Tag Archives: Vauxhall

women drivers

Ladies evening in Dunstable

Changing Wheel_thurlownunnWe’re often asked about courses for women who want to know how to DIY re car maintenance so here’s a good one for ladies in Dunstable this time. These are not sales occasions, more community evenings with women’s road safety at the top of the agenda.

We’ve all felt uneasy at times, hearing about others being approached by a stranger in a deserted car park late at night or breaking down by the side of the road and having another car pull up alongside…

Fortunately these situations are few and far between, but they do happen and we all need to know what to do to avoid becoming a victim should it ever be our turn.

Vauxhall retailer Thurlow Nunn in High Street South, Dunstable, in Bedfordshire, is organising a free ‘Women in the Driving Seat’ evening on Wednesday, November 18.

Practical instruction on personal awareness and self-protection, basic car care and maintenance for beginners and self-help will be top of the agenda. Advice will also be given on reducing the risks women face when driving for work or socially, including dealing with so-called ‘road rage’ in other drivers.

Personal safety

The increase in road traffic in the UK – up by 50 per cent in the last two decades – is an important factor and this is set to rise by an alarming 100 per cent in the next 20 years, predict motoring experts. In a survey of more than 3,000 UK motorists by YouGov for an insurance company, it was revealed that nearly 1 in 10 (9%) have been threatened with physical violence and over half (56%) of drivers questioned agreed that road users are generally less courteous than five years ago.

Even more alarming was the revelation that over a fifth (21%) of road rage sufferers have argued with another motorist because of road rage, while 36% admitted it makes them drive more aggressively. Almost one in ten (8%) said they’ve followed another driver as a result.

“Personal safety and security are imperative for everyone, particularly women, today. The menace of aggressive, inconsiderate driving on our roads seems to be increasing at the moment and we believe that all it takes is a little care and consideration to avoid situations which can escalate into the kinds of tragic incidents we have all heard about recently,” said Ivan Pletersky, general manager of Thurlow Nunn Dunstable.

“We want everybody to enjoy their independence and freedom and be able to travel safely and confidently on our roads. We hope that by highlighting the risks facing women drivers, it will provide them with a wealth of information and practical advice,” he added.

Tackling road rage

In addition to car safety, the psychology behind car confidence will be explored by ex-Police Chief Inspector and human behaviour specialist Vic Botterill, with practical advice on safe driving and combating the hazards of modern driving, including so-called ‘road rage’, which members of the audience can join in with. Advice will also be given about the frequent causes of aggressive, dangerous driving and ‘motorway madness’, with the audience encouraged to share their own experiences and how they could have been avoided.

But the course is not designed to encourage motorists to take the law into their own hands emphasised Ivan: “Our Women in the Driving Seat evening is free to anyone who wishes to steer clear of trouble or be able to deal with their own, personal ‘road rage’.” he explained.

Self defence role play

During the event, volunteers from the audience will be invited to take part in self defence role-play by self protection specialist and head of the Realistic Self Defence Organisation, Andy Williams. They will be shown how to beat the bullies behind the wheel and, if diplomacy fails, how everyday objects to hand such as car keys, pens and possibly deodorant sprays can come in very handy.

Representatives from the Dunstable branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) will also be there to discuss their organisation’s various advanced driving courses with interested visitors. And there will be a representative from FOXY too.

Few vehicles come equipped with full tool-kits nowadays, so Thurlow Nunn’s service technicians will also offer visitors practical hands-on instruction on dealing with roadside emergencies, routine car maintenance and car safety checks. The evening is free and all will be encouraged to roll up their sleeves and ‘have a go’ themselves under the guidance of expert motor technicians, promises the dealership. Gloves will be provided for hygiene purposes.

Anybody interested in attending the free Women in the Driving Seat event at Thurlow Nunn on Wednesday, November 18 can telephone Ivan Pletersky on 01582 575944 or e-mail: ivanpletersky@thurlownunn.co.uk to reserve places.

car reviews by women

Vauxhall New Corsa impresses

newcorsa1I was invited to test drive Vauxhall’s New Corsa recently, starting in Liverpool and then into north Wales.

As it had been a few years since I’d driven the ‘old’ Corsa I wanted to see whether I was still as impressed as I had been then – knowing just how competitive this small car sector is and how reliant Vauxhall is on the retail and therefore female market.

What interested me most was the promise of a complete makeover involving a new chassis, choice of engines and personalised interiors. Would I recognise the car I wondered?

Why buy a Vauxhall?

Vauxhall is one of the two best known car brands in the UK. A franchised dealership will be near you which is reassuring when it comes to car servicing and any warranty claims. Despite being launched c20 years ago the Corsa brand name still sounds modern and the New Corsa competes well in today’s market on looks and style.

Sadly Vauxhall’s leading lifetime (100,000 mile) warranty ends this year which is a big disappointment. This gave Vauxhall a clear advantage over others with 5 and 7 year warranties. Come 2015 New Corsas will come with a 3 year 60,000 mile warranty instead.

Looks

corsa_walesThere’s a choice of three and five door models. The three door (yellow model- see stylish door curves) is aimed at the 25 to 35 budget conscious age group, without children one assumes.

The five door model (see below in grey) can be expected to sell well with older motorists, depending on family size and the practicality of accommodating more than two passengers at any stage.

These cars are best described as sporty (3 door) and spacious (5 door) to distinguish them from each other although you can also add stylish to both.

Note the LED daytime running lights and the glass sunroof option…

Inside, the cabin feels spacious, even in the three door sporty model and there’s plenty of customisation in terms of fabrics and interior colour to please all tastes.

Technology

If you like gadgets, there are plenty to keep you happy, designed to make driving easier, safer, more comfortable and more fun.

A City Mode button notably lightens the steering so it’s easy to manouevre in tight spots.

Heated options include the steering wheel, seats, door mirrors and windscreen.

There’s an infotainment system called Intellilink with digital radio, USB and Bluetooth with voice control.

I didn’t need the SatNav because we were using special timed route maps to keep our navigators on their toes.

If you need help with clutch control, there’s a Hill Start Assist.

An Advanced Park Assist will self-steer you into the tightest parking space (and impress any onlookers).

There’s a front camera system that records what’s happening as you drive and clever headlamps that corner to help with better night vision when you need it most.

Most of these are optional extras of course.

The Drive

My test-drive companion was Alasdair Campbell who is taking his Automotive Journalism MA at Coventry University. We each took turns driving and navigating through the busy city streets in Liverpool then along winding scenic roads in North Wales. This was an excellent and most enjoyable route that took the best part of a day and meant we could each test the car in a range of typical everyday driving conditions.

I was particularly impressed by the 1.0i 90PS Turbo Limited Edition three door Corsa we drove. It’s the yellow one in the photo. The drive was smooth, energetic and very quiet.

To begin with I thought the engine had switched off as we waited at traffic lights but the moment you touch the accelerator the power is instantly there, making it eco-friendly and economic.

The brakes were impressive (compared to the ones I’m used to) and cornering and overtaking was smooth, efficient and reliable.

We then switched to the new version of Vauxhall’s 1.4 turbo engine and five door model. That’s the SRi in Shiny Rock ie charcoal metallic, parked outside the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

This gave me the opportunity to compare the onboard space and whilst the five door didn’t seem much roomier inside it will be the preferred model choice for Mums who need to fit child car seats in the back.

Price and economy

corsa 5 dr New Corsa prices for the three door model start from £8995 (the Sting 1.2i 70PS) and the five door from £9600. The entry price is lower than the current Corsa remember.

There are too many engine and trim combinations to list here so it’s best to go the the Vauxhall website and configure your ideal New Corsa there.

The combined fuel figure ranges from 52.3 mpg for a 1.2i 70PS Manual to an impressive 88.3 mpg for the 1.3 CDTi 95PS S/S eco-FLEX 3 door.

CO2 emissions g/km start at 85 g/km for the 1.3 CDTi 95PS S/S eco-FLEX 3 door – this means zero Vehicle Excise Duty. In fact all manual and Easytronic gearbox models qualify for zero car tax in year one.

Benefit in kind company car taxation rates range from 13% to 18% across the range.

Insurance groups are lower than before, mostly in 2 and 3 which makes this critical cost more affordable for younger drivers in future.

The verdict

This will be a big seller for Vauxhall. The New Corsa has involved changing every car panel even though the end size/dimensions are virtually the same.

We’re talking about a cheaper car (with better residual value anticipated), more efficient engines, new steering/suspension, less CO2 and better onboard equipment.

How can they fail when you spell it out like that?

Yes I’d happily own and drive the five door version with the 1.0i 90PS Turbo engine although I’m disappointed that the lifetime warranty is no more.

To find out more

You can browse the range, check out colours and see typical interiors and trim at vauxhall.co.uk/newcorsa.

If you’re planning to buy a car in 2015 I’d also recommend reserving a test drive via
https://www.vauxhalltestdrive.co.uk/ATD7/newcorsasignup so you’re one of the first to try it.

I was very impressed and hope you will be too.

FOXY

Vauxhall

It’s official. Vauxhall is a Top Employer

74980vauVauxhall Motors is one of the select organisations to achieve the Top Employers United Kingdom 2014 certification which means it is officially recognised as a leading employer.

As you can see, this illustrates the number of women involved in this initiative. Crucial to the Top Employers process is that participating companies complete a stringent research process and meet high standards to achieve the certification.

To reinforce the validity of the process, all answers were independently audited and based on the following employee offerings.
+ Primary Benefits
+ Secondary Benefits and Working Conditions
+ Training and Development
+ Career Development
+ Culture Management

Eleanor Nickerson, Manager of UK Operations for Top Employers Institute said:

“In 2014 we’ve seen trends of the last couple of years starting to come to fruition with many Top Employers starting to reap the results from the coaching, mentoring, and apprenticeship programmes they’ve implemented. We’re seeing a heavier focus on succession planning, in particular with companies developing their current and future leadership. Many of our certified companies have developed creative and inclusive leadership programmes that help to develop their top talent and ensure that it’s a win-win situation – you have engaged employees who have an exciting and rewarding career path ahead of them, and organisations with talented, long-term leadership that’s aligned with their business.”

Zoe Peacock, a Vauxhall Apprentice, said:

“Vauxhall has allowed me to strengthen my skills and develop my knowledge, all whilst being a valuable member of the workforce, earning a salary and making friends for life.”

Phil Millward, HR Director, Vauxhall Motors noted:

“We are delighted to have received certification as this is an acknowledgement of the constant review and improvement of our key HR strategies and our progressive approach to practices and policies. We will continue to benchmark our activities as involvement with the Top Employers Institute enables us to find, grow and keep the best talent. Caring for our employees is a top priority and the Top Employers certification enables us to demonstrate our strong commitment to the workforce.”

To learn more about the Top Employers Institute and the Top Employers certification visit www.top-employers.com

Apprenticeships

Gender bias in apprenticeships

candgcareersadvicegirlsvboysYoung men are twice as likely to be encouraged to take an apprenticeship as women, according to new research from the City & Guilds Group.

A survey of more than 2000 young professionals (aged 18 – 31) showed that a third of the men were encouraged to take an apprenticeship in school compared to just 17% of women, suggesting that girls are still being held back by stereotypical perceptions of the ‘right’ career path for them.

This is interesting because it supports the view that there is more that can be done to improve the careers advice given in schools, particularly where this concerns apprenticeships and fails to put the spotlight on these as attractive alternatives to expensive University education.

Apprenticeships allow students to earn whilst learning and whilst gaining a valuable qualification towards their future career.

This week is National Apprenticeship Week #NAW2014 and I attended a Learners Day on Monday to see a programme likely to change these perceptions in future as organised by Raytheon Professional Services in Nottingham.

During the course of the day I saw pre GCSE female students from Witton Park comprehensive school in Blackburn changing their minds about a career in the motor industry after as little as 5 hours. It took a carefully crafted, cleverly targeted and relevant careers programme to do this of course.

RPS_windscreen_wipers

Particular highlights for me included the students using the latest Vauxhall diagnostic equipment (making car washers, wipers and horns work remotely) plus informative sessions from Pendragon’s Charlotte Potter and The IMI’s Emily Hakansson.

Both Charlotte and Emily focused on the fantastic range of motor industry careers that are equally available and rewarding for females as they are for males.

From an initial 2 students expressing a halfhearted interest in motor industry careers, a lively five hour programme quickly transformed this into an enthusiastic and committed total of six likely motor industry ambassadors.

Yes the sample is too small to be statistically meaningful but bearing in mind this was the transformation within a group of just 11 girls, it’s not hard to see the potential multiplier effect when a similar programme is rolled out elsewhere.

Furthermore it may demonstrate a lack of understanding that many of today’s school pupils have about apprenticeships for the reason that few teachers have any real work experience outside education, suggested by Business Secretary Vince Cable MP today.

All this points to the power of and the need for more effective marketing communications in this area. Sadly all this costs money but someone clearly needs to educate teachers to do a better job here. This is surely a missing link in their education process? Perhaps the Business Secretary should talk to the Education Secretary about ways they both can make things better here?

We surely need everyone on the same side here to benefit the UK economy? And to make sure that our pupils know ALL their career options at as early a stage as possible.

FOXY

By all means join in this debate at Twitter, please use #NAW2014 and our Twitter feed @FOXYtweets.

road accident

One good deed deserves another

Well done Network Q for presenting Good Samaritan Janice Dunlop with a replacement Vauxhall Vectra after her previous model had its roof cut off in a cruel twist of fate.

Imagine the stress of this situation if you can…

Janice and her Vauxhall Vectra had just survived a potentially life threatening crash when an out-of-control lorry demolished two vehicles near hers.

She then sheltered two badly shaken survivors of the crash in her car who then reported serious signs of whiplash and neck pains.

Rather than move them on foot into a waiting ambulance, firemen took the decision to remove the roof of her Vectra making it easier for ambulance men to transfer them by stretcher into the waiting ambulance and to minimise the potential complications for these accident victims.

In these circumstances, with a clear cut guilty party to claim against and knowing that emergency services had taken this decision to effectively write her car off I find it almost unbelievable that Janice’s insurance company (whose name we don’t know at this stage) attempted to refuse liability leaving Janice considerably worse off for her charitable decision.

Fortunately our knight in shining armour ie Network Q has since ridden to Janice’s rescue, presenting her with a replacement Vectra hatchback at the Vauxhall Picador Chandlers Ford dealership in Southampton.

Let’s leave the last word to Janice here…

“I’m delighted with Network Q” said Janice.

“Our family loves Vauxhall cars and we’ve owned three Vectras, two Astras and one Cavalier to date but my last Vectra was the most reliable car I have ever driven.”

Plus a brief plug for Network Q – all their vehicles are inspected by trained Vauxhall technicians who check that the car is in good working order, is what it says and against the latest recall directories to make sure nothing that needs checking or replacing has been overlooked.

Launched in 1990, Network Q has sold over two million used cars to date.

Well done Network Q and Vauxhall Picador Southampton.

FOXY
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