Guernsey dealers sponsor two Abarth 595 for use as Ambulance cars for St John's, a great idea.

They are billed as ‘First Responders’ and these two Abarth 595 ambulance cars should certainly be first at the scene of an emergency.

Powered by a turbo-charged 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, delivering 140 hp and 206 Nm maximum torque, these Abarth St John Community First Responders (CFR) cars are capable of 127 mph top speed and 0-62 mph acceleration in just 7.9 seconds – just right for a 999 call.

The two cars, sponsored by Michael and Peter Beausire, directors of Guernsey-based Abarth dealer Le Mont Saint Garage, will be used on the island by St John Community volunteers for the next year. Each vehicle carries a defibrillator and other life-saving equipment. The cars, which have been branded with CFR for maximum awareness, are available for immediate emergency dispatch.

CFRs are alerted to an emergency call at the same time as an ambulance and because they are already out in the community, they can be the first to reach the patient, sometimes making a difference between life and death.

“Le Mont Saint Garage’s donation is extremely generous and this practical support is invaluable to St John,” says Alison Marquis, deputy chief officer of St John Emergency Ambulance Service. “The support our CFRs provide, with perhaps early defibrillation and other life-saving skills in those first few minutes following a 999 call, can make a massive difference.”

“I am delighted that Le Mont Saint Garage was able to provide support to this worthwhile cause,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “I hope the cars help the St John volunteers provide lifesaving care and support.”

The Abarth 595 range starts at £14,610 for the 1.4 T-Jet 140 hp manual. 

Secretary of State for Transport visits Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars welcomed The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to the company’s head office and manufacturing plant at Goodwood, West Sussex today. Mr McLoughlin was accompanied by The Rt Hon Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel & South Downs.

Mr McLoughlin was briefed by members of the Rolls-Royce Board of Directors on the company’s recent investments, including a major expansion to the manufacturing plant and the creation of 200 new permanent jobs in the last 12 months. The briefing also included details of the company’s continued success, with a fourth year of record sales in 2013 and development of the company’s worldwide dealer network, currently standing at 120 dealerships.

Mr McLoughlin toured the facility, taking particular interest in the company’s Bespoke operation and the hand craftsmanship demonstrated in the wood and leather shops. He took the opportunity to chat with employees, including a number of current apprentices. Mr McLoughlin was also able to participate in the manufacturing process, installing a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine on the grille of a customer’s car.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said, "The Rolls-Royce Motors Cars facility at Goodwood is state of the art, and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet the team, tour the production line, and see for myself the incredible range of expertise that goes into producing these iconic British cars." ‎

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “It was a great privilege to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport to the Home of Rolls-Royce and to be able to brief the Minister on the extraordinary success of Rolls-Royce in recent years. We were deeply gratified at the interest shown in our business and for his warm and gracious words.”

On departing Rolls-Royce, Mr McLoughlin left for the Festival of Speed, a short drive from the manufacturing plant. Rolls-Royce is sited on the south-westerly corner of the Goodwood Estate.