TAKE THE ‘SHOCKINGLY AFFORDABLE’ DACIA DUSTER CHALLENGE AT YATE SHOPPING CENTRE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bristol Dacia dealers City Motors and SJ Cook and Sons will be offering shoppers in Yate the chance to take the “Dacia Challenge” from Thursday 27^th to Saturday, 29^th September.

Visitors to the stand will be invited to spot the difference in price between ‘fancy items’ and ‘fantastic value items’ to be in with a chance of winning cinema tickets as well as being entered into a national draw to win a brand new Dacia Duster and a luxury trip to Marrakesh to experience having a drive in a Duster through the desert.

 

 

Emma Cook from City Motors and S J Cook and Sons said: “We want to challenge customers to make decisions about what is important in a purchase and what is unnecessary frill. The Dacia Challenge will get people thinking and reveal some of the key benefits of buying Dacia over some other SUVs, and prove to them it is great value for money and not a cheap substitute.

“The game show element to the challenge is also a lot of fun and you could leave the concerts with more than great memories as we have a number of prizes up for grabs.”

The Dacia Challenge consists of four rounds, with four people going through to the final. Contestants are asked to ‘do the maths’ to work out the savings they would make on fancy and fantastic value items, which are designed to do the same job, look similar, but have different price points. The challenge features a number of items, including a lamp, chair, cushion and Duster SUV, and the closest savings estimate in the final wins a family cinema ticket.

The Duster SUV has a starting price of £8,995 for the entry-level model, which features a 1.6 litre 16-valve engine, generating 110 HP. Duster also comes in a four-wheel drive and 1.5 dCi diesel version.  The Dacia Sandero supermini has also just been unveiled shortly, and is likely to be the UK’s most affordable car when it opens for ordering soon.

The ‘shockingly affordable’ Dacia Duster, the flagship SUV from Dacia, owned by the Renault Group is available with a price tag of under £9,000, the Duster offers new owners outstanding value for money.

The Duster SUV right-hand-drive models arrive in the UK at the beginning of 2013, however, both City Motors and S J Cook and Sons have reserved a prime space in the showroom for a European left-hand-drive version so that customers can get acquainted with it.

The Duster SUV is priced from just £8,995, with 4x4 versions starting from £10,995, several thousand pounds cheaper than comparable models, and offering a car from two classes above for the same amount of money as a city car. There will be a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines on offer, with the entry-level model featuring a 1.6 litre 16-valve engine, generating 110 HP, with front-wheel drive.

Its muscular design is both rugged and protective, suited to both off-road and urban driving, and those seeking to add a personal touch to their new vehicle can choose from an extensive range of  style and protection accessories, including chrome styling bars and wheel-arch extenders.

A refundable deposit of just £100 will secure a Dacia Duster for delivery in early 2013.

For more information, pop along to Yate Shopping Centre between Thursday, 27th and Saturday, 29th September or visit City Motors, Pioneer Park, off Whitby Road, (0117 972 3030) or SJ Cook and Sons, Station Road, Kingswood, ( 0117 957 9700).

Alternatively, visit www.carcogroup.co.uk or www.dacia.co.uk or go to www.facebook.com/dacia for more information. 

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Kelly from Keynsham wins keys to Renault Twizy!

Platinum Renault handed over the keys to a brand new Renault Twizy at the weekend!

GEORGE GIVES PLATINUM RENAULT AN “A” GRADE FOR IT PROJECT!

 

There’s nothing like hands-on experience, and a Trowbridge youngster has shown that he is set for his forthcoming IT course by using his skills at a local car dealership.

 

Eighteen-year-old George Mawby is about to start at Gloucester University to start a four-year degree course in Interactive Game Design at the Cheltenham campus.  The former St Augustine's Catholic College pupil worked on an IT project for Platinum Renault in Trowbridge over the last six months as part of his ICT A Level.

 

 

 

 

The project involved creating an intricate Flash animation which acts as an online introduction for new sales starters at the dealership as well as being a useful resource for customers and potential Renault buyers.

 

His dad Steve Mawby is the Group Direct Marketing Manager for Platinum, so was the natural choice to approach when the students were asked to find a business to assist in their assignment.  The idea of the project was to create a multimedia promotional presentation on CD that the company could use to promote its business.

 

 

 

George said: “It’s a mixture of an interactive website with an interview on film and some animation that people can click around and browse.  It was meant to be as realistic as possible so I did a lot of research and interviews, to make the CD, as well as management behind the scenes. It happened to coincide with the launch of the Renault Z.E. range so we were able to include some information on the Renault Kangoo Van Z.E., Renault Twizy and the Renault Fluence Z.E as well as the forthcoming Renault Zoe.

 

“It was a great learning experience and useful to prepare for my university course.”

 

For further information and test drives, please contact the Platinum Renault Sales team in Trowbridge on 01225 759525, or visit www.platinumrenault.co.uk

 

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1.    George Mawby with his IT project at Platinum Renault in Trowbridge

 

 

 

“WE WALK DOGS, FEED CATS AND FLY ELEPHANTS”-65TH VAN FOR ANIMALS AT HOME THANKS TO HARWOODS RENAULT

 

 

Harwoods Renault is proving that a dog’s life is not so bad after all as it hands over the latest van to national pet-sitters Animals at Home.

 

Animals at Home is an island-based company that allows pet owners to leave their beloved cats, dogs and other furries to be looked after while they go on holiday, as an alternative to the traditional cattery or dog kennels.

 

 

Animals at Home take their 65th van from Harwoods Renault. Pictured from left: Denis Chirgwin, MD of Animals at Home with his dog Lily; Debra Nicolson, Animals at Home’s newest franchisee taking on the Bournemouth and New Forest territory and Paul Hunt, sales manager at Harwoods Renault.

 

 

The company was set up in 2003 and as well as its pet sitting service, also offers an animal ambulance for sick animals that need to be rushed to the vet and a transport service for families who are emigrating with pets.  Since it started, the company has grown to a multi-million pound operation and has more than 60 franchises across the country and one in Australia.  The latest franchisee Debra Nicholson, who collected her Kangoo with Denis Chirgwin this week, will be looking after the Bournemouth and New Forest area.

 

The company founder and owner Denis Chirgwin describes the business thus: “We walk dogs, feed cats and fly elephants!”  He was at Harwoods in Lushington Hill this week to take delivery of the 65^th Renault Kangoo van to join the fleet.

 

Paul Hunt, Sales Director at Harwoods, said: “There’s no better recommendation for the practicality and value-for-money of the Kangoo than a customer who drives away in their 65^th van.

 

“We’re delighted to be dealing once again with Denis and Animals at Home; as anyone who knows Denis or has read his book  “Guinea Pigs don’t bounce” will know, this is a local company who’ve worked hard and expanded to become successful throughout the UK.

 

“They will be celebrating their 10^th anniversary next year and we hope to be dealing with them for many years to come.”

 

Denis Chirgwin of Animals at Home, added: “We chose Renault when we were setting up the business because the Kangoo Van is the perfect size for our requirements and easily converted into an animal ambulance. Since then, we’ve dealt with Paul and have found him to be open, friendly and professional.

 

“As we provide an animal ambulance service, we need a vehicle that’s practical and reliable and we’ve found that the Kangoo has offered trouble-free motoring.”

 

 

For more information, visit Harwoods on Lushington Hill or call 01983 885500 for more details. Alternatively visit www.harwoodsgroup.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/ HarwoodsSales

 

For more information on Animals at Home, visit www.animalsathome.co.uk

 

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@GrovewoodPR

 

Two chances to test drive the Twizy with Mitchells Renault - Henham Steam Rally and The Forum, Norwich

NEWS FROM RENAULT

 

Motorists will be able to experience the electrifying thrill of the Renault Twizy at two special driving events hosted by Lowestoft Renault dealer Mitchells.

 

Firstly, customers can try out the head turning Twizy and the Kangoo Van Z.E. at this weekend’s Henham Steam Rally.  There will also be a huge range of new and used vehicles powered by diesel and petrol, including the forthcoming Dacia Duster and cars and vans from the Renault range.

 

 Secondly, customers are invited to attend the Norwich leg of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive tour which will be at the Forum from Friday 28^th to Sunday, 30^th September.

 

At the Forum, attendees will also have the opportunity to try Renault’s other electric vehicles, the Fluence Z.E., Renault’s five-seat family saloon and the Kangoo Van Z.E., currently, the International Van of the Year.

 

The Renault Zoe will be on display and staff from Mitchells Renault will be on hand to answer any questions about day-to-day life with an electric car.

 

The Forum is just one of 16 select locations across the country to host the event and was chosen as one of the area’s best-known landmarks, providing a fitting backdrop for the range of environmentally responsible vehicles.

 

Paul Bayfield, used car manager at Mitchells, said: “We know that local motorists will have read all about the buzz surrounding Renault’s electric range so we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to enable drivers to experience driving them locally.

 

“Henham Steam Rally is always a great weekend out for the family and provides a superb backdrop for the great range of cars and vans we will have with us. We will be there with the Renault hospitality unit so there is free tea and coffee for anyone that wants to pop by and say hello.

 

“Renault Twizy really does turn heads thanks to its unique style and looks and is great fun to drive. It’s ideal for city motoring and is affordable, with prices starting from as little as £6,690. The Renault Fluence Z.E. is available from just £17,850 on the road, taking into account the £5,000 electric vehicle grant from the government, with a battery lease of £75 per month, based on a mileage of 6,000 per year over three years.  Meanwhile, the Kangoo Van Z.E. is available from £13,592 plus VAT, with monthly battery hire of £60 per month.

 

“We’re inviting people to come and try out the cars, subject to availability of test drives on the day.”

 

To book a spot at the Forum, call 0845 873 5920 or book online at www.ze-tour.co.uk .

 

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Pic cap: Renault Twizy – one of the electric vehicles available to drive at Henham Steam Rally (15^th and 16^th September) and at the Forum, Norwich from Friday, 28th to Sunday, 30th September.

 

HOLDEN RENAULT IN NORWICH OFFERS ELECTRIC VEHICLE TEST DRIVES AT THE FORUM

 

 

NEWS FROM RENAULT

 

For Immediate Release: Monday, 10^th September 2012

 

 

Motorists will be able to experience the electrifying thrill of the Renault Twizy at a special driving event at the Forum in Norwich from Friday 28^th to Sunday, 30^th September.

 

The event is part of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive Tour 2012 and has been organised for Holden Norwich customers.

 

Alongside the Renault Twizy, attendees will also be able to test drive the Fluence Z.E., Renault’s five-seat family saloon and the Kangoo Van Z.E., currently, the International Van of the Year to see for themselves just how user-friendly these vehicles are. 

 

The Renault Zoe will also be on display while staff from Holden Norwich Renault will be on hand to answer any questions about day-to-day life with an electric car.

 

The Forum is just one of 16 select locations across the country to host the event and was chosen as one of the area’s best-known landmarks, providing a fitting backdrop for the range of 'environmentally responsible'  vehicles.

 

Phil Miller, sales manager at Holden Norwich, said: “We know that local motorists will have read all about the buzz surrounding Renault’s electric range so we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to enable drivers to experience driving them locally.

 

“Renault  Twizy really does turn heads thanks to its unique style and looks and is great fun to drive. It’s ideal for city motoring and is affordable, with prices starting from as little as £6,690. The Renault Fluence Z.E. is available from just £17,850 on the road, taking into account the £5,000 electric vehicle grant from the government, with a battery lease of £75 per month, based on a mileage of 6,000 per year over three years.  Meanwhile, the Kangoo Van Z.E. is available from £13,592 plus VAT, with monthly battery hire of £60 per month.

 

“We’re inviting people to come and try out the cars, subject to availability of test drives on the day.”

 

To book a spot, call 0845 873 5920 or book online at www.ze-tour.co.uk .

 

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Pic cap: Renault Twizy – one of the electric vehicles available to drive at the Forum, Norwich from Friday, 28th to Sunday, 30th September.

 

100% ELECTRIC FLUENCE CLOCKS UP OVER 200 MILES IN THREE DAYS

 

 

NEWS FROM RENAULT LIVERPOOL

 

A three day road trip from Liverpool to Wales has proved to one Renault dealer that cars of the future will be plugged in, not filled up.

 

David Kirkby, Electric Vehicle Specialist at Renault Liverpool, was keen to examine how far the five-seat Renault Fluence Z.E. saloon would go on a fully charged battery.

 

His journey to the Bryn Bella Guest House in Betws-Y-Coed, Snowdonia is exactly 70 miles from the dealership in Sefton Street, Toxteth, and the visit would include trips to tourist attractions in the region.

 

 

 

“The car has a real world range of around 100 miles depending on driving style and other conditions, so it was going to be interesting to see how the trip affected the range of the vehicle,” said Mr Kirkby.

 

During his stay he travelled to various locations in the region, taking photographs and recording a promotional video with the owners, before recharging the battery overnight and travelling back to Liverpool the following morning.

 

Joan and Mark Edwards, who run the Bryn Bella Guest House, were the first in Snowdonia to be awarded gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The B&B became the first in the National Park to install electric car charging points for residents to use for free  during their stay, which allowed Mr Kirkby to recharge the battery in the Fluence Z.E. , the saloon car in the Renault electric vehicle range, on arrival.

 

 

The range indicator, on leaving Liverpool, showed a range of 83 miles and Mr Kirkby drove on a range of inner city, rural roads and motorways. “I drove using a very eco style of driving with no sudden acceleration and made use of the regenerative braking wherever possible. The range did decrease when driving up steep gradients, but that was easily regained downhill,” he explained.

 

During the journey, in road use, the Fluence Z.E. will not have emitted any harmful CO2 emissions or pollutants. The saloon is cheap to run, largely due to less wear and tear and low charging costs.

 

“The vehicle also performed extremely well using cruise control at speeds around 55mph and as the trip went on I had no range anxiety, infact after driving 62 miles door to door, added 13 miles to the overall charge of the traction battery,” he added.

 

Overnight a full recharge took 5 hours 40 minutes, showing a 90 mile range and the Renault Fluence Z.E. attracted much attention on its mini adventure to popular tourist attractions in the area starting at the foot of Pen-Y-Pas, the highest you can drive a car up Snowdon.

 

“After two ascents up this steep gradient the range had reduced to 66 miles, so descending down the Llanberis Pass towards Llanberis, I was able to let the car freewheel down the steep gradient taking full advantage here of the regenerative braking which I was particularly impressed with,” Mr Kirkby said.

 

“When we reached Llanberis, the starting location of the two famous mountain railways, the range indicator showed 74 miles, an eight mile regain in the range.”

 

Mr Kirkby drove on to Caernarvon where a drive round the castle attracted a lot of interest, before heading to Greenwood Forest Park, home to the first people powered rollercoaster.

 

 

 

“After this, with the display showing a range of 42 miles it was time to head back to Bryn Bella, for an overnight recharge, where the range on arrival was 19 miles.”

 

Mr Kirkby spent more time on his return journey to Liverpool on faster roads finding that cruising at 65mph the Fluence Z.E.  performed well. “I arrived back at the showroom with 25 miles of charge still available and covered 220 miles over three days in an electric car which was very impressive.

 

“The whole point of the trip was to prove that electric vehicles can be used to travel to locations like this, that they can be charged and used to travel around everyday and even whilst on holiday, which often result in longer journeys,” said Mr Kirkby.

 

“It is also to promote and encourage the fact that we need more locations to install charging facilities.”

 

Renault Fluence Z.E. is available from £17,850 on the road – taking into account the £5,000 contribution towards the car from the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant a battery lease contract of £75 per month, based on mileage of 6,000 per year over three years.

 

For more information on Renault’s range of electric vehicles visit Renault Liverpoool at Sefton Street, Toxteth, Liverpool. L8 6PZ. Tel: 0151 552 8000.

 

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MITCHELLS RENAULT FULLY CHARGED FOR FUTURE

 

 

NEWS FROM MITCHELLS OF LOWESTOFT

 

 

 

Renault dealership Mitchells of Lowestoft is getting fully charged for the future.

 

The Long Road showroom is the focus of attention at the moment with a range of electric cars on display including the exciting Renault Twizy, designed for a driver and passenger to sit in tandem, and the award-winning Kangoo Van Z.E.

 

Both vehicles were taken to Britain’s most easterly point at OrbisEnergy, to demonstrate the ease with which motorists can recharge their batteries at the latest public charging point in Lowestoft. The Renault Twizy was decked out in a Union Jack as visitors to Lowestoft’s flagship hub for offshore renewable energy were able to see the benefits of electric motoring.

 

New Car Sales Manager Andy Duffield said: “We are convinced that once people have test driven an electric vehicle and recognised the environmental and financial benefits of switching to an electric car or van they will be hooked. This is a step in the right direction towards a cleaner, greener environment.”

OrbisEnergy, which is owned by Suffolk County Council, recently installed the electric car charging point with help from a grant fund managed by transport innovation company EValu8. The innovation centre is keen to make people aware of public usage of the POD Points which can also be found at the Beacon Innovation Centre in Gorleston, Norfolk.

Like OrbisEnergy, it is part of a portfolio of 18 enterprise centres managed by business support organisation NWES.

John Balch, Strategic Director of NWES said “Suffolk has the aspiration to be the greenest county, so the role of OrbisEnergy, renewable energy and the evolution of electric cars goes hand in hand. Electric cars and vans are very much a part of that future and it is important we lift awareness of the availability of these charging points for those motorists who have already recognised the benefits. This is one of only two dedicated charging points in Lowestoft where members of the public can charge their cars.”

.

The futuristic Twizy is just 2.34 metres long by 1.24 metres wide and is designed for a driver and one passenger to sit in tandem. Thanks to its four-wheeled chassis and extremely low centre of gravity, Renault Twizy delivers a reassuringly stable ride, while disc brakes all-round, ensure precise, efficient stopping power.

The Kangoo Van Z.E has already scooped the International Van of the Year 2012 title and What Van? Magazine’s top prize, and is the world’s first electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by a mass market manufacturer.

Mitchells of Lowestoft is preparing for the arrival of the latest model in Renault’s electric car range, the Zoe supermini which recently entered the Guinness Book of Records after travelling the longest distance for an electric car, 1,005 miles over a 24 hour period. The car will join the already established Renault EV range alongside the Fluence Z.E. saloon, Kangoo Z.E. van and the two-seater Renault Twizy.

For more information on the range of electric vehicles available or to arrange a test drive, visit Mitchells in Long Road, Lowestoft, contact them on 01502 500950 or visit their website www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

 

Note to Editors:

Enterprise Agency NWES helps people set up in business and provides support to existing companies who wish to grow. They manage a portfolio of 18 enterprise centres across the East of England offering flexible office space, conference rooms, virtual tenancy and business advice. The electric vehicle charging point grant is managed by Evalu8 and funded by the Government Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and East of England Development Agency (EEDA). www.nwes.org.uk

 

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Picture caption: Fully charged: Andy Duffield, New Vehicle Sales Manager at Mitchells Lowestoft, with Lauren Major, Administrative Co-ordinator at OrbisEnergy show off the ease with which motorists can recharge their electric car

 

SMC RENAULT HOSTS ELECTRIC VEHICLE TOUR AT RHS WISLEY

 

NEWS FROM RENAULT

 

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, 4^th September 2012

 

 

Motorists will be able to experience the electrifying thrill of the Renault Twizy at a special driving event at RHS Wisley this weekend (14th, 15th and 16th September).

The event is part of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive Tour 2012 and has been organised for SMC Renault customers in Weybridge, Woking and the group’s newest dealership in Aldershot.

Alongside the Renault Twizy, attendees will also be able to test drive the Fluence Z.E., Renault’s five-seat family saloon and the Kangoo Van Z.E. , currently, the International Van of the Year to see for themselves just how user-friendly these vehicles are.  The Renault Zoe will also be on display while staff from SMC Renault will be on hand to answer any questions about day-to-day life with an electric car.

RHS Wisley is just one of 16 select locations across the country to host the event and was chosen as the gardens have a long standing relationship with Renault and provide a fitting backdrop for the range of 'environmentally responsible' vehicles.

Keith Wheeler, Sales and Marketing Director at SMC Weybridge, said: “We know that local motorists will have read all about the buzz surrounding Renault’s electric range so we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to enable drivers to experience driving them in the beautiful grounds of RHS Wisley.

“Renault  Twizy really does turn heads thanks to its unique style and looks and is great fun to drive. It’s ideal for city motoring and is affordable, with prices starting from as little as £6,690. The Renault Fluence Z.E. is available from just £17,850 on the road, taking into account the £5,000 electric vehicle grant from the government, with a battery lease of £75 per month, based on a mileage of 6,000 per year over three years.  Meanwhile, the Kangoo Van Z.E. is available from £13,592 plus VAT, with monthly battery hire of £60 per month.

“We’re inviting people to come and try out the cars, subject to availability of test drives on the day, and also to gain free entry into the gardens.”

To book a spot, call 0845 873 5920 or book online at www.ze-tour.co.uk .

 

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Photo caption: Renault Twizy will be available to drive at RHS Wisley.

 

 

 

Car Dealer Awards

What a lovely surprise to open this month's Car Dealer Magazine to find that Grovewood PR has been highly commended in their Power awards!   Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

ALDERSHOT SHOWROOM RE-OPEN AS SMC RENAULT

A prominent car showroom in Aldershot is  reopening, creating 25 new jobs in the town.

 

Mill Lane Renault closed in May but has relaunched as SMC Renault, Aldershot.

 

A number of staff will be welcomed back to the Ash Road site and new positions have been created as the business streamlines itself to meet the market demands.

 

The Ash Road site, that greets motorists on the way into Aldershot, has been selling new and used cars in the town since 1991 and has a strong relationship with Renault going back more than 30 years.

 

SMC Renault is a family business with dealerships in Woking and Weybridge, conveniently located for customers in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. Established for almost 30 years they are consistently rated among the top ten Renault dealers in the UK.

 

SMC Managing Director James Kimber said Aldershot’s Renault dealership has always been a key part of the local community and he hoped this would continue to benefit the town. “We are happy to help local people with all their motoring needs and now we have the Ash Road dealership open again plan on bringing Aldershot customers the highest level of customer service we can,” he said. “Our staff are a dedicated team of professionals who have, between them, many years’ of experience with the Renault brand.”

General Manager at SMC Renault, Aldershot Mike Jeffs said he was delighted to be at the helm.

 

“Our focus has always been on customer care and I am looking forward to welcoming back our loyal customers who have been without us in recent months,” he added. “We have not been here since the closure in May to look after them, and I am hoping we will attract new customers as well.”

 

SMC Renault, Aldershot will offer the same comprehensive new car and van sales plus after sales facilities as other SMC dealerships in Surrey. It is effectively a one stop shop for Renault customers in the area, as the dealership will also have a selection of 0% finance offers available on new cars and will have the choice of over 100 used cars and vans in group stock.

It will be taking service bookings  both in the dealership and online and will offer a free collection and delivery service within a 10 mile radius.

For further information on new and used cars, a range of offers, after sales and finance for your next purchase whether it is for private or business use, visit the website www.smcrenault.co.uk or call SMC Renault, Aldershot 01252 367600.