Vauxhall offers buyers of a limited range of cars and vans a free £500 Fuel card from Tomorrow until Monday. T&C Apply.

Customers of Vauxhall retailers across the country can get £500* worth of free fuel, with selected car and van purchases between Thursday 8^th September and Monday 12^th September.

The offer is available on Vauxhall’s multi-award winning Astra, as well as the popular Corsa supermini, fashionable ADAM and Mokka compact SUV.

In addition to passenger cars, the offer is open to commercial vehicle customers across Vauxhall’s van range, including the Corsavan, Combo, Brit-Built Vivaro and Movano. Customers will be able to take home their £500 Fuel Card when placing an order for a new car or van that is registered on or before 30^th September 2016.

The £500 free fuel offer is available in addition to Vauxhall’s other great discounts including a range of finance offers and Flexible Personal Contract Purchase Plans (PCP). Customers can choose from a selection of Vauxhall models with low monthly payments and all the flexibility that PCP finance allows at the end of the chosen term.

“Our free fuel offer this September is a great opportunity for customers to take advantage of our other fantastic finance deals and drive away with a new car or van,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall’s Retail Sales Director.

In addition to other offers, vauxhall now add a £500 offer to certain Corsa and ADAM models.

Vauxhall retailers are offering customers £500* towards the cost of a new ADAM or Corsa model when they book a test drive during August and September. The Test Drive programme will take place at Vauxhall retailers nationwide and applies to selected ADAM or Corsa models purchased and registered between now and 30^th September.

The £500 Test Drive offer is available in addition to Vauxhall’s other great discounts, which include a range of finance offers and Flexible Personal Contract Purchase Plans (PCP). Customers can make their new Corsa or ADAM even more affordable with low monthly payments and all the flexibility that PCP finance allows at the end of the chosen term.

“Vauxhall’s Test Drive Programme is a great opportunity for customers to not only experience the new Corsa or ADAM, but to also walk out knowing they have secured a great deal,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall’s Retail Sales Director. “It’s a good opportunity for customers to make a saving on their new car while making the most of a number of great finance offers too.”

T's and C's apply, contact your local Vauxhall dealer for more info.

Vauxhall adds UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED to popular ADAM range.

• Vauxhall adds UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED to popular ADAM range
• Trim levels combine existing ADAM options for unprecedented levels of personalisation
• Vehicle-integrated wireless charging for mobile devices now available

Vauxhall has updated its popular ADAM range further with the introduction of UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED trim variants. Incorporating options from the existing JAM, GLAM and SLAM models, the new variants will provide drivers with more personalisation options than ever before.

The ADAM UNLIMITED and ROCKS UNLIMITED allow the customer to personalise their model from all existing:

• Exterior and roof colours
• Wheel sizes and styles
• Interior trims and foils
• Technology options

With all options available in virtually any combination, customers can design an ADAM that is truly personal to them.

Available from £12,260 on-the-road, the ADAM UNLIMITED offers generous levels of standard equipment, including 16-inch Titan triple cross alloy wheels, daytime running lights, cruise control, climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. A leather-covered steering wheel with audio controls and connectivity options including USB and aux-in sockets add to the driver’s comfort and convenience.

Elsewhere in the range, the ADAM ROCKS UNLIMITED is available from £15,875 on-the-road and includes the same level of standard equipment as the ADAM UNLIMITED, plus additional design and convenience features. Externally, ROCKS UNLIMITED adds:

• Anthracite-coloured protective mouldings for wheel arches
• Lower door and side sills
• Anthracite front and rear bumpers with visible underbody protection
• Dark tinted rear windows
• 15mm increased ride height
• Electric folding canvas roof
• Chrome upper side window moulding
• Chrome effect door sill covers
• Chrome isert in door handles
• LED daytime running lights and LED rear tail lights

On the inside, drivers benefit from having improved technology through OnStar, Vauxhall’s innovative personal connectivity and service assistant system that becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices.

Wireless Charging

Vauxhall now offers vehicle-integrated wireless charging in the ADAM range, enabling the driver, or passengers, to recharge a mobile device via an electromagnetic field. Reducing clutter and the need for cables, the user only needs to place the device on the integrated charger and wireless charging will begin immediately.

With wireless charging, Vauxhall OnStar, award-winning IntelliLink infotainment technology, CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection, the ADAM keeps its drivers connected like never before.

“Our IntelliLink infotainment technology made its debut in the ADAM, which is the perfect example of how much technology and individuality can be packed into a small car,” said Ian Mitchell, Vauxhall’s ADAM Brand Manager. “Now with wireless charging as well as Vauxhall OnStar, we are taking our in-car technology to an unprecedented level.”

Wireless charging (also known as inductive charging) uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects via a charging station. Energy is sent through an inductive coupling to an electronic device, which can then use that energy to charge the battery or run the device.

The wireless charger in the ADAM is compatible with the “Qi” and “Powermat” interface standards and it is located in the centre console in front of the gear stick. Drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and, using Bluetooth, can pair their phone to the vehicle to make calls or stream music while the device is safely secured and charging.

Wireless charging is available as an option for £150 on UNLIMITED models only.

The vauxhall ADAM no comes with the R4.0 Intellilink System Infotainment technology as standard.

• R4.0 IntelliLink system available with smartphone integration
• IntelliLink touchscreen overview similar to smartphone menu
• Vauxhall OnStar turns ADAM into powerful internet on wheels

Vauxhall has introduced the latest-generation R4.0 IntelliLink system infotainment technology including smartphone integration to its stylish ADAM city car.

Following the introduction of the first-generation award-winning IntelliLink, this update promises to take individualisation even further, with an overview similar to a smartphone menu and the choice of well-known navigation including Apple Maps and Google Maps.

Vauxhall’s innovative OnStar is also now available on ADAM SLAM, S and ROCKS models, enabling personal connectivity and a service assistant while also becoming a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven mobile devices, even when abroad – with no additional roaming fees.

“The Vauxhall ADAM in all its variants is the perfect example of how much individuality and technology can be packed into a small car. And with the new smartphone-compatible IntelliLink system and Vauxhall OnStar, we boost our successful lifestyle city car onto a higher level,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Car Line Brand.

As usual, all this comes at very affordable prices: the infotainment system IntelliLink R4.0 is available for just £495 as part of the Technical Pack which also includes parking sensors.

The hardware for the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar is free with ADAM SLAM, S and ROCKS while use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot is free of charge with all variants for the first 12 months following registration. This means private phone accounts are not charged, because those who connect their smartphones to OnStar enjoy free navigation.

IntelliLink R4.0

Praised for its clear seven-inch colour touchscreen, connectivity options via USB and Bluetooth for audio streaming and viewing photographs, videos and films or making a telephone call via the hands-free module – Vauxhall makes the latest generation of its IntelliLink system even more functional. The new IntelliLink R4.0, which made its debut at this year’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in the Astra, integrates the world of smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the vehicle.

Drivers and passengers simply need devices from Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS 7.1 (from iPhone 5). It is fast and easy: simply connect the iPhone or Android smartphone to the IntelliLink R4.0 via USB, and the Vauxhall infotainment technology immediately recognises the systems and adapts the smartphone interface to the seven-inch IntelliLink touchscreen.

Drivers can make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri, when it is safe to do so. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem.

The Google Maps and Apple Maps navigation apps are easy to use: updates are automatically downloaded onto the phone by the respective provider, so the driver always has the latest map data online. Changing the size of the map section on Android Auto is simply done by touching the screen and pinching or zooming accordingly. Another advantage is that smartphone-based systems provide information on traffic conditions in real time along with possible points of interest – including the complete address, opening hours and further details. When a text message from services such as WhatsApp or Skype is received, Android users can have it read out loud to them so they can keep their eyes on the road.

OnStar

Vauxhall OnStar enables stable use of all internet-based services. The personal connectivity and service assistant with its special antenna turns the ADAM into a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected to the system at the same time – even abroad. No additional roaming fees are applied.

Vauxhall OnStar offers an all-round carefree package, with services including Automatic Crash Response, 24-hour Roadside and Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostics to name but a few. The myVauxhall smartphone-app allows Vauxhall OnStar users to request help when away from the car, to open or close the car remotely or to access important vehicle data.

Opel denies having any "cheat" programs within any of it's products, as the VW scandal widens.

Opel emphatically rebuts the claims of the German Environmental Relief. We would once again like to emphasize the following, valid for all our cars: GM developed software has no features that detect whether the vehicle is undergoing an exhaust emissions test.

The results of the alleged Zafira test conducted by the German Environmental Relief (DUH) are not comprehendible. It is not fair that the German Environmental Relief makes assertions but did not disclose the alleged results, despite us asking for them on multiple occasions.

After receiving the communication from the German Environmental Relief, our engineers immediately put a corresponding vehicle (a Zafira with a 1.6-liter Euro 6 diesel engine) on the test bench and conducted and protocolled additional tests in accordance with the regulations – both on a two-roller and a four-roller test bench. 

The result: the values comply with the legal limits both for testing on two-wheel or four-wheel setups. This is the only result to be expected, as it has no influence on the emission systems whether or not the rear wheels are in motion. This means: The allegations are clearly false and unfounded.

An approach, as implied by the German Environmental Relief, would contradict our integrity, our values and the work of our engineers. We are committed to the reliable compliance with exhaust emissions thresholds in all our vehicles. We have clear global processes that ensure that our products meet all exhaust emission standards in the markets they are sold in.

Vauxhall brings back it's own scrappage scheme, to give buyers of older cars a cash boost.

• £2,000 Scrappage Allowance available across most Vauxhall passenger cars
• Cars of any age and from any manufacturer are eligible
• Option of combining scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great finance offers

Vauxhall has re-launched its Scrappage Allowance scheme, which means customers can take advantage of a £2,000 (including VAT) scrappage trade-in against most new passenger cars in its range.

To qualify for the scheme, customers must have owned their trade-in vehicle for a minimum of 90 days. There is no upper age limit for cars and any manufacturer’s vehicle will be accepted.

Customers can combine scrappage with Vauxhall’s other great offers including Flexible Finance, Flexible PCP and a free insurance offer. For example, young drivers could take advantage of £99 insurance (18 to 20 year olds) for one year’s insurance on both ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition, while those aged 21 and over could get one year’s free insurance.

This means that a 21-year old customer participating in scrappage, could receive £1,190 finance deposit contribution and pay just £193 per month over 36 months for a Corsa three-door 1.2-litre Limited Edition, which includes one year’s free insurance and one year’s free OnStar and 4G Wi-Fi*.

“Vauxhall’s Scrappage Allowance scheme makes buying a new car even more affordable,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall's Retail Sales Director. “Even customers who think that their current car is only worth a few pounds can now turn it into a £2,000 contribution towards the cost of a new Vauxhall – and that’s over and above any other deals they negotiate with the retailer, including free insurance on ADAM SLAM and Corsa Limited Edition.”

As part of the scheme, vehicles must be traded-in and scrapped to be eligible for the allowance.  All surrendered vehicles will be handled by Vauxhall’s official contracted end of life vehicle partner Autogreen through their online platform 

www.rewardingrecycling.co.uk. 

The offer is available across Vauxhall’s passenger car range excluding VIVA, Corsa Sting and Sting R and ADAM JAM. The Scrappage Allowance scheme is available at participating Vauxhall retailers. Terms and conditions apply.

*On selected models only. OnStar is a comprehensive package, which includes a high-speed 4G Wi-Fi mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery technology.

Vauxhall takes the #1 spot for retails sales in September with a nice hefty growth over 2014.

Vauxhall sold more cars and vans to retail customers in the crucial plate-change month of September than any other manufacturer, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The Luton-based manufacturer sold 43,848 cars last month, an impressive 6.49 per cent increase on September 2014. It’s the first time Vauxhall has been number one for retail buyers in a plate-change month since electronic records began in 1996. Mokka and Zafira Tourer were also number one in their respective segments.

Further highlights included the Corsa supermini, Vauxhall’s best-selling model, achieving sales of 15,670, a 25.3 per cent increase on September last year. The Insignia also had a bumper month, leading total sales in its segment.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles also made strong gains in the CV market showing improved sales across its entire van range from January to September this year, making it the number one manufacturer for retail customers.

The van market itself enjoyed strong growth in September with 58,744 light commercial vehicles registered, up 19.5 per cent versus the same month last year.

Vauxhall sold 31,038 LCVs in the nine months to September corresponding to a 10.9 per cent market share and a 37.9 per cent increase on the same period last year.  That was more than double the rate of increase in the market as a whole, which was up 17.4 per cent with 284,161 units registered.  Vauxhall claimed top spot in the retail van charts with 11,425 registrations and an impressive 17.1 per cent market share.

The popular Vivaro, built at Vauxhall’s Luton plant, was the stand-out performer, accounting for an 11.01 per cent share of the retail van market. Overall, 20,231 Vivaro units have been sold year-to-date (compared to 13,411 for the same period last year), an increase of 50.8 per cent. This means there have been more Vivaros sold in the first nine months of 2015 than there were in the whole of 2014.

“September was a great month for Vauxhall with sales results that we can be truly proud of,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “Now we focus on finishing the year strongly with New Astra arriving in showrooms this month and OnStar giving us a tremendous lead in the vehicle connectivity arena.”

Fiat's New 500 and Panda dominate the European City Car sales charts, with growth in most models.

Italy’s economic rebound and the arrival of the refreshed Fiat 500 will help pull minicar sales out of a slump that caused the segment to drop to a five-year low in 2014, analysts at IHS Automotive predict.

European minicar sales fell 32 percent to 1,125,160 million in 2014 compared with 2009, with Italy down 50 percent to 244,642 during the period, IHS figures show.

However, the analyst firm predicts that Europe’s overall minicar sales will rise to about 1.2 million this year and 1.25 million next year because the volume in Italy -- Europe’s No. 1 market for the entry-level models -- is poised to increase to 260,000 this year and 300,000 in 2016.

That is still way below the roughly 500,000 minicars, also known as A-segment cars, that were sold in Italy in 2009, when a government-subsidized car-scrapping program artificially inflated demand. Similar schemes, which were used across Europe to boost sales during the height of the global financial crisis, pushed total minicar volume to 1.65 million five years ago.

Fiat’s dominance

What is expected to drive Italy’s minicar sales rebound is the country’s improving economic climate and the debut of the revised version of the 500, Fiat's higher-end, higher-priced minicar, which is Europe’s best-seller in the segment, according to data from JATO Dynamics.

Fiat also claimed second place in the segment with the more practical, more affordable Panda. European sales of the Panda increased by 11 percent to a little more than 76,000 through May.

The 500 also is a hit outside its home country, ranking as the UK’s best-selling minicar and No. 10 overall after five months, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Strong demand for the 500 helped make the UK Europe’s No. 2 market for minicars last year, IHS figures show. The UK nearly topped Italy in 2014 as demand rose to 237,138.

Overall UK car sales are being boosted by low interest rates that cut monthly finance figures low enough for buyers like Duncan Watson, a medical equipment salesman from Leighton Buzzard, southern England, who recently chose a new minicar over a second-hand model.

Watson is paying 138 pounds (about 195 euros) a month for a Peugeot 108 that he bought for his daughter, Ellie, on a personal lease from a local dealer. “I only cared about whether I could afford the monthly cost, and tried to get this as low as possible,” he told Automotive News Europe.

The 108’s sister model, the C1, is currently Citroen’s top-selling car in the UK, brand CEO Linda Jackson told Automotive News Europe in June.

Working together

The 108, C1 and Toyota Aygo are the second generation of minicars built at PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Toyota’s joint venture plant in Kolin, Czech Republic. All three ranked in the bottom half of the European top 10 through May with a combined volume of 97,562.

In April, PSA CEO Carlos Tavares told Reuters he wanted to maintain the French automaker’s minicar arrangement with Toyota, but he indicated an openness to adding partners to further spread costs.

“To make A-segment cars, it‘s better to have the kind of grouping of several [automakers] that are going to share a given investment and then make derivatives out of the common investment,” Tavares said.

Tavares was chief operating officer at PSA’s French rival, Renault, when it teamed up with Daimler to create a joint rear-wheel-drive minicar. The results are the current Renault Twingo, the Smart ForTwo and ForFour, all of which debuted in 2014.

The Twingo was given a more premium styling to better compete with the Fiat 500, a move that has proved to be a success as European sales were up 39 percent to 42,417 in the first five months.

The Twingo’s rise means Renault is poised to retake third place in the segment from the VW Up, which had an 11 percent sales decline in the January to May period.

“New competition in the sector is probably the thing that is harming the Up at the moment,” IHS Automotive principal analyst Ian Fletcher told Automotive News Europe. The Up was launched in late 2011 along with its sister models, the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii. The minicars are made at VW Group’s factory in Slovakia.

Special models

Of the three, only the Mii has increased sales so far this year, rising 4.4 percent to 10,456. It was helped by growth of the Spanish market and the debut of a new upmarket variant, Seat CEO Juergen Stackmann told journalists during a visit to the UK in July.

The Mii by Mango is a more premium version of the minicar that was created in collaboration with Mango, a Barcelona-based fashion house. The special edition Mii costs 9,480 euros compared with 6,500 euros for an entry-level Mii in Spain.

Stackmann said Seat sold 5,000 units of the model in its first year, with 80 percent being purchased by women. “It was far ahead of our expectations,” he said. “The [Mii’s] average transaction price has gone up tremendously.” IHS expects Spain’s minicar segment to double from a low of 24,558 in 2011 to about 52,000 this year.

The trend for more premium features and higher-end models in the sector also has boosted Opel/Vauxhall’s Adam, which is now available as a three-door hatchback, convertible and as a crossover that is called Adam Rocks.

Sales of the car rose 9 percent to 24,984 in the first five months. In May, Opel added the more practical, less-expensive Karl minicar, which is sold as the Vauxhall Viva in the UK.

“Very few manufacturers have a lineup in the A-B [minicar-subcompact] segment that’s so fresh and able to cater to different subsegments,” Vauxhall Managing Director Tim Tozer told Automotive News Europe. Opel also recently launched the new-generation Corsa subcompact.

Minicars are currently Europe’s third-largest segment and while small SUVs are stealing some sales from the sector, IHS predicts minicar volumes will remain steady at about 1.2 million until 2018. As Citroen CEO Jackson says: “There’s always room for a good cheap small vehicle at the bottom.”

Nick Gibbs

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