Eco

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The Week In Motoring #8
The Week In Motoring #8 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/featured-8.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Land Rover’s Latest Innovation

Land Rover has revealed that they have developed an innovation that will allow drivers to see through their own bonnets and view the terrain below with the use of augmented technology.

The car giant claims that the new technology will render the bonnet ‘virtually’ invisible from inside the vehicle. Whilst this may not be of significant use to road users, Land Rover do say that it will considerably enhance their vehicles’ off-road ability.

Land Rover’s director of research and technology, Dr. Wolfgang Epple has said of the technology, ‘As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car to continue to progress over any terrain.’ He goes on to exclaim how technology will hold a key part in the future of the motor industry: ‘We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic that the automotive industry has ever experienced. There will be huge strides in environmental innovation in safety and capability.’

The transparent bonnet, along with a whole host of new technologies, is to be showcased at the New York International Motorshow which gets under way on April 16th.

Record First Quarter for Mercedes Vans

The number of Mercedes vans registered in the first quarter of 2014 is 12.5% up on the same period last year. Totalling 6,619 units and marking the fifth consecutive quarter that Mercedes has experienced growth for their vans, this sets a record high for the German manufacturer.

Additionally, parts, 24hour roadside recovery and sales of service contracts have all also experienced very solid first quarters, with the latter achieving 178% of its targets.

The managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Steve Bridge, attributes the record breaking start to 2014 to the “hard work and commitment of a fantastic team.”

Ultra-Low Emission Zone to Arrive in London

London is to become the first city in the world to have an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) which would encompass all types of vehicles. The zone will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is expected to cover an area of central London similar to the current Congestion Charge zone.

Transport for London are currently gaining stakeholders’ views on the proposal before publishing the consultation document next year and a ULEZ order next year (2015). This would then allow fleets 5 years to change their transport operations to ensure that their vehicles comply with new rules before the ULEZ takes effect in 2020.

The new Euro 6 compliance standards for mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) is expected to be the key entry requirement into the ULEZ. With over 25% of road NOx emissions in central London being accounted for by cars and vans, the Euro 6 compliance standards are seen as vitally important to aiding the reduction of bad emissions by reducing NOx by up to 70%.

Autocar raise the valid point that it’s “another step towards banning older diesel and petrol-powered private cars from the city centre” posing sigificant financial implications for many ordinary Londoners.

Faced with such changes to legislation and regulations, it’s no wonder leasing is fast becoming a preferred means of motoring, offering not just flexibility, but reassurance and compliance too. Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss how leasing can be of benefit to you.

Car of the Week

Our car of the week this week is this super Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch – available to lease, or purchase:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage 190
Engine 1.2L
Fuel Petrol
Gearbox Manual
Consumption (combined) 51.4mpg
CO2 emissions 129g/km
0-62mph 13.6 seconds
Engine Power 85bhp
Colour Carbon Flash Black

Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2VVTi 5Dr Hatch

This super runabout is available on 4-year and 3-year lease deals. If you’d like to book a test drive or talk to us out about the options, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.

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The Week In Motoring #5
The Week In Motoring #5 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/taxi.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

100% Electric Nissan e-NV200 Taxi Heads for Amsterdam

Amsterdam-based Taxi Electric is to become the first private taxi company to add the Nissan e-NV200 taxi to its fleet of zero emission taxis.

The 100% electric e-NV200 taxi will join the 25 LEAFs that Taxi Electric have been using since it became the first private taxi company to operate a fleet of 100% electric taxis in November 2011.

Reliability has not been an issue for the company who have amassed over 1.5million KM since going completely electric which Andy Palmer, European vice President of Nissan says is testament to Nissan’s electric technology.

“(Taxi Electric) have covered an astonishing distance in their fleet in such a short time and have shown just how reliable our electric technology is in a demanding environment. Their pioneering spirit closely matches ours and we are certain they will continue their success with the ground-breaking Nissan e-NV200.”

Cars on UK Roads Reaches 10-year high

2013 saw a 1.4% rise in the number of cars on UK roads reaching a total of 31,917,885 units – over 436,000 up on 2012. Not only demonstrating a 10-year high in industry growth, they also reflect greater vehicle longevity.

It’s said that improvements in car reliability as well as several economic factors have seen the lifespan of cars significantly extended – the average age now being a year older compared to a decade ago. Additionally, numbers of cars over 12 years old rose by a staggering 11.3% in 2012 further proof that cars are being kept on the road for longer.

Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, added ‘With more cars bought and less scraped in recent years, the total number on UK roads reached an all time high last year.’

Formula 1 Returns

Looking ahead, we’re very much looking forward to the upcoming Formula 1 season that gets underway this weekend in Melbourne. Let’s face it, the last four seasons have hardly been filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement as Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull has calmly jogged to four consecutive world titles, but there have been murmurings that this season’s championships is set to be one of the most exhilarating in 30 years.

We suggest that this sense of anticipation is down to the sheer unpredictability of the year ahead. New engines, new rules, new regulations, new drivers; this really is impossible to call.

Some bookies have Lewis Hamilton down as a potential favourite for the title but it would still take a brave punter to lump on with him at this early stage. Perhaps most encouraging for those wanting a more competitive season this year is the fact that Red Bull are still experiencing significant issues with their latest car, the RB10, meaning that we are unlikely to see Vettel with one hand on the championship trophy as we enter June.

The RedBull RB10

Whatever happens this year, we can’t wait. But what about you? Are you excited for the new season or have recent years meant you’ve found a better way to spend your Sunday afternoons?

Predictions:
• Drivers Championship:– Lewis Hamilton
• Constructors Championship:– Mercedes

Car of the Week

Our vehicle of the week is the excellent Kia Cee’d – we have two on loan as demonstrators at our showroom at the moment. Here’s the spec. of the vehicle we’ve been driving:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage New
Engine 1.6L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Manual
Body Hatchback
Colour Black

Kia C'eed

You can read our full profile on this vehicle here (and watch the video too!). If you’d like to book a test drive and talk to us out about our latest leasing options, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.

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Top Marques in Windsor’s Great Park
Top Marques in Windsor’s Great Park https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Windsor-Park-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This week in Windsor we have been privileged with some gorgeous blue skies and sparkling sun – welcome respite from the rain and floods that hit our area and caused so many problems for local residents.

As every Brit knows, the sun only has to pretend to get its hat on, and out come our sun cream and shades. True to form and embracing our national heritage, we took the opportunity to make the short journey up to Windsor Great Park with our Mercedes E300 and Bentley Continental GTC.

We really are blessed with some wonderful attractions here in Windsor, perhaps none more prestigious than the Castle, the Great Park only adding to the grandeur. Spanning over 5,000 acres of open land and dating back to the 13th Century, The Great Park is one of the true prides of our area.

Having taken our cars up to the Park, it was a joy to watch all the dog walkers rambling across the open fields in their country attire: flat caps, Barbour jackets, Hunter boots, the lot. Jack Russells sprinting after sticks, chasing rabbits and rolling in the grass. Golden Labradors obediently trotting alongside their owners and German Shepherds arrogantly strutting ahead of the pack. The trees, still bare from winter, beamed with authority against the clear blue sky, standing to attention like wise old men guarding their grounds. The privilege was all ours.

Bentley Continental GTc 6.0 W12 Supersports 2dr Auto – full Mulliner Driving Spec

There isn’t much that you can say about this vehicle that hasn’t already been said before. Elegant. Beautiful. Luxurious. Powerful. Mesmerising. I could go on.

Just the other day, Bentley’s attention to fine detail was showcased by a programme on Radio 4 relating how the indicator on the car has been designed to emulate the sound of a ticking antique clock. Such precision is tribute to how every aspect of the Bentley has been meticulously crafted to ensure it reaches the very highest standards of design and workmanship.

Bentley

A Bentley, in Windsor, in The Great Park. …Just magnificent!

For more information, or to enquire about purchasing our Bentley Continental please click here or call WVL Director Ben Newton today on 01753 851561.

Mercedes-Benz E Class E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport 5dr Tip Auto 2.1

With the Mercedes E300 we have another example of dazzling vehicle engineering and design, this time from Germany. Quiet as a mouse with a ride as smooth as the finest ground coffee, this car is everything a hybrid should be and more.

Aesthetically, Mercedes have managed to merge together both sport and sophistication. The exterior a sleek, sporty shell that cocoons the more executive interior. Comfort, luxury and quality personified, this is a cabin to suit any senior exec. looking to lease a company car.

The practicality of this car is perhaps best highlighted by the large load space at the rear – the E300 is capacious enough to fit the whole family, the dog, your trusty picnic table and much more to boot. In terms of performance, the ride is enjoyable without being too firm, and amply powered to be responsive and quick off the mark.

Merc-E300

The Mercedes E300 is a great all-rounder fit for any purpose. If you’re interested in leasing this vehicle then please click here for more information or call our Leasing Team today on 01753 851561 and ask for Ryan, Lorna, Alan or Peter.

For sales enquires please click here to see it on our Sales site or call WVL Director Ben Newton today on 01753 851561.

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Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera
Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ampera.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

With the Vauxhall Ampera winning the coveted European Car of the Year 2012, we now look at its 2013 successor. WVL’s Account Manager, Alan Robinson, puts the car through its paces and reports back for the blog!

The Test Drive
Having driven the Vauxhall Ampera over the last week I can safely say that I absolutely love it. It’s solid and comfortable, easy to drive and, being electric, very quiet. There are no worries about running out of battery power either because it has a petrol generator under the bonnet. This means that there is a range of 300 miles so there was no need to look for a socket to plug it in every 30 miles on my way to down south last weekend!

The car looks good inside and out while acceleration is very smooth and very fast. Leather upholstery and heated seats are standard across the range and the model I drove also had satellite navigation which helped me when I got lost in Brighton. The only thing that didn’t suit me was the numerous buttons on the centre console but I guess that’s just me…

With a 25-50 mile range on electric and an ‘extended range mode’ of over 350 miles when the petrol-generated motor kicks in you need never experience what is known as ‘range anxiety’ when driving the Ampera. When the battery runs low there is a seamless and unnoticeable changeover as the petrol generator kicks in – a fantastic coup.

ampera-driving
Vauxhall Ampera

 

Figures

CO₂ 27g/km
MPG 235.4
Transmission Automatic
Engine 0cc
Fuel Electric ER

ampera-refueling

 

Personal Tax Position

Monthly Benefit In Kind
% Rate BIK Value 20% Tax Rate 40% Tax Rate 45% Tax Rate
5 £1,771 £29 £59 £66

 

Options
The Ampera is available in two different models: the Positiv and the Electron. The Electron is a more ‘advanced’ model of the Ampera, with its additional features mainly surrounding entertainment with improved speakers, a DVD player and an inbuilt Hard Drive Device (HDD). The Electron starts from £30,495 compared to £28,750 for the Positiv. Contact us for the latest leasing deals on this vehicle.

The basic colour is Solid Black, but additional colours are available ranging from £275.00 for Summit White to £995.00 for Crystal Red.

Whether you’re looking to buy – or lease – an Ampera, it’s well worth a test drive. Call us today on 01753 851 561 to book yours! 

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Eco Feature: Going Green… and the new BMW i3
Eco Feature: Going Green… and the new BMW i3 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/i3.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

When you consider that we live in an ever increasingly environmentally conscious society, it’s a wonder that people are seemingly so reserved when it comes to acquiring green cars.

In the UK motor industry just 1.5% of cars sold are accounted for by electric and hybrid cars and, although there has been slow and steady market growth at home, across the channel in Europe sales of green cars are down 5% from last year. Which begs the question, why?

The lack of sales is a conundrum that the government are keen to solve which has led to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) being granted a further £500million to develop a more effective strategy aimed at increasing the uptake of low emission vehicles. This is to be carried out in the 5 year period between 2015 – 2020.

To aid them in their task, OLEV have been seeking feedback from various external bodies as to how best to invest the money. Representatives from the BVRLA have stated that “more resource is needed to be put behind information campaigns and fleet training so that many misconceptions around electric vehicles can be corrected.” Among the suggested incentives that OLEV have been advised to implement are the following; tax incentives for companies to install charging points, reinstate 100% FYA for leased or rented ultra-low emission vehicles and to provide subsidised or free EV parking.

Trying to encourage consumers and businesses to acquire greener cars is nothing new: in 2002 the chancellor announced changes to company car tax with the main intention of encouraging employers and company car drivers to choose cars with low CO₂ emissions. The basic premise of the tax is: the lower the harmful emissions, the lower the tax. These company tax benefits are the primary reason that the majority of electric car sales in the UK are for fleet or company car use.

i3-montage

All eyes are on BMW’s i3
From a manufacturer’s point of view there has been a lot of excitement and hype around the newly released BMW i3. Having first released plans for the i3 in 2007 and having spent $2billion in development, the car is now being widely acclaimed for its innovation, with Topgear heralding it as a car that can ‘change open minds (with regards to green cars).’

BMW insist that the primary version of the i3 is the all electric model which has a range of between 80-100 miles, but there is also a range-enhancing version equipped with a petrol generator which, among other factors, is aimed at reducing range anxiety among drivers.

Since going on sale in September 2013, sales for the i3 have been very slow, with just 400 units being sold during November in Western Europe. However, experts say that this is not to do with consumer doubt and rather that BMW are consciously being slow in the production of the car for fear of their newly developed technology failing, resulting in numerous (rather embarrassing) recalls.

BMW have been quick to release confidence boosting figures of 10,000 orders having been taken around the world with a further 100,000 requests for test drives. Whatever the figures may be one thing is for sure: 2014 is going to be a big year for the i3… and a big year for green cars in general.

If you’re considering a greener option for your vehicle or fleet, call us to discuss the options, prices and benefits on 01753 851561.

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