Preston Harley-Davidson is hosting an event on Sunday 3rd June 2012 in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Harley-Davidson dealer will be serving a hog roast at the front of the Preston dealership on Strand Road and will be getting into the party spirit with many fantastic Jubilee offers available in store. Visitors can also view the entire range of Harley Davidson for sale, including the 2012 V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition and the new Harley Dyna® Switchback.

The sales, clothing and parts departments will be open from 11 am to 4pm on the Sunday and bank Holiday Monday and closed on the Tuesday.

The Harley dealer recently celebrated their 5th birthday on Sunday 1st April 2012, and it was a double celebration as the Harley-Davidson dealer was also celebrating their third Bar & Shield Award. To add to the accolade they are the first dealership in the North to win three successive Bar & Shield awards for customer satisfaction, motorcycle and related product sales, and staff product knowledge.

To find out more about Preston Harley-Davidson, view the range of new and used Harley Davidson in Preston or to buy Harley-Davidson Motorclothes and accessories visit the website.

Bowker BMW in Blackburn is proud to have been shortlisted for two awards in the Motor Trader Awards 2012 to be held on the 11th July.

The BMW dealer in Blackburn was recently crowned National Customer Dealer of the Year 2011 by BMW UK, beating over 140 dealerships to the accolade. The dealership will be competing for the Customer Care Award and the Dealer Principal of the Year Category at the Motor Trader Awards. Dealer Principal Chris Eccles commented: “This is proving to be an incredible year for Bowker. We’re delighted to be a part of this year’s prestigious Motor Trader Awards and hope we can now do ourselves justice in the final.”

“We have been listed amongst some of the best dealerships in the country. We’re proud to be a finalist and I hope that we can scoop one of the titles that our staff’s hard work, and our customers’ support, deserves,” he added.

Bowker BMW Blackburn and Sytner Chigwell BMW are the only two BMW dealerships to be recognised amongst the 80 companies shortlisted. Sytner Chigwell BMW has been shortlisted for the Most Improved Dealership of the Year Award. The awards, to be held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel, recognize the most innovative and industry leading companies in the automotive industry. All of the finalists in the 21 categories will be visited by Motor Trader judges who will prepare reports to be presented to the full panel in June.

Bowker MINI in Blackburn are donating the year-long use of a brand new MINI Coupe as the top prize in a raffle being held by East Lancashire Hospice. The hospice has been providing specialist care to people with life limiting illnesses for over 25 years and need to raise £3 million a year to provide the vital service.
Tickets for the fundraising raffle cost just £1, and the winner would drive away the £16,000 MINI Coupe and receive £5,000 in cash.

East Lancashire Hospice fundraising manager, Sharon Crymble said,

‘The car is already causing a stir wherever we take it, and as they say, you have to be in it to win it, so for only £1 you could be the winner of this fabulous prize. We are delighted that our sponsors have chosen to support us in this exciting raffle, helping us in turn to generate more funds to help us to care for our patients.”

For Bowker MINI, dealer principal, Chris Eccles, said,

“Bowker MINI is proud to be supporting East Lancashire Hospice. Everyone knows all about the fantastic work they do. And we hope theMINI Coupe will help capture the imagination and drum up some well-deserved additional funds. These are hard times but Lancastrians are a generous bunch. And with the support of so many other local businesses too, we’re sure the raffle will be a huge success.”

Fundraisers will be showcasing the new MINI Coupe at a number of events over the Summer, including Great Harwood Show and the Darwen Gala. The prize draw will take place on Tuesday 4th September at Blackburn College. Tickets for the raffle are available from the hospice shops and the East Lancashire Hospice website.

For the first time Mazda’s pioneering all-new CX-5 compact SUV will be available to test drive at Vospers Mazda during a special launch weekend (25 to 26 May). Not only can customers in Exeter test drive the CX-5, they can also discover the car’s sports handling from a professional Mazda driver and learn how it has been developed to dramatically improve efficiency, safety and overall performance. All-new from the ground up, this crossover SUV incorporates Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and demonstrates the Japanese brand’s ability to throw out the rule book and start over using its engineering expertise to create a vehicle that revolutionises the car industry. Lighter, yet stronger than any of its competitors the CX-5 offers a combination of best-in-class economy, a spacious interior, sleek design, optimum safety and a choice of three lively engines, which set it far apart from the average SUV. Mazda has dramatically re-invented the engine’s make-up, made the bodyshell lighter and stronger using high tensile steel and developed an all-new six-speed manual (based on that in the MX-5 sportscar) and a six-speed automatic gear box. This combination ensures the CX-5 provides reduced CO2 emissions and better fuel economy, while retaining the brand’s legendary fun-to-drive nature. As well as having plenty of standard equipment and a luxurious interior, the space inside is incomparable, the boot cavernous.

“Over the years Mazda has developed vehicles with the style, efficiency, safety and fun-to-drive performance that our customers love,” said Alex Bass, Dealer Principal, Vospers Mazda. “The launch of the CX-5 brings with it an even fresher appeal to Mazda that meets the requirements of today’s modern customer. Our launch event gives Exeter motorists the opportunity to try the car for themselves and experience exactly what it has to offer.”

The 18-strong Mazda CX-5 model range is priced from just £21,395, rising to £28,795 (OTR). It comes with the choice of a 2.0 165ps petrol engine, 2.2 150ps and high-power 175ps diesel engines. Equipment is generous across the model range, including a navigation system featuring TomTom® technology, an advanced safety system with automatic braking to prevent low speed collisions, lane departure warning, blind spot alerts and an automatic main beam function (depending on model). To book a specialist CX-5 test drive, or to find out more about the full Mazda range and the various offers available at Vospers Mazda in Exeter, visit the dealership on Honiton Road, or call 01392 203 800.

Mazda’s north east London dealer Romford Mazda has been nominated in three categories for the prestigious 2012 Motor Trader Awards to be held in London on 11 July. “I’m really pleased that all the hard work of our team over the last 12 months has been recognised by the judging panel for this year’s Motor Trader Awards,” comments Amarjit Shokar, Dealer Principal for Romford Mazda. “While we have been short-listed for three categories – the Business Management, Sales Team and Franchised Dealership of the year awards – we pride ourselves on every member of our team working together towards a common goal and being empowered to give customers the very best service we can. Clearly we hope to win at least one category in July and a win will reflect well on every member of our staff,” adds Shokar. Last year, the award-winning Romford Mazda dealership was approved under the Havering ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme, which helps members of the public find businesses they can trust. “Being approved by Havering for inclusion in the ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme proves that we run a business that is honest, fair and provides customers with a service that exceeds their expectations. New customers keep coming to our showroom acting on the personal recommendation of friends or colleagues who have experienced Romford Mazda’s service. That is a wonderful endorsement of our efforts and customer interest is being hyped by the arrival of the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV with its innovative SKYACTIV technology and class-best fuel economy,” concludes Shokar. The high standards of customer satisfaction achieved by Romford Mazda are regularly reflected across the Mazda dealer network. In 2011, Mazda topped the automotive sector of the UK Customer Satisfaction Index for the third time, with a score of 83.3 percent – well above the car industry average – and testifying that Mazda ownership is a truly satisfying experience. This isn’t the first time that Romford Mazda’s excellent sales performance and customer care has been acknowledged by Motor Trader. The dealership has previously been awarded ‘Most Improved Business’ in the 2009 awards, the same year that Motor Trader also named Amarjit Shokar as Dealer Principal of the Year. To find out more about the new CX-5, the full Mazda range, or to book a test drive call Romford Mazda on 01708 735 735, or visit the showroom on Collier Row Lane.

For the first time Mazda’s pioneering all-new CX-5 compact SUV will be available to test drive at Lifestyle Mazda during a special launch event on the 26 May. Not only can customers in Crawley test drive the CX-5, they can also discover the car’s sports handling from a professional Mazda driver and learn how it has been developed to dramatically improve efficiency, safety and overall performance. All-new from the ground up, this crossover SUV incorporates Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and demonstrates the Japanese brand’s ability to throw out the rule book and start over using its engineering expertise to create a vehicle that revolutionises the car industry. Lighter, yet stronger than any of its competitors the CX-5 offers a combination of best-in-class economy, a spacious interior, sleek design, optimum safety and a choice of three lively engines, which set it far apart from the average SUV. Mazda has dramatically re-invented the engine’s make-up, made the bodyshell lighter and stronger using high tensile steel and developed an all-new six-speed manual (based on that in the MX-5 sportscar) and a six-speed automatic gear box. This combination ensures the CX-5 provides reduced CO2 emissions and better fuel economy, while retaining the brand’s legendary fun-to-drive nature. As well as having plenty of standard equipment and a luxurious interior, the space inside is incomparable, the boot cavernous.

“Over the years Mazda has developed vehicles with the style, efficiency, safety and fun-to-drive performance that our customers love,” said Marc Matthews, Dealer Principal, Lifestyle Mazda. “The launch of the CX-5 brings with it an even fresher appeal to Mazda that meets the requirements of today’s modern customer. Our launch event gives Crawley motorists the opportunity to try the car for themselves and experience exactly what it has to offer.”

The 18-strong Mazda CX-5 model range is priced from just £21,395, rising to £28,795 (OTR). It comes with the choice of a 2.0 165ps petrol engine, 2.2 150ps and high-power 175ps diesel engines. Equipment is generous across the model range, including a navigation system featuring TomTom® technology, an advanced safety system with automatic braking to prevent low speed collisions, lane departure warning, blind spot alerts and an automatic main beam function (depending on model). Throughout the launch event, Lifestyle Mazda will also be offering customers the opportunity to have a specialist test drive of the iconic MX-5 sportscar with a professional Mazda driver. Customers will have the chance to experience the legendary performance of the two-seater roadster to its full potential and get up close to the latest addition to the range, the MX-5 Venture Edition. To book a specialist CX-5 or MX-5 test drive, or to find out more about the full Mazda range and the various offers available at Lifestyle Mazda, visit the Crawley dealership at Manor Royal, or call 01293 845 045.

For the first time Mazda’s pioneering all-new CX-5 compact SUV will be available to test drive at Arnold Clark Mazda during a special launch weekend (26 to 27 May). Not only can customers in Liverpool test drive the CX-5, they can also discover the car’s sports handling from a professional Mazda driver and learn how it has been developed to dramatically improve efficiency, safety and overall performance. All-new from the ground up, this crossover SUV incorporates Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and demonstrates the Japanese brand’s ability to throw out the rule book and start over using its engineering expertise to create a vehicle that revolutionises the car industry. Lighter, yet stronger than any of its competitors the CX-5 offers a combination of best-in-class economy, a spacious interior, sleek design, optimum safety and a choice of three lively engines, which set it far apart from the average SUV. Mazda has dramatically re-invented the engine’s make-up, made the bodyshell lighter and stronger using high tensile steel and developed an all-new six-speed manual (based on that in the MX-5 sportscar) and a six-speed automatic gear box. This combination ensures the CX-5 provides reduced CO2 emissions and better fuel economy, while retaining the brand’s legendary fun-to-drive nature. As well as having plenty of standard equipment and a luxurious interior, the space inside is incomparable, the boot cavernous.

“Over the years Mazda has developed vehicles with the style, efficiency, safety and fun-to-drive performance that our customers love,” said Robin Grant, Dealer Principal, Arnold Clark Mazda. “The launch of the CX-5 brings with it an even fresher appeal to Mazda that meets the requirements of today’s modern customer. Our launch event gives Liverpool motorists the opportunity to try the car for themselves and experience exactly what it has to offer.”

The 18-strong Mazda CX-5 model range is priced from just £21,395, rising to £28,795 (OTR). It comes with the choice of a 2.0 165ps petrol engine, 2.2 150ps and high-power 175ps diesel engines. Equipment is generous across the model range, including a navigation system featuring TomTom® technology, an advanced safety system with automatic braking to prevent low speed collisions, lane departure warning, blind spot alerts and an automatic main beam function (depending on model). Throughout the launch weekend, Arnold Clark Mazda will also be offering customers the opportunity to have a specialist test drive of the iconic MX-5 sportscar with a professional Mazda driver. Customers will have the chance to experience the legendary performance of the two-seater roadster to its full potential and get up close to the latest addition to the range, the MX-5 Venture Edition. To book a specialist CX-5 or MX-5 test drive, or to find out more about the full Mazda range and the various offers available at Arnold Clark Mazda, visit the Liverpool dealership on Sefton Street, or call 0151 703 7880.

Hundreds of Mazda enthusiasts and members of the public are expected to descend upon the historic Pendennis Castle in Falmouth on 20 May for the annual MX-5 Owners Club Spring Rally. While the event traditionally celebrates the iconic two-seater MX-5 sportscar, it will be Mazda’s pioneering CX-5 compact SUV taking the limelight this year, as Vospers Mazda proudly presents the all-new model to the Cornish public for the first time. Visitors from across the country will take part in the MX-5 Owners Club Spring Rally in celebration of the world’s best-selling roadster. This year the Rally will see MX-5s of all ages leisurely driving along the beautiful peninsula of Cornwall on the 19 May, and then assembling at the Pendennis Castle event on Sunday, where there will be a variety of stalls featuring Cornish crafts and Mazda MX-5 accessories. While there will be plenty to see, it’s the all-new Mazda CX-5 that will pull in the crowds to this year’s event. Whether you’re a Mazda enthusiast, passionate about cars or simply in the market for the latest, most inspiring SUV, the CX-5 is sure to please. “This world-beating model is more than just an SUV it’s a piece of automotive genius,” said Alex Bass, Dealer Principal, Vospers Mazda. “Mazda threw out the rule book when designing the CX-5 and started from scratch. The engine’s make-up has been re-invented, the bodyshell is lighter, yet stronger and the result is a practical, spacious, stylish car that delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions, safety and above all provides an invigorating drive, unfamiliar to owners of rival SUV brands. Even the six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes are new, creating a sporty drive, that some say is similar to the MX-5.

“The MX-5 Owners Club event is the ideal opportunity for us to present the new CX-5 to the public for the first time. Visitors are welcome to come and look around the new model and ask our team about the financial benefits of driving such an economical car (up to 61.4mpg) that still retains Mazda’s fun-to-drive nature,” concluded Bass.

Vospers Mazda will also be showing its range of MX-5 models to satisfy the tastes of the many fans of the two-seater taking part in the Rally. On display will be the new MX-5 Venture Edition soft top and hard top Roadster Coupe, the MX-5 1.8 SE (currently available with 0% VAT) and two used MX-5 models.

To find out more about the event, or to book an CX-5 test drive, visit the Vospers Mazda Truro dealership on the Treliske Industrial Estate, Oak Lane, or call 01872 226 226.

Sturgess are proud to sponsor this years’ Rally for Heroes held in aid of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

The Rally for Heroes covers five countries and takes in some of the best driving roads and famous race tracks in Europe including Monaco and Stelvio National Park in Italy. The trip starts at the legendary Top Gear Test track on 18^th August where former F1 commentator Murray Walker OBE will be waving off the 50 drivers.

Over the course of 7 days, the driver’s will cover a minimum of 5 miles for each soldier who has lost their life serving their country in Afghanistan.

Sturgess have joined forces with the Jaguar XF Forum; the largest forum in the UK dedicated to new Jaguar, and is hoping to raise £5,000 in order to join the rally. All money raised goes directly to the worthwhile causes. Steve Metcalf, a member of the Jaguar XF Forum, will be driving a Jaguar XF on behalf of Sturgess Jaguar and the Jaguar XF Forum.

The first Rally for Heroes event took place in 2010 and organisers of this years’ event, Warrant Officer Benn Laidler and Corporal Mick Clark, are hoping to raise £100,000 for the charities.

If you would like to donate to help Sturgess and the Jaguar XF forum reach their £5000 target please visit Virgin Money Page.

Sturgess are the leading Jaguar car dealers in Leicester and also represent Land Rover, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Hyundai, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, MINI and Smart.

Two Young Entrepreneurs from Leeds, West Yorkshire have created a unique car buying website – CarHerd.com. The twist that CarHerd.com has over other car buying sites in the marketplace is that the vehicles are sourced new, from dealers across the UK in bulk, making them much cheaper. This takes advantage of the ‘Group Buying’ phenomenon, which is sweeping the globe through the power of the internet. CarHerd.com applies this strategy to higher value assets to further quench the needs of the ‘savvy saver’ consumer.

New Car buyers are now given the option to purchase a vehicle through CarHerd.com, as opposed to going direct to a car dealer. CarHerd.com negotiates a greater discount with a dealer on behalf of a group of buyers, reducing the price of new vehicles significantly. Buyers still deal with car dealers direct and have the luxury of test driving their car, speaking with the manufacturer sales staff, and negotiating their ideal specification. “The consumer now has the power, within modern day sales – thanks to the price comparison and daily deal sites. Companies now have to monitor the market and pivot their strategies to stay competitive. Potential customers are more likely than ever to spend time researching the best deal on a service or product. We believe leveraging the power of a group of buyers will be the future of car buying” explained Oliver Todd, co-founder of the new website.

Mark Heptonstall and Oliver Todd (aged 31 and 22 respectively), who came up with the idea in late 2011 also have other Companies together, within the Renewable Energy and asset brokering sectors.