Archive for the ‘BMW’ Category
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Mercedes-Benz has won an award for its outstanding customer service. The latest UKCSI survey published by the Institute of Customer Service recognises the carmaker as being the best automotive manufacturer in the country for its customer service. No other automotive brand was considered to serve its customers as well as the German marque, following the results of the not-for-profit organisation’s latest survey, which is compiled every 6 months through an online questionnaire of 26,000 UK consumers.
In addition to winning the Automotive UK Customer Satisfaction Award outright, Mercedes-Benz was placed 15th best Company in the UK for customer satisfaction. Other companies that featured in the top 15 included John Lewis, Waitrose and Virgin Atlantic.
Consumers were asked to rate a company on a host of criteria, which spanned from its products, how it handled customer enquiries to its reputation and the value its services represent. Much emphasis was placed on a company’s employees with consumers commenting on every aspect from their appearance and helpfulness to their competence and friendliness.
Mike Belk, Managing Director Customer Services Group Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “This award underlines our commitment to providing our customers with an unrivalled automotive retail experience and not only proves that we are class leaders in our sector, but also shows that we are one of the best companies in the UK for keeping customers satisfied.
“Our employees are continually working to raise the bar, both in the construction of pioneering vehicles and in the provision of exceptional service to our customers. So I am particularly proud that this survey recognises the quality and performance of all our UK employees.”
BMW road test reports
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BMW new and nearly new deals
What do you think? Do BMW deserve this award. What has been your experience of BMW? Let us know by submitting a comment below or by submitting a review on the BMW page of the website.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
BMW is to launch a ‘competition package’ to complement the launch of the all-new M3 model range next month.
The Competition Package will be available for its class-leading BMW M3 Coupé to enhance the model’s unparalleled driving dynamics. The package comprises a revised Electronic Damper Control with a new Sport setting which, when coupled with the 10mm lower suspension, improves the standard car’s already dynamic handling. A Dynamic Stability Control Plus system with subtly less electronic intervention than before allows for a more enthusiastic driving style. Exclusively designed 19-inch light alloy wheels, inspired by the popular E46 M3 CSL, complete the package.
The Competition Package is priced at £3,315 in addition to the standard BMW M3 Coupé’s £52,730 OTR price.
At the same time Auto Start-Stop technology comes as standard to all versions of BMW’s M3. The Coupé, Convertible and Saloon already feature Brake Energy Regeneration, lightweight engineering principles and on-demand use of ancillary systems to enhance all round efficiency. The introduction of Auto Start-Stop, on both manual and M DCT transmission-equipped cars, represents the first time a BMW model with more than four-cylinders and a transmission other than a six-speed manual has featured the technology. No other high performance car currently comes with this capability.
BMW M3 car leasing deals
BMW M3 road test reports
BMW M3 new and nearly new deals
The benefits of Auto Start-Stop for all BMW M3 models results in significant reductions in CO2 emissions and an improvement in fuel consumption from the EU5 compliant powerplant.
With this technology, the BMW M3 Coupé emissions are reduced from 285g/km of CO2 to 263g/km of CO2, while fuel efficiency is boosted to 25.2mpg combined from 23.7mpg combined. Obviously still rather thirsty, but this is a performance car after all.
All BMW M3 models equipped with the system go on sale 20 March, 2010.
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Thursday, December 17th, 2009
The Ford Focus 1998 – 2005 has been voted ‘Used Car of the Decade’ by CAP – the UK’s independent used car pricing experts.
A panel of judges comprising of used car market and vehicle valuation experts at CAP voted unanimously for the Focus, declaring it as the vehicle which set new standards of quality in the volume car market during the decade 2000 – 2009 and brought easily affordable excellence within reach of everyday used car buyers.
Launched in 1998, Ford Focus proved instantly popular. Awarded on very different grounds than the plethora of more familiar new car awards announced each year, the CAP Used Car of the Decade Award is the rarest and ultimate recognition of a vehicle’s contribution to personal transport in Britain.
CAP’s judging panel was looking for a car which excelled as an affordable and practical car, with a trusted reputation, sustained popularity and inspired product movement across the whole industry. The qualifying criteria for consideration in the judging process was:‘A used car model range that existed as a 3 year old car at any point during the decade from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2009’.
Mark Norman, chairman of the CAP judging panel, said: “The Focus shook up a conservative small family car sector in which the only truly desirable car had, for a long time, been the Volkswagen Golf. The introduction of the Focus was also a truly brave move by Ford. In reinventing their offering to that core sector Ford chose to drop the ‘Escort’ name, a brand which was woven into the fabric of British motoring.
“Instead of simply re-vamping this trusted name, Ford began with a blank sheet and created a new vehicle completely from scratch. Every aspect of the car was different from its predecessor, from the radical external styling to the new ‘command’ driving position.
“Careful thought went into every element in the new design, covering performance, comfort, safety and even security.
“And the legacy of the Ford Focus has been lasting. It is a vehicle whose design and execution has informed everything that followed. Other manufacturers are still bringing new cars to market today which clearly take cues and inspiration from the Focus even 12 years after its launch.
“As a used car it has satisfied every criteria for the demanding consumer who requires a true 5 seat family car that offers quality, comfort, performance, durability, reliability, safety, economy, practicality and style.
The CAP Used Cars of the Decade Awards 2000 – 2009
Small used car of the decade: Ford Ka 1996 – 2008
Robert Hester, CAP Black Book explains: “Introduced in 1996 the original Ford Ka’s popularity remains undiminished. This despite remaining essentially unaltered for 12 years, a period during which most of its rivals underwent at least one significant re-design in an effort to retain a sense of freshness. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the innovative styling of the Ka. With a design that could genuinely be labelled ‘cutting edge’ the Ka effectively dashed the old notion that small cars had to be like a utilitarian box on wheels. With both modern and retro aspects to its appearance – both inside and out – it was a truly original vehicle and one which seems as relevant today as when it was launched 13 years ago.
“The Ka scores on every measure of used car excellence, offering true affordability, low running costs and reliable simple engineering. The 1996 – 2008 Ford Ka offered something truly fresh to the small used car buyer as well as a reliably popular offering for the used car dealer. And it is a truly influential phenomenon, undeniably responsible in part for inspiring other manufacturers to design and build bold, quirky cars.”
Large used family car of the decade: Volkswagen Passat 1996 – 2005
Mark Blumer of Cap Black Book said:“Never the most stylistically exciting large car, the Volkswagen Passat nonetheless is a byword for quality. And the 1996 – 2005 model was a quantum leap forward in every area most important to the trade and the used car buyer. Volkswagen’s attention to detail meant that this Passat offered the sense of a prestige vehicle but at a mainstream purchase price. Legendary reliability means a deserved reputation as a dependable ‘workhorse’ and robust engineering and build quality means it is a safe bet even with mileage into six figures.
“The new range of diesel engines offered a leap forward in terms of the balance between performance and economy, a combination at the very heart of success in the used car market. This quality set the 1996 – 2005 Passat apart from many other cars in its sector which could often prove prohibitively expensive to live with. By offering prestige quality at a mainstream price this Passat also influenced other manufacturers to up their game in terms of the quality of their own offerings.”
Executive used car of the decade: Audi A3 2003 – 2008
Mark Norman of CAP comments: “In a sector which began to mushroom during the past decade, competition has never been so tough. But the 2003 – 2008 model Audi A3 stood head and shoulders above its rivals as a used car, providing a clear leap forward in design, engine choice and refinement. A true benchmark vehicle, the A3 effectively invented the concept of the small car in prestige guise and is therefore a genuine pioneer. It also achieved the unusual feat of re-positioning the brand from that of a high quality alternative to the mainstream to a credible and affordable alternative to a premium used car.
“With a design which appeals across all gender and ages, as a used car the 2003 – 2008 Audi A3 has brought the prospect of the highest engineering and build quality standards to those who would previously have ruled out choosing a prestige brand on the grounds that it would mean running a larger car than they needed. Never the cheapest used car purchase but the benefits of low depreciation are certainly realised when trade-in time arrives.”
Luxury used car of the decade: BMW X5 2000 – 2006
Mike Hind of CAP said: “The CAP used car of the decade awards distinguish the underlying and enduring ‘real life’ qualities of cars from the hype that surrounds the new car market. In this respect the 2000 – 2006 BMW X5 demonstrates how a used vehicle can transcend its original image as a new car when it reaches the used market. This X5 created a new benchmark by not feeling like a 4×4 to drive and instead providing a sporty, sure-footed road ride. It was the first vehicle of its kind that gave the sense of being specifically designed for the road and took the 4×4 straight out of the field and onto the motorway.
“Key to its appeal as a used car was its everyday usability, all underpinned by faultless build quality. This X5 has also been strongly influential in its marketplace by raising the bar for other manufacturers who have since clamoured to introduce new high quality, non-agricultural offerings while existing incumbents in the sector were forced to improve their own vehicles.
“For the used car buyer who does need a workhorse, with towing power and room for the whole family’s holiday load, the 2000 – 2006 BMW X5 provides it. But it also offers the opportunity to leave the green wellingtons and the horse box at home and enjoy driving as a pleasure in itself.”
Most improved used car brand of the decade: SEAT
Mike Hind of CAP comments: “SEAT began the decade with a dull range of cars, unchallenging to convention and a typically characterless European image. In a short time the Seat badge has been transplanted from a range of instantly forgettable vehicles onto a revitalised, youthful, high quality range of cars that have become genuinely desirable to used car buyers.
“The revised Ibiza heralded a move to bolder design and the Altea provided clues to a more distinctive future. But it was the introduction of the stylish and instantly recognisable Leon which signalled the complete revamping of the brand. Today, a used Seat is actively sought and chosen by buyers who care about what they drive instead of just opting for something cheap.
“One of the signs that Seat was hitting all the right notes as a brand in its own right was the gradual drift away from stressing its Volkswagen manufacturing pedigree so that today the typical used Seat buyer no longer needs such reassurance. The brand has earned its own reputation and that is exemplified by depreciation that matches the class leader in its principal sector.
“From zero to hero in just 10 years, the SEAT brand has rightfully earned a place on the shopping list of the discerning mainstream used car buyer.”
Posted in Audi, BMW, Ford, SEAT, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Monday, November 9th, 2009
BMW makes the most reliable cars, the latest research finds. According to exclusive study of more than a million vehicles by industry title Fleet News, the German carmaker was found to be the most reliable carmaker.
However Honda manufacture the UK’s most reliable car- the Accord-while Ford make the most dependable van-the Transit.
One of the biggest vehicle reliability survey in the country, quizzed companies involved in the contract hire and leasing sector and asked them to rate each vehicle they have on their fleet.
The data was revealed at a dinner in London last week– an event which saw the unveiling of the annual FN50 guide to the UK’s 50 largest contract hire and leasing companies.
In total, the reliability survey covered 840,000 cars and 183,000 light commercial vehicles. Tables of the top 10 most reliable cars and top five most reliable vans are listed below, as are tables for the most reliable car and van manufacturers.
Stephen Briers, editor of Fleet News said: “This survey is the largest of its kind in the country and is based on feedback from those who really know about the reliability of vehicles – people who run hundreds of thousands of vehicles over many hundreds of thousands of miles.”
The survey saw Honda score highly, with the Civic in top spot followed by the Jazz in third and Accord in fourth place. BMW was second and fifth with the 3 Series and 5 Series respectively, while Mini placed eighth.
Overall, BMW was named as the most reliable car manufacturer – although it finished tied for top spot with Honda more contract hire and leasing companies voted BMW as top.
The Ford Transit was named most reliable van, with its Transit Connect sister model third, while Ford took the overall reliability title.
TABLES
Most reliable car
1. Honda Civic
2. BMW 3 Series
3. Honda Jazz
4. Honda Accord
5. BMW 5 Series
6. Audi A4
7. Mercedes Benz C-Class
8. Mini
9. Toyota Avensis
10. Volkswagen Golf
Most reliable car manufacturer
1. BMW
2. Honda
3. Audi
4. Toyota
5. Volkswagen
6. Mercedes-Benz
7. Ford
8. Mazda
9. Nissan
10. Skoda
Most reliable van
1. Ford Transit
2. Vauxhall Astravan
3. Ford Transit Connect
4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
5. Volkswagen Transporter
Most reliable van manufacturer
1. Ford
2. Mercedes-Benz
3. Volkswagen
4. Vauxhall
5. Peugeot
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Customers and prospective buyers of BMW are to be given a unique opportunity to experience some of the marque’s most popular products as part of the BMW Ultimate Drive Weekend.
By visiting any of the 147 BMW showrooms in the UK, customers will have the chance to drive product from the current BMW portfolio between 11 and 13 September, 2009. While enjoying the thrills offered by a class-leading line-up, existing BMW owners and prospects can also enter to win a competition for a space on the trip of a lifetime.
Those customers that are lucky enough to be selected from the test drive prize draw will qualify for the BMW Ultimate Drive Weekend experience. The winning customers will have the chance to experience one of two trips of a lifetime: a 10-day Namibian driver training holiday in BMW X5s or professional instruction in BMW M3 Coupés around the world’s most challenging race circuit, the Northern Loop of the Nürburgring in Germany.
Chris Brownridge, BMW UK Marketing Communications Manager, said: “BMW UK has not previously offered customers the chance to win a place on such an exciting global driving adventure. As the maker of the cleanest and most efficient premium vehicles we appeal to the head, while products such as the M3 underscore our motorsport heritage and pluck at the heart strings. The lucky winners from the Ultimate Drive Weekend will have had the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of our range.”
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Friday, June 26th, 2009
Award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies spawn most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever. With just £35 Vehicle Excise Duty to pay with 13 per cent benefit-in-kind ranking, the BMW 316D ES Saloon, available to buy now, is bound to prove popular with both business and private customers.
June 2009 heralds the launch of the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series (rated four stars on RoadTestReports.co.uk) the marque has ever produced. The new BMW 316d ES Saloon sets a new benchmark in the premium sector with its heightened blend of high economy, low emissions yet rewarding driving experience.
The BMW 316d is powered by a 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel engine that records 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. This class-leading economy figure is enough to give the car a possible range in excess of 800 miles between fill-ups. Factor in its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km and the vehicle becomes the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever.
However, every BMW still has to acquit itself in the performance stakes to meet customer expectations. A 116hp output figure and torque of 260Nm from 1,750rpm delivers a zero to 62mph time of 10.9 seconds. When combined with a top speed of 125mph and uncompromised dynamic performance this fulfils the promise of the EfficientDynamics programme. This efficiency comfortably eclipses competitor product from the likes of Audi and Mercedes. Power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Low running costs are a key factor in the proposition of BMW 316d ownership. Aside from its parsimonious nature, the BMW 316d costs just £35 a year to tax courtesy of a band C Vehicle Excise Duty rank. A 13 per cent benefit-in-kind rating also ensures it makes economical sense for the business user. To put this in context, the BMW 316d with its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km and a P11D value of £23,240 means a 40 per cent tax payer is liable for £1,208 a year. A person in the 25 per cent bracket need only pay £755. Compare this to the award-winning BMW 318d and savings of £524 and £328 respectively can be made.
The BMW 316d ES Saloon comes as standard with the same specification as the current What Car? Green Car of the Year Executive Car category winner, the BMW 318d ES Saloon. This specification includes air-conditioning, multi-function leather steering wheel, front and rear ISOFIX child seat attachments, front foglights and the complete suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies as standard.
The new BMW 316d Saloon goes on sale in September priced at £23,330 OTR.
Search SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk for the best deals on the BMW 316d Saloon
Search ContractHireAndLeasing.com for the best car leasing deals on the BMW 316d Saloon
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Friday, June 19th, 2009
BMW Financial Services has announced a five year deal with insurance company Allianz to offer income protection and shortfall cover to BMW customers in the UK, under the brand name ‘BMW Protect’.
‘BMW Protect’ comprises two separate categories of insurance cover, both enabling customers to control the amount of cover they require, and available as monthly or annual policies.
The first, ‘BMW Income Protection’, offers Life and Critical Illness cover, providing a lump sum benefit to the level of cover chosen. Accident & Sickness and Unemployment cover can give customers monthly payments for up to a maximum of 12 months. The second category, ‘BMW Shortfall’, is being offered to customers who purchase a BMW, MINI or BMW motorcycle and is designed to help bridge the gap between the purchase price (or the amount owed to a finance company) and the insurance payout, if the vehicle is stolen or involved in an accident.
The new partnership also involves Mondial Assistance, a sister company of Allianz Retail, who will administer each of the products that make up ‘BMW Protect’.
Keith Dye, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Financial Services, said: “Working with Allianz will mean we can provide our customers with first class insurance products that offer genuine reassurance in these uncertain economic times.”
Mike Caidan, Head of Sales, Allianz Retail Corporate Partners, said: “This is an exciting time for Allianz Retail. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to grow our business in this area and to help motor manufacturers who are keen to meet the wider needs of their customers.”
Lee Taylor, Automotive Director at Mondial Assistance, commented: “Our long standing relationship with BMW and our understanding of the customer experience it offers, places us in a knowledgeable position to administrate this valuable service in partnership with Allianz, supporting business growth for all parties.”
BMW car leasing deals
BMW cars to buy
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
BMW has been named Best Car Manufacturer in the prestigious Which? Awards 2009, at the British Museum in London. The company was rated higher than its shortlisted rivals by the members of Which? who number more than a million. Which? is long established as a champion of the consumer and a trusted advisor to buyers of all manner of goods and services, lending particular weight to this award.
Chief Executive of Which?, Peter Vicary-Smith, said: “BMW drivers seem to love their cars with 87 per cent in our survey describing themselves as very satisfied with the ownership experience. The company’s vehicles always excel in our road tests, while BMW’s innovative EfficientDynamics measures mean some of the best cars to drive have also become incredibly fuel efficient.”
Accepting the award, BMW Group UK’s Managing Director, Tim Abbott, said: “We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award, particularly as it is our customers who have rated us so highly. We take great pains to ensure that the quality of service we offer both directly and through our dealers matches the excellence of our cars.”
The BMW Group is the most sustainable car company in the world – as the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) recently confirmed for the fourth year in succession. The company offers the most efficient cars in the premium segment courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies and the BMW 118d was named World Green Car of the Year 2008.
Read BMW reviews on RoadTestReports.co.uk
Search for the best BMW deals on SaveMoneyOnCars.co.uk
Search for the best car leasing deals on ContractHireAndLeasing.com
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
A long held suspicion has been confirmed – BMW owners are deemed to be the worst drivers on the UK’s roads-according to the latest research.
A massive 59 per cent of motorists voted BMW drivers the worst on the roads, in a survey conducted by Auto Trader Compare, the new motor insurance comparison service from the UK’s popular motoring website. BMW drivers were followed by Subaru drivers with 42 per cent of the vote, Porsche drivers (39 per cent), Audi drivers (30 per cent) and Mercedes-Benz drivers (27 per cent).
BMW drivers are most associated with bad or inefficient driving according to the survey, with 68 per cent of respondents claiming that bad drivers of these vehicles drive too fast, overtake in dangerous situations (66 per cent), intimidate other road users (66 per cent) and drive too close to the car in front (64 per cent).
The survey, conducted amongst more than 1,500 UK motorists nationwide, shows that outdated driving myths are still prevalent, with 37 per cent still believing that men are generally better drivers than women and that van drivers are the worst on the road (100 per cent), followed by young drivers (98 per cent), old drivers (90 per cent), taxi drivers (78 per cent) and ‘school run mums’ (78 per cent). Bus and HGV drivers were considered to be the best road users.
When asked about other road users, over a third (34 per cent) said that Londoners were the worst drivers in the UK, followed by motorists from the South East (10 per cent) and the West Midlands (4 per cent). ‘Sunday drivers’ were classed as the worst type of driver (53 per cent), followed by ‘rush-hour drivers’ (43 per cent).
It seems that UK motorists are happy to find fault in other road users, but not in themselves as the survey results also show that 22 per cent of motorists rating their own driving as ‘excellent’ and 63 per cent as ‘good’.
In fact, 77 per cent of motorists claim to now drive ‘green’ by not revving the engine and braking smoothly, with 53 per cent agreeing that their driving style has changed recently to help reduce fuel consumption. Now, nearly three quarters (73 per cent) claim to make sure their tyre pressures are correct, accelerate smoother (66 per cent), brake gently (65 per cent) and use their air con less (47 per cent) in order to save money on motoring.
In terms of certain drivers that are associated with this type of economical, green driving, 38 per cent of respondents said Toyota drivers were the greenest, followed by Honda drivers (37 per cent), Volkswagen drivers (23 per cent), Volvo drivers (23 per cent) and Citroen drivers (19 per cent).
Matt Thompson, Marketing Director at AutoTrader.co.uk, comments: “It’s good that most motorists recognise bad driving habits, both in themselves and other road users. However, the important thing is that motorists change these bad driving habits because with the rising cost of motoring, it is well worth driving responsibly to stay safe and ensure your insurance premiums stay low. Remember that you must report all points on your licence to your insurance company, otherwise your policy could be invalidated.”
Auto Trader Compare, the motor insurance comparison service, which sits on AutoTrader.co.uk, searches through hundreds of prices from leading UK insurance providers and compares over 300 prices for each quote carried out to ensure that motorists find the best deal that is right for them, including quotes from AZA, HSBC, SwiftCover, Diamond, Zurich, Marks & Spencer and Admiral, as well as Auto Trader’s own car insurance offering.
AutoTrader.co.uk is the world of cars made easy – from new and used cars to insurance and finance, along with advice and solutions to help reduce the cost of motoring.
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Friday, April 24th, 2009
The scrappage scheme incentive announced as part of this week’s Budget has already received several carmakers confirming they will be taking part.
The scheme is dependent on the voluntary involvement of the manufacturers who will stump up half of the £2,000 incentive.
The scheme will open to motorists who purchase a new car from a participating dealership and trade in a car of 10 years or older. Expected to be introduced as early as mid-May and finish by early 2010, the incentive will also apply to light commercials. Many of the participating carmakers have been quick to add additional terms and sweeteners to further encourage consumers back to the showrooms.
So far those taking part include:
Toyota
The world’s largest car producer, keen to boast that the manufacture of the Auris model takes place at their Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, instantly confirmed that its family model would be available on the scheme. Toyota has yet to confirm if its other models will be available on the scrappage scheme but further details are expected soon.
Nissan
Quick to point out that they are the UK’s biggest car producer, Nissan expect to capitalise on the interest in protecting and reviving UK industry and jobs. With their famous Sunderland plant employing 3,900 and producing people producing the Qashqai, Micra and Note models, who can blame them? Nissan have also extended the incentive to cover cars up to 8 years old which means that they will have to stump up the full £2,000 themselves to cover the incentive to trade in an 8 or 9 year old vehicle.
The standard £2,000 scrappage incentive made up of a £1,000 discount from the government will be available on all new Nissan models, including Nissan’s LCV range for owners of pre-1999 models. However, Nissan will also offer £2,000 off one of their British built range aged for customers who trade in their 8-10 years old vehicle.
Citroen
Weeks ahead of the announcement of the government’s scheme, Citroen announced it would be running a £2,000 scrappage incentive of its own against selected models such as the C4. The announcement of the government’s scheme will just make it cheaper for the cheeky French carmaker!
No need to wait until next month, Citroen already offer £2,000 to customers with a vehicle registered before 2000 (vehicles will be scrapped via an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) or a £1,000 to customers with a vehicle registered between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2002, with is no obligation to scrap the younger vehicles.
The Citroën Trade-In Incentive Scheme cashbacks apply to all new cars (excluding C1, C2, C3, C3 Pluriel, C3 Picasso and Berlingo First Multispace) with a customer order placed 1st-30th April and registered by end of June 2009 and the cashback can even be used towards any deposit.
Volvo
Volvo will offer the C30 DRIVe S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon DRIVe models will be on the scrappage scheme. The Swedish carmaker will also provide an additional deposit contribution for those customers who take out Volvo finance.
Hyundai
Boosted by the German scrappage scheme, Hyundai saw sales jump of the i10 city car leapt 662 per cent in the first quarter of the year in Germany. Needless to say, the Korean brand expect similar success with the UK scheme and hope that their already buoyant i10 and i20 UK sales of will go from strength to strength.
Kia
Kia has confirmed that it will be taking part although it will wait until the final details are confirmed before letting us know which models will be available on the scheme. However Kia expects that with the £2,000 incentive plus a £1,000 deposit from the customer, their Picanto model will be available for less than £40 a month – just £10 a week when bought on Kia Access finance. Even without a customer deposit of £1,000, the Picanto is available for only £20 a week!
Renault
Renault expect to make the £2,000 incentive available on their Twingo, Clio, New Kangoo and New Mégane, plus LCV ranges and could well offer even greater incentives on certain models. Details have yet to come through.
Ford
Ford plans to boost the potential of the Government’s vehicle scrappage scheme with the addition of supplementary discounts on all its larger cars, which together represent savings of up to £4,500 on a new Ford Mondeo, for example.
The Government scheme will apply on Ford’s latest models, the Ka and Fiesta but for customers who require larger vehicles the “Scrappage Plus” discounts should mean an additional £1,250 off a Ford Fusion and extend to £3,000 off a Ford Galaxy.
BMW and Mini
BMW will match the government’s £1,000 contribution to make total saving of £2,000 off a new BMW or MINI. No confirmation has been made as to exactly which models will be available on the scheme, but BMW have hinted that additional discounts may be available as well. The BMW 116i Sport for example, (rated four stars on RoadTestReports.co.uk) will be available with the scheme discount and dealership discount amounting to £3,260 meaning that a new model can be bought for just £13,960.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has announced that it intends to participate in the scheme. Exact details are expected to be announced in due course. In the meantime, buyers are being be encouraged to register their interest in purchasing a new Volkswagen with the help of the scrappage scheme with their local Volkswagen Retailer.
Mercedes-Benz and smart
The forthcoming smart fortwo cdi cabrio – with CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km – will be available to customers taking advantage of the scheme, including the full £2,000 saving. Other smart models including the invigorating BRABUS performance range will be available.
Additionally, every Mercedes-Benz – from A-Class to S-Class – will participate in the scrappage scheme. Mercedes are expected to add extra discounts and incentives on top of the £2,000 on some models.
Posted in BMW, Citroen, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo | No Comments »
