IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Newsletter for Approved Driving InstructorsVolume 9. No 4. Spring 2011

PREVIEW: GENEVA MOTORSHOW 2011

• Citroën Ireland: Positively Powering Ahead• Reading Matters: Book Reviews• Winter Tyre Test with Goodyear Dunlop

incorporating

THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN A VOLVO. THERE’S THE SHEER PLEASURE YOU’LL GET FROM DRIVING THE BRAND NEW VOLVO S40 WITH A 3 YEAR WARRANTY AND 2 YEARS’ ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. THERE’S ALSO THE SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU CAN HAVE ALL THIS FOR AS LITTLE AS €23,750*. AND THAT’S WHY YOU’RE BOOKING YOUR TEST DRIVE NOW.

FINANCE OFFERS NOW AVAILABLE*. VISIT WWW.VOLVOCARS.IE, CALL 1800 246 135 OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLVO DEALER.

*Model featured is the Volvo S40 which is priced at €30,050. Price includes €1,250 government scrappage. Delivery and related charges not included. Terms and conditions apply, see www.volvocars.ie for details. Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in l/km (mpg): Urban 4.6 (61.4) – 10.7(25.7), Extra Urban 3.4 (83.1) – 6.8 (41.5), Combined 3.8 (74.34) – 8.3(34.0), CO

2 Emissions 99 g/km – 219 g/km

FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 29

www.fl eetcar.ie

30 NEWSGreat Wall enters Ireland • Airside is Ireland’s best selling point • Nissan presented with Car of the Year Award trophy • Corporate Manslaughter Law goes live • Dublin’s still congested plus Junction Box snippets

32 FOCUSCitroën Ireland outlines its objectives

34 COVERPreview to the Geneva Motor Show

35 DIRECTION/adiNews: Helmets off to Ireland’s oldest Racing School driver • New rules for HGV/PSV Driving Tests • Renault promotes employment of disabled young people • Wish to become a Transport Manager?

36 CAREERSo you want to be an HGV Driver?

38 INTERVIEW Iwith Cathy Bacon, Chair Person, Irish Driving Instructors Association

40 READING MATTERSBook Reviews x 3

42 INTERVIEW IIwith Zak Holles, M.D., Skoda Ireland

44 TYRESWinter tyre tests with Goodyear Dunlop

contents SPRING 2011

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30 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011

NEWS 1

Great Wall Motor Company to enter Irish market

Nissan collects Car of the Year 2011 Award

Airside Motor Park – Ireland’s No. 1 sales outlet

The Great Wall Motor Company, one of the few Chinese automotive producers that designs and builds its products to meet

EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards is set to enter Irish and UK markets this year. Initially, through importers the UK based IM Group (the appointed distributors for Subaru in Ireland) will concentrate on developing the brand in the Baltic States and Scandinavia before supplying RHD markets. At the recent Bologna Motor Show in Italy, Great Wall exhibited 7 models including the Wigle Pick-up, Haval SUV and Voleex passenger car. Pictured on page 29 is the Phenom Concept that Great Wall has created specifi cally for Europe.

To date Great Wall Motor Company Ltd products are

sold to more than 120 countries and regions. As China’s fi rst privately-owned automobile enterprise to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company has more than 30 subsidiaries and over 22,000 employed. On average, it builds almost one million vehicles per year.

With sales of 3,360 new cars in 2010, Airside Motor Park in Swords is Ireland’s No. 1 point of purchase for new cars. Airside’s

12 main dealerships accounted for 3.7% of the total Irish new car market of 90,000 units. Th e Motor Park’s location north of Dublin Airport just off the M1 near Swords puts it within 90 minutes drive time for over 60% of Irish motorists, while its compact size lets customers check out all the latest models from all 12 brands in just a few minutes.

Dealers in the Motor Park include Airside Ford, Airside Opel, Airside Peugeot, Bill Cullens Airside Renault, H.B. Dennis Airside (Land Rover, Range Rover, Volvo),

McAllister Volkswagen, Michael Barrable Motors (Fiat, Kia) and Windsor Airside (Chevrolet, Nissan). Each is also a main dealer for commercial vehicles and all carry signifi cant stocks of quality used cars.

Bold new look for Valvoline

Valvoline lubricants have got a whole new look. New container shapes that facilitate easy pouring and vibrant metallic colours are just part of the new packaging, according to Wil Jochems, Valvoline’s Product Manager for Europe.

“The high-performance Valvoline brand extends beyond the formulation of our products,” said Wil. “With more than 140 years of product development history, we looked at the needs of the market and our channel partners in the region and developed innovative new packaging that complements our next-generation lubricant technologies.” Paul Taylor, Valvoline’s Marketing Manager added, “We also developed the new packaging to make it easier for consumers to select the right products.”

Taxi Regulator

On January 1st, 2011, the National Transport Authority absorbed the Commission for Taxi Regulation. Th e Authority now carries out the functions previously undertaken by the Commission, under its Taxi Regulation Directorate.

Th e principal function of this Directorate is the development and maintenance of a regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) and their drivers.

BMW Finance

Demonstrating its confi dence in the future of the Irish market, BMW Group Financial Services has established its car fi nance division in Ireland. In welcoming customers in a time where the availability of fi nancing options are challenging, BMW Financial Services Ireland, headed up by Phillip Kerry, who as the newly appointed M.D., has 9 local based representatives off ering tailored customer and business fi nance solutions.

Toyota’s apt App

Toyota Ireland has become the fi rst Irish motor distributor to develop its own iPhone APP. Th e free APP, which gives instant information on all Toyota vehicles and used cars now available at Toyota dealers across the country, can be downloaded by serching Toyota Ireland on Apple’s App Store, or via the iTunes Store at htt p://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/toyota-ireland

The trophy recognising the revolutionary Nissan LEAF as Europe’s Car of Th e Year 2011 was handed over to Nissan Motor

Co.’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn in a special ceremony held at the Pavillion Gabriel in Paris.

To win the award, the 58 CoTY members – leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries – placed Nissan LEAF ahead of six conventional new cars on the shortlist. It is the fi rst time in CoTY’s 47-year history that the annual award has been won by an electric vehicle.

Great Wall had a factory team competing in the Dakar 2011

FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 31

NEWS 11

Corporate Manslaughter Law has been given approval by the Government, which makes employers and senior managers responsible

for the deaths and serious injuries caused by gross negligence. Recommendations by the Law Reform Commissions Report on Corporate Killing states that a new statutory criminal off ence of Corporate Manslaughter should be enacted which would make an undertaking (such as a company, a public body or a partnership fi rm) responsible for a death arising from its gross negligence. A key diff erence from the existing law would be that the ‘controlling mind’ test would be replaced by a much wider range of factors to be taken into account in deciding if there was gross negligence. Th ese would not only include the way the undertaking’s activities were managed or organised by its senior managers, but would also take account of corporate decision-making rules, communication systems and the regulatory environment (such as duties under health and safety legislation). Th e proposed Corporate Manslaughter off ence would carry an unlimited fi ne for employers.

Corporate Manslaughter/Corporate Homicide came into eff ect in the UK in April 2008 as a result of the diffi culty Courts experienced in identifying the so-called ‘controlling mind’ of a large organisation.

In addition the Report recommends that it should be an offence for senior managers of grossly negligent management causing death. In such cases, a sen ior ma nager, director and any other person who acts in a similar capacity (even if not employed by the undertaking) and who is found to have acted with gross negligence in a way that contributed to the corporate off ence could also be prosecuted

personally and be liable to imprisonment for up to 12 years and/or an unlimited fi ne. Th e Report also recommends that such a person could also face possible disqualifi cation from acting as a manager in an undertaking for up to 15 years.

Ron McNamara, DriverFocus who has highlighted this issue expects that the fi rst ‘trial’ is expected shortly. With regard to the legal obligations Ron outlines a number of Key Action Points that employers and senior managers should adhere to:-

Carry out a Risk Assessment that covers the • three key areas of Driving for Work: Driver, Journey & VehicleProduce a Driving for Work Policy, which • includes your procedures to manage driver safetyIssue a Driver’s Handbook• Ensure all licences are checked at least • annuallyRegularly record maintenance and servicing • detailsRecord all training that has been completed.•

Green light on Corporate Manslaughter Law

London, Paris and Dublin are the three most congested cities in Europe according to NAVTEQ , the global provider of maps,

traffi c and navigation services.

NAVTEQ composed its Top 10 ‘most congested’ list based on a mix of criteria including greatest rush hour delay in Western European cities containing more than one million inhabitants. Th e Top Ten

list includes:

London, England1. Paris, France2. Dublin, Ireland3. Berlin, Germany4. Stockholm, Sweden5. Hamburg, Germany6. Manchester, England7. Lyon, France8. Vienna, Austria9. Marseilles, France10.

Dublin 3rd most congested in EU

Joe Duff y’s great start

It was a great start to 2011 with car sales at Joe Duff y BMW up 50% over last year. Th e colour of choice for this year is black and the most popular car at the group goes to the BMW 520d. Th e 2.0 litre diesel engine is proving a winner with 94% of customers placing an order deciding that this was the preferred engine choice.

According to Mark Bradley, Dealer Principal at Joe Duff y BMW, “Th e fi gures speak for themselves and convey that confidence is returning faster than expected. We are delighted to start 2011 on such a positive footing, and look forward to seeing it continue to refl ect promise.”

Pictured: Mark Bradley, Principal Jo Duff y BMW (left ) and Mr. Liam Cullen from Dublin, now the proud owner of the fi rst 2011 BMW.

Mitsubishi Parts Manager Award

Th omas Cannon of Callanan Motor Company in Drogheda has been awarded Mitsubishi Motors Parts Manager of the Year. Pictured at the announcement are L-R: Robert Guy (Sales Manager, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland), Declan Callanan (Dealer Principal, Callanan Motor Company), Th omas Cannon and Kim Kilduff (Parts Manager, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland).

Click on to esb.ie/ecars

ESB ecars has launched a new dedicated website site – www.esb.ie/ecars featuring innovative and interactive features such as a charge-point Google map, on-line video clips demonstrating how electric cars and commercials are charged plus video testimonials from those who have actually trialled these alternatively powered vehicles.

32 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011

FOCUS

Citroën Ireland – Positively Powering AheadW ith all its resources, commitment

and energy directly connected to its parent company in France, Citroën Ireland has forged deeper

roots in the Irish marketplace than ever before. In the past 12 months since re-establishing the brand, it has been all systems go for the Dublin 15 based fi rm. Th e restructuring began straight away by means of becoming title sponsors of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. With regard to the product the launch of the new Citroën DS3 helped to turn att ention to the ‘twin-chevron’ brand, while in the past few months, the focus has been directed very much towards the fl eet sector of cars and light commercials. To head up this operation, Sean O’Neill has been appointed Fleet Sales Manager. With vast experience in both the leasing side of the business and from working with Swedish and Japanese brands at a National distribution level, Sean is well equipped and experienced to see Citroën Ireland’s objective break through into the Top 4 big brands in the fl eet sector. In his estimation, Citroën’s product line-up is one of the best-kept secrets in the trade. On the car side, Sean sees the arrival of the all-new C4 as signifi cant and along with the upgrades to the C5, the new C3 and C3 Picasso and C4 Picasso, Citroën Ireland can off er a broad range of cars to suit a variety of customer needs.

Th en there’s the light commercial line-up, which has for years proven most popular with business users and continues to enjoy a loyal following. For model year 2011, Euro 5 emission controlled engines will be introduced throughout its van range by Quarter 3. And to further Citroën’s fuel-effi cient ‘green credentials’, both the Nemo and Berlingo will feature Stop & Start technology. For the ultimate in ‘greenness’ Citroën Ireland will welcome the C-Zero electric car and van to these shores and having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Irish Government and the ESB eCars through its parent company PSA Peugeot/ Citroën, this vehicle will att ract much interest, especially as Citroën Ireland plan to market it through a lease/service contract package. Also in July, the next member of the DS family will make its appearance in the shape of the DS4, which again will set pulses racing as per the ‘Créative Technologie’ penned with the DS3.

From 1 December, the freshly enhanced Citroën C5 (Saloon & Tourer) went on sale sporting a distinctive new LED light signature, darker tinted rear light cluster and powered by Euro 5 1.6 and 2.0 HDi engines. To follow, this year is the availability of an automated sequential transmission termed the EGS. Th is ‘box’ is also available in the new C4, which went on sale through Citroën Ireland’s 26 dealers nationwide last month. All models are fuel and CO2 effi cient, boasting up to 67.3 mpg with emission levels as low as 109 g/km on the e-HDi version. With the exception of the 1.6 HDi 110 6-speed manual @ 122 g/km CO2, all models come under Band A of the vehicle road tax at €104 making the new C4 one of the most ecologically conscious models in the segment.

Citroën’s dealer network in Ireland, has played a major role in helping build the company’s LCV (light commercial vehicle) sales success. During 2011, Citroën Ireland will continue to work closely with its dealers to ensure that sales and aft er-sales service standards rise in line with customer’s requirements. Right across Europe, Citroën has made a major commitment to att ract even more customers to the brand. A key element in achieving these objectives is to provide all fl eet customers, irrespective of fl eet size, with even higher levels of specialist support. Th e resulting pan-European Citroën Business Centre programme entails participating Citroën dealers to make a commitment in terms of investment in equipment and staff in order to raise sales and aft er-sales standards. “We will have just over a third of our dealer network (10 or so) signed up to this programme,” explains Sean O’Neill, Fleet Sales Manager. “Th e new Business Centres Citroën Ireland will off er customers including specially trained professional LCV and car fl eet sales and technical support staff , a wide range of new Citroën demonstration vehicles in stock and on display and a good choice of Citroën-approved used LCVs,” he said. "Th e availability of Citroën Finance at competitive rates is also an option," added Sean.

Citroën’s Business Centres Network is just one element of Citroën Ireland’s new focus on customer service. Citroën’s policy of off ering customers the choice of even bett er equipped LCV models continues, unlike other brands that are cutt ing back on specifi cation in order to remain competitively priced. Range-topping versions of the Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay have additional fi tt ings to improve key factors that contribute towards safe and effi cient van operations.

New Citroën C4

C-ZERO

Sean O'Neill, Fleet Sales Manager, Citroën Ireland

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 33

FOCUS

A t the heart of the new Nemo, Citroën’s compact van, is a more powerful, higher-torque, more fuel-effi cient and low-emissions 1.3 HDi diesel

engine. Supplied by the vehicle’s design partners Fiat Professional through sister company Fiat Powertrain Technologies the new Euro 5 unit boasts power from 70 to 75hp and a major increase in peak torque of 190 Nm @ 1500 rpm (previously 160 Nm @ 1750 rpm). All new Nemo diesel vans also benefi t from Stop & Start technology, further improving fuel effi ciency and cutt ing CO2 emissions in urban driving. As a result fuel consumption has been bett ered by over 10%. For the eco-conscious, the new 1.3 HDi has a lower emission count of just 113 g/km (down from the Euro 4’s 110 g/km). Others will appreciate that the Nemo Euro 5 has got extra load volume – delivering a 50kg payload increase to a new 660 kg payload rating (from 610 kg).

While on the test drive within the environs of Farnborough Airport, near London, the new Euro 5 Nemo

impressed with its nippiness and nimbleness, not only in and around the urban environment but also in the rural areas travelled.

Commenting on the new development, Andy Hall, Sales Operations Manager, Citroën Ireland said, “Th e new Euro 5 Nemo uses advanced technology very eff ectively to provide signifi cant operational, fi nancial, environmental and safety benefi ts. It now carries more while using less fuel and also has signifi cantly lower CO2 emissions. Th is is a van designed to suit today’s tough economic climate.”

Expect a price premium of between €750 and €1,000 on the Euro 5 X and LX trim level versions of the new Citroën Nemo.

Leaner, Greener Euro 5 Citroën Nemo!

34 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

COVER

81st International Geneva

Motor Show –

Geneva PalExpo

3/13 March 2011

Mini

A new Mini prototype – the Paceman concept is the fi rst Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small segment of the market. 10 years aft er the Mini was introduced by BMW into the US market, the Paceman, which takes its DNA from Mini Countryman (estate), measures 4,110mm in length, 1,789mm in width and 1,541mm in height. Designed as a four seater it is powered by the same 211 hp 1.6 litre as per the John Cooper Works Mini.

Mercedes-Benz

Over 2,000 component changes distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. Sporting a striking new front and rear ends, its interior is now more CLS Class with new larger colour display and elegant new dashboard. Fuel consumption has been improved by up to 30% thanks to new Blue Effi ciency engines, an improved 7G-Tronic transmission and the introduction of Eco Start/Stop technology. Since fi rst launched in 1982 (as the 190 model) over 8.5 m versions have been sold to date.

Kia

New to the A-segment is the next generation Picanto from Kia Motors. Th is latest model has been styled by Kia’s own European based design team (based in Frankfurt) under the direction of Chief Design Offi cer, Peter Schreyer. Set for launch here in the Summer, the new Picanto aims to break the city car mould by introducing confi dence, solidarity and maturity into the A-segment.

Drawings have just been revealed of the all new • Rio replacement model

Jeep

With the introduction of four new versions of existing models during 2011, it’s all go for the iconic Jeep brand. New Patriot, new Grand Cherokee and Grand Voyager were joined by the latest Compass range, which takes its styling cues from the Grand Cherokee. “Combined with new interior appointments and refi nements to the suspension and steering systems, Jeep Compass provides consumers with the ultimate combination of styling, effi ciency, safety and value,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO.

Hyundai

Th e i40 is Hyundai’s next phase of its product evolution in Europe. Initially launched in estate form, with a saloon version following later. Designed at Hyundai’s European R & D facilities in Russelsheim, Germany, the new i40 is the Korean company’s fi rst D-segment model specifi cally developed for the European market that will use Hyundai’s Blue Drive eco-programme.

Chrysler/Lancia

Under Fiat Auto Group ownership, the next Chrysler 300C will badge the Lancia Th ema in mainland Europe while current Lancia models – the Delta and Ypsilon will be marketed as Chryslers in the UK and Ireland. Th e all-new 2011 300C somewhat loses its bold look with the new grille and front light structure (with LED surround). From the rear the 300C features a subtle spoiler on the boot lid and the rear lights also benefi t from LED installations.

30 FLEETCAR | Summer 2010 Text & Photo: Gerry Murphy - gerrym@fl eet.ie

NEWS

83 year old Des Redmond set a new record at Mondello Park recently in becoming the oldest driver to complete its Motor

Racing School Course at the County Kildare circuit. From Manor Kilbrade, County Wicklow, Des, a lifelong car enthusiast having worked in the motor trade for most of his life, fulfi lled a dream thanks to a group of friends. Des proved that age is no barrier to adrenaline seeking as he drove a race-prepared Mazda 3 hatchback around the track.

He began the new dedicated Mazda 3 starter course in the classroom before gett ing into the passenger seat for four laps of the on-track tuition

from his instructor. He then swapped seats with the instructor and successfully completed ten

timed laps and emerged from the Mazda with a huge smile on his face. Th e oldest man ever to complete a Mondello Park Course was then presented with his Certifi cate of Completion cheered on by his friends who watched the milestone occasion.

“It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I really appreciated the chance to fulfi l my wish,” said Des.

Drivers of any age, wishing to emulate Des can fi nd out more about the range of courses at Mondello Park Motor Racing School on www.mondellopark.ie

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is making some further changes to the requirements for vehicles

presenting for HGV/PSV Driving Test in certain categories with eff ect from 28 March next. From Monday 28 March 2011 all vehicles presenting for a practical driving test in categories C, C1, EC, EC1 and D1 will be required to have a front passenger seatbelt and head restraint fi tt ed.

“Where such seatbelts and head restraints are not fi tt ed the driving test should not be conducted and the applicant should be given a non conducted test form indicating that their fee is forfeit,” said an RSA spokesperson.

Mondello’s oldest drifter!

Renault promotes the employment of disabled young people

Wish to become a Certifi ed Transport Manager?

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie DIRECTION/adi | SPRING 2011 35

As part of Renault Group’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, the French automaker has teamed up with

ARPEJEH, an association that helps disabled young people fi nd employment. Renault will be providing these young people with opportunities to fi nd out more about the automotive business and will increase the number of internships available. To re-enforce the many initiatives taken by Renault over the years for its disabled staff , many of its sites in France organised a forum to raise the awareness of all employees.

Th e aim was threefold: to promote a bett er understanding of what disablement in the workplace means, to dispel stereotypes and, more widely, to discuss all the measures taken by the company to make day-to-day life easier for disabled workers, from both

a professional and personal standpoint. Th ese include fi nancial aids, fl exible working hours and the ergonomic adaptation of workstations.

Renault is the only European manufacturer (through its subsidiary Renault Tech), to design, build and market vehicles for persons of reduced mobility.

Seatbelts & Head Restraints required on vehicles for HGV/PSV Driving Test

Newsletter for Approved Driving Instructors

Interested in pursuing a career in transport? Unlock your potential and gain a recognised qualifi cation by att ending a Certifi cate of

Professional Competence (CPC) Course in Transport Management. Th is Certifi cate, which is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, qualifi es the participant to become a Transport Manager, which provides the starting block to set up a road haulage or bus passenger business. Subjects covered in the course include: Managing a transport business; Employment and Health & Safety legislation; Contract law and

fi nancial management; Tachograph and hours of driving legislation; National and International documentation etc. Approved CPC courses are run at weekends by Tony Hynes at cpc.ie. Tony is starting his next CPC Courses on Saturday 5 March at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow; Saturday 12 March at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Limerick; Saturday 19 March at the County Arms Hotel, Birr and Saturday 26 March at the Green Isle Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin. If you wish to obtain further information contact Tony at 066-7185556 or 086-2458379 or email tony@cpc.ie.

CAREER

36 DIRECTION/adi | SPRING 2011

T he transport industry has historically att racted and employed all manner of people, who over the years have come, gone - and oft en come back again.

Many of these are following in the footsteps of family members - but equally many just want to drive trucks. For those who have grown up within a transport background, it seems only natural for them to show an interest in gett ing behind the wheel. It oft en starts out as just lending a hand, and ends up as a lifetime's labour.

So, what att racts a person to take up a job where they are viewed by the general public at best, as an unnecessary inconvenience, and where the pay is far from what would be commanded in other industries for similar levels of responsibility? An industry where the only constant, is the fact that everything constantly changes. No pension, no sick leave, minimum paid holidays and litt le guarantee of job security. While not all driving jobs are as bleak as just described, nevertheless this still represents the working conditions of a large number of drivers.

Th e job of a driver demands a certain type of individual, who must be prepared to follow all the rules - yet work on their own initiative. Refl ect all that is good about their employer - while ensuring all the skeletons remain fi rmly locked in their respective cupboards. A driver must never be late, but have limitless patience to suff er delays when it all goes wrong. Rarely be commended for doing a good job, but willingly accept having all their mistakes roundly sanctioned.

Th e job of a driver demands a level of knowledge and skills that cross a wide range. When people

in transport declare that such a person “is a good driver” what they in fact are referring to is the person’s ability to do the job. Th e ability to move the truck from A to B and back again is taken as a given, and in real terms is only a small percentage of the occupation. Th is argument is supported by the fact that if two similar drivers are available to transport a load, one maybe preferred because that individual is just a litt le more professional, though both are equally capable of the driving vehicle being used.

For some who enter the industry as a driver it may be the only skill they have to sell and they just want a job. Driving is oft en preferred to other occupations that may be on off er, as there is a certain amount of freedom, which appeals to many.

Over the last twenty years or so there have been many changes, which have aff ected access to the industry for new entrants. A number of these changes are presenting new entrants with formidable barriers to fi nding employment.

Becoming a driver is now a lot more expensive than it was in previous times. Currently it costs €297.00 to arrive at the stage of submitting an application, not to mention any driving lessons which have to be taken. In addition to hiring a vehicle for the test,

the digital tachograph card, and ongoing CPC requirements - it is by no means cheap. If viewed as an investment and a person is successful in gaining employment the return on investment is realised reasonably quickly. Not many jobs require such an investment before you even begin to apply for work. In fact, the process is now more in line with forming a small company or business.

Unfortunately, these costs are only going to increase, possibly to a level where it becomes unreasonable to embark on such a career path. Prior to the now infamous Celtic Tiger years, there was a shortage of drivers in Ireland. It could possibly be the case in the future that this shortage

So you want to be an HGV Driver?

Text: Paul White – paul@fl eet.ie DIRECTION/adi | SPRING 2011 37

CAREER

may be repeated. Mass immigration resolved the driver problem from the mid-nineties on. However, as the economies of the Eastern European States achieve parity with the older members, some drivers will migrate back to their home countries, where conditions are steadily improving. As the indigenous population of drivers becomes older, and others currently being forced to seek employment outside the industry or outside the country, this could create a vacuum.

Th is possible vacuum will not be helped if a consultation document proposed by the RSA comes into force. Th e proposals will require drivers to be a minimum age of twenty-one before applying for a Class ‘C’ licence and twenty-four for a Class 'D’. Th is realistically means that a prospective driver will begin to seek employment with a ‘Full Licence’ aged at best 22 and 25 respectively. At this stage of their working life, not everyone may be prepared to invest the previously mentioned sums to enter the industry.

‘DIRECTION/ADI’ surveyed a number of drivers and asked how they felt about their job and the transport industry as a career. Some were new to the industry while others have spent the majority of their working life behind the wheel. It was decided to exclude any drivers whose parents owned vehicles, and concentrate on drivers who chose the industry of their own volition. Th e average age of the sample was 39.6 years, and the drivers worked in a variety of transport disciplines, from tipper and national distribution, through to international work. Th ough a small sample, it is very representative of the transport industry in Ireland. At a time where you must brace yourself

before turning on the radio in the morning, the fi ndings could be described as surprisingly positive, if not uplift ing.

As none of the respondents had access to commercial vehicles from the cradle, they had all worked in other occupations before becoming drivers. Some of these occupations ranged from warehousing, tilling, computer programming, factory work, the construction industry and secondary school teaching to name but a few.

When asked what att racted them to the industry, all answered that it was always their intention to drive trucks and viewed their previous occupations as stepping-stones to achieving their main aim. All believed they made the right choice and enjoyed their work even though they felt conditions could be improved - especially with regard to salaries. Th at being said when asked, “if they believed transport was a good industry to work in,” again all responded positively, stating that they they would encourage a close friend or family member to get behind the wheel.

Th ey all had the fullest intention of staying in the business for the rest of their working life, either as drivers or fulfi lling some other role within transport. When asked, “if given the chance again, would they choose the same career path?” Not one hesitated in answering yes; all would be happy to follow the same road and believed they made the right choices. It is encouraging that those surveyed all possessed an ambition to be drivers, and were determined to fulfi l that ambition, regardless of the obstacles.

Th e survey highlights some points that are oft en overlooked. One is that within the industry in Ireland there is a loyal, skilled and highly adaptable workforce, which is prepared to work in sometimes diffi cult circumstances, and not just for the money or because they need a job. Instead, they work because they enjoy what they do and are proud of their occupation and what they accomplish on a daily basis. One of the respondents said that in doing the job right “gave him a great sense of achievement and self respect he never got from his other jobs”. So why would anyone NOT want to be a driver?

Pre-Test Expenses

Driver Th eory Test €70.00Learner Permit (not including photos) €15.00CPC Th eory Test €70.00Technical Test €32.00Driving Test Application €110.00

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Additional Expenses:Driving Lessons• Hire of Test Vehicle• On-going CPC Requirements• Driving Licence• Digital Tachograph Card•

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INTERVIEW

38 DIRECTION/adi | SPRING 2011

JS. How, why and when was your organisation formed?

CB. Irish Driving Instructors Association – IDIA, a national organisation was initially formed in 1991 as the Approved Driving Instructor Register – ADIR to establish registration for Instructors in Ireland. It co-operated with the Motor Schools Association of Ireland to form the Driving Instructor Register of Ireland (DIR). In 1996 the fi rst voluntary examinations commenced. To avoid being confused with the DIR, the ADIR decided to change the name, to Irish Driving Instructors Association - IDIA.

JS. With your ongoing liaison with Government Departments and the RSA are you pleased with the progress made in recent times re reducing waiting lists and the establishment of Th e Driving Instructor Register?

CB. RSA registration of instructors ensures that all instructors are examined and high standards maintained. Th e shorter waiting time for a test is benefi cial to road safety as learners can prepare in a structured way and if necessary can repeat the test sooner. JS. Are you satisfi ed with the quality of service provided by your members and where further can improvements be made?

CB We are happy with the quality of service especially now that the high standards and qualifi cations are recognised by RSA registration. We believe the learning process never ceases and improvements can always be made. IDIA Seminars, newslett ers and website keep our members informed of trends and developments. A number of members - Advanced Driver Trainers - provide safety training for Fleet drivers. Th ey constantly up skill to keep pace with the latest developments. Th ey now also provide ECO driver training for Fleets leading to reduced emissions and costs. JS. What services do you provide to your members and what is the membership fee?

CB. IDIA communicates with the RSA, Gardai, Insurance companies and other relevant bodies on issues relating to learner drivers and road safety and where a diffi culty arises, we represent instructor’s cases, in confi dence. IDIA provides advice and information for members by email and phone. Membership includes discounts on Insurance, web design, training equipment, materials and other services. Membership fee is €60 per annum. JS. Being Dublin based, how oft en do you meet and how do you communicate to your members?

CB. Th e Committ ee meets monthly. We hold two Seminars and an AGM every year, one being held outside Dublin. We also have a number of Regional meetings each year.

JS. In your role as European Driving Schools Association EFA 2nd Vice President, what is involved?

CB. As 2nd Vice President in the European Driving Schools Association – EFA - I have a signifi cant role in EFAs dealings with the European Union and participate in European Projects relating to Driver Education. I att end CIECA – International Driving Testing Organisation – meetings. Th is allows me to keep our members updated on EU developments in all areas of Driver Education and Testing. EFA membership allows the IDIA to interact with other European Countries in the interest of road safety. JS. Th e changes to the driving licence structure – how do they eff ect your organization and members going forward?

CB. Th e Association welcomes the changes in the Driving Licence structure. However we feel the slow implementation and non-retrospection will delay the benefi ts to road safety. When fully implemented the changes will allow learner drivers to benefi t from the Driving Instructors expertise and will help reduce the carnage on Irish roads.

Website: www.idia.iee-mail: info@idia.ie

One-to-OneCathy Bacon,

Chairperson,

Irish Driving Instructors

Association,

with Jarlath Sweeney -

editor@fl eet.ie

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40 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

Wonder what will the 2010 MotoGP Championship be best remembered for? Is it Jorge Lorenzo’s fi rst title,

Valentino Rossi’s spectacular crash and subsequent injury or his move from Fiat Yamaha to Ducatis that will remain in enthusiast’s minds?

Th ese questions and a lot more are well answered in the seventh edition of the MotoGP Season Review published by Hayes Publishing. With the Forward by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports, the Championship organising body he sets the scene by saying that the 2010 season was a landmark year for the FIM MotoGP World Championship with the feeder series the Moto2 “proved to be a success beyond everybody’s expectations”. He mentioned

the signifi cant ret ur ns to Silverstone after a 24-year absence and the tragic loss in the death of Shoya Tomizawa at Misano.

Offi cially endorsed by Dorna, the book analyses each of the 18 rounds (held around the globe) individually, starting with a DPS – Double Page Spread of the action tastefully depicted in photograph form. While Lorenzo’s consistency paid

dividends, his main rivals Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) and teammate Rossi along with Stoner (Ducati) were the other main race winners. Lorenzo and Rossi’s combined eff ort ensured that Fiat Yamaha secured its third MotoGP World title in a row and the fi ft h in the past seven years. Julian Ryder’s description of each race gives a great insight to what happened behind the scenes, that’s oft en missed by the TV coverage. Likewise, Andrew Northcott ’s camerawork lets you see inside the rider’s helmet visors as they bravely career around the tracks. As well as the race reports and results, the Technical Review scrutinises each bike in detail. Th ere is also Moto2 race coverage and technical review plus a look at the 125cc series (which changes to Moto3 at the end of next season).

At the end of reading this, one can look forward to another swashbuckling season ahead as the MotoGP ‘circus’ travels around the globe once more.

Formula 1 fans are still buzzing in the aft ermath of one of the most exciting Grand Prix seasons in recent decades. And what

bett er way to recall the thrills ‘n’ spills of the now 19 round series than reading through the Offi cial Formula 1 Season Review 2010 produced by Hayes Publications. As you will see throughout this 264 page historical record, the word ‘new’ springs up everywhere – youngest World Champion in Sebastian Vett el, who along with his great team rival contributed to Red Bull Racing becoming World Constructors Champions for the fi rst time.

Th ere were 3 new teams, many new drivers and of course, some rule changes which saw the end of refuelling which led to a more ‘eco-friendly’ manner in which the cars were driven – especially in the latt er part of the races. Pit stops were quicker as a result.

In look ing through ‘The Teams’ chapter, where it lists team personnel and technical specifi cations of the car, one of the most striking figures listed is that the top teams employ over 500 people.Th e trials and tribulations of the new entrants – Lotus, Hispania and Virgin made interesting reading by the methods in which they struggled through. By virtue of their involvement alone brought new sponsors and interested parties to the sport.

Each round/race report features an interview with one of the sports insiders – on Page 214, the Inside Line chat is with David Hunt, Team Lotus F1 Brand owner and how he rescued the legendary name out of oblivion. Confusion now lies ahead following Proton owned Group Lotus investment in Renault F1 – now there will be two teams bearing the Lotus margue in F1 in 2011.

In the Championship Results section, readers will bury their heads in all the facts and fi gures with the ‘Qualifying Head-to-Head’ section which reveals that the ‘lead’ drivers dominated the track position before the red lights went out.

Sympathy must go to ex-GP2 Champion Nico Hulkenberg for losing his seat at Williams F1 despite recording the Didcot teams fi rst pole position in 5 years at Interlagos. Typical and traditional management strategy displayed here – just look at their former World Champs – Mansell and Hill’s CV’s! Even if one is not into all the stats from the races, the superb array of photographs tell the stories themselves.

READING MATTERS

Right from the start, this book embeds on driver’s minds the importance of saving fuel, which in return reduces carbon

emissions. Published by Veloce in association with the RA C and writt en by David Moss, this A5 sized guide pricks one’s conscience on the relationship with driving and the steady depletion of the World’s fi nite oil reserves.

Chapter One begins by explaining the diff erences, advantages and disadvantages between petrol and diesel engines. Th en it moves on to advise on the best type of car to suit your needs and the costs involved. He went on to explain where the negativity associated with SUVs came from (the good old USA!) and that the small and more effi cient EU brands suff ered as a consequence.Legislation is also covered relating to emission controls and what’s

ahead. Some manufacturers are a lready implementing E u r o 6 technology that uses a liquid urea solution (AdBlue) that’s already in use in trucks and buses.

Brainpower over horsepower is the optimum method of gaining the maximum fuel effi ciency – but not at a risk to road safety. Car sharing, combining journeys and the elimination of idling are advised. Less braking and keen observation are habits worth forming as well as keeping a safe

distance between cars is the safest option. Th e merits or otherwise of automated gearboxes are also highlighted. By simply reducing the use of the air-con and dispensing of unnecessary items signifi cantly reduces fuel, David writes. At the end of Chapter 2 – A Six Point Plan is outlined in order to become a more economical, safer and more effi cient driver while Chapter 3 looks at the alternatives from hybrids (petrol/diesel electrics) electric, LPG and CNG (Natural Gas) and Biofuel vehicles. Looking ahead the potential and pitfalls of hydrogen power is also analysed at length.

Th is book goes beyond describing how to reduce fuel consumption while driving. Th ere is no doubt that by having this knowledge will change the way one uses and drives cars. Let’s hope the suggestions made will deliver the results on a permanent basis for all the miles ahead.

RA C/Veloce has produced another book Electric Cars – the Future, which is reviewed on our website – www.fl eetcar.ie

MotorGP Season Review 2010 by Julian Ryder – Hayes Publishing £25.00 ISBN 978 0 857 33 0000

The Effi cient Driver’s Handbook

by David Moss£9.99 www.veloce.co.uk

The Offi cial Formula 1 Season Review 2010 – Hayes Publications £25.00 ISBN 978 0 85733 0017

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42 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011

INTERVIEW

JS. With over 20 years experience working for Skoda, do you share the passion that the brand now exudes?

ZH. I have actually worked for the Volkswagen Group for just over 20 years. Ten of those were working directly for the Skoda brand. Of those ten I spent three very interesting years working for the factory in the Czech Republic. I love this brand and really believe in the brand’s human touch approach to doing business. We have one of the highest loyalty rates in the business. Our customers keep coming back to us.

JS. Is it fair to say that since Volkswagen ownership, the brand has evolved to its present state (and more to come) or would it have happened anyway?

ZH. None of this could have happened without the Volkswagen Group ownership. At the time the Czech Government wanted to sell Skoda only Volkswagen wanted to keep the Skoda brand alive, this was a vital factor in the decision to sell Skoda to Volkswagen. No mainstream car brand can survive making less than one million cars. You need the synergies of a big organisation to be able to continually invest in new models. Although our products share many of the components with other Volkswagen brands, our cars are Skoda through and through. We have a design centre with over 700 employees. Our Head of Design was previously at Bugatt i, where he created the beautiful Veryon supercar.

JS. Skoda has a long history – the 3rd oldest brand that began by building bicycles. How did it get to where it is today?

ZH. It was basically a classic story from bicycles to motorbikes and then onto cars. Th e fi rst car was produced in 1905. In the mid thirties the company’s founders Vaclav Laurent and Vaclav Clement merged the company with a heavy engineering company headed by Emil von Skoda. Th e large Skoda conglomerate made everything from cars to trains as well as heavy military equipment. Aft er the Second World War the company was split into Skoda Auto, making cars and Skoda Pilsen, making heavy engineering equipment. Skoda Pilsen remains a state company today and

made many of the components for the London Eye, as well as many of the trams found today on European streets. Th e car company carried on designing and making cars under Communist Government control. Up until the late 1960s the cars could compete with anything coming out of Western European factories. During the 1970s and 80s the company was starved of investment and the quality and design of the products fell below the competitors. Investment only restarted aft er Volkswagen took ownership. Th e fi rst completely new car developed under Volkswagen Ownership was the Octavia. Th at’s the history in a nutshell, if you want to know more then I have a couple of very thick books that I can lend you.

JS. I remember my neighbour had a 1300 Felicia, was that the start of the real popularity of Skoda in Ireland?

ZH. Skoda has had a tremendous success in Ireland since it was launched here. Our market share has consistently been above the average of Western Europe and in 2010 reached a record level of 5.5%. Th e Favorit was the fi rst car launched in Ireland but the brand really took off here with the launch of the Octavia.

JS. You have signifi cant growth plans in Ireland, what’s planned?

ZH. Our target is to have a 7% market share in Ireland by 2015. We will do this by launching new products, opening more dealers and investing heavily in the brand. We have some exciting plans ahead of us in relation to developing our image and awareness in the Irish market. We will also be supporting our business with innovative tactical campaigns, such as the 3 year servicing and 4.9% fi nance campaign we are currently running for Fabia. A 7% market share in Ireland will take us above Opel and this is my target.

JS. Will you have stand-alone dealerships at selected areas?

ZH. Yes, where there is a sound business case we will require a stand-alone dealership. It is important to us that our Dealers are representative of the future of Skoda. Many Dealers will be making investments in premises, systems and people. But they will not do this unless there is a sound business case. I am confi dent that we have laid out a future for Skoda that gives them this business case and you will see many changes in the network over the next couple of years. What is core to us is that we grow whilst maintaining what is core to the brand. We want family businesses looking aft er local communities.

JS. Product wise, Skoda plans to enter new market segments as well as replacing existing models in the next few years. What’s in the pipeline?

ZH. 2012 will see a plethora of new products for Skoda. We will start the year with new small cars that will take on Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo. Th e market for this type of car is small in Ireland but it will bring new customers to the brand. Th en we will launch a Sedan that sits between Octavia and Fabia. Th is will have big potential in Ireland and allow us to really target the Korean manufacturers. Th en at the end of 2012 comes the all-new Octavia. I have seen this car and it is absolutely fantastic and it will build on the strength of the current very successful Octavia.

JS. Th e recent Small Family Car Award win in Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011 is just one of the honours bestowed on Skoda in recent times. How signifi cant are these accolades?

ZH. Awards and accolades are very important to us. What independent journalists write about our cars infl uences the buying behaviour of customers much more than a 40 second TV advert during the RTÉ news, when most people have gone to make themselves a cup of tea anyway.

JS. 2011 is reported to see a resurgence in the fl eet sector, I hear you are making in-roads in this arena with the Octavia and Superb.

ZH. You are right, the Octavia and the Superb represent a great opportunity for us in Fleet and it is an area of the market that we haven’t really exploited yet. Whilst I am expecting substantial growth in our Fleet business over the next couple of years, I won’t be doing any crazy deals to get market share. We will grow our share in this market in a sustainable way with a view to building long term relations with the Business Market.

One-to-Onewith

Zac Hollis,

Managing Director,

Skoda Ireland,

with Jarlath Sweeney -

editor@fl eet.ie

Skoda Motorsport - Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) Rally Champions

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W e don’t tend to think about tyres very much of the time. Aft er all, they all look prett y much the same, do the same thing, and, unlike the

fancy wheels they are wrapped around, they’re not sexy; nobody is really going to notice whether you have a cheap set of re-moulds on your car or the latest state-of-the-art high performance rubber from a premium brand manufacturer.

Indeed it is oft en only exceptional circumstances that tend to highlight just what a versatile and vital role a tyre does – and how important it is to have the right rubber for the prevailing conditions underneath you.

Th at point was brought home during the recent extreme cold spell before Christmas, when suddenly demand for winter tyres escalated

far beyond the meagre stocks held by suppliers. For a few days at least winter tyres became the most sought aft er motoring accessory.

Prior to that exceptional event few people would have even heard of winter tyres, never mind having considered changing from their regular rubber over the winter months. Over 98% of British motorists use summer tyres all year around according to leading tyre manufacturer Goodyear–Dunlop, and there is no reason to assume Irish motorists are much diff erent. But are winter tyres necessary for the generally mild winter months and do they really make much diff erence?

To investigate the second part of that question Fleet Car travelled to Luxembourg with Goodyear-Dunlop to compare winter versus summer tyres on a surface designed to simulate driving on icy and snowy conditions. Fitt ed to three Fiat 500’s, one on summer tyres, one winter and one with winter tyres on the front and summers on the back – we tackled simple hill climbing and descending exercises. Th e diff erences in the tyre performances were startling.

Taking off up a hill, the car on summer tyres performed – well, just like how anyone who drove on the ice and snow on regular tyres this past December will have experienced. Instant wheel-spin with the car going nowhere. If we hadn’t seen that the summer tyres were in fact new with lots of tread we would have assumed that we were driving on bald rubber. In comparison the other two cars with winter tyres on the driven wheels took off without drama and accelerated smoothly and rapidly up the hill.

On the ascent, which included a corner at the bott om, we tackled it at speeds appropriate to

driving in snowy conditions. Even so, it proved impossible to negotiate the corner on the summer tyred car without it sliding wide (and off the road in real life) as it scrabbled for grip. Th e winter tyred car on the other hand turned smoothly in with minimum fuss. Interestingly the car on winter fronts and summer rears was the most dangerous of the three. Whereas the car on summer tyres just had consistently poor grip, with this set-up the front turned in sharply, but the back broke away. Even anticipating it, it proved impossible to control at ridiculously low speeds, virtually every driver ending up spinning 180 degrees and facing back the way they had come. It highlighted the importance of having good rubber on all four wheels, not just the driven ones.

Clearly then winter tyres off er great benefi t on snow and ice, but how about for the more typical wet and muddy roads that comprise the majority of the Irish winter? Th e issue really is the prevailing temperature. Goodyear-Dunlop says that winter tyres will perform not just on snow and ice, but also on cold wet and slushy surfaces. Below freezing the company says there can be as much as 40 metres diff erence braking to a halt on a snowy or wet surface at 80 km/h between summer and winter tyres. But winter tyres are designed to work best at temperatures below 7 degrees Centigrade, which, exceptional cold spells excepted, is just about the average Irish winter temperature.

A good alternative for Irish motorists therefore might be all-season tyres which off er improved braking distances and bett er grip on ice and snow, are bett er equipped for handling rainy and muddy conditions than summer tyres but are still suitable for summer use. But for the motorist who wants to be really prepared for the next big winter event, a set of winter tyres surely is a wise investment.

TYRES

44 FLEETCAR | SPRING 2011 Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie

Tackling the Conditions with Winter Tyres

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