F&I Management & Training

Eleventh heaven: Vauxhall's manufacturing dominance

BRIT-BUILT VIVARO BOOSTS VAUXHALL VAN SALES

LOW CO₂ CORSAVAN IS TOP CHOICE FOR CAR-DERIVED VAN USERS

PERFECT COMBO-NATION: FRUGAL ENGINES AND HIGHEST PAYLOAD

LONGER RANGE, LOWER CO₂s WITH VAUXHALL'S VIVARO ECOFLEX

MOVANO HEAVY RANGE GETS THRIFTY NEW DERIVATIVE

SERVICE SAVINGS ON COMBO, VIVARO AND MOVANO

VAUXHALL'S CONVERSION KICK WITH WIDEST EVER RANGE

ELEVENTH HEAVEN: VAUXHALL MANUFACTURING DOMINANCE

Luton - Vauxhall built over 58,000 vans in the UK last year, making it Britain's number one commercial vehicle manufacturer for the 11^th year running.

The Luton plant is fast-approaching its 900,000^th Vivaro-type van built in Bedfordshire since start of production a decade ago, with 15,000 manufactured so far this year. The Luton facility will build the next generation Vivaro from 2014.

BRIT-BUILT VIVARO BOOSTS VAUXHALL VAN SALES

This year Vauxhall has sold over 12,500 vans (4,800-plus to small businesses at retail and 7,600-plus to fleet customers).  The Luton-built Vivaro is number two in its segment.

Vauxhall has sold over 450,000 vans in the UK since 2001 making it GM's biggest European commercial vehicle market.

In the first five months of 2013, Vauxhall has seen sales of its award-winning Corsavan increase by nearly a quarter compared with the same period in 2012.

Corsavan sales to small businesses have seen a particularly big increase, with sales up by more than 70 per cent year-on-year, cementing the popularity of this surprisingly roomy, well-equipped, economical van.

In 2012, Vauxhall sold more vans to retail customers than any other manufacturer for the second consecutive year. In an extremely tough commercial vehicle market, the Luton-based manufacturer sold over 11,000 vehicles to small businesses.

LOW CO₂ CORSAVAN IS TOP CHOICE FOR CAR-DERIVED VAN USERS

With combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg and emissions as low as 89g/km, the Corsavan is one of the most fuel efficient small car-derived vans on the market.

Few vans on the market can match Corsavan's low running costs and its capability to both nip around town and make light work of motorway miles. Despite its compact dimensions and sleek styling, the Corsavan boasts a class-leading payload of 550kg.

Another way van operators are saving money is on insurance, with all Corsavan models falling into Group 1E.

All Corsavan models benefit from safe and predictable handling, a spacious cabin and high levels of safety and security. The 1.3-litre CDTi ecoFLEX model with Start/Stop delivers lively performance along with exceptional fuel economy and low emissions.

The Corsavan cabin is built for long-term driver comfort, with its new-look interior detailing, supportive seats and plenty of useful in-cab storage. Prices start from £11,653.33 on-the-road.

PERFECT COMBO-NATION: FRUGAL ENGINES AND HIGHEST PAYLOAD

Launched last year, the Combo achieves the highest payload (up to 1,000kg with driver), large load volume (up to 4.2m³), highest rear axle capacity (1,450kg) and longest wheelbase in its sector.

Combo is available with five different engines, with CO₂ emissions as low as 126g/km and fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg. Prices start from £14,208.33 on-the-road,

A new Combo Crew Van has just been launched, which despite having room for four passengers, is still classified as a commercial vehicle so tradesmen and business owners alike can claim back VAT.

By popular demand from fleets, a Combo Glazed Crew Van will be available with a tailgate window and glazed second row doors.

LONGER RANGE, LOWER CO₂s WITH VAUXHALL'S VIVARO ECOFLEX

The lynchpin of Vauxhall's van range, the Luton-built Vivaro ecoFLEX Euro 5 van boasts low CO₂s of just 174g/km and combined fuel economy of 42.7mpg.

Based on the short wheelbase standard roof models, but with some subtle specification changes, the Vivaro ecoFLEX could save you over £800* in three years versus the 198g/km/37.6mpg standard version.  With its 90-litre fuel tank, the Vivaro ecoFLEX is capable of over 800 miles on one tank of fuel - that's the equivalent of driving from Maidstone to Milan or from Bristol to Brussels and back.

These substantial benefits result from a range of green technology features including exhaust gas circulation cooling and optimised gear ratios.  There's also improved thermal management, low rolling resistance tyres and an aerodynamic kit.

For those wanting to save even more, Vauxhall offers Vivaro ecoFLEX Euro 5 equipped with a fixed speed limiter that yields CO₂ levels as low as 174g/km and with combined fuel economy of up to 42.7mpg.  Also for the first time there is an ecoFLEX version of the popular Vivaro 9-seater Combi for those who need to carry more than two passengers.  Vivaro prices start from £19,053.33 on-the-road.

MOVANO HEAVY RANGE GETS THRIFTY NEW DERIVATIVE

With fuel-saving Start/Stop technology as standard, the new Movano ecoFLEX 2.3CDTi heavy van is available in two power outputs (100PS and 125PS) and wheelbases (L2H2 and L3H2).

The latest edition to Vauxhall's pioneering ecoFLEX range achieves a combined fuel economy of 37.2mpg and CO₂emissions of 199g/km, a five per cent reduction over the standard model. Over the course of 80,000 miles, Movano ecoFLEX operators could save more than £700 per vehicle in fuel costs. Movano pricing starts from £20,708.33 on-the-road.

SERVICE SAVINGS ON COMBO, VIVARO AND MOVANO

In March, Vauxhall introduced two year service intervals on Combo, Vivaro and Movano.

Combo's service interval is now two years or 21,000 miles (18,000 miles for petrol variants) or oil life quality monitor warning, whichever is sooner.  The Movano and British-built Vivaro are now two years or 25,000 miles or oil life quality monitor warning, whichever is sooner.

VAUXHALL'S CONVERSION KICK WITH WIDEST EVER RANGE

Vauxhall currently has its largest ever range of core and recognised conversions - and it's growing further.

Robust and reliable, the Movano offers the ideal platform for conversions.  The tough load-lugger offers numerous benefits for conversions including a range of powerful and economical engines, a large comfortable cabin and two gross vehicle weights (3.5 or 4.5 tonne).  Converters can also choose between chassis or crew cab depending on how many passengers they need to carry and front-, rear- and heavy duty rear-wheel drive.

Conversions account for approximately 35 per cent of the 3.5 to 5 tonne van market with the Luton-based manufacturer offering a choice of core or recognised conversions for customers.

CORE CONVERSIONS 

With a range of 56 vehicles models, up from 13 on the previous generation, core conversions are factory-built by Vauxhall, European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EWVTA) and fully-covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The expanded range of variants includes dropsides, tippers and box vans in addition to the base offering with both single and crew cabs in three lengths.

Dropside variants are available in the 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight category with front- or rear-wheel drive. The single and crew cab versions come in three lengths (FWD L2 and L3 and RWD L2, L3 and L4). Depending on the variant, the 2.04m wide load floors are available in four lengths that range between 3.2m and 4.45m, with payloads up to 2130kg. Standard features include aluminium side and tail boards, cabin protection with ladder frame and a resin-coated wooden load floor.

The Movano can also be ordered as a 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight tipper in two lengths (L2 and L3 variants), as a chassis or crew cab variant with payload up to 1122kg. Standard equipment includes a steel load floor with integrated load securing points, cabin protection with ladder frame as well as aluminium side and tail board with under-run bars.  The extensive list of options also includes steel side and tail boards and a rear ladder rack.  Both Tipper and Dropside variants feature Scattolini bodies.

There's also a box body which is constructed using stable, lightweight aluminium frames and synthetic panels for a high quality exterior. Two sizes are available with 20m³ and 22m³ of load volume that can carry a payload of up to 1935kg depending on variant.  Standard equipment includes an anti-skid floor covering and aluminium lashing rails around the interior.  Options include wind deflectors and a Luton head.

All Movano core conversions come with a three year manufacturer's warranty that covers both the vehicle chassis as well as the conversion.

RECOGNISED CONVERSIONS

Where a more niche or specialist opportunity exists or perhaps a significant variation to the core conversion offer, Vauxhall has a wide range of recognised conversions carried out by specialist UK converters. Recognised Conversions are locally developed to provide vehicles that can be more suitable and adaptable to those end users' requirements.

On these vehicles the manufacturer warranty covers the base vehicle and the converter covers the warranty on the conversion.  All recognised conversions are validated and approved by Vauxhall's Special Vehicle Engineering team based at Millbrook Proving Ground and are subjected to an extensive technical evaluation.

WELFARE VEHICLE (BOTT)

The Vauxhall Movano Welfare Vehicle has been designed by Bott working with their customers to find out what's needed, and then combined that knowledge with their own expertise. As a result they offer a pre-configured welfare van conversion with five crew seats and lots of useful internal features. You can also choose from three rear options to best suit your specific requirements.

The Bott Group is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of workshop equipment, in-vehicle equipment and workplace systems. With production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom and Hungary, and with licensed partners and importers across the globe, Bott has a worldwide service network enabling them to respond to local needs. From design and manufacture to supply and installation, Bott has a strong reputation for high product quality, service excellence and value for money.

For further details contact:

9 Tournament Way, Ivanhoe Industrial Estate
Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2UU
Email:v-sales@bottltd.co.uk
Website :www.bottltd.co.uk
Tel: 01530 410600

REFRIGERATED PANEL VAN (COLD CONSORTIUM)

Perfect for the transportation of meat, fish and other temperature dependent chilled or frozen food deliveries, the Movano Cold Consortium refrigerated van conversion features lightweight load area insulation with an easy-clean, bactericide impregnated finish. Unlike many temperature-controlled vans, this Movano conversion is available with or without a PTO, the latter installation saving costs and improving fuel economy.

Other benefits include an eye-level, in-cab digital display for monitoring load area temperature which can be specified by the driver to chiller (0° to 8°C), low temperature (down to -18°C), deep freeze (down to -25°C) or multi-temperature.

For further details (including pricing, options and warranty) contact:

The Cold Consortium Ltd
Unit 8, Holme Industrial Estate
Holme on Spalding Moor, York YO43 4BB
Email:sales@coldconsortium.co.uk 
Website:www.coldconsortium.co.uk
Tel: 01430 861373

REFRIGERATED PANEL VAN (COOLKIT)

Coolkit is able to offer a full range of Vauxhall refrigerated van conversions with Combo & Vivaro both Recognised and Movano in progress. Their conversions utilise lightweight panels resulting in industry-leading payload and dependent on intended use (food; livestock; forensics) they can provide a variety of suitable finishes and options that enable best utilisation. 

CoolKit offers a broad range of fridge van conversions which are renowned for their light weight, durability, versatility and strength - attributes which provide their customers with the highest payload and most reliable service throughout the vehicle lifetime. They also supply products in kit form to companies in the body building and transport refrigeration industries.

For further details contact:

Coolkit Limited
10B1 Mead Way, Shuttleworth Mead
Padham BB127NG
Email: sales@coolkit.org
Website: www.coolkit.org
Tel: 0845 459 5428

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE (GOWRINGS MOBILITY)

The Vauxhall Vivaro from Gowrings Mobility is an extremely spacious and versatile people carrier with a variety of seating options to accommodate larger wheelchairs.  With the ability to carry up to 2 wheelchairs and certified to National Small Series Type Approval the Vauxhall Vivaro is a desirable vehicle for both families and transport operators.

With over 50-years' experience Gowrings Mobility are the original producer of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Their conversions are designed around the needs of the wheelchair passenger and encourage customer independence and improved lifestyle. Customer service lies at the heart of their business.

For further details contact:

Gowrings Mobility
Daytona Drive, Thatcham,
Berkshire, RG19 4ZD
Email: info@gowringsmobility.co.uk
Website: www.gowringsmobility.co.uk
Tel: 0845 608 8020

LUTON BOX BODY (INGIMEX)

Based on a Cab Chassis and designed for dry freight or secure loads, the Ingimex Luton van has a market leading payload and is fitted with many unique features as standard, such as the four tier load lashing system, the high strength wide lath shutter, the full height grab handle and integrated 360° swivel spot lamp.

The 16 cubic metre capacity body is standard with Luton Head over-cab storage and roller shutter doors making the addition of hydraulic lifting equipment an easily orderable option to include. A number of other options can be incorporated either during initial manufacture or on existing vehicles.

For further details contact:

Ingimex Ltd
Halesfield 19, Telford
Shropshire TF7 4QT
Email:sales@ingimex.com
Website:www.ingimex.com
Tel: 01952 585833

LOW FLOOR LUTON BOX BODY (MAXI-LOW)

The Vauxhall Movano Maxi-Low Luton Van is the result of several years of research, testing and prototyping. The final design features a high payload, large capacity and a safe easy exit for unloading (or loading) goods. For the fleet manager or owner-driver this can allow more delivery drops (or collections) during an operational cycle hence increasing the profit opportunity.

The body is manufactured from a lightweight construction of fully recyclable plastic honeycomb panels that results in a payload of up to 1500kg and capacity of 20.0 cu.m (706 cu.ft). The 600mm load floor height together with the 400mm rear step means there is no need for a heavy tail-lift and the aerodynamic canopy reduces drag helping to improve fuel economy. Standard features include: roller shutter rear door, anti-slip floor, opalescent glass-fibre roof panel for improved load area visibility; useful over-cab internal storage facility; interior light.

For further details contact:

Maxi-Low Head Office
18A Regent Street Industrial Estate
Leicester, LE19 2DT
Email:info@maxi-low.co.uk
Website:www.maxi-low.co.uk
 Tel: 01903 215447 or 08700 345505

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE (O&H MOBILITY)

O&H Mobility's Vivaro-based conversions provide spacious and comfortable travel with two configurations available:

Established 25-years ago O&H is built on the back of offering price sensitive and a range of value for money mobility vehicles. Their parent company O&H Vehicle Conversions specialise in conversions from school buses to A&E ambulances offering customers the peace of mind that they are dealing with one of the largest and most experienced conversion companies in the UK.

For further details contact:

O&H Mobility
Larsen Road, Goole
East Yorkshire, DN14 6XG
Website: www.oh-mobility.co.uk
Tel: 0845 600 2218

CAR TRANSPORTER (TGS)

Based on the Movano R4500 HD L4 H1 Chassis Cab, the Translite from TGS is both practical and versatile.

Features such as the double ramps and continuous restraint system ensure vehicle loading is simple, while the lightweight construction and 4500kg vehicle gross vehicle weight means a usable payload of up to 1895kg.

Detail features include anti-slip material to the walkway and convenient ramp storage. A series of options are also available including a roof-mounted beacon bar, rear working lamps and Champion 4309kg power winch.

For further details contact:

TGS Group
Woodpecker House
Balaclava Road
Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3LJ
Email:sales@tgs-group.com
Website:www.tgs-group.com
Tel: 01179 659965

LOW FLOOR LUTON BOX BODY (TRUCKSMITH)

The Vauxhall Movano Low Floor Luton Van (KneeHi) has been ergonomically designed to provide safe and easy entry and exit for operators while loading and unloading goods. The 550mm loading height is the lowest on the market in its class, meaning no need for a heavy tail lift, maximising payload capacity. While the aerodynamic air management system around the new body adds to the stylish appearance, making it the only van for the job.

Standard features include: Double rear doors opening to 270 degrees (other options available); anti-slip plywood floor, opalescent glass fibre roof panel for improved internal visibility; interior lamp; strong bulkhead giving cab security with soft trim on driver's side to reduce noise levels. The standard roof, low floor Luton van has a loadspace volume of 18.5cu.m (653cu.ft.) and payloads up to 1295kg.

For further details contact:

Trucksmith Limited
Kingsmill Industrial Estate
Cullompton, Devon EX15 1BS
Email:mail@trucksmith.co.uk
Website:www.trucksmith.co.ukorwww.kneehi.co.uk
Tel: 0188 433001

CAGED TIPPER (VFS)

Available as an additional cage conversion to existing Movano tippers or as a lightweight tipper and cage conversion to chassis or crew cab models, the Movano caged tipper is ideal for municipal recycling, arboriculture and forestry applications.

The 2.0m high cage is fitted with 270° opening rear doors, full-height nearside sliding side-access door (all load doors fitted with retainers) and 50mm x 50mm galvanised mesh. The five-stage, chrome-plated under floor ram provides a 50° tip angle employing a high performance, 2kW electrohydraulic power pack which can be operated via a cab-mounted, spiral wander-lead

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Tony Lewis, Director Northern Europe at Infiniti, and Team 353 are entering the London to Paris cycle race this week to raise money for charities including TROOP AID and The Parachute Regiment Charity.

A dad, an uncle, 2 cousins, 2 godfathers and 3 friends; mostly old men with creaking bones and red wine fuelled veins, will don lycra and pick up the challenge in memory of uniquely brave individuals who have served in Afghanistan. 

353 is a charitable trust in the memory of Conrad Lewis of the Parachute Regiment who was the 353rd soldier to die in the theatre of Afghanistan. He was mentioned in dispatches' for his bravery whilst fighting for our continued freedom. The freedom to use the Tube, get on a bus and stage the Olympics without the fear of terrorist atrocities. 353 hopes to carry on his work of putting his mates first every time when facing the ultimate challenge. With your valuable support we can help achieve our aim.

Please follow the link below to donate:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/353londontoparis

Further information on 353 can be found at:

http://353.org.uk/

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Luton - As if the ADAM's multi-million configurations weren't headline-grabbing enough, Vauxhall has today revealed that it will be the first car in its class that drivers can hold a conversation with, allowing them to give voice commands and receive a verbal response from the car itself.

When fitted with the innovative IntelliLink infotainment system, ADAM is now available with full integration for Siri Eyes Free, the unique intelligent assistant from Apple that helps you get things done whilst driving just by asking.

Using a steering wheel-mounted button, customers with a compatible iPhone¹ running iOS 6 can direct Siri Eyes Free to perform a number of tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. This is more than traditional voice activation: you can speak to Siri Eyes Free in ADAM in a conversational tone, just as you would with a friend.

To minimise distraction, Apple and Vauxhall have taken hands-free functionality even further by using Siri Eyes Free mode to interact with an Apple device using nothing more than the driver's voice. The device screen does not display the Siri text conversation while using the feature in ADAM; this is one of the important safety measures Apple and Vauxhall took during the integration development to ensure the upmost focus on safety.

Siri is available free of charge in all IntelliLink-equipped ADAMs which are ordered from today. Customers who already own an ADAM with IntellilLink can also benefit from Siri Eyes Free, via a free update available from next month. The innovative IntelliLink system can be continually updated throughout the customers' ownership to ensure in-car infotainment is just as up to date as their mobile communication. Updates are available for ADAM owners through their nearest Vauxhall dealer.

To start sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode, ADAM owners simply connect their Apple iOS device with the IntelliLink infotainment system via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button. Siri Eyes Free can be activated while other apps such as BringGo continue running in the background. Music or nav directions are automatically muted during this time.

In the Vauxhall ADAM equipped with the IntelliLink infotainment system, owners can use Siri Eyes Free to:

Many capabilities for ADAM's IntelliLink infotainment system

Vauxhall's new IntelliLink infotainment system, which made its debut in ADAM, is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Android devices. The full scope of options IntelliLink offers in ADAM also includes TuneIn, a global radio access app, BringGo, a navigation app, and Stitcher, a global podcast internet radio app. IntelliLink brings the connectivity and functionality of smartphones safely inside the car via a seven-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display with Bluetooth or USB connections. IntelliLink, the ultra-modern infotainment system, can therefore be as personal to use as the content kept on an iPhone or Android device. At the same time, Vauxhall IntelliLink is an affordable system, costing just £275.

Standard infotainment for ADAM JAM, ADAM GLAM and ADAM SLAM is a CD 3.0 BT system with radio and CD players, featuring DAB and Bluetooth to enable hands-free calling and USB connections. And the whole infotainment system can be further enhanced with an impressive Infinity Sound System including eight loudspeakers.

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Police FLOs and support professionals are encouraged to order copies of a free booklet ‘Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly', produced by Sudden, an initiative by the charity Brake.

The booklet offers vital emotional comfort and reassurance for people bereaved by any kind of sudden death. It has been adapted from Brake's highly acclaimed booklet for people bereaved by road crashes, distributed by police following all UK road deaths for more than a decade.

The guide ‘Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly' is designed to be given to suddenly bereaved people in the immediate aftermath of a bereavement, and can offer ongoing comfort in the months following.

The short, easy to digest resource offer readers immediate reassurance that their emotional and physical feelings of shock and grief are a normal reaction in an abnormal situation, and empowers them to seek support to help them cope and go on to lead a full and happy life again. It has been prepared by a team of bereavement experts in consultation with support practitioners and academics. 

FLOs and other professionals working with suddenly bereaved people can find out more and order free copies of ‘Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly' by emailing admin@brake.org.uk or calling 01484 559909.

Louise MacRae, senior helpline officer at Brake, said: "People who suffer a sudden bereavement are usually in deep shock. This can be utterly debilitating and can result in an inability to speak or move, eat or sleep properly. People may scream, cry, shake, be unable to engage with others, feel utterly hopeless or angry, or react in many other ways. All these symptoms are perfectly normal following the devastation of a sudden bereavement. Yet all are very scary and painful to experience. During this shock period it is important to understand what you are going through is a normal reaction, to feel reassured and know that there is support out there you can access. I'd urge anyone who supports suddenly bereaved people to order free copies of this booklet, so they are ready to pass on this vital resource the next time someone needs it."

Feedback on the guide ‘Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly':

Anon: "The yellow booklet is very good - it described how I felt and reassured me that I was reacting 'normally' under the circumstances."

Anon: "I have read and reread the yellow booklet and am grateful for the hope it gave me that I would recover from what has happened."

About SuddenSudden helps people who have been bereaved by any kind of sudden death. Sudden believes people bereaved by sudden death suffer terribly and have acute support needs. We also believe these people have a right to recover and lead a full and happy life again. Sudden provides emotional support and practical help to suddenly bereaved people to enable this recovery.

Sudden also runs a membership scheme for anyone caring for someone who has been suddenly bereaved, such as police family liaison officers, health professionals, or teachers. Sudden is a charitable initiative developed by Brake, the road safety charity. Road crashes are one of the biggest causes of sudden death. Brake has extensive experience of providing support to families bereaved suddenly through its support services for families bereaved by road crashes. For more information about Brake's support work see www.brake.org.uk/support.

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Leading academics and practitioners will discuss the latest developments in reducing traffic speed at the 5^th international Speed Congress on Wednesday 7 May 2014 in London.

The event, organised by road safety charity Brake, and sponsored by Siemens, will present the latest research, initiatives, evaluation and policy thinking in reducing speeds and separating vulnerable road users from fast traffic.

The call for abstracts is open, with Brake inviting submissions for papers that relate to the congress themes: reducing speed limits effectively; intelligent transport systems; road design and engineering, including road user separation; and education and enforcement methods to achieve behavioural change. Poster presentations are also invited for exhibition at the event.

Key speakers already confirmed include:

Mr Stipdonk will be presenting research demonstrating the clear link between vehicles involved in speeding offences and vehicles involved in crashes. Professor Parkin will present the emerging findings from a Cochrane review into the effectiveness of infrastructure and its management at reducing the risk of cycling injuries, with a particular focus on speed management issues.

Early bird registration for the congress is open and costs just £108 +VAT for Brake subscribers (£136 +VAT full price), £183 +VAT for non-subscribers (£229 +VAT full price).

For more information on the congress and to book, go to www.speedcongress.com.

Subscribe to Brake's not-for-profit service, the Road Safety Forum, today to get free and heavily discounted access to this and other events by Brake, as well as regular information and road safety resources. Go to www.roadsafetyforum.org for more information and to subscribe online.

Ellie Pearson, senior professional engagement officer at Brake, said: "The annual Speed Congress is a highly prestigious event which offers a unique opportunity for road safety professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The last congress was well-supported, and provided an excellent networking opportunity to attendees. The 2014 event promises to be just as rewarding, and I urge all relevant professionals to take advantage of the excellent early bird deal and book now."

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

KEY POINTS

Today, it will broadcast hundreds of tweets that will follow the production of a new Toyota Auris Hybrid, from raw steel to a vehicle ready for customer delivery. Production started at 6am this morning as raw steel was pressed into a body for the car. Join us in 30 minutes when the full working day commences for 3,500 Toyota employees.  The next stop for our car will be the weld shop.

Minute-by-minute, Factory to Forecourt will chart panel stamping, welding, painting, plastics, assembly and quality control. As well as explaining the different activities involved - there are 325 separate processes on the assembly line alone - it will demonstrate how the principles of the Toyota Production System are fundamental to the way the people work in the factory and ensure the best built-in quality for owners.

Throughout the day, followers will be able to interact with the Toyota team, adding their comments and asking questions.

The Toyota Production System is a globally renowned business philosophy that has been adopted by thousands of businesses worldwide and not just within automotive and manufacturing. In the UK, for example, the National Health Service has used it to help improve its quality control processes. The Factory to Forecourt project has been designed to provide a valuable educational resource, for school and further education students alike, across a wide range of disciplines.

The @ToyotaFactory Twitter feed will include links to images and more detailed information resources including specially commissioned film footage from inside the Burnaston plant. The videos include contributions from members of the workforce, giving personal insights into how the Toyota Production System gives every worker on the line responsibility for quality, at every stage.

Scott Brownlee, head of social media for Toyota GB, said: "This project does more than simply show what we do inside the walls of our factory, it presents it in the context of the commitment to quality that is the guiding principle of the way Toyota works worldwide and the first priority of everyone who works for the company."

How to access Factory to Forecourt

On Twitter: follow @toyotafactory and #f2f, live from 6am BST, Wednesday 19 June

On Facebook: visit www.facebook.com/toyotauk

The official Toyota blog: visit blog.toyota.co.uk

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Teams from universities across England, Scotland and Wales are competing in the 1,701-mile "Formula Student Diesel Eco Driving Challenge" in the UK's most popular car, the Ford Fiesta.

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 19 June, 2013 - Engineering students will drive the length of Britain in a bid to be crowned the nation's most economical drivers

The inaugural competition is jointly run by Formula Student and Bosch, and will involve 46 UK universities during the three day competition.

Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock, started the event yesterday at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' in Westminster, London. The route zigzags across England, Wales, and Scotland towards the final destination of Aberdeen University on 21 June.

The students are driving a Ford Fiesta, powered by a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine built at Dagenham, which uses Bosch common rail diesel injectors and a high-pressure fuel pump. Monitoring equipment will analyse the efficiency of each team's driving, with three awards for city, rural and motorway driving. 

Distances between universities range from three miles to over 100 miles, but each team will be monitored equally. Lewis Morgan, the Southampton University representative, will be embarking on the longest stretch from the Southampton campus to Exeter University.

Lewis is also a Ford Blue Oval Scholar, one of a hundred UK students benefitting from a Ford scholarship for the duration of his studies. He said:

"I had the pleasure of meeting some of the engineering team behind Ford's diesel engine range at its Dunton R&D Centre in May - so I am really looking forward to competing in the Ford Fiesta."

Students taking part are all involved with Formula Student 2013, taking place at Silverstone from 4-7 July.

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA

Aston Martin today unveils the Vanquish Volante - a stunning new luxury sports car that brings the thrill of open top motoring to the super GT class.

Alongside its coupe sibling, launched to worldwide acclaim last autumn, the Vanquish Volante sits at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car line-up.

Benefitting from all of the technical, engineering and design advances present in the Vanquish coupe, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting convertible driving.

Instantly becoming one of the most beautiful cars in its class, Vanquish Volante crucially retains the coupe's dynamic character and sporting capability. It boasts the same new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine as the coupe and the same blistering performance figures, meaning the 0-62 mph sprint is despatched in just 4.1 seconds (estimated) while the top speed stands at 183 mph.

Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brand's 100-year history, while also being the stiffest Volante body structure yet created by the engineering team at Aston Martin's global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The new car's triple-skin lightweight fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to fold.

Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package.

"Aston Martin is celebrating 100 years of excellence in 2013, and the arrival of this new sports car - our ultimate Volante - underlines that our mission to make the next 100 years even more successful is starting perfectly."

The design of Vanquish Volante represents the latest take on Aston Martin's iconic visual language. Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar while the folding fabric roof sits beneath a tonneau and decklid that have been aerodynamically tuned for optimum performance.

The windscreen, meanwhile, is now full height - a first for Aston Martin - which means that the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thereby achieving a particularly clean transition.

The Vanquish Volante's ‘suit' of carbon fibre panels cloaks a cabin that is both sophisticated and comfortable. The 2+2 cabin is elegantly attired in authentic and luxurious materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim underscore the car's well-appointed nature.

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre not just because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, but also for its flexibility of form. This not only reduces mass but means that fewer individual body panels are required - reducing joints and contributing to a more coherent and svelte shape.

As practical as it is well-dressed, the Vanquish Volante boasts a boot that's fully 50% larger than that of the previous DBS Volante. It measures 279 litres - roof up or down - and makes the new Aston Martin the perfect choice for continent-crossing grand tours as well as daily drives.

Perhaps one of the most striking interior design elements is the centre stack with refinements providing a more elegant form that is also more intuitive and accessible for both driver and front seat passenger.

A direct descendent of the One-77 centre stack, the Vanquish and Vanquish Volante's set-up retains familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button and glass gear selection buttons while featuring a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

The facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

The user interface boasts a simple, ergonomically efficient layout as well as technological updates that make it the brand's most advanced in-car system available today.

Capacitive glass buttons with illumination and haptic feedback feature in the rest of the centre stack's switchgear. Haptic feedback is more commonly found in touch-screen mobile phones and Aston Martin was among the first significant luxury car manufacturers in the world to use the technology in a series production model when it debuted on Vanquish coupe in 2012.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: "Vanquish Volante is a sports car, of course, but more even than that it is the ultimate Volante. A car which follows a long line of elegant Aston Martin convertibles, this super GT is sculpted to convey sophistication as much as raw power.

"The aerodynamically shaped tonneau, the proportions of the folding fabric roof, the luxurious nature of the cabin - these elements have been pored over by the Design team, working with our Engineering colleagues, to ensure we deliver the aesthetic appeal for which Aston Martin is renowned around the world."

Under its curvaceous carbon fibre bonnet the Vanquish Volante comprises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine which drives the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox.

The V12's power peak of 573 PS (565 bhp) arrives at 6,750 rpm while the torque peak of 620 Nm (457 lb ft) is available at 5,500 rpm. These numbers translate into performance that matches the Vanquish coupe's and ensures the new car supports its Super GT billing.     

The dynamics have been tuned precisely, with new springs and damper settings calibrated to deliver the same crisp handling yet compliant ride as the coupe.

Strenuous efforts have been made to limit the new car's weight; contributing to its impressive performance, agile handling and compelling power-to-weight ratio. The combination of controlled weight, near-perfect 51:49 weight distribution, a powerful V12 engine and a performance-honed six-speed transmission unite to make the Vanquish Volante as rewarding on the move as it is beautiful standing still.

Like its coupe counterpart, the Vanquish Volante uses the latest generation of Aston Martin's class-leading VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In this iteration, the Vanquish now includes the addition of significant semi-structural carbon fibre components, as well as the use of bonding derived directly from the latest aerospace technologies.

As well as being light, strong and flexible in its application, the gen4 VH architecture is also extremely rigid. The new Vanquish Volante is, in fact, 14% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante which preceded it, making it highly resistant to flex and allowing for responsive and predictable handling.

This rigid structure also provides an ideal foundation from which the suspension can control the vehicle effectively, further highlighting the importance of the body structure and the effect it has on the dynamic performance of the car.

Aston Martin's engineering teams have worked particularly hard to minimise the weight outside the wheelbase of the new car to reduce yaw inertia. As a result, carbon fibre has been used extensively in the rear structure and the weight of the aluminium front structure has been limited.

To take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the Vanquish Volante employs a battery of sophisticated technologies including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Positive Torque Control (PTC).

Aston Martin's Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes available help significantly broaden the Vanquish Volante's character, adapting its set-up to suit the driver's mood and requirements. Thus it can be a cruising GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into an assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Steering, too, is crisp, precise and communicative. The rack's quick 15:1 ratio - 2.6 turns lock-to-lock - is allied to speed-sensitive power assistance that's tuned to deliver optimum assistance.   

The car's braking system features third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) parts to deliver shorter stopping distances with resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

The front brakes use 398 mm x 36 mm CCM discs with larger front pads and six-piston callipers from the One-77, while the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM discs with four-piston callipers.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez added: "Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level.

"This is not simply a great-looking car - this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters."

Priced from £199,995 RRP in the UK; €264,995 RRP in Germany; $297,995 MSRP in the United States and $323,974 RRP in Dubai, first deliveries of the new sports car are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2013.

DATED: 20.06.13

FEED: HA