European Championship. The initial vehicle handover ceremony was conducted at the SaintDenis stadium in France, ahead of the start of the

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uro 1 Kia 447

les for European Championships

crossover and the Europe-exclusive cee’d model family. In addition to the official vehicle fleet, Kia also launched its ‘Kia Roadside Assistance Team’, providing 24/7 support throughout UEFA EURO 2016™. Kia’s provided a range of services to ensure the safety and convenience of drivers and passengers of all its official vehicles. At the vehicle presentation ceremony, Guy-Laurent

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MOST DEPEND Skoda named most dependable UK car brand in 2016 JD Power survey Skoda owners experience the fewest problems of any car brand in the UK.

Skoda has been named as the most dependable car brand in the UK as announced in the latest JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Survey. The Czech manufacturer was shown to have the fewest problems experienced by owners in the survey for the second year running. The survey took views from more than 13,000 owners of vehicles that are 12-36 months old. Car makers were ranked according to the number of problems received per 100 cars, with Skoda recording 62 cars per 100 having some sort of problem. Suzuki was second, with 79 problems per 100 cars, while Kia was third with 80 issues per 100 cars. The industry average was 113 problems per 100 cars.

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DABLE UK CAR At the bottom of the survey of 24 manufacturers, Land Rover had 197 problems per 100 cars. This is higher than both Dacia and Audi, which recorded 174 problems and 170 problems per 100 cars respectively. Owners who took part in the survey were asked about the problems they experienced in different categories, and the most common problems were issues with technical features such as infotainment systems. The most commonly reported problem related to Bluetooth pairing with a mobile phone, while fewer exterior and engine problems were reported this year. The results show that, generally, owners of

cars from mass-market brands such as Ford and Volkswagen experience fewer problems than those from premium and niche brands. It also shows that owners are more likely to stay loyal to a brand if they experience fewer problems. Only 38% of owners who experienced problems said they would definitely buy from the same manufacturer again. Our of Norton Way Group’s brand, we appeared 4 times in the top 10, with Skoda, Kia, Peugeot & Nissan, that’s definitely something to be proud of! CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE ONLINE

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BEST MAINSTREAM SUV Nissan Qashqai has won Best Mainstream SUV in the 2016 Telegraph Car Awards

The Nissan Qashqai has seen off tough competition to be named Best Mainstream SUV in the 2016 Telegraph Car Awards. The vehicle was victorious over a host of key rivals due to its exceptional refinement, practicality and value for money.

class honours ahead of some increasingly talented rivals, with a relaxing driving experience, decent space and good residual values.” Commenting on the award, Chris Marsh, Marketing Director, Nissan UK said; “This latest award from The Telegraph reinforces what an incredible package the Qashqai is. Nissan defined the crossover segment with the first-generation model and we continue to set the standards with the current car.” This latest award from The Telegraph is just the latest industry accolade to be bestowed upon the Qashqai since its introduction in 2014. It was crowned What Car? Car of the Year in 2014, has retained its What Car? Best Small SUV title for three years in a row and has won multiple SUV and crossover awards from Auto Express, Fleet News, Parkers and Honest John.

The 2016 Awards were judged by an expert panel of motoring journalists who based their findings on road tests, first drives, extended ownership assessments and The Telegraph’s own 10-point test. The judges said: “Nissan’s Qashqai held on to 10

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READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE HERE

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PEUGEOT: THE MEDIA

Peugeot has been in the media recently with its fantastic revamped line up of cars. There has been so much positive feedback that we thought we would take a snap shot of some of the media updates so you can see for yourself what’s being said, you’re in for a treat!

2008

308

“More than 40,000 Peugeot 2008s found homes in the UK by the end of 2015,” Fleet World reports. The upgraded new 2008 SUV “uses engine technology and components that featured in the 208 hatchback, but with raised suspension and an estate car body.” These new upgrades, the magazine states, help broaden the car’s appeal. The new 2008 SUV now has more of a rugged stance, and “top versions come with Grip Control – a sophisticated traction control system which helps the new 2008 SUV get out of all but the most difficult off-road situations”. “Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit, with its compact steering wheel and raised instruments continues and, although it feels like a compact car, it wouldn’t be cramped with four adults inside.” - Fleet News

“The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sp Auto Express fleet,” Richard Ingr and fun, it has an interior that’s s Having driven the 308 GTi b extended period, “it’s already cle the same breath as Peugeot’s ei “Our 308 GTi by Peugeot Sp clock when it arrived on the Auto take long for the miles to pile on. around London, I packed my ba Tunnel – for a three-day, 800-mil - Fleet News

‘Positive indicator of what’s to come’  Read what the Media had to say about the 2008

A Firm Favourite  Read what the Media had to

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A OPINION

Other links  What the Media had to say about the 208  More about Peugeot in the Media

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o say about the 308

port is a fine addition to the ram writes. “Not only is it fast spacious and neatly designed.” by Peugeot Sport for an ear the GTi can be mentioned in ighties hot hatch icons. port had just 650 miles on the o Express fleet, but it didn’t . After only a week of pootling ags and headed for the Channel le round trip through France.”

3008

3008 takes stylish new direction  Read what the Media had to say about the 3008 Peugeot has taken the 3008 “in a new direction” by giving the crossover “the appeal of an SUV”, says Fleet News. “The shape is more angular and more clearly defined as an SUV, and brings in a new design language for Peugeot. The rear, in particular around the tailgate and C-pillar, has some very bold straight lines, creating an impression of solidity,” writes Simon Harris. “The new 3008 SUV is longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase, allowing greater interior space for passengers as well as more luggage space.” - Fleet News

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WILL MAZDA LAUNCH

The Pick-Up market is expanding due to p manufacturers looking at joining the segme Citroen and Mercedes-Benz. The big ques

Well, Mazda have made their first step into launching a UK sold Pick-Up. They have recently announced an intention to collaborate with Isuzu on a next generation of pick-up trucks. The new model is likely to replace current Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max models but we have no details on a potential launch date yet. The provisional agreement states the new trucks will be manufactured by Isuzu and sold under licence by Mazda. This is a further enhancement of the brands current overseas agreement where they already collaborate on larger trucks. The current Mazda BT-50 isn’t sold in the UK but it is based on the Ford Ranger T6, and it is the last remaining model of a previous alliance between Ford and Mazda. Once production ends it will mark the end of the connection between

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H A PICK-UP IN THE UK?

popularity, with a number of different ent such as Fiat, Renault, PSA Peugeot stion is will Mazda be joining in?

Ford and Mazda that once saw the Mazda car range predominantly based on Ford platform technology. Isuzu’s D-Max has been on sale in 2012 and was very popular at first thanks to its strong engines, wide range and attractive list prices. However, recent developments on later models such as Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux has left the D-Max looking dated. This potential agreement could see Isuzu and Mazda gain some popularity in this very competitive market. Wait will keep you updated on all the latest news from this story – it’s one to watch. TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

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INDUSTRY CHANGES TO BE AWARE OF A number of key changes will shortly be coming into effect, here is our breakdown: Vehicle Tax Changes for 2017 The way Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is calculated is changing for some vehicles registered from 1st April 2017. All vehicles registered before this date will not be affected.