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	<title>Munster Express Online &#187; Motoring</title>
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	<link>http://www.munster-express.ie</link>
	<description>Munster Express Online, Waterford&#039;s leading weekly newspaper</description>
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		<title>Ford introduces Omnicraft brand  for servicing</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/ford-introduces-omnicraft-brand-for-servicing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/ford-introduces-omnicraft-brand-for-servicing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:22:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=91941</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[Ford dealers in Europe are now able to supply parts and servicing for all makes of non-Ford vehicles following the introduction of the new Omnicraft brand from the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD).
Offering competitively priced, quality components and servicing from skilled Ford technicians, the new Omnicraft brand delivers greater convenience for car owners and an [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/N34S1Pic.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/N34S1Pic-300x224.jpg" alt="N34S1Pic" width="300" height="224" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-91942" /></a>Ford dealers in Europe are now able to supply parts and servicing for all makes of non-Ford vehicles following the introduction of the new Omnicraft brand from the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD).<br />
Offering competitively priced, quality components and servicing from skilled Ford technicians, the new Omnicraft brand delivers greater convenience for car owners and an improved customer experience.<br />
Omnicraft completes the Ford family of parts, leveraging the strength of the Ford network while also enabling dealerships in Europe to be a one-stop provider of parts that better serve used vehicle outlets, fleet managers and independent garages.<br />
“Omnicraft is the first new brand offered by FCSD in more than 40 years and is an important growth opportunity for dealerships as they will be able to sell parts and offer service for all vehicles,” said John Cooper, vice president, Ford Customer Service Division.<br />
“Omnicraft is a significant benefit to our Ford dealers as they compete in the fastest growing segment of the overall vehicle aftermarkets business.”<br />
For launch, Ford focused on developing the most commonly requested parts, including oil filters, brake pads and discs, starter motors and alternators. In the coming months, Ford will introduce engine and cabin air filters, brake master cylinders and wheel hub assemblies, amongst other parts.<br />
At launch, Omnicraft parts will be available at more than 4,000 FordStores and Ford dealerships across 11 markets in Europe, with a further roll out to Ford approved distributors later this year.<br />
Ford also offers its Ford Motorcraft complete line of replacement parts for older Ford vehicles.</p>
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		<title>VW&#8217;s new up! GTI</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/vws-new-up-gti/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/vws-new-up-gti/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:52:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/vws-new-up-gti/</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[Volkswagen is presenting a compact, sporty car very much in the spirit of the original GTI – the new up! GTI.
The concept and power output of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! are broadly in line with the Golf GTI MkI presented in 1976 that had 81 kW / 110 PS.
The near-production concept car [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/N39S1Pic3.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/N39S1Pic3-300x176.jpg" alt="N39S1Pic" width="300" height="176" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-91853" /></a>Volkswagen is presenting a compact, sporty car very much in the spirit of the original GTI – the new up! GTI.<br />
The concept and power output of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! are broadly in line with the Golf GTI MkI presented in 1976 that had 81 kW / 110 PS.<br />
The near-production concept car pays tribute to this icon – with compact dimensions, a low weight, a powerful engine, sports running gear and the typical insignia of a GTI (including red stripes in the radiator grille, seat covers in &#8220;clark&#8221; tartan pattern).<br />
This sporty small car will certainly bring a new dimension of driving fun to the compact class. A typical GTI feature is the sophisticated sports running gear. It gives the car the agility akin to that of a go-kart, yet it also offers a high level of comfort. The production version of the up! GTI will be launched into the market in early 2018.<br />
With the up! GTI, Volkswagen is building a bridge that spans four decades: when the first GTI was launched in the 1970s it democratised access to fast roads around the world – especially the overtaking lane of German motorways.<br />
Where large saloons and expensive sports cars had previously set the pace, the new compact Volkswagen suddenly stirred up the field.<br />
The red stripe in the radiator grille, the black double stripes across the side sills and behind, the black stripe on the tailgate immediately identified this Volkswagen as a GTI.<br />
Its 110 PS powered a kerb weight of just 810 kg and accelerated it to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. Top speed: 182 km/h. The colours for the market launch: &#8220;mars red&#8221; and &#8220;diamond silver&#8221;. Later, white and black also became established as GTI colours.<br />
The new up! GTI continues the creed of the lightweight and no-frills sports car with a compact format – from outside and inside similar in size to the original GTI.<br />
It is driven by a turbocharged engine (TSI) with powerful 200 Nm torque. The key data does indeed read like a Golf GTI MkI catapulted into the present day. Weight: 997 kg (significantly high-strength steels and more airbags). Vmax: 197 km/h. 0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds.<br />
As for colours, they include classic once again and typical of the GTI – the plain colours &#8220;tornado red&#8221; and &#8220;pure white&#8221; and the metallic colours &#8220;dark silver&#8221;, &#8220;black pearl&#8221; and – as a new GTI colour – &#8220;costa azul&#8221; (blue).<br />
The most powerful up! to date is immediately recognisable with its typical GTI insignia. At the front for instance the red stripe across the radiator grille with honeycomb pattern. Integrated above it is the GTI logo.<br />
Here, the up! cites the archetypal GTI with features such as the double stripes across the wide side sill panels. The exterior mirror caps are in high-gloss black; the 17-inch alloy wheels have also been completely redesigned.<br />
They have a particularly dashing look in the wheel housings because the up! GTI features sports running gear, lowering the body by 15 mm.<br />
GTI features also characterise the rear: here, among other things, a red strip as well as a larger roof edge spoiler provides for greater downforce on the rear axle for optimised handling performance at higher speeds.<br />
The interior includes features as a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, a GTI gear knob and the legendary &#8220;clark&#8221; seat pattern. The fact is: this GTI does not just look like one – it also drives like one. A new original.</p>
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		<title>Ford Fiesta is  Europe&#8217;s best  selling car</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/ford-fiesta-is-europes-best-selling-car/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/ford-fiesta-is-europes-best-selling-car/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:57:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=91820</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[The Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car in Europe, according to Ford analysis of March 2017 industry data.
Customers purchased 47,000 Fiestas in March, a 12 per cent increase year-over-year, to overtake the Volkswagen Golf as the region’s top-selling passenger car.
Almost 70 per cent of Fiesta sales in March were high-specification models, including 17 per cent [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car in Europe, according to Ford analysis of March 2017 industry data.<br />
Customers purchased 47,000 Fiestas in March, a 12 per cent increase year-over-year, to overtake the Volkswagen Golf as the region’s top-selling passenger car.<br />
Almost 70 per cent of Fiesta sales in March were high-specification models, including 17 per cent in top specification Titanium series.<br />
Fiesta sales helped fuel a new car registration boom in Europe that saw a record 1.93 million sales in March – a 10.8 per cent increase year-over-year.  Europe has now overtaken the U.S. to become the world&#8217;s second largest region for new car registrations.<br />
Ford sold 199,900 vehicles in Europe in March (up 14 per cent year-over-year), including 156,200 passenger vehicles (up 16 per cent year-over-year). This makes Ford the second best-selling vehicle brand in Europe with a total vehicle market share of 9.2 per cent.<br />
“Fiesta was again our best-selling vehicle in March, making up 12 per cent of Ford total vehicle sales.<br />
Customers continue to be attracted by Fiesta’s distinctive style, powerful but fuel-efficient engines, and class-leading fun to drive character,” said Roelant de Waard (Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe). “March was a stand-out month for Ford in Europe, with sales increases across the board.”<br />
Of Europe’s five largest markets for car sales – Germany, the U.K., France, Italy and Spain – Spain recorded the most significant growth for Fiesta with sales increasing 97 per cent year-over-year in March.<br />
In Italy, Fiesta sales increased 21 per cent and in Germany 18 per cent year-over year. The UK – where Fiesta is the best-selling vehicle nameplate of all time – saw a sales increase of eight per cent year-over-year, while Hungary, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Romania, Switzerland and the Netherlands also recorded significant increases in Fiesta registrations.<br />
All-new Fiesta<br />
The all-new Ford Fiesta goes on sale in Europe this summer offering four distinctive versions, including the stylish Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line and the upscale Fiesta Vignale.<br />
An all-new Fiesta Active crossover – the first in a new line-up of Active vehicles to be rolled out across the Ford range in years to come – and the next-generation Ford Fiesta ST, powered by an all-new 200 PS, three-cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, will follow in early 2018.<br />
Featuring the most sophisticated driver assistance technologies and connectivity features ever in a volume small car in Europe, all-new Fiesta debuts an enhanced Pedestrian Detection system that can help prevent collisions at night; and the first Ford Active Park Assist system that can deliver brake interventions to prevent low-speed bumps when parking hands-free.<br />
Cutting-edge powertrains include Ford’s multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering up to 140 PS, and a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel offering 120 PS – the first high-power diesel Fiesta powertrain.</p>
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		<title>Mercedes-Benz backing Jack &amp; Jill Foundation</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/mercedes-benz-backing-jack-jill-foundation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/mercedes-benz-backing-jack-jill-foundation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 11:55:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=91817</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[ercedes-Benz in Ireland is supporting the Jack &#38; Jill Foundation’s fundraising drive for home nursing care and respite support for sick children nationwide via its donation of a Vito van to the children’s charity.
Operating from their headquarters in Johnstown, Kildare, the Vito has journeyed a distance of more than 100,000km, transporting goods between Jack &#38; [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="attachment_91818" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/rsz_n43s1pic_.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2017/06/rsz_n43s1pic_-300x200.jpg" alt="Pictured alongside the Vito, decorated in Jack &amp; Jill imagery, is Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady and chief executive Stephen Byrne with the Jack &amp; Jill Foundation founder, Jonathan Irwin." width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-91818" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pictured alongside the Vito, decorated in Jack &amp; Jill imagery, is Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady and chief executive Stephen Byrne with the Jack &amp; Jill Foundation founder, Jonathan Irwin.</p></div>Mercedes-Benz in Ireland is supporting the Jack &amp; Jill Foundation’s fundraising drive for home nursing care and respite support for sick children nationwide via its donation of a Vito van to the children’s charity.<br />
Operating from their headquarters in Johnstown, Kildare, the Vito has journeyed a distance of more than 100,000km, transporting goods between Jack &amp; Jill’s charity boutiques and helping to provide for some 300 sick children and their families under the Foundation’s care.<br />
Thanking Mercedes-Benz for its ongoing support, Hugo Jellett CEO of the Jack &amp; Jill Children’s Foundation said: “The success of our charity shop network just wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our very reliable and well-travelled Vito van and we are very grateful for this partnership with Mercedes-Benz.&#8221; </p>
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		<title>SIMI issues industry review for 2016</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/simi-issues-industry-review-for-2016/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/simi-issues-industry-review-for-2016/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2016 10:42:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=90204</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued its third Quarterly Motor Industry Review for 2016 in association with DoneDeal during the SIMI National Retailers Conference held in Killashee Hotel in Naas.
The SIMI/DoneDeal Report highlights the strong performance in the first half of the year for the Industry followed by a slowing down [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_90205" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 180px"><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/12/N34S1Pic-.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/12/N34S1Pic--170x300.jpg" alt="Economist and SIMI Report author Jim Power" width="170" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-90205" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Economist and SIMI Report author Jim Power</p></div>
<p>The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued its third Quarterly Motor Industry Review for 2016 in association with DoneDeal during the SIMI National Retailers Conference held in Killashee Hotel in Naas.</p>
<p>The SIMI/DoneDeal Report highlights the strong performance in the first half of the year for the Industry followed by a slowing down of new car sales from August onwards.  </p>
<p>Sales to the end of September 2016 were 143,190, up 18.4 per cent on the first nine months of 2015.<br />
Based on this the SIMI/DoneDeal report forecasts final sales of 147,000 for 2016 with a similar outcome anticipated for new car sales in 2017.   </p>
<p>Waterford-born economist and author of the SIMI/DoneDeal Report, Jim Power, said: &#8220;The auto industry is still performing strongly, but there have been clear signs of deceleration in sales in recent months. </p>
<p>&#8220;Looking ahead to 2017, the outlook for car sales is extremely uncertain. New car sales in 2016 should be close to 147,000 and similar outturn for what is expected to be a very uncertain market due to Brexit effects.&#8221;<br />
The Review also indicates the changes in the costs of motoring since last year.  </p>
<p>The cost of a new car has decreased by 3.5% since September 2015, while the cost of petrol is down 5.0% and diesel is down 4.6% in those 12 months. However the price of motor insurance has increased 25.1% since September 2015 and is up 68.7% since September 2013.   </p>
<p>Alan Nolan, Director General, SIMI, highlighted: “2016 has seen the highest levels in new vehicle registrations since 2008, while some of these sales can be attributed to a catch up in the market overall it has been a good year for our Industry. New car sales so far have contributed 1.25 Billion to the exchequer 24% ahead on last year. With the peak selling months behind us the Industry has now turned its focus to the 171 registration period as can be seen and heard in current advertising campaigns. </p>
<p>While 2017 brings with it an air of uncertainty due to Brexit we would still expect the Industry to continue to perform well, as economic indicators suggest increased spending power in the Irish economy in 2017.”</p>
<p>Cathal Cremen, Commercial Manager of DoneDeal’s Motor Section, said: “2016 has been a very successful year for DoneDeal with over 91,000 cars currently advertised on the site. 259,365 motor adverts have been published on DoneDeal in the third quarter of 2016, with a total advertised value of €1.4 billion. </p>
<p>This represents a 17% increase in motor ads compared to the same period in 2015. The volume of cars advertised for sale also reflects a rise in the number of dealers advertising on the site. Despite the uncertainty over Brexit, the volume of car ads published with a value in excess €10,000 has increased by over 30% to 42,871 car ads in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. This very much mirrors the country’s improving general economic performance.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>&#8216;Car registrations heading  for 25 per cent increase&#8217;</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/car-registrations-heading-for-25-per-cent-increase/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/car-registrations-heading-for-25-per-cent-increase/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2016 11:28:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=88875</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has issued its first Quarterly Motor Industry Review in association with DoneDeal for 2016, highlight the progress which the trade had made so far this year while presenting an outlook for the coming year.
According to the report, the key drivers of new car sales are set to [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has issued its first Quarterly Motor Industry Review in association with DoneDeal for 2016, highlight the progress which the trade had made so far this year while presenting an outlook for the coming year.<br />
According to the report, the key drivers of new car sales are set to remain positive, with the current momentum of the Irish economy strong, employment set to increase, improved earnings and consumer confidence remaining positive.<br />
<a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/05/N36S1Pic1.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/05/N36S1Pic1-197x300.jpg" alt="Waterford-born economist Jim Power: &quot;New car registrations should be capable of expanding by around 25 per cent.&quot; " width="197" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-88879" /></a>Against this background, Jim Power Economist and author of the SIMI/DoneDeal Report stated: &#8220;New car registrations should be capable of expanding by around 25 per cent, giving total sales of 156,181 for 2016. Looking ahead to 2017, while it is impossible to forecast that far ahead with any degree of confidence, another good year should be in prospect for the auto industry.&#8221;<br />
According to SIMI Director General Alan Nolan: &#8220;The first quarter of 2016 has been a strong start for our Industry, with VAT and VRT receipts for new and used cars totalling €752.4 million, 31.4 per cent ahead of the first quarter of 2015 demonstrating that car sales continue to make an increasing contribution to the Exchequer.<br />
&#8220;The increased growth in sales is partly due to the pent-up demand from older cars been replaced with new ones over recent years and we would expect to see the industry continuing to improve towards more normal levels of sales with a projected €1.3 billion likely to be collected for the Exchequer towards the end of 2016 for new car sales.&#8221;<br />
Figures from DoneDeal, Ireland’s most popular motoring site, mirrored the growth rate seen in the Motor Industry, with their car section advertising volumes increasing by over 11 per cent on the same quarter last year, with a total advertised value of over €1.4 Billion in the Motor section alone for the first quarter of 2016.<br />
Adding his two cents, Cathal Cremen, Commercial Manager of DoneDeal’s Motor Section, stated: &#8220;With 260,534 motor ads published on DoneDeal.ie in the first quarter of 2016, the site continues to strengthen its position as the online platform of choice when it comes to the buying and selling of cars for both private individuals and professional dealerships.<br />
&#8220;Our partnership with the SIMI dealership network is contributing positively to the range of higher value select cars on offer and the number of dealership ads now being published on the site, which has increased by 25 per cent on the same period last year.&#8221;<br />
The review also highlights that the cost of motoring in general has decreased with the price of new cars down on average 2.8 per cent, petrol prices have declined by 11.1 per cent and diesel prices also declined by 17.7 per cent in contrast the cost of motor insurance is increasing at a significant pace have again increased by 32.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2016.</p>
<p><strong>Car Sales in Q1 2016 </strong></p>
<p>* New car sales total in first 3 months 2016 (82,830) up 28% on 2015<br />
* Strongest Growth in Car Sales Q1 2016: Roscommon (highest) 45.1%, Longford (lowest) 17.7%<br />
* €752 million Exchequer contribution from car sales Q1 of 2016: up 31.4%<br />
* Commercial Vehicles Q1 2016: Light Commercials +33.6% (13,460) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles 62.8% (1,063)<br />
* Employment currently 40,600 in the motor industry<br />
* Cost of Motoring: Petrol prices down -11.1 %, Diesel prices down -17.7%, Insurance Costs up +32.4% Price of a new car -2.8%<br />
* 2016 forecast of new car sales to reach 156,181 and projected 1.3 Billion for the Exchequer.<br />
* DoneDeal motor ads published Q1 2016: 260,534 </p>
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		<title>Free cars up for grabs as Nissan backs Waterford&#8217;s champions</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/free-cars-up-for-grabs-as-nissan-backs-waterfords-champions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/free-cars-up-for-grabs-as-nissan-backs-waterfords-champions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:55:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=88696</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[Nissan is giving away a brand new, taxed and insured car or van to anyone in Waterford who has what it takes to become one of Ireland’s future leaders and champions.
Innovators and movers and shakers from all walks of life across the county have a golden opportunity to win a new Nissan for a year [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nissan is giving away a brand new, taxed and insured car or van to anyone in Waterford who has what it takes to become one of Ireland’s future leaders and champions.<br />
Innovators and movers and shakers from all walks of life across the county have a golden opportunity to win a new Nissan for a year to get ahead on their journey to success, thanks to Nissan and local dealers Dungarvan Nissan and Walsh Car Sales Waterford.<br />
<div id="attachment_88697" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 580px"><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/N33S1PicUSEBIG.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/N33S1PicUSEBIG-1024x682.jpg" alt="The search for 10 2016 Nissan Generation Next ambassadors was launched by the members of the Class of 2015. Pictured back row fro0m left: Alan Cadogan, Monika Dukarska, Paul O&#39;Donovan, Gareth Sheridan, Ciara Judge; middle row from left: Catherine McManus, Arthur Lanigan-O&#39;Keeffe, Jenny Egan; front row: Emer Hickey and Rebecca Marsden.					| Photo: Ark Photography " width="570" height="379" class="size-large wp-image-88697" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The search for 10 2016 Nissan Generation Next ambassadors was launched by the members of the Class of 2015. Pictured back row fro0m left: Alan Cadogan, Monika Dukarska, Paul O'Donovan, Gareth Sheridan, Ciara Judge; middle row from left: Catherine McManus, Arthur Lanigan-O'Keeffe, Jenny Egan; front row: Emer Hickey and Rebecca Marsden.					| Photo: Ark Photography </p></div>Applications to secure the keys to one of ten award-winning Nissan cars and vans are now being sought as part of the innovative Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme, which is back for a third year.<br />
“We are looking for people who are confident, focused and passionate about what they do in life and who could use a brand new, taxed and insured Nissan to help them achieve their goals,” explained Richard Walsh, Sales Manager, Walsh Car Sales.<br />
“Nissan Generation Next is designed to support ambitious people who are driven to succeed. Nissan has already put 20 of Ireland’s new generation of leaders and champions on the road to success and anyone from Waterford could be next,” he added.<br />
Since 2014 Nissan Generation Next has helped new business entrepreneurs to find their feet in domestic and global markets, elite athletes to achieve their dreams of qualifying for the Olympic Games and talented scientists, writers and film makers to succeed on the world stage.<br />
The Class of 2015 included Gareth Sheridan (25) whose company Nutriband produces transdermal patches that deliver nutrients and vitamins through the skin. With new production facilities in North American and worldwide distribution agreements, Gareth is well on track to creating a global brand.<br />
Arthur Lanigan ‘O’Keeffe (23) recorded history when he became the first Irish pentathlete to win gold at the 2015 European Modern Pentathlon Championships, securing his place as a medal contender at the Rio Olympic Games.<br />
Fashion designer Rebecca Marsden (26) was named Irish Designer of the Year on her way to establishing her label and establishing her career in the fashion capitals of London and Milan.<br />
Former BT Young Scientists and Technology Exhibition winners Ciara Judge, Emer Hickey and Sophie Healy-Thow are influencing and shaping the fast moving world of digital technology. The trio have been named by Time magazine as the most influential teenagers in the world.<br />
“Nissan Generation Next ambassadors exemplify what it takes to make it on the national and world stage. They forge ahead with tenacity and determination and their ability to focus on what they want to achieve and to overcome the obstacles and challenges that they encounter is truly inspirational,” said Richard Walsh, Sales Manager, Walsh Car Sales.<br />
Applicants for the 2016 Nissan Generation Next progamme can apply online at www.nissangenerationnext.ie.<br />
Applicants will be requested to briefly outline why they are an ideal candidate for Nissan Generation Next and how Nissan can help them to achieve the goals. Family members and friends can also make applications on behalf of individuals whom they consider to be an ideal Nissan Generation Next ambassador.<br />
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, May 10th. A shortlist of 20 candidates from those who apply nationwide will be announced soon after and put forward to a four-week public voting phase.<br />
The seven individuals generating the largest number of votes will win a place on the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme.<br />
The judges at Nissan will also select three applicants whom they believe are deserving of a place on the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme, giving applicants another opportunity to achieve their dreams and never look back with the support of Nissan’s commitment to excellence and innovation.</p>
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		<title>The new SEAT Ibiza van</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/the-new-seat-ibiza-van/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/the-new-seat-ibiza-van/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:47:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=88693</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[SEAT Ireland has announced details of another addition to its growing product range in the form of the new SEAT Ibiza van.
The Ibiza van will add to SEAT’s recently expanded product range, namely the Leon SE Select and the Leon FR petrol, while the arrival of SEAT’s first ever SUV – the all new SEAT [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SEAT Ireland has announced details of another addition to its growing product range in the form of the new SEAT Ibiza van.<br />
The Ibiza van will add to SEAT’s recently expanded product range, namely the Leon SE Select and the Leon FR petrol, while the arrival of SEAT’s first ever SUV – the all new SEAT Ateca in the coming months makes it an exciting time for the SEAT brand.<br />
<div id="attachment_88694" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 580px"><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/N32S1Pic-.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/N32S1Pic--1024x712.jpg" alt="The new SEAT Ibiza Van. " width="570" height="396" class="size-large wp-image-88694" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The new SEAT Ibiza Van. </p></div>The SEAT Ibiza van comes with anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control and comfort suspension along with a multi collision breaking system. It is also equipped with a 12V socket conveniently located at the front of the vehicle. Body coloured bumpers, remote central locking and height adjustable driver’s seat are also included.<br />
Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland commented: &#8220;The introduction of the SEAT Ibiza Van marks our re-entry into the commercial market for the first time since we launched the SEAT Inca Van in 1996. It is yet another positive step for SEAT and means that we can now target another market segment. Its attractive pricing makes the Ibiza van the most affordable in its class.&#8221;<br />
The SEAT Ibiza van is now available to test drive and order at any of SEAT’s 22 strong dealer network.<br />
To book your test drive and to find a full list of dealers visit www.seat.ie.</p>
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		<title>Irish innovation tops  baby crash test</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/irish-innovation-tops-baby-crash-test/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/irish-innovation-tops-baby-crash-test/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:38:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=88688</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[A new Irish child suit has come out top in a child car seat crash test carried out in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin.
Road deaths are the leading cause of child mortality in Ireland with road traffic collisions accounting for 36.7% of all child deaths. Two out of five children killed are passengers.
If correctly installed [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A new Irish child suit has come out top in a child car seat crash test carried out in conjunction with Trinity College Dublin.<br />
Road deaths are the leading cause of child mortality in Ireland with road traffic collisions accounting for 36.7% of all child deaths. Two out of five children killed are passengers.<br />
If correctly installed and used, child restraints reduce deaths among infants by approximately 70% and deaths among small children by between 54% and 80%<br />
<a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/2-Cosynest-open-in-car-seat-with-baby.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/04/2-Cosynest-open-in-car-seat-with-baby-300x200.jpg" alt="2-Cosynest-open-in-car-seat-with-baby" width="300" height="200" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-88689" /></a>The Cosynest baby wrap, invented by Irish mother Christine Carolan, ensures a better connection between the child and the safety restraints of car seats compared with a conventional snow suit.<br />
In high-speed crash tests carried out on the two products at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory in February, the Cosynest came out as the safest product.<br />
In the case of the snow suit, one of the child restraints partly came off during the test, which greatly increases the risk of ejection.  Both restraints remained in place with the Cosynest as the design ensures the restraints fit closer to the body as there is less fabric in between.<br />
The crash test, funded by Enterprise Ireland with tailored conditions designed by Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering, took place over 200 milliseconds.<br />
Said Dr Ciaran Simms, TCD&#8217;s Associate Professor Biomechanical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin: &#8220;We slightly modified the standard R129 crash test to take into account the fact that belts are often slack in real world use. Retaining the child in its car seat is crucial to the child’s safety.<br />
&#8220;If the child is ejected they risk severe neck and head injuries and are more likely to be hit by sharp objects, leading to a much more serious outcome. The Cosynest showed a better capacity to retain the child in the seat than a conventional snow suit.”<br />
Christine Carolan, a mother of two from Dublin, has been designing, refining and testing the Cosynest for over two years to ensure that it is of the highest quality and safe for babies.<br />
Christine developed the Cosynest concept with her babies’ safety in mind<br />
“A jacket on a baby is bulky material. The car seat strap may seem snug on the baby, however in an accident this material compresses, making the gap between the baby and the car seat strap greater. Our Cosynest allows the car seat straps to be as snug and safe as possible, while keeping the child warm and cosy.”<br />
She added: “We&#8217;ve created prototype after prototype and last year we ran our first production run where we sold over 1,200 Cosynests throughout Ireland. We are delighted to say that Irish mums love the product and have even suggested some tweaks to our design.”</p>
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		<title>New Ford Mustang  arrives in Ireland</title>
		<link>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/new-ford-mustang-arrives-in-ireland/</link>
		<comments>http://www.munster-express.ie/business/motoring/new-ford-mustang-arrives-in-ireland/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2016 12:33:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>
		  The Munster Express		</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motoring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.munster-express.ie/?p=87261</guid>
		            		<description><![CDATA[For the first time since it was launched in 1964, a new specially developed ‘European’ Ford Mustang has arrived in Ireland &#8211; also marking the first time that the iconic nameplate is available as a right hand drive model.
“Up til now, left hand drive Mustangs imported from the US are the only models that car [...]]]></description>
      	      		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="attachment_87262" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/03/N42S1PicUSEBIG.jpg"><img src="http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2016/03/N42S1PicUSEBIG-300x200.jpg" alt="New Ford Mustang." width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-87262" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">New Ford Mustang.</p></div><br />
For the first time since it was launched in 1964, a new specially developed ‘European’ Ford Mustang has arrived in Ireland &#8211; also marking the first time that the iconic nameplate is available as a right hand drive model.<br />
“Up til now, left hand drive Mustangs imported from the US are the only models that car fans would have seen here,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “That is all set to change now that the sleek, all new Mustang has arrived on our shores.  We are sure that the new eye-catching Mustang will become a common sight on the motorways and by-roads of Ireland.”<br />
“As you would expect, the new Mustang is modern, technologically advanced and forward-looking, but its look also harks back to the heritage of Mustang’s unique identity that has inspired Ford customers for generations – it is a great mix of the old and the very, very new. And true connoisseurs of great driving dynamics will be delighted to hear that that new Mustang is a wonderful driving experience”, concluded McMahon.<br />
Even though the car has never been sold in Europe until now, the Mustang’s reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of the free, open road is well implanted in the psyche of motorists across Europe.<br />
More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games.<br />
The new Mustang has been developed with world-class performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies.<br />
The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across Europe, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.<br />
Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including:<br />
* A low roof height and wide stance<br />
* Sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass three-dimensional, tri-bar tail lamps, and<br />
* Contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature trapezoidal grille and shark-bite front fascia<br />
Ford Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.<br />
Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control. The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped bootspace that can accommodate two golf bags.<br />
The way Ford Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience. The Ford Mustang offers outstanding power options and a sophisticated new chassis designed to meet the driving dynamics expectations of European drivers.<br />
Ford’s acclaimed 5.0 litre V8 engine – yielding 416PS and 524Nm of torque for Europe – is joined by an all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang; delivering turbocharged performance with the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions demanded by Europe’s car consumers.</p>
<p>The Mustang’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver usable performance. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect, with 317PS and 434Nm of torque for Europe. An automatic transmission option features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that deliver convenience and control for drivers.<br />
The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.<br />
The new double ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of large, powerful brakes. Both 2.3 litre EcoBoost and V8-powered GT Mustang models will feature performance brake packages behind standard 19 inch wheels in Europe.<br />
At the rear is an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for this high-performance application, and are well-suited to European roads and high speed driving culture. New aluminium rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.</p>
<p>Test drive the all- new Mustang at Boland Motors, Waterford Road,<br />
New Ross, Co Wexford on  05- 421403</p>
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