New Volvo S60 R-Design Giveaway

Ok, thinking caps on for Volvo’s ‘Greatest Drive’ Facebook competition to win a new Volvo S60 R-Design. Closing date for entrants is on the 3rd of July so anyone that wants to enter needs to hurry. It is the largest single giveaway Facebook has ever seen in the UK so it’s definitely something to get involved in.

Users simply have to plot their favourite route on the Inside Volvo Facebook page using Google maps and then write a short comment explaining why they believe that route is the ‘Greatest Drive’. Entrants will be whittled down through various voting stages until a final three entrants have been chosen. The final three will then need to produce a short film of their route which will then start another Facebook vote. The winner with the most votes will then be announced on the 1st August and receive their brand new Volvo S60 R-Design.

Dealers across the UK are excited for the Volvo competition, especially Lipscomb Volvo dealer in Maidstone and Canterbury. They are confident that motorists in Kent experience the ‘Greatest Drive’ all over the region and are encouraging them to nominate their scenic and historic routes. The route can be from all over Europe but Lipscomb, new and used Volvo dealer in Maidstone and Canterbury, believe that the Kent countryside, coastal drives and views of historic buildings could win motorists the new Volvo S60 in Kent.

All you need to do is the ‘like’ the Inside Volvo UK Facebook page to access and enter the competition. I’m looking forward to seeing what people come up with.

New Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II at Goodwood FOS

The new Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II will be making its first public appearance at the 39th Nurburgring 24hr endurance race in Germany this weekend. The concept was initially displayed at the 2010 Tokyo Motor Show and will now be attending Goodwood Festival of Speed from the 30th June.

I thought it was lovely that they named the concept after their Gazoo Racing team ‘GR’ and Meister of Nürburgring ‘MN’ with reference to Hiromu Naruse, chief of the Gazoo Racing team and Toyota test driver who sadly passed away last year. The Gazoo racing team have a long history with Toyota and the concept name reflects their Toyota’s respect for the team.

Toyota are taking their hybrid technologies further and beginning to apply them to their sports cars. The new Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is complete with an enhanced sports-hybrid all-wheel-drive system V6 petrol engine producing 295bhp. Rear-wheel drive motors work in conjunction with the front-wheel drive electric motor which improves manoeuvrability with the help from weighing less than 1,500 kg.

For those that can’t wait for Toyota to develop production models around the concept and need to get their hands on a new or used Toyota in Newcastle sooner rather than later then contact Hodgson, a Toyota dealer in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Effective Web Management Leads to Sales

I think car dealerships are really starting to get their head around web marketing and communicating with customers digitally. I have been on many sites recently looking for a new car of my own and I’m impressed to find 24/7 chat and automotive social media sites that can address my questions.

This is useful for me as the only time I get an opportunity to take a look at dealerships is in the evening and at weekends. Obviously I want to do research before I go to a dealership so I don’t use my whole weekend in and out of dealerships that don’t stock what I want.

Web management in UK for dealerships has dramatically improved and I’m finding it easier to find the answers to my queries. I’ve heard that SEO marketing helps relevant dealerships to my search appear on the first page to make my search as efficient as possible.

I am now a more confident car buyer with thanks to the online support provided by various online communication tools. I feel like I have enough knowledge to go into a car dealership on my own and I won’t have to take my Dad with me this time.

Renault Promotes an Electric Life

A new advert will be released to the UK for new Renault electric cars in September. The advert is to bring motorist round to an electric way of thinking by demonstrating that if everyday items used petrol or diesel to run it would be silly.

It has been named The Electric Life ad and is available to view on YouTube before its release in September. Attached to the ad is the slogan ‘You’ve already switched to electricity for many things. So why not for travelling?’.

The ad showcased what electrical items would be like if they needed a combustion engine to run. The ad shows men and women using items that are commonly known to be powered by electric but instead Renault has exchanged it for petrol/diesel power. Items include petrol/diesel powered hairdryers, computers, chip and pin devices up to vending machines.

Renault are trying to show its audience that they have adopted electric items across their lives and that cars should be no different. The new Renault Twizy is available for pre-order priced at £6,690. The new Twizy is capable of travelling for 62 miles on a single charge, ideal for city commuting and only takes three and a half hours to charge.

For more information about the new electric Renault models that are coming our way contact Dinnages Renault Brighton/Sussex dealer. With a wide variety of Renault vehicles in Brighton and Sussex, Dinnages will be able to advise you on the perfect new Renault in Sussex or used Renault in Brighton to suit your needs.

Renault Say 'Kiss My Glass'

Renault UK have launched an amusing campaign to promote the new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet. The campaign will be mainly outdoor running on 48 and 96 sheets across the country.

The ‘Kiss My Glass’ campaign features a plush bright white Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet against a miserable grey background. The idea is to make motorist aware that even when the roof is on it feels like it is off thanks to the raised roof.

Next to the imagery of the campaign is the slogan “Rain. Kiss My Glass” obviously highlighting that even the rain can’t ruin your day it in the Megane Coupe Cabriolet. For more information about new and used Renault Sussex vehicles contact Dinnages a Renault Brighton and Ford Sussex dealer.

There's More to the Ford Transit

Buxton Mountain Rescue Team are delighted with their new Ford Transit minibus as this provides them with a reliable vehicle to carry out their rescue missions. The all-wheel drive is reported to make handling on a variety of terrains a bit easier for the volunteers.

Sometimes ambulances cannot get close enough to an accident in the Peak District but with the help of the new Ford Transit individuals could be found quicker. The volunteers attended 116 incidents last year for walking injuries like broken ankles to injured hang gliders.

Now they have saved enough money for their new Ford Transit minibus they are going to parade it at a variety of summer events to continue fundraising for search and rescue gear.

Dinnages are proud to offer the Ford Transit in Brighton at their new and used Ford Brighton dealer. If you are looking to get your hands on what could potentially be a lifesaving minibus contact the Ford Brighton dealership for more information.

Audi App Engaged with Le Mans' Fans

Audi launched and iPhone, iPad and android app ahead of the Le Mans 24 hour race. The app aimed to engage with Audi enthusiasts and make people feel more involved.
The app enabled us to support the Audi teams by giving us inside details about each racing team and the specifications of their Audi racing cars. For those unable to attend the app allowed their audience to discover the Le Mans 24 hour race in a new way.

For a bit of added fun their used a technology which allowed users to virtually drive the Audi Le Mans 24 hour racing cars. They even had videos featuring Allan McNish, two time winner in Le Mans. McNish was involved in a horrific accident at this year’s Le Mans but thankfully walked away unscathed. Although 2 of the three Audi vehicles were involved in terrible accidents, Lotterer managed to take first spot whilst being the last Audi vehicle left racing.

Audi hope that they provided a fun way for fans to interact with the race. An Audi dealer in Blackburn had fun with the app on the lead up to Le Mans 24 hours and hope it will be back with updates next year. They found that customers made it a talking pint when they came in looking at a new or used Audi in Blackburn, Carlisle and Preston.

Audi Steals the Show

Audi are among a number of brands that have been successful in claiming advertising slots during the first week of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' being released. The final Harry Potter film will be released at cinemas in the UK on the 15th July 2011.

This is a great advertising opportunity for Audi and other brands are even advertising in 3D for the first week. Audi will be running their Le Mans advert, featuring Allan McNish. The special 150 second advertisement will screen for one week starting from the 15th July. Are Audi trying to compete woth the length of the film? After this time Audi will run three shorter adverts for four weeks after this.

It has been reported that the last Harry Potter film is expected to earn £29.4 million from the sales of their tickets in just the opening week. Quite an advertising opportunity for any brand. Audi are hoping that interest around their models in increase.

Audi Northwest, an Audi dealer in Lancashire are excited about the prime advertising slot and look forward to the surge of customers. They sell a wide range of new and used cars in Carlisle, Preston and Blackburn including the used Audi A5 in Carlisle.

Tips for Using Automotive Social Media

It is important for dealers to understand how to use automotive social media effectively and to their advantage. MotorTrader held an event in Surrey on the 2nd of June to help dealers to understand how to make the most of modern marketing strategies that use social media.

Google, Ford Retail and GForces web management UK were among many speakers that spoke about being social with car buyers. It was an insightful conference for those dealers that are looking to move their marketing efforts forward.

Representatives from the like of Google and GForces reminded dealers of how this platform can aid SEO marketing and establish a relationship with their customers. When used properly speakers were confident that Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc would benefit dealerships by developing awareness and maintain loyal customers by being honest within their community.

Third Edition Toyota Yaris On It's Way

I think we can all agree that the Toyota Yaris has been a big hit. What’s better than a Toyota Yaris when looking for an impressive supermini? Maybe the all-new 2012 third generation new Toyota Yaris…

It is said to be sleeker and more stylish than its predecessor. It has been built using higher quality materials to improve on the comfort inside the cabin. Most of the new Yaris’s will even include the 6.1 inch tough screen that is Toyota’s Touch and Go technology, a new multimedia infotainment system. The new system is said to deliver ‘affordable multimedia connectivity’.

Doesn’t look like efficiency will be compromised either as their engine range includes including a 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.33-litre dual VVT-i petrol units, plus a 1.4 D04D turbodiesel. When compared with performance their low CO2 emissions are impressive.

Hodgson is a new and used Toyota dealer in Newcastle who is excited to be able to display the refreshed new Toyota Yaris in Newcastle and Gateshead this summer. They also have a wide selection of used Toyota’s for those that would prefer a used Toyota Yaris in Newcastle.

Audi Claims Five Awards - Another for the A1

Audi walked away from the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards with five awards under their belt. Encouraging for anyone looking for one of these quality vehicles to know that they outperform when it comes to safety.

The awards were presented by Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, Thatcham. The new Audi A1, A8 L, A4, A5 and Q5 all walked away with an award. The new Audi A4, A5 and Q5 were all recognised for achieving higher NVSR scores than their competitors.

Audi were delighted that security professionals deemed so many of their vehicles worthy of these awards. I’m sure Audi owners and future Audi motorists are impressed by the awards too.

Audi dealerships across the UK are always questioned about the security and safety of their vehicles as this is important in high performance vehicles. Audi Northwest, an Audi dealer in Preston, Carlisle and Blackburn always stress the great security and safety features of their models including the new Audi A6 in Blackburn and the new Audi A5 in Carlisle.

Audi continue to improve that they are at the top of their game. Can the Audi A1 possibly fit any more awards in its ever expanding trophy cabinet?

Audi RS3 is Virtually Unobtainable

So the new Audi RS3 will be in the UK soon but most of us will never have the pleasure of driving one never mind owning one. 50 of the new vehicles have been allocated for UK sale and those 50 new Audi RS3’s have already been sold.

Sad for most of us but we can still look at how pretty it is and point it out if you see the rare model passing you on the motorway. The RS3 is complete with a turbocharged five cylinder direct-injected TFSi petrol engine partnered with a supportive seven-speed S tronic double clutch transmission.

It may not win anything for its green credentials but it will be up there for its mega performance. The Audi RS3 is reported to accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds with an electronically limits top speed of 155mph.

So we can’t all have one so why not look at new and used Audi in Lancashire that we might actually be able to get our hands on. Looking for a used Audi A5 in Carlisle, Preston or Blackburn or any other Audi visit one of Audi Northwest’s dealerships.

New Toyota Prius C is in Sight

I’ve always loved the Toyota Prius from the day I saw it. I have often pictured myself driving around in a new Toyota Prius in Newcastle. Sadly for me though, it has always been slightly too big and a tad out of my price range. I suppose I should take a look at my local Toyota dealer in Newcastle to see if they have a used Toyota in Newcastle to fit my budget however something else has caught my eye.

This leads me to express how excited I am for the arrival of the new Toyota Prius C. I know it’s a bit of a wait yet but it sounds like they have made it for me. It is going to be around 50cm smaller than the original Prius…perfect and it’s rumoured to be more affordable…double perfect.

It has been altered since it was unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show which I think makes it look more friendly. The spy shots that have been taken don’t give away too much though as the prototype is fully covered in chequered camouflage.

I am keeping my ear out to find out more about the workings of the engine but many have guessed it may be a 1.5 litre. Toyota are boasting that it will be the most efficient in its class and already this compact vehicle is equipped to fight off competition.

Get Rewards with I Love My Dealer

There is a new social loyalty scheme to help motorists gain points from their dealers to put towards the maintenance of cars. It’s called I Love My Dealer. It uses Facebook to create an online community to bring customers and dealers together.

Through automotive social media dealers are giving customers the opportunity to socialise with others with similar interests and questions. Automotive dealers are trying to communicate with their customers throughout their motoring lives and gain their loyalty with the best web management in UK.

Coupled with their dealer web platform I Love My Dealer intends to generate discussions and provide answers about common and not so common questions. Have a look for yourself and see if you can earn rewards from your dealer. Gone are the days that customers fear car dealers and become friends for life?

Ford Remain Cool

Ford has disclosed some information about the cooling system that will be used in their new electric vehicles. The technology will be most beneficial in warm weather climates to help maintain a regulated temperature for their lithium ion-batteries.

They have said that they wish to have at least five electric vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. Not sure if we need to worry too much about extreme heat over here in the UK but best to be on the safe side.

The system is useful when the battery is charging to prevent overheating and will increase the life span of the lithium ion-battery. The Ford Transit Connect Electric has already been launched and the new Ford Focus Electric is on its way with the new advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system.

Dinnages, Ford Brighton dealer offer great advice about the technical aspects of their wide range of new and used Ford in Brighton and Sussex, including the Ford Transit in Sussex.

Think of the Fiat Doblo

The Fiat Doblo has seems to have been forgotten and I feel it is my duty as an owner to reinvent the Doblo models. The new Doblo was launched in March 2010 and I’m not sure that enough people have taken notice of it.

The Doblo offers a stylish exterior accompanied by an impressively spacious interior. Fiat have thought about the driver and positioned controls within comfortable reach. The inside, although spacious feels as comfortable as a car.

The Start Stop technology increases the fuel efficiency of the new Fiat Doblo. If you are looking for space for family or business I recommend having a look at the Doblo. Lipscomb offer a wide range of new and used Fiat Doblo in Kent

and will be happy to assist with your requirements. They also offer great Fiat Doblo Finance deals for business users.

Is the Fiat Ducato the way to go?

When looking for a commercial vehicle I studied a variety of vans and minibuses. Then I stumbled across an article about finance deals and contract hire options for a new Fiat Ducato.

They are more affordable than other similar vehicles that I have been looking at. Fiat is offering a good finance rate for selected models. Drivers will only need to pay the VAT up front for the Ducato minibus with the new scheme.

I am going to contact my local Fiat Professional dealership to find out some more information. A colleague told me that Lipscomb Fiat dealer Ashford have a wide range of new commercial Fiat vans and have the expertise to advise me on the best vehicle and package to suit me.

I’m going to visit them at the weekend to take a Fiat Ducato for a test drive to get a feel for it. I will keep you posted on how I get on.

Lotterer claims victory for Audi at Le Mans

Audi won the Le Mans 24 hour race yesterday with Loterrer crossing the finish line in their new Audi R18. The new vehicle had only been involved on one race prior to this epic competition.

The winning Audi was the last left after the other two Audi were involved in dramatic crashes at high speeds. Thankfully both drivers emerged from their accidents unharmed. Despite what could have been fatal crashes both drivers are looking forward to entering their next race.

It was also a great moment for British female chief race engineer Leena Gade who is the first in female in the role to win at the Le Mans.

Audi dealerships are celebrating the success of the Audi team and have already experienced increased interest in new and used Audi cars. Audi Northwest, a new and used Audi dealer, offer great advice about new and used Audi A6, R8, TT and the rest of their extensive range.

The Le Mans 24 hour race has been great for promoting the safety features of Audi vehicles.