Welcome to November’s edition of The Steer: our monthly round up of motoring news.
While the biggest story in most offices seems to be the impending arrival of Christmas, there’s been some pretty interesting stuff happening in the world of motoring. We have the second episode of The Shortcut, where Danny Gee takes the new Skoda Citigo Colour Edition for a spin around the historic sites of Newcastle city centre, as well as two huge launches from the Vauxhall stable. And that’s just for starters…
Electric dreams becoming a reality
We’ve been flying the flag for electric cars for some time now, with the Lookers Electric Charge succeeding not only to raise a lot of money for a worthy cause (more on that next time) but also in highlighting the many benefits of going electric. Well it seems a huge number of you are also getting on board the electric revolution, with new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing that nearly 30,000 alternatively-fuelled vehicles were sold in the three months to September, which was a 28.6% increase on the previous quarter, while demand for pure-electric cars rose by 8.3%.
Many questions still remain in terms of achieving mass appeal, particularly following news last month that the UK Government was cutting grants for low emission vehicles earlier than expected. However, the fact that brands are continuing to reassert their support for electric cars in the shape of billions of pounds of investment, and fuel providers like Shell continue to roll out their programme of ultra-fast charging points, the EV conversation looks set to loom even larger in 2019.
Mythical Vauxhall launches in dealerships
The new special edition Vauxhall Corsa Griffin has launched across the Lookers Vauxhall network. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Corsa, this stunning version of the supermini boasts air conditioning, a seven-inch touch screen, automatic lights and a heated steering wheel among other refinements. And what’s more it costs only slightly more than the entry model, starting at just £11,695.
It’s a busy period for Vauxhall as it also launches the Vauxhall Combo in the commercial space. This is the long-awaited replacement for the previous Combo and has already proven to be one of the best small vans on the market, both functionally and dynamically. When the new engine range comes on stream, it’ll be a very difficult package to beat, matched only by its PSA sister vehicles for driver appeal and practicality.
When the new engine range comes on stream, it’ll be a very difficult package to beat, matched only by its PSA sister vehicles for driver appeal and practicality.Why not see for yourself by test driving the Vauxhall Corsa Griffin or Vauxhall Combo at your local Lookers Vauxhall dealership.
Motorists ignoring 20mph limits
It’s usually around this time of year that we tend to spot more accidents on the road. Last minute Christmas shopping and the rush of pre-January sales is often reflected in the behaviour of road users up and down the country. Which is precisely why warnings about speed find their way into our consciousness more than at any other time of the year. The latest comes from the Department of Transport (DfT) which has revealed that a staggering 86% of all journeys made through 20mph zones last year broke the speed limit. Largely the mainstay of residential areas and schools, it’s a worrying trend.
What’s more, in 30mph zones more than half (52%) of journeys were made at speeds over the limit. Added to that Highways England estimate that 12% of casualties on England’s major roads are caused by tailgaters, prompting the organisation to launch a campaign raising awareness of the dangers. So, when you’re dashing through the snow (ok, maybe that’s a bit optimistic), make sure to take extra care.
The Shortcut – Skoda Citigo
One of our Lookers bloggers, Danny Gee, is back with the second in our test drive series The Shortcut. This time he’s been out and about in the Skoda Citigo. Check out the video below to get the low down on this mighty fine car. You can also read the full blog post to find out more.
Lookers Kia celebrates top award for Motability excellence
Motability customers in Stockport can be sure of receiving award-winning customer service when they visit Lookers Kia, who has won a regional award for its work with the Motability Car Scheme. The accolade is part of a programme of awards, launched last year by Motability Operations, to recognise and reward outstanding customer service provided by local Motability dealerships.
The Dealer Awards programme is designed to reward best practice and ensure all Motability customers receive exemplary customer service across the Motability Scheme’s national dealer network.
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