Search Results

News into the DoneDeal HQ from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry has revealed their official 232 new vehicle registrations statistics for September. Sadly new car registrations for the month of September were down 10.3% (5,669) when compared to September 2022 (6,318). Registrations year to date are up 16.5% (118,369) on the same period last year (101,587). Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 15.4% (2,021) compared to September last year (1,751) and year to date are up 30.6% (27,220). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are showing a decrease for September of 17.1% (155) in comparison to September 2022 (187). Year to date HGVs are up 27.0% (2,375). Imported Used Cars seen a 0.1% (4,328) decrease in September 2023, when compared to September 2022 (4,333). Year to date imports are up 2.5% (38,339) on 2022 (37,417). For the month of September 1,493 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 1,851 in September 2022 (-19.34%). So far this year 21,707 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 14.510 (+49.6%) on the same period 2022. In September, the car market share grew, with petrol retaining the largest share at 30.39%, Diesel accounting for 22.18%, Hybrid 18.64%, Electric 18.34%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 8.21%. Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids now see their combined market share (year to date) at 45.19%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commenting: “While the new car market has shown strong growth so far this year, the drop in new car registrations for September, a 10.3% decrease on the same month last year, is a concern. New electric vehicle registrations declined by nearly a fifth when compared to September 2022, and while some of this is due to changing supply chain dynamics, there is a fear that there could be a softening in EV growth. As the demand curve for EVs is moving out of the early adopter phase, the next cohort of EV buyers will inevitably be more price conscious. With Budget 2024 only a week way, SIMI again calls on the Government to maintain EV incentives at current levels. This includes retention of the 0% Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) thresholds, and extension of both VRT relief and the SEAI purchase grant relief. In addition, with the new car market still in recovery mode, there should be no taxation increases that would dampen new car demand, and at the same time more funding should be allocated to support the roll out of a reliable charging infrastructure. Now more than ever is the time to invest in the electric vehicle project to ensure that the right measures are implemented to encourage behavioural change as quickly as possible.” KEY Numbers Highlighted 5 Top Selling New Car Brands 2023 were: 1. TOYOTA, 2. VOLKSWAGEN, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. SKODA, 5. KIA 5 Top New Car Model’s year 2023 were: 1. HYUNDAI TUCSON, 2. KIA SPORTAGE, 3. TOYOTA COROLLA, 4. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS, 5. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 Top 5 Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Car Brands 2023: 1. VOLKSWAGEN, 2. TESLA, 3. HYUNDAI, 4. KIA, 5.MG Top 5 Selling New Electric Vehicles (EVs) Models 2023: 1. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4, 2. TESLA MODEL Y, 3. HYUNDAI IONIQ 5, 4. SKODA ENYAQ, 5. MG MG4 Top Selling New Car (September) 2023: TESLA MODEL Y Top Selling New Electric Car (September) 2023: TESLA MODEL Y

It' might be hard to believe from this relatively fresh brand but Dacia has sold its eight millionth vehicle globally, with the monumental achievement underlining the brand’s meteoric rise from the national manufacturer of Romania to a major household name throughout Europe. Back in 2004, the brand commenced its exciting journey, promoting a pragmatic vision for vehicles and constantly redefining what matters by focusing on offering the best value for money on the market. In the 18 years since, which has seen Dacia first expand into Eastern Europe and later into many more countries across the continent, the brand has gone from strength-to-strength. With its models marketed in 44 countries around the world, the brand has gathered an ever-growing following and a reputation for being a disruptive force in the automotive industry. Although its birthplace, Romania, is one of Dacia’s top five countries, France represents its leading market in terms of sales, followed by Italy. For the second consecutive year, Dacia is the leading retail brand in Europe. 2023 has also been a highly memorable year for Dacia in Ireland with the brand celebrating 10 years and over 35,000 sales since launch. 2023 has been Dacia Ireland’s best ever year for sales, with almost 5,000 units done. This success helped Dacia achieve a record market share of 7.6% in the European retail market (compared with 6.2% in 2021). For the sixth consecutive year (since 2017), the Dacia Sandero was the most sold car in the European retail market. The Duster ranked second in 2022 and has also been the best-selling SUV to retail customers since 2018. These two best-selling models have played a major role in Dacia reaching the eight million sales milestone. Broken down by model, the figure consists of 2.78 million Sanderos, 2.26 million Dusters, 1.97 million Logans, 630,000 Dokkers, 346,000 Lodgys, 93,000 Springs, 80,000 Joggers, 107,000 others including Solenzas. The impressive figures prove that customers have strongly bought into the brand philosophy, which has never deviated over the years. To symbolise the trust between Dacia and its customers, the brand introduced its new emblem – “Dacia Link” – in 2021, which consists of a ‘D’ and ‘C’ connected in the middle. Further highlighting the brand’s rugged and adventurous nature, 40% of customers live in the countryside. People who purchase the Dacia Spring – Europe’s most affordable new electric car – are the most rural (50%), the innovative all-electric hatchback being at home in the country as it is in the city. Due for launch in Ireland in 2024, the all-electric Spring also plays a significant role in Dacia striving to address the concerns regarding future mobility. Having disrupted the automotive industry for the past 18 years, the brand is set to continue its revolution, evolving and innovating to meet customers’ mobility requirements today and tomorrow.

A brand new Mercedes-Benz GLE is on the way and although we have yet to get behind the wheel, we do feel this one is worth a quick preview. So where did it all start? Well with a lineage that traces back to the M-Class and the 1997 birth of the premium SUV segment, Mercedes brought us the good looking GLE in 2015 followed by its successor in 2018. This new arrival to Ireland of the latest updated GLE SUV signals yet another milestone in the life of the SUV within Mercedes-Benz. It has always been a segment bestseller no doubt aided by its sporty sibling, the GLE Coupé but we have been reliably informed this new GLE SUV has been updated and made better in almost every way! Features So looking at these pictures we can clearly see it has been updated both outside and inside. The detailed exterior changes include new front bumper styling with a revised front spoiler and expressively-shaped side air intakes formed in a super cool jet-wing design. New LED daytime running lights and revised LED rear lights are also evident giving it a distinctly more modern appearance. On the GLE Coupé models punters will now get the AMG Line exterior as standard. Fresh upholstery colours, trim parts and two new body colours have been introduced including an Alpine Grey and Sodalite Blue Metallic. As part of this major model update, the range of standard equipment has been extensively upgraded with 19-inch light-alloys replacing the previous 18-inch versions. There is also a touch-button, fully-electric, retractable ball hitch for towing that comes equipped with bolts for fixing a cycle rack. Inside the pictures reveal features have become even more digital and intelligent. The latest generation MBUX infotainment system which is now capable of ‘learning’ thanks to enhancements in hardware and software will make your life easier with use of the ‘Hey Mercedes’ function. Your on board personal assistant, if you will! Power The powertrain choice includes mild hybrid diesel models with 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator as well as fourth-generation plug-in hybrids with all-wheel drive 4MATIC standard across the range. Expect this GLE to have the muscle to tow loads up to 3.5 tonnes. The range is comprised of three mild hybrid models: GLE 450 (2999cc), GLE 300 d (1993cc) and GLE 450 d (2989cc) and two plug-in hybrids: GLE 400 e (1999cc) and GLE 350 de (1993cc) with AMG 53 and 63 S versions also included in the mix. Safety As we know safety is always a priority for Mercedes-Benz and by bringing in some of the technology found in other models the GLE will be an incredibly safe vehicle. Occupant protection includes driver and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee bag, and first and second row window bags. Front side airbags are also standard. Add to this Active Brake Assist, Active Speed limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist function along with a blind spot warning system, which is now, fitted to all Mercedes cars. As mentioned above all GLE models sold here in Ireland also include ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assistance feature with all of their navigation and electric intelligence supports. Costs In Ireland focus will likely fall on the GLE 350 de 4MATIC which boasts 103 km of electric driving range also under WLTP. The sales manager in Ireland for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars Ciaran Allen stated this vehicle is said to be “significantly better equipped and more technically advanced than the versions being replaced,” the range comes on the market here at €105,900 with further pricing to be announced. Summary We have been told the ‘driver assistance’ improved functions that have been added will be a game changer to the new GLE. The previously extensive package on offer is now supported by a number of optional equipment lines the most significant of which, is an Off-Road Package. If you do plan to be off road in your GLE, this is a must! It features an underride guard system that when used in combination with the air suspension, ground clearance can be increased by an extra 30mm. When driving off-road, a ‘transparent bonnet’ links with the MBUX system to feed information to the driver of conditions facing the vehicle underneath. You might find yourself wading through water but this system can detect any invisible hazards that could cause damage! Another helpful option is a Trailer Manoeuvring Assist package which, again is a must if you tow items like a horse box, race trailer or caravan. These options along with the massive list of standard spec will no doubt make the new GLE incredibly popular. We just can’t wait to spend a week with it. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

As the leaves start to fall this Autumn we are advising motorists to start preparing their vehicles for the colder and wetter months ahead. Our Irish weather patterns are certainly changing and current forecasts predict a wet and thundery outlook for the months ahead. These conditions will no doubt have an impact on your driving experience, particularly as wet roads and autumn leaves pose an increased skid risk as can fallen trees or debris. Here we take a look at five basic checks you should carry out for peace of mind. Be Sure Your Tyres Are In Good Health We understand most motorists realise that wet roads pose a skid risk but what they might not realise is that wet roads immediately after a prolonged dry period can be even more problematic. That’s because the hotter summer weather can cause the bitumen in roads to bubble to the surface. When it then rains, the bitumen mixes with rubber, oil and other road dirt to form a slippery surface layer. That skid risk decreases when further rain washes the slippery layer away, but on the first day of rain after a prolonged dry spell, the roads can be treacherous. Then we have the autumn leaves likely falling on roads so it’s crucial to check the condition of your tyres. Inspect tread depth, inflation levels, and the overall state of your tyres, checking for any cracks in the rubber that might be forming. Tyre tread depth has to be above 1.6mm to be legal. And if you flout the rules, you could face a fine and penalty points. Colder weather can also cause tyres to suffer a loss in pressure, so make sure they’re set at the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) according to the manufacturer’s handbook. Are All Of Your Lights Working? As the days become shorter, motorists will rely on their car's lights more and more, particularly if they’re commuting or travelling later into the evening. During the summer months, it might not be immediately obvious that your headlights, or tail lights, aren’t illuminating properly. So now is the time to check for blown bulbs, and to also make sure your headlights are aligned correctly. Check indicators, side lights, headlights, brake lights, and reversing lights. And you should also check that your fog lights are functioning as they should both front and back. Remember most cars only have a single fog light to the rear. Try remember after heavy rains or fog to switch off your fog lights so you don’t dazzle other road users. The only lights that should be on during the day are the standard DRL’s (Daytime Running Lights) which are usually bright LED’s. Check Your Windows & Wipers The combination of damp autumn weather and a low sun can be a hazardous combination if you also have a dirty or heavily-smudged windscreen. To avoid any reduced visibility issues whilst driving, clean the interior of your window using a window cleaner and a microfibre cloth to prevent fogging issues. However, it's not just the interior of your windows that require attention. Examine your windscreen for any noticeable chips, and promptly arrange for a repair to prevent them from developing into larger cracks that could prove financially costly if ignored. Last but not least, take a look at your windscreen wipers. Ensure that the rubber components in contact with your windscreen are in good condition, and free from any signs of fraying or splits. If they fail to meet these criteria, it's advisable to replace them promptly. It is worth picking up an antifreeze screen was for the windscreen washer bottle also. It will not only offer superior cleaning but also protect the washer bottle when temperatures drop below freezing. Standard Fluid Level Checks When it comes to preparing your vehicle for autumn, do not underestimate the importance of maintaining the fluid levels in your car. Check coolant levels, oil levels, windshield washer fluids, brake fluids, and power steering fluids. All of these components are vital for ensuring your car runs smoothly during the autumn and winter months. Don’t be afraid to check them regularly, particularly now before the weather turns cold. This could save you from having to be rescued from the side of the road in the event of a breakdown. Remember EV owners should carry out these simple checks also. You might not have as many moving engine parts but there are still brake fluid levels and screen washer levels at the least. Keep Your Vehicle Clean The rainy weather that accompanies colder months will undoubtedly lead to muddier conditions on Irish roads, resulting in an increased level of debris attaching itself to your vehicle’s exterior. The longer this dirt remains on your car’s surface, the higher the risk of potential blemishes or damage to the paintwork, including rust. To protect your paint from whatever the weather may bring, consider performing a comprehensive cleaning, waxing, and polishing routine before the wet weather commences. We understand it’s not always possible to keep the car spotless this time of the year but just try get into the habit of routine cleaning inside and out and you will reap the rewards in value when it comes time to sell.

Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert. After the initial launch at the new Goffs Hotel earlier this year it was great to get offered a week long test drive in the all-new Renault Austral. This is is a vehicle that merges together traits of the SUV with a modern car like appearance that will sit in the C-Segment alongside the Arkana and Megane E-Tech. This is a busy category of cars that forms the largest global automotive sales so having three vehicles can only help bolster Renaults market share ambitions. The first thing to note is no doubt the exterior design, which like most Renault products right now, is stylish, sophisticated and purposeful. The body sits proudly atop of the diamond cut alloy wheels which are available from 17-inch to 20-inch. Seven body colours are on offer but our Esprit Alpine version in exclusive Satin Shale Grey looked menacing with a bi-tone black finish to the lower section of the car. The black finish continues to the roof rails and there is a plethora of Alpine badging and design tweaks no doubt inspired from the sporting DNA of Renault Group’s flagship brand. Features Inside it feels premium, as in really premium! The high-tech dash is built around the large OpenR screen that combines the 12.3-inch dashboard instrument display with a 12-inch vertical multimedia screen. A new 9.3-inch Head Up Display, projected through the windscreen adds to the total number of screens on board. Depending on your chosen specification, the interior incorporates real wood, leather, Alcantara, padded textiles and other form-fitted materials that are soft to the touch and paired with lacquered highlights in Deep Glossy Black and Satin Chrome. It’s a blend of quality materials that bring a feeling of comfort and prestige to the car’s interior. There is a clever divider between driver and passenger, which houses a slide-able hand rest for greater comfort while using the multimedia screen. This unit also includes a phone slot with wireless charging capabilities and decent storage space. Rear leg room is generous also with 27.4 cm of travel putting the Austral up there with the best in this class. There is a generous 555 litre boot that comes fitted with a hands-free power tailgate and there are various options to split and drop the rear seats with quick release pull handles. Power During our time a lot of people assumed the Renault Austral might be fully electric but in fact buyers will have a choice from a number of powertrains with a selection of electrified motors to cover all uses in time. Right now you can only opt for the full hybrid E-Tech self-charging engine powered by 1.2 L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor paired with an electric motor, a 1.7 kWh lithium-ion 400V battery and a smart multi-mode clutch-less dog box. This has a combined power of nearly 200 HP and could see you travel up to 1100km on a single tank of juice! The other rumoured engines to be on the way include a 130 HP 48V Mild Hybrid Advanced and a 140 HP or 160 HP 12V Mild Hybrid all of which are petrol. All Austral’s will start in full-electric mode before bringing in their petrol engines. Safety In the safety department Renault are happy enough to guarantee the best level in protection for passengers and other road users thanks to a range of improved passive safety equipment. Expect the now standard, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention when overtaking; Rear Automatic Emergency Braking; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Matrix LED Vision smart lighting and Occupant Safe Exit features. We have seen this tech on other Renaults but the Austral also gets a new air bag added between the driver and front passenger to avoid crashing heads in the event of a side-on collision. It also features a special battery compartment access and QR code to help rescue teams provide fast and effective assistance to passengers. Very clever! Costs Pricing for the all new Austral kicks off at €45,295 for the Techno Trim. The next price walk puts you into a Techno Esprit Alpine for €47,795 or you can take the top of the range Iconic Esprit Alpine which starts at €52,295. Our Iconic test car with extras, was coming in at €56,470 which we know isn’t cheap but it is a whole lot of car! All have various PCP and finance options available through the trusted Renault dealer network. Summary Honestly the Austral was one of our favourite cars to spend time with in 2023. We enjoyed a week of motorway, city and a cruise over Sally Gap to see how this C-segment SUV handled. It was sure footed, nippy when you engage Sport from the Muti-sense drive selector and super comfortable regardless of the terrain. In the city it makes short work of tight corners thanks to Renault’s third generation of four-wheel steering that has been steadily improved over the years. We were able to average close to the claimed 4.7 L/100 km over the course of a week and this can easily be monitored using ECO mode to make it as frugal as possible. Renault reckons 80% of driving on urban roads is possible in full-electric mode, which translates into a 40% reduction in fuel consumption overall. The screen tech and ease of use made even more convenient with the voice command Google Assistant is super slick. Few cars offer screens that relay vitals to the driver without distraction or glare. The Austral is just a quality machine to spend time with and we have no doubt we will soon see plenty roaming Irish roads. For Drive Comfort Economy Against Get’s a little expensive with options. To see our video review of the Renault Austral please click here. To check out Renault stock on DoneDeal, click here. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors

It’s that time of the year again and the first of the named storms is on the way to Ireland. Driving in storm force winds and heavy rain can be a challenge but there are a few tips are tricks you can use to aid you in your journey. Here we take a look at ten tips to aid you as we go into the darker months but above all, if you are not comfortable with the conditions that you find, don’t take a chance. Always put your safety and the safety of others ahead of any unnecessary trip. Demist Windows Before You Set Off We all know wet weather causes windows to mist-up, and clearing them can be a hassle, particularly if you’re running late. Make sure the heater settings are blasting air at the windscreen, not just into the cabin, and activate the demist button for the back windscreen. And remember that using the air conditioning will clear mist from windows much quicker than when it’s not on. That’s because the air con actually takes moisture out of the air before it’s expelled into the interior. Keep Your Traction Control On You might have seen a button in your vehicle that shows a car with a couple of wavy lines underneath it, as well as the word ‘OFF’. This refers to your car’s traction control. In some cars the button is labelled ‘DSC’ - for Dynamic Stability Control - or ‘ESP’ and ‘ESC’ for the Electronic Stability Control system. These systems are automatically set to ‘on’. But some motorists might be unsure what it means, and they might turn it off without thinking, or perhaps even accidentally deactivate it. Please, never turn off traction control. Traction control and stability control will automatically detect when a tyre is losing grip, and will either apply braking force to individual wheels to correct a skid, or can dial-down engine power to keep you safe. In wet weather, when the risk of skidding is high, ensuring that traction control is enabled is a must. Why would you ever choose to turn it off? That course of action is often reserved for when you get stuck in snow or ice, and you actually want plenty of wheel spin to try and gain some traction. Go Easy At Junctions, Traffic Lights etc. Wet weather equals less grip and ultimately a great chance of skidding. With this in mind, go easy on the accelerator when you’re pulling away from junctions and roundabouts. Laying down to much power can mean more wheel spin than forward momentum, and you could actually end up getting yourself in trouble. Find that balance between enough power, but not too much, so you can move away sharply. Dress Appropriately The wet weather has also coincided with a drop in temperatures. But however cold you might be, you need to resist the urge to get behind the wheel while wearing any big, bulky jackets that might restrict your movements. It is common knowledge that before setting off, a driver must ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner. Avoid Standing Water Where Possible When roads are constructed, they’re not typically flat. They have a slight high spots across each lane that then taper down to the left and right so that any water can run off into drains. So what you might see on motorways in particular is slightly more water pooling in certain areas. The most used/travelled part of the road tends to create a dry line just like in racing where the previous cars tyres have dispersed the water mass. This part of the road offers you the most grip and more than likely the least possibility of aquaplaning. If you do have to overtake, tuck back into the dry line as quickly as you can to mitigate the risk. Good tyre depts are essential to prevent aquaplaning. Its Probably Best Not To Use Cruise Control If you feel yourself aquaplaning, instinct will tell you to slam on the brakes - but you need to resist that temptation. Instead, ease off the accelerator slowly, keep the steering wheel straight, and when you feel traction once more, you can brake and slow down. Once in control, turn cruise control mode off, if it’s on, as having full, manual control of the accelerator is crucial when the car does sit on top of the water. Drive Cautiously If it’s really lashing rain outside and visibility isn’t great, slow down and keep a safe gap to the car in front. You’ll see some appalling driving in wet weather, as some drivers take absolutely no notice of conditions and continue to tailgate. It’s an absolute recipe for disaster and extremely dangerous when visibility is reduced because of road spray. Be Visible With Your Lights On Again, it never fails to amaze how often you see people driving in terrible conditions, with reduced visibility because of the rain, without their lights on. Yes most modern cars have daytime running lights but these are often not enough when we travel in heavy rain. Just be sure you lights are on so others car see you. Should You Use Your Fog Lights? Front and rear fog lights are designed to increase your visibility in thick fog. But you might also need to turn them on in heavy rain if visibility is ‘seriously reduced’ to 100m or less. But remember that fog lights can dazzle other road users and you should only use them in extreme weather, not just in drizzle or light rain. When used please also remember to turn them off. Check Those Tyres It goes without saying that your tyres should be in good condition and have a depth of tread that falls within legal guidelines, which is above 1.6mm across the middle three quarters of the tyre. Having bald tyres will greatly increase skid risk. Be sure the pressure is right also setting it to the recommended PSI usually on the side of the tyre or sticker inside of the door.

Škoda Auto is celebrating the production of its three-millionth SUV, a black Škoda Kodiaq Sportline, which rolled off the production line at the Kvasiny plant. After Škoda first entered the SUV segment with the Škoda Yeti in 2009, the cars have quickly become an integral part of the Czech carmaker’s portfolio. Over the course of its successful SUV campaign, Škoda has introduced the Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq series as well as its first all-electric MEB-based SUV model, the Enyaq. Boosted by the Kushaq’s success in India, SUVs now represent nearly half of Škoda’s global deliveries. Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, says, “Producing three million SUVs since 2009 is a fantastic achievement for our entire team. This milestone highlights the evolution of our customers’ preferences and our flexibility in meeting their needs. Today, almost 50% of the vehicles we deliver are SUVs. Our mission is clear: We are wholly committed to electrifying our SUV lineup and adapting our production facilities. Challenge accepted!” In the Czech Republic, Škoda manufactures the Kamiq, Enyaq, and Enyaq Coupé at the Mladá Boleslav facility, while the Karoq and Kodiaq roll off the production line in Kvasiny. Additionally, the automaker builds its SUV models in China, India, Ukraine, and Slovakia. The Yeti: Škoda’s first SUV model In 2009, Škoda Auto launched what was then its fifth model series – the Yeti. The Czech car manufacturer’s first SUV was compact and boasted typical SUV characteristics such as a raised seating position and spaciousness, complemented by Simply Clever features like VarioFlex rear seats. With more than 684,000 units produced, the Yeti’s production concluded in 2018. Its success laid the foundation for Škoda’s comprehensive SUV campaign. The Kodiaq: Pioneering the SUV campaign and anticipating the next generation The Kodiaq made its global debut in September 2016. The Kodiaq vRS, introduced in autumn 2018, was the first SUV in the sporty Škoda vRS family. To date, more than 841,000 units of the brand’s largest SUV have been produced. In the coming weeks, Škoda is set to unveil the second-generation Kodiaq, which will feature a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range exceeding 62 miles. Škoda Karoq: accelerating the SUV campaign In 2017, Škoda presented the Karoq as the second model in its SUV line-up. This compact model quickly became acornerstone of Škoda’s current portfolio, with over 705,000 units produced. By 2021, the Karoq was available in 60 countries and ranked third in terms of total deliveries after the best-selling Octavia and the Kamiq city SUV. The 2022 update introduced a more refined design language and incorporated sustainable materials. Škoda Kamiq: Entering the city SUV segment With the Kamiq, Škoda added an SUV series in the rapidly growing city SUV segment to its line-up. Since its 2019 launch, over 537,000 units of the Kamiq, including the Kamiq GT in China, have rolled off the production line. This success positioned it as Škoda’s best-selling SUV in both 2021 and 2022. In August, Škoda showcased updated versions of the Kamiq, featuring improvements in design, safety, and connectivity. The Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé: Entering the electric era with an SUV In September 2020, Škoda Auto marked a pivotal moment in its e-mobility strategy by launching the Enyaq, its first production model based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB). In January 2022, the Enyaq Coupé was introduced, boasting an emotive design, sporty aesthetics, and a roomy interior. To date, over 166,000 units of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé have been produced at the Mladá Boleslav plant. The Kushaq: Made in India for India Introduced in 2021, the Škoda Kushaq is the brand’s first locally manufactured model in India. With close to 64,000 units produced since its launch, the Kushaq underscores Škoda’s commitment to the Indian market. Leveraging existing synergies for dynamic growth markets, the first Kushaq vehicles from the Pune plant will be exported to Vietnam as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units, set for final assembly there from the second half of 2024 onwards. Trekka: Škoda’s trailblazing forerunner The all-rounder, Trekka introduced in 1966, is the forerunner of today’s Škoda SUV models. Developed in collaboration with a local Škoda importer and other New Zealand-based companies, it is distinguished as the first vehicle fully designed and manufactured in New Zealand. Technical kits from Mladá Boleslav, comprising engines and transmissions among other components, were shipped to New Zealand for assembly. By 1972, the Ōtāhuhu factory had produced nearly 3,000 units of the Trekka.

The Fiat and Jeep Importers Gowan Auto have announced the appointment of Reens Car Sales Rathmore to the Fiat and Jeep dealer networks, effective 18th September 2023. This family run dealership has a strong reputation for delivering a high level of customer service in all aspects of their dealer operations. Celebrating more than 47 years in business, Reens have continued year on year to build a loyal customer base whilst consistently striving to ensure an excellent service for their customers. in Ireland, has announced the appointment of Reens Car Sales Rathmore to the Fiat and Jeep dealer networks, effective 18th September 2023. Speaking of the appointment, John Saunders, Managing Director of Fiat and Jeep at Gowan Auto said: “We warmly welcome John, Tim and the wider Reens team to the Fiat and Jeep dealer networks. Our team are very excited to bring Fiat Passenger Cars and Jeep back to Co. Kerry and we are very much looking forward to working with the team at Reens as they bring their considerable years of experience to these historic reemerging brands. He continued: “The model landscape for both Fiat and Jeep are quickly changing with many new models launching over the next 12 to 18 months. The timing of Reens Rathmore joining our dealer networks could not be better, Jeep Avenger launched last week to excellent reviews and an amazingly competitive price from €35,995. Fiat will welcome the arrival of the all new 600 in Q1 2024. We are in very exciting times with Fiat and Jeep and we wish the Reens team every success with the brands” Tim Reen, Dealer Principal, Reens Garage said: “The team at Reens Rathmore are delighted to be joining the Fiat and Jeep dealer networks. Fiat has always been a very well received brand in Ireland and with the new models arriving next year we are excited to be part of Fiats resurgence in Ireland. Jeep, without a doubt, has a period of considerable growth ahead, with our dealership having a heritage selling Jeep it is great to be bringing this historic brand back to Co Kerry” Tim continued: “Our team at Reens Rathmore have firmly established ourselves as one of Irelands leading dealerships in the South. We are delighted to become the main dealer for new passenger cars for Fiat and Jeep in County Kerry at a time of such exciting growth and change. We look forward to extending our top-class service to all Fiat and Jeep customers, old and new” From all at DoneDeal we wish the Reens Team every success with this new appointment!

Interesting news for Polestar owners as the award-winning smart charging company Ohme has been confirmed as the new official charging partner for the brand in Ireland. This agreement will see Polestar recommend Ohme chargers for all its sales supporting drivers who need an EV charging solution. “Our new collaboration with Polestar underlines Ohme’s position as one of Ireland’s fastest growing dynamic EV charging companies,” said David Watson, CEO at Ohme. “Polestar has revolutionised the introduction of EVs in terms of launching an entirely new luxury brand. With Ohme’s technology giving drivers the control to get more from their EVs, Ohme and Polestar are a natural partnership.” “We are delighted to be working with Ohme as our recommended home charger supplier for our Irish owners,” said Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK & Ireland. “Ohme’s award-winning smart chargers and excellent approach towards customer service and professionalism align with Polestar’s core values and culture. This collaboration means that we are now able to provide customers with a significant cost saving and a whole EV offering – both a Polestar performance electric vehicle and a charging solution to match.” Ohme is based in Cork and London and its dynamic smart chargers with their unique software are able to automatically adjust their charging for drivers to take advantage of all the times of low price charging with off-peak tariffs. For example, charging a Polestar 2 Long range Single motor with a 78kWh battery and an Ohme smart charger on an off-peak electricity tariff could cost just €216.60 for driving 10,000kms over a year. By comparison, charging on the Standard Tariff would cost €700.15. Ohme has just been named as Fast Track Company of the Year in the 2023 Green Business Awards as well as Best Electric Charging Point Provider by Business Motoring. Electric Ireland – Night Boost at 12.65c/kWh, Standard Rate at 40.89c/kWh

The new Tesla Centre in Cork supports Tesla’s digital customer experience around Cork and Ireland. Test drives are available from the Fota Junction Retail Park location as well as service, when required. The site, which can be conveniently accessed from the N25 is approximately 17,000 sqft and has room to service up to 5 cars at once. Tesla has had a presence in Ireland since 2017, where it first opened its Tesla Centre Dublin in Sandyford with the new Cork site being its second Tesla Centre in the country. The opening of this new Irish location indicates Tesla's continued investment in the area, as part of its mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. Tesla is a tech company that applies 21st century thinking to car purchase and ownership, which the Tesla Centres support. All car purchases are done online, regardless of whether you are at home or choose to place an order in store with fixed pricing. Test drives can be arranged online in advance or organised on the day of a visit to a local Tesla Centre. Tesla also offers a unique service experience. All service visits are arranged through the Tesla app, choosing a time and date where convenient to you. With remote information and diagnostics, Tesla can pre-diagnose the issue and, where possible, fix your car with a software update. If that isn’t possible, the Mobile Service Technician will turn up for your timeslot at your home or work location and, with your permission, can unlock the car remotely. If a service centre appointment is needed, you can arrange a contactless drop off of your car at your chosen location, without having to step inside the Service Centre.

County Offaly based designer and manufacturer of the world’s number one PTO compressor, Applied Concepts Ltd., is set to launch its Varimount 120 at the upcoming National Ploughing Championships on 19 September 2023. And they've chosen Father Phil – father of popular agri influencer, Farmer Phil – to host the launch. The latest addition to Applied’s PTO compressor family builds on the same features and functions that have made the Varimount 350 the benchmark in PTO driven compressors. With a guaranteed output of 120 CFM, the Varimount 120 is ideally suited to a range of agricultural, commercial, construction, and industrial applications like blowing down equipment, powering a blasting machine, or jetting cable into a pre-installed duct. The air power you need, when you need it! “When we set out to design the Varimount 120, we wanted to create a PTO Compressor that delivers the same level of reliability, versatility, and durability offered by the Varimount 350 without requiring the same horse power and with an emphasis on affordability,” explains Mark Clendennen, CEO of Applied Concepts Ltd. “Everything about the Varimount 120 is informed by our customers’ feedback. They wanted an equally robust, but more compact, lightweight version of the Applied Varimount 350 that can run off smaller model tractors and the Varimount 120 is exactly that. We’re very conscious of the economic burdens facing our customers and our role in engineering machinery geared to help them cut their running costs while boosting productivity and efficiency.” “We felt the demand warranted investing in the development of a PTO compressor that delivers the air power to tackle everyday agricultural, commercial, construction, and industrial tasks at a price point that fits our customers’ budgets, essentially a little brother to the Varimount 350.” “It’s a project that has been two years in the making and we’re excited that Father Phil will be hosting the launch of the Varimount 120 and equally thrilled that the launch coincides with the National Ploughing Championships, arguably the highlight event of the agri industry calendar,” continues Mr. Clendennen. Following in the footsteps of the world’s number one PTO Compressor The Varimount 120 follows in the footsteps of the Varimount 350, the world’s leading PTO compressor. The brainchild of Applied’s expert mechanical and product design engineers, it is designed and manufactured at Applied’s state-of-the-art facility in Birr, Co. Offaly. Over one thousand hours of field testing have proven it tough enough to surpass customers’ expectations in a range of applications, even in the harshest of outdoor environments. “Our customers deserve a compressor that can handle anything they throw at it. That’s why we’ve checked and rechecked every element to ensure it lives up to the same attention to detail and exceptional manufacturing standards they’ve come to associate with the Applied name,” adds Mr. Clendennen. Like the Varimount 350, the Varimount 120 can be quickly and easily mounted onto the rear or front linkage of any tractor. What’s more, the Varimount 120 shares the tractor’s engine. This two-for-one design means diesel emissions are automatically halved, making it better for customers and better for the environment. Plus, its compact size makes the Varimount 120 suited to manoeuvring in tight spaces without adding unnecessary extra weight. “Every aspect of the Varimount 120 is engineered to ease our customer’s workload while eliminating the challenges and potential hazards of towing a standard mobile compressor. From its Pinnacle Air End and patented pneumatic controls to its Combi-Cooler and premium quality finish, the emphasis is on maximised performance and hassle-free maintenance, making the portable air power our customers need more attainable and affordable.” “We look forward to showcasing the Varimount 120 at the 2023 NPA Exhibition. And we’re proud to have Father Phil on board to launch the latest addition to our PTO compressor family because he so perfectly represents the values that make Applied a world leader – innovation, tenacity, and a commitment to designing products that put our customers’ needs first. Come join us at the opening of the National Ploughing Championships and take advantage of our special introductory price and other available offers,” concludes Mr. Clendennen. About Applied Concepts Ltd. Applied Concepts Ltd is Europe’s leading designer and manufacturer of blasting machines and PTO driven air compressors. Established in 2010, the company operates out of Birr, Co. Offaly, in the Republic of Ireland where its state-of-the art production facility is based. From superior quality, CE approved portable blasting machines and blasting cabinets to best-in-class PTO compressors, the Applied name comes with a promise of safety, durability, and unbeatable value for money backed by the technical support of its expert Applied Service Team. Contact Details Contact Person: Wendy Borland (PR Campaign Manager), Mark Clendennen (CEO, Applied Concepts Ltd.) Contact Number: +353 (0)57 913 7929 Email: wendy@appliedpi.com Website: www.ptocompressors.com Address: Roscrea Road, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 XW08, Republic of Ireland

With such a high level of road deaths recorded already this year, the Road Safety Authority welcomes Minister of State Jack Chambers’ announcement of his intention to bring a comprehensive review of speed limits to Cabinet shortly. Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority (RSA) said: “The RSA welcomes that the Minister is bringing the speed limit review to Cabinet and that he is keen to progress this process as promptly as possible. This review can contribute significantly to making Irish roads safer and bring down road deaths.” The speed limit review is a key part of the Government’s road safety strategy. A review group was established in late 2021 chaired by the Department of Transport and including representatives of the NTA, TII, local authorities, the RSA and An Garda Síochána. Research that the RSA carried out, which asks motorists if they speed and if so, why they speed, 64% of motorists admit to routinely speeding, with one fifth speeding daily and more than half of motorists speed at least once a week. Sam Waide continued: “We know that speeding is a killer behaviour when it comes to road safety. The World Health Organisation has estimated that a 5% reduction in average speed could result in a 30% reduction in fatal collisions. Having these discussions and raising awareness of the impact speed has on a person’s likelihood to survive a crash, will help to save more lives. “Another reason many drivers give for speeding is that they are running late and under pressure to arrive at their destination on time. We know that speeding does not in fact result in drivers arriving at their destination significantly quicker. National records show that completing an average journey* at 110km/hr instead of 100km/hr saves only 45 seconds. Completing an average journey at 60km/hr instead of 50km/hr saves only 2 mins and 44 seconds.” Sam Waide concluded: “Simply put, all of the evidence shows that reducing speed limits on Irish roads will save lives and prevent serious injuries. It is appropriate that at all times we drive at a speed that is appropriate to the weather and road conditions we face.”