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Kverneland, proud sponsors of the Rep. of Ireland Ploughing Team, have some new developments on stand this year you won’t want to miss. It wouldn’t be the Ploughing Championships without the iconic presence of Kverneland, a name that has become synonymous with top-tier agricultural machinery. This year, Kverneland is set to make a big impression by showcasing a comprehensive range of cutting-edge Arable, Grass, and CropCare equipment, alongside Siloking feeders and McConnel machinery as official importer and distributor for in Ireland. Revolutionary Ploughing with the Kverneland Plough Body No. 40 Leading the charge at this year’s event is the Kverneland Plough Body No. 40, a new addition to Kverneland’s ploughing lineup which will be on a 5f ES plough along with a Packomat. Specifically designed for large tractor tyres, the Plough Body No. 40 offers lower pulling forces, meaning reduced fuel consumption and less strain on your tractor—key factors in extending machinery life and cutting costs. Building on the success of previous models, the Plough Body No. 40 is engineered to improve soil turnover and aeration, which are crucial for enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields. Even in challenging conditions, this plough body ensures optimal performance, setting the stage for a successful harvest. Introducing the Kverneland Rotago F Power Harrow Also making its debut is the Kverneland Rotago F Power Harrow, a next-generation machine designed to transform seedbed preparation. Available in both basic and ISOBUS versions, the Rotago F allows for on-the-go adjustments of the levelling bar and working depth, providing unmatched flexibility and efficiency. With its advanced features, including a pushed gear case and parallelogram linkage, the Rotago F offers seamless adjustments without the need to re-align the 3-point linkage or rear roller. This not only makes operations easier but also supports sustainable farming by minimizing energy use. Pairing perfectly with the Rotago F is the F-Drill CB F, a precision seeding solution that’s all about adaptability. Designed to work seamlessly with the Rotago F power harrow, the F-Drill CB F allows for customizable working widths and the ability to sow different crops at varying depths in a single pass, maximizing efficiency and yield potential. With easy depth and pressure adjustments—whether manually or via ISOBUS—the F-Drill CB F ensures perfect seeding conditions every time. For added stability during transport, a supporting wheel is available, making it a practical choice for navigating Ireland’s roads. Advanced Grassland Machinery This year, Kverneland will also showcase machinery aimed at improving forage production.  The 6500F FixBale is all about reliability and efficiency. Designed for high-density baling, this machine delivers consistent bale quality, reducing the time and energy you spend in the field. It’s perfect for farmers who want to make the most out of their grass, hay, or straw, ensuring that every bale is tightly packed and easy to handle. On the other hand, the 853 Pro Straw Chopper is a must-see for those with livestock. This machine is designed for precision chopping, providing finely chopped straw that’s ideal for bedding or feed. Its robust design ensures durability and long-term performance, making it a sound investment for any farm. Kverneland will showcase its flagship butterfly mower, the 53100MT, a masterpiece of mowing technology. With a working width of up to 10.2 meters and the QuattroLink ‘race car’ suspension, this mower delivers unmatched ground tracking and cutting performance, ensuring exceptional forage quality and efficiency. In addition to these, Kverneland’s FastBale will be on display — the world’s only non-stop round baler that eliminates the need to stop and start between bales. The FastBale’s unique pre-chamber system ensures consistent bale density and high-quality forage, making it a must-have for any farmer looking to streamline hay and silage operations. This machine is sure to draw a crowd as always. Precision CropCare Solutions For those looking for advanced CropCare solutions, iXtrack T4 Trailed Sprayer and the Exacta TL Geospread disc spreader will be on show. The iXtrack T4 offers precision spraying with advanced boom control and ISOBUS compatibility, ensuring efficient chemical use and sustainable practices. The Exacta TL Geospread, featuring Geospread technology, provides accurate section control and variable rate application, maximizing fertilizer efficiency and crop yields. Versatile McConnel Machinery and Siloking Feeders As the official distributor for McConnel and Siloking in Ireland, Kverneland will present a range of these machines at the Ploughing Championships. McConnel machinery, including the 5555-60, 6572T, and 7782T models, along with Siloking feeders, including both twin and single tub models. Designed for precision feeding, these feeders offer efficiency and flexibility in managing livestock nutrition.  The Future Of Farming By integrating innovative technology with tried-and-true methods, Kverneland continues to play a key role in advancing Irish agriculture. “Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tillage, grassland, or feeding equipment, be sure to call into our stand at the Ploughing. Our team will be there to offer advice and demonstrations, showing you firsthand how Kverneland’s machinery can bring real benefits to your operations,” says Conor Vaughan of Kverneland Group Ireland. “We’re excited to meet everyone and discuss how we can help drive your farm’s success in the coming years.” Don’t miss the chance to experience the future of farming with Kverneland Group Ireland at the Ploughing Championships 2024 with some limited edition merchandise available on stand as well. Block 3 Row 17 Stand 355 Kverneland is a brand of Kverneland Group Kverneland Group is a leading international company developing, producing and distributing agricultural implements, electronic solutions and digital services. Productivity, efficiency, and sustainability are three important principles in today's agriculture, driving us every day to continuously develop our Agricultural Implement Technology. Kverneland Group offers an innovative range of soil and seeding equipment, forage and bale equipment, spreading, spraying, electronic solutions and digital farm services for agricultural tractors and implements. For more information on Kverneland Group, visit www.kvernelandgroup.com   - - END - - For Machinery Specific Details, Contact:   John Doyle Product Manager Harvest  Kverneland Group Ireland  Mobile: +353 87 101 3053  E-Mail: John.Doyle@kvernelandgroup.com Leonard Hovenden  Product Manager Arable, CropCare & McConnel Kverneland Group Ireland  Mobile: +353 87 147 5137  E-Mail: Leonard.Hovenden@kvernelandgroup.com For All Other Queries, Contact: Conor Vaughan Marketing Manager Kverneland Group Ireland  Mobile: +353 87 482 6373  E-Mail: conor.vaughan@kvernelandgroup.com

H1 2024: Sharp Price Adjustment Observed in the Used EV Market. Over recent years, we've witnessed the onset of a transformative shift in our perception of private transportation. Electric Vehicles (EVs), once a mere fraction (~2%) of newly registered cars in Ireland just five years ago, are now being seriously considered by the majority of prospective new car buyers. Enhancements in EV technology, fuel cost savings, governmental incentives, and heightened environmental consciousness are among the factors driving the surge in EV registrations in Ireland. To put this growth into context, in 2019, there were 3,443 registered EVs, comprising approximately 2% of the total. By 2021, this figure had risen to 8,643 (8.2%), and in 2023, the number climbed to 22,789, representing 18.7% of total new registrations for that year (SIMI). This rapid shift in consumer sentiment to an alternative fuel type left car manufacturers racing to increase their supply and selection of EVs in their range. As more and more EVs were being produced and purchased by consumers, in time, these cars started to transition into the used car market. Just two years ago in Q1 2022, there was just a modest presence, with approximately 640 EVs listed on DoneDeal, accounting for less than 1% of the total stock. However, this figure has since surged, at the time of writing there were over 4,500 used EVs on DoneDeal, accounting for 5.1% of the stock of cars on the website. Such abrupt changes in market conditions over a relatively short period of time can have a large impact on prices, and the EV market is no exception. Rolling 12 month % Share of New Registrations by Fuel Type (SIMI) Using DoneDeal data, we can develop a mix-adjusted price index specifically for used EVs in Ireland. The past two years has seen a dramatic rise and fall of used EV prices in Ireland and in other markets around the world. For context, in Q4 of 2022 the annual rate of inflation for used EVs was +20.2%, one year later in Q4 2023, it dropped dramatically to -11.6%. Now, in the second quarter of 2024, after a drop of -4.1% in the past three months, used EV prices are now -14.8% lower compared to the second quarter of 2023. This price deflation is unique to the EV market; the same Q2 2024 figures for annual inflation of ICE and hybrid cars is +4.9% and -0.5%, respectively. What is causing this price adjustment and what does it mean for consumers? DoneDeal Used EV and Hybrid Cars Price Index 2020 - Q2 2024 Source: DoneDeal Price Index Data, 2020-2024 As with most markets, a rapid increase in the supply of used EVs (more than tripling in under two years) pushes down prices, but this isn’t the only side of the story. In 2023, manufacturers significantly reduced prices of new   EVs, largely in response to heightened competition from Chinese EV brands such as BYD, MG and Ora. This coincided with a shift from the early adopter phase of EVs to broader market acceptance. The slower transition of EVs into the mainstream consumer market will take time, influenced by factors like range anxiety, nascent charging infrastructure, concerns regarding battery longevity, and the phasing out of government incentives. Consequently, there's a dip in demand, alongside a substantial increase in supply by manufacturers. Price reductions in new EVs directly impact the second-hand market, as evidenced by the data from DoneDeal. EVs are now more affordable than diesel and hybrid cars Significant price reductions in EVs means that they are now more affordable than diesel cars and hybrid cars on a like-for-like basis, and, while they are still more expensive than petrol cars, that price gap is rapidly narrowing. A widely cited barrier to switching to electric motoring was the relatively large up-front cost. But this is now changing. Using a wealth of data from advertisements on DoneDeal we can see how the like-for-like difference in prices between EVs and other fuel types has changed over the last few years.  Looking at a sample of used cars on DoneDeal that are less than 5 years old, we can see how EVs have become cheaper than diesel and hybrid cars. In 2022, an EV was on average 10.2% more expensive than an equivalent diesel car. In 2023, as prices of EVs started to fall, that difference between EV and diesel cars dropped to 2.6%. In the first half of 2024, EVs are on average 8.1% cheaper than diesel cars on a like-for-like basis, and 9.5% cheaper than an equivalent hybrid car. Similarly with petrol cars, the price gap is narrowing as EV prices continue to fall. In 2022 an EV was almost 30% more expensive than a petrol car on a like-for-like basis (age, mileage, make, etc) whereas in 2024 that gap has narrowed to 12.8%. Average price differences for used EV cars versus other fuel types over the past three years We took a sample of used cars less than 5 years old on DoneDeal and compared the difference in price between EVs and other fuel types on a like-for-like basis (holding car age and mileage etc constant). The table below shows how the difference in prices has changed over the past three years as EV prices have fallen. EVs vs equivalent ICE cars Petrol Diesel Hybrid 2022 Price Difference EV vs 29.4% more expensive 10.2% 3.6% 2023 Price Difference EV vs 21.9% 2.6% 0.8% 2024 Price Difference EV vs 12.8% -8.1% -9.5% Less expensive Source: DoneDeal Data, 2022-2024 The main takeaway from this price correction is that prices for EVs are falling thereby making them more affordable. This is positive news from an emissions perspective, as improved affordability and the development of a second-hand market should, in time, lead to wider adoption of EVs. Broader Market Trends: Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars The market for petrol and diesel cars is starting to emerge from its pandemic and Brexit induced inflationary period, with the annual rate of inflation for ICE cars slowing to 4.9% in Q2 of 2024, the lowest rate since 2019. This has been mainly driven by a catch up in supply from both the new car market and imports, over the past year. New registrations and used imports are up 1.8% and 25.4%, respectively, in H1 2024 compared to the same six-month period in 2023. Imports are however still less than half of the level that they were in 2019: 50,717 in 2023 compared to 117,047 in 2019 (SIMI). Demand for used cars, as proxied by ad views on DoneDeal, increased by 15% higher in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, while the supply of used cars increased by 19% over the same period. Price inflation dropped to -0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 2% in the first quarter of 2024. The rate of quarterly inflation was quite different between the lower (<€6k) and upper (>€20k) ends of the market: 1.4% and -2%, respectively. DoneDeal Price Index: 2018 - Q2 2024 Price index trend from the base month of January in 2018, for all cars, showing stability pre pandemic and the steady rise in Car Price Inflation since.  Source: DoneDeal Price Index Data, 2018-2024 Car Price inflation - Real world indicative examples We took a sample of cars with different age and value profiles to better illustrate what car values might look like for buyers and sellers in the market today Car examples Audi A4 2007 Audi A4 2014 Audi A4 2018 Price June 2023 € 3,199 € 13,060 € 27,911 Expected Value June 2024 € 2,420 € 10,945 € 24,007 Actual Value June 2024 € 2,737 € 11,483 € 24,485 % Change in Price -14% -12% -12% % Implied inflation 13% 5% 2% Source: DoneDeal Price Index Data, 2020-2024 Summary Price inflation by car price cohort The below table displays current inflation rate by market segment and time period.   Lower Priced Cars DoneDeal Price Index Higher Priced Cars Quarterly Inflation 1.4% -0.4% -2.0% Year on Year Inflation 12.0% 4.9% 1.1% Inflation since Pandemic 159.50% 88.70% 58.70% Indicative price in sample €6,450 €12,600 €20,995 Source: DoneDeal Price Index Data, 2020-2024 Over the last number of years, DoneDeal has collected a vast amount of data on the Irish motor market. Each year hundreds of thousands of cars are advertised on the site. About the Report The goal of the DoneDeal Motor Report is to use the information in this report to help all actors in the motor market make informed decisions about buying and selling. In addition, because it is freely available, the DoneDeal Price Index can help inform the media, the general public and policymakers about the latest developments in the motor market. Methodology DoneDeal is the largest car website in Ireland, listing 9 out of 10 cars advertised online from car dealerships. Economist Tom Gillespie analysed over 5m of DoneDeal’s vehicle listings from 2011-2024 using hedonic regression analysis to isolate pricing inflation associated with vehicles after controlling for mileage, age, and other vehicle attributes. All of DoneDeal's reports are based on data associated with the car, its fuel type, its location, make, model, etc. We then aggregate the ad views or enquiries made on that specific ad. We do not use cookies or users' personal data to form any part of our analysis. Survey Methodology and Sample size Statistics are based on cars advertised on DoneDeal for a given period in addition to a nationally representative survey commissioned by DoneDeal (2,000  Respondents) and publicly available information about the Irish Motor Industry. About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from all of Ireland’s local trusted car dealerships. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal is host to all of Ireland's trusted car dealerships and is the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. Our mission at DoneDeal is to remove all uncertainty when it comes to buying and selling a car, and we continue to listen carefully to both customers and our trusted dealerships in order to make car buying better for consumers in Ireland. DoneDeal is well-positioned to address car buyers’ challenges, hosting the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with over 87,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, 64,000 are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties and history checks, and service options like finance, delivery and click and collect. For more consumer insights and car reviews, visit blog.donedeal.ie Disclaimer The DoneDeal Motor Report is prepared from information that we believe is collated with care, but we do not make any statement as to its accuracy or completeness. We reserve the right to vary our methodology and to edit or discontinue the indices, snapshots or analysis at any time for regulatory or other reasons. Persons seeking to place reliance on any information contained in this report for their own or third party commercial purposes do so at their own risk. Credits Economic Analysis: Dr. Tom Gillespie Marketing and Communications: Leah Nestor Layout and Design: Kevin Gannon

As August ended last week the Society of the Irish Motor Industry have released their official 242 new vehicle registrations statistics. It looks like new car registrations for August were down 8.4% (7,567) when compared to August 2023 (8,261). Registrations year to date are down 0.9% (112,171) on the same period last year (113,199).  Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) declined by 17.2% (1,698) compared to August last year (2,051). Year to date LCVs are up 9.3% (26,930). HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) registrations are down 41.5% (172) in comparison to August 2023 (294). Year to date HGVs are up 11.2% (2,466). Imported Used Cars have seen a 18.5% (5,426) rise in August 2024, when compared to August 2023 (4,577). Year to date imports are up 25.3% (42,622) on 2023 (34,010). In August 1,259 new electric cars were registered, which was 29.3% lower than the 1,782 registrations in August 2023. So far this year, 15,129 new electric cars have been registered representing a 25.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2023 when 20,266 electric cars were registered. In the new car market share by engine type for 2024, Petrol cars continue to lead the new car market at 31.37% followed by Diesel at 23.06%, then Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 20.94%, Electric at 13.49%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 9.57%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting:  “ August represents the sixth consecutive month of falling new car registrations this year, highlighted by the continuing drop in Electric Vehicle (EV) sales, which are now down 25% year to date when compared to last year. The commercial sector, light and heavy commercial sales, continue to remain ahead of last year.   With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the Electric Vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector. Government incentives to date have been fundamental to the EV transition, but they have to be continued and enhanced. SIMI is urging the Government to: extend the Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) incentive at current levels, which will help transition the business fleet faster and support the development of a used EV market; increase SEAI Grants back to 2022 levels until the EV market recovers; and accelerate the roll out of a fit for purpose national charging infrastructure. At this crucial stage in the EV transition, these measures will increase the sale of EVs, signalling their importance to consumers, boosting confidence and reassurance in electric vehicles. Budget 2025 presents an opportunity for Government to demonstrate its commitment to fleet electrification and is an opportunity they should not miss.” • The Five Top Selling New Car Brands 2024 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. SKODA, 4. HYUNDAI, 5.KIA     • The Top Five New Car Model’s 2024 were: 1. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 2. SKODA OCTAVIA, 3.KIA SPORTAGE,4. TOYOTA RAV 4, 5.TOYOTA YARIS CROSS  • Five Top Selling Electric Vehicles (EVs) Brands 2024: 1. VOLKSWAGEN,2. TESLA,3. HYUNDAI, 4.KIA, 5.BYD     • Five Top Selling Electric Vehicle Models (EVs) 2024: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. TESLA MODEL 3, 3.TESLA MODEL Y, 4.HYUNDAI KONA, 5. KIA EV6 • Top Selling Car (August) 2024: SKODA KODIAQ • Top Selling Electric Car (August) 2024: TESLA MODEL 3

The Road Safety Authority is appealing to parents, guardians and teachers to make road safety a top priority for the new school year. The road safety message comes as the RSA publishes its Child Casualties Report 2019-2023 , which reveals that there were 34 children aged 15 and younger killed on Irish roads and a further 592 seriously injured during the five-year period. This age group represented 4% of total fatalities, and 8% of total serious injuries between 2019 and 2023.   The Report highlights that two thirds of the 626 child casualties (killed or seriously injured children) were either pedestrians (49%) or cyclists (19%).   The Report also revealed that: The highest numbers of killed or seriously injured children were injured in Dublin and Cork. Three in ten killed or seriously injured children were injured in Dublin and a further 9% injured in Cork. Overall, a higher proportion of killed or seriously injured children were male (63%). Two in three of all children seriously injured were aged 10-15 years (66%), and a similar proportion of children killed (65%) were aged 10-15. Children were most likely to be killed or seriously injured during the afternoon and evening. Seven in ten children were killed or seriously injured between 12pm-8pm. Friday was the day which saw the greatest proportion of children killed or seriously injured (17%).   Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA said: “ We are experiencing a significant increase in traffic as the country returns to school and work routines. I am reminding drivers to slow down and to be aware of children on their way to school, walking or cycling. It is imperative that parents speak to their children about road safety, whether they are travelling to school on foot, cycling or travelling by bus or car. It is also important to remind school principals and staff of the RSA’s Back to School guidelines for improving road safety around schools. The guidelines are available on RSA.ie .” Drivers are being asked to ensure they allow at least 1 metre overtaking distance when passing those who cycle in speed zones up to 50km/h and at least 1.5 metres when passing in speed zones over 50km/h. Parents are also asked to ensure their child is restrained correctly in the back of the car and not to park their cars on footpaths while dropping or collecting their child to and from school, as this can obstruct pedestrians. See Check It Fits child car seat service from the RSA. Sam Waide added: “If you drive your children to school, please park carefully to avoid forcing children onto the road. We don't want to put any child’s life in danger.”

Krone releases its new direct cut header. With more than 7 meters working width and the option of an integrated transport chassis   The XDisc 710 is designed for added efficiency and comfort. In addition to maize whole crop has become a more popular crop in recent years. Used in biogas and animal forage, these crops require optimum quality harvesting with increasingly powerful forage harvesters. The new XDisc 710 meets all these challenges comfortably thanks to a range of technical modifications, and its increased working width of 7.10 m, compared to the 6.20 m offered by the XDisc 620.  Perfect cut with time-proven technology   The cutterbar of the new XDisc 710 is also based on the Krone EasyCut mower technology. Thanks to the perfect overlapping of the blade paths guaranteed by the SmartCut system, you can achieve optimum-quality, stripe-free cutting everytime. With the help of SafeCut, the cutting disc is jacked up in the event of contact with a foreign object. This makes sure that it does not come into contact with neighbouring cutting discs and avoids extensive damage to the driveline. The cutterbar is equipped with integrated quick-change blades to reduce any downtime.   In the XDisc 710, these cutterbars are gear box driven ensuring no slip or loss of drive in the chopping process, even at high throughput the unit will deliver very even cuts, which is one of the key factors for optimum chop quality.  For clean cuts under all conditions, the following settings can be easily adjusted: The bearing pressure can be set infinitely from the cabin of the forage harvester. Tool-free, easy setting of the cutting height is carried out via the centrally adjustable sliding skids. Should an adjustment of the cutting angle be necessary as well, this can be done using a 3-way adjustable hole pattern on the round arch support.   Lower power requirement per meter of working width   With its large diameter of 900 mm, the feed auger is designed for high throughput. The speed of the auger conveyor can be adjusted to the intake speed of the forage harvester in three stages, depending on the cutting length of the crop. The basic height of the auger conveyor can also be adjusted manually in three stages using eccentrics to allow the crop to pass through. The freely movable auger conveyor can also easily move upwards when handling bulky crops. Together with the crop press roller unit, this ensures an even crop flow.   The perfect interaction of cutterbar, auger conveyor and crop press roller unit significantly reduces speed peaks in the drive. This brings impressive benefits: Lower power requirement per meter of working width and savings of up to 10 % diesel fuel (litres per ton) with around 20 % higher throughput (tons per hour) compared to the XDisc 620.    Optionally, the XDisc 710 can be equipped with cutoff blades at the sides that can be swivelled up and down hydraulically, independently of each other, without leaving the comfort of the cab. This unique, innovative feature ensures efficient use of the maximum working width, preventing harvest losses from laterally protruding ears or climbing plant parts at the edge of the crop.    Integrated transport chassis for minimum tooling times   The optional integrated transport chassis, available exclusively for the BiG X forage harvester, replaces the additionally required transport chassis and provides a very practical, time-saving and unique solution. It makes setting down and securing of the header on a separate transport wagon obsolete and significantly reduces the changeover times. Furthermore, there is no need to find a suitable parking space for the transport wagon before the start of harvesting, and no time is lost for manoeuvring, especially when space is limited.    The direct cut header with integrated transport chassis is equipped with a single axle on the right side of the adaptation at the header. At the left front side of the machine, there is the drawbar with folding support jack. When the hydraulic system has been coupled and the header raised, the driver can swivel the drawbar and the axle of the running gear directly from the cabin. For use in the field, both running gear components are hydraulically swivelled behind the header so that they do not impair the view of the working area.    For transport on public roads, the driver simply swivels the running gear and drawbar back into the transport position, places the direct cut header on the ground and then attaches it to the forage harvester's tow coupling. Thanks to a lighting system permanently integrated into the header, the cutting unit can be transported safely on the road in compliance with the law.         Fig. 1: KRONE XDisc 710 in working position. For use in the field, both running gear components are hydraulically swivelled behind the header so that they do not impair the view of the working area.      Fig. 2: KRONE XDisc 710 auger conveyor. With its large diameter of 900 mm, the auger conveyor is designed for high throughput.     Fig. 3: KRONE XDisc 710_Adjusting the auger speed. The rotational speed of the auger conveyor can be optimally adjusted to the intake speed of the forage harvester in three stages, depending on the cutting length of the crop.       Fig. 4: KRONE XDisc 710 with side cutoff blades in use. Optionally, the XDisc 710 can be equipped with cutoff blades at the sides that can be swivelled up and down hydraulically, independently of each other, without leaving the comfort of the forage harvester cabin.      Fig. 5: KRONE XDisc 710 during road transport. For transport on public roads, the running gear and drawbar are swivelled into the transport position. After being lowered to the ground, the direct cut header with integrated lighting is then simply hung behind the forage harvester.

When choosing a car for a small family, safety is paramount. Modern vehicles come equipped with a variety of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your loved ones. In this article our DoneDeal experts take a look at five key  car safety considerations to factor in when purchasing a family car: 1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ADAS are a suite of electronic systems that help drivers operate vehicles more safely by providing alerts or taking over in certain situations. All modern cars are sold with these features but if purchasing a used car through DoneDeal’s trusted dealer network, its worth checking to see what your vehicle might have. Key ADAS features include: Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without indicating. Lane-keeping assist can gently steer the car back into its lane, preventing unintended lane changes. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) This system detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a crash. AEB is especially crucial in preventing accidents in urban settings where traffic can be unpredictable. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ACC maintains a set speed but also adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. This is particularly useful for  motorway driving, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Blind-Spot Monitoring This feature uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provides visual or auditory warnings, reducing the risk of lane-change accidents. It is noticeable as a flashing light usually within the wing mirrors. 2. Child Safety Features For families with young children, child-specific safety features are essential: ISOFIX ISOFIX is a standardised system for installing child safety seats. It simplifies the process of securing a car seat, ensuring it’s properly attached to the vehicle. Rear Door Child Safety Locks These locks prevent children from opening the rear doors from the inside, providing peace of mind for parents. They are activated by turning a small kettle slot on the door frame or through the vehicles menu system. Rear-Seat Reminder This feature reminds the driver to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. It's designed to prevent incidents where children are accidentally left in hot cars. 3. Crash Mitigation and Protection Features These features are designed to protect occupants during a collision: Airbags Modern cars come with multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. These provide comprehensive protection for all occupants in the event of a crash. Crumple Zones Crumple zones are key areas of a vehicle designed to absorb the energy of an impact, reducing the force transferred to the occupants. Cars with well-designed crumple zones are much safer in crashes. Reinforced Safety Cell The passenger compartment should be reinforced to protect occupants from intrusion in the event of a collision. A well-designed safety cell maintains its integrity, preventing severe injuries. You can see how your car preformed by using the Euro NCAP website to see how many stars your car was awarded in stringent safety tests. 4. Nighttime and Visibility Aids Good visibility is crucial for avoiding accidents, especially at night or in poor weather conditions: Adaptive Headlights These headlights turn with the steering wheel, illuminating the road ahead as you navigate curves. This feature enhances nighttime visibility and reduces the likelihood of accidents on dark or winding roads. Automatic High Beams This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles. It maximises visibility without blinding other drivers. Rain-Sensing Wipers These wipers automatically adjust their speed based on the intensity of rain, ensuring that your windscreen remains clear at all times. 5. Connectivity and Emergency Assistance In case of an accident, having immediate access to emergency services is crucial. There should be an SOS or emergency button on the roof lining: Emergency Call (eCall) System: This system automatically contacts emergency services if the car is involved in a serious accident, providing the vehicle’s location and other critical information. Telematics Systems Various car brands have on board telematic systems to provide real-time assistance, such as dispatching emergency services, providing roadside assistance, and locating a stolen vehicle. In Summary For a small family, safety features in a car are non-negotiable. We would recommend that you prioritise vehicles with ADAS, robust child safety features, crash mitigation systems, visibility aids, and decent connectivity options. Together, these features offer comprehensive protection, giving you peace of mind every time you hit the road with your loved ones.

Opel has launched its new hybrid portfolio in Ireland, with the arrival of the first units of the new Corsa Hybrid and the Mokka Hybrid. The new technology enables fully electric travel up to 50% of the time in urban settings and will appeal to drivers who want to enjoy pure electric driving pleasure without having to connect to a charger. Easy to use, efficient, both models deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, and in fuel consumption. The new Hybrid powertrain will be extended in the coming months across the Opel Astra range, together with the all-new Grandland and Frontera ranges. The new Corsa Hybrid 1.2 100hp Stop Start, retails in Ireland from €29,695 plus delivery related charges and is available in SC, Elegance and GS trims. Offering fuel savings of up to 18% compared to an equivalent non-electrified model, combined fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 106 g/km. It is available to order at local Opel Dealerships nationwide. The Mokka Hybrid 1.2 136hp Stop Start, retails from €34,995 plus delivery related charges and is available in SC, Elegance and GS trims. Offering fuel savings of up to 20% compared to a non-electrified model, combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions are 110 g/km. It is available to order at local Opel Dealerships nationwide. The new 48-volt hybrid technology features a turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The petrol engine and electric motors work together, or separately, depending on requirements, always in harmony to balance energy consumption and performance. The new generation, three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engines have been specially developed for hybridisation and to meet the latest Euro 6.4 emissions standard. Both the Corsa 74 kW/100hp and the Mokka 100 kW/136hp engines reach their peak power out at 5,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 205Nm and 230Nm respectively at 1,750rpm. A new electrified 6-speed dual clutch transmission has also been designed especially for hybrid applications. The gear shifts without torque interruption are shorter and comfort is higher. The transmission casing houses the electric motor and the DC inverter, optimising the drivetrain size and weight to ensure excellent driving performance. A permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, integrated in the gearbox, produces peak power of 21 kW/28hp and maximum torque of 55Nm. A belt-driven starter, in combination with the electric motor, starts the petrol engine from a cold start. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly during the stop start drive. The 48V lithium-ion battery is recharged via recuperation and the petrol engine. Installed under the front left seat, this location achieves optimum weight distribution for good driving dynamics and allows the full volume of the boot to be retained. Two electrical networks are included: a low voltage 12V network supplies the car's equipment (e.g. electric windows, infotainment system); a 48V network supplies the hybrid system. A direct current converter to transfer electrical energy from the 48-volt to the 12-volt network is also included. If the 48-volt battery is almost empty, after the car has been idle for a particularly long time, the converter can transfer energy from the 12-volt to the 48-volt network. At low speeds, the electric motor enables fully electric travel for up to one kilometre or up to 50 percent of the time used in the city, for example when manoeuvring. The vehicle automatically switches to electric drive when the battery charge, outside temperature and catalytic converter temperature are appropriate. If the Corsa Hybrid and Mokka Hybrid decelerate, the petrol engine switches off and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the 48-volt battery of the hybrid system. At the same time, when the accelerator pedal is released, the hybrid can “sail” with the support of the electric motor. Drivers can choose between three driving modes: Eco (for particularly efficient operation), Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the petrol engine is always running to ensure required performance at all times. Practical hybrid information is clearly arranged in the driver information display, allowing drivers to easily and conveniently keep an eye on the most important displays for the current operating mode and energy status. When the vehicle is switched off, a trip summary display provides additional data such as the distance travelled, the duration of the journey, the average consumption, the remaining range and the percentage of the route driven purely electrically.

The new Kodiaq recently arrived in Irish showrooms and is even bigger, with an increased length of 610mm and extended wheelbase of 100mm permitting an additional 75 litres of luggage capacity, compared to the outgoing model. The original 7-seat Škoda Kodiaq was one of the Czech brand’s best-selling models with over 12,000 vehicles delivered to Irish families since 2017. From the exterior the new generation Kodiaq demonstrates a new modern solid design language with a protruding grille, while new technologies and materials are featured in the expansive interior. A familiar engine line-up is offered  with  two 2.0 TDI, HVO compatible diesels with 150 hp and 193 hp power outputs, the later mated to 4x4 all-wheel-drive transmission.   For the first time Škoda has introduced Plug-In-Hybrid technology to the Kodiaq line up in the form of the Kodiaq iV. The plug-in-hybrid powertrain for the Kodiaq iV offers a combined system output of 204 hp delivered through a front wheel drive arrangement. The Kodiaq iV is offered exclusively as a 5 seat SUV with 745 litres of luggage capacity. An all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres on the WLTP cycle can be achieved thanks to a giant 25.7kWh battery, that can be charged using DC power up to 50kW (10-80%) in just 25 minutes. For Hybrid driving a 1.5 TSI petrol engine works in tandem with the electric motor.    Commenting John Donegan, Škoda Brand Director said “There has been a 22.3% increase in Irish Plug-in-hybrid vehicle sales this year, with this trend likely to continue. The Kodiaq iV boasts one of the largest batteries of any PHEV offered on the market, providing commuters with the ability to drive 100 kilometres in fully electric mode. Up to now there have been many PHEVs on the market, but very few have exceeded the 100 kilometre electric driving range. The Kodiaq iV and the Superb iV are quite unique with electric ranges of 100 kilometres and 124 kilometres respectively. These models would be of particular appeal to drivers who are unprepared to make the leap to fully electric, but would like to experience day to day electric driving. I would urge customers to have early conversations with their local Škoda dealer to secure their PHEV Kodiaq iV or Superb iV for 2025." The Kodiaq iV PHEV is available to order now priced from  €57,890 for the Selecton version featuring Electric Tail Gate, LED Lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Selection + specification adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather interior and matrix LED headlights from €63,290. This new Kodiaq will no doubt be a big hit with Irish punters once again!

Ireland’s brief summer is coming to a close and the school year is approaching fast. It’s important to ensure that your car is ready for the increased traffic and the safety of young passengers so here in  DoneDeal  we would like to offer you some essential tips to help you prepare. Perform Basic Vehicle Checks Tyres : Check for proper inflation and tread depth to maintain traction, especially in wet conditions. Brakes : Ensure they are in good condition as they are critical for stopping quickly, particularly in school zones. Lights : Verify that all lights, including brake lights and indicators, are functioning properly for visibility. Wipers : Replace worn wiper blades to ensure clear visibility during inevitable rainy months ahead. Safe Driving in School Zones Speed Limits : Adhere strictly to reduced speed limits in school zones. Children are often unpredictable, and lower speeds give you more time to react. Pedestrian Awareness : Be extra vigilant for children crossing roads, especially during morning and afternoon times when kids are heading to and from school. No Unauthorised Parking : Avoid illegal or double parking, as it obstructs visibility and can create dangerous situations for children crossing the road. School Bus Safety Stopping for Buses : When a school bus stops and its lights are flashing, it is good practice to stop your vehicle and give it the time needed for little ones to embark or disembark. Following Distance : Maintain a safe distance behind school buses to allow room for unexpected stops as they pick up or drop off children. Teach Children Road Safety Crossing Roads : A basic bit of knowledge but vital! Teach children to look both ways before crossing and to use crosswalks where available. Exiting the Vehicle : Make sure children know to wait until the vehicle has come to a complete stop before unbuckling their seat belts and exiting safely with the door not opening into on coming traffic. Carpooling Best Practices Seat Belts and Car Seats : Ensure every child is properly secured with seat belts or car seats as required by their age and size. Safe Pick-Up and Drop-Off : Establish a safe, well-lit area for children to enter and exit the vehicle, preferably on the kerb side to avoid stepping onto busy roads. Minimise Distractions : Encourage a quiet, distraction-free environment in the car to allow the driver to focus entirely on the road. Teen Driver Safety Advice Driving Education : Reinforce the importance of safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions (like texting), and the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times. Encourage extra tuition even if they have passed their test. Education is key on Irish roads. Curfew : Set a driving curfew to avoid nighttime driving, which is more dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Limit Passengers : Restrict the number of passengers to minimise distractions and reduce the risk of accidents where possible. Plan Your Route Avoid Congestion : If possible, plan your route to avoid heavily congested areas near schools during peak times. Use Navigation Tools : The use of navigation apps to stay informed about traffic conditions and find alternative routes is a very helpful tool but be sure to pair the phone to the vehicle, or have the phone mounted in a safe position. Be Prepared for Emergencies First-Aid Kit : It is good practice to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your car. Emergency Contacts : Ensure that you have updated emergency contact information readily available in your vehicle. Roadside Assistance : Have a roadside assistance plan in place in case of breakdowns, especially during school runs. Many insurance companies offer this service so it is worth checking. By following these simple DoneDeal  Back-To-School safety tips, you can help ensure a safer academic season for everyone on the road. Safe driving habits, regular vehicle maintenance, and vigilance in school zones are key to protecting our children as they return to their daily routines.

Following the reinstatement of excise duty on August 1st, fuel prices were expected to rise. However, the average petrol price only increased slightly by 1 cent to €1.81 per litre, while diesel prices are steady at €1.74 per litre. Crude oil prices are slightly lower this month at $80 per barrel. Electric vehicle owners can expect to pay an average of €916 per year to cover the national average of 17,000 km per year, which is an increase of €39 per year month on month.   Jennifer Kilduff, Head of Marketing & PR for the AA (Ireland), stated, “We saw a slight increase again in petrol this month, but the price of diesel has remained steady which is great to see. Average monthly charging costs for EV drivers have increased this month as a result of providers reversing the decreases we saw in July. It will be interesting to see how the next few months go and what budget 2025 will bring for the motorist.”

The welcome onslaught of new models this year from Renault continues with the introduction of a new C-segment model named Symbioz. Due to arrive on Irish shores late 2024, this new model will offer those visiting Renault dealerships the perfect fully hybrid sweet spot between Captur and Austral. For some, the compact nature of the Captur might not meet your needs but sitting at 4.41m long and 1.79m wide with a wheelbase of 2.64m, the Symbioz could be the ideal size for both business and family use. Three variants will come to Ireland kicking off with Techno E-tech Full Hybrid 145 priced at €36,995 stepping up incrementally to the Techno Esprit Alpine priced at €39,995 followed by the range topping Iconic Esprit Alpine at €41,395. Again all are powered by the now familiar 145 bhp E-Tech hybrid powertrain but other options should join the range in 2025. So what do you get for your money and can this all new vehicle really compete in such a busy sector with models like Volkswagen’s incredibly popular T-Roc? Well, let’s start with the styling! Like most Renaults of late, the design language has transferred seamlessly to the classy new Symbioz. The front of the vehicle features Renault's signature diamond logo, which is prominently displayed and flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car a distinctive, modern look. The side profile proportions look larger than expected and to the rear, sharp LED taillights frame the tailgate perfectly. Inside the cabin has a bright airy feel, no doubt aided by the new Solarbay tinted glass roof that can flick between see through, or opaque at the touch of a button. The front seats look inviting in Esprit Alpine trim and the dash features the somewhat familiar 10.3 inch speedometer screen right in the drivers eye-line. This display is further supported by a 10.4 inch vertical touchscreen running Renaults top class OpenR Link multimedia system powered by Google. It has to be one of the fastest and most user friendly central control systems available on any car right now, giving users access to over 50 apps. Firing the Symbioz into life with the touch of the ‘Start button’ brings no fewer than 29 driver safety aids into action to protect occupants. Expect Level 2 autonomous driving and intelligent speed adaptation which ranks among the most advanced functions in this segment. Some of the more intrusive driving aids can be disarmed fast using the My Safety Switch which, lets drivers activate or deactivate their preferred settings at the touch of a button. Another cool bit of tech is the Predictive Hybrid Driving which, optimises efficiency by maximising the use of electrical energy while driving. In essence expect the petrol engine to cut in a lot less than on previous hybrid offerings. Getting underway is a silent affair as the Symbioz hybrid architecture combines two electric motors to a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine for electric propulsion initially, before bringing in the combustion power. The automatic gearbox has 4 gears for the petrol engine and 2 gears for the main electric motor which makes for a silky smooth driving experience. Is this an entirely new powertrain? Well not exactly because it’s the same unit found  in the new Clio, Captur and Austral but it has been further optimised with clever software management. Also present is the new 'E-Save' function which can maintain a battery charge at a level of at least 40% should you require full electric mobility at some point in your journey. To drive, the Symbioz feels spritely and surefooted. We took on a number of different routes in Spains picturesque Valencia region, some of which forced the Symbioz to lean on its exclusive 19-inch alloys shrouded in Michelin rubber. MacPherson suspension up front and a semi-rigid axle at the rear assist the drivetrain geometry in delivering greater control over body movements. Even on tight, technical sections there is virtually no body roll, just plenty of grip giving you a feeling of confidence. In city use buyers can expect fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100 km which is believable but naturally when driven in a spirited manner, consumption figures will naturally deteriorate. Our time with Renault Symbioz was pleasurable to say the least. Initially we couldn’t quiet see the logic for Renault to have so many offerings in the C and D segment when you factor in their fully electric range, but we now believe the Symbioz does have a place in the Irish market. If you are not ready to go full electric and perhaps find the Austral a little too expensive, the Symbioz could be the vehicle for you. With ample legroom in the rear thanks to a rear bench designed to slide over 16 cm, passengers will be more than comfortable. Boot space is plentiful also depending on the rear seat configuration but when the electric tailgate is open, it will swallow between 492 litres to 1,582 litres with the rear bench seat folded down making it mighty practical.  With the C segment in Europe, accounting for 39% of total vehicle sales we now understand Renaults major product offensive with so many new models. All that’s left for you, is to see if the Symbioz fits your needs…

As a leading name in agricultural machinery, Kverneland Ireland is dedicated to providing farmers with top-quality equipment that enhances productivity and sustainability. With the introduction of TAMS3 (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme), farmers across Ireland have a golden opportunity to upgrade their machinery with significant financial support. This article will guide you through the TAMS3 eligible machinery categories offered by Kverneland, helping you make informed decisions to optimize your farming operations. What is TAMS3? TAMS3 is a government-backed scheme aimed at modernizing Irish agriculture through grants that support the purchase of advanced machinery and equipment. The scheme encourages farmers to adopt innovative and environmentally friendly practices, enhancing efficiency and productivity on their farms. Eligible Machinery Categories Kverneland offers a range of machinery that qualifies for TAMS3 grants. Below, we explore each category, highlighting the benefits and features of our products. Sprayers Efficient spraying technology is crucial for effective pest and disease control, as well as nutrient management. Kverneland’s range of sprayers combines precision, ease of use, and durability. Our sprayers are designed to ensure uniform coverage, reduce chemical usage, and minimize environmental impact. Key Features: Advanced nozzle technology for precise application iXspray for user-friendly control systems Robust construction for long-term reliability Boom Guide: automatic boom height control system Explore the Kverneland Sprayer Range Spreaders Accurate spreading of fertilizers is essential for optimal crop growth and yield. Kverneland spreaders are designed to deliver consistent and precise application, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency. Key Features: CentreFlow spreading system Weighing system with unique reference sensor Prevent overlap with the GEOSPREAD system Section control with 1 metre sections Variable spreading widths Easy calibration and adjustments Durable and weather-resistant materials Discover Kverneland Spreading Equipment Cultivators Effective soil cultivation is the foundation of successful farming. Our range of cultivators is engineered to provide superior soil aeration, weed control, and seedbed preparation. Kverneland cultivators are built to handle various soil types and conditions, ensuring versatile and reliable performance. Key Features: Adjustable depth and working width Strong frame construction High-efficiency tines and discs Explore Kverneland Cultivation tools Seeding Equipment Seeders are critical for achieving precise planting and optimal crop emergence. Kverneland’s range of seeders ensures uniform seed distribution and depth control, leading to better germination rates and healthier crops. Perfect seeding for a great variety of crops with optimum seed distribution and seed placement. Key Features: Accurate seed metering systems Adjustable row spacing and seeding depth Robust design for reliable performance in various conditions Fully ISOBUS compatible Explore Kverneland Seeding equipment Mechanical Weeders With the increasing emphasis on sustainable farming practices, mechanical weeders are gaining popularity. Kverneland’s mechanical weeders offer an eco-friendly solution to weed control, reducing the need for chemical herbicides and promoting healthier crop growth. Key Features: Precision weeding mechanisms Strong in weed control with low impact on crops Perfect ground following and penetration Stimulating physico-chemical reactions and soil life Reduced soil compaction and disturbance Check out the Kverneland Helios Mechanical Weeder Full list of Tams 3 eligible machinery How to Apply for TAMS3 Grants Applying for TAMS3 grants is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps: Check Eligibility: Ensure your farm meets the criteria set by the scheme. Select Machinery: Choose the eligible Kverneland machinery that best suits your needs. Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents, including quotes and technical specifications. Submit Application: Complete the application form and submit it to the relevant authority. For detailed information on the application process, visit the official Gov.ie website. Investing in Kverneland machinery through the TAMS3 scheme is a strategic move towards enhancing your farm's productivity and sustainability. Our high-quality, innovative products are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern farming, ensuring you get the best performance and value. Ready to upgrade your farm machinery? Explore our range of TAMS3 eligible products and take the first step towards a more efficient and sustainable farming operation. Contact us today Leonard Hovenden: Product Manager, Arable & Crop care  +353 87 147 5137 Greg Tennyson: Area South  +353 87 700 9689 Allan Hetherington: Area North  +44 7826 544 630