The Contract Hire Blog

The All New Saab 9-5

Announcing the arrival of the all new Saab 9-5.
Saab UK delighted to announce the arrival of the all new Saab 9-5 saloon, with the delivery last week of the first right hand drive production cars to the Saab dealer network.
Designed and equipped as a top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all new 9-5 is [...]

New Fiat 500 BlackJack limited edition is now out

Fiat has introduced another limited edition for for the Fiat 500 range with the Fiat 500 BlackJack. This follows on from the successful launch of the Fiat 500 Pink. Only 200 examples of the matt black supermini will be available when the car goes on sale next week.
The Fiat 500 BlackJack is based on the [...]

Longest-running car names

Naming children can be a tricky procedure, with names constantly dropping in and out of fashion. Jack, Alfie and Harry are this year’s baby boy names of choice, while baby girl names also hark back to your great grandparents’ day, with Ruby, Emily and Grace proving popular.
It’s the same with cars; old names frequently come [...]

New car registrations up 10.8% in June

·         New car registrations were up 10.8% in June and 19.9% during first half of 2010.
·         25.3% rise in the fleet market helped to sustain growth momentum.
·         Market up despite end of scrappage scheme, but volumes set to slip in second half of 2010.
The new car market continued to perform above expectations in June, with [...]

Vauxhall Secures Contracts

Vauxhall has secured contracts for the UK supply chain, ranging from internal trim components for Vauxhall production sites in the UK to providing components for other GM global manufacturing locations. The service sector also won Vauxhall contracts for support with dealer design and project management.
Business secretary Vince Cable welcomed the news as he co-chaired his [...]

August 24th, 2010

Vauxhall Astra Sports Touring Prices Announced

Vauxhall announces pricing and engine availability for All New Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall has today announced pricing for the exciting all-new Astra Sports Tourer, which is available to order now and hits UK showrooms on 26 November.

British-built solely at our Ellesmere Port facility and the upper body structure has been 100% engineered at the Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire, the new model opens its account with a provisional lead price of just £16,575 OTR.

Sub-120g/km engine choice

The new line-up debuts with a choice of six lively yet frugal engines (three petrol, three diesel), two of which - 110PS and 125PS 1.7CDTi 16v ecoFLEX – fall below the 120g/km threshold for CO2. This means those two engines qualify for Zero Vehicle Excise Duty during the First Year and the lowest diesel BiK tax band at 13%.^*3

They’ll be joined by a powerful yet fuel efficient 2.0CDTi 16v engine, and then later, a sub-110g/km 1.3 litre 95PS ecoFLEX engine (anticipated availability Jan 2011) with Start/Stop technology which will qualify for 100% First Year Writing Down Allowance.

Full engine availability is as follows (please note: – all figures are provisional):

Engine	Trim Level	CO2 Emissions (g/km)	*BiK Tax Band (2010/11 Tax Year)^3**	P11D Price from (£)
1.3CDTi 16v (95PS) ecoFLEX	ES, Exclusiv, SE, SRi	109	13%	18,215.00
1.7CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX	ES, Exclusiv, SE, SRi	119	13%	18,610.00
1.7CDTi 16v (125PS) ecoFLEX	SE, SRi	119	13%	21,925.00
2.0CDTi 16v (160PS)	SE, SRi	134	18%	22,520.00
2.0CDTi 16v Turbo (160PS) automatic	SE, SRi	156	23%	23,690.00

1.4i 16v VVT (100PS)	ES, Exclusiv, SRi	139	16%	16,410.00
1.4i 16v VVT Turbo (140PS)	Exclusiv, SE, SRi	144	17%	18,580.00
1.6i 16v VVT (115PS)	ES, Exclusiv, SE, SRi	154	19%	17,060.00
1.6i 16v VVT (115PS) automatic	ES, Exclusiv, SE, SRi	169	22%	18,210.00

A practical proposition

Aside from high levels of tax efficiency, all-new Astra Sports Tourer brings new practicality to the compact class.

Highlights include:

Maximum load capacity of up to 1,550 litres^*2
‘Black box’ volume of 900 litres^*4(the ‘black box’ is the largest rectangular block - e.g. a fridge - that can be inserted in the rear end)
FlexFold® rear seats (standard or optional depending on trim level): allows each section of the 60:40 split-folding rear seatback to be lowered at the press of a button
Completely flat load floor
Additional 25 litres of storage space in the cabin (50% more than current Astra estate model)
Easy access cargo cover - one touch up/down and fore/aft operation
Optional FlexOrganiser® system

August 24th, 2010

Naughty Volvo S60

Pure driving pleasure. That’s what awaits you in the all-new naughty Volvo S60. With a new dynamic chassis, Corner Traction Control plus Torque Vectoring that helps reduce understeer, every bend is a joy.

Combine this with one of our 5- or 6-cylinder engines, from a 2.4 litre diesel with sequential twin turbochargers to a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol delivering 304 bhp, and you’re ready for the ultimate driving experience.

Be one of the first to watch the naughty tests below, then go online to see which engine is right for you.

August 24th, 2010

The All New Saab 9-5

Announcing the arrival of the all new Saab 9-5.

Saab UK delighted to announce the arrival of the all new Saab 9-5 saloon, with the delivery last week of the first right hand drive production cars to the Saab dealer network.

Designed and equipped as a top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. Pricing is very competitive, starting at just £26,495 OTR for the 2.0TiD 160PS diesel model, making it a highly attractive proposition. In addition, Saab contract hire are able to offer highly competitive lease rates from as little as £349 per month (excl. VAT)* plus an Advanced Rental of £1,047 (excl. VAT).

All new Saab 9-5

Saab UK Managing Director Jonathan Nash said: “We are delighted to have taken delivery of the new 9-5 and we are confident it will be a great success with customers in the UK. The new Saab 9-5 combines the emotional appeal of a contemporary, modern Saab with all the rational appeal of a spacious five-seater premium saloon. Initial media reaction has confirmed that the driving performance matches up with the striking visual appeal to create a powerful new contender in the segment”.

Generously equipped

The new 9-5 matches an impressive driving experience with the excitement of Saab’s bold Scandinavian design language, plus a generous array of standard equipment across the range. There are two models – Vector SE and Aero – with key equipment highlights as follows:

Vector SE

Leather/Textile comfort seats
Electronic climate control (dual zone)
Bluetooth® phone integration system
Heated front seats
Cruise control
AUX & USB sockets with MP3/iPod^TMintegration
Keyless push button engine start/stop
Parking Assistance (front and rear)
17″ alloy wheels

Aero (Key specification highlights above Vector SE)

Leather sport seats
Dual electric seats
Bi-xenon headlights
Headlight washers
Aero front and rear bumpers
Twin exposed tailpipes
Sport chassis
19″ alloy wheels

Turbocharged engines

The new 9-5 powertrain line-up carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, focusing on responsible performance through highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines.

From launch, there will be the 160PS 2.0TiD diesel, with just 139g/km of CO2, putting it into the low 19% BiK band. Plus the choice extends to two petrol engines – a 220PS 2.0T and a 300PS 2.8T (Aero only). From MY 2011, a new 190PS 2.0TiD twin-turbo diesel with CO2 of 159g/km will be available, together with a new 180PS 1.6T turbo petrol engine.

State of the art features

Befitting a new car from a premium manufacturer, all new 9-5 features a range of high tech optional features:

Hard disc satellite navigation system with 8″ colour touchscreen
Aircraft inspired head-up information display (HUD)
Harman/Kardon audio system
DriveSense adaptive chassis with continuous damping control
XWD – the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system

International Media launch demonstrates impressive performance

The international automotive media converged on Saab’s home town of Trollhattan last month for the first opportunity to drive the all new 9-5. Reaction was even better than management had hoped, with media from across the globe praising the new 9-5’s combination of space, unique style and dynamic performance. Perhaps the UK’s own John Simister, writing on EVO magazine, summed it up best, saying:
“I’d have one over a 5-series or an A6, no question. Objectively it’s as good, in some ways better. Subjectively, it’s about 200 per cent more interesting.”

August 4th, 2010

Peugeot extends LCV warranty to 100,000 miles

The Peugeot Bipper, Partner, Expert and Boxer range of light commercial vehicles, including motorhomes and converted vehicles, but excluding the 207 Van, now benefit from a 100,000 mile warranty.

The Tepee derivatives and Tepee-based conversions such as the Expert Taxi, which are classified as passenger cars, retain the original warranty mileage limit of 60,000 miles.

This change has been back-dated to cover all vehicles first registered in the UK on or after July 1, 2010.

Now all Peugeot LCVs (except 207 Van) first registered in the UK on or after July 1, 2010, and purchased from a UK Peugeot Dealer, benefit from a the two year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty and a free optional additional one year warranty provided by the Peugeot Dealer Network in the UK, with a mileage limit of 100,000 miles

August 4th, 2010

New Fiat 500 BlackJack limited edition is now out

The Fiat 500 BlackJack is based on the 1.2 and 1.4 Sport specification and features the following standard accessories;

Individual matt black paint finish.
Metallic effect mouldings, door handles. door mirrors and plate holder.
16-inch alloy wheels in matt black with a red coach line.
Red brake calipers (on the 1.4 version only).
Special carpet mats.
Fiat Start&Stop

August 4th, 2010

Contract Hire is a Valuable Solution for Business

In the current global recession, the vast populace are all feeling a little bit nervous as to what tomorrow will hold. Those amongst us who are lucky enough to have jobs may have them whipped from underneath our feet at the drop of a hat. Those of us who don’t have jobs are wondering if we will ever be given the opportunity to work again. Regardless of your station in life; the current economical climate has got everybody a little bit on edge.

A large proportion of people have decided to start their own business as a way of getting back into the workforce without relying on financially-stricken companies employing them. This, in essence, is a good idea, especially if you have a trade or a particularly detailed and fool-proof business plan. The one major drawback is the initial outlay that can seriously damage the new business-person’s balance sheet. One of the largest proportions of this outlay is often the purchasing of vehicles.

Now, I may have no sure fire way to make sure your business succeeds, but I can offer a valuable tip into ensuring that your initial earnings are not going to be swallowed up by paying for vehicles. I have two words that may be of great interest to you: Contract Hire.

Contract Hire is a flexible system of financing that allows you to hire the vehicles you require over a pre-designated period of time. The businesses that offer these services often make concessions for new businesses and will set up payment rates that are more realistic to your financial capabilities. With options such as buying the vehicles when your accounts will allow it, mean that Contract Hire is a valuable system for giving you a leg up into the world of business and only asking for larger payments when you and your financiers are completely comfortable with it.

For anyone looking into starting their own business and require anything from one car to a fleet of light commercial vehicles; Contract Hire is a great way of getting started.

August 4th, 2010

New Vauxhall Meriva. Embrace Life.

The New Vauxhall Meriva is in retailers now. The ground-breaking family car with innovative FlexDoors^® is packed with ingenious storage ideas and totally flexible seating.

Design

With sharp sculpted lines and a distinctive ‘wave’ in the rear window line which accentuates the FlexDoors^® and gives more than a touch of style, the New Vauxhall Meriva is a refreshing combination of expressive design and clever innovations.

Fantastic flexibility

Discover all the ways the New Vauxhall Meriva can adapt to suit your life.

FlexDoors^®

These clever new FlexDoors^® feature rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, making it easier to get in and out. Rather than having to step back, or to one side as you would using a conventional front-hinged door, FlexDoors^® allow unimpeded forward entry/exit into and out of the car.

For parents with small children there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards into rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open, a ‘family friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants. The wave in the belt line on the rear doors complements the overall design of the New Meriva and offers improved passenger visibility in the rear, especially for small children – perfect for playing i-spy.

FlexDoors^® are kinder on your back too. Research by the Department of Industrial Design at Coventry University looked at the effects of lifting even just a 5kg object (a small baby for example) in and out of the New Meriva’s rear seats. Compared with a conventional car, the FlexDoors^® help reduce back muscle loads by up to 58% and leaning and twisting angles by up to 48%. Back strain was reduced even just by getting in and out of the car.

No wonder New Meriva has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the highly respected German AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) panel of doctors and ergonomic experts – the first time they’ve certified a complete vehicle ergonomic concept rather than individual concepts.

FlexSpace^®

The FlexSpace^® rear seating system enables you to individually move the outer rear seats backwards, forwards and even diagonally, or all three can be folded flat for more luggage space. The system provides superb levels of versatility – without ever having to remove a seat.

FlexRail^®

New Meriva’s modular FlexRail^® system is a totally new concept in storage. It provides a convenient and adaptable storage solution for a wide range of everyday items – from drinks bottles and bags, to colouring books and MP3 players.

Space for the FlexRail^® has been created by raising the gearshift location and replacing the traditional handbrake with an easy to use electronic park brake button (standard on all models). The result is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre console and is accessible from the rear seats.

Flexible storage

The New Meriva has up to 32 practical storage solutions: there’s a space for everything you need, to make the journey easier for you.

In the boot, the versatile Flex Floor can be set to bumper height for ease of loading whilst at the same time offers under floor stowage with further storage compartments provided in the luggage area sidewalls.

Relaxing Comfort

The high seating positions provide a better view of the road and ease of getting in and out of the car. The accredited Ergonomic drivers sport seat has received the AGR orthopaedic certification (from an independent panel of ergonomic experts and doctors based in Germany) and is adjustable in eight ways with four-way lumbar support to perfectly suit your posture.

The rear seats are higher than the front seats – theatre style – which enables better visibility for rear passengers.

The panoramic glass roof enhances the feeling of roominess and floods light into the interior.

The integrated infotainment system is easy to use – play music from your MP3 player or just flick through the radio channels via steering wheel controls. Get traffic information and dynamic navigation guidance with the optional satellite navigation system.

The New Vauxhall Meriva SE model with Cocoa fabric comes with Top Tec stain resistant fabric which means cleaning up after your family is easy and any permanent staining is minimised by simply dabbing off mess with a damp cloth.

Optional front and rear parking distance sensors help avoid dings and dents whilst manoeuvring and parking.

Superior Safety

The New Meriva has superb safety features, which is key for any parent looking to protect their precious cargo. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is available across the range. Plus, every New Meriva has a host of strong safety features including a reinforced passenger safety cell and adaptive brake lights. Adaptive Forward Lighting is also available which improves visibility and makes night driving safer. The Dynamic Curve Light improves road illumination by up to 90%.

Excellent Efficiency

New Meriva is perfect for family life and it’s also great to drive, with a range of efficient new multi-valve petrol and diesel engines. Leaner, greener and altogether great to drive, the New Meriva engine line-up delivers brilliant performance with high levels of efficiency and Euro 5 compliant emissions.

August 4th, 2010

Longest-running car names

It’s the same with cars; old names frequently come back into fashion. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Skoda Octavia, Fiat 500 and the new MINI are a few such examples.

But what about those cars names that didn’t have to come back into fashion because they never went out of vogue in the first place? Here we pay tribute to 10 long running car names that have withstood the twists and turns of fashion, and salute the creators who got it right first time around

August 4th, 2010

UK automotive production figures June 2010

Source:	Cars		Commercial Vehicles		Total Vehicles		Total Engines
SMMT Ltd	Jun-10	YTD 2010	Jun-10	YTD 2010	Jun-10	YTD 2010	Jun-10	YTD 2010
Total	117,938	636,660	10,656	64,606	128,594	701,266	237,655	1,269,824
% change	28.6%	55.0%	24.9%	49.6%	28.3%	54.5%	18.1%	35.3%
Export	84,679	456,249	7,290	45,000	91,969	501,249	168,885	925,754
% change	16.9%	39.5%	24.5%	38.1%	17.5%	39.4%	14.7%	28.4%
% of total	71.8%	71.7%	68.4%	69.7%	71.5%	71.5%	71.1%	72.9%
Home	33,259	180,411	3,366	19,626	36,625	200,017	68,770	344,070
% change	72.4%	115.5%	25.7%	85.3%	66.7%	112.1%	27.3%	58.0%
% of total	28.2%	28.3%	31.6%	30.4%	28.5%	28.5%	28.9%	27.1%

· Car production rose by 28.6% in June and was up 55% over the year-to-date.

· Commercial vehicle output rose by 24.9% in June and 49.6% in first six months.

· UK engine production was up 18.1% in June and by 35.3% over the year-to-date.

“UK automotive production rose in June with steady improvement across the car, commercial vehicle and engine sectors against a weak 2009,” said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt. “Continued investment in new products and technology is helping to sustain growth for the sector while rising demand from export and home markets is maintaining momentum. The coming months remain uncertain and sustaining economic recovery in major markets around the world remains the industry’s top priority.”

August 4th, 2010

New car CO2 figures continue to improve

Average new car CO2 figure down 4.7% in first half of 2010 to 145.2g/km, compared with the same period in 2009.
· Registrations of alternatively fuelled cars doubled over this period.
· Some concern that rate of improvement may slow, but new technologies constantly emerging.

“Continued vehicle manufacturer efforts to improve fuel efficiency and cut emissions has further reduced average CO2 output during a better than anticipated first half of 2010,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “The remainder of the year is set to be challenging, especially post the scrappage scheme. All manufacturers are committed to offering ever more efficient products through the introduction of increasingly efficient engines and alternative technologies.”

· Average new car CO2 figure has fallen in every month of 2010.
· Rate of improvement has cooled following the exceptional impact of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme.
· Registrations of alternatively fuelled cars have more than doubled to 11,468 units in the first half of the year, and grew by 157.4% in June.
· Registrations of ‘signposted’ eco-models* have risen by 141.4% in the first half of 2010 to almost 74,000 units and by almost 850% on the first half of 2008

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The All New Saab 9-5

New Fiat 500 BlackJack limited edition is now out

Longest-running car names

New car registrations up 10.8% in June

Vauxhall Secures Contracts

Vauxhall Astra Sports Touring Prices Announced

Naughty Volvo S60

The All New Saab 9-5

Peugeot extends LCV warranty to 100,000 miles

New Fiat 500 BlackJack limited edition is now out

Contract Hire is a Valuable Solution for Business

New Vauxhall Meriva. Embrace Life.

Longest-running car names

UK automotive production figures June 2010

New car CO2 figures continue to improve