NEWS

02 >TORQUE magazinE

The NEW magazine for Vauxhallstaff and retailersOctober 2009

FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOWpage 12

PM VISITS ELLESMERE PORTpage 3

A HEADFORFIGURESpage 25

ASTRA IS BORNAlain Visser on the

all-new Astra

BTCC16

INTERVIEW18NEWASTRA12

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THE MAGAZINE FOR VAUXHALL STAFF AND RETAILERS

NEWS RoyAl MAIl oRdERS NEW VIVARoS 04 GCV STARTS REGulAR pRoduCTIoN 05 NETWoRk NEWS 08 INduSTRy WATCh 11

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND VAUXHALL AND GM GLOBALNEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND VAUXHALL AND GM

It’s been a busy couple of months since the last issue of Torque in August. Not only do we now have a decision on our new investment partner in Europe, but we also launched the new Global Compact Vehicle – the all-new Astra – at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

On 10 September, the General Motors Board of Directors selected Magna as the preferred investor in Vauxhall/Opel. This decision brings to a close months of uncertainty and speculation and provides welcome confirmation of a firm future for Vauxhall/Opel.

Vauxhall will continue with business as usual as the final details of the Magna business plan are confirmed.

I can assure you that the contributions that the UK has made to both General Motors Europe and the GM Corporation in terms of sales and cash flow over the last nine months have been crucial to the business while negotiations continued.

There is no denying that some tough decisions remain to be made, but Vauxhall now has a secure future and we can look forward to a new and exciting chapter in our history together.

An indication of the UK Government’s commitment to Vauxhall came with the Prime Minister’s visit to Ellesmere Port in September. His visit came just before the launch of the new Global Compact Vehicle and he was clearly impressed not just with the car, but with the plant and our employees.

The Government also gave us a welcome boost by pledging funding for an additional 100,000 cars and vans through the Scrappage Scheme. The original £300 million scheme has been so popular that there were fears it could run out several months before the deadline of next February, so we’re delighted to hear that funding has been extended.

NEWS

“THE BEST WORKERS IN EUROPE”

REGULARSFEATURES12 NEW ASTRA All about the all-new Astra launch

15 RETAILER FEATURE how Vertu Motors breathed new life into Vauxhall’s Waltham Cross dealership

16 BTCC We put the questions to drivers Fabrizio Giovanardi and Matt Neal

18 INTERVIEW Alain Visser Vice president, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales discusses Europe’s reaction to the all-new Astra

21 FASHION SCOUT Vauxhall puts leeds’ models on the catwalk

22 VAUXHALL SKATE on a roll in london’s hippest nightspot

08 NETWORK NEWS News from around the retail network

25 DAy IN THE LIFE Rachel parker, operations director, Motorbodies, luton

26 TIME OUT From karate to athletics and fundraising at the Race for life

30 LEISURE TIME Try our crossword and sudoku and win £25

IN THIS ISSUE

PM SHOWS SUPPORT FOR ELLESMERE PORT

BILL PARFITTCHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR GENERAL MOTORS UK LTD

EDITORDebbie Pentelow01582 427190MANAGING EDITORJos Sharp01582 427173

If you have an idea for a story to put forward, please tell the correspondent in your area. Any events, personal or work-related achievements, people doing unusual or interesting hobbies or sports – tell your correspondents.

SITE EDITORSEllesmere Port Julie Todd 0151 350 2233WarehouseJackie Jones 01582 426 6809GMM Luton Justin Hawkins 01582 409 219

prime Minister Gordon Brown visited Ellesmere port on 22 September to talk to employees and see the new Global Compact Vehicle. he spent time talking to management, employees and trade union representatives underlining the Government’s commitment to the future of Vauxhall.

First port of call was General Assembly where the prime Minister stopped to talk to employees including Ian portbury in pre Marriage. he asked how long they

Torque is written, designed and producedby beetroot, 44 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EY (telephone 020 7749 0180), on behalf of General Motors UK Limited, Luton.

02 TORQUE MAGAzINE 03OCTOBER 2009

had been working there, what their thoughts were on the new vehicle and what the Global Compact Vehicle means for the plant. he also chatted to karl Woodward in Wheels, asking what

the different tools were used for in his section.

he then took time to speak to the plant’s apprentices who explained their roles. The prime Minister asked the apprentices about new low carbon technology for vehicles and said he hopes to see the plant as the location for the low carbon car of the future.

The prime Minister was very positive about the future of Ellesmere port. he praised the team as “the best workers in Europe” and congratulated the plant on the success of the Astra.

Above: The Prime Minister tours the plant with Tony Woodley, General Secretary Unite, Andrew Miller MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, General Assembly Manager Ignacio Bueno and Plant Director Tom Schmidt Left: chatting with Ian Portbury and Ignacio Bueno in Pre Marriage

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AMBulANCE SERVICE ChooSES MoVANoS 06 STudENTS STudy INSIGNIA 06 ThE kEy To AVoIdING CAR ThEFT 07 MIllBRook WElCoMES ThE MIlITARy 07

NEWS

04 TORQUE MAGAzINE 05OCTOBER 2009

150,000OLD BANGERS HAVE NOW BEEN SCRAPPED FOR CASH

It’s not every day that records are broken, nor is it every day that 32 icons of British road transport gather in the same place to mark a significant motoring milestone.

Yet on 16 August the Vauxhall Heritage Centre played host to the largest ever gathering of Bedford OB buses and coaches – with owners travelling from all over the UK and even Belgium to exhibit the iconic vehicles that served Britain best when she needed them most.

Built between 1939 and 1951, the distinctive Bedford OB was once a very common sight

on British roads. Yet today, there are only 75 known survivors across the world, and even fewer that are roadworthy.

So for 32 of them to get together at the Vauxhall Heritage Centre in Luton to mark the OB’s 70th anniversary was a milestone, the like of which is unlikely to be repeated again.

Organiser Tim Wooton, of the bedfordob.com website, said: “This is truly fabulous – never before have we seen this many OBs in the same place at the same time, yet together they make a truly incredible sight.”

GM uk Fleet has pulled out all the stops to ensure that versions of the all-new Astra for major police forces will be available to coincide with the public launch of the all-new Astra.

And unlike many police cars, the Astra is a ‘turnkey’ offering, built by Vauxhall at GM Millbrook and offered very much as a complete car.

Fully type approved and tested to meet the same stringent safety demands as the Astra road car, along with the requirements placed upon them by the daily demands of emergency services, the police-spec Astras are covered by the same warranty as the

base vehicle, with all conversion parts covered to match the same period.

usually, to bring such a vehicle to market would take around six months from the car’s actual launch, but because the new generation Astra is built at Ellesmere port, GM Special Vehicles’ engineers were able to work closely with the factory to bring the converted police car to market within a similar timeframe to the road car.

over 900 police Astras were sold last year, so to bring the new model to market quickly is imperative, as is ensuring the newcomer is ready to go right from the start.

LAW AND ORDERSBREAKING RECORDS ON THE BUSES

Lord Mandelson gave a welcome boost to car manufacturers in September when he announced additional funding for the scrappage scheme.

The Business Secretary pledged to provide extra funding for an additional 100,000 cars and vans.

The news came as Vauxhall research showed that over 150,000 old bangers had already been scrapped for a cash bonus towards the cost of a younger model.

According to the research, London is driving the cars for cash scheme, with almost one in ten owners upgrading their wheels.

To mark London taking the title of the Banger Capital of Britain, Vauxhall created the first ever Cash Car – an Astra encrusted with £2,000 of loose change. The car, which was covered from boot to bonnet in bona-fide British mint, was mobbed by hundreds of commuters at Liverpool Street station, eager to pocket some free cash.

Simon Ewart, Manager, Consumer Communications, added: “We fully support the scrappage scheme and feel that the first ever Cash Car is a great way to bring to life the benefits of trading in your old car for a newer, safer and more environmentally friendly model. Hopefully, we gave commuters more than they bargained for on their journey to work!”

NEW DELIVERy FOR ROyAL MAILRoyal Mail has ordered 348 GMM Luton-built Vauxhall Vivaros.

This is the first time the UK’s national postal service has invested in Vivaros after previously ordering just Vauxhall Combos. All of the vans will have Royal Mail liveries applied and poly lining fitted at the plant’s brand new Conversion Centre in AA-AH Block.

The vans will also be equipped with a bespoke rail cargo system to hold the custom load carrying Pashley bicycles made famous by Royal Mail. Roller shutters will be fitted to 38 vans at Vauxhall’s Engineering Centre in Milbrook, Bedfordshire.

Plant Director Paul Staes said: “Royal Mail’s Vivaro order is great news for all at GMM Luton and is the first big fleet order for our brand new Conversion Centre.”

Production of this first order will begin in October with delivery expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Future Vivaro orders from Royal Mail may also be in the pipeline, although this is dependent on the quality and the lead time being met on this initial fleet.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

LOCAL MP VISITS LUTON PLANTluton Mp kelvin hopkins met with management at GMM luton for a general business update in August.

The luton North Mp was briefed on key plant performance metrics and the business outlook for the second half of 2009 by plant director, paul Staes.

kelvin was then taken on a walkabout in General Assembly with Mark Noble, GA unit Manager and Steve Withey,

GA Shift Manager. Also in attendance was patrick hall, Mp for Bedford and kempston.

danielle Chapman, Government and Community Relations Manager, said: “kelvin and patrick were both impressed and were keen to point out that GM uk has the support of the uk Government at the highest levels.’’

MPs Kelvin Hopkins and Patrick Hall at GMM Luton

28 September was a red letter day for Ellesmere Port – the start of regular production for the new Global Compact Vehicle. General Assembly gathered for a quick photoshoot to mark the occasion.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

NEW ExTENdEd WARRANTy oFFERS EVEN MoRE pEACE oF MINd 08 GoING ThE ExTRA MIlE – FRoM dEVoN To JohN o’GRoATS 08 MANTA GTE TuRNS hEAdS IN ChElTENhAM 09 IS ThIS ouR MoST loyAl CuSToMER? 09

06 TORQUE MAGAzINE 07OCTOBER 2009

10,043CARS WERE STOLEN FROM UK DRIVEWAyS LAST yEAR

NEWS

THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE RIDE

Millbrook recently played host to the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) key stakeholder event, DVD, one of the most important dates in the defence equipment calendar. This year’s event set fresh standards for military, civilian and exhibitor attendance.

The two-day event was attended by key defence industry suppliers who were displaying a range of equipment and service support from vehicles and systems to construction plant and camouflage.

Millbrook’s extensive 700-acre facility offered an ideal setting for participants

MILLBROOK WELCOMES THE MILITARy

SPORTS TOURER jOINS INSIGNIA ECOFLEX LINE-UPFollowing the success of the Insignia ecoFLEX hatch and saloon, the Insignia Sports Tourer now joins the ecoFLEX family providing significant reductions in running costs without sacrificing performance or practicality.

With a combined CO2 figure of just 139g/km, the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer drops four BIK tax bands to 18 per cent for company car drivers, compared with the regular CDTi Sports Tourer. And with a 12.3 per cent improvement in combined fuel consumption (53.7mpg vs 47.1 for the regular

model) drivers can enjoy a filling station-free range of up to 826 miles.

But the green credentials have not affected performance and driveability. The ecoFLEX Sports Tourer still achieves a top speed of 134mph and will sprint from 0-60mph in just 9.3 seconds. A healthy slug of torque (up to 380Nm with overboost, to be precise) also allows it to pull slightly higher gearing, thanks to a revised final drive ratio.

A raft of aerodynamic changes is responsible for the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer’s enhanced efficiency.

When universities talk about the use of teaching aids to assist with students’ studies, they don’t usually include a new car. But that is exactly what Coventry university students are benefitting from thanks to Vauxhall.

The Vauxhall Insignia, Europe’s ‘Car of the year’ was donated to Coventry university because of its prominence in automotive design.

david Browne, Course director of Automotive design in the School of Art & design, accepted the keys from GM uk Special projects Manager paolo de luca.

david said: “We are delighted that Vauxhall has chosen to donate this vehicle to the university for our students to work with. It is a uniquely valuable teaching aid and will be used extensively to raise awareness of the many aspects of car design, build and assembly.”

to understand and experience the capabilities of equipment in an interactive environment. This unique extra dimension to DVD allowed companies to demonstrate products to their fullest potential, in a fitting environment.

Deputy Head of Corporate Communications Haydn Fowler, whose team plans and manages the show, said: “We’re all very pleased with the way this year’s expanded show has gone, We could not have accomplished all that we did without the help and support of our colleagues, and of course the team at the Millbrook Proving Ground.”

A shocking report from Vauxhall reveals that 99 per cent of car owners make car theft easy by failing to hide their car keys away. When it comes to personal possessions, half of all uk car owners are more concerned about locking away their laptops than keeping their car keys safe, helping to fuel £39.5 million worth of car thefts at home in 2008.

despite 10,043 cars being stolen from uk driveways last year following car key thefts from our homes, three-quarters of us give burglars a helping hand by failing to hide our keys away. Nationwide, six per cent of burglaries include car theft, yet one in 10 drivers are guilty of leaving their car keys by the front door, with a third leaving them on show in the kitchen, giving intruders an easy ride.

The research marked the launch of key Safe – a joint initiative between Vauxhall and Bedfordshire police to highlight the consequences of leaving car keys on display in the home.

Chief Inspector James Goldsmith of Bedfordshire police said: “despite a 10 per cent reduction in burglaries across Bedfordshire during 2008, this survey confirms our own and national findings that many residents fail to take the basic steps of keeping their car keys out of sight and easy reach.”

BETTER KEy SAFE THAN SORRy

Good performance by the Vauxhall Movano has led West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to order a further 64 vehicles.

The new ambulances are currently in build and will enter into service alongside 60 Movanos already operated by the Trust since last year. Once deliveries are complete, the model will make up almost half of the fleet of 275 emergency ambulances.

During their five years in service, the

MORE MOVANOS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICEambulances will be worked hard, with each covering at least 250,000 miles.

Graham Cann, Regional Head of Fleet at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “The Vauxhall Movano performs well for us in the front-line ambulance role. It has the right specifications for the job, including ample power to get to incidents quickly and transfer patients to hospital. Our crews find it a driver-friendly vehicle.”

ART TO ‘DRIVE’ FORVauxhall and art duo Jiggery pokery have immortalised the best bits of a British Staycation, by creating the Great British Souvenir – an art installation featuring weird and wonderful trinkets from across cool Britannia.

Armed with a Vauxhall Astra, the artists kicked off their road trip in Whitstable, kent before visiting over 20 destinations and landmarks. Soaking up the most eccentric, iconic and popular experiences they gathered inspiration and trinkets along the way to create one of the most unusual moving art installations.

From tea towels to iridescent deer and Blackpool snow domes, the artists selected over 2,000 different keepsakes, each one telling its own story and painting a picture of the best bits about holidaying at home.

TORQUE MAGAzINE

The Old Wulfrunians under 12s are sporting a brand new Vauxhall-sponsored strip – and it’s doing wonders for the team’s performance.

Vauxhall Masterfit and dealer, Stourbridge Motor House, decided to help the youngsters out by sponsoring the team’s strip. And they put in such a good performance that they won their league.

Last season, the team played in division 2 of the Stourbridge and District league, winning all

but two of their matches and finishing with a goal difference of +59 and conceding just 12 goals all season. They won the league on the final match of the season and gained promotion to the first division.

The new season has started well, too. Just three matches in, the squad found themselves joint second in the league.

All thanks to their new shirts, of course!

08 OCTOBER 2009 09

GET REAdy FoR ThE SAAB 9-5 10 SAAB dEAl AGREEd 10 BAG A BARGAIN AVEo 11 INduSTRy WATCh 11

NEWS

They say that Vauxhall retailers will go the extra mile for customers. Well, Westcars of Tiverton went an extra 700 miles for one of their customers – all the way to John o’Groats.

Alex kenny had bought several Vauxhall cars from Westcars over the years. And when he moved to John o’Groats, he wanted to stick with the great service he was used to. he continued to travel to Tiverton for the cars’ annual maintenance checks.

When Alex decided to buy a new Zafira there was only one place to go. But, for once, he was unable to travel south to collect the car.

That wasn’t a problem for Brian hampson, dealer principal at Westcars. “The customer asked if we could deliver and we automatically said yes,” he said. “As I’m planning to cycle from land’s End to John o’Groats in the future, I decided to deliver the car personally so I could see the terrain I would have to cycle over.”

Twenty-five years after it cruised out of Vauxhall’s showrooms in Cheltenham, Opel Manta GTE B777 MDD rolled back in again – looking just as good as the day it left.

The car has only ever had one owner – Nigel Chick – and it remains his pride and joy since he bought it in 1984.

When he took delivery, the customised 2.0 litre Manta GTE was unique on the streets of Cheltenham. But it didn’t stop there. Nigel drove the car down through France towards Monte Carlo, and it turned heads all the way. Such was the car’s fame that it was featured in a custom car magazine which described it as “a semi exotic sports car”.

Throughout its life B777 MDD has been maintained in Cheltenham by Vauxhall-trained technicians. It returned to be displayed in Baylis Vauxhall’s showrooms in August. Baylis acquired the Cheltenham Vauxhall franchise in 2000 and Mike Williams, who kitted the car out originally, is still with the company along with many of his colleagues from 25 years ago.

Nigel Chick still drives the car in the summer months and it draws the same interest now as in 1984.

TORQUE OF THE TOWN

Below: Baylis Sales Manager Nigel Wiltshire with Nigel Chick and his Manta

NEW KIT’S A HIT WITH THE KIDS DEVON KNOWS HOW THEy DELIVERED IT!

Brian Hampson hands the keys of his new Zafira to Alex Kenny at john O’Groats

There are some loyal customers who come back to buy a new car year after year. But Neil Lewis from FRF Motors in Swansea has one loyal customer who puts all others in the shade.

Mrs Margaret Green has bought an astonishing 34 cars so far. The reason? She runs a driving school and needs a regular supply of cars for her pupils.

Neil explained: “Her first car was a Vauxhall Viva. She followed that with a Chevette, then an Astra. She retired a few years ago but she still comes to us for her cars and this year she bought her first Corsa.”

In fact, Mrs Green is well known at the garage – and not just because she’s a regular customer. Workshop Manager Mike Elsey and his family all took lessons with her – and all passed first time. “Mike looks after all Mrs Green’s servicing,” said Neil, “but none of her cars have ever needed to have the clutch replaced. Now that says a lot about the quality of a Vauxhall car!”

THAT’S WHAT I CALL LOyALTy

Mrs Green collects the keys to her new Corsa from sales consultant Phil Hughes

Murketts is celebrating its tenth anniversary in Royston and what better way to mark the occasion than to hand over a new car to a Vauxhall owner who has been a

SCRAPPAGE IS A HIT FOR TOM jONES

customer for the whole of that time?unlike his pop star namesake, it’s

very unusual for retired electrical engineer Tom Jones to change his cars. Indeed, Tom and his wife Joan have only owned four cars, all of them Vauxhalls in the last 20 years and were delighted to be presented with the keys to their fifth – a brand-new 50-registration Vauxhall Astra life 1.6 by Murketts Sales Manager Graham Radley.

The couple handed over their trusty 12-year-old Vauxhall Vectra in exchange for the government’s £2,000 scrappage bonus.

“We always like coming to Murketts because they always seem to take more care of you. Their servicing has always been faultless so I’m very pleased to be buying my new Astra from them,” said Tom.

Graham Radley presents Mr and Mrs jones with their new Astra

TAKE COVER WITH VAUXHALLVauxhall drivers can now get even more peace of mind if they take up the new Vauxhall Extended Warranty.

Andrew Curley, Aftersales CRM Manager, explained: “The older a vehicle is or the more miles driven, the greater the risk of mechanical or electrical failure. With our new Extended Warranty, customers can enjoy driving and leave the risks to us.

“Retailers should make sure they have all their point of sale material in place to make the most of the expected demand.”

What’s included: All components originally covered by the manufacturer’s warranty are protected for vehicles that are under five years old and have covered less than 60,000 miles at the time of purchase of cover Mechanical and electrical component cover for vehicles up to 10 years old and have covered less than 100,000 miles at the time of purchase of cover Cover for 12 months, 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

700MILES THE DISTANCE FROM TIVERTON TO jOHN O’ GROATS

NEWS

Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel has always rightfully claimed that it has a passion for cars and for 110 years Opel’s core business has been to develop, produce and sell cars with expertise and enthusiasm. And Opel now has a new slogan and logo to tell the world just that. The new “Blitz”, which has featured on all Opel grills since the launch of Insignia, will now be part of Opel’s overall brand communication. First launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the world premiere of the new Opel Astra, “Wir leben Autos” (We live cars) now appears in all Opel advertising.

But what does it mean for the

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All-NEW ASTRA’S A STAR AT FRANkFuRT 12 VAuxhAll ANd VERTu – A WINNING CoMBINATIoN 15 A FAB dAy ouT AT SNETTERToN 16 A dAy IN ThE lIFE oF MoToRBodIES’ RAChEl pARkER 25

DRIVER ERRORDriver error and inattention are the most common contributing factors in British road accidents, according to new statistics from the Department for Transport.

The same figures also show that speed-related causes contribute to just 14 per cent of all prangs.

The DfT stats attribute 68 per cent of all road accidents to a failure to look, while in the majority (32 per cent) of fatal accidents loss of control is reported as the causative factor.

BRIGHTON’S ELECTRIFyINGBrighton is to install 20 recharging points for electric cars within the next months in a move to make it the UK’s second most electric vehicle-friendly city behind London.

The first ten Elektrobay recharging points will be installed this year, with the next 10 due to arrive in early 2010.

ASBOS FOR CLAMPERSWheel clampers in Windsor could soon be hit with Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) in an effort to stop the “victimisation” of motorists.

The council has passed a motion for the use of ASBOs amid concern that crooked clampers are making vast sums of money from the thousands of tourists visiting Windsor every year.

PUMP IT UPA Tesco petrol station was swamped with motorists after a pump began selling petrol at 40p a litre – for nearly a week.

Despite queues for the pump stretching around a nearby roundabout causing traffic jams, staff at the station failed to notice the error for six days.

They only discovered the pump on the forecourt in Milton, Cambridgeshire, was charging less than half price for fuel after workers questioned the traffic problems.

The last time petrol was around 40 pence a litre was back in 1992.

10 TORQUE MAGAzINE 11OCTOBER 2009

It’s already tremendous value, but Chevrolet’s Aveo 1.2S has just become an even more impressive proposition thanks to a special offer that’s bound to make it a hit with younger motorists.

For a limited period, the 1.2S three-door model is available with a styling pack, metallic paint and one year’s fully comprehensive insurance for the bargain sum of only £500 over the car’s list price.

That means that for £8,995 on the road, the Aveo with style accessory pack is the ideal car for

KITTED OUT AND COVERED – AVEO IS AN EVEN BIGGER BARGAIN!

recent graduates or younger workers, who would otherwise pay more than the option price for their insurance alone.

The style pack includes a front bumper spoiler, side skirts and tailgate spoiler, along with a chrome exhaust finisher, chrome skid plates, floor mats and chrome effect door pins and air vent surrounds.

In addition, the offer includes a choice of smart metallic paint colours at no

extra cost. The free insurance offer is available to drivers

aged between 21 and 80, from participating Chevrolet retailers.

NEW STRAPLINE FOR OPELUK? Marketing Director Andy Gilson said: “The Vauxhall brand continues to remain very strong in the UK market despite the uncertainties over

the future of General Motors and the European organisation. At this time therefore, we will not be introducing a new tagline for Vauxhall. However, over the next few weeks we will evaluate the use of “We live cars” for the UK. In the meantime we will continue to use our individual vehicle-line positionings such as Corsa: Put the Fun Back into Driving, Meriva/zafira: Clever family cars and Commercial Vehicles: The Wheels of Business.”

SAAB DEAL AGREEDA deal to secure Saab’s future is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

General Motors has signed a stock purchase agreement with koenigsegg Group AB for the sale of 100 per cent of Saab Automobile AB. The agreement will be subject to closing conditions which include expected funding commitments with Swedish government support and guarantees as well as transitional assistance from GM, as Saab becomes independent. Saab is about to launch several new cars developed with General Motors that are in the final stages of development.

As part of the proposed transaction, GM and Saab will continue to share technology and services during a defined time period. This will be managed through licenses and service agreements.

“This contract is an important step in the journey to a potential deal,” said Carl-peter Forster, president of GM Europe. “Saab’s great cars, its unique design, safety- and engine-technology, as well as its excellent brand image, combined with koenigsegg Group’s unique combination of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, bode well for a successful future for the brand. We will continue to work with all parties to define the final details and ensure a fast closure of the deal, which we expect to take place in the next few months. The closure of the deal is contingent on the funding commitment from the European Investment Bank, guaranteed by the Swedish government.”

The Chevrolet Volt is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine generator.

“From the data we’ve seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas,” said GM Chief Executive officer Fritz henderson.

According to uS department of Transportation data, nearly eight out of 10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day. This makes the Volt perfect for city driving. “The key to high-mileage performance is for a Volt driver to plug into the electric grid at least once each day,” said Fritz.

Volt drivers’ actual gas-free mileage will vary depending on how far they travel and other factors, such as how much cargo or how many passengers they carry and how much the air conditioning or other accessories are used. Based on the results of unofficial development testing of pro-production prototypes, the Volt has achieved 40 miles of electric-only, petroleum-free driving in city and highway tests run by the uS Environmental protection Agency.

The Volt is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

THE VOLT – IT’S ELECTRIC!

Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand. With progressive, confident styling and advanced technology, Saab’s distinctive new flagship will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.

The 9-5 is all about design. The dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage, while the styling is inspired by the award-winning Aero x concept car. There is an array of high tech features on offer:

An aircraft-inspired head-up information display (hud) Adaptive headlights (Bi-xenon Smart Beam) Adaptive cruise control Saab driveSense adaptive chassis with real-time

damping control keyless entry and starting dual-zone climate control dynamic parking assistance Saab xWd with elSd, the industry-leading

all-wheel-drive system. “This car is the start of a new era for our brand,’’ said Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects.”

The all-new 9-5 made its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

THE 9-5: IT’S ALLABOUT DESIGN

2010THE DATE THE SAAB 9-5 WILL GO ON SALE Will cut roof out

ASTRA LAUNCH

12 TORQUE magazinE 13OCTOBER 2009

Stylish, dynamic and ultra-efficient, the all-new Astra turned heads at its launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Lights, camera, action… all eyes were on the all-new astra as it made its debut at the Frankfurt motor Show on 15 September. and it was definitely the star of the show.

Frankfurt is the home of the major german car manufacturers so the September Frankfurt auto Show is the biggest in Europe and has a huge attendance over two weeks.

This year it was Opel/Vauxhall’s time in the press day spotlight as the new generation astra was unveiled for the first time. Photographs of the car were issued in advance but there really is no substitute for seeing the car in the flesh.

This was Opel/Vauxhall’s first new car launch in its new guise and one which has enormous significance for the company. new astra competes in the largest and arguably the toughest sector of the market head-on with the likes of Ford Focus and Volkswagen golf.

So there was a genuine air of expectation as the crowds gathered to see whether the astra would truly prove to be a star.

at 09.30, the covers came off in front of a huge international media audience to rapturous applause. initial reactions were extremely positive, with acclaim for design – both interior and exterior – and the level of specification, including hi-tech features such as active forward lighting and sophisticated Watts linkage rear suspension.

The UK media attended the show in force and headed straight for the Opel/Vauxhall stand. Proudly displayed on the stand was a shiny black right-hand drive Vauxhall complete with a large display showing the griffin logo.

The PR team was pleased to point out to the media that all the cars on the stand were British-built – as will all launch

stocks for the whole of Europe. This is an important point that will be constantly mentioned throughout the launch period and at all major launch events.

mark adams, Head of Design for Opel/Vauxhall and malcolm Ward, astra’s Design Chief were busy explaining the finer details to the UK media. and, with the use of scale models, michael Harder, the Engineer in charge of vehicle dynamics,

explained the highly cost-effective but sophisticated rear suspension design. Those interviews generated a lot of press coverage ahead of the main press launch being held in October.

One proud man at the stand was Kevin Flanagan, an Ellesmere Port employee from the body shop. Kevin was invited to join BBC Television’s north West Tonight team to see the launch at first hand and record the media reaction to what he and his many colleagues in the plant have achieved in the complex process of putting the new car into production.

For Kevin, the best part of the trip was actually seeing the finished all-new astra surrounded by media and press, and hearing all the positive comments that were being said about it.

Kevin was interviewed by Jayne Barrett, Economics and Social affairs Correspondent, and the item was

It must be gloveDo people actually put gloves in their gloveboxes? That was the starting point for a reassessment of storage and packaging.

The interior team compiled a list of the most common items stored in cars: pens, coins, a flashlight, road atlas, sunglasses, to name a few.

Next, they noted where owners wanted to keep the items and looked for practical solutions. They found that car companies tended to focus on storage size alone, and that led to irritating problems, such as CDs being stored in the centre console, preventing the arm rest from dropping down fully.

It was like a puzzle – not only did the team need to find places for the items to fit, but the Astra’s interior must still look great and maintain high quality standards throughout.

This painstaking attention to detail has resulted in a variety of simple but effective storage solutions. A hard-shelled sunglass

case has been inserted above the door opening on the driver’s side, coin slots and pen holders are moulded into the inside edge of the glove box lid and the glove box itself has two removable components while a second mini-glove box has been added just below the light switch.

There’s further storage innovation in the centre console which can accommodate nine CD cases, as well as having a small storage area and an insert for two cup holders. There’s also the option of an under-seat drawer beneath the passenger seat which is big enough to hold a pair of shoes. Rear passengers also benefit from a 12-volt connection for MP3 players in addition to space for drinks bottles.

And those gloves? According to the survey, most owners don’t keep them in the glovebox at all. They usually get thrown in the door’s side pocket next to the ice scraper!

Astra is born

transmitted in the regional programme that evening, Kevin talked about the importance of the new car, not just to Vauxhall, but to the hundreds of employees at ‘The Port’, whose livelihoods depend on its success.

One thing’s for sure – judging by the media reaction to the car, success will not be in question.

ComfoRT ANd joyThe astra not only features a longer wheelbase and wider tracks for improved stability and ride comfort, but also a cleverly positioned Watts link rear suspension system that is set to offer drivers class-leading handling and ride comfort.

Vauxhall’s much-praised FlexRide adaptive damping system will also be available on most models – a feature rarely found in compact class cars.

The all-new Astra takes centre stage at the frankfurt motor Show

mark Adams explains the finer details of design to the press

Kevin flanagan flies the flag for Ellesmere Port as he’s interviewed for BBC TV

ASTRA LAUNCH

14 TORQUE magazinE 15OCTOBER 2009

RETAILER fEATURE

What would you do if you found yourself out of a job? Scan the situations vacant and make an appointment at the Job Centre? not Robert Forrester – he decided to set up a new motor retail group. now, three years on, Vertu motors is defying the recession and turning in a healthy profit.

But then Robert is not your average jobseeker. He was managing Director of Reg Vardy but left the company when

it was sold to Pendragon plc in 2006. “i needed a job and the motor industry is what i know, so i decided to set up a new company,” he said. So he came to griffin House with a proposal, albeit with no job and no money – yet.

Just three years on, Vertu motors has six Bristol Street motors-branded Vauxhall dealerships in newcastle, Sunderland, Hexham, Chesterfield, Waltham Cross and ilford, and Vertu is

now the ninth largest motor retailer in the UK with £800 million turnover. Little wonder that Robert won the Outstanding achievement award at the motor Trader awards earlier this year.

The Waltham Cross franchise was refranchised earlier this year after a previous dealer in the area went into receivership in January. Realising the potential, Vauxhall moved swiftly, getting in touch with Robert to see what could be done. Together, the partnership of Vauxhall and Vertu proved a winning combination and within a few months a new and impressive Vauxhall dealership opened in Waltham Cross. The site had suffered from a long-term lack of investment so any future plans had to involve serious outlay to see it realise its potential. now, £500,000 of investment and refurbishment later, the site is unrecognisable. Vertu also snapped up the next-door premises and the old two-car showroom has been transformed into a six-car showroom and the used-car space has doubled in size – all in the space of a few weeks.

ILfoRd fRANCHISEVertu consolidated the Vauxhall franchise in the south-east and a few months later the company bought the ilford site from Crown motors.

Despite the severity of the recession and the uncertainty over Vauxhall’s future ownership, Robert could see the potential. “We discussed the deal at board level and talked to our shareholders,” he said. “We can’t envisage a time when Vauxhall won’t be a successful major franchise in the UK and it was simply a good time to buy.

“We have a strong relationship with Vauxhall. i find them very good to work with and quick to resolve issues. Fundamentally, i trust them and i wouldn’t want to invest money in a business where i don’t trust the people i’m dealing with.”

and for all budding entrepreneurs out there, here’s the secret of Robert’s success: “Surround yourself with the best people possible and people who are better than you.”

BristolStreetmotorsahead

Robert forrester

“WE HAVE A STRoNg RELATIoNSHIP WITH VAUxHALL. I fINd THEm VERy good To WoRK WITH ANd qUICK To RESoLVE ISSUES”

FlexRide adjusts the suspension character automatically depending on drivers’ needs, while also offering three programmable damper settings.

The new astra’s front and rear tracks have been increased by 56mm and 70mm respectively, while its wheelbase has been increased by 71mm. and that all adds up to improved handling and ride quality as well as more space and comfort for occupants.

Finally, a core body structure, stiffer than that of the outgoing car, enhances the all-new astra’s ride and handling still further while also reducing noise and vibration inside the cabin.

IT’S ALL ABoUT dESIgNWith its strong cab-forward silhouette, steeply raked windscreen and sloping rear roofline, the all-new astra makes ingenious use of many of the design features found in the award-winning insignia, but in a fresh and innovative way. also, like the insignia, it has spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel, benefiting performance, economy and overall refinement.

“We’re continuing with the same premium design cues as the insignia,” said mark adams. “However, the main design themes, like the wing-shaped signatures and the blade, needed an individual execution to avoid ‘cloning’ the model ranges.”

Eagle eye-shaped headlamps that encompass the prominent wing-shaped daytime running lights blend with a

For 46 years, Ellesmere Port has been the manufacturing home of every compact class Vauxhall sold in the UK, and is now the launch factory not only for the sixth generation of astra, but also all Opel versions sold across Europe.

Ellesmere Port opened its lines to the original Vauxhall Viva Ha in 1963 and went on to produce a further two Viva models, the Chevette and then each successive astra in five-door and astravan form.

Today, the current Vauxhall astra is the best-selling UK-built car in Britain. Thanks to Ellesmere Port’s ultra-modern and efficient infrastructure, it’s set to pass on the mantle to the new astra.

The plant has a capacity to produce 190,000 vehicles per year on a three-shift system, equating to 40 cars and vans per hour, or one astra rolling off the line approximately every 90 seconds.

BUILT IN BRITAIN

graceful flowing silhouette that connects the new car’s muscular shoulder lines with its distinctive rear hatch area.

and attention to detail is equally strong inside. The new astra’s interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the compact sector. The recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the insignia are now used in a fresh and innovative way. The blade theme is expressed in details like the gooseneck shape of the door grab handles and the trim for the gearshift moulding and steering wheel.

Whether you look inside or out, attention to detail is key to the all-new Astra’s design

“WE’RE CoNTINUINg WITH THE SAmE dESIgN CUES AS THE INSIgNIA”

MARK ADAMS, HEaD OF DESign FOR OPEL/VaUXHaLL

So, WHAT IS BTCC LIKE foR A fAmILy dAy oUT?By showing your Vauxhall car key, you can access the VXR driver’s lounge, which brings with it a host of benefits.BEST BITS:Ability to see the cars racing live on the track – and then follow them round the rest of the track on the TVFree drinks (VXR driver’s lounge)Noise of the carsHaving somewhere to sit down and have a cup of teaBeing part of a winning teamIt didn’t rainWoRST BITS:The loosQueues out of the car park at the end of the daySUmmARy: Good family day out – and a great result for the VXR team!

BTCC

16 TORQUE magazinE 17OCTOBER 2009

ROUn

D U

P

SNETTERToN RoUNd 6Fabrizio giovanardi (Vauxhall VXR Racing) and Colin Turkington (Team RaC BmW) had the race wins at the circuit in norfolk. This helped giovanardi move past team-mate matt neal into second in the standings. Vauxhall/VX Racing moved further ahead in the BTCC’s manufacturers/Constructors Championship yet again.

KNoCKHILL RoUNd 7Jason Plato (RmL Chevrolet Lacetti), Fabrizio giovanardi (Vauxhall VXR Racing) and mat Jackson (RmL Chevrolet Lacetti) all won in Scotland. But Colin Turkington (Team RaC BmW) still sat on top of the standings. and Vauxhall/VX Racing continued to stake its claim on the manufacturer/Constructor crown.

SILVERSToNE RoUNd 8RmL Chevrolet Lacetti team mates mat Jackson and Jason Plato won here. although Colin Turkington (Team RaC BmW) still sat pretty on the Drivers’ standings. Elsewhere, Vauxhall/VX Racing had provisionally won the manufacturers/Constructors crown and was comfortably on course for a seventh outright Teams’ trophy. RoCKINgHAm RoUNd 9Stephen Jelley (Team RaC BmW) and Jason Plato (RmL Chevrolet Lacetti) were the winners. RaC BmW’s Colin Turkington went into the Finals Day (as Torque went to press) on course for his first BTCC Drivers’ title. Vauxhall/VX Racing has already secured manufacturer/Constructor honours – yippee.

See next issue for an update of the final race...

BTCC RoUNdUPAll the revving, braking and accelerating of the 2009 season from Snetterton and beyond

Why did you want to be a racing driver?Fab: So i didn’t have to do any other job – it’s the best!Matt: i’ve always liked speed, whether it’s bikes, motocross or BTCC – going fast is in my blood.

What age were you when you learned to drive?Fab: i was 13 and ‘borrowed’ my mother’s car. i was caught skidding it in our local high street.Matt: my story is the same, but i was 12 and i wasn’t caught!

What was your first car?Fab: VW golf diesel – but it was a gTD.Matt: Ford Fiesta 950 popular plus.

What is the Snetterton circuit like to drive?Fab: it’s a compromise of slow bits and fast straights. getting the car set up for the circuit is very important to getting the best lap time.Matt: i agree, but for me, Turn 2 (Sear Corner) is the most challenging.

Which is your favourite circuit?Matt: Brands Hatch – especially the gP circuit.Fab: Silverstone.

What is the top speed your car reaches on the Snetterton Circuit?Fab: 300 (!) (Editor’s note: not sure if Fabrizio means mPH or KPH – but he certainly drove like the wind).Matt: around 145mph on the longRevett straight.

Would you recommend driving as a career choice?Matt: it beats havinga proper job! 90 per cent of the time is frustration and disappointment, the 10 per cent elation outweighs it. Yes.

What will you do next year?Fab: Ha ha ha.

Above right:Cub reporter, Zac Scurlock with fabrizio giovanardi and matt Neal

Business Operations Manager Tim Scurlock took his family to experience the BTCC racing at Snetterton. Cub reporter and avid BTCC fan, Zac Scurlock found Fabrizio Giovanardi and Matt Neal relaxing between races and asked a few questions:

A fab day out

What do you do when you’re not racing?Fab: Fly. i have a private pilot’s licenceand i fly gliders.Matt: i work in the family business (making wheels), and also enjoy mountain Biking, working out in the gym and martial arts.

And lastly what car do you drive at home?Fab: an antara.Matt: a VXR8.

THE RACESDespite threatening heavy showers over most of the weekend, it remained unseasonably dry in Norfolk for a weekend of excitement and frustration as the VXR team defended its leading position at rounds 16-18 of the British Touring Car Championship.

Jason Plato in the Chevrolet Lacetti, having posted the best lap time in practice, qualified in pole position for Race 1. With the rear wheel drive BMWs having a traction advantage from the standing start, Jason was outsprinted into the first corner by Colin Turkington, but nudged him off within a couple of corners to re-take the lead. Justice was done though when Andrew Jordan, the youngest driver in the BTCC line-up, executed a similar move to put Jason out of the race. Having held the lead, Andrew succumbed to Giovanardi who went on to win.

In Race 2, Giovanardi led from lights to flag, with a text book domination of the field. Neal had a disappointing race, having jumped the start and suffering a drive through penalty – and Jordan was disappointed to come in twelfth.

For Race 3, the grid was reversed, which mixed things up a bit. The strength of the VXR team shone through and they powered through the pack to finish in third, fourth and fifth – and with Fabrizio on the podium for all three races, it was a great weekend for him.

“90 PER CENT of THE TImE IS fRUSTRATIoN ANd dISAPPoINTmENT, THE 10 PER CENT ELATIoN oUTWEIgHS IT”

Zac Scurlock gets up-close and personal with matt Neal

INTERVIEW

18 TORQUE magazinE 19OCTOBER 2009

The all-new Astra was the star at the Frankfurt Motor Show. What do you think of our newcomer?For Vauxhall, it’s our sixth generation astra since the astra was first launched in the late 1970’s. From generation to generation we have managed not only to rejuvenate the product, but also to take it to the next level. The all-new astra maintains its aggressive, muscular pose while gaining contemporary lines along with signature design elements like the ‘wings’ on the head and tail lamps and the sculptured silhouette that we introduced on the award-winning insignia.

So, visitors to the Frankfurt motor show found a new astra with an emotional and dynamic design, upscale quality and innovations, best-in-class storage and versatility, excellence in ride and handling. and last but not least, it has the cleanest engine in the compact class.

in my view, the all-new astra has all the ingredients to become a shining star.

Did you consider replacing Astra with a new name as you did with Insignia?no. The name astra is very well known among the public and it has a good image across Europe. There has never been any doubt about keeping the name.

What details can you reveal about the advertising campaign?The common denominator for the whole campaign is ‘Energy’. We aim to challenge consumers’ perceptions about the compact car class – delivering a high level of quality and a host of innovative features you’d normally only find in the upper segments.

and from a design point of view the car looks awesome. That’s why ‘aesthetics’ play another major role. The visuals speak for themselves.

There will be some similarities to the advertising campaign for insignia but the all-new astra will be more action-driven – full of dynamism, great music and stylish but still approachable.

The campaign touches all channels – as well as TV and print, there’s also a digital campaign on the internet setting a new standard of interactive online communication.

The future starts nowWill there be a pan-European campaign or will there be local advertising?in general, the campaign has a pan-European scope. This will help us avoid wasting resources as each market will not have to develop the concept and artwork on their own. Consistency is key in building a brand.

When a friend asks you why he should buy a new Astra instead of a VW Golf, what do you say?[laughs] First of all, i would wonder about anyone posing that question! Seriously, the all-new astra sets the benchmark in several aspects. its design – interior and exterior – is outstanding in the compact class. it offers more interior spaciousness, safety and flexibility than its competitors.

Then there’s the low cost of ownership. it has an attractive price list, low fuel consumption and best-in-class insurance rating.

in a nutshell, the all-new astra is the best buy in the compact segment.

How are sales currently developing in Europe?To answer this, it’s important to put our sales in the context of the total European vehicle market. So far, the industry has seen a dramatic drop in sales between January and July 2009 compared with the same period last year. Opel/Vauxhall sales in Europe are following the market decline – in the first seven months of this year we sold about 755,000. That’s 210,000 fewer units than last year. However, we managed to stabilise our market share of about 6.7 per cent and we defended our market position as Europe’s fifth brand.

One of the heroes throughout Europe is definitely the insignia – Car of the Year 2009. it leads the sedan segment and the insignia Sports Tourer has been growing its market share since its launch in march. more than 140,000 customers have ordered this great vehicle since the start of sales.

Alain Visser, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales talks about the European market and the all-new Astra

“ IN my VIEW, THE ALL-NEW ASTRA HAS ALL THE INgREdIENTS To BEComE A SHININg STAR”

LEEDS LEADS THE FASHION PACKPAGE 21

VAUxHALL fASHIoN SCoUT

Leeds leads thefashion pack

London, watch out! When it comes to individuality, the streets of Leeds are proving to be as hip as any catwalk at London Fashion Week. new research from Vauxhall motors shows the city’s trendsetters have even beaten Londoners in the style stakes.

Of the 2,000 Britons surveyed, nearly half (40 per cent) found Leeds’ street fashion is the most inspiring in the UK, pipping London’s street cred (32 per cent) to the post.

and Vauxhall Fashion Scout – the biggest off-schedule event at London Fashion Week – has brought the Car’Walk to Leeds: an exclusive taste of London Fashion Week. The event is streaming catwalk shows and backstage commentary at the city’s historic high-end shopping haven, Victoria Quarter, to local fashion-lovers.

Simon Ewart, manager, Consumer Communications, commented, “We’ve known for a long time that Leeds has a great reputation in the fashion world – bringing London Fashion Scout to Leeds is a natural fit.

“The Car’Walk is a first and it is our way of raising awareness about Fashion Week outside of London and also giving people in Leeds a front row taste of what they are so passionate about.”

The research also revealed that Leeds locals are most adventurous with their dress sense. Well over a third (38 per cent) claimed they don’t follow rules, preferring to accessorise, customise and individualise so they stand out from the crowd. By contrast, just 28 per cent of Londoners were willing to take a chance on expressing themselves through clothes with over a quarter (26 per cent) preferring to take their lead from celebrity magazines and high street retailers’ windows.

martyn Roberts, director of Vauxhall Fashion Scout, says: “it’s a well-known fact that Leeds is a hot fashion hub. many of the designers we work with, such as Leeds-born andrew Banister get their inspiration from its streets.

“People in Leeds ‘get’ fashion. it is a young, energetic city and fashion is very important to its people. Walking around Leeds you see a kind of style-conscious competitiveness in the way people dress and that is inspiring and exciting for trend-spotters.”

The Car’Walk event (so named because the London catwalk shows are streamed to Leeds from the boot of an agila) will feature collections from some of the hottest tipped talent in the UK today – Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch.

models strut their stuff at Vauxhall fashion Scout

Research reveals that the real heart of fashion is on Leeds’ streets

• LEEdS (40 PER CENT) • LoNdoN (32 PER CENT) • gLASgoW (15 PER CENT) • mANCHESTER (7 PER CENT) • NEWCASTLE (6 PER CENT)

THE ToP fIVE TRENdSETTINg

CITIES

20 TORQUE magazinE 21OCTOBER 2009

Are there any differences from market to market?Yes indeed. For example, markets in Eastern Europe show a drastic decline whereas the decline in Western Europe is less severe. and in many markets, sales are affected by government incentive programmes. For example, in italy, the government promotes vehicles that use LPg fuel and sales of new vehicle registrations in that segment grew by 30 per cent.

in germany, the government introduced a scrappage programme early on and the effect was overwhelming – the passenger car market grew by 26.6 per cent in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year! and Opel did even better than other german manufacturers – sales went up by more than 32 per cent. This is an excellent achievement, especially when you consider that the Opel market share was above 10 per cent for several months. With an average market share of 9.2 per cent, Opel was the second biggest player in the german passenger car market in the first seven months of this year.

What are the cultural differences between different European countries and how can we maximise the opportunities they offer?The European marketplace is certainly not consistent. nevertheless, it’s fair to say there are more similarities than differences and we need to focus on those similarities while recognising the differences. my personal experience is that the differences between the people representing the different cultures are often bigger than the differences between the cultures.

Conversely, are there economies of scale in being pan-European?Sure. although there are some specific market requirements we have to address, overall the Opel/Vauxhall vehicles are saleable throughout Europe and in some markets, like Russia, there is potential for growth.

in fact, we need the volume of the European marketplace in order to realise the revenue for a profitable business and to generate the money we need to invest in product development and modern production.

Any new products and innovations on the horizon?This is an important phase in rejuvenating our product portfolio. after the successful launch of our flagship vehicle, the insignia, comes the all-new astra. Soon afterwards we will be launching the new movano in the commercial vehicle market.

But there’s much more in the pipeline. Over the next few years, our customers can look forward to seeing very attractive product updates in the monocab segment starting with the meriva, followed by a new zafira. We are convinced this will help us defend our leading position in that segment.

and at the end of 2011, we will launch

the all-new ampera – our answer to the growing market demand for electric vehicles. and with its range extender, this compact car will provide individual electric mobility without compromising range, comfort or pleasure to drive.

in my view, the rejuvenation of the product portfolio puts the Opel/Vauxhall brand in a very good position. and the results of our customer research are very motivating – they liked the vehicles a lot!

How do you see the future of Opel/Vauxhall in, say, 10 years’ time?Wow – that’s a challenging question, especially as it’s difficult to make even short-term predictions at the moment.

in general, i see Vauxhall as a leader in the further electrification of propulsion. i am very optimistic that we will be very much at the top of customers’ shopping lists.

Don’t forget, the future starts now. We’re sowing the seeds with the all-new astra.

Below: Alain Visser photographed at a recent visit to griffin House

“ oVER THE NExT fEW yEARS, oUR CUSTomERS CAN LooK foRWARd To SEEINg VERy ATTRACTIVE PRodUCT UPdATES IN THE moNoCAB SEgmENT STARTINg WITH THE mERIVA, foLLoWEd By A NEW ZAfIRA”

INTERVIEW

22 TORQUE magazinE 23OCTOBER 2009

Some of the hottest musical, design and style talents got together for Vauxhall Skate at Village Underground this summer.

And with Sophie Ellis Bextor, Richard Jones, Remi Nicole, Carl Barat, Alfie Allen and Queens of Noize on the decks, the stage was set for the ultimate roller disco.

And that’s not all – Jonny Woo hosted a car-aoke, complete with dress-up props galore and crimper-to-the-stars Lyndell Mansfield went back-comb crazy and let loose with the hairspray in an in-car pit-stop hair salon.

Combine all that with a rotating mirrorball Tigra, hot dogs and four-wheeled art commission by legendary illustrator Kate Moross, and Vauxhall Skate was THE place to be.

The kooky theme, dreamed up by design duo Jiggery Pokery, saw guests squeeze through a gold inflatable entrance to enter a 20th century vision of the future where 1970s disco meets Knight Rider on rollerskates!

There were plenty of celebrities for guests to rub shoulders with, but the

from car-aoke to soft-top styling. Who knew you could have so much fun without even turning the ignition

VAUxHALL SKATE

real stars were the Vauxhall cars – the mirrorball Tigra took centre stage while wannabe singers belted out disco classics from the Corsa car-aoke and an Astra TwinTop doubled as a hair salon.

Manager, Consumer Communications, Simon Ewart promoted the event. He said: “Vauxhall Skate was invitation-only. We promoted on Facebook and word quickly spread until people were queueing round the block before the doors even opened.

“It was a brilliant night but there was a lot more to the evening than just having fun. We wanted to get Vauxhall’s name out there among the young generation who increasingly use and trust social media, like Facebook. Our YouTube video and Facebook page really created a buzz before the event. We need to let those people know that the Vauxhall brand can be young and funky – and when they’re looking for a new car, they should get their skates on and head down to a Vauxhall dealer.”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor and husband Richard jones were the stars of the show, along with the cars, of course! Rock n roller

“WE WANTEd To gET VAUxHALL’S NAmE oUT THERE AmoNg THE yoUNg gENERATIoN”

VAUXHALL DRIVERS’ CENTRE

TIME OUT

OUT OF HOURS

Mike’s a karate king 26 Undergrads join the race for Life 26 goLd MedaL for LUton pLant worker 27 kevin wins septeMber excite award 27

24 TORQUE MagazInE 25OCTOBER 2009

RACHEL PARKER

“IN my PREVIOUS jOb I wAS TRAINED IN SIX SIgmA AND I’m A gREAT bELIEVER IN DATA bECAUSE IT gIVES A FANTASTIC PICTURE OF wHAT IS HAPPENINg ACROSS THE bUSINESS”

DAy IN THE LIFE

A HEAD FOR FIgURESRachel Parker, Operations Director, Motorbodies, Luton, manages a team of 93 who provide MOTs, servicing, vehicle maintenance and accident repair as well as parts and accessories.

6.30amEvery morning I follow the same routine as I get myself and my seven-month-old son ready before I make my way to Motorbodies.

8.20amThe office is buzzing when I arrive as this is the busiest time for our call centre. The team of four handle more than 32,000 calls a year. They’re always smiling, which is great because how they treat our customers determines our visitors’ very first impression of the company.

8.30amI check my emails and then go to our customer feedback website. Customer comments are the most valuable source of information we have. They help us learn what we are doing right and what we need to improve on. On the rare occasion that a customer seems dissatisfied, we treat it as an immediate alert. a full case history is investigated before we contact our customer and do our utmost to rectify the situation.

We have learnt that customers don’t expect us to be perfect, but they do expect us to fix things quickly if anything does go wrong.

9.00amI make my first telephone calls to the Service Managers Lee and John. It’s time to renew our Motor Industry Code of Practice subscription. This new code of practice ensures we offer an honest and fair service with clear pricing and means customers can trust us.

3.00pmThe all-important catch-up on the financial results coming in and forecasting of new customers in the pipeline. It’s a vital exercise, yet the only thing that really matters is whether all the customers visiting us today would come back next year.

Then I set our Marketing Manager, Marsha, a regular task – spend time with our customers and ask them how they feel. She’s a good listener and the ideal person for the job.

5.00pma quick call from a supplier before I leave to collect my son.

11.00pma meeting with the Bodyshop Manager, Paul about the new industry standard, PaS125. It covers strict procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident-damaged vehicles and it’s really important that we comply.

1.00pmI start working my way through my team’s performance. What are our technicians’ productivity levels like? How many accident repair estimates were confirmed into bookings? How many customers took out one of our service plans? How many customers came back to us this year for their service or MOT? How did our team fare during the monthly mystery shops? How many calls did we answer within four rings? How well are we controlling our parts stock levels?

In my previous job I was trained in Six Sigma and I’m a great believer in data because it gives a fantastic picture of what is happening across the business.

2.15pma meeting with Mike, our Call Centre Manager, about vehicle health checks. We always carry out a free vehicle health check on every car or van that visits our premises. It’s our duty to highlight anything we feel may be a safety risk on the road. Mike and I assess how many vehicles had the safety-related work carried out.

Do you drive a Vauxhall? Then you’re part of an exclusive club.

along with four million other Vauxhall drivers, you’ve got access to some of the best deals around.

Fancy a trip to the norwegian fjords? Then log on to www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/drivers_centre and click on the prize draw. The lucky winner will enjoy a cruise along norway’s spectacular scenery and 4-star accommodation in Bergen and Skei.

and if you’re looking for a little something to spruce up your motor, then the website is the place to start. With half-price MOT, winter safety checks for

Motorists buying replacement tyres should visit their local Vauxhall MasterFit centre for a price promise to match any like- for-like quote in the local area.

MasterFit’s promise means that customers are guaranteed the most competitive price on a large range of quality OE approved tyres available in stock. and as the tyres will be fitted by highly trained technicians, customers are also guaranteed maximum performance for their car.

In addition, with each tyre purchase, customers get the added benefit of a free 25-point visual health check on their vehicle and a free tyre pressure gauge that will allow motorists to monitor whether their tyres are running at the optimum pressure. Under or over inflated tyres not only present possible safety issues, but can also reduce vehicle performance particularly when it comes to fuel consumption. Studies have shown that tyres under inflated by 25 per cent will increase the rolling resistance of a car by 10 per cent and will increase fuel consumption by a minimum of 2 per cent. Other studies have also shown that a staggering 90 per cent of drivers admit to not checking tyre pressures regularly and critically, one per cent of all fatal accidents in Europe are caused by under inflated tyres.

Quality tyres at unbeatable prices from MasterFit are not just reserved for the autumn promotional campaign however. a recent study undertaken by Vauxhall has shown that across a selection of the most popular tyre brands, MasterFit was cheaper on average than a well known, leading fast fit high street chain.

NO NEED TO FEEL FLAT wHEN bUyINg TyRES

just £25 and 10 per cent off any genuine Vauxhall accessory, there’s something for you anD your car.

The offers and prize draws are updated on a regular basis – be sure to log on regularly so you don’t miss out.

The Drivers’ Centre can help you while you’re on the road, too. There’s an easy-to-use journey planner as well as a search facility to find the cheapest fuel available wherever you are in the country.

To become a member of the Vauxhall Drivers’ Centre, go online now and join the club. Registration will take just seconds.

There are lots of bargains on offer at the Vauxhall Drivers’ Centre

Rachel with Rob mcKensie and Chris babiy at Luton motorbodies

TImE OUT

26 TORQUE MagazInE 27OCTOBER 2009

IN THE PINKTen undergraduates from griffin House, Millbrook and Toddington ran the Race for Life in July, raising more than £600 for Cancer Research UK.

The team were easy to spot as they ran, jogged and walked the 5k course wearing pink tutus. all 10 crossed the finish line within 40 minutes

jOIN THE wALK OF LIFEThere’s a new pathway at Luton’s Pasque Hospice, and it’s got Vauxhall’s name on it.

Vauxhall has donated a commemorative stone as part of the hospice’s Walk of Life – a pathway made up of special paving stones with messages of goodwill dedicated by supporters.

The Walk of Life was opened by Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes, who also dedicated a stone to her mother. She said: “This path is very much about life and living.”

Community Officer Cherie Denton said: “Vauxhall has supported the hospice for many years so we were very happy to help out by contributing a stone to the Walk of Life. The pathway leads to the new in-patient unit and is a great way to celebrate the work of the hospice.”

What do GMM Luton’s Alex Swiecicki, triple jumper Phillips Idowu and heptathlete Jessica Ennis all have in common?

All three have won athletics gold medals for Great Britain in August.

While Idowu and Ennis helped Great Britain achieve its best medal haul since 1999 at the athletics World Championships in Berlin, steeplechaser Alex won his gold medal in the veterans steeple chase at the World Masters Championships in Lahti, Finland.

Paint Shop worker Swiecicki, 61, has worked at GMM Luton for 18 years and trains for his event – the 2,000 metre steeplechase – on his own in Hitchin.

He said: “I managed to record a time of 7:14 minutes and beat competitors from Germany, Brazil and the United States among others.”

As well as representing Great Britain, Alex also runs for the Bedford & County Athletics Club made famous by long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe.

Next, Alex plans to compete in both 2,000 metre and 10,000 metre steeplechase events at the Veteran Olympics in October.

LUTON PLANT wORKER STRIKES gOLD

Alex Swiecicki (left) on his way to a gold medal

mIKE’S A mASTER OF HIS ARTMike O’Connor, Shift Duty Officer, Plant Protection, Ellesmere Port, has recently gained a sixth Dan black belt in Shotokan karate. There are only 10 sixth Dan grades in the Karate Union of great Britain (KUgB), so he’s in privileged company.

Mike has a lifelong interest in martial arts, having started out in judo aged 11. By 1969 – the same year he joined Vauxhall at Ellesmere Port – he’d taken up karate, having been considerably impressed by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, one of Japan’s finest competitors and instructors. He later trained under the Sensei and over the next 30 years worked his way up to fifth Dan black belt. This year, Mike was presented with a 40-year membership award from the KUgB.

grading for sixth Dan black belt is by invitation only. Mike received the call in late 2008 and commenced six months’ training with current and former KUgB champions in morning classes at Liverpool’s Red Triangle Dojo to achieve his goal.

chevrolet retailer helpdesk Manager kevin delieu is september’s excite award winner.

the scrappage scheme has been so successful that chevrolet was having some difficulty meeting the very high demand for Matiz 0.85 litre models. kevin and his team had to manually manage stock allocation dependent on critical date requirements. kevin has managed this detailed process exceptionally well, dedicating additional hours and cancelling a week’s holiday to ensure that all customers receive their new cars in the appropriate timescales.

without his dedication, chevrolet could well have had a lot of unhappy customers and cancelled orders.

Mike says: “The grading requires undesignated Kaeshu ippon kumite, winning five-minute bouts of sparring and explaining your favourite techniques and finally performing any three of the 26 Shotokan katas, with explanations, picked by examiner Sensei andy Sherry, eighth Dan.” at the age of 58, Mike’s achievement is no mean feat.

Mike instructs at Handbridge

Shotokan Karate Club, where he recently received a Lifetime achievement award after being nominated by the club’s senior instructors. For running a totally non-profit making Dojo for 40 years, Mike had previously been recognised by Vauxhall with a griffin award. “I just love teaching karate,” Mike adds.

mike O’ Connor (centre) with his Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Handbridge Shotokan Karate Club

KEVIN’S X-TRA SPECIAL

eLLesMere port Learning centre opens its doors 28 see oUr photo coMpetition winners 29 crossword and sUdokU 30 MarketpLace discoUnts for yoU and yoUr faMiLy 31

60278ALEX’S SHIRT NUmbER AT THE wORLD mASTERS CHAmPIONSHIPS

TImE OUT

Left: Alan Denton’s photo of Seaworld, Floridabelow left: joan Parry’s stones while Norman marshall’s cow made us laugh!

try oUr crossword and sUdokU. yoU coULd win £25page 30

28 TORQUE MagazInE 29OCTOBER 2009

thank you to everyone who entered our photo

competition in the august issue

of Torque. there’s no doubt about it – vauxhall has some talented photographers.

once again, we had a great selection of some truly stunning images to choose from. the Torque inbox was groaning under the weight of all your pics.

whether you travelled to the Maldives or Madeira, scotland or the sahara desert, you still managed to capture some beautiful scenery. and although we didn’t set a theme for this year’s competition, nevertheless a strong theme of sunsets emerged as we viewed the photos.

as the judging panel got together one overcast day in Luton, your photos took our minds off the weather outside. and after much discussion, the prize goes to graham custance, a Maintenance engineer at toddington road warehouse for his photo of a lavender field in hitchin. the strong lines of the photo, combined with the rich colours made us feel we could almost smell the lavender. congratulations, graham, your £50 voucher is in the post. we hope it comes in handy.

for the runner-up prize, we couldn’t choose between two gorgeous sunsets – one from egypt

and the other from croatia. so a £25 prize goes to both jem Mcgettrick from the wirral and john fenton-jones, plant Quality Manager at ellesmere port.

jem’s photo of sunset in croatia shows the boats in perfect silhouette while john’s romantic snap of a sunset in egypt left us itching for next year’s holiday brochures.

thanks to everyone who entered – and sorry we didn’t have room for more.

PHOTO FINISHwIN£50

bEST OF THE REST

john Fenton-jones sent in this romantic snap of an Egyptian sunset

jem mcgoldrick’s beautiful sunset in Croatia

graham Custance’s view of a lavender field

“Like a lot of people here, i’m in my 40s and left school with few qualifications. that always frustrated me, especially when the kids ask for help with their homework.”

all that has changed for forklift truck driver carl bridson who, thanks to the Learning centres at ellesmere port, is now the proud holder of two nvQs.

the centres were opened last year to increase numeracy and literacy skills on site and are a huge success.

each part of ellesmere port – general assembly, the paint Unit and the body Unit – houses a centre equipped with computers, chairs and desks, as well as a small library.

every week tutors from warrington collegiate college come to give individual lessons.

terry griffin and terry Myles, both senior shop stewards, are the training co-ordinators, liaising with both the volunteers and the college.

“it’s an absolutely massive success,” said terry griffin. “in our first year last year, 60 people took part. another 60 started the new term on 8 september and we have a further 80-100 on the waiting list.

“the first person to sign up was very dyslexic and couldn’t read or write – he’s done brilliantly and gone on to gain levels one and two nvQs.”

the centres are run by the unions but vauxhall are very supportive, says terry.

NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN“plant director tom schmidt is

really on board and the company provided the rooms for us to turn into centres.”

two courses are run a year, with the new term starting in september. but that is where the similarities with going back to school end, says carl, a forklift truck driver.

“there was always the fear of peer pressure at school. of course we’re older now and less worried about that, but here the lessons are one-to-one so you can ask those silly questions.

“the success of this is as much to do with the teachers, who are brilliant and treat us in a mature way.

“when i heard about these courses from the union learning reps, i was keen to find out more – and a little nervous, too.

“but after some hard work, i’ve got levels one and two nvQs in literacy and numeracy.

“it’s been great to help the kids more with homework and makes them more confident about asking me questions, too.”

terry Myles says the best reward is seeing colleagues gain in confidence as they learn new skills. “one employee was dreading making a speech at his daughter’s wedding but now he feels confident enough to do her proud,” he said.

“every single person who attended last year has passed the course – that just shows what a difference we’re making.”

Steve morehead, Tony Holmes and Carl bridson with Unite Learning Rep Terry myles

Last Second Tickets – up to 60 per cent discount

TImE OUT

OCTOBER CLUESACROSS 1. and 8 across. Film trilogy (4,2,3,5) 8. See 1 across 9. agreement (8)10. and 22 across. Famous painting (4,4)12. Rancher (6)14. Immodest (6)15. Part of speech (6)17. Habit (6)18. Dry (4)19. Slaughterhouse (8)21. Complete halt (10)22. See 10 across

Congratulations to pensioner a Cuerden, who received £25 – as will the first correct entry drawn from the hat on Thursday 12 november. SOLUTION TO AUgUST CROSSwORD: ACROSS 1. MOThER-in-LAw 9. MAdOnnA 10. OpTiC 11. EyRiE 12. TREASOn 13. ThRUST 15. wARSAw 18. nAMiBiA 20. nAivE 22. nUdgE 23. LASTing 24. EnThUSiASTS dOwn 2. ORdER 3. hindERS 4. REACTS 5. nO-OnE 6. ARTiSTS 7. iMpERTinEnT 8. ACknOwLEdgE 14. RAMAdAn 16. AMnESiA 17. dALLAS 19. BEECh 21. idiOTSend completed entries to Torque crossword, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT by 12 november.

CROSSwORD

SUDOKU

Fill in your details below and send the completed grid to Torque Sudoku, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT by12 november. The first correct answer out of the hat will win £25.

Congratulations to Mike gibbs of griffin House, who wins the £25 prize in the last issue. Solution to august’s Sodoku (right).

naME LOCaTIOn aDDRESS

30 TORQUE MagazInE 31OCTOBER 2009

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from one to nine.

CONgRATULATIONS TO A CUERDEN AND mIKE gIbbS, wINNERS IN OUR LAST ISSUE

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VM45642_A4_Torque ad_AW.indd 1 6/10/09 13:50:31