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 .

 

Ends

 

Ref: DPR 20204

 

Words: 479

 

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 .

 

Ends

 

Ref: DPR 20200

 

Words: 479

 

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.

 

Ends

Ref: DPR20140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ends

 

Words: 595

 

Ref: DPR20069

 

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 .

 

Ends

 

Ref: DPR20199

 

Words: 361

 

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.