Motoring News from Platts Motor Company

All New Hyundai i30: Pricing details released

2012-01-23T17:43:00.000Z

More pictures:

Hyundai has today announced full pricing and specification for its exciting New Generation five-door Hyundai i30 hatchback, due for launch in the

on 12 March.

Prices for the Hyundai i30 start at £14,495 on-the-road for the entry level Classic model, which comes with insurance ratings from Group 7E, making it one of the most cost effective C-segment cars to own and run.

The newcomer builds on the success of its predecessor. First launched in 2007, the outgoing Hyundai i30 was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range and introduced new standards of quality and driveability to the Hyundai product line-up. The new generation Hyundai i30 will build on the achievements of the cars it replaces – bringing with it a new level of style, interior quality and technology – adding emotional as well as rational appeal.

The new generation Hyundai i30 will be available in four main trim levels including Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav, while customers will also have the choice of either petrol or diesel engines – including Hyundai’s latest ultra-efficient 1.6-litre diesel unit that emits less than 100g/km CO₂ – there will be five engine outputs on offer with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Hyundai’s clean and efficient Blue Drive technologies come on all 1.6 CRDi manual models as standard and feature Intelligent Stop & Go Technology. The powerful, yet efficient unit is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS; the former boasting the lowest CO₂ emissions figure for a diesel car in its segment with 97g/km. The 128PS unit meanwhile is the perfect example of true efficiency where customers get a more powerful engine without the associated drawbacks of high fuel consumption and emissions.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK, says: “The new generation Hyundai i30 represents another leap forward in terms of Hyundai’s design, refinement and build quality. Coupled with Hyundai’s generous standard specification along and industry leading back-up service and support in the form of the Five Year Triple Care assurance, the new generation Hyundai i30 truly represents the complete package for customers looking for a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price.”

New standard features on the Hyundai i30 include voice-activated Bluetooth®, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level, adds 15” alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s new dynamic Flex Steer^TM system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

All ‘Style’ models benefit from 16” alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators. Topping the trim will be Style Nav, which brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.

Hyundai i30 prices

The Ulitmate Car Parking Challenge in a Ford Focus

2012-01-16T17:43:00.000Z

How do you fancy doing this?

Professional stuntwoman, Nina Armstrong, tests the Active Park Assist technology on the all-new Ford Focus on the edge of a 10-storey building!

Can a car fulfil a dream?

2012-01-16T17:28:00.002Z

Lorenz-Meyer had a dream, he wanted to to visit all the locations in his favourite book, The Da Vinci Code. Ford challanged him to see if you could do it in a Ford Mondeo on two tanks of fuel.

It's a long journey, but Ford ECOnetic Technology, including Smart Regenerative Charging, Auto-Start-Stop and Eco Mode helped him on his way.

One Ford Ranger. Four mates. Forty hours of challenges

2012-01-10T10:47:00.000Z

Real world challenges don't get much more 'real', or challenging, than this.

Aussie carpenter Caleb set off, with three of his mates, on an epic 40-hour drive in search of a legendary place to go fishing. And he certainly took his Ford Ranger off the beaten track to get there. See Caleb (and his Ford Ranger) journey through the inhospitable outback and over the harshest, car-breaking terrain to find that perfect spot.

New Ford Mondeo revealed at Detroit Motor Show

2012-01-09T12:29:00.002Z

Revealed in North America is the all-new Ford Mondeo for world.

While the Ford Mondeo goes on sale in North America this year, the European version is due in the first quarter of 2013.

Details of the European version are yet to be finalised, in the mean time the North American version features:

The first saloon to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice
With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value
Customers can choose from the widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrain options including EcoBoost^™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings and auto start-stop technology

The all-new Ford Mondeo brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first saloon to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Ford Mondeo is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta and 2012 Focus – developed to satisfy customers everywhere looking for leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

Hyundai Veloster - In Pictures

2012-01-05T14:33:00.000Z

A slide show of pictures of the new Hyundai Veloster.

The Big Green Race - Ben Collins and Jodie Kidd

2012-01-05T12:14:00.000Z

Hyundai Veloster Launched Today - One Car, Two Sides

2012-01-05T10:41:00.000Z

Today Hyundai have launched a completely new car, the Hyundai Veloster.

A fuel efficient sporty hatchback. A coupe, but with an additional rear door on the kerb side of the vehicle, to provide easier access for rear passengers.

Be one of the first in the UK to take the Hyundai Veloster for a drive. Gives us a call on 01494 469000 to book your test drive.

Hyundai Car Parts For The World

2011-12-30T09:25:00.000Z

In January 2011 a team of Hyundai engineers decided to bring to life their company philosophy 'New Thinking New Possibilities'. They set off in a Hyundai iX35, planning to visit different countries around the world by road. At various points in their journey they will utilize parts from the vehicle to make a positive impact. Unplanned, they will set about solving people's everyday problems. By using as many of the car's parts as possible - in unusual and ingenious ways. The Ambition: To bring some sunshine to communities spread far and wide. The first outing sees the team amongst a small community in a remote and inhospitable location in Northern Sweden, 145km inside the Arctic Circle. In winter, the day can be as short as 3 hours, the temperature as low as -50c, and the daily commute cold and and treacherous.

Hyundai Veloster - TV Ad

2011-12-30T09:20:00.000Z

Hyundai have released their TV Ad for the new Hyundai Veloster.

Be one of the first to see it.

Ford Centenary In Britain - Rallying Heritage

2011-12-29T16:19:00.000Z

Rallying is a tough, and sometimes cruel, sport. Designed as a Group B rally car, the RS200 was turbocharged, mid-engined, light, 4-wheel driven, and fast on any surface. As regulations demanded, 200 examples were built in the UK with production starting in 1986.

Its rallying career was cut short when the FIA reacted to a number of serious accidents by banning aerodynamic devices on Group B cars and then calling a halt to the entire class from 1987. As a result the RS200 was transformed from stark rally car to a more luxurious road car specification, albeit one that was still cramped, noisy, high-revving and physically demanding to drive.

I just happened to find more photos of the iconic, but ill feated Ford RS200 the other day.

Despite such setbacks Ford has maintained its commitment to rallying and it recently announced its continued participation in the FIA World Rally Championship for 2012 and 2013. Long-term partner M-Sport, which has successfully operated Ford’s WRC activities since 1997, operates the programme from its state-of-the-art facilities at Dovenby Hall in north-west England.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car will continue as Ford’s WRC flagship in 2012 and 2013. The climax of the World Rally Championship in the UK saw the Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car claim eight of the top 10 positions. This is the only time a single manufacturer has achieved this feat since the championship was created in 1973.

Ford’s long and successful heritage in rallying places it second in the all-time wins list with 79 world rally victories and its run of 145 consecutive points finishes, dating back to the opening round of the 2002 championship, is the longest in the sport’s history.

Ford Offers Santa an Ecoboost Powered Concept Sleigh to Lower Reindeer Derived CO2 Emissions

2011-12-23T10:39:00.002Z

Ford Motor Company is offering to make it a greener Christmas with a concept sleigh that would dramatically downsize Santa’s carbon footprint.

Santa’s new ride, packed with cutting-edge Ford technology, would allow Rudolph and friends to enjoy a well-deserved retirement while Santa makes his annual deliveries with style in an environmentally friendly new sleigh.

“They may look cute, but Santa’s team of nine reindeer1 create a staggering 214,670 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions each year, so something had to be done to help him re-discover his greener roots2,” said Ford car designer Paul Wraith.

The benefits of switching to the concept sleigh go beyond the environmental. Travelling such huge distances – some 200,237,360 km – means Santa currently spends in excess of £122 million on carrots to fuel his reindeer each year. The impressive fuel efficiency of the 1 litre EcoBoost would reduce Santa’s fuel costs by 90% to just £12 million.

Whilst Santa himself was unavailable for comment, Mrs Claus explained: “I am not looking forward to telling Donner and Blitzen the news, but the polar bears in the North Pole will certainly welcome the Ford EcoBoost-powered sleigh.”

Mrs Claus continues: “l would of course back anything that means my husband can get home that bit quicker. Getting presents in a shorter amount of time to all the good children each year may even give him time to reconsider a few names on the naughty list. But I can’t promise.”

Innovative engineering means the new EcoBoost engine delivers performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine but with significantly improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions of just 114g/km CO2.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost cylinder block also fits onto a single sheet of A4 paper, but still delivers up to 125PS and 170Nm peak torque (with 200Nm overboost), giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date.

“Our tongue may be firmly in cheek as we launch this sleigh design, but our heart is in the right place,” Wraith said. “At Ford, we’re dreaming of a Green Christmas. We’re already thinking of the concept sleigh mark II. With electric vehicle battery technology developing all the time, we are keen to get to work on a zero-carbon version of our sleigh.”

The redesigned sleigh also incorporates other cutting edge Ford technologies. Highlights include:

o Active park assist: Clever technology that first checks if a parking space is big enough, then automatically steers your car/sleigh in. Useful for Santa in making those tight reverse rooftop landings.

o Door edge protector: A simple, but ingenious addition to Ford doors, helping thwart dents, dings and scratches even in the tightest parking spot. Vital to help Santa stop scratching the door of his sleigh on all those annoying chimneys.

o SYNC: A sophisticated in-car, voice-activated technology system, that can be easily personalised. This will help Santa keep in touch with the elves back at base, stay en route with GPS navigation and enable him to listen to and change, his favourite Christmas music.

o EcoMode: In-car software that provides useful advice for drivers on achieving better fuel economy tailored to their individual driving styles. A specially modified version of the software will include an electronic Christmas tree image. The better Santa’s green driving performance, the more of the trees branch symbols will light-up.

o Active City Stop & Blind Spot Information System: Two driver assistance technologies, the first assists drivers in slow moving traffic by detecting if the car in front unexpectedly stops and braking automatically in response, whilst the second helps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving. Both will be useful to Santa, as he tries to avoid planes in our increasingly crowded skies.

o MyKey: Enabling car owners to encourage their teenagers (or elves) to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, with increased safety-belt usage, through a range of driver specific configurable features.

o 1 litre EcoBoost engine: As outlined, helping ensure the engine powering Santa’s sleigh is green, lean, mean and compact.

How Does the Hyundai Veloster Drive?

2011-12-23T09:43:00.000Z

Professional AMCI driver Dave Wandless takes the all new Hyundai Veloster for a spin. Watch the video and hear the final verdict on the car and its dynamics.

Hyundai Veloster - learn more about the design

2011-12-22T10:44:00.000Z

Take a look at the all new Hyundai Veloster and learn more about the design. The Hyundai Veloster will be on the UK roads from January 2012.

Ford Centenary in Britain - Ford's Global Cars

2011-12-21T15:16:00.002Z

The winter of 1993-1994 saw a combination of Ford Mondeos – a model with aspirations as a global car – and Ford Mavericks set off from London to support an attempt to drive overland between London and New York via the Bering Strait. This overland (and ice) route did not prove successful but the team did find alternative means to reach Alaska and, eventually, New York.

In 2010, The Ford Fiesta used conventional routes to embark on a 15,000-mile round-the-world trip that saw Ford’s stylish small car visit a total of 21 countries.

The drive was a demonstration of the "One Ford" global strategy, which is putting the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and future Ford Kuga and Ford Mondeo models on sale globally. The round-the-world programme for the Ford Fiesta took over 50 days to complete, covering North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

UK-built engines are a key part of the "One Ford" strategy and during the Ford Fiesta's 500-mile leg across the

, the car stopped off at Ford's Bridgend engine-plant – where the car's 1.6-litre petrol engine is built.

Ford extends World Rally Championship participation with the Ford Fiesta

2011-12-15T15:08:00.002Z

Ford of Europe announced today it is extending its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship into 2012 and 2013.

Long-term partner M-Sport, the British-based preparation company, which has successfully operated Ford’s WRC activities since 1997, will continue to operate the programme from its state-of-the-art facilities at Dovenby Hall in north-west England.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car will continue as Ford’s WRC flagship in 2012 and 2013. The car, based on the successful Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season this year.

Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Britain last month, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012.

They will be partnered by former world champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, who have signed a one-year agreement to drive the team’s second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. The experienced Solberg won the world title in 2003 and the 37-year-old Norwegian has 13 world rally wins to his name. It will be his second stint with Ford, having launched his world rally career with the team in 1999.

The squad will be named Ford World Rally Team and will retain support from long-term partner Castrol for both 2012 and 2013.

Ford has a long and successful heritage in rallying. It is second in the all-time wins list with 79 world rally victories and its run of 145 consecutive points finishes, dating back to the opening round of the 2002 championship, is the longest in the sport’s history.

Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell highlighted the strong will of all parties to continue in the WRC.

“Ford has a rich history in world rallying and we’re excited to continue fighting for titles on the world stage with our great partners at M-Sport,” said Odell. “WRC is a great fit with the Ford brand DNA of precise handling, fun-to-drive cars with leading technology and we’ll continue to leverage rallying to inspire innovation in future vehicles and reach new audiences.”

Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior manager for motorsport, emphasised what WRC competition means to Ford.

“The WRC is motorsport’s toughest competition for production-based cars,” he said. Through WRC, we can convey the attributes of our road vehicles and send a clear message to our customers and fans about Ford’s passion and expertise.

“We feel that the timing for our announcement is right. We had to be confident about the stability of the championship and to ensure it continues to provide great value and increased exposure globally. We discussed it with our stakeholders and after receiving such assurances we look forward to focusing on competition once again,” said Quinn.

“We have a great team with M-Sport and its leader, Malcolm Wilson, and in Jari-Matti Latvala we have one of motorsport’s rising stars. Already regarded by many as the fastest driver in WRC, this year he showed consistency and expertise on all surfaces. We believe he will flourish in his new role as Ford’s team leader, and look forward to seeing his pace light up the special stages around the world.

“The addition of Petter Solberg to the team brings one of the sport’s most experienced and flamboyant drivers back to the team where he started his top-level career. A drivers’ world title and 13 world rally victories are testament to his abilities and his vast experience will be a great asset to our line-up,” added Quinn.

Wilson, M-Sport managing director and team director, said the new deal was a vote of confidence in his company.

“The performance of the Fiesta RS WRC in 2011 was strong on all surfaces and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve in the future,” he said. “We want to challenge for world titles and I have no doubts that our car and driver combination, allied to the infrastructure and expertise of our staff at Dovenby Hall, will allow us to do that.”

M-Sport recently completed its ladder of opportunity, adding a first rung to complete a structured path to take young and talented rally drivers from the grass-roots to the top level in Ford Fiestas. From the entry-level MS1 car, drivers can progress via the increasingly more powerful R2, S2000 and Regional Rally Car models to the top-billing World Rally Car.

“Ford has five different Fiesta models in which drivers with potential can graduate from entry level to the WRC. This ladder is the breeding ground of Ford’s future stars, and in the next seasons we will see drivers with ability climb it and begin to emerge at the top,” he added.

Hyundai teases latest European concept car

2011-12-15T12:47:00.000Z

Hyundai has given a first glimpse of its new i-oniq concept car, which will preview the next evolution of the brand’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language.

Describing the i-oniq, Thomas Bürkle, Hyundai’s European Chief Designer, said, “Two strong arched curves define the silhouette of i-oniq, creating a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features.”

The i-oniq concept was designed and developed at the company’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany. More information about i-oniq will be revealed ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Ford Centenary - A convoy of Ford Vans on the QE2 bridge.

2011-12-14T17:31:00.000Z

The Transit Van Club formed to mark the 40^th anniversary of Ford Transit production teamed up with Ford engineers and executives to create a convoy of more than 60 vans – ranging from ambulances to Ford’s World Rallye Transit – spanning the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Essex.

Consistent investment, exciting breakthroughs in technology and engine development mean that the Ford Transit has maintained its market leadership for more than 46 years in the UK.

With engines built at the Ford Dagenham Engine Plant in Essex, commercial vehicle research and development at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, Essex, transmissions produced from the Getrag-Ford joint venture in Halewood, Merseyside and manufacturing in Southampton, this British icon continues to thrive.

Car Crime is Getting More Sophisticated and Developments in Prevention

2011-12-09T15:51:00.000Z

Ford Motor Company, working closely with police agencies, has developed technologies that help thwart car thieves bent on cashing-in this Christmas season.

Aware that Christmas shoppers often return to their vehicles to drop off purchases mid-shopping spree, criminals sometimes use a signal jammer operating on the same frequency as vehicle locking systems to block cars from being successfully locked. Criminals are then able to loot the vehicles unhindered.

Ford’s Vehicle Security Department team in Dunton, England, has developed technology to stay one step ahead of the criminals. For example, Ford vehicles equipped with Keyless Entry remote central locking – Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, S-MAX, Mondeo and Galaxy – can detect whether a locking command has been successful, and if not, will resend the command at a different frequency.

“Winter, and the festive season in particular, can be a lucrative period for both organised car criminals and opportunist thieves,” says Simon Hurr, Vehicle Security specialist, Ford of Europe. “As a former police special sergeant, I have witnessed first-hand just how crafty car criminals can be and the distress their actions can bring to victims.

“Working with the police to analyse trends in car crime and the methods used by criminals, enables us to develop ways to prevent thieves from spoiling what should be the happiest time of year for Ford owners.”
Dark Christmas nights can be perfect for another activity that’s sure to earn car criminals a place on Santa’s naughty list – the “smash and grab”; a criminal technique as old as car crime itself but one that shows no signs of waning.

The Thatcham Category 1 volume-sensing alarm available for the Focus, C-MAX, S-MAX, Kuga, Mondeo and Galaxy can detect a thief entering through a window and deliver a high-volume warning to deter intruders and attract attention to the crime.

In the past year, 1,189,000 British car owners were victims of car crime according to the British Crime Survey 2010/11, with 70 per cent suffering thefts of goods from the car with an average value of £202.
“Strong security systems are an essential component in the battle against car crime, so we are delighted that Ford’s Vehicle Security Department works alongside police car crime experts to understand the latest criminal techniques and car crime trends,” says DCI Mark Hooper, head of unit for the UK’s Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.

“This relationship helps Ford experts develop more effective vehicle security systems that benefit car owners and assist police forces by reducing opportunities for car criminals to strike.”

Car crime is not a problem restricted to the festive season, but dark nights combined with bustling towns and shopping centres full of distracted car-owners with plenty on their to-do lists are elements that play into the hands of increasingly cunning car criminals severely lacking in Christmas spirit.

“In 2011, criminals succeeded in staying one-step ahead of their victims, but by working in partnership with their customers Ford is making a valuable contribution to customer vehicle security,” says Mike Briggs, Vehicle Security manager at Thatcham, the UK insurer funded automotive research centre.

“Owners have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are protected; in particular by paying careful attention to keeping their vehicle keys secure at all times. Christmas is already an expensive and busy time of year – by working together Ford and their customers can avoid additional stress and help prevent vehicle crime over the festive period.”

Ford Ranger Backs the Bluebird Land Speed Record Project

2011-12-09T10:03:00.002Z

The durable Ford Ranger has joined forces with the Bluebird team as it attempts to set a new electric vehicle land speed record.

The Ford Ranger, with its best-in-class towing capacity of up to 3,000kg, will tow the Bluebird to exhibitions, testing sessions and record attempts.

Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell, will be attempting to break the one mile UK electric vehicle land speed record in the next year.

The Bluebird is the fastest electric vehicle in Europe. The present car - the second powered by electricity to be built under the name - holds the UK land speed record for electric vehicles at 137mph, achieved in 2000 at Pendine Sands. The car, and driver Don Wales, hold another seven class records over a variety of distances.

The car's 300 nickel-cadmium vented cell batteries power two belt-driven 200kW brushless permanent magnet motors, providing around 1100 Nm peak torque to the rear wheels. Bluebird is 26ft long, weighs 1,060Kg and has a drag coefficient of 0.15 Cd.

The team's Ford Ranger support vehicle is a Ranger Thunder with a double cab and a 2.5-litre TDCi 143PS engine. Martin Rees, Bluebird project manager, said: "The Ford Ranger perfectly met our requirements and the historic link between Ford and Sir Malcolm made the choice an obvious one. As well as Sir Malcolm's one-time directorship at Ford of Britain, the Bluebird and Ford of Britain centenary created a natural synergy between the two brands and reason to mark this special year."

The Ford Ranger combines a sleek modern exterior design with a fresh interior, competitive cost-of-ownership and durability. Available with two fuel-efficient Duratorq TDCi engines, the Ford Ranger is offered with a choice of manual or automatic five-speed transmission and 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. A wide choice of model series and body configurations, including chassis cab, make Ford Ranger the ideal workhorse with huge potential for business and leisure activities.

Ford has committed to introduce five full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its global electrification strategy. These include the Transit Connect Electric this year, the next generation Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the all-new C-MAX and another hybrid-electric model in 2013.

Ford Centenary in Britain - The Day Ford Beat Ferrari

2011-12-08T16:25:00.000Z

To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

In 1962 after failing to buy Ferrari, Henry Ford II challenged Ford engineers to build a prototype racer that would win the Le Mans 24 Hours race, defeating the Italian arch-rival in the process.

After an unimpressive first attempt in 1964, the Ford GT40 Mk II emerged in 1966, claiming the first three places at the Daytona 24 Hours. At Le Mans, it set new speed and lap records, before finishing first, second and third.

The GT40 was powered by a 7.0-litre V8 engine, producing 485bhp with a recorded top speed of 187mph. The two-door, two-seat car had a body made from glass reinforced plastic, weighed just over 1100kg, and was nicknamed GT40 after its 40in height.

A Tribute to this iconic race car arrived in the form of the Ford GT supercar in 2002, this time featuring a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine with 550bhp, a top speed of 205mph and an aluminium space frame chassis.

Ford Model in Ford Focus Parts Dress

2011-12-05T18:03:00.000Z

Ford Motor Company has unveiled its latest model, only this time it isn't a new vehicle. Instead a fashion model demonstrated how a variety of Ford Focus car parts could be the subject of a stylish photo shoot.

The unique fashion items, a dress and necklace made of Ford car parts, were commissioned as part of the company’s centenary tour, a month-long event celebrating 100 years of Ford in

Britain

. They were designed by two accomplished young British designers.

Accepting the challenge to design a dress for the occasion was nominee Scottish Designer of the Year, Judy Clark, who worked with the late Alexander McQueen.

“My reaction when they approached me was one of delight to be a part of such a unique project as it’s very different to what I normally do,” she said. “I would say that the inspiration for the dress was taken from the Edwardian period and I actually started to design the dress before the car parts arrived.”

The necklace was the work of Katherine Hawkins from Cornwall who runs a jewellery design business called Creme Noveau. Describing the inspiration behind the necklace as a tribute to Metropolis, the vintage science fiction movie, Katherine said that she was rather daunted by the prospect when she was approached by Ford.

"When the box of car parts arrived, I didn't really know what to expect,” Hawkins said. “It doesn't help that I can't actually drive so at first I didn't know what the parts were for! But once I got them spread out to see how they look and sit and how I could work with them, the idea came very quickly and I was able to use really cool metals, plastics and rubbery bits!"

The shoot was handled by photographer, Andy Fallon, who has contributed to magazines ranging from Rolling Stone Magazine to FHM.

Ford Centenary - How Cars Get Designed.

2011-12-02T11:25:00.000Z

In the old days cars were designed using pen and paper. These days it's much more sophisticated.

Below is a video showing the making of the Ford EVOS concept car. Not the whole design process, but the building of a model - grown ups model making really.

Another Lovely Piece of Music From the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

2011-12-02T11:16:00.000Z

I know this is from Austria rather than the UK, but felt I had to share the link simply because I thought the music was so nice.

Institute of Advanced Motorists calls for drink driving warnings on alcohol labels

2011-11-29T17:02:00.003Z

In 2009, one in five motorists killed in crashes were over the legal limit. Drink driving killed 380 people in 2009, and seriously injured 1,490 others*. There were more than 10,000 incidents involving drink drivers and over a thousand of these happened the morning after, between 7am and noon*¹.

The alcohol industry has agreed to provide health information on 80 per cent of alcohol labels on UK shelves by 2013. The IAM believes that drink driving warnings should be included.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Drink driving is an epidemic on our roads. Every one of 2009’s drink-driving incidents was preventable. That 380 people died in crashes that year, simply because they didn’t heed the warnings and the law, is tragic.

“We want to see clear drink driving warnings that are just as hard hitting as health warnings on cigarette labels. If the drinks industry softens the road safety and health messages on its labels then the case for a compulsory system of labelling would be compelling. The message to everyone is don’t drink and drive.”

Best gives the following advice on avoiding the temptation:

Beware the quick drink after work. One pint with your colleagues might seem harmless but it can quickly turn into two, then three. Shell out for a taxi, get the train, or walk – it’ll cost much less than a drink-drive charge or accident.
Ignore peer pressure. Your friends or family have had a few and don’t want to pay for a taxi. You have your car but have been drinking. Just say no – it’s your licence at stake.
Driving with good intentions to a party, to a pub or to a restaurant and then just having a drink or two, puts more pressure on you to risk driving home, even if you’re not sure whether you are below the limit.
You are likely to be breathalysed if you are involved in a collision, even if it is not your fault. Whether or not you think you’re fit to drive, don’t take the chance or somebody else’s mistake might become your problem.
Even if you resist and don’t drive home, a drinking session the night before could put you over the legal limit the morning after. Bear this in mind and make alternative transport plans for the next day – don’t just risk it.
Many accidents involve pedestrians who have been drinking. When walking home after a few drinks, take extra care, and if you’re driving be aware that pedestrians may be the worse for wear.

Ford Introduces the Sporty Ford Focus Zetec S

2011-11-29T09:53:00.000Z

Developed specifically for

customers, Zetec S combines sporty styling with the debut of the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol engine.

Based on the existing Zetec model, it adds a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: "Zetec S models have always been popular with

customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range. With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit."

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available now in five-door bodystyle with estate to follow in February 2012, and is offered with a choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost turbo-charged petrol engine which has a top speed of 138mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 7.9sec and emits only 139g/km CO₂. Any Focus Zetec S chosen with this engine or the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, as they benefit from auto start-stop, Ford ECO mode, gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative charging.

The 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT petrol and the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi are also available and can be specified with either manual or PowerShift automatic transmission.

At £18,745 on the road the Focus Zetec S is priced just £1,250 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as if purchased separately, the additional features would add over £1,700. The Zetec S and Titanium are identically priced so customers can choose either sport or luxury at the same price point.

Options include the technology-laden Driver Assistance Pack which has received several awards, cruise control with Active Speed Limiter and a Zetec S interior pack featuring Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power driver seat, power rear windows and global closing for £800.00.

The Hazards of Icy Weather - Now They Have Finally Arrived.

2011-11-28T21:35:00.003Z

Ford is alerting motorists to the hazards which uncleared snow and ice can cause on cars. Drivers risk their car, driving licence and safety by failing to take simple steps to clear their vehicle windscreen in icy weather.

Ford is urging motorists to ‘warm up for winter’ and properly manage all aspects of car maintenance and preparation for driving in cold and icy conditions as the weather forecast predicts chillier days ahead.

Stuart Southgate, Ford’s automotive safety office director, said: “Being able to clearly see where you are driving is perhaps the most obvious and basic safety requirement for motorists. Failing to take proper care to clear windscreens can have serious consequences not just for drivers, but for pedestrians and other road users too.”

If motorists do not wait for the whole windscreen to clear and instead drive with just a small ‘porthole’ of visibility ahead they can face a driving ban.

An Essex police spokesperson said: “Failing to clear your windscreen of ice or frost constitutes careless driving, and would be punishable with points on your licence and a fine. The exact penalty is dependent on the circumstances and severity of the offence committed, and would be decided in a criminal court.”

Drivers who run the car engine to heat the windscreen but leave the vehicle unattended – known as ‘frosting’ – are committing an offence if the vehicle is left on a public highway*. Although leaving a car running on a private driveway isn’t breaking the law, it is a prime target for opportunistic thieves.

According to insurance company estimates, around 2,000 cars are stolen each year when ‘frosting’, worth around £12.7m.** Car insurance is usually invalidated if a policyholder leaves a vehicle with the keys in the ignition.

While frustrated motorists often resort to using tools such as stiletto heels, CD cases, credit cards and finger nails to scrape at stubborn ice, one in 10*** confesses to pouring a kettle of boiling water onto the windscreen.

Dave Gidden, product support manager at Autoglass®, said: "We don’t advise using hot water. There is a huge difference in the temperature of the hot water people use and the windscreen itself in freezing conditions. This thermal shock may cause severe damage to the windscreen. Glass is very hard but it is not malleable so it doesn’t permit rapid uneven expansion."

Technology offers a quicker and simpler solution. Ford developed the patented Quickclear system 26 years ago, which uses a mesh of very thin heating wires embedded between two layers of windscreen glass to provide rapid de-icing and de-fogging. The simple push-button system clears windscreens in seconds, instantly freeing frozen wiper blades to reduce stress on the wiper motor. It is standard on all but 11 models in Ford’s car range from the Ka supermini to Galaxy people carrier, more than a quarter of a century on from its debut on the Ford Scorpio.

Stuart Southgate added: “The feature allows the driver to clear the windscreen in a more convenient manner, and allows the driver to maintain a clear windscreen whilst on the go.”

Ford's Quickclear Windscreen - How Effective is it?

2011-11-23T10:29:00.001Z

The patented system made its debut on the Ford Scorpio 26 years ago, yet remains a highly popular feature across Ford's entire range of cars.

Ford Centenary - Plenty of Space

2011-11-23T09:40:00.000Z

Ford's unique relationship with Britain and its society will be illustrated each week by specially selected pictures.

This week the archives reveal the significant evolution in the design of sporty but practical vehicles.
The launch of the Ford Capri in 1969 introduced a sleek and sporty car into the UK market. It was claimed that the Capri had a spacious rear seat ensuring enough room for two adults as well as offering Custom Plans allowing customers to personalise their Ford.

"The car you always promised yourself" – the Ford Capri – was re-launched in 1968 after the original Capri 109E, 116E and GT models sold well in the early 60s. The new Capri featured a long bonnet and Ford Mustang-like styling with a range of extras to choose from. These included chrome wheel trims, reclining seats and a map reading light. The Ford Capri impressed customers and sold nearly two million units in Europe in only five years.

Today, the Ford S-MAX is a true example of a vehicle which balances sporty aesthetics with a practical design. This seven-seater offers high-performance from Ford’s new 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, while providing ample storage space, offering multiple seating arrangements and plenty of options for customer personalisation.

Another Slice of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 2011 Europe Tour

2011-11-17T17:23:00.000Z

Ford Centenary - Some More Pictures

2011-11-17T11:39:00.001Z

More pictures from Ford's photo archive. Police cars have changed a bit in the last 40 years!

A slide show of other photos from the Ford archive.

All New Ford Kuga is Unveiled at the LA Motor Show

2011-11-17T11:20:00.000Z

Ford's newest sport utility vehicle unveiled as the Ford Escape in Los Angeles today, is destined for the US and Europe next year. Its European equivalent, the Ford Kuga, will be shown in Geneva in March and will offer unique powertrains and features.

“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”
In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than today’s vehicle, the new Escape delivers:

Eleven features no other small SUV offers
Clever technologies including an available hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot
Projected best fuel economy of any US compact SUV, up to five mpg better than the previous Escape
Driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road and a new Ford Intelligent 4WD system that provides better traction off-road
Sleek new design, with better interior materials and finishing touches

Escape technology makes life better
An array of clever technologies adds to the new Escape’s versatility, helping make life easier for its owners. Key features include:

An available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and is enabled by motion technology used in today’s video game systems. A gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area. The same process closes the hatch
SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs
Parallel parking the Escape is virtually stress-free with active park assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control only the accelerator and brake pedals
Escape’s sensor-based BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, triggers a warning sound when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot
The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on pristine pavement and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road

Spirited performance with outstanding fuel economy
In the US, Escape offers Ford’s broadest nameplate range of EcoBoost^® engine choices yet. Strong fuel economy comes from either the available 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine or 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. The European Ford Kuga powertrain line-up will be announced closer to launch.

Aiding fuel economy is Escape’s sleeker design. The new model is nearly 10 per cent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

Plus, the new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all models with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines, reduces wind resistance. Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Versatility and capability come standard
Stowing and towing are even easier in the new five-passenger Escape, thanks to a low liftover height of 27in, more innovations and cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row.

The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.

Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose among maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.

Engaging driving performance through seamless system
Using new advanced software and sensors, the new Intelligent 4WD system analyses data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

New SUV goes global
Following its world debut in Los Angeles, this new vehicle will head to Europe, where sales of compact sport utilities have grown 200 per cent since 2000. It will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March for European customers as the all-new version of the Ford Kuga and will have unique powertrains and features. Chinese customers also will see the all-new Kuga next spring.

“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” Kuzak said. “By being smarter, this utility vehicle will help customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”

Ford Fiesta, Ford Mondeo and Ford S-Max are all Awarded Used Car Best Buys by What Car?

2011-11-17T11:12:00.002Z

The UK's top selling car, the Ford Fiesta, is the model which used small car buyers should be targeting, according to What Car?.

The 'buyer's bible' recommended the three-year-old five-door, 1.25-litre Ford Fiesta Style+ for its outstanding value including MP3 stereo, air con, remote central locking and electric windows.
"As well as being well priced, the Ford Fiesta has low running costs," said What Car? "The Fiesta is genuinely entertaining to drive, quiet and smooth, well specified and roomy, which means it suits most small car buyers perfectly."

Two Ford large cars are also What Car? Used Car Award winners – Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX.
The Ford Mondeo, already Best Family Car and Best Estate Car winner at the title's 2011 new car awards, is also its Best Used Family Car. What Car? highlighted the four year-old Mondeo in five-door 2.0-litre TDCi Zetec guise.

"The 2.0 TDCi makes the Mondeo feel suitably rapid and it averages a respectable 47.9mpg," concluded What Car?. "The Mondeo's blend of sharp styling and quality materials gives it the air of an executive model."
Ford's same acclaimed 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is the chosen engine in What Car?'s Best Used Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). The Ford S-MAX 2.0 TDCi Zetec on a '57' plate is praised for its sharp steering, tight body control and nimble handling.

Hyundai Seoul Philharmonic

2011-11-15T09:18:00.002Z

A nice YouTube clip of the Hyundai Seoul Philharmonic who visited the UK recently on a European Tour.

There are some shots of the new Hyundai i40 Tourer in there as well.

New 1.0-litre 3 Cylinder EcoBoost is Ford’s smallest petrol engine.

2011-11-10T08:44:00.000Z

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally today launched production of Ford’s smallest petrol engine – a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, direct injection EcoBoost engine – developed by UK engineers. It will debut in Europe in early 2012 and ultimately be available worldwide.

The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be available in the all-new Ford Focus and will produce 125PS while delivering a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg and ultra-low petrol CO2 emissions performance of 114g/km – a level unmatched by Focus competitors. A 100PS version of the same engine will deliver outright best-in-class petrol CO2 emissions of 109g/km. This engine will also feature in the Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, plus the new Ford B-MAX which enters production in mid 2012.

"The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost and our entire family of EcoBoost engines – represent technology breakthroughs that deliver power, fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions through turbocharging and direct injection,” Mulally said. “These engines are delivering the fuel-efficient vehicles customers want and value."

This new EcoBoost engine delivers performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine, with significantly improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost cylinder block can fit onto a sheet of A4 paper but delivers up to 125PS and 170Nm peak torque (with 200Nm overboost), giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date.

“The new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is a true collaboration from start to finish, with expertise from Ford specialists across Europe leveraged in designing both the engine and the cutting-edge facility in which it will be produced,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“This will be reflected in the class-leading European CO2 emissions of the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost Ford Focus when it debuts in early 2012; low emissions that will be achieved alongside the spirited and refined performance that customers expect from Ford.”

Graham Hoare, European executive powertrain director with engineers based at Dunton and Dagenham, added: "This is the third addition to our acclaimed EcoBoost engine family. Joining the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines which span 150PS to above 200PS, this 1.0-litre EcoBoost signals a new era of downsized, super-frugal engines for the sub-130PS segment. During development our UK engineers focused on improving thermal efficiency and reducing friction of the engine's internal moving parts, especially during warm-up."

Britain leads on European product development of engines and transmissions at Dunton Technical Centre, in Essex, with up to 2,000,000 engines including the 1.6 EcoBoost assembled annually at Bridgend and Dagenham.

The advanced EcoBoost production facility at Ford’s Cologne Engine Plant was designed by Ford’s Manufacturing Engineering team, Dunton, UK, using Ford's Virtual Manufacturing laboratory, to offer maximum flexibility and efficiency. Nearly 100 new machining units and a 580-metre purpose-built assembly line have been installed.

Fifty-five automated and 14 semi-automated processes are used, alongside 90 work stations for skilled employees, helping to ensure the highest standards of quality and consistency in production. The technology is capable of machining to an accuracy of 10 microns, 10 to 20 per cent the width of a human hair.

Ford has introduced new manufacturing techniques that reduce the volume of coolant required when machining aluminium engine parts to just four or five millilitres per component from a previous requirement of up to two litres, a reduction of more than 99 per cent that contributes to a reduced environmental footprint from manufacturing.

New “cold testing” technology allows completed engines to be tested without being started - reducing fuel usage and CO2 emissions from the process by 66 per cent – while 100 per cent of the remaining energy required to run the plant comes from renewable sources. Total electricity demands have been reduced by 66 per cent compared with production of Ford’s 4.0-litre V6 engine, which ends today at Cologne Engine Plant.

Platts Ford

Ford Centenary of Manufacturing in Britain

2011-11-03T09:04:00.001Z

In 2011 we are celebrating 100's of Ford manufacturing in Britain.

Platts Ford would like to congratulate Ford Motor Company on this major milestone.

As part of the celebration Ford have released some photos from their vast library. Here is a a selection of those in a slide show.

Hyundai Santa Fe wins What Car? SUV Used Car of the Year 2011

2011-10-31T12:44:00.000Z

The seven-strong What Car? Used Car of the Year judging panel was made up from all areas of the motor industry, including Car Dealerships, British Car Auctions, Warranty Direct, Lex Autolease and experts from What Car?.

Chris Mobley, Sales Manager, Black Horse Car Sales, explains why the Santa Fe stood out: ‘The Santa Fe is superb value and it deals with rugged terrain as well as the school run. It also comes with a five-year warranty from new.’

What Car? magazine added: ‘The Hyundai Santa Fe has improved with age, offering space, practicality and reliability and an ever-more bargain price. The only drawback is its rarity, so you may need to hunt to find the perfect car. However, invest a little time and you’ll find it’s worth the effort.’

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi CDX with seven seats has an average dealer cost of £12,000 and an average private cost of £11,210.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai UK’s managing director, commented: ‘Santa Fe is a popular used car buyer’s choice as it offers a great blend of practicality, reliability and fantastic value for money. I’m delighted that this model has been recognised by What Car? magazine as the Best Used SUV of the Year.’

Hyundai also offers an award-winning Approved Used Scheme. This enables customers to buy used vehicles with the similar peace of mind as they would get when buying a new vehicle. This includes a minimum 12 month Hyundai approved warranty, 12 months roadside assistance, a Hyundai approved safety and condition check, an independent vehicle history and mileage check and a 30 day/ 1000 mile exchange agreement on every vehicle purchased through this scheme. For more information on the Hyundai Approved Used scheme visit: www.hyundaiapproved.co.uk

The December issue of What Car? magazine with the full results of its Used Car of the Year awards is available to purchase now.

All-new Ford Ranger Design Exudes Power, Presence and Confidence

2011-10-31T12:37:00.000Z

The all-new Ford Ranger has been designed to look powerful from every angle, echoing the toughness and capability a pickup is geared to deliver. Looking both muscular and contemporary, Ranger is equally at home on a farm or parked outside an upmarket restaurant.

High levels of spaciousness, comfort and craftsmanship further complete Ranger's transformation into the reliable workhorse that is also a refined family vehicle easily capable of carrying five adults.

At 5,359mm long (Double Cab) and 1,850mm wide, it remains easily manoeuvrable on narrow city streets and when parking, thanks to a responsive steering system that requires no more than 3.5 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock – one of the best in the segment.

Ranger will be offered in three cab bodystyles – Regular, Super and Double – all of which are among the roomiest in the segment. An innovation introduced by Ford on the Ranger in 2002, the Super Cab offers a 'Rear Access Panel' which is a unique four-door system, providing unobstructed access to the cabin via two forward-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. The front doors and the rear panel doors link together, when closed, to provide a very strong B-pillar. A Chassis Cab version without the rear load box is also available on the Regular and Super Cab models.

To cater for a wide spectrum of customers in Europe, the Ranger will be available in four series choices: The Ranger family goes from a more ‘workhorse’ feel for the XL customer to a more luxurious feel for the XLT and Limited customer and an overtly sporty feel for the Wildtrak customer – with an extensive list of practical features.

“We tailored the Ranger series and configurations to accommodate a variety of customer applications and lifestyles around the world. Each series has its own distinctive look,” said Craig Metros, chief designer of the all-new Ranger.

“We designed to a wide spectrum. From our fleet buyers who expect a tough, workhorse with a hose-out interior to the executive who demands full leather seating with luxury sedan appointments."

The new look of tough

Blending together tough looks and kinetic design cues in a styling the designers call “21st Century Tough,” the team has designed a pickup that looks contemporary as well as rugged.

The traditional square form of the pickup has been sculpted to give Ranger a more modern and aerodynamic look. Its front end features a short overhang with the signature three-bar grille and flanking nostrils, reflecting global Ford truck design. The front end is chamfered from the grille back to the wheel arches with a body accent line that flows through the headlights to the hood, resulting in a tough and functional shape.

The cut lines, surface treatments and graphics tie in to the flowing design of the grille, headlights and hood, displaying an attention to detail usually only seen on cars and SUVs. The windscreen has been raked back for a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, while larger headlamps, bigger mirrors and stamped-in wheel lips provide an integrated look across all series and contribute to an aggressive and sporty stance.

Designers also raised the beltline significantly, providing superior cab protection for the driver and passengers. The bodyline flows from the top of the cargo box through the doors to the closing line of the clam-shell hood design, adding to Ranger’s powerful image.

“When it comes to designing cars and trucks, it’s all about nailing the proportions – the tyres to body stance, short front overhang, windscreen angle, and the right body to side glass relationship,” said Metros, a 24-year Ford veteran who has had an influential hand in Ford pickup design around the world.

“Our goal was to match the overall looks and presence to the capability and on-off road performance that the all-new Ranger will deliver. I believe we achieved a very confident, capable, modern, and sophisticated pickup for the global market."

A deeper box

Each cab type has a unique box that is designed to be part of the vehicle and more integrated into the cab with a slight curve to the top of the box. At the top of the tailgate, a slight rear spoiler helps raise overall fuel efficiency – a result of the collaboration between the design team and the aerodynamicists.

The higher beltline and raised rails of the load box increase Ranger’s functionality. The Regular Cab and the Super Cab have the biggest box volume in its class at 1.82 cubic metres and

1.45 cubic metres respectively while the Double Cab is among the best with 1.21 cubic metres.

Pockets above the wheel wells and along the side of the box allow owners to use timber inserts to carry full sheets of plasterboard or plywood. A flexible cargo management system is available where attachment points can be moved along a rail, instead of fixed points on the body, so providing a greater choice when tying down a load.

A 12-volt power socket is available where the load box liner is fitted. The power socket provides a 10-amp supply and is located conveniently in the box to allow customers to run tool charging and other electrical goods.

Comfortable and functional interior

The all-newRanger offers a stylish look and feel with features and comfort normally found only in passenger cars. Designers combined tough functionality, high-quality materials and ergonomic controls that look high-tech to create an interior that is tough but not rough.

Inspired by contemporary designs in consumer products, the design team borrowed from the look of power tools which convey strength and durability while remaining simple and ergonomic to use. The G-Shock®¹ watch – with its precision workings protected by a robust casing – was a major influence on the instrument cluster. The team created similar elements, including little recesses to the outside of the cluster, to give it a more rugged appearance.

The centre section of the console has been purposefully designed to integrate the full-colour satellite navigation screen, audio functions and controls for the dual electronic automatic air conditioning system. A traditional, lever-style parking brake and a smaller steering wheel with adjustable column further reinforce the car-like feel of the interior.

Great care has been taken when selecting the interior colour scheme, so that dirt doesn’t show while ensuring the surfaces do not appear too dark. Graphics and textures were also used throughout the cabin to accentuate areas such as buttons and switches that customers touch and interact with the most. A combination of colours, grain and non-reflective materials help control glare and reflections on the windscreen, hence improving visibility and safety.

Up front, drivers get a commanding view of the road and off-road obstacles, thanks to the high seating position. The driver’s seat is available with two-way, four-way or eight-way adjustability. The premium eight-way power adjustable seat is new to Ranger and offers tailored seating at the touch of a button.

In the rear, the Double Cab offers improved comfort and leg room, with seats that can flip up and be secured for additional load space or access to valuable under-seat stowage. The seats also feature ‘shingle’ type head restraints, which allow for improved rearward visibility when not in use.

All seats are finished with materials that will stand up to the demands of a ‘workhorse’ while delivering a lasting quality appearance. From the no-fuss fabric seats of the XL series to the cloth trim and leather option of the higher series, all materials used in the new Ranger were subjected to heavy-duty testing for commercial vehicle use.

“We’ve paid careful attention to every little detail to deliver a pickup truck that is world-class both inside and out,” said Metros. “The all-new Ford Ranger is every bit as capable, modern and dynamic as it looks and feels.”

Special Edition Ford Fiesta 'Metal' in Autoexpress Top 10 2011

2011-10-31T12:28:00.001Z

The new Ford Fiesta Metal special edition 134PS hot hatch is in the top 10 of motoring magazine Auto Express’ Performance Cars of the Year 2011. Ford’s supermini ranks seventh amongst 30 finalists, rated higher than entries from Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Maserati and Lotus.

Auto Express motoring writer, Luke Madden said: “The Fiesta Metal evokes the spirit of an old-school hot hatch. It’s simple, lightweight and has an engine that doesn’t produce peak power until 6,700rpm. For such an affordable hatch to make such a big impression is a real achievement. Few cars provide as much enjoyment as the Fiesta.

“Every time we drive the supermini we’re reminded of the magic Ford’s engineers have sprinkled on the chassis. On the road its supple ride, perfectly weighted steering and sharp responses come to the fore.”

Priced from £15,695 on-the-road, and limited to just 1000 examples, the Ford Fiesta Metal boasts 134PS at 6,700rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,250rpm from its 1.6-litre, Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, and can reach 62mph in just 8.7sec.

Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain's marketing director, said: "The Ford Fiesta has a significant heritage as a great driver’s car. The Auto Express accolade is a testament to how much work we put into making our cars special for today’s drivers."

Based on the popular three-door 120PS Ford Fiesta Zetec-S, the Fiesta Metal boasts: chrome twin exhaust pipes, silver-painted front grille surround, front aerofoil and front fog light bezels, Piano Black painted centre stack bezel, air vent rings and door pulls, Ebony Black leather sports seats with silver contrast stitching, unique floor mats with silver piping, stainless steel door scuff plates with Fiesta logo, 17" Black alloy wheels and sports tuning with lowered ride height.

The new Ford Fiesta Metal's standard specification includes: Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Home Safe headlights, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), Intelligent Protection System (IPS), front, side and knee airbags and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). It is available in Panther Black, Midnight Sky and Frozen White.

See and be Seen With Ford Headlamp Technology For Safer Night-time Driving

2011-10-31T12:21:00.000Z

Now the clocks have gone back, many commutes and school runs will be plunged into darkness, resulting in reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), the

's leading safety charity, claims 40 per cent of road accidents occur at night when vision is reduced.

Ford has a suite of technologies available on its cars which help drivers to monitor the road ahead and detect potential hazards sooner. Advances in lighting technology also mean that Ford cars now illuminate the road ahead brighter and more efficiently, while also making themselves more visible to other road users.

“Driving at night presents additional challenges, especially at this time of year when drivers may not be used to driving with their lights on,” says Mauro Assis, Ford engineer. “It’s harder to judge distances, reaction times are slowed too, and there’s the risk of being blinded by oncoming traffic.”

Tech explained

When visibility is reduced or when dusk sets in, all Ford vehicles are equipped with high quality headlamps to ensure drivers can travel safely and also be clearly seen by others.

Ford also offers the option of ultra-bright bi-xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps on certain models, while highly efficient, lower energy use LED technology makes Ford vehicles even easier to spot for both other motorists and pedestrians.

Additionally Ford has a range of available technologies that can assist drivers over the winter months when driving in the darkness is more commonplace. These include:

· Adaptive Front Lighting System – the direction of the car’s halogen light beams automatically changes when the steering wheel is turned, almost doubling the visible distance around bends. This results in reduced stress and fatigue while driving at night

· Auto-headlights – sense when the outside light falls below a set level, such as dusk or driving into tunnels, and automatically switches on the headlights, helping drivers keep concentration firmly on the road ahead

· Auto High Beam Control – detects on-coming vehicles and automatically switches to dipped beam, before switching back to high beam once it detects the vehicle has passed

It’s not just drivers who benefit from Ford’s technology when the evenings become darker either. Clever ‘puddle lights’ fitted to the door mirrors of some Ford models ensure drivers and their passengers don’t need to step out of a vehicle into puddles, mud or worse.

Similarly, the dangers of walking through poorly lit areas when you park at night are reduced by smart ‘follow-me-home’ headlights. These headlights stay on for a few seconds after the engine has been turned off, which can also be useful to individual drivers who may worry about getting safely from the car to their front door in the evenings.

New Ford Key Helps Parents to Prevent Young Drivers From Receiving Calls While Driving

2011-10-31T12:15:00.000Z

Ford is helping parents to ensure their children drive more safely with a new technology that can block incoming phone calls and text messages while they are behind the wheel.

The new Ford MyKey® 'Do Not Disturb' feature is an industry first and is designed to help parents encourage younger drivers to concentrate on the road ahead by reducing phone-related distractions.

'Do Not Disturb' is a feature of Ford’s MyKey technology, which works by blocking incoming phone calls or text messages from a Bluetooth-paired mobile phone, diverting calls to voicemail and saving text messages on the device for viewing later.

Ford MyKey allows owners to programme a special key that can also restrict the vehicle’s top speed to 80mph and limit audio volume. In addition, MyKey encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at set points between 45 and 70mph.

“MyKey adds a new dimension to auto safety by giving drivers standard technology that encourages safer driving and limits their exposure to risk, regardless of age or experience,” said Peter Patzelt, Ford system architect for MyKey. “MyKey can give parents peace of mind when they hand car keys over to their kids, and 'Do Not Disturb' enables parents to control another risk factor when their child gets behind the wheel.”

Research suggests European drivers under the age of 25 are up to three times more likely to be involved in a fatal road accident than experienced drivers.

“Inexperienced drivers are typically the most at-risk drivers on the road,” Patzelt said. “The more we can do to encourage safe driving and limit distraction the better. With MyKey, parents can set limitations, while still allowing the freedom of driving a car.”

MyKey will become available from next year on the Ford Fiesta before being expanded to other car models.

Safety for all the family

Ford MyKey's 'Do Not Disturb' feature joins a comprehensive suite of affordable technologies developed by Ford to help protect drivers and occupants of all ages.

For example, the award-winning Focus is the first vehicle in its segment available with Active City Stop low-speed collision avoidance technology, designed to help the driver reduce impact damage or potentially avoid a collision completely. This technology recently received a Euro NCAP Advanced reward, as did Ford’s Lane Keeping Aid which uses a forward camera to detect if a vehicle drifts out of its lane and applies a small amount of steering input to actively steer the vehicle back into the lane.

Ford is also working on another industry first – rear inflatable seat belts in its European product range to offer increased protection to rear seat occupants.

"At Ford, our mission is to provide outstanding levels of safety through accident avoidance technologies and advanced occupant protection systems," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

Five-star Hyundai Veloster receives class-best safety ratings

2011-10-31T12:09:00.000Z

The Hyundai Veloster has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro NCAP. The results of the rigorous test process include class-best scores for the 1+2 door sports coupe.

The Veloster achieved a rating of 96% in the ‘adult occupant’ category, registering maximum points in the side barrier test and more severe side pole test. In the ‘child occupant’ category, the Veloster attained a score of 89%. The scores in the ‘adult occupant’ and ‘child occupant’ categories put Veloster ahead of segment rivals such as the Volkswagen Scirocco, Opel Astra GTC and Citroën DS4.

The electronic stability program and seatbelt reminder systems contributed to the car’s score of 71% in the ‘safety assist’ category.

The Veloster is the sixth consecutive Hyundai model to achieve the maximum five-star score in the Euro NCAP safety program. The all-new i40 is the most recent car before Veloster to be awarded the top rating.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The five-star rating for Veloster further demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers. Veloster is attracting a new audience to the Hyundai brand, combining practicality and ‘fluidic’ design in a unique 1+2 door package. Recognition of its class-leading safety performance will further add to its appeal.”

Every Veloster sold across in Europe comes with Five Year Triple Care. This ultimate customer care package provides European consumers with the ultimate peace of mind, comprising of a five-year unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and five years’ vehicle health checks.

Ford of Britain 100: Image of the Week – 40/52

2011-10-11T18:24:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011 the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford's unique relationship with Britain and its society will be illustrated each week by specially selected pictures.

Since its launch in 1965 the Ford Transit has proved exceptionally versatile. The extensive combination of wheelbase and body styles has helped the Ford Transit remain at the top of the sales charts for 45 years. A key benefit of any Ford Transit is its excellent load carrying capability, as seen in this week’s image as handlers at Regents Park Zoo transport two baby elephants in 1965. Over the decades Ford Transits have been used as giant drink cans, space-age vehicles and monster trucks.

Later this year all Ford Transits will have Stage V emission level engines, offering improved fuel economy and a diesel particulate filter, with vaporiser technology that collects over 95 per cent of all engine soot emissions. Additionally, all Stage V engines will now have a variable nozzle turbo that boosts low-end torque and improves driveability as well as reducing emissions.

One thing that won’t be changing is the adaptability of the Ford Transit, ensuring that even if you don’t want to move elephants, Ford Transit owners still enjoy plenty of trunk space.

CORNISH DESIGNER PUTS THE ART INTO FORD CAR PARTS

2011-10-11T17:53:00.000+01:00

Cornwall, UK, 11 October 2011 – A Cornish designer has tackled one of the biggest and most unusual challenges of her career – creating a piece of jewellery out of Ford Focus car parts.

Twenty-six year-old Katherine Hawkins is a British designer who runs her ‘Crème Nouveau’ business from a studio in St Columb Major. She was commissioned by Ford to create a unique piece of vintage-style ‘Ford’ jewellery as part of the company’s Centenary Tour – a month-long event celebrating 100 years of Ford of Britain.
The one-off necklace combines rhinestones and crystals with reversed instrument dials, needles, nuts, bolts and springs, on a template made from car seat material.
Katherine said: “When the box of car parts arrived, I didn’t really know what to expect. It doesn’t help that I can’t actually drive so at first I didn’t know what the parts were for! But once I got them spread out to see how they look and sit and how I could work with them, the idea came very quickly and I was able to use really cool metals, plastics and rubbery bits!”
The Ford Centenary Tour came to an end in September, covering a distance of over 2,200 miles across Britain, from Inverness to Southampton and Cardiff to London.

Ford’s Centenary Rally Celebrated at Goodwood Revival with Largest-ever Vehicle Parade

2011-09-20T12:47:00.000+01:00

The month-long Ford Centenary Tour – a celebration of 100 years of Ford of Britain – was brought to a fitting finale at the weekend when over 100 Ford vehicles came together for the largest-ever vehicle cavalcade at the historic Goodwood Circuit in West Sussex.

This spectacular celebration of the 100th anniversary of Ford of Britain was flagged-off by Ford’s chief financial officer, Lewis Booth, with Ford of Britain chairman, Joe Greenwell, riding in the Ford Consul in the lead.

Several of Ford’s iconic Model T vehicles were in a line-up of classic cars that included the 1966 Le Mans 24-hour race-winning Ford GT Mk II; the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup rally-winning Ford Escort Mk I; and the 1912 all-Ford-race winner at Brooklands.

Other vehicles included in the exciting line-up included a clutch of classic Transits, the “newest” vehicle in the fleet, a 1971 Ford GT70, and the famous Ford Anglia 105E, a star in the film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”.

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, said: “I am delighted to be a part of the Ford of Britain Centenary Rally at this year’s Goodwood Revival. The diverse range of Ford cars and commercial vehicles driving around the circuit is testament to Ford’s strong relationship to the UK.”

As well as the Ford of Britain Centenary Parade, two Ford GT40 course cars were on show, while a retro-themed Ford exhibition in the ‘Earls Court Motorshow’ area highlighted Henry Ford’s 1896 Quadricycle as well as the latest Ford Focus and Ford Grand C-MAX.

The Goodwood Revival is the world’s most popular, historic motor race meeting of its kind, continuing to attract legendary names such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Derek Bell and Gerhard Berger as racing, tradition, fashion and entertainment come together in a vibrant display.

Hyundai brings the all-new i40 Tourer to ‘virtual’ life

2011-09-20T12:04:00.001+01:00

Hyundai brings to life the all-new i40 Tourer using innovative image recognition technology from Aurasma as part of the Company’s biggest-ever integrated advertising campaign to support the launch of the new product.

The industry-leading new Hyundai i40 application, available for free download now from the App Store and Android Market, provides consumers with the opportunity to experience the new i40 instantly through video content embedded in selected print and poster advertisements. Simply download the app, follow instructions and point at the all-new i40 Tourer advert to trigger video content where consumers can explore the features of the car, order a brochure or book a test drive.

The application features state-of-the art image recognition technology from Aurasma which showcases the future of how we use our mobile devices by bringing the physical and virtual worlds together for the first time. It is available for download for Apple iPhone 4 and Android 2.2 and above.

Andrew Cullis, Marketing Director, Hyundai Motor UK explains: “The i40 Tourer has already created a stir within the market place by providing a stylish, technologically advanced and value for money new alternative in the medium family estate car sector – dominated by more established manufacturers. We have created a campaign that really showcases our brand philosophy of ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’. Our fully integrated campaign ensures that every consumer touch point conveys the right message to the right people. And we’ve innovated by using cutting edge mobile technology to bring the print and poster campaign to life.”

The all-new Hyundai i40 Tourer – on sale now in Hyundai dealers across the country – is a sign of how far Hyundai has come in recent years, and truly embodies where the Brand is going. It offers customers exceptional value for money with a starting price of just £18,395 on-the-road and an insurance group rating of 12E. It offers CO2 emissions from 113 g/km and class-leading fuel economy from 65.7mpg, a spacious and high quality interior, and a high level of standard equipment, premium features and intuitive technology. Also, with the lowest ‘Benefit in Kind’(BIK) cost in class, the Hyundai i40 range is an attractive alternative for company car drivers.

Hyundai exhibits future technologies in Frankfurt

2011-09-14T08:51:00.002+01:00

At the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Hyundai is displaying two models which feature the latest technological advancements developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM sub-brand. The eco-focused Blue Drive programme is driving the company towards its target of global automotive leadership in the field of environmental sustainability.

The two models on display are the BlueOn electric vehicle (EV) and Sonata hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

BlueOn EV
The BlueOn is making its second European appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The full-speed EV is based on Hyundai’s small hatchback, i10.

BlueOn is equipped with a highly-efficient electric motor powered by an innovative 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery that offers numerous advantages over other battery types, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), including delivery of the same power with 30 per cent less weight and 40 per cent less volume; boosting efficiency by 15 per cent; and leaving more interior space for passengers.

Boasting maximum power of 81ps (61kW) and maximum torque of 21.4kg/m (210Nm), the BlueOn has a top speed of 130 kph, and 0-100 kph can be achieved in 13.1 seconds.

BlueOn can travel as far as 140 kilometres on a single charge. It also accommodates dual recharging methods, via either 220V household power or 380V industrial-strength power that promises quick recharging speeds. Using household power, the battery will be fully recharged within six hours. The quick charge method sees the battery recharged to about 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes.

Hyundai has supplied the Korean government with a fleet of BlueOn vehicles until August 2012, providing an opportunity to develop and test charging infrastructures before making a decision on mass production.

Sonata HEV
Another exciting eco-focused model appearing in Frankfurt is the Sonata HEV. Hyundai’s first full hybrid was designed and developed for the North American market, where sales began at the beginning of 2011.

Achieving 40 miles to the gallon (US mpg), the car was entirely developed in-house by Hyundai and includes several technical firsts. These innovations allow the Sonata HEV to provide performance and efficiency improvements not available in other hybrids.

The Sonata Hybrid can be driven in zero emissions, fully electric drive mode, at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, or in blended gas-electric mode. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine is shut down to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Like the BlueOn, at the heart of Sonata HEV’s powertrain is the LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery. Hyundai is the first automaker in the world to incorporate this remarkably efficient battery technology into production vehicles. The improved efficiency means that more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine will be available to propel the car when needed, allowing the Sonata HEV to provide electric driving boost more often and for longer periods of time.

Hyundai currently has no plans to launch the Sonata HEV in the European market.

Production Ford Fiesta Powers Rally Racers from Grass Roots All the Way to WRC

2011-09-14T08:30:00.000+01:00

Ford’s globally successful Fiesta road car is proving to be the ideal base for rally cars designed to propel talented drivers up the ladder of opportunity, from grass roots rallying to the highest international level of the sport.

Top of the ladder is the new-for-2011 Fiesta RS World Rally Car, with which Ford's official team competes in the tough FIA World Rally Championship. This four-wheel-drive challenger is driven in the WRC by Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala and was developed by M-Sport, the Blue Oval's long-term British-based partner, with support from Ford of Europe.

The Fiesta RS WRC, which can be seen on Ford's Frankfurt Motor Show stand, is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, based on the same advanced EcoBoost technology that powers Ford's latest production cars.

Acknowledged as one the toughest forms of motorsport for production-based cars, the WRC challenges competitors to do battle for world honour in such diverse and demanding conditions as the barren, frozen countryside of Sweden and sweltering temperatures and boulder-strewn roads of Greece.

One rung down from the Fiesta RS WRC in Ford's rallying hierarchy is the Fiesta Regional Rally Car. This shares the same Ford global performance DNA as its high-flying sibling, but is fitted with a different engine restrictor and aerodynamic modifications to meet technical regulations for series such as the FIA European Rally Championship.

The car is built to comply with FIA regional rally regulations and its versatility allows it to compete both in national championships, in its RRC guise, and also in the world championship in WRC guise. A kit of parts is available to enable conversion from RRC to WRC specification in just six hours.

Situated at the middle of Ford's rally ladder is the Fiesta S2000, from which the Fiesta RS WRC was originally developed. After winning the famous Monte Carlo Rally on its debut in 2010, the S2000 has become a front-runner in the FIA S-WRC, a support series to the WRC.

Occupying the fourth rung is the Fiesta R2 rally car, which forms the basis of the FIA WRC Academy, the sport's new Ford-supported training programme for young drivers within the world championship.
The 1.6-litre R2 rally car also forms the competition vehicle for the Fiesta Sporting Trophy, a series of national one-make championships held in eight countries worldwide.

At the base of Ford's ladder of opportunity is the Fiesta MS1, designed to offer an entry level rally car for novice drivers and based on the standard 1.6-litre Fiesta Zetec S road car. It offers competitors the option to upgrade step by step from an MS1 to an R2 car as resources allow.

Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn said the Fiesta road car offered a perfect base from which to construct the ladder.

"The core attributes of the production Ford Fiesta provide so much of what is required from a successful rally car," he said. "Its strength is an obvious benefit in such a demanding discipline, both mechanically and in the high-level of safety that is provided to the occupants.

"Its short wheelbase guarantees agility in all five rally car variants and Fiesta's popularity can be seen on rally stages across the globe. This season the Fiesta RS WRC has established itself at the highest level of the sport, adding to the success of the S2000 and R2 models. I'm confident the recently launched RRC and MS1 versions will become equally successful," added Quinn.

All five Fiesta rally models have been developed at M-Sport, which has partnered Ford in the WRC since 1997. Managing director Malcolm Wilson is a former British champion with Ford and spent several years as the company's chief test driver to develop new rally cars.

"As a youngster, with hopes of becoming a professional rally driver, it was exactly this type of ladder of opportunity that encouraged me to drive Ford cars in the early days of my career," he said.

"I made the progression from grass roots to being a world championship driver with Ford and with a structured path now in place, there has never been a better opportunity for rising stars to reach the top level of the sport with Ford," added Wilson.

Fiesta in rallycross

The Ford Fiesta has also made its mark in rallycross during the 2011 motorsport season.

The Fiesta claimed a podium clean sweep in the prestigious X Games Rallycross event in the United States. X Games also marked the final round of the US-based Global Rallycross Championship and Tanner Foust clinched the overall title, as well as the individual disciplines in SuperRally and Rallycross.

Marcus Grönholm, who led Ford to back-to-back manufacturers' titles in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2006 and 2007, finished second in GRC to Foust. Grönholm was also at the wheel of a Fiesta.

Foust held third in this season's FIA European Rallycross Championship after seven of the 10 rounds, having won in Portugal and Sweden.

Fiesta stars in Ken Block's Gymkhana FOUR

A specially adapted Ford Fiesta was the star of the latest version of Ken Block's smash hit Gymkhana series of video films.

The four-wheel drive Fiesta H.F.H.V., a unique car built by Block's Monster World Rally Team, generates 600bhp and races from 0-60 in just 1.9sec.

All-New, Fuel-Efficient 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost Engine to debut in European Focus range

2011-09-14T08:27:00.003+01:00

Ford has confirmed the first production applications for its smallest-ever EcoBoost engine at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. With only 3 cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, the new EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for three models in the European product range – first the Focus, followed by C-MAX and the all-new Ford B-MAX.

The new 1.0-litre engine is the latest addition to Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, which currently range in capacity from 1.6 to 3.5 litres globally. Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of performance and with lower consumption.

Ford will introduce two versions of the 1.0-litre engine in the Focus in Europe in early 2012 with 100PS and 120PS and 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions respectively. Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in North America, China and in other regions.

“By offering the Focus with an advanced small-displacement petrol engine Ford is not only making a major statement on how serious we are about engine downsizing – it also shows the strength of our development and engineering capabilities. To produce a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with such impressive performance and fuel economy is a clear example of our commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy,” said Graham Hoare, Executive Director, Powertrain, Ford of Europe.

With its 1.0-litre capacity, the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be the smallest engine currently produced by Ford. Yet, despite its small capacity and proportions, the forward-thinking design delivers power and performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 120g/km CO2 in the Focus.

Compact and Responsive

Developed at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in the UK, this direct-injected EcoBoost engine features a new compact, high performance turbocharger design. The extremely fast response of the turbocharger and its ability to reach nearly 250,000rpm results in virtually no turbo lag and peak torque of 170Nm from 1,300-4,500rpm in the 120PS variant.

The all-new EcoBoost engine also features an exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head, which lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases and in turn enables the engine to run with the optimum fuel-to-air ratio across a wider rev band.

An advanced “split cooling” system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine more quickly and – unlike the larger EcoBoost engines – cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50 per cent compared with aluminium.

Intelligent ancillaries such as a variable air-conditioning compressor and oil pump also reduce demand on the engine – improving economy and emissions – while special coatings for engine components and intricate development of engine geometry result in minimal frictional losses.

Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Active Grille Shutter and Ford Smart Regenerative Charging will also be available as part of the Focus and C-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost package.

Like its larger capacity siblings, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will use Ti-VCT twin variable camshaft timing to further improve performance and economy. Ford has also employed an all-new camshaft actuator to speed up response times without sacrificing durability.

Smooth and Refined

In the all-new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, the emphasis in development has been on delivering both smooth and refined performance.

Engine refinement is improved thanks to an innovative design that immerses the two main engine drive belts in oil – resulting in quieter and more efficient running but with the durability of a chain. Careful attention has also been paid to mitigating the natural vibrations of the 3-cylinder design.

Rather than employ the traditional method of adding energy-draining balancer shafts, Ford engineers have deliberately “unbalanced” the flywheel and pulley to offset the engine configuration. Ford believes these innovations combined with optimised engine mounts will deliver a truly refined performance feel perfected during 720,000km of tests – including 360,000km of durability trials and 10,000km of environmental testing.

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is one of the most advanced engines Ford has ever produced and makes use of so many innovative techniques and technologies that it’s difficult to keep count” said Hoare. “It has always been Ford’s strategy with EcoBoost technology to look at every single detail in our relentless pursuit of improving fuel economy without compromising performance, and this new engine demonstrates that philosophy perfectly. The net result is an engine that we’re sure will surprise and delight our customers.”

Further technical details of the new Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine will be provided closer to market launch across Europe in early 2012.

New Fiesta ST Concept Joins Focus ST Production Models

2011-09-14T08:25:00.001+01:00

Ford today showcased its vision to take its ST performance family around the world with the surprise reveal of an exciting new Fiesta ST Concept alongside the production debut of the all-new Focus ST.

Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy is accelerating, promising a new era for driving enthusiasts around the world with the expansion of its ST – Sport Technologies – range. The international reach of these performance models is made possible by a new generation of global small car platforms from Ford.

The possibility of a Fiesta ST joining the Focus ST would bring Ford performance to drivers in two major global segments.

“We’re leveraging our global product platforms to create great new performance vehicles like the Focus ST,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president Product Development. “By taking advantage of platform efficiencies and focusing our performance engineering resources globally, we can bring performance vehicles to more customers in more markets, plus we’re better positioned for Ford products to compete successfully in global motorsport.”

The production-ready Focus ST was revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as Ford’s first performance vehicle to be sold into more than 40 markets around the world, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and 15 European countries. Its launch kicks off a new era for enthusiasts while the exciting reveal of the Fiesta ST Concept also highlights Ford’s promise for even more to come on the performance front.

“Our strategy is powered by the One Ford global product plan and extends the reach of exciting Ford performance vehicles to a broader range of customers around the world than ever before,” Kuzak said. “It is also instrumental in shaping Ford’s strategic approach to and support for international motorsport activity involving our global small cars, the Focus and the Fiesta.”

Leading the strategy is Jost Capito, Ford’s director of global performance vehicles and motorsport development.

“This is an exciting time for us as we introduce the first of our globally developed performance vehicles,” said Capito. “It’s exciting to create a new generation of performance models which are truly world class, and we’ve brought together Ford performance expertise from around the world to do it.”

Ford Performance DNA
Ford’s ST models are the company’s most accessible performance vehicles, combining exhilarating and balanced performance with a level of refinement that makes them exciting to drive yet ideal for everyday use.

They are the central point of Ford’s broader performance strategy which establishes the DNA for Ford’s performance models globally and opens up possibilities for more higher-tier performance vehicles.

This DNA was created by the Ford Performance Vehicles group – embracing Europe’s Ford Team RS and North America’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) – who delved deeply into their performance expertise and insight to define the appropriate DNA characteristics for all of Ford’s future global performance vehicles.

As with the DNA in a human body, this strategy dictates the necessary characteristics needed to create a vehicle that is unmistakably a Ford performance vehicle in how it looks, sounds, and feels to drive.

Although Ford’s strategy envisions the potential for even higher-performance models in the future, ST products clearly play a key role at its core.

Every Ford to carry the ST badge will be a performance car that emphasises great fun-to-drive qualities customers will crave. Yet every aspect of performance in a Ford ST is highly balanced, so the driver revels in experiencing perfect harmony every time they get behind the wheel. Ford ST models will also offer a level of refinement that allows the driver to enjoy it as much on their way to work every day as they will on a twisty road.

Ford ST models will also share key physical similarities in areas such as colours and exterior styling, as well as interior styling and driver-orientated interior features.

The DNA also defines performance levels, not only in the handling characteristics but in the engine outputs too. For ST models, this DNA profile means a noticeable power increase over the existing model’s engine line-up. Standards for other key ST performance attributes – such as braking and lateral acceleration – feature similar Ford Performance Vehicles group genetic engineering.

Vehicle attributes like the feel of the steering, the sound of the engine and comfort of the suspension are also dictated by the DNA, meaning customers will recognise an ST the moment they sit in one, no matter where in the world they are. This will give all future ST models a shared genetic origin which will influence customer expectations.

“This carefully defined DNA is crucial in delivering performance vehicles that will appeal to customers around the world,” said Capito. “If it’s a Ford ST model, you will know what it stands for.”

Global Market
Ford dealers in over 40 countries, spanning six continents, will soon be able to offer their customers the outstanding blend of on-road performance and refinement that the Focus ST five-door embodies.

Outside Europe, only Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa were given a taste of the previous generation Focus ST. With the launch of the scintillating new Focus ST, based on the global Ford Focus, more drivers from more countries than ever will find out just why the ST badge is held in such high regard.

For North America the new Focus ST five-door will be the market’s first compact performance Ford since the first-generation SVT Focus.

“You will be able to buy the same Focus ST in New York, Sydney or London,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Focus ST. “We are delivering this car to markets around the world where fast cars are desired. And no matter where you get into the driver’s seat, you will have the same performance, same style and same fantastic ST experience.”

Built at the Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant for the North American markets and Germany’s Saarlouis Assembly Plant for Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and other world markets, the new Focus ST sets the strategy in place for the design, development, manufacture and distribution of future performance Ford models.

Good news for Ford dealers, even better news for their performance-hungry customers who have clamoured for these vehicles in the past.

Challenges
The demands of different environments and of different legislation found in countries around the world offer a unique challenge for Ford engineers. Through the teamwork inspired by the One Ford strategy, those engineers have joined together to create no-compromise vehicles that suit whichever region in which they are sold.

Ford’s global product strategy has also been central to transforming the company’s performance vehicle plans – making models that were once exclusive to a single region more accessible around the world. The performance strategy is based on extending the enthusiast appeal of Ford’s global model portfolio.

There are challenges involved in unleashing exciting, high-powered vehicles into multiple markets. The first and most obvious one is the question: can performance enthusiasts from around the world be satisfied in just one car?

“Our Global Performance Vehicles group soon realised that performance enthusiasts around the world are not so different,” said Capito. “Exhilarating performance, fine handling, exciting looks and that feel of driving something special are universal desires of enthusiasts, whether they’re driving Californian highways or damp British B-roads.”

With robust safety considerations already taken into account in the development of the Focus core models for all regions of the world, Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group had very few tweaks to make to get the new Focus ST up to standard.

This allowed them to concentrate on areas like calibrating engines for different fuel grades found internationally, or ensuring that sound levels are within regional legislation. It also ensures that the global approach to the rigorous durability and performance testing that Ford’s performance vehicles go through can be carried out meticulously.

The result is finely-honed performance cars like the new Focus ST that can be used to their full potential in all conditions around the world.

The Next Performance
The Frankfurt Motor Show provides an important preview of what could be the next performance vehicle in the Ford Performance Vehicles product pipeline – the Fiesta ST Concept.

Muscular and sporty, the Fiesta ST Concept is inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC. It features a dynamic sports chassis and a high performance powertrain featuring a 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, yet is capable of delivering impressive fuel economy.

Target performance levels for the Fiesta ST Concept are 180PS of power output and 240Nm of torque, enough to propel it from 0-100 km/h in less than 7 seconds. A top speed exceeding 220km/h is targeted.

The advanced design of the turbocharged, 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine – connected to a 6-speed manual transmission – means the Fiesta ST Concept is forecast to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km.

A global Fiesta ST would also extend the proud, 35-year history of delivering high performance Fiestas in Europe, including the Fiesta XR2 and XR2i, RS Turbo and the more recent first generation Fiesta ST.

“With the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST, enthusiasts will immediately understand what a Ford ST model promises and what each model shares in terms of balanced performance feel, style and driver features,” Capito said. “We’ve developed both vehicles from the same DNA. They are born performers that know how to make drivers smile.”

Focus and Fiesta in Motorsport
With Ford’s strategy to engineer global production cars and develop global performance versions from them comes another fantastic opportunity in the motorsport arena.

“The Focus, and especially the Focus ST, is a great platform for motorsport,” explained Capito. “We’re developing a global race car on the ST platform that will meet global regulations and race in major national championships across the world from next year. We’ve had so much interest from teams around the world, they love the exterior, they know that the Focus already has exceptional handling and they are excited that Ford is supporting it.”

The Global Focus Touring Car has already been in action during the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. This is the first race car to emerge from Ford’s global motorsport strategy, wherein the company is supporting private race teams around the world in developing one common race car to S2000 specification.

The experience gained from the development team on the track can also be fed back into performance enhancements on future production cars.

Also making its Frankfurt Show debut is Ford’s FIA World Rally Championship challenger, Fiesta RS WRC. The 300PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost-powered racer is the first Ford rally car to run direct injection petrol technology and it achieved a historic podium lockout on its competitive debut in Sweden earlier this year. As well as works drivers Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala and Khalid Al Qassimi, world-famous American stunt driver Ken Block pilots a Fiesta RS WRC for the Ford-supported Monster World Rally Team in the championship.

The Fiesta Rallycross – powered by a 2.0-litre Duratec Ford engine capable of more than 800PS – is another example of Ford’s global motorsport approach, as it competes in the Global Rallycross Championship, European Rallycross Championship and X Games.
This year, Fiesta has already won three rounds of the North American Global RallyCross Championship, sweeping both the AWD SuperRally and RallyCross events. Last month’s 1-2-3 finish by Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Marcus Grönholm at the 2011 X Games RallyCross Final marked the third year in a row Fiesta has triumphed there.

Platts Ford

High-Performance Ford Focus ST Production Model debuts at Frankfurt plus Surprise ST Wagon for Europe

2011-09-13T11:28:00.000+01:00

The covers finally came off the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST five-door today at the Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing the performance car that enthusiasts around the globe are waiting for.

European customers can also choose a stylish wagon version of the Focus ST, which will launch alongside the five-door model in 2012.

The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car, building on the heritage of previous Focus ST models in Europe and evolving it to allow drivers around the world to experience and enjoy the exhilarating performance, unrivaled handling, addictive sound and muscular sports design that the ST badge represents.

With innovative design and technology throughout, the new Focus ST will be more powerful and surprisingly fuel efficient, raising the bar once again when it comes to handling too. For drivers who want refinement for everyday use but with exhilarating performance on tap, the passion, enthusiasm and expertise of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group shines through and makes the new Focus ST the most rewarding and obvious choice.

“The new Focus ST is a really exciting car for Ford,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “It’s the first performance model to build upon the design and technology strengths of one of our new global production vehicles. It’s a car built for driving enthusiasts all around the world and they will not be disappointed.”
The Ford ST Global DNA
Beneath the skin of the new Focus ST is a detailed DNA for the ST range, established in Ford’s exciting global performance car strategy. Working together, the Global Performance Vehicles group – made up of Ford Team RS in Europe and the Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in the United States, along with input from Ford experts in the Asia Pacific and Africa region – devised a strategy that all future global performance Ford cars will adhere to.

“Focus ST hasn’t come around by chance,” said Capito. “What came first was our global performance strategy, which has been developed with North America, Europe and Asia together. With this, the core DNA attributes like the steering, driving dynamics, the sound quality and the power enhancements for all ST models have all been defined to the extent that our engineers can take that global DNA fingerprint and use it to create the new Focus ST.”

Like all future ST models, the new Focus ST has key physical DNA attributes like the aggressively enhanced front and rear bumpers, the addition of a rear spoiler and sideskirts plus a unique signature colour.

In both five-door and wagon form, the scintillating Focus ST delivers the same driving attributes that makes all Ford ‘Sports Technologies’ models stand out amongst the competition. The chassis, engine, sound and comfort of the vehicle are tuned harmoniously to deliver a truly sporty experience with a level of refinement rarely seen in this sector of vehicle. These same attributes will form the genetic code for future models bearing the ST badge.

Ford’s First Global Performance Car
The One Ford approach to working together across geographic boundaries has already seen successful global launches of the Fiesta and new Focus for the company. This approach is the great enabler for performance versions to be readily developed for a global market.

“The new Focus is a fantastic car to develop an ST model from,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer for the Focus ST. “It’s a solid shell with precise handling as standard, as customers around the world have already found out. It doesn’t compromise on any area in any region of the world, and Focus ST builds upon that strength to give our global performance customers the car they want, the car they have been asking for.”

According to Capito and Tonn, performance vehicle customers around the world desire the same things from a car no matter on what types of road or in what weather conditions they drive. This is the insight that Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group gained and it forms the guiding principles for the company’s global performance car strategy.

Destined to reach over 40 markets on six continents, the five-door Focus ST will bring affordable, everyday performance to the world. Only the smallest changes – to meet with regional legislation – will be implemented. In effect, no matter where in the world a driver gets behind the wheel, the new Focus ST five-door will deliver the same sensation of power, poise and refinement as for anybody else across the globe.

For Europe, where wagon derivatives are extremely popular in many markets, the opportunity to develop a stylish ST Wagon as a niche model was irresistible.

“We know many European buyers favour the carrying capacity of a wagon, but still want the driving excitement and performance a five-door can offer,” said Tonn. “With such a stylish wagon in the new Focus range, we had the ideal basis on which to create a unique niche model for these customers – and it will be just as exciting to drive as the five-door.”

More Power and Economy
For global customers, Focus ST is powered by the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, which offers an uncompromising mix of performance and efficiency. Ford’s lightweight, all-aluminum EcoBoost engines provide the power of a larger engine in a fuel-efficient smaller displacement, utilising three key technologies.

High pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) all help to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to Ford’s petrol engines.

Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group has taken this technology and developed a 250PS high-output derivative of the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine for Focus ST.

Redesigned intake and exhaust systems with unique engine calibration deliver the ideal level of power and responsiveness.

The engine has a maximum output of 250PS and strong torque levels in a broad, flat torque curve peaking at 360Nm. The responsive torque output, a trademark of Ford EcoBoost engines, is maintained despite the impressive peak figures.

Compared to the 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine in the previous-generation European Focus ST, the new 4-cylinder engine offers increased performance, but its smaller capacity and innovative technology also allow it to be more fuel efficient.

The EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST is expected to cut both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 20 per cent from the previous-generation European model when fuel consumption data is certified.

“This is the first time we have used a 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model and the results are phenomenal,” said Capito. “Drivers will have a lot of power and torque throughout the rev range to use. For everyday driving, though, the characteristics of this car will let them drive in a more fuel efficient way than previously, which is an essential part of the ST’s DNA.”

Mated to the 2.0-litre engine is a 6-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift. The Global Performance Vehicles group spent significant attention to detail to ensure the ratio of sixth gear was perfectly in tune with the Focus ST, giving the driver optimum performance while remaining long enough to help maintain excellent fuel economy on longer runs.

Sensational Sound
The previous generation Focus ST was acclaimed for its particularly sporty 5-cylinder engine sound. With the introduction of a 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine into the new Focus ST, the Ford sound engineers were keen to ensure the audible delights from this totally different engine keep enthusiasts just as excited.
A significant part of this process is the reworking of the famed sound symposer, first found on the previous Focus ST and subsequently employed to devastating effect on the previous generation European Focus RS and RS500 models.

“People loved the sound of the previous Focus ST,” said Capito. “The physics and acoustics of a 5-cylinder engine compared to a 4-cylinder are very different, but like Beethoven and Mozart – both of whom created fantastic yet very different music – we believe the engine note of the new Focus ST will delight enthusiasts in the same way.”

It’s not only the engine note that sounds fantastic on the new Focus ST. The exhaust system – with unique centre exit tailpipes – has been tuned to deliver a perfectly balanced audible experience. Enthusiastic drivers will be rewarded with an orchestra of sporty sounds to heighten their driving adventure, but should they want a more relaxing drive, the refinement of the cabin and tuning of exhaust and engine note will give them exactly that at lower RPM.

Unprecedented Driving Dynamics
Incredible driving dynamics are at the heart of the Focus ST. Innovation and technology combine to create a chassis capable of exceeding the expectations of even the most demanding driving enthusiast, while giving even novice motorists an unforgettable drive.

From the driver’s seat, customers will experience the newly-developed Ford Sport Steering System. This variable ratio steering rack is designed to increase the agility of the Focus ST on winding roads yet still inspire the same high-speed confidence.

The unique system makes steering less sensitive when driving in a straight line, but increases the sensitivity during cornering. Drivers can keep their hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel through tight hairpins, maximising their control over the vehicle. It also has benefits in slow-speed situations such as tight parking manoeuvres, with less input needed from the driver to direct the vehicle into the space.

The Focus ST’s Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is also enhanced with Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC) system.

More aggressive tuning of the TSC allows Focus ST drivers to accelerate at full throttle and yet still find grip on roads with uneven surfaces or uneven levels of grip. The TSC system detects the torque steer that those conditions can create and communicates with the EPAS software, which then counteracts the effect to virtually eliminate the sensation for the driver.

Further enhancements have also been made to the Focus ST’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with emphasis put on driver enjoyment. Drivers will have three modes of ESP to choose from. These can be selected according to weather and road conditions or simply to match the driver’s desire for help from additional driving aids.

In the first instance the ESP works much the same way as the innovative system found in the base model Focus, although for the ST it is tuned to be non-intrusive to the driver. This standard mode supports the driver on all surfaces, whether dry, wet or snowy, giving them the confidence to drive safely no matter what the weather.

The driver can opt to select the second mode, called reduced or wide-slip mode, in which the traction control is turned off. Traction is handled by the driver here, while the ESP is programmed to intrude only as absolutely necessary.

Of course, the ESP system can also be switched off completely resulting in the Focus ST in its purest form, giving full control of the sublime chassis to the driver when is a position to exploit it, such as on a race track. Only the sub-features such as the Enhanced Dynamic Cornering Control (EDCC) remain active, optimising the enjoyment of the Focus ST’s abilities.

Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control
Through the corners, Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control is an essential help for Focus ST drivers, a tuned version of the Torque Vectoring Control found in the base model Focus. The standard system uses torque vectoring by braking, in which brake torque is applied to the inner wheel of the Focus through a corner, reducing the understeer behaviour and allowing for more traction, much like a traditional limited slip differential.

The Focus ST system applies this more aggressively and also adds Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC), which applies torque to create yaw torque based on the vehicle’s understeer behavior prior to ESP, both in power-on and power-off conditions. Combined, they ensure that Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control is a crucial element in helping the front-wheel-drive Focus ST be a true driver’s machine, able to tackle any corner with supreme confidence.

Sports Suspension
Working in harmony with the advanced driver assistance features is the finely tuned suspension setup of the new Focus ST. Uprated shock absorbers and springs lower the ST chassis by 10mm for a more aggressive stance while the centre of gravity is brought closer to the road, which aids precise cornering.

The rear suspension has been revised with a number of new parts developed specifically for the Focus ST. Key components are the uprated suspension knuckles and an all-new anti-roll bar design, both the result of the development team’s desire to give drivers an outstanding amount of feedback and control.

The rear suspension of the five-door and the wagon versions of Focus ST differ slightly. The wagon features angled shock absorbers – as in the base model – to maintain the optimum amount of capacity in the luggage compartment.

Ultimately, both Focus ST bodystyles offer the same handling characteristics that will have drivers searching out twisty roads.

Iconic Alloy Wheels
The iconic Y-shaped spoke design of the previous generation Focus ST has evolved for the new incarnation. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels carry on the recognised Focus ST style but subtle revisions bring them up-to-date for 2012.

ST customers will now have an additional ‘Performance Pack’ option which offers the wheels in black with a high contrast red finish on the performance brake calipers.

Wrapped around the alloy wheels are high performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, developed after rigorous testing on all kind of road surfaces and conditions, including the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

“The same tyres will be offered on the Focus ST in every country,” said Tonn. “They are designed to extract the best performance from the car on all road conditions. They don’t compromise on performance and get the best out of the chassis and driver systems of the vehicle.”

Bold and Muscular Outside
Globally the new Focus ST will be available in five-door hatchback bodystyle with European markets also able to order the newly-revealed wagon version. Both models build on the striking kinetic design of the standard Focus, yet add the muscular presence and specific performance cues associated with a Ford ST model.

The performance intent of the Focus ST is evident even from a glance. The new signature production colour, Tangerine Scream, reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST, but even in the other available colours – Performance Blue, Race Red and White – the car will shout performance. This is emphasised by the bold and muscular styling of the Focus ST.

“The changes we have made to deliver superior aerodynamics and vehicle performance have made the new Focus ST even more sporty and distinctive,” explained Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. “Exciting new design treatments at the front and rear give the ST a more dynamic and purposeful character, making it very clear this is definitely a sporting Focus.”

From the striking one-piece design interpretation of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille at the front, through the sculpted side skirts and the dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser-style vents in the lower fascia, the Focus ST’s design adds aggression and aerodynamic stability compared to the base models.

Drivers following the Focus ST will notice the highly effective roof spoiler on both models, optimised to deliver improved high-speed stability and reduced drag. They will also witness the unique centre-exit exhaust with a stunning tailpipe design influenced by the exclusive hexagonal mesh of the front bumper.

Around the world, the sporty design of the Focus ST will leave other drivers in no doubt that they are seeing something that boasts incredible performance beneath that impressive metal.

Stylish and Sporty Inside
The exhilarating drive of the new Focus ST will have customers spending as much time behind the steering wheel as possible. With that in mind, Ford’s designers have worked hard to ensure the interior of the Focus ST is a great place to be, helping the driver to feel as connected to the vehicle as possible.

The interior of the core Focus model is already designed with a “cockpit” feel, giving any Focus driver a sporty sensation. In the ST variant, though, that sporty feeling is heightened with everything the driver touches and feels reinforcing that it is unmistakably an ST.

Details range from specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift to the unique Recaro seats. The darker headlining and trim on the pillars, an integral part of the ST’s design DNA, adds to the performance driving feel.

With the seats, Ford worked closely with Recaro to give ST customers the ultimate in comfort and support. The seats will not only hold the driver in place tightly during spirited driving, but will offer exclusive premium features like cushion tilt, plus length adjustment which is a unique option in this class of vehicle. A lower seating position has also been achieved to give drivers improved ergonomics and the perfect place from where to exploit the ST’s performance.

Rear seat passengers aren’t forgotten. An all-new rear bench has been developed for the ST, sculpted using special foam. This will help rear passengers feel as secure as those passengers in the front, highlighting not only the sporting intentions of Focus ST but also the practical considerations that are part of its core DNA.

New Focus ST will be offered to European customers in three distinct trim options – ST1, ST2 and ST3. This approach is already familiar to owners of the previous Focus ST in the UK.

While precise details of feature availability for each trim option will vary by market, ST1 is the standard model, offering the key features like cloth Recaro seats, keyless start, front door scuff plates with ST logo and standard ST rear bench with centre armrest.

Focus ST2 builds on this with the addition of partial leather Recaro seats and dual zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC). For right-hand drive markets, ST2 will also include unique ST floor mats, automatic headlamp control, auto-dimming rear view mirror and automatic wipers, features that are standard on left-hand drive ST1 models.

The top spec Focus ST3 increases the features with the inclusion of those exclusive heated leather Recaro seats with 8-way adjustability and pull out cushion, plus the newly developed Recaro rear bench. ST3 customers also benefit from Bi-Xenon headlamps to keep the road ahead in total clarity throughout the night.

New Focus ST Wagon
The new Focus ST wagon shows just how far the performance DNA of an ST model can stretch and is set to offer European customers something unique in the segment.

“There’s nothing comparable in the market to the Focus ST wagon,” said Capito. “It retains all of the practical elements of the Focus wagon and adds the unique ST performance, handling abilities and refinement of the five-door model. We have high hopes for the ST wagon being a great success.”

First Images of New-Generation Hyundai i30 Revealed

2011-09-08T10:56:00.003+01:00

Hyundai has revealed the first photo of the new-generation i30, ahead of the car’s world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next week, showing an exciting new look for the company’s best-selling C-segment hatchback.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company’s first car to be launched with the ‘i’ prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai in Europe.

The original i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

After its July 2007 launch, the i30 went on to increase its sales in Europe every year, attracting 115,000 buyers in 2010 – the highest-ever annual sales figure for an individual Hyundai model in Europe – and achieving total sales of more than 350,000 units up to mid-2011.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new-generation i30represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’, displaying the company’s distinctive design DNA.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights. These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury.”

“Through the profile of the new generation i30, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheelarches all the way to the tail lamps. A softer, lower character line rises up the car’s flank creating a play of light and shadow – a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect the new-generation i30 to appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but looks great too. In this way, the new-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among European consumers.”

“The car has been designed to take on the leading vehicles in the C-segment and join the all-new i40 as a quality benchmark for Hyundai. Our ultimate customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will be a valuable point of differentiation for the new-generation i30 in its highly competitive class,” Allan Rushforth added.

The award-winning Five Year Triple Care package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

FORD MONDEO NAMED GREENEST FAMILY CAR BY WHAT CAR?

2011-09-08T10:51:00.000+01:00

The most fuel efficient Ford Mondeo was declared the UK's greenest family car at this year's What Car? Green Awards.

Already winner of two trophies at the magazine's overall awards in January, the Ford Mondeo range's 65.6mpg 1.6-litre TDCi (turbo diesel) model sealed the green recognition from What Car?.

What Car? editor in chief Chas Hallett said: "Ford has done great things to the Mondeo. The award-winning 1.6 TDCi is the best green family car, being both a brilliant all-rounder and remarkably eco-friendly with its low CO2 rating of 114g/km.

"The judging team praised its supple and controlled ride, lively chassis and perfectly weighted steering."

In January, within months of going on sale, the new Ford Mondeo was voted by What Car? as best overall family and estate car. Now its frugal fuel economy, while continuing to offer a rewarding drive, has also been rewarded with a What Car? Green Award.

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said: "Thanks to impressive fuel economy, Ford has an outstanding low-carbon vehicle line-up which combines design style, technology and affordability. This Ford Mondeo's UK-built 1.6 diesel engine is an extraordinary combination of performance and low CO2 and is available across the range from Fiesta to Galaxy."

In the Ford Mondeo it produces only 114g CO2/km while returning 65.6mpg – meaning zero road tax in the first year and £30 annually from then. Sales of both the fuel-sipping 1.6-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol EcoBoost are rising since being introduced this year on all Ford large cars – Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy – with Auto-Start-Stop as standard.

The Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi is priced from £19,895 with Bluetooth, cruise control and Easy Fuel, to prevent misfuelling, as standard.

New Hyundai i20 Blue Emits a Tiny 98g/km of CO2

2011-09-06T15:39:00.003+01:00

Following on from the successful i10 Blue launched at the beginning of the year, Hyundai has now added another sub-100g/km CO2 model to its range – the i20 Blue. With emissions of just 98g/km CO2, it is the lowest emitting vehicle in Hyundai UK’s product line-up.

The i20 Blue is based on the current i20 Comfort trim level mated to the 1.4 CRDi 90 PS engine and is priced at £13,195 OTR.

To achieve the sub-100g/km CO2 figures, the i20 Blue has the following Blue Drive technologies: Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling resistance tyres, rear suspension under cover and rear wheel deflector. With these additional features, the i20 Blue achieves a 12% reduction in CO2 emissions (compared with the current 1.4 CRDi 90PS Style i20 model) from 111g/km down to just 98g/km.

Drivers of the i20 Blue won’t need to be making regular visits to a fuel station either. The 1.4 CRDi Euro V compliant four-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable 76.4mpg combined - the sort of cheap-to-run credentials that are important as the cost of motoring continues to rise. This is a 14% improvement on a combined cycle when compared to the i20 1.4 CRDi 90PS Style model.

To put these figures into perspective, it would cost approximately £63.00 to fill up the i20 Blue with a tank of diesel and this would generate a range of 755 miles! As well as excellent fuel economy, the i20 Blue also gains exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge as it emits less than 100g/km CO2.

The i20 Blue also comes with plenty of standard equipment including 15” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, electric heated and folding door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, steering wheel audio controls, USB and aux connections air conditioning and remote central locking.

Sitting alongside the i10 Blue, the new i20 Blue model demonstrates Hyundai’s continuous commitment to increasing the efficiency of both its petrol and diesel engines.

On-sale now, and like all Hyundai passenger cars, the Hyundai i20 Blue comes with a Five Year Triple Care package, which includes a five-year, unlimited mileage, manufacturer backed warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of annual vehicle health checks.

For more information on Blue Drive please visit: http://bluedrive.hyundai.com

Hyundai ix35 to be Electrified

2011-09-06T15:36:00.001+01:00

Hyundai has today announced that the ix35 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) will have its UK debut at EcoVelocity, the low-carbon motor festival at London’s Battersea Power Station (8th – 11th September).

EcoVelocity visitors can be among the first in the world to experience future travel in a hydrogen-powered car, with passenger rides available in the ix35 FCEV. The vehicle is Hyundai’s third-generation FCEV and it demonstrates the company’s work on cutting-edge alternative fuels.

Boasting the same convenience as today’s vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines, the ix35 FCEV has a driving range of 360miles (580 Km), a maximum speed of 100 mph and zero-to-62mph time of 12.8 seconds. The fuel cell stack can operate at sub-zero temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius, and unlike a combustion-engined car, the ix35’s only emissions are water vapour.

This vehicle moves Hyundai closer to the commercialisation of fuel cell electric vehicles, and the aim is to bring an FCEV to market in the next few years.

Earlier this year, the Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding with four Northern European countries to operate test fleets of FCEVs. Test drives have already been carried out in Korea and Copenhagen.

Hyundai UK’s managing director, Tony Whitehorn, commented: “We are extremely excited to be showcasing the ix35 FCEV in the UK for the first time at EcoVelocity. Hyundai is a world leader in the development of hydrogen-powered technology and is constantly researching and developing modes of transportation that use alternative fuels at the Eco-technology research institute in Mabuk, Korea.

The ultimate goal would be to see zero-emission vehicles on UK roads within the next few years; however, the market and local infrastructure will be the real determinant of this. In the interim, Hyundai is working hard to make internal combustion engines as efficient as possible”.

Also featuring on the Hyundai stand will be the sub-100g/km CO2 i10 Blue and the recently launched i20 Blue. The i10 Blue is powered by a 1.0-litre Kappa three-cylinder petrol engine returning an impressive 67.3mpg combined. The i20 Blue is powered by a 1.4-litre CRDi four-cylinder engine with 76.4mpg on a combined cycle. Due to their low emissions, both vehicles offer exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge.

Visitors will also be able to see Hyundai’s two newest models on the stand - the all-new i40 Tourer, due to go on-sale on September 8 and the Veloster coupe due to launch later this year.

EcoVelocity will run from September 8 -11th at Battersea Power Station and will feature the latest green models, including electric, hybrid and low CO2-emitting cars, as well as providing test drives on a specially-constructed circuit in the shadow of the famous power station.

THE MOST IMPROVED CAR MANUFACTURER OF THE DECADE IS….HYUNDAI

2011-09-06T15:32:00.001+01:00

Hyundai has been awarded the most improved car manufacturer in the Auto Express ‘10 Years of Driver Power’ special, out on newsstands today. From a total of over 300,000 surveys received over the last 10 years of the annual Driver Power survey, Hyundai has gone from being one of the poorest performing manufacturers for customer satisfaction to one of the five best brands.

Hyundai’s customer satisfaction rating has risen by over eight per cent in the last 10 years from 78.12 per cent in 2002 to 86.34 per cent in 2011. No other car manufacturer has made such a dramatic leap forward over this period. This achievement is also mirrored by a dramatic rise up the best manufacturer chart from 28th place in 2002 to fourth place in 2011.

Performing strongly in the reliability and satisfaction poll since its launch in 2007, the Hyundai i30 is rated fourth in the Top 50 cars of the decade. This vehicle sent shockwaves through the industry last year when it was named the most satisfying car in Britain in the 2010 Driver Power survey and its accolade as the fourth best car of the decade showcases the quality and reliability of the latest Hyundai product line-up.

Acting Editor for Auto Express, Graham Hope, commented: “No brand has taken such a massive leap over the past decade as Hyundai. Its range now is unrecognisable from 2002, and our readers regularly tell us that they are both pleased and proud to own a Hyundai, which is reflected in its meteoric rise up our Driver Power ratings. And the company looks set to achieve even greater things in the years ahead.”

Hyundai UK ’s managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said “We are delighted to win this award. It confirms just how far we have come in a short space of time and that we now have a range of cars people can be proud to have on their driveways. With even more desirable products just around the corner, this really is a very exciting time for the brand.”

Full results of the 36-page driver power special can be seen in Auto Express magazine on-sale 31 August.

Hyundai reveals first rendering of the all-new i30

2011-09-06T15:27:00.001+01:00

Hyundai has released the first rendering of the next-generation i30, revealing an exciting new look for the company’s bestselling C-segment hatchback. It will be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September.

The all-new i30 was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and represents the next evolution of the unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’ – the company’s distinctive design DNA.

The ‘fluidic sculpture’ ethos utilises flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles, and was introduced as the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has become the design language behind all new Hyundai models launched in Europe.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer, Hyundai Motor Europe commented: “When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models.”

The next-generation i30 is also recognisable thanks to Hyundai’s signature front face – the hexagonal shaped front grille.

“The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, with the jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” Thomas Bürkle added.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best-seller in Europe. Since 2007, the name ‘i30’ has become synonymous with ‘quality’, ‘reliability’ and ‘low emissions’ in Europe, and we hope that, amongst others, the term ‘emotional appeal and style’ will be added to the list with the introduction of this dynamic new model.

“Under our brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’, our European team of designers have sculpted a car which truly looks at home on European roads thanks to its bold and confident appearance. We are very excited about revealing the car for the first time in Frankfurt next month.”

Ford Centenary Tour Stops At New Car Showroom On The Beach

2011-09-06T15:19:00.000+01:00

Professional sand sculptors created a line up of Ford cars – spanning the last 100 years – on a Cornwall beach for the company's Centenary Tour. The sand-modelled 'showroom' of cars spanning the Ford Model T to the Ford Focus, at Polzeath, was the creation of sculptors Andy Moss and Jamie Wardley.

Jamie Wardley said: “One of the first sand cars I ever created was the Thunderbird FAB1 so to be asked to replicate some of the most famous cars ever made in this country was a real thrill.

“The Polzeath Beach sand is absolutely amazing to work with in terms of texture and although we aimed to have each car completed in around 40 minutes, the classic Ford Model T took quite a bit longer due to the detail involved.”

Families visiting the beach were delighted to find a line-up of stunning sand sculptures depicting iconic Ford vehicles.

Tyler Docherty and his seven year-old brother Alfie – from Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire – were among a number of children to take advantage of a free master class in sculpting from the artists, representing Bradford-based sculptors ‘Sand In Your Eye’.

“I like all the cars they have done but I really love the Ford Capri – it’s so cool,” said eight year-old Tyler.

The Ford Centenary Tour is a touring exhibition charting the company's unique history in the UK. It is making contact with Ford customers, employees and enthusiasts ranging from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands to Plymouth and Cornwall on the south coast.

Nomination for Bucks Free Press Garage Of The Year

2011-08-11T09:56:00.001+01:00

We are proud to announce that our Marlow Service Dept has have been shortlisted for the 'Garage Of The Year' award by the Bucks Free Press.

Over the next 3 weeks the Bucks Free Press is asking local motorists to vote for their favourite garage. Details of how to vote are printed in the Bucks Free Press.

We would be grateful for your support.

HYUNDAI SEES DOUBLE AT THE AUTO EXPRESS NEW CAR HONOURS 2011

2011-08-09T10:58:00.010+01:00

Award winning Hyundai i10 wins Best City Car
ix20 wins Best Supermini MPV
Hyundai UK set for record sales year

Hyundai products have reigned supreme at the prestigious Auto Express 2011 New Car awards with the i10 winning Best City Car for the second consecutive year and the ix20 scooping Best Supermini MPV.
The Hyundai i10 fought off strong competition from the Kia Picanto and the Ford Ka while the ix20 triumphed over the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Venga and the Nissan Note.
Auto Express Acting editor, Graham Hope, said of the i10: “Competition in the city car sector is hotter than ever – and that makes the Hyundai i10’s second consecutive victory in this category even more impressive. The i10 has the feel of a big car inside, while its composed driving dynamics mean it’s as at home on the open road as on congested city streets.”
Of the ix20, Hope continued: “The ix20 shot straight to the top of the sector when it hit showrooms last year, and it fully deserves its class-leading status. Not only does this practical model look great, but it brings new levels of cabin quality and comfort to the supermini-MPV sector. Choose the ix20 and you also get the security of buying a car from one of the most highly regarded dealer networks in the country.”
Hyundai UK’s managing director, Tony Whitehorn said: “It’s always fantastic to receive positive recognition from the industry for our product offering. However, to be classed as the best in what are two highly competitive segments is tremendous and a true testament to the style, practicality, driveability and economy of these outstanding products.
“The Hyundai range has been completely revitalised over the last few years and we now have the strongest product line-up ever. This looks set to continue with the launch later this year of the all-new i40 Tourer and Saloon and the 1+2 Veloster coupe.”
The first half of 2011 has been successful for the Hyundai brand in the UK. Sales are up half year by 20%* and up 29.4% versus June 2010, and the company is looking forward to its best ever sales year. The award-winning i10 is the best-seller with nearly 10,000 sold year to date, up 22%* on 2010.
Hyundai has also been recognised by Which? magazine as the Best Car Manufacturer 2011 and by Motor Trader as Best Car Franchise based on its products, dealership performance and customer satisfaction. Constantly improving Customer Service is a priority for the brand. 21 new dealers have been appointed to the network so far this year, the 5 year triple care package has now been extended to all passenger vehicles and Hyundai recently opened a one-stop Training Academy to ensure top-level and consistent training for all dealership staff over all disciplines.

Platts Hyundai

Service Manager Jim Attwood retires after 46 years

2011-08-03T16:19:00.001+01:00

Jim Attwood joined Platts Motor Company in 1965 as a Trainee Technician and retired as Service Manager on July 20th 2011, a total of 46 years service.

When Jim joined Platts Garage, as it was then known, in 1965 at the age of 18. At the time Platts Garage was a dealership for Austin, Morris, Rover and MG.

He qualified as a Technician in 1968, and progressed to the level of Senior Technician. In the mid 1970’s he transferred to the role of Service Receptionist.

In the mid 1980’s the company switched to become a Ford Main Dealer, and Jim was promoted to Service Manager, a role he held for 25 years. During his tenure as Service Manager the dealership won a number of Ford Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Tim Platt, Managing Director of Platts Motor Company said “Jim retiring is the end of an era, it is rare these days for an employee to show such loyalty to one company, he will be sorely missed by his colleagues and customers alike, who’ve all come to expect his cheery smile and welcoming banter. However, after 46 years of loyal service and hard work he deserves to enjoy sometime messing about on the river, in the boat he recently purchased. We all wish him the very best in his well earned retirement”.

Jim Attwood said “I have worked with 3 generations of the Platt family and I’m proud to have been part of a real family business, which has remained true to its values even though everything else has changed so much. 46 years has passed so quickly, I can hardly believe it. I will miss chatting with customers and work colleagues, however they haven’t got rid of me completely as I will pop in from time to time to say hello”.

HYUNDAI VOTED 4TH BEST CAR MAKER

2011-04-14T08:12:00.002+01:00

BRITAIN’S CAR OWNERS MOVE HYUNDAI UP TWO PLACES TO BECOME THE FOURTH BEST CAR MAKER

Hyundai is fourth best car maker in the Driver Power survey 2011

Up two places from last year when the brand finished sixth

Hyundai models rated highly for reliability, performance and practicality

Over 23,000 British drivers return detailed surveys

Taking two big steps in the right direction, Hyundai makes more progress in this year’s Driver Power survey, climbing up to fourth place in the Britain’s best manufacturer chart.
Completed by over 23,000 drivers, the Driver Power survey is compiled by Auto Express, the UK’s best-selling weekly motoring magazine, and is considered to be Britain’s definitive poll on car reliability and satisfaction.
To gain a high position in the Driver Power manufacturer charts, makers must have a full range of top class cars, each offering motoring satisfaction. The positions are determined by averaging out the ratings for every model in each car maker’s range.
The move up to fourth place is a reflection of Hyundai’s commitment to customer satisfaction and brand investment.
Hyundai UK’s managing director Tony Whitehorn said: “We are surprised and delighted to have moved up two places in the manufacturer chart. After a record breaking last two years in terms of sales, Hyundai has experienced an influx of new customers. These buyers have been surprised by the quality, reliability and performance of our cars.”

Hyundai i10 named Best City Car by CarBuyer.co.uk

2011-03-10T08:40:00.005Z

Hyundai’s biggest seller, the i10, has scooped yet another award and has been named ‘Best City Car’ by CarBuyer.co.uk. Benefitting recently from a refresh both inside and out, the i10 now looks even better and with improved ultra-modern engines, offers better fuel economy, lower emissions and stronger performance.
The CarBuyer.co.uk judging panel reviewed and rated every new model on sale, focusing on performance, safety, running costs, mpg, owner satisfaction and reliability. Dan Strong, editor CarBuyer.co.uk, explained why the Hyundai i10 was a clear winner in the city car category:
“A recent redesign means that the Hyundai i10 looks better than ever. It has always been affordable, economical to run, fun to drive and very practical, but now it’s stylish and well made too. For our money, there’s no better city car around.“The new Hyundai i10 represents a big step up in terms of quality and desirability, yet it remains great value for money. What’s more, the revised model now comes with the company's triple care warranty, which ensures peace of mind by offering unlimited mileage cover, free car health checks and roadside assistance for five years. There's also a fuel efficient 'BLUE' model - the company's first car to dip below the 99g/km CO2 barrier - making it free from road tax and the congestion charge in London. Don’t be fooled by the compact dimensions, the versatile interior means you really can transport a growing family and all that travels with it.”Dan Strong presented the award to Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK’s managing director at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
Tony Whitehorn commented: “The i10 is a fantastic city car that has received wide industry praise since it was first launched in 2008. Now, with the facelift model on sale, the i10 is even better, offering consumers a great all round package. We are extremely proud to receive this accolade from CarBuyer.co.uk.”

Platts Motor Company Sponsor Community Football Sessions for children with Disabilitys

2011-02-25T17:45:00.001Z

Platts are proud to sponsor a local initiative to promote Football Coaching session for Children with Disability's

After recently completing his FA Coaching Disabled Footballs Course ,John Ayling from Platts was approached by Bucks County Council to help set up and run a Programme in the Wycombe area as the nearst sessions were being held in Milton Keynes

In conjunction with Bucks County Council ,Berks and Bucks FA ,Hyundai Motor Company and Marlow Fc there will be a 10 week long programme .

Starting on Wed 2nd February between 5-6pm at Cressex School Sport Hall.Holmer Lane High Wycombe

John Ayling a member of staff at Platts for over 10 Years will be running the sessions along with other Marlow FC Coaches.

John commented "its great that Platts have agreed to sponsor this fantastic initiative and shows there continued support for local Charity's and youth sports clubs "

For more Information Contact John Ayling on 07799 530991 or email jba@platts.co.uk

Hyundai ix20 awarded maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating

2011-02-24T11:17:00.003Z

Hyundai's new B-segment MPV, the ix20, has been awarded the maximum
five-star safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro
NCAP. The result makes the ix20 one of the safest vehicles in its segment,
and one of the very few to achieve a five-star rating.

The ix20 is the fourth consecutive Hyundai model to achieve the maximum
five-star score in Euro NCAP's rigorous assessment program, following on
from the top ratings recently achieved by the i20 supermini, i30 hatchback
and ix35 C-segment SUV.

The B-segment MPV received a class-leading score of 85% in the 'child
occupant protection' category, performing well in both the 18-month-old and
three-year-old assessments. In the 'adult occupant' and 'pedestrian'
categories, the Hyundai attained competitive scores of 89% and 64%
respectively.

Electronic stability program and a seatbelt reminder system contributed to
the ix20's score of 71% in the 'safety assist' category. Hyundai's thorough
safety program yielded maximum points in the 'side barrier impact'
assessment as well as good protection against whiplash in rear-end impacts.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe,
commented, "The ix20's five-star rating further demonstrates Hyundai's
commitment to the highest levels of safety for our customers. Add to that a
very generous standard specification, a range of efficient engines, and the
assurance of our unrivalled Five Year Triple Care, and the ix20 becomes a
very appealing package."

NEW HYUNDAI i40 TO STAR AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

2011-02-17T15:13:00.004Z

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of the new i40, ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The debut of i40 comes as Hyundai launches its new brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ The i40 reflects the spirit of change at Hyundai, and represents the company’s bold new concept of ‘modern premium’ – the philosophy that premium quality and characteristics should be accessible to everyone.
The i40 is the company’s first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market, with a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes. It will be shown in Geneva in estate form, and this will be the first i40 bodystyle to be introduced to Europe, with a saloon to follow later this year.
Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i40 is the latest Hyundai model to have a purely European identity. Taking styling cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature features such as the hexagonal grille. The grille is flanked by two jewel-like headlamps, for a contemporary, confident look that is accentuated by the characterful lines that connect the front and rear of the vehicle, adding to the i40’s eye-catching, sophisticated style.
In line with Hyundai’s commitment to make premium products and features available to everyone, the i40 has a class-leading level of standard equipment. Among the specification are new technologies for Hyundai, including: heated and reclining front and rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.
The ‘modern premium’ concept is also evident in the efficient powertrain choices available to i40 buyers. The i40’s 1.7-litre diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2 emissions – a best-in-class figure that also demonstrates the advances the company is making towards global leadership in eco-technology.
Hyundai’s unrivalled customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will come as standard on i40. The industry-leading package offers total peace of mind, with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Offering more for less has always been a fundamental principle at Hyundai, and now we are advancing this with our new brand direction under the ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ slogan. The i40 is a perfect example of how we are offering the best and making it accessible to everyone. From stunning design and specification, to industry-leading technology and aftersales care – the i40 sets itself apart from its competitors.”
The i40 will be joined on stage by Hyundai’s ground-breaking new 1+2 door Veloster coupe, set for launch in Europe later in 2011. The Curb concept will also be shown, highlighting the latest telematics technology from Hyundai in an ‘urban-ready’ design. Both cars received their world premieres at the North America International Auto Show last month, and will be making their European debuts in Geneva.
The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 12:30 (CET) on Tuesday 1st March 2011.

2012 Hyundai Veloster Rally Car Reveal Featuring Rhys Millen Racing

2011-02-15T09:45:00.002Z

Hyundai Veloster

Platts Support a Local Initiative to Promote Football Coaching for Children with Disability's

2011-01-19T09:20:00.000Z

After recently completing his FA Coaching Disabled Footballs Course ,John Ayling from Platts Motor Company was approached by Bucks County Council to help set up and run a programme in the Wycombe area, as the nearest sessions were being held in Milton Keynes

In conjunction with Bucks County Council, Bucks and Berks FA, Hyundai Motor Company and Marlow Football Club, there will be a 10 week long programme.

Starting on Wed 2nd February between 5-6pm at Cressex School Sport Hall.Holmer Lane High Wycombe

John Ayling, a member of Platts Motor Company for over 10 years, will be running the sessions along with other Marlow FC Coaches.

John commented "it's great that Platts have agreed to help this fantastic initiative and shows their continued support for local Charities and youth sports clubs"

For more Information Contact John Ayling on 07799 530991 or email jba@platts.co.uk

Year of the Electric Car?

2011-01-15T09:55:00.000Z

Will Electric cars really sell?

Electric cars are in vogue with motor manufactures at the moment, but will they really sell?

On the plus side, the lastest models look like proper cars, but their range is very limited, which means they are only really practical as a local run around or second car. They are also going to cost a lot of money. Prices that have been published are around the £25K mark for a 'family' sized car. Some manufactures aren't even going to sell the cars but will 'rent' them out.

What do you think? Are you considering buying an Electric car?

VAT increase ahead - VAT due to increase to 20%

2010-12-20T16:29:00.000Z

Don't for get that VAT is due to increase to 20% on 4th January 2011.

You still have the chance to avoid these increases by ordering your new vehicle now, or taking our one of our service plans.

Contact us for details.

i40 Hyundai's New European Flagship

2010-12-20T10:53:00.004Z

Hyundai has announced that its new D-segment car for Europe will be called i40. The i40, which was known by the codename ‘VF’ during development, arrives as the company embarks on the next phase of its brand and product evolution in Europe.
Set to make its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the new i40 aims to further shift European consumer perception of Hyundai to a more aspirational position, thanks to the vehicle’s dynamic design and class-leading quality, performance and technical features.
The new i40 will be launched in estate form, with a saloon version following later in the year.
“We have bold ambitions for Hyundai in Europe, and the new i40 will provide the momentum we need to achieve our goals in 2011 and beyond. We expect the quality of the new i40 to continue the development of our image in Europe and attract new customers to the Hyundai brand,” commented Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe.
Designed at Hyundai’s European R&D facilities in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new i40 is the company’s first D-segment model to be specifically developed for the European market. The car will progress the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, featuring the company’s signature hexagonal front grille and rakish lines which give the i40 a dynamic, sporty appearance by connecting the front, side and rear profiles.
The new i40 will also become Hyundai’s most innovative model on sale in Europe, including the latest environmental technologies developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM eco-program, and a powertrain line-up which boasts best-in-class performance and fuel economy, and very low CO₂ emissions.
“The i40 perfectly combines the four elements that have become core Hyundai values: practicality, performance, efficiency, and styling. Our designers and engineers have produced a car that encapsulates what European motorists look for in a D-segment vehicle.”
The i40 will benefit from industry leading Five Year Triple Care package that includes a five-year unlimited millage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
More details on i40 will be available nearer the time of its motor show world premiere in Geneva in March 2011.

Our High Wycombe Service and Parts Depts have moved.

2010-12-16T17:28:00.002Z

Our High Wycombe Service and Parts Depts have moved to:

White Hill
Wooburn Moor
High Wycombe
HP10 0NJ

We are still on the A40 but on the section of the road towards Beaconsfield.

Click here to see our new location on Google Maps

Why have we moved?

The lease on 500 London was due to end shortly, and as a smaller family business we have had a long held desire to run our business from a premises that we own, rather then rent.

Acquiring White Hill has allowed us to do just that.

We will continue to provide a full range of motoring services for most makes of vehicle, including:

Routine Servicing
Hyundai warranty
Fault diagnosis
Auto Electrician services
Car key coding - for most makes
MOT's

All our contact numbers and email addresses remain the same as they were before.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new site. In fact, if you come and see us before the end of February, even if you dont need something doing to your vehicle, we will give you a FREE de-icer or screen wash.

Amanda Garofalo Reaches the Final

2010-11-19T15:27:00.000Z

Amanda Garofalo has reached the National Final of Hyundai 'Service Advisor of the Year' competition. She beat over 100 other Advisors in an online compeition to reach the Regional finals, where she had to undergo a full day of assessments and testing. From the Regional Final she was selected as one of only 2 Advisors to go forward to the National Final, representing the South East.

Well done Amanda, and good luck at the National Final. We are all rooting for you.

O% Finance Offer on all Used Stock

2010-11-01T11:19:00.003Z

Platts are offering a fantastic 0% Finance deal on all the Used Stock (excluding Demonstrator vehicles and those over 9 years old ) Until 22nd November 2010.

0% Interest over 24 Months with a 50% Deposit required

Typical Example
54 BMW 320 Coupe Diesel £8995 deposit £4497.50 Balance £4497.50 24x payments £187.39

Contact our sales teams for full terms and conditions.

> View our current used car stock here

Latest on Platts Mobility Open Days - 14th / 15th October

2010-10-13T10:50:00.002+01:00

Venue: 480 London Rd, High Wycombe HP11 1LP 10am to 4pm

There will be 4 special adapted vehicles that have been modified by local mobility specialist Cowal Mobility.

We will also have a number of Wheelchair Accessible vehicles supplied by The Wheelchair Accessible Company.

Local firm Independent Living Consultants will be bring with them a wide selection of there mobility scooters and wheelchair adaptions.

Bucks County Council Adult Social Care will also be attending Bucks Vision will be attending and will have items of equipment that is available for people with sight loss.

Bucks RNID will also be here to promote there Free Home assesment service.

Our mechanics will be on site to give advice on routine safety checks and to supply FREE health check on all cars brought in.

We will be supporting the following Charities during the open weekend:

British Heart Foundation will be here with some of there helpers,
Wycombe shop mobility now coming to promote there free services.
Wycombe District Sports Association for the disabled and the Claire Foundation.

Hands Off My Hyundai - Win a Hyundai i20 Competition

2010-09-29T17:33:00.001+01:00

We have teamed up with Eden Shopping Centre to give away a Hyundai i20.

Details of how to enter the competition can be found here:

Hands off my Hyundai Competition

Platts Hyundai now Motability accredited

2010-09-21T09:57:00.009+01:00

We have now expanded our Motability arm to include the full Hyundai Range.

Hyundai i10, i20, i30 models all now come with NIL advance payment.

For more information on the full product range of Hyundai please contact Mike Scrafield or John Ayling at our White hill Branch on 01494 685770
For Information on our Ford Range contact Chris Reeves on 01628 894113

Platts Hyundai

Platts Mobility Open Days

2010-09-18T16:35:00.004+01:00

We will be opening our doors to a host of Mobility Specialists on the 14th/15th October 2010 at our 480 London Road, High Wycombe Site.

On display will be a number of specially adapted Ford and Hyundai vehicles, from local specialist Cowal Mobility.

Test drive or ride a WAV (wheelchair-accessible car), supplied by The Accessible Motor Company.

A range of Boot Scooters and walking aids from local company ILC Independent Living Company.

Learn about basic vehicle maintenance with Hyundai iCheck.

A range of local Community projects will also be on display.

HYUNDAIS NEXT GENERATION B-SEGMENT MPV SET FOR PARIS WORLD PREMIERE

2010-09-03T08:30:00.004+01:00

At this year’s Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris on September 30th, Hyundai will celebrate the world premiere of its new B-segment MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle).

To be presented as the Hyundai ix20, a sketch revealed today shows the new model as a striking departure from the boxy ‘minivan’ image typically associated with the segment, adopting a more dynamic, sportier profile in line with Hyundai’s reputation as a modern, progressive automaker.

Designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the ix20 is the second European car, following the ix35, to adopt Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. The name ix20 reflects the new model’s crossover-like versatility – a vehicle with the ability to simultaneously serve as a functional people-carrier while providing a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.
Another model making its world premiere at Paris is the new i10. This upgraded version of Hyundai’s popular city car benefits from a comprehensive set of enhancements in terms of design, specification and competiveness – including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.
The international motor show will also afford Hyundai the opportunity to showcase the latest developments of its Blue DriveTM eco-focused program. The company is targeting global leadership in environmental technologies, and the new models look set to contribute further to reductions in emissions from new Hyundai vehicles sold in Europe.
Hyundai has extended its display area at this year’s show by 66%, in order to showcase the company’s broad product line-up and new technologies.
More news of Hyundai’s Paris star cars will be published in advance of the show and will be available on the stand. The company’s press conference will take place at 16:15 (CET) on Thursday September 30th

Hyundai ix35 awarded 5 start NCAP rating

2010-08-26T11:59:00.003+01:00

The Hyundai ix35 has been awarded a coveted five star rating in the most recent round of Euro NCAP safety tests.

Autocar Review of the Hyundai ix35

i10 scoops Best City Car award at the Auto Express New Car Awards

2010-08-10T11:31:00.004+01:00

i10 scoops ‘Best City Car’ award at the Auto Express New Car Awards

Praised for grown-up dynamics, engine and generous specification,
Britain's biggest selling weekly motoring magazine, Auto Express has awarded the Hyundai i10 the prize for Best City Car at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2010.
The i10 has been a massive hit for Hyundai, playing a huge part in its unprecedented sales success in 2009. And this is not the first time that the little city car has received high praise, in 2009 Auto Express awarded the i10 Best City Car at its Used Car Awards.
Editor of Auto Express, David Johns, explained why the i10 was chosen: “Few small models have such a big-car feel inside, and the grown-up dynamics make this one city car you won’t mind taking on long trips.
“Equipment is typically generous and you get the reassurance of the Korean brand’s brilliant five-year warranty.”
Hyundai’s Managing Director, Tony Whitehorn, said: “The Hyundai i10 is a firm favourite among British motorists and it has now received the recognition it deserves from industry experts.”
Prices for the i10 start at £7,725. The 1.2-litre manual engine offers economy of 57.6 mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.

Hyundai on the ball with schools in High Wycombe, and Africa

2010-07-31T11:39:00.004+01:00

* Hyundai donates 3,000 footballs to local schools in High Wycombe
* SOS Africa receives 5,000 new footballs and 50 new football kits
* Globally, Hyundai to deliver one million balls to African children

High Wycombe-based motor company Hyundai UK has been having a ball with local schools. To celebrate its sponsorship of the World Cup, Hyundai purchased 57,000 footballs – one for every car it sold last year. Many were used for ‘football scrappage’ at dealer events where old footballs were traded in for shiny new ones, but Hyundai made sure it had enough to keep children in the High Wycombe area happy too.

First to receive 200 footballs was Ash Hill Primary School. On the day that England was due to play Algeria in the World Cup, Hyundai invited a class of children to Hyundai HQ and handed out footballs and flags to each child.

Jennifer Gamble, Head Teacher of Ash Hill Primary School said: “The children had a wonderful day visiting the Hyundai head office. They were all so excited and the event really gave the children something to look forward to”.

Last week, Hyundai set to work pumping up over 3,000 footballs. An i800 people-carrier and i30 hatchback full of footballs were then taken to the children of - Booker Hill, Castlefield, Penn, The Wycombe Grange, Bowerdean Nursery, Walters Ash, Hamilton, King's Wood and Chepping View schools.

Hyundai UK’s Managing Director, Tony Whitehorn, said: “We decided to take up this initiative to show our commitment to caring for the local community. We plan to work closely in the future with local schools on further projects”.

As well as making the children of High Wycombe smile, Hyundai also knew how important it was to help children in host nation South Africa. Hyundai UK donated 5,000 new footballs and 50 new school football kits to SOS Africa. On a global scale, Hyundai Motor will donate a total of one million footballs to African children.

SOS Africa is a small, non-profit, volunteer-run charitable organisation that funds the education and care of underprivileged African township children. Football legend John Barnes is currently helping distribute the footballs in South Africa.

Want to save up to 25% on fuel? You can with a Ford Econo Check

2010-07-31T11:04:00.007+01:00

umption

We now offer a Ford Econo Check for only £29.99, which can help reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25%

FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE

GERMANY'S BEST QUALITY CAR IS..... A HYUNDAI

2010-07-31T09:41:00.004+01:00

When the Germans think of a quality car, there’s only one brand that now springs to mind – Hyundai. Leading German motoring magazine AutoBild, has awarded Hyundai the honour of first-place in its annual AutoBild Quality Report for 2010.

Hyundai eclipsed its rival Toyota and edged out local manufacturers BMW and Audi to take the prestigious award based on a comprehensive analysis of reliability, long-term quality and customer satisfaction.

AutoBild's annual list evaluates seven key criteria, each weighted equally, including feedback received from 9278 owners, manufacturer warranty provisioning, recall information, and data from Germany's Technische Uberwachung Verein report (TÜV) based on no less than 7.5 million vehicle inspections.

Considered to be one of the most respected industry quality surveys and endorsed by a fastidious German audience, the award further demonstrates the gains Hyundai has made in consistently improving the quality of its products, service and support available to its owners.

It’s not just in Germany that Hyundai’s quality has been applauded. Here in Britain, the i30 recently took first place in the Driver Power Top 100 survey, a customer satisfaction survey conducted by AutoBild’s sister magazine, Auto Express. This confirmed the findings of Which? consumer guide whose subscribers revealed i30 to be Britain’s most reliable medium-sized car.

Platts Hyundai

ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS REACHES NEW HEIGHTS ON TEST

2010-07-31T09:22:00.001+01:00

The next generation Ford Focus has been tested in some of the most extreme locations on the planet. It’s been thrashed over frozen arctic lakes, hammered across the hottest deserts, and driven overloaded up and down high Alpine passes to ensure impeccable reliability and dependability wherever it is sold…

Altitude affects cars in the same way it affects humans. The higher you climb, the less oxygen there is in the air and it becomes harder to breathe and function. Ford demands its products meet high standards of performance at all altitudes which is why the company frequently heads to the Austrian Alps and to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

Completed in 1935, this breathtaking and beautiful ribbon of tarmac weaves its way right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, before terminating opposite the tallest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner (3,798m) and its glacier, the Pasterze.

At 48km long, with 36 challenging bends and a maximum altitude of 2,504 metres, this masterpiece of road engineering is a mecca for motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts. It's also the perfect location to carry out altitude testing on the next generation Ford Focus.

Ford vehicle integration engineer Bernd Herweling is here for two weeks, driving 200km up and down the hill every day. “We’re here testing next generation Focus with a variety of powertrains, both petrol and diesel," he explains. "We’re evaluating driveability on steep mountain roads from a customer perspective. The bottom line is we’re here to find out how the car performs driving up and down seriously steep hills.

Platts

Santa Fe Tows away award

2010-07-31T09:17:00.001+01:00

* Hyundai Santa Fe wins prestigious award for towing capabilities
* Industry experts praise standard equipment, performanceand value
* Lower fuel consumption than many family cars, grip of a 4x4

It’s not just memories of the bitter winter weather which are making 4x4 vehicles a popular choice for British buyers. More and more are choosing to discover the delights of Britainrather than go abroad on holiday - and they want a car which can keep up with their leisure activities.

According to a panel of experts the Hyundai Santa Fe could well be the perfect choice for these adventurous ‘staycationers’. The family 4x4 has just been named as the ‘Best Value 4x4 of the Year’by a panel of judges from the Caravan and Camping Club and from magazines What Car? and Practical Caravan.

What Car?’s Editor-in-Chief, Steve Fowler explained why the Santa Fe is a worthy winner of this accolade:

"TheSanta Fethoroughly deserves its award as the best value 4x4. You know the Santa Fe is a good towcar after just a few miles, but it's easy to miss just how good until you consider the price.

“For more than £10,000 less than the XC60, and nearly £20,000 less than the Land Rover Discovery, this is a car that will happily tow the majority of caravans, has room for seven and an enviable list of standard equipment. You can expect 41.5mpg driving solo, according to official figures. That's excellent for a car which weighs the thick-end of two tonnes."

Hyundai UK’s managing director Tony Whitehorn said; “We are delighted to win this prestigious award. We know the Santa Fe is a popular choice for owners who like to get hitched, and we have worked hard to make it the best possible package.

“The Santa Fe offers a great mix of supercar torque and hatchback fuel economy, as well as being a spacious and extremely capable family car.”

The Hyundai Santa Fe range starts at £21,620 and is available with five or seven seats and six speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Platts Hyundai

Platts WOW the crowds at High Wycombe Motorshow

2010-06-22T14:56:00.013+01:00

Platts Motor Company wowed the crowds at High Wycombe Motor show with their World cup inspired display of new Hyundai Vehicles.

Amongst the vehicle on display was the specially commissioned Hyundai i10 "football car" and the i30 specially designed to commemorate Hyundai's huge involvement with the World Cup in South Africa. Running throughout the total we eked was the chance to win an official Hyundai 2010 World Cup Football. Fantastically over 500 Children went away with these for free!!!

Platts had all the Hyundai Models on display and were rewarded with fantastic feedback from the public on their display of cars.

Also taking place this weekend was the presentation of the latest Support Vehicles for the High Wycombe and Marlow PCSO's. These Hyundai i20's will be used to aid with Crime reduction programmes running in our area.

In addition to all the new cars on display Platts also ran an "iCheck" event at the show this weekend. "iCheck" is a scheme run by Hyundai to raise awareness of vehicle care issues that people often are not aware of. Members of the public who had the opportunity to speak to the iCheck adviser where presented with offer vouchers and a free High Visibility Jacket

On another stand High Wycombe based Sign writers Sign-a-Rama showed their prowess by wrapping a Hyundai i20 supplied by Platts to High Wycombe Cricket Club for them to use for their Cricket in the Community Programme.

Platts Sponsors Local Rowers to World level

2010-06-11T08:06:00.004+01:00

As the build-up continues towards London 2012 Marlow businessman Jim Platt has decided to play his part in supporting sport at world-class level. The chairman of Platts of Marlow has donated a Hyundai four-wheel drive vehicle to Leander Club in Henley, where it will be used by Director of Rowing Mark Banks, who is coach to the current world champion men's four.

Banks combines his position at Leander with his international coaching duties all over the world. As a result he spends his time moving from one training venue to another, usually with a boot-load of kit, so an efficient vehicle is absolutely essential.

At the handover ceremony earlier in the week Mr Platt paid tribute to the efforts of local sportsmen and women who will be bidding for glory when the Olympic regatta gets under way in just over two years time. Four of those athletes - world gold medallists Alex Partridge, Rick Egington, Alex Gregory and Matt Langridge were on hand to see their coach receive his new car.
"GB rowers topped the medal table at the Olympic regatta in Beijing and I'm delighted to be able to do my bit to help them try and better that performance in 2012" said Mr Platt.
Leander Club spokesman Robert Treharne Jones emphasised how local businesses could play their part in the continuing success of Britain's rowers.

"Much of the club's success has been due to the robust infrastructure we have been able to build up over many years' experience. Of course some big companies are involved at national level, but as Leander continues to be the major feeder club for Team GB we very much rely on the support of local businesses to help put together this complex jigsaw" he said.

The public has voted - Hyundai's i30 is the most satisfying car in Britain

2010-04-16T08:11:00.007+01:00

The i30 shot straight to the number one slot in the Driver Power Top 100 to be named the most satisfying car to own by the people who should reallyknow, the drivers who run them.

Completed by over 23,000 drivers, the Driver Power survey is compiled byAuto Express, the UK's best-selling weekly motoring magazine, and is considered to be Britain's definitive poll on car reliability andsatisfaction.The i30 beat all other brands, including a raft of prestige marques and last year's winner, the Jaguar XF. It's the first time a Korean maker has won in the nine year history of the survey.

Hyundai as a brand made the biggest overall leap up the charts, jumping 12places to finish sixth. Auto Express editor-in-chief David Johns said: "Congratulations to Hyundai.This is a huge breakthrough for the brand. Over the years, owners have told us how reliable their cars are and what good value they are too. But thisis the final proof that they can now match that with real all-round satisfaction."It's not just Auto Express readers who think the i30 is satisfying to own ?readers of Which? also voted it as the most reliable medium-sized car in apoll published late in 2009.

Hyundai UK's managing director Tony Whitehorn said: "Thousands of new buyers have defected to Hyundai recently and they are genuinely surprised at the quality of the cars. Owners are recommending Hyundai to their friends and neighbours and it is through this word-of-mouth recommendation that the brand is becoming so popular so quickly."

The Hyundai i30 range starts at £12,300 and includes a five-door hatchbackand estate variants. Engines include an advanced turbodiesel offeringeconomy of more than 60 mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.

Platts customer is a national winner!

2010-03-02T08:24:00.004Z

Our Sales Director Jon Jones presents Mr Trigg with his winning prize.

Mr Trigg of High Wycombe was selected at random from a group of customers that took part in a new car test driving incentive that took place at Platts, the prize was some holiday vouchers.

Mr Trigg who is looking forward to retiring this year to enjoy his passion for golf said "the vouchers would be used to pay for a nice weekend break in the early spring"

We hope Mr Trigg has a great weekend away and further enjoys his recently purchased car long into his retirement.

Hyundai wins Award - UK Car Maker of the Year

2010-02-19T08:18:00.004Z

Platts are delighted to be able to inform you that Hyundai was the outright winner in the AM Award ceremony last night for Car Maker of the Year.
Hyundai fought off the other nominees which included Ford, Land Rover, Kia and Jaguar to take this prestigious award from the highly acclaimed AM publication.
This is fantastic news for the brand as they become more and more of a mainstream manufacturer. It is also great news for us as a dealerships as such recognition adds true value to your businesses as our credibility soars.
The award was on the back of our tremendous sales success last year where we were the fastest growing brand in the industry. On a number of occasions Hyundai outsold every other Manufacturer to take the number one position in the retail car market.
This Award is of particular merit as it is an award from the motor industry recognising one of their own.

Platts Hyundai

Trade & Upgrade or Happy Returns - Hyundai set to shock the industry once again

2010-02-17T09:31:00.002Z

* Scrappage buyers offered a new car for just £499
* £2,000 part on exchange all new Hyundai cars – even without government contribution
* Set to bring thousands more customers to the brand

Hyundai is set to build on its industry-leading scrappage success with ground-breaking schemes which will help even more customers afford a new Hyundai.

These include Trade & Upgrade, which allows buyers the same £2,000 part exchange allowance as scrappage customers even after the government scheme ends, and Happy Returns, which offers Hyundai’s existing scrappage customers the chance to swap to a new ‘10’ registration in March for as little as £499.

“We have learnt some valuable lessons from the 33,000 people who have bought cars from us under the scrappage scheme” said Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai’s managing director in the UK. “They love transparent pricing. They hate haggling. And if they see a good deal they will snap it up. What we are offering post scrappage will build on this experience and will change the way cars are bought in the UK for ever.”

Trade & Upgrade will offer the 6.4 million owners of seven to 10 year old cars in Britain the same £2,000 allowance offered to scrappage customers.

Unlike similar schemes from other manufacturers, Trade & Upgrade allows buyers to choose any new car from the Hyundai range, not just the more expensive models.

It’s not only old car drivers who can benefit. Happy Returns will allow those who were savvy enough to buy a Hyundai using scrappage another chance to pick up an unbeatable deal and own another new Hyundai.

Owners who bought a new i10, i20 and i30 last year will be invited to swap it for a brand new Hyundai wearing the new ‘10’ registration. The swap can be made any time up until the car’s first anniversary, saving the customer the cost of the first service and tax disc renewal. The new car will of course also have a new five year warranty.

The customer’s contribution to the deal will be £499 for an i10, £599 for an i20 or £749 for an i30. Customers will be able to trade up and down the range if they want to switch to a different car or add options.

Once the price of a service and tax disc are taken into account, it could mean that the ‘cost to change’ for an i10 customer could be around £250 – that’s just £20 per month in depreciation. For the i20, buyers will be upgrading to a 2010 model year car with ESP as standard and an improved interior.

The scheme has been made possible because of the exceptional residual values of Hyundai ‘i’ cars and the high demand for quality used cars in the Hyundai network.

There is a further treat in store for existing Hyundai customers. All 33,000 buyers who made use of scrappage will be sent a ‘Friends and Family’ voucher which will allow them to give relations and acquaintances something more than just good car-buying advice. They will also be able to offer a £250 voucher to spend on any new Hyundai.

“Our scrappage customers have an expectation of what a Hyundai will be like, and they are amazed at the quality and technology they are getting” said Whitehorn. “As a result they have become our best advocates. We want to reward them and allow thousands more drivers to own a new Hyundai.”

HYUNDAI'S EVOLUTION CONTINUES WITH THE i-flow

2010-02-17T09:29:00.005Z

* Stunning new concept car for Geneva debut
* Hints at future D-segment saloon

An all-new concept car is set to catch the ‘i’ of visitors to the Geneva Motor Show next month. Hyundai has chosen the event to reveal the i-flow, a stylish saloon that previews the look of its new D-segment contender.

Styled at the company’s European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, i-flow is expected to attract much attention, thanks to its striking appearance – the latest product of the company’s evocative new form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. The name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines of the concept car’s eye-catching styling, and retains the ‘i’ prefix of Hyundai’s established nomenclature.

The i-flow incorporates numerous new technologies from chemical company BASF, ranging from innovative lightweight materials to solar cells, to assist in reducing weight and improving energy efficiency.

Scrappage Deadline Exteneded to 31st March 2010

2010-02-08T16:42:00.003Z

The Government has just announced that their scrappage scheme will be extended until 31st March 2010, as the fund they had allocated has not yet been exhausted, and was unlikely to be by the original deadline of 28th February.

However, they have stated that this will definitely be the final deadline, even if there is some of the fund left by that date.

So you only have weeks to take advantage of this unique offer.

Had an accident - been told there is a long delay - we maybe able to help

2010-01-26T12:10:00.007Z

Due to the recent bad weather you won't be surprised to hear that there has been a significant increase in the number of accidents on the roads.

This means that in some areas there are now very long lead times to getting vehicle accident damage repaired.

We may be able to help as we use several bodyshops in the area, ones that we know and trust, and we can place the work with the one that is able to get the job done the quickest. Minimising your inconvenience.

1. We do work for all insurance companies*
2. We provide FREE estimates
3. We have courtesy cars for customers use**

You can have the work carried out at any recognised bodyshop, irrespective of what your insurance company may say. It is your legal right.

You have nothing to lose, so give us a call.

* There may an insurance company out there that we cannot do work for, but we haven't come across them yet.
** Courtesy cars are subject to status and avialability.

Scrappage, like all good things, must come to an end.

2010-01-22T16:19:00.012Z

It doesn't seem possible that nearly 9 months have passed and that the amazingly successful Government Scrappage scheme is nearly at an end.

The scheme, tasked with removing polluting older vehicles from the road, gives access to discounts no less than £2000 from more modern, more environmentally friendly cars.

With close to 1000 scrappage orders already passing through our books we are keen for everyone who can qualify to take advantage.

There is now only 5 weeks to go before the end date. This means now really is your last chance to take advantage of the government backed scheme. Every New Car we can sell qualifies for the scrap scheme. With a brand new, Air Conditioned, car available from as little as £5,695 it is really amazing what you can get for your money.

All you need to qualify is to have owned your taxed and MOT'd car, that was registered before 28th Feb 2000, for at least a year. We will take care of the rest.

It really is that easy.

New Military Discounts for Ford Vehicles in 2010

2010-01-18T11:55:00.003Z

Many Ministry of Defence (MOD) staff are unaware of the large savings they can make when purchasing a new Ford Vehicle. In the past, these great savings had only been available on vehicles exported to bases outside the UK. But now these offers are available on vehicles that are supplied within the UK.

The 2010 Military Sales, Tax Free and Tax Paid Programme has just been launched and we are pleased to confirm that these military savings can also be included with the Scrappage Scheme.

Just look at the savings you can enjoy on a new Ford vehicle from Platts Motor Company, Marlow:

Click here to see the current Discount matrix

New Ford Focus announced at Detroit Motor Show

2010-01-13T10:27:00.002Z

The third-generation Ford Focus, to be launched in the UK at the beginning of 2011, has been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Autocar have uploaded a YouTube clip of the display.

Hyundai's special edition Edition additions

2009-12-22T12:59:00.006Z

* Three new special editions added to Hyundai line-up
* More style and equipment for i10, i20 and i30
* Arriving in showrooms in January

What better way to see in the New Year than with a new range of high value, well-equipped special editions?

Set to arrive at retailers in January, new special edition variants of Hyundai’s best selling i10, i20 and i30 ranges offer new stylish looks, great driving characteristics and excellent levels of comfort and safety.

What’s more, the flagship of the Edition range – the i30 – gets an exclusive new sporty look. A modified front grille, hexagonal air intake and sculpted fog lamps, plus side skirts and a new rear bumper incorporating twin exhaust trims are features found only on this model.

Priced from £13,400 on-the-road (with VAT at the higher 17.5% rate), the i30 Edition is over £4,000 cheaper than an entry-level Ford Focus, yet the list of standard equipment is comprehensive. As well as the exterior enhancements, standard kit includes stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, sports pedals, a chrome-finished gearknob, electric windows all round, remote central locking, electric heated door mirrors and a six-speaker stereo-radio CD player with Aux and USB connections and steering wheel audio controls. Like all models in the i30 range, it also includes life-saving ESP as standard, along with active front head restraints and six airbags.

Engine choices are 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol, or Hyundai’s acclaimed 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, which offers sub-119g/km emissions. A stop-start system is available as a £200 option on all models, dropping emissions lower and saving even more fuel.

The i20 Edition, available with Hyundai’s advanced 1.2-litre petrol engine, is offered as both a three and five-door and also benefits from incredible levels of standard equipment.

Priced from £10,565 on-the-road, over £700 cheaper than an entry-level Ford Fiesta, the i20 Edition benefits from plush half-leather seat trim, air conditioning, coloured interior detailing, electric windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel audio controls, a CD-radio with Aux and USB connections and remote central locking – luxuries normally found in much more expensive models.

Exterior enhancements include front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels, plus two optional exterior colours exclusive to Edition models – Crystal White and Ice Blue.

Benefiting from a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, the i20 Edition looks after its occupants with standard ESP, active front seat head restraints and six airbags.

The i10 Edition, priced at £8,425 on-the-road, arrives with a level of standard equipment that puts many bigger cars to shame. As well as smart 14-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, body side mouldings and front fog lights, the i10 Edition also has remote central locking, colourful interior detailing, air conditioning, electric windows, a height-adjustable drivers’ seat and a leather steering wheel and gearknob. Powered by a 1.1-litre petrol engine, the i10 has emissions of just 119g/km, meaning a tax disc will cost just £35 per year.

All of the Edition models also benefit from Hyundai’s famed five-year warranty.

But The Accident Wasn't My Fault

2009-12-18T11:22:00.004Z

There is nothing worse than being involved in an accident that wasn't your fault. Dealing with the insurance company of the 3rd party can be very time consuming and hard work - they will use all sorts of tactics to delay payment and minimise their costs. What you really need is a expert to assist you, and to achieve the best outcome.

That's where we can help.

On your behalf we will instruct an accident management company, completely independent of the insurance industry, who will make sure that you and your vehicle are looked after properly i.e. a FREE courtesy vehicle whilst yours is off the road, compensation for any injuries that you suffered, and make sure your vehicle is repaired properly, without the short cuts sometimes taken by the insurance industry (with the aim of saving them cost at the expense of the quality of the repair to your vehicle).

Other benefits may include vehicle recovery, full legal representation, loss of earnings, recovery of insurnace excess and no claims bonus protection, plus compensation for any other uninsured losses you may have incurred. All at no cost to yourself.