top of the shops Customer Excellence

Awards winners

helping hands Making the difference through volunteering

griffin greatsRarities and future

classics go to Monaco

April 2014

swiss precisionVauxhall’s latest products shineat Geneva Motor Show

the magazine for Vauxhall staff and retailers

the road aheadFacing a bright future with new Vauxhall MD Tim Tozer

TORQUE

02 TORQUE magazinE

torQUe april 2014

In THIS ISSUE

10Earn and Learn: Vauxhall's apprentices are an essential resource for the business

get in toUch, make oUr day! Have an idea for a story? Please tell your on-site correspondent or email the Editor at doug.peck@vauxhall.co.uk. Events, personal and work-related achievements, efforts for charity, unusual or interesting hobbies or sports – we want to know! This is your magazine, so tell us what you would like to see in it.

12Continental Flair: Vauxhall's latest products revealed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

16Great Expectations: Eight of the Griffin's latest and most exotic models go to Monaco

7Wheeled with a Kiss: Competition winner Katie blows ADAM a smacker

REGULARS03 IGNITION11 GM NEWS20 PEOPLE25 HERITAGE26 COMPETITIONS27 MARkETPLACE28 MEET THE TEAM

page 20allan martin explains the changing role of plant maintenance

EDITORDoug Peck01582 427 190MANAGING EDITORJos Sharp, 01582 427 173EDITORIAL PANELandrea Caumon, andrew Biernacki, andy Robson, Fiona Collins, Helen Parker, marie Roberts, martin Lay, mike Hutchin, Sandy macRitchie, Simon Hucknall

Torque is written, designed and produced by beetroot, 68 Leonard Street, London EC2a 4QX (Tel: 020 7749 0180, Fax: 020 7749 0179), and printed by newnorth, on behalf of general motors UK Limited, Luton.Corrections, complaints, queries, suggestions? mail doug.peck@ beetroot.co.uk

PHOTO CREDITSaxel Wierdemann (Cover, p12&13); Charlie mcgee (p16&17); mike Poloway/UnP (p20); Rob Johns/UnP (p28)

Please share or recycle this magazine

CORRESPONDENTSEllesmere Port plantmonica Raisbeck,Leigh RimmerGriffin House annisa WhitehallLuton plantCharlotte macLaren Jennifer LokkoWarehouseFaye Johnson

03aPRiL 2014

ignition

Better By designIndy musician VV Brown has taken her talent for creative customisation and applied it to a canvass of near infinite possibility - a Vauxhall ADAM.

Using the ADAM configurator, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter and model has designed a unique version of the car that reflects the sound of her new album, Samson and Delilah. Drawing on its dark, moody themes she has chosen a sleek, matt black body with a geometric print across the roof and bonnet. It also features a leather interior with dark tinted rear windows, a multi-coloured interior light pack, and naturally, her signature stitched into the floor mats.

The design process came naturally to VV, who owns her own record label and ethical fashion brand dedicated to recycled fabrics and upcycled sustainability. She commented: "Every day I have to customise. Making music and running my own label

Brown is the new black - VV and her stylish ADAM interpretation

are creative processes where you have to make something that exists a little better or different. Designing my own Vauxhall ADAM was definitely the most unique experience I have had the pleasure to be a part of and a creative process that was a first for me. I really enjoyed it."

VV's one-off ADAM can be seen in our exclusive behind the scenes interview with her here: http://bit.ly/NNte2L

1. VV Brown - Faith (feat. Kele Okereke)2. Björk - Crystalline3. robin s - Show Me Love4. James Blake - To The Last

6. elbow - new York Morning7. Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah8. factory floor - Two Different Ways9. little dragon - Hallelujah

5. de la soul - Ego Trippin’

10. Jai paul - BTSTU

VV Brown’s driving playlist

04 TORQUE magazinE

ignition news from VaUXhall

Double award for a top employerVauxhall has cemented its reputation as one of the best places to work in the Uk after receiving two highly respected awards for people management.

2014 marked the fifth year in which Vauxhall has been accredited as one of Britain’s Top Employers following a rigorous assessment by the Top Employers Institute. Their international HR Best Practice survey showed Vauxhall easily surpassed the cut-off point of 60 per cent of the best score in the UK.

Our HR practices received a glowing commendation in their official report, which commented: “Our comprehensive independent research revealed that Vauxhall provides exceptional employee conditions, nurtures and develops talent throughout all levels of the organisation and has demonstrated its leadership status in the HR environment, always striving to optimise employment practices and develop its employees.”

Vauxhall was assessed on a number of criteria including benefits, working conditions and career development, and the results were audited by a third party to ensure the process was accurate and valid. “We are delighted to have received this certification,” commented HR Director Phil Millward. “At Vauxhall, caring for our employees is a top priority and the Top Employers certification enables us to demonstrate our strong

commitment to the workforce.”Vauxhall has also successfully achieved

Gold Standard from Investors in People (IiP) following an review involving over 140 employees in February. In particular, Vauxhall were commended for showing the assessors a striking degree of professionalism, courtesy and helpfulness in every corner of the organisation during the review.

Jenny Trickett, IiP Senior Associate, commented: “Vauxhall is to be congratulated on its progress and its determination to achieve exceptional performance. A key element of excellence is that the organisation knows its issues and has strategies in place, and this was abundantly evident at the review. We have found so much good practice that it would be impossible to describe even a fraction of it in our report.”

tim toZerchairman & mD,VaUxhall motors

In my first Torque column I have decided to write about the importance of us all working continuously to serve our existing customers better, thereby ensuring their loyalty for repeat purchases. Here, I urge you all to draw upon how you yourself like being treated as a customer, and to then reflect those personal experiences into the way we all work to build the customer relationships that we so rely upon. The ‘twin’ objective of capturing the business of prospective customers (whether for vehicle sales or service) is equally vital as a driver of success but I will talk about that in the next edition!

We need to focus hard upon key retention programmes such as Service Plan (sales up 54 per cent so far this year), Service Club (5,400 new members in February alone, 75 per cent of whom had not visited a Retailer in 18 months) and Aftersales LeadIT (3,500 on line service bookings and enquiries passed to Retailers, double last year) - all in the interests of building loyalty. I am convinced that this approach to improving loyalty is vital to securing the sustainable profitability of both Vauxhall and our Retailers and to fully exploiting the great new cars coming our way.

Talking of which, the new ADAM S and ROCKS, alongside the Astra VXR EXTREME all generated huge interest from the press and public alike at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, a fitting start to a hugely successful sales month.

Finally, I have also just heard that Vauxhall has been awarded Gold Investors in People status - fitting evidence of the strong team in place and a great step on the road to becoming the best automotive company in the UK.

View from the top

“at VaUXhall, caring for oUr employees is a top priority and the top employers certification enaBles Us to demonstrate oUr strong commitment to the workforce”

the hr trophy cabinet must be running out of room

05aPRiL 2014

pay with the winning cardVauxhall’s innovative new Rewards Card has won the Best Affinity or Co-Branded Card Programme award at the 2014 Card and Payments Awards.

The Capital One and Vauxhall Rewards programme beat stiff competition from companies like Emirates and Manchester United to clinch the title, thanks to being “an innovative partnership and

the first of its kind in the market which delivers value to all parties,” according to the judges. “It’s no secret that car manufacturing had been hit hard by the recession. Against this background Vauxhall has formed a unique partnership with Capital One to launch a new credit card which delivers value: customers can save up to £1,500 off their next new Vauxhall car, unlocking unprecedented value for consumers and driving revenue for Capital One and Vauxhall.”

Over 60 Retailer sites have achieved Vauxhall’s highest accreditation for customer service excellence thanks to combined customer satisfaction scores of over 91 per cent.

The 66 sites have been awarded Customer Excellence Awards and were recently visited by senior Vauxhall execs in recognition of their dedication to delivering a market-leading

customer experience. Rather than rewarding the

top 50 performers as has been the case in the past, the criteria were changed this year to create a system in which individual Retailers could more easily monitor their eligibility for an award.

To qualify, Retailers now

have to demonstrate a minimum satisfaction rating of 91.0 per cent, which is calculated as an average of their Purchase Satisfaction Survey and Service Satisfaction Survey scores. This enables them to focus on their own efforts in providing exemplary customer service rather than comparing themselves with other Retailers.

The top performers this year were Downside Motor Company in Chilcompton, who recorded an incredible combined score of 99.4 per cent, closely followed by Marehay Garage in Derbyshire with 98.4 per cent. Marehay was also one of the 12 sites that have managed to maintain this gold standard for an incredible three years in a row.

Don’t think that it’s always the same old faces in the table though, this year there were 15 sites that had won their first ever Customer Excellence Award, including Drive Hartlepool with 92.4 per cent and Picador Southampton which managed to elicit over 1100 survey responses from its customers.

“The metrics continue to move in the right direction which is very encouraging,” said Customer Experience & Corporate Strategy Director Andy Gilson, “but there remains much work to do for us to achieve our ultimate objective, which is to deliver the best customer experience of any volume brand in the UK. I think

we have a lot of the areas covered now and it’s just a case of effective

implementation and driving a strong customer-centred culture. One future area of focus will be improving the handover process by getting lots of the administration out of

the way before and after so the actual physical day of handover is

much more simple.”

Top of the shops

marehay (left) were a close second and celebrate their third year of honours while downside motor company (right) take the top spot this year

picador southampton celebrate their first award

all credit to Vauxhall's card team, pictured with comedian milton Jones

TORQUE magazinE06

ignition news from VaUXhall

marching orders Sales of the Vauxhall Mokka have continued strongly in 2014 to help the sub-compact SUV reach the milestone of 200,000 orders.

With a particularly strong performance in February, sales have doubled across Europe less than one year after the Mokka hit its sales target of 100,000 in April 2013. It currently comprises some 11.3 per cent of segment share in Europe, placing it third in its class. It has been equally well-received in the UK with over 36,000 ordered since its launch, of which

14,000 were sold last year. The Mokka currently sits at number two in the booming SUV-B segment with a market share of 17 per cent.

The Scandinavians in particular seem to have a soft spot for the soft-roader. In both Finland and norway it has become the clear segment leader, owning a 24 per cent and 21 per cent segment share respectively while in Germany it topped the SUV segment with 12 per cent market share in the first two months of 2014.

“We are delighted with the Mokka’s sales performance,” said Managing Director Tim Tozer. “The Mokka was one of the first compact SUVs to be launched and it has been very popular with our customers ever since.”

A powerful new website and hosting package created by Vauxhall will help Retailers present a more professional and consistent brand image to customers.

The feature-rich new website is suited to Retailers of all sizes, and offers huge amounts of customisation without the technical headaches that arise from developing a professional web presence.

The comparatively low-tech solution previously offered did the job for

some of the smaller operations that needed an inexpensive solution. However, with

larger operators all running their own sites

the customer experience was becoming a bit

disjointed so the decision was taken to develop a

best of breed website that could fit the needs of every

Retailer and provide a consistent image.

Andy Freeman, Head of Customer Lifecycle Management, explained:

“A lot of Retailers were not getting the best value for

The six contenders for Britain’s Best Vauxhall Approved Bodyshop of 2013 have now been announced ahead of the final awards ceremony in May.

The ABP British Bodyshop Awards assess performance across a range of measures such as monthly KPIs, GM part sales, reduction in customer journey times, marketing plans, repair certificates and customer satisfaction. The focus of these measures is customer retention, and the bodyshop with the highest score will be crowned champion at a glittering industry event.

The finalists chosen from the six Regional Bodyshop Sales Development Managers’ regions are as follows: Evans Halshaw, Gateshead; Drive, Hartlepool; Greenhous, Shrewsbury; Evans Halshaw, Plymouth; M & S Accident Repair Centre and Fix Auto, northampton.

These top performers will receive a prestigious Bodyshop of the Year 2013 Finalist plaque to display in their dealership and celebrate their achievements during the course of the year. They will also receive two free tickets including overnight accommodation to attend the awards ceremony at Battersea Evolution in London on 13 May 2014, at which the overall winner will be announced.

money as they were dealing directly with website providers, whereas we could use the purchasing power of GM to offer a more cost effective and flexible package.

“We also wanted to provide a seamless experience across all platforms like tablets and smartphones as well as computers so we worked with the market-leading motoring website developer GForces to create a site with flexibility at its core. While it provides the consistency of branding and functionality expected by customers it can be configured and tailored to a Retailer’s local market while providing a huge degree of personalisation options.”

Costing just £250 per month (per core site) or £150 per month for Authorised Repair Centres, the new site is on trial at two Retailers - Thurlow nunn and Accrington Garages – so feel free to check out the future of Vauxhall on the web.

Site for sore eyes

Battle of the Bodyshops

07aPRiL 2014

ignition news from VaUXhall

wheeledwith a kiss

chairman of the BoardMost senior employees can expect a gift of a gold watch or carriage clock when they leave a business; not so for Vauxhall’s outgoing MD Duncan Aldred. He was presented with his very own surfboard, signed by every member of staff at Griffin House!

A keen surfer and frequent visitor to the waves of newquay, Duncan was presented with this unusual parting gift at his last ever townhall address, and was visibly shocked when it was brought out. According to unnamed sources it will take pride of place in his new office in Detroit!

The Blarney Stone has received its fair share of kisses, but it has never experienced the level of affection that was heaped on ADAM over Valentine’s Day.

Vauxhall’s pint-sized runabout was turned into an object of desire thanks to a unique competition that asked entrants to photograph themselves depicting their interpretation of the hashtag #kissADAM. Over 320 entrants puckered up to the task, with the winner, Katie Holderness, bagging herself a brand new ADAM JAM 1.2 for her highly inventive entry.

The competition was held during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, with most of the activity taking place at two major shopping centres, Westfield in London’s Stratford and Birmingham’s Bullring. Special photobooths were set up to capture kisses, which were entered into the competition through people’s social media accounts using the hashtag #kissADAM.

Seven creative kissers were also awarded a meal for two during the promotion, which, as well as being promoted via social media, was publicised by London-based Retailers handing out Valentine’s Day cards - ‘with love from ADAM’ – and by driving around their local areas in specially liveried ADAMs.

“I am so excited to get behind the wheel of a Vauxhall ADAM,” said aspiring actress Katie. “It was my 30th birthday

and Valentine’s Day present combined, so it was an amazing surprise. The #kissADAM campaign allowed me to think creatively about my entry, putting my personality across in the photograph. The great thing about the Vauxhall ADAM is how people can create something unique which reflects who they are.”

Samara nicholls from Vauxhall’s Carline Brand Team managed the campaign, and was extremely impressed with the quality of entries: “We had a great response and it was clear that a lot of time and effort had gone into the submissions. The success of the campaign highlighted the affection people have for the ADAM brand, and gave us a great opportunity to engage with the target audience and increase ADAM’s social media presence.”

“it was my 30th Birthday and Valentine’s day present comBined, so it was an amazing sUrprise”

drawing inspiration – katie's winning entry

wave-ing goodbye - duncan's final board meeting!

that winning feeling – katie loves her new adam

marching orders

TORQUE magazinE08

ignition news from VaUXhall

Luton Plant welcomed no less than six of GM’s top executives to celebrate their recent BIQ IV quality accreditation and to learn more about Vauxhall’s customer experience strategy.

Headed up by Alicia Boler-Davis (Global Vice President of Customer Experience & Global Quality) and Tyrone Jordan (Vice President of Customer Experience & Global Quality), the team spent two days touring the plant and meeting the employees that have worked so hard to win GM’s highest quality mark. They officially handed over the certificates for BIQ IV to Plant Manager Mike Wright

and posed with the quality team for a commemorative photo.

Alicia also met Vauxhall’s Customer Experience Director Andy Gilson and Executive Director Customer Experience Europe Markus Sternburg to review and discuss progress in Vauxhall’s customer service strategy. As Andy explained: “I shared some of the initiatives that had brought us success such as the Retailer Customer Excellence Awards, the Customer Order Tracking System and our new EASY programme, and she seemed very interested in how we manage things in the UK. She recognises that a good idea can come from anywhere in GM, and there’s certainly scope for sharing best practices between Regions and developing core global initiatives to improve the customer experience.”

Vauxhall’s latest CSR report has revealed a marked improvement across energy usage, waste levels and water consumption in the four Uk sites.

The latest report - which looks at Vauxhall’s impact on the environment, our partners, our customers, our employees and our communities – also details a number of official recognitions that were gained for outstanding performance. For example, Ellesmere Port was accredited with ISO 14001 for environmental management and also won the 2013 EEF Sustainable Manufacturing Award.

These results show Vauxhall’s commitment to running a sustainable operation and clean manufacturing, further evidence of which could be seen in several recent initiatives like Climate Week. Joining other businesses throughout the UK, Vauxhall encouraged employees to submit green Bright Ideas and consider their impact through waste, water and energy.

Vauxhall also took part in the Go Ultra Low initiative, a push for low emissions vehicles led by the SMMT and supported by the government. Apprentice Zoe Peacock even got to meet Deputy Leader nick Clegg!

QUality streak

Climate control

changing roomClimate Week saw the grand unveiling of the new Green Room at Griffin House, a quiet corner of the staff restaurant that has been created from recycled materials. It includes two tables made from unwanted alloy wheels and one made out of old Corsa engine parts, while images of the ground-breaking Vauxhall Ampera adorn the walls, from conceptual drawing to the finished article. There’s even a recycled post cage that holds copies of the magazines we receive so that everyone can read them before they are recycled.

Undergraduate Alex Battipaglia was part of the team that has brought it to life: “The Green Room is testament to the considerable effort put in by last year’s undergraduates, Grace Griffiths, Cory Williams, Ashley Daly and Marc Duszynski.

We also couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance of Ian Allen, Martin Yeomans, Barry Hood and the rest of the GH Facilities team. We’re really looking forward to seeing the Green Room becoming an environmental focal point at Griffin House and are already looking to make some additions to the room, so quite literally watch this space!”

alicia Boler-davis (centre) has now seen first-hand the quality control excellence at luton plant

apprentice zoe peacock (right) with deputy prime minister nick clegg at the go Ultra low event

Undergrads Jobeth harvey and alex Battipaglia in the new green room with project manager ian allen (centre)

09aPRiL 2014

ignition news from VaUXhall

class warriorThe new Vauxhall Insignia has been named best in class, winning the upper medium car category at the 2014 Fleet News Awards.

“The Insignia is a game-changer for Vauxhall,” said Stephen Briers, Editor-in-chief of Fleet news. “Its sector-leading low CO2 emissions combined with a huge leap forward in quality make it an ideal fleet car in this category. The Insignia makes sense for companies and their drivers.

“Vauxhall has been bold and brave with the new Insignia, taking the decision to drop the list price and reduce discounts. It’s a policy that’s working,”

The awards were presented in the Grosvenor House Hotel at a dinner attended by Transport Minister Robert Goodwill MP, and attended by more than 1,550 guests associated with the fleet industry in the UK.

Most of the awards are voted for by panels of experts, whose discussions are audited by Deloitte to ensure the judging process has been fair and unbiased.

“We are delighted the Insignia has won this prestigious award,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “It’s great news that Fleet news have recognised the Insignia’s class-leading whole life costs and low benefit-in-kind taxation for company car drivers."

action Vanmulti-award-winning design language. The headlamps employ high-gloss black mouldings with embedded chrome accents while the LED daytime running lights come with the signature Vauxhall wing graphic design.

It will be available in two trim levels and various configurations in two overall lengths and two heights as a panel van, combi and double cab. There’s more room for both occupants and cargo in both lengths as it is 216 mm longer than its predecessor.

Powering the new van is a choice of two all-new turbo diesel engines: the 1.6 CDTi whisper diesel, as well as an advanced 1.6 BiTurbo CDTi which combines excellent performance with high fuel economy. Preliminary tests reveal the combined cycle fuel consumption of 47mpg with the new turbo diesel units is considerably improved.

A steady stream of visitors, from vehicle convertors to Retailers, have been visiting Luton Plant to get an exclusive glimpse. Feedback so far has been extremely positive so watch this space!

The covers are finally off Vauxhall’s latest model of the best-selling Vivaro as the panel van variant is revealed to buyers and the public.

The next-generation Vivaro has a distinctive look that echoes the design language seen in several of the other new Vauxhall models, and aims to offer car-like handling in a commercial vehicle.

“The second generation Vauxhall Vivaro distinguishes itself with its superb practicality and quality. After 13 successful years on the market, we wanted to make the new Vivaro’s packaging even more attractive while raising the standard of its core capabilities,” said Mark Adams, Vauxhall Design Vice President. “The new Vivaro showcases sculptural artistry and technical precision with sweeping sculptural design accents, bold proportions and premium accents. This gives it a sharpened and more refined character, making it the ideal mobile business card.”

The exterior features a large, prominent grille, distinctive headlamps and the flowing blade side feature from Vauxhall’s

“its sector-leading low co2 emissions comBined with a hUge leap forward in QUality make it an ideal fleet car in this category”

first impressions: over 130 vehicle convertors were introduced to Vauxhall's latest van

award adds to insignia's appeal

tough, technical, tailored: the new Vivaro is a truly next- generation vehicle

Undergrads Jobeth harvey and alex Battipaglia in the new green room with project manager ian allen (centre)

TORQUE magazinE10

ignition news from VaUXhall

Apprentices play a vital role in supporting all of Vauxhall’s operations while gaining important experience of the working world.

It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that provides Vauxhall with engaged, productive and highly trained new talent.

Attracting the very best apprentices is a hard fought competition between businesses. Vauxhall’s Luton Plant made sure its name was top of young people’s minds during the seventh annual national Apprenticeship Week through hosting an Apprenticeship Careers Event. They welcomed young students in years 10, 11 and sixth form who were treated to a tour of the plant before taking part in a workshop and listening to talks from current apprentices working at Vauxhall.

At Griffin House a series of CV and interview workshops were held for local school students, while Vauxhall’s own apprentices visited schools to host careers fairs and presentations to inspire the next generation of apprentices.

Up in Cheshire, Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port Plant had a stand at West Cheshire College’s Careers Fair and Plant Director Stefan Fesser visited to open a new training facility of a manufacturing line to give engineering students a practical introduction to manufacturing.

“When I found out we had been entered into The Brathay Challenge I was really excited to get started!

“The first part of the task was to raise awareness of apprenticeships, as most school students don’t think about it as an option after their GCSEs or A Levels. Going back into our old schools was very strange, however it was nice to be able to improve the variation of careers advice!

“We are also supporting LAMP with community projects and workshops to help young people get back into work, which has been really rewarding. The challenge is building our teamwork skills and creating a stronger bond between apprentices based at other sites. We find out if we're through to the next stage on 9 April, wish us luck!”

The Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2014 is designed to discover an 'Apprentice Team of the Year' through a set of challenges including raising the profile of apprenticeships, contributing to local community projects and fundraising. Vauxhall’s team, consisting of commercial and engineering apprentices across all sites, will be up against over 90 teams to win the trophy. Vauxhall Apprentice and team member Zoe Peacock has been enjoying the experience.

earn and learn

apprentices challenge for trophy

Bright spark - alex stewart, Vauxhall engineering apprentice

“Many young people are confused when it comes to choosing a path when they leave school,” said Dick Burgoine, Vauxhall Manager for Product Evaluation & Service Support. “Events like these will give them a good idea of what to expect should they choose the apprenticeship route. Most apprenticeships take between two and four years to complete, following which they can go on to enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling career.”

“many yoUng people are confUsed when it comes to choosing a path when they leaVe school”

zoe and the rest of the Brathay challenge team are already getting stuck in to their tasks

11aPRiL 2014

It’s exactly the sort of crazy stunt you’d expect from a former professional skateboarder, and one that has won him a Guinness World Record for his bravery.

Rob Dyrdek has successfully performed the farthest reverse ramp jump by a car, driving a Chevrolet Sonic backwards through the air for a total of 89 feet and three inches.

The daredevil performed the stunt before spectators at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California for the season finale of his hit MTV programme Fantasy Factory. And this wasn’t the first time he’d used a Sonic for aerial acrobatics, having successfully performed a 360-degree kick-flip off a ramp in one back in 2011.

“The Sonic is a great car for firsts,” said Rob. “I have always been a Chevy guy, so when we decided we wanted to set a Guinness World Record for the finale of “Fantasy Factory,” using the Sonic again just made sense.”

ignition gm news

charity begins at homeless

l The General Motors Foundation is donating $1 million to three Detroit

charities in honour of former Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife karin. The donations to the Capuchin Soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the Coalition On Temporary Shelter will help feed Detroit’s citizens, refurbish and build new homes and foster self-sufficiency among the homeless.

“We are awed and humbled to receive this large gift from the GM Foundation in their honour,” said Executive Director Brother Jerry Smith. “We wish Dan and karin Godspeed as they journey into this next chapter of their lives; we will miss them.”

we’ve got the power

l Cadillac has been recognised as a 2014 Customer Champion by

JD Power, the third time the brand has earned this distinction. It joins 49 of the highest-performing US companies that deliver service excellence within their respective industry and across nine industries measured.

“We believe that every interaction – at our website, in the showroom or on the service lane – represents a defining moment, an opportunity to differentiate ourselves and earn the loyalty of a customer,” said US Vice President of Cadillac Sales and Service Bill Peffer.

sound ideas

l Chevrolet is teaming up with several other well-known

brands to present the first annual Music Hackathon Championship at the South by Southwest music festival in Texas. Creative minds will be invited to join up and create new ideas to help revolutionise the music business for artists, bands and fans.

“South by Southwest’s music festival gives concert-goers an unforgettable experience and allows us to showcase the in-vehicle technology that keeps them listening to their favourite songs long after the concerts end,” said Paul Edwards, US Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing.

sid

elig

ht

Three very special Corvettes have been rescued from a huge sinkhole that suddenly developed under the Corvette Museum at Bowling Green, kentucky.

The hole, which was 40 feet across and 30 feet deep, swallowed up eight historic and highly valuable ‘Vettes including the one millionth example produced and a pristine 1962 car. Thankfully, this tragic event happened very early in the morning so no one was hurt, and there is an extensive operation to bring the stricken cars back to the surface so they can be restored to their former glory.

There is some good news, in that of the three recovered, none will need any major structural repairs, although there is a fair degree of cosmetic damage to the 40th Anniversary Corvette. The recovered cars have now been shipped to a small speciality shop within General Motors Design in Warren, Michigan, where the best restoration approach will be determined.

"The recovery of the first three cars

That sinking feelingwent flawlessly, and the cars are in remarkably good shape," said John Spencer, Manufacturing Integration Manager for Corvette. "Unfortunately, the remaining five cars are either partially or totally covered in debris. We expect their recovery will be much more challenging, and the cars to be in much worse condition."

Backwards compatiBle

hole lotta trouble: recovering eight priceless corvettes won't be easy

in reverse order: rob takes to the skies, backwards

featUre: geneVa motor show

TORQUE magazinE12 TORQUE magazinE

stars of the show

Vauxhall and Opel had plenty to show off at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

continental flair

astra VXr eXtreme What do you do when even an Astra VXR isn’t enough for you? You take an Astra Cup race car and make it road legal! This production-ready concept has shed over 100kg through extensive use of carbon fibre, has an uprated engine with over 300PS and has brakes to match – six-pot Brembos to be precise. You’ll have to provide your own helmet though. adam s

Looks like a city car, drives like a sports car. The hottest version of ADAM has a turbo 1.4 engine with 150PS and a unique performance chassis with sports-tuned suspension and a VXR braking system. It truly looks the part in a distinctive ‘Red ’n' Roll’ styling theme, plus of course the numerous ADAM individualisation choices.

whisper dieselThe revolutionary 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine now available in the Astra was also revealed to the Geneva crowds. The 110PS version achieves an incredible 76.3mpg combined with CO2 emissions of just 97g/km through a variable turbine turbocharger and lean nOx trap exhaust-after treatment (LnT).

13aPRiL 2014

he world-renowned Geneva Motor Show is where the motoring world showcases the latest products and

automotive trends, and this year Vauxhall and Opel were out in full force.

Five new products (see below) were given their global premieres, while new technology, such as the vehicle service system OnStar (for many years enjoyed by GM’s American customers), was revealed as an option for Vauxhall vehicles from 2015.

The stand itself was a technological marvel, boasting a 36-metre-wide high definition video screen and interactive terminals providing visitors with an immersive learning experience about our

tnew products. Some even got the chance to be a part of the exhibit itself; 300 fans had their photos taken, which were then on show on the multimedia wall throughout the event.

Opel/Vauxhall Chairman Dr Karl Thomas neumann fully embraced the futuristic theme, presenting the Geneva exhibit to his Twitter followers with a booth tour – broadcast live via Google Glass!

With so many cutting-edge innovations stunningly executed, the stand was honoured with the automotive equivalent of Best in Show – the prestigious Creativity Award from the Club de Publicité et de Communication de Genève.

stars of the show

adam rocksADAM’s rugged new brother combines the toughness of a crossover with the coolness of open-air driving thanks to its full-length electric folding canvas roof. Taller and wider than the normal ADAM, ROCKS has an integrated rear roof spoiler and LED daytime running lights as standard and a host of exclusive new colours.

1.0 tUrBoAppearing in ADAM ROCKS is the new 1.0-litre petrol Direct Injection Turbo engine. Despite only having three cylinders, this

frugal little unit sets the benchmark for

refinement and power delivery. It puts out either

90 or 115PS with ultra-low

emissions from 99g/km CO2 through direct fuel

injection, variable valve timing, and

weight-saving all-aluminium construction.

1544size of the stand in metres sQUared

1,000,000nUmBer of leds Used in the displays

300opel/VaUXhall fans displayed on the Video wall

dr neumann shared our latest products and gme's vision for the future

the stunning technology-oriented stand won awards as well as fans

TORQUE magazinE

an interView with tim tozer

14

How does it feel to come into Vauxhall at a time of sustained growth?no question at all, it’s a real privilege. Vauxhall is a very strong business and we can all now take it to the next stage of growth and development. This won’t be achieved by driving huge amounts of dramatic change but more by step-by-step progress building upon a strong existing platform. We don’t need a revolution; success will come through doing the right things for our customers and stakeholders day in and day out.

What will be your focus for the coming months?I will be getting to know the team here and spending some time out in the field with Retailers, as well as establishing my relationship with the European team in

“the prodUct plan for the coming months and into 2015 is Very eXciting”

Vauxhall recently welcomed new Chairman and Managing Director Tim Tozer to the business. We asked him how he intends to build on our recent success

Rüsselsheim. What has impressed me a lot is the extent to which people here have a full picture of the strategy, the business issues and how their piece of activity fits into the overall context. I sense that Vauxhall people are commercially very engaged and mature, and that working within the European team under Dr neumann’s leadership, the way forward for the whole business is very clear.

How will your background help in maintaining Vauxhall’s success?I’ve managed manufacturers such as Mitsubishi in Europe and Mazda in the UK as well as car retail and vehicle leasing businesses (in Inchcape and in Holland), so I think I understand both sides of the coin. I want Vauxhall to be a customer-orientated and Retailer-friendly organisation that works

constantly to understand their perspectives and issues, because I think if you get these relationships right you will ultimately sell more new vehicles, parts, accessories, used cars and labour hours. Through this the Vauxhall brand will strengthen and although the business has done a good job of this so far, it’s something I want to build further upon.

What are you most looking forward to in this role?The product plan for the coming months and into 2015 is very exciting. Having seen some of the next generation cars I can tell you they are something to get very passionate about. Leading Vauxhall in the next stage of its journey is going to be great fun, as will working with the whole Vauxhall family, whether in the plants, Griffin House, the Toddington warehouse or the Retailers.

Was there any advice from Duncan that stood out?In the time I spent with Duncan he made it clear that the Chairman’s role comes with a collective responsibility for the whole organisation with its many stakeholders. This means being the front face of the brand into the market and encompassing the two plants as well. The many employees there have worked so hard to make Ellesmere Port and Luton competitive in the making of next-generation vehicles and I’m sure this will be a significant contributor to our future success.

What are your goals for 2014?We have to deliver our sales and market share objectives on vehicles and parts and continue to roll out the new corporate identity for Retailers. Beyond that, with all the new product coming at us we have a great opportunity to build both awareness and consideration levels with many new prospective customers. We have a very solid platform to do all this from and need to work as a team to grow our market share and profitability and maintain the pace and energy which I can feel in the business.

The Road ahead

15aPRiL 2014

enVironmental responsiBility

auxhall’s Luton HQ already has a shining record when it comes to being green. It operates a

zero-landfill policy, has a consistently decreasing water bill and uses less energy than ever – so what’s left? According to Facilities Manager Martin Yeomans, “There’s always room for improvement!”

“I’m still being targeted with annual energy reductions of around 4 per cent although we’re almost at the stage where our energy use is dictated by the environment. We have a very effective building management system here, but we have to strike a balance between consumption and comfort. If we have to increase the temperature to maintain a comfortable environment then so be it.”

One of Martin’s proudest achievements is the installation of lighting timers throughout the building. Resident electrician Ray Shadbolt devised and installed a simple timer system, saving Vauxhall £36,000 a year for a cost of just £1,500. Further energy reduction has been achieved through optimising the kitchen ventilation, which was running for 24 hours a day. By installing a solenoid valve triggered by the gas system, the ventilation now only runs during catering hours.

One other simple change would also yield a great return to the local community, as Martin explained: “A lot of people have been spring cleaning and moving office, which prompts people to have a good clear out, and they are throwing away lots of office stationery that could be recycled. I don’t think people realise that these items are valuable and could be given to local schools and charities.”

Griffin House may be a child of the 60s, but she has a thoroughly modern attitude to sustainability

green space V

waterSteady improvements in water usage aren’t the result of new technology or processes, but good ol’ fashioned frugality: “Every year our water usage goes down significantly, but with the exception of good communications and employee support, there’s nothing major in place that we’ve done. This tells us the message is getting through; the communications delivered by Ian Allen and supported by the undergrads are working, there’s good reporting of leaks and no people leaving taps on any more.”

recyclingLike Luton Plant, Griffin House operates a Waste to energy scheme in partnership with a local recycling company. This has enabled it to achieve zero to landfill, as all waste is processed at a central plant where anything that can’t be recycled is used as fuel for power plants. However, around 35 per cent of what we throw into general waste can be recycled. Recycled waste costs Vauxhall nothing to take away whereas general waste does, so Martin’s aim is to get down from our current three skips per fortnight to two.

energyMartin is very light-hearted when it comes to energy: “All our signage now uses LED lights and I’m looking at increasing our usage of this technology across the building; they are already installed in a number of refurbished areas. We’re looking at replacing all the uplighters around the offices as the current metal halide bulbs use 276 watts – four of them are almost equivalent to one bar of an electric fire!” Martin is also investigating new motors and inverters for ventilation fans, giving much improved speed control to save energy.

one of martin’s proUdest achieVements is the installation of lighting timers throUghoUt the BUilding

griffin greats

TORQUE magazinE16 TORQUE magazinE

Great expectations

1. lotus carltonTruly one of Vauxhall’s most daring creations, this twin-turbo take on a four door saloon could crack 175mph and provoked plenty of media controversy.

2. Corsa VXR ClubsportThe hottest version of the Corsa VXR hot hatch, it employs a more powerful engine, a limited slip differential and suspension honed on the track to deliver the thrills.

3. astra gtcSporting the all-new 1.6 200PS SIDI Turbo engine, Astra’s curvy cousin now has a powerful yet frugal powerplant.

4. insignia VXr sports tourerA practical estate with the performance of a sports car, the next-generation VXR Sports Tourer boasts stiffer suspension, all-wheel drive and 325PS.

5. VXr8 gtsThe cheapest way to join the 500bhp+ club, Vauxhall’s latest super-saloon gets a supercharger and clever Brake Torque Vectoring to keep you out of hedges.

6. cascadaPerfectly at home on the Riviera or the roads of Rochester, Cascada now benefits from the latest 1.6 SIDI Turbo to provide more smiles per mile.

7. monzaStill turning heads at 35, the original Monza coupé brought a touch of elegance from a bygone era to the tour.

8. monaro VXr500Limited in release yet completely without limits, this 504PS pinnacle of the Monaro line sounded like thunder and was lightning-fast.

the eight greats

1 2 3 4 5 6

the griffin greats in glamorous casino square, monte carlo

17aPRiL 2014

riffin Greats has to be one of the most sought after gigs in motoring journalism. Imagine

spending two days testing out some of Vauxhall’s most powerful and memorable cars on twisty mountain roads in the French Alps. Then throw in the glamour of Casino Square in Monte Carlo, staying in a 13th century chateau before lunch on Lake Geneva and attending the world-famous Geneva Motor Show (see page 12).

It sounds like a lot of fun, but it has a very serious raison d’être, if you pardon my French. This is a chance for some of the UK’s most influential journalists to try out brand new products on demanding routes such as the historic Route napoléon, noted as much for its colourful history as its ability to test a car’s limits due to the fast-flowing and cambered corners. It’s both challenging and rewarding at high speeds, giving an accurate insight into the fantastic engineering that underpins each chassis.

It’s also an opportunity for Vauxhall to demonstrate the real emotion behind our cars, our people and our brand, and to

g

The annual Griffin Greats trip offers UK media the chance to test our latest and greatest alongside some inspiring icons of the past

provide a clear picture about our products and our future.

The group got acquainted at the tour's glamorous first stop, which came in the form of a stay at the Hôtel Hermitage in the stunning Casino Square in Monte Carlo. The next morning they were given a choice of eight very different cars, from the vintage chic of the original 1979 Monza to the most powerful car to wear a Griffin badge, the new 576PS VXR8 GTS.

The Greats were then taken on an unforgettable drive through the Alps to the Château de la Commanderie, a majestic French castle in Grenoble formerly used as a hospital and residence by the Order of the Knights of Malta. After an overnight break they pushed on to the shores of Lake Geneva where they were welcomed by new Vauxhall MD Tim Tozer at the Perle du Lac restaurant for a spot of brand engagement over lunch. The motor show beckoned, but sadly that’s where their fun with the Griffin Greats ended – they did have the new ADAM ROCKS and ADAM S to look forward to though!

Great expectations

“it soUnds like a lot of fUn, BUt it has a Very serioUs raison d’être”

hot 'n' gold: monza may be 35, but she's still got it

7 8

Want to support a charity or community project but don’t have the time? Take a day on Vauxhall!

csr - VolUnteering

ime is the one thing we never seem to have enough of, especially when it comes to

donating it to a good cause. Think what you could achieve with a whole day dedicated to helping out your favourite charity or local community project…

This needn’t be just a thought anymore, as Vauxhall is offering a paid day off so employees can support the cause of their choice during the working week. The process couldn’t be simpler; just agree a suitable day and project with your line manager and then that time is yours to use as you see fit.

HR Advisor Jo Hirons explained: “The idea is to encourage our employees to be able to volunteer or participate in something that is personal to them. We’d ideally like people to do it in teams or in groups, but at management discretion they can do it on an individual basis if they want.

“You just organise your activity, discuss it with your manager and then go off and do it! We want to make it as non-bureaucratic as possible, and it is open to everybody, including contractors and hourly staff providing they have local management approval.”

Several groups have already put their time to good use. For example, a group of 90 Ellesmere Port engineers spent

t the difference a day makes

“the idea is to encoUrage oUr employees to Be aBle to VolUnteer or participate in something that is personal to them”

18 TORQUE magazinE

the type of activity you choose is completely up to you, from painting and decorating to creating a community space

one volunteer team from ellesmere port with guide dog faith

a day supporting six local charity and community projects. The teams, armed with tools and paintbrushes, repaired, renovated and improved each of the centres, prompting comments like this from Sophie Grinner, Unit Chairwoman of Chester Sea Cadets: “The amazing work the guys from Vauxhall have put in today has been invaluable for the Unit and will make such a different to the Cadets and staff.” Christine Jones, a Minister at Trinity Methodist Church added: “In a day they have completed what would have taken us forever! We would have never done it, and it has transformed the church.”

Speak to your manager or look on Socrates to find out more, and see what a difference a day makes!

19aPRiL 2014

Dragon’s Den star kelly Hoppen MBE has applied her unique style to a special Vivaro van that will be touring the country as part of the Business is Great Britain campaign.

The initiative is designed to build confidence among the UK’s small businesses, and as an ambassador Kelly has given her touring wagon a distinctive new look. The Luton-built van now mixes practicality with glamour, sporting a bespoke lilac wrap displaying her logo and signature.

“I loved the idea of working with a British manufacturer like me,” explained Kelly. “The idea of putting my interior touch on a van really excited me, and it’s also clear that more and more women are driving vans in the 21st century.”

The Dragon’s wagon that's my curl - kelly hoppen and her new unique Vivaro

“the idea of pUtting my interior toUch on a Van really eXcited me”

oVerdriVe people

piVot point European Retail Network Development Operations Director Colin Wilkes recalls how some very well-known Retailers flourished during his time heading up the Motors Holding team.

"I was 45 years old when I started working at Vauxhall, and before that I had worked for car dealers, in the retail end of the industry.

Perhaps the most important event for me was looking after the Motors Holding portfolio. These are the Retailers in which Vauxhall owns some shares and so can give the opportunity for entrepreneurs to start new dealership businesses.

The Motors Holding Retailers are risking a lot of their money, their families’ future and sometimes their homes on these businesses, and it was clear to me that I had to look after Vauxhall’s money in these deals. This was real money – money Vauxhall could have invested in the plants, in new products or new equipment.

What I found important was that although many senior people had to approve these investments, all they kept

asking me was if I really wanted to make the investment. It’s one thing to think of Vauxhall as a really big company where all the important decisions are made by very senior management, but it became clear to me that the opinion of the Motors

Holding team was actually decisive in investing in these dealers.

Realising that our judgement was going to have very real and important consequences was somewhat daunting, but the results were actually OK.

Vauxhall Retailers such as now, Eden and Drive all started in this period, and others like Wilson & Co and Pentagon were greatly expanded. These investments helped create these big operations, who now buy significant volumes of cars, commercial vehicles and parts from us."

“oUr JUdgement was going to haVe Very real and important conseQUences”

TORQUE magazinE

oVerdriVe people

20

large cost savings by doing a lot of the preparation work like stripping out old lines ourselves instead of giving it to contractors. This requires a lot of health and safety training for my team as they have to work alongside contractors and abide by the same standards.

11:00: The plant has around 150 weld guns which all need to be refurbished before the new lines can be installed in the summer. I’ll spend some time with the team working on that, it’s a bit like the Forth Road Bridge as they’re already constantly in use!

13:00: Over lunch I’ll be working on my CSR project to refurbish a unit used by the Sea Cadets I lead in my spare time. So far I have 12 people supporting me including my Unit Manager!

15:00: We’re appointing some new managers so I’ll

a d

ay in

th

e li

fe

spend some time with the HR department working on improvements to the appraisal system by making objectives more specific to their roles. We’re also working on some standardised training for them to better prepare them for the changes to their roles that come with the next generation Astra.

16:00: I’ll conduct a floor walk across all eight teams around the plant. This enables me to ensure all communications are understood and also helps me pick up on any issues that might not have been reported. Maintenance is no different to running a nuclear sub or building cars – it’s a people management job, it just happens to

be technical people you’re managing.

17:00: Being new to the business, I like to use the end of the day to get to know Vauxhall and General Motors

a bit better by going through the vast amount of data on the Socrates system. It’s a huge resource

of information and I’m especially

impressed with the BPD and CAP electronic appraisal systems. People certainly can’t complain they’re not informed!

mend it like Beckhamkeeping the Body Unit at Ellesmere Port Plant functioning effectively is a full-time job for Body Unit Maintenance Manager Allan Martin

6:40: I get an early start to my day as we run three shifts on the Maintenance Team and it’s important for me to catch up with the off-going night shift. Because of the way we work unless I see them before they leave it could be a week before I see them again! Communication’s one of the biggest challenges for Maintenance so it’s important to have that continuity in the morning.

7:30: I have my start of shift meeting with my supervisors and senior supervisors where I pick up a picture of the last 24 hours of production. Safety is a big priority for us at the moment so we will discuss and plan to investigate any safety issues and that will dictate a lot of our actions for the next shift.

8:00: I then meet up with the unit’s senior management team to review a similar agenda but this time with the whole body unit team so they can tell me their issues as well. It’s a quick fire round up and standing room only!

9:00: As well as the operational side of my role I also lead a number of projects to get us ready for the new Astra. We’re driving

Bot's up doc? allan with one of the maintenance training robots

“as well as the operational side of my role i also lead a nUmBer of proJects to get Us ready for the new astra”

oVerdriVe people

aPRiL 2014 21

Children’s hospice Claire House is now the proud owner of a new Astra thanks to a generous donation from Vauxhall.

The car, which was recently handed over at Ellesmere Port Plant, will be used by the Claire House fundraising team to help support their local fundraising efforts, visiting groups, schools and businesses, and helping them spread the word about their work. Vauxhall has donated a vehicle to Claire House each year since 2006 in recognition of the admirable work they do in caring for children and young people with complex medical conditions.

Pat Faragher, Director of Fundraising at Claire House, said: “These vehicles are absolutely essential to allow us to

A vintage Viva has helped raise over £10,000 for a children’s charity after joining a tour of the country with Retailer Perrys.

The gold-coloured Viva 1300L was offered up for auction as part of a fundraising drive for the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield, and visited every branch of the franchise from Yorkshire to Kent on a promotional road trip. Local events were held wherever it went, with activities including raffles, celebrity appearances and the ability to bid on the Viva live on the day, which all helped towards the total.

This was a very special Viva with a unique history. Originally sold from the Burnley branch in 1977 by Perrys Sales Executive David Totty, it had one extremely careful owner for ten years before it was brought back in as a part exchange. It was in such good condition it was spared the ignominy of the car auction and proudly displayed in the Retailer’s sales floor until now!

The auction was won by a delighted norman Bowie, who purchased the Viva as a surprise for his father Jim who knew nothing about the charity auction. Jim was stunned by the gift, having had no idea why he was being brought to the showroom. “It’s absolutely fantastic,” he exclaimed. “It has made my day, it was a complete shock. I am overwhelmed by it all, it is a great surprise!”

The car was given a fitting send-off, being handed over by David Totty – the same Sales Executive who first sold it 36 years ago! He commented: “As a Sales Executive the Vauxhall Viva was a great car

£10,000RAISED FOR BLUEBELL WOOD CHILDREn'S HOSPICE

raise the £2.9 million we need to provide the very best possible care for children, young people and families that rely on our services.

“We’re delighted to yet again be supported by Vauxhall Ellesmere Port and everyone in our fundraising team looks forward to getting out into the community in our new vehicle.”

“these Vehicles are aBsolUtely essential to allow Us to raise the £2.9 million we need”

gift horsepower

flags for your help - claire house's new astra

to sell because of its unique appearance. This particular model has only done 11,000 miles and is in mint condition, the previous owner took great care of the car and it really does show. I remember the excitement of the previous owner when he first purchased it, I’m sure Jim feels the same.”

Viva forever

gold standard - this 1977 Viva was almost completely original when it was handed over to new owner Jim Bowie (below centre)

oVerdriVe people

TORQUE magazinE22

Over £500 has been raised for Help for Heroes thanks to a bumper charity collection held on Dress Down Friday at Griffin House.

The Great Glen Kayak Challenge team toured the building with a kayak in tow and invited employees to guess its weight to win a Thrill Experience Day. There were a variety of answers (ranging up to 220kg!) with many coming very close to the actual answer of 12.3kg, but the winner was Vauxhall’s Campaigns and Retailer Incentives Manager Chris Holmes with a

guess of 12.37kg.To boost the coffers the team were also

selling chocolate kindly supplied by Mars which helped bump up the total raised on the day to £535.07. The team are now one step closer to achieving their £5000 target, many thanks to everyone who donated and took part!

If you want to find out more about the trip or make a donation, you can visit the team’s blog at: http://vauxhallkayakthegreatglen.wordpress.com/

money for old boat

Four team members at Retailer Evans Halshaw Shiremoor are celebrating an incredible 136 years of experience at the business between them.

One of the longest serving members of the team, Service Advisor Alan Turner, toasted his 46th anniversary this year after joining in 1967 as a Technician. He commented: “no two days here are ever the same, even after 46 years. When I started, I was looking after the likes of Vivas whereas now it’s ADAMs and record-breaking Astras - seeing how the technology has evolved is incredible really.”

Joining Alan in celebrating long service is Technician Paul Bennett, who has spent 33 years at the Retailer alongside Assistant Accountant Tracy Taylor and new Car Sales Executive, Jim Poxton, who are celebrating 30 and 27 years of service respectively.

Dealer Principal Jason Stewart wanted to extend a huge thanks to Alan, Paul, Tracy and Jim for their years of loyal service. “They are all real assets to the team we have here. In an industry used to so much change, their loyalty and contribution to the success of the dealership has been invaluable.”

shiremoor’s stalwarts

Red was this season’s must-wear colour thanks to the Ramp Up the Red days held around the Vauxhall sites to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Employees were encouraged to dress up in red while donations were collected by a team of undergraduates

The total raised was £433.94 between Ellesmere Port and Luton Warehouse which will go towards the funds being raised for the BHF London to Brighton bike ride.

giVing fromthe heart

a lifetime of experience - shiremoor's indefatigable four

Ian Allen, Manager Regulatory Affairs, demonstrated that doing your bit for Sport Relief doesn’t have to stop at donating some money, completing a 5km swim in aid of the charity.

keen to get more involved with the fundraising day, Ian agreed to swim 100 lengths of his local pool in Harpenden with his son Jack, and despite the physical challenge he thoroughly enjoyed the experience: “It was quite tough, but there were quite a few other people doing it at the same time as me and it had a real event feel to it which kept me going.”

Ian also invited entries for the BBC Sport Relief celebrity sweepstake, which was won by Communications Director Denis Chick – apparently his daughter made him pick Pixie Lott so let’s hope he’s sharing his winnings!

pool oUt the stops

in the red - collecting for the Bhf

that's a weight off - members of the great glen team invite competition entries

oVerdriVe people

money for old boat

shiremoor’s stalwarts

23aPRiL 2014

This year Vauxhall is taking its biggest team yet to face the annual cycle from London to Brighton in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

170 employees, undergraduates and even two of our Opel colleagues from Germany will join the Vauxhall team – nicknamed The ADAM’s Family – on the 60 mile fundraising ride.

For 2014 Vauxhall have a special purpose for making the gruelling trek to the coast and the team will cycle in memory of friend and colleague Gavin Cook, who sadly passed away before Christmas. Gavin was a valued member of the Chevrolet team and GM family, and his family will be supporting the British Heart Foundation.

In our eighth year of participation there are some stand out members of the team, not least neil Culliford who will be going on to Paris once he finishes up in Brighton! neil is heading up a team of 10 riders from Vauxhall partner SMH Fleet Solutions who will be joining The ADAM’s Family on the ride to the coast before departing immediately for the French capital. They

hope to raise £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, and SMH have agreed to double whatever the final total is – you can donate at www.justgiving.com/SMHL2P.

This is Vauxhall’s eighth year of participation in London to Brighton; between the cyclists from Vauxhall, Chevrolet and their friends, family and supporters, last year over £15,000 was collectively raised. We’re aiming to beat that this year, so if you don’t want to take part physically you can contribute to http://www.justgiving.com/JasonBrownL2B. You can also donate by text message by sending ‘GMOV99’ and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 (e.g. GMOV99 £5).

wheel family ValUes

snUg as a mUgMeet the Griffin House knitting Club, a group with two things in common - a need to gossip and a love of wool! Founded by a couple of ladies who wanted to teach themselves a new skill, they are now supporting the Vauxhall London2Brighton Bike Ride team by knitting 'mug hugs' (the latest fashion for your takeaway coffee cups) which will be on sale in the Griffin House and Tech Centre coffee bars in May. Facilities Manager Martin Yeomans’ daughter has even sent a stash of mug hugs from the Falkland Islands knit and natter group!

Support has come in from around the country, and some very high places, for two other Vauxhall cycling fundraisers.

Alex Butler, a network Support Analyst at Griffin House, is cycling from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, an incredible 400km journey through diverse terrain. His efforts to raise money for Keech Hospice Care have not gone unnoticed – he has had the support of none other than the Prime Minister, David Cameron!

Mr Cameron was happy to be photographed holding up a plaque pledging his support to the cause, made all the more remarkable for the timing as Alex explained: “The photo was actually done on a morning when he was heavily involved in press conferences on the Ukrainian crisis. He managed to take a little time to do this – it’s quite amazing!” You can support Alex’s efforts by donating here: www.justgiving.com/alex-butler1

More funds are being raised for Help

for Heroes through the efforts of keen cyclist David Hughes, a Technician at Yate Vauxhall.

He has elected to join the Dawn Raid, a 100-mile cycle run held on 8 June as part of the wider Hero Ride event organised by the charity.

Setting off at 2am, The Dawn Raid starts at the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre at Tedworth House in Wiltshire and then passes through Hampshire and Surrey, including the iconic Box Hill. David will then join other Hero riders from around the country and hundreds of servicemen and women who have benefitted from the charity’s help at Blackheath Common before the last ten miles into central London.

David can’t wait to get started: “I think the boys and girls in the armed forces give so much, going through a little bit of pain to help them is the least I can do. I enjoy riding and events like this, so to raise money for a really good cause at the same time is great.

He has raised over £650 so far and is targeting the £1,000 mark – if you’d like to contribute you can visit: www.bmycharity.com/DavidHughes

Some bike it hot

this is VaUXhall’s eighth year of participation in london to Brighton

the smh team are riding from london to Brighton to paris!

alex in training for his pan-asian adventure

oVerdriVe people

24 TORQUE magazinE

was just 14 when I did my first jump strapped to a man called Roger, and I remember it clearly

- I was absolutely petrified! I was in Australia with my mum and I wanted to try it – as a former skydiver herself she could hardly say no! That fear very quickly turned to complete euphoria, and although I didn’t think I would try it again, after an indoor skydiving experience when I was 17 I knew I wanted to do more.

I joined the skydiving club at Leeds University where I did my first solo jump after a day’s intense training on the ground. It was a static line jump, where the parachute pulls itself when you exit the plane, and I was monitored by two professionals; since then I’ve done over 170 jumps.

“it shows yoU that all the things in yoUr life can Be so insignificant and it really pUts eVerything in perspectiVe. it has taUght me that yoU shoUld Be pUrsUing happiness in life!”I’m currently training to compete

at the national Championships in the Freestyle category, which is a bit like aerial gymnastics. You have to perform a routine of manoeuvres while a partner films you, and you are scored on how cleanly you pull them off. The cameraman’s job isn’t as easy as it sounds, as they have to carefully match my speed which changes every time I perform a different move. If we win that competition we will be representing Team GB in Dubai in 2015; it would be amazing if we win, but we are a lot younger than the other teams so if it takes a few more years then so be it.

Lots of my friends think I’m crazy and some hate the fact I do something they

i

Chute to thrillFreestyle Skydiving is artistic, liberating, and above all perfectly safe. Rebecca Mansfield, Product Affairs Assistant and Team GB hopeful, explains

perceive as so dangerous. I tell them that every time I get into my car I don’t think about what I would do if I started to skid or lost control, whereas on every single skydive that’s all I think about on the way up. I consider every possible eventuality and how I would deal with it so I’m fully prepared. We use the latest, most highly advanced equipment and are extremely well trained in how to sort things out if they go wrong.

It’s quite distressing when the media portray us as crazy people, and they take such pleasure reporting when things go badly wrong. We’re not like that at all, and we love what we do - it’s just a hobby. It’s very expressive and artistic, a total release from everything. You’re in that moment with nothing else in your head and you’re at total peace. You don’t feel like you’re falling, you feel like you’re flying, I wish I could bottle the experience and give it to everyone!

I’d say it’s definitely grown me up as a person, I take much more responsibility for myself and others now. It shows you that all the things in your life can be so insignificant and it really puts everything in perspective. It has taught me that you should be pursuing happiness in life!

fall guy - rebecca practises with her cameraman

she really should have waited for the plane to take off

heritage

aPRiL 2014 25

can yoU help?We sometimes receive photos and other mementos into the Vauxhall Heritage inbox, but these ones have us stumped. They were sent in by a lady whose relation had worked at Vauxhall, and were reportedly taken at Hendon in 1928 where Chevrolet trucks were built prior to the name being changed to Bedford and the manufacture moving to Luton.

If anyone can give us any background knowledge to these two shots we’d be most grateful, simply write in to Torque, Uk1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT, or email doug.peck@vauxhall.co.uk.

record carfor sale

rip ken Our recent cover star and centurion ken Dickson sadly passed away in March following a very brief illness.

Despite this sad news we take great pleasure in knowing that his day out with the 30/98 in his home village of Little Gaddesden was a genuine highlight for him, and his family have asked to use some of the photos from the article in his remembrance service.

An active member of the retired Vauxhall sales executives, Ken was well known for his fantastic speeches (without ever using notes) and his work in the community, especially with the local chess club. He was reportedly even still practicing Pilates right up until the end!

We would like to extend our condolences to his family, he was truly an inspiring and well-loved figure.

Vauxhall Press Office is selling one of the two cars that last year took 12 World and six National Speed Endurance Records.

The car, a 2013 Astra 2.0 CDTi Hatch, has covered just 3,000 miles (the distance it was driven during the attempt) and will come complete with sponsors’ stickers, a full roll cage, race harness and a Corbeau race seat. no warranty is offered, but the car is taxed and registered, and will come complete with copies of all 18 speed record certificates issued by the FIA and Motor Sports Association, as well as a catalogue of photography from the event.

This is a unique opportunity to own an important part of Vauxhall’s motorsport history, as well as a highly effective marketing tool or significant addition to an existing car collection. If you are interested in purchasing the car, please email simon.hucknall@vauxhall.co.uk in strictest confidence with your proposed offer.

a cherished moment for ken in the 30/98

Offers end 1st April 2014, to fi nd out more visit: www.partnersprogramme.co.uk, call 0844 875 2448 or visit your Vauxhall Retailer.

Offi cial Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption fi gures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). ADAM JAM 1.2i 16v VVT: Urban: 39.8 (7.1), Extra-urban: 67.3 (4.2), Combined: 53.5 (5.3). CO2 emissions: 124g/km.#

Personal contract hire offer on Adam JAM 1.2i 16v VVT in brilliant white on orders received between 9 January 2014 and 1 April 2014, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,584, then 23 monthly rentals of £99. Excess annual miles over 8,000 charged at 5.95 ppm. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specifi cation and T&Cs contact your local Retailer. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. #Offi cial EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Offer applies to Vauxhall Partners only. For Partners Terms and Conditions go to partnersprogramme.co.uk/legal-notice-and-privacy-policy. Correct at time of going to press 13/03/2014.

www.partnersprogramme.co.ukWARRANTY 100,000 MILE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

£99 per month over 23 monthswith £1,584 initial payment

L_GMR_C1180_Q2_Torque_HP.indd 1 13/03/2014 14:57

competitions

26 TORQUE magazinE

Across5. Prod (4) 7. Pirate flag (5,5) 8. Unit of length (4) 10. Extremely (4) 12. By way of (3) 13. --- Stone, actress (6) 16. Ship of the desert (5) 18. Faucet (3) 20. Dingy (4) 21. Military cap (4) 22. Religious sister (3) 24. Absolute (5) 25. Add on (6) 26. Towards the stern (3) 27. Planet (4) 29. Atmosphere (4) 33. Very tall building (10) 34. Humble (4))

Down1. Crib (3) 2. Puzzle-solving aid (4) 3. Heehaw (4) 4. In the past (3) 5. Snoop (3) 6. Sacred book of Islam (5) 9. Avoid, escape from (5) 10. Empty (6) 11. Type of rodent (3) 13. Melting snow (5) 14. Gardening tool (4) 15. Musical dramas (6) 17. Adjoin (4) 19. The aforementioned (5) 23. Doze (3) 25. Entertain (5) 27. Scoff (4) 28. Wander (4) 30. Inquire (3) 31. Colorant (3) 32. Lair (3)

crossword

sUdokU

Solution to February

win

£25

win

£25fill 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.

name

location

aDDress

name

location

aDDress

Congratulations to naomi Gilder from Luton who won February's competition and £25.

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

Entries should reach us by 10 May 2014.

Congratulations to Gillian Palmer from Leicester who solved February's Crossword and wins £25.Send completed entries to Torque Crossword, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT to reach us by 10 May 2014.Solution to February crossword:across: 4.gritty 7.approval 8.avenue 10.amiss 13.asia 14.salt 15.also; 16.sly 17.otic 19.lope 21.harmonica 23.rota 24.hone 26.Beg 27.moor 29.afar 32.opal 33.snipe 34.harass 35.in tandem 36.status down: 1.tapas 2.april 3.toss 4.glass 5.idea 6.tousle 9.Violin 11.mad 12.stoat 13.alcohol 15.aim 16.spa 18.tramps 20.ocean 21.hog 22.nor 23.repast 25.gap 28.oasis 30.finds 31.reams 32.oast 33.sear

1 2 3 4 5 6

7

8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19

20 21

22 23 24

25 26

27 28

29 30 31 32

33

34

We apologise for the error in February's crossw

ord - the correct version was sent to those w

ho requested it, ensuring the competition could continue as norm

al.

Offers end 1st April 2014, to fi nd out more visit: www.partnersprogramme.co.uk, call 0844 875 2448 or visit your Vauxhall Retailer.

Offi cial Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption fi gures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). ADAM JAM 1.2i 16v VVT: Urban: 39.8 (7.1), Extra-urban: 67.3 (4.2), Combined: 53.5 (5.3). CO2 emissions: 124g/km.#

Personal contract hire offer on Adam JAM 1.2i 16v VVT in brilliant white on orders received between 9 January 2014 and 1 April 2014, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,584, then 23 monthly rentals of £99. Excess annual miles over 8,000 charged at 5.95 ppm. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specifi cation and T&Cs contact your local Retailer. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. #Offi cial EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Offer applies to Vauxhall Partners only. For Partners Terms and Conditions go to partnersprogramme.co.uk/legal-notice-and-privacy-policy. Correct at time of going to press 13/03/2014.

www.partnersprogramme.co.ukWARRANTY 100,000 MILE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

£99 per month over 23 monthswith £1,584 initial payment

L_GMR_C1180_Q2_Torque_HP.indd 1 13/03/2014 14:57

marketplace

Save up to

62% on cinema tickets

Purchase vouchers to be used at your nearest participating cinema (including Cineworld Cinemas, Empire, Odeon Cinemas and Showcase) at heavily reduced prices.

You can purchase up to five pairs of discounted cinema tickets per calendar month. Better still, these tickets are valid for a minimum of six months, so order your vouchers now so you have them for the next time you are at the cinema.

To order your vouchers simply visit www.vauxhall-marketplace.co.uk and login using username: vx and password: offers

The Cinema Benefits offer can be located on the Leisure pages found in the Offers section; when accessing Cinema Benefits you will be asked to set up a new account by registering your details.

meet the team: marketing serVices information team

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