VW Ups the ante for the small car segment

Thu, Apr 19, 2012

Annual World Car awards announced
The New York International Auto Show is the biggest attended motor exhibition in the United States and second biggest in the world. It is a fitting setting each Easter for the announcement of the World Car awards, and, having the honour to represent Ireland on the World Car jury, I was there to report on big event, writes Padraic Deane, our motoring correspondent of long-standing who represents Ireland on the World Car jury.

Stylish new Kia Optima arrives next week

Thu, Apr 19, 2012

Kia's long-awaited family size Optima saloon will arrive here next week. The sister model of the Hyundai i40, the Optima has won numerous design awards worldwide.

Hyundai unveils new Santa Fe at New York Show

Thu, Apr 19, 2012

Hyundai gave a world premiere to the new Santa Fe at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, reports Padraic Deane from the Big Apple.

Insurance Prices – be thankful we’re not as bad as UK

Thu, Apr 12, 2012

The average cost of motor insurance rose during the last year but only slightly. It is up by three per cent and most of that is explained by the increase in the government levy on insurance from 3 per cent to 5 per cent One more way in which the taxman gets his pound of flesh from us.

But actually, this is a good story. Irish motorists are in fact reaping benefits now from reforms that were carried out ten years ago. If you doubt this you have only to compare what we are paying here in Ireland with the going rate in the UK.

Pothole related damage down year on year

Thu, Apr 12, 2012

After a mild winter, damage to vehicles in Ireland as a result of potholes is down on last year, according to the results of an AA poll of more than 20,000 people.

Exclusive preview of Nissan NV400 at CV show

Thu, Apr 12, 2012

Nissan has chosen the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham in April to give operators an exclusive preview of its new NV400 chassis cab range.

Volkswagen Up is the World Car of the Year

Thu, Apr 12, 2012

The Volkswagen Up has been declared the 2012 World Car of the Year at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International AutoShow.

This is the third time that a Volkswagen has been declared the “World Car of the Year”. The Volkswagen Polo won the honour in 2010 and the Golf VI won the title in 2009, making it two consecutive years in a row.

Bradley Honda appoints new brand manager

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

Nigel Donovan has been appointed Honda brand manager at Bradley Motor Works, Galway, with immediate effect.

New Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV is here

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

The first of the new third generation Mercedes-Benz SUVs has just arrived in Ireland and with the added attraction of an 11 per cent price reduction on the outgoing model. It is the second of three new models to be launched here this year. Coming in the wake of the new B-Class, the M-Class links a strong off-road heritage to the comfort of a luxury premium saloon.

Access to Saab parts and technical support

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

Former Irish Saab importer Scanveco Ltd tells us that its dealers in the network are continuing “business as usual” by providing full technical support and parts supply to the many Saab owners in Ireland.

Saab Parts AB was a separate trading company and was not involved in the bankruptcy proceedings involving the car building company. Considerable progress has already been made in restoring a robust supply chain for parts.

Ford partners with Titanic project in Cobh

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

Ford Ireland has become a partner of the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 centenary project with the provision of a pair of specially liveried new Galaxy models that will be used during the year-long commemoration.

Mercs on spring run to the northwest

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

The Mercedes Benz Club ison the move again in the west of the country. This time, it is inviting members and friends to visit Donegal, on the weekend of April 20/21.

The club is staying for a couple of nights at the Mill Park Hotel in Donegal town. As usual, Sean Mc Greevy, the regional officer for all Connacht counties is the man to contact about this big weekend.

New Mercedes-Benz SL here within weeks

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

The new Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is due to arrive in Ireland within weeks.

Hyundai Santa Fe breaks cover

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

Hyundai Motor Co, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing automakers, has unveiled exterior teaser images of the new Santa Fe, which had been known by its code name DM in Korea. The new Santa Fe will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show early next month.

Taken for fuels...

Thu, Apr 05, 2012

Unless you are blind, or very rich, or both you cannot help but notice that the price of fuel has got completely out of hand in recent months. We are now paying well over €1.60 and getting on for €1.70 per litre for petrol, and €1.60 is typical for diesel.

Citroen's DS5 boasts great style and substance

Thu, Mar 29, 2012

You can rarely accuse Citroen of developing cars that do not demand a second glance. Some would say Citroen's instantly recognisable Gallic styling slant has reduced its level of wider European appeal in the past. At the same time, some other carmakers could be accused of a level of blandness or conservatism that is consciously induced into their designs so as not to alienate many middle-aged and older buyers.

Kia claims two more design awards

Thu, Mar 29, 2012

Kia has been awarded two top honours for its Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 red dot design competition.

Ampera makes Irish debut at the Energy Show

Thu, Mar 29, 2012

The new Opel Ampera electric vehicle made its Irish debut this week at the Energy Show at Dublin's RDS.

Volkswagen launches 4-3-2-1 offer on Crafter vans

Thu, Mar 29, 2012

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled its 4-3-2-1 offer on all Crafter vans sold and registered in March and April.

Citroen showcases more new models

Thu, Mar 29, 2012

Citroen showcased its bold creativity at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with a range of stylish and innovative new models.

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