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  • What is the real impact of Brexit on Irish Motor Traders?

    Paid post, brought to you by: Campion Insurance Trading links From vehicle distribution, parts and equipment to professional services, the Irish motor industry is entwined with the UK. There are significant volumes of cars and commercial vehicles in Ireland, as well as vehicle parts and accessories, that are manufactured in the UK. There are also a substantial number of cars and commercial vehicles, sourced by Irish dealers from dealers or auctions in the UK, not to mention vehicle parts sourced from UK sellers. What are the short, medium and long term implications of Brexit? In Ireland, used car imports total around 50,000 per year, which is a significant volume. In the medium to long-term, there may well be concerns regarding the potential for tariffs and quotas to be imposed on vehicles or parts manufactured in the UK, as a non-EU country. That said, it’s not just parts manufactured in the UK which will be hit – consideration needs to be given to vehicles or parts, manufactured in another EU member state, but distributed into Ireland through the UK. Although many of these goods are produced in the Eurozone, they are often charged into Ireland in Sterling. It is though the short-term impact on the Motor Trader industry that is likely to provide the biggest and most worrying challenges, especially in relation to currency fluctuations. Global financial companies are suggesting the value of Sterling could fall to parity with the Euro – or even further – if the UK leaves the EU with a no-deal Brexit, a scenario looking more & more likely each day. The key issue here is not the potential for higher volumes of imports, so much as the potential negative impact that it might have on used car values in Ireland. This, in turn, could very well slow down new vehicle sales, if the cost for a consumer to change their car increases as a result of the lower trade-in value. Not only will this impact cars but the same price adjustment will be happening in relation to parts and accessories as well. Similarly, mutual recognition between Ireland and the UK on vehicle approvals and acceptance of mileage-based odometers may need to be resolved in a changed context. For companies currently trading into Ireland from the UK, there may have to be some adjustment or modification in relation to the most beneficial way to structure for the future. In summary, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the market at the moment. If you need advice or a quote for a Motor Trader insurance policy, please contact Campion Insurance on 1850 577 777 or visit: www.campionins.com/motor-traders-insurance #Motors

  • 6 Money Saving Tips when buying a Motor Trade Insurance policy

    When buying a Motor Trade Insurance policy, ensuring you provide the right information is vital – providing incorrect information or indeed withholding it completely can have major implications. Campion Insurance, one of the country’s largest Motor Trade Insurance Brokers, have provided these key tips to follow when discussing a Motor Trade Insurance policy: Declare all your motor trade activities to ensure your business is covered correctly. Mention all your trade activity so your policy will cover you for any motor trade driving requirements. For example, don’t limit to servicing & repair if half your business is valeting – a claim would be void if an accident occurred moving a valeted car. Know exactly who you’re adding to your policy If you add a driver who you haven’t fully vetted and they have an accident, it will be your no claim bonus that takes the hit next renewal, not theirs! Use the National Fleet Database website Make sure you log onto the National Fleet Database to link your car to your motor traders policy.  Motor Trader certs and discs don’t show a reg number, so with the increase in ANPR cameras used by the Gardaí, you could be stopped as the camera will not link the vehicle to an active insurance policy. Check your sums insured so claims are paid for the right costs Make sure you regularly review your sums insured, especially if you have tools or a stock of vehicles insured. Tools built up over years could end up being a multiple of the original amount you paid or difficult to source, thus increasing the value. Have proof of your motor trade work to show you’re a genuine motor trader In the event of a claim or dispute in cover, proof of motor trade may be requested. This can consist of receipts for spare parts purchased, records of vehicles bought & sold in the motor trade, copies of advertisements you’ve placed etc. Check exactly what vehicles you are insured to drive Most motor trade insurance policies have a Gross Vehicles Weight limit between 7.5t and 10t. If you drive anything larger, a vehicle with more than 8 seats or a motor bike for motor trade activity, you may not be covered. If your business brings you in contact with anything other than cars, vans, and small to mid-range commercials, you should check with your insurer that your covered. The final tip is to contact Campion Insurance for a discounted quote – 1850 577 777 To receive a discount of €50 off any New Business quote given by Campion before 31st October 2019, simply quote “DoneDeal Newsletter” to the Campion staff member #Motors

  • Volvo V40 Car Review

    Distinctive yet practical, the new V40 is Volvo’s solution to compete in the premium hatchback market. The V40 offers more diversity to the ‘V’ badged range as it is the first compact hatchback of the collection. At a starting price of €29,495, the V40 intends to take on other upmarket giants such as the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class and the Volkswagen Golf. View Volvo V40’s for sale on DoneDeal now. From floor dividers to several tethering points the V40 boot is relatively standard but is also suitable for any day to day standard needs. Volvo has provided a spare wheel with the vehicle, but some might find the space in the boot to be limited. The V40 promises on being ‘compact’, with a 324-litre capacity (40 litres less than its rival the VW Golf) you may find the boot might fill quickly after adding a few items in it. However, extra boot space can be created by folding forward the rear seats. Rear seat passengers may be disappointed with the amount of head and leg space as it is restricted. On the plus side, the interior boasts a premium feel through design and comfort. Other features present includes features such as cup holders and a pull-down armrest. Front seat passengers are welcomed to an exceptionally plush bright blonde leather upholstery. Comfort becomes an emerging theme once seated in V40. The steering wheel is larger than most, which is noticeable if you are accustomed to driving a hatchback. Features in the V40 include a glove box, cup holders, door cards and a convenient centre armrest for either the driver or front seat passenger. The infotainment system is standard. However, it includes some essentials such as a Sat Nav, Internet and a reversing camera. Unfortunately, the quality of the reversing camera is quite poor, which is disappointing. The technology in the V40 is sub-par when compared to others in the Volvo range like the XC40. Slot in your key in, click start and get ready to be impressed by how effortless the V40 is to drive. If you have ever owned a Volvo, the V40 provides a similar driving experience to other models in the Volvo range as they remain consistent on performance. The Swedish manufacturer is best-known for its safety, and this model does not disappoint. Volvo owns some of the safest cars on the roads today, and the V40 falls into this category. Volvo has taken it another step forward and has now added a pedestrian airbag in the bonnet of the car. The V40 delivers on what you would expect from a Volvo car, and we believe this hatchback makes an excellent choice for many. The V40 is ideal for that young urban drivers as Volvo have positioned this car as a ‘city companion’. The entry-level model offers a higher spec than many of its competitors and guarantees that premium quality if that is what you are looking for.

  • DoneDeal donates €2,000 to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut

    DoneDeal has donated €2,000 to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut from their #DrivingPride Taxi campaign during Dublin pride. Over the course of Dublin Pride, DoneDeal had a specially designed #DrivingPride Taxi on the streets of Dublin, offering free trips around the capital. As part of the campaign, Ireland’s favourite car website also committed to donating €10 to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut for each trip that took place. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “We are delighted to be able to make this donation to ShoutOut and to thank them for all the work they do in the community and in education. This year for Dublin pride, we were committed to giving back in a tangible way to the LGBTQ+ community in Dublin. Our #DrivingPride Taxi made a colourful addition to the streets of Dublin and offered everyone the chance to avail of free trips during a busy and celebratory time in the capital.” DoneDeal’s #DrivingPride Taxi ran from Thursday, June 27th through Sunday, June 30th.

  • Electric & Hybrid Car Sales surge to 1,600 a month

    Just under 10,000 new Electric & Hybrid cars have been sold in the state during the first six months of 2019. This represents an increase of 3,911 units when compared to the same time period in 2018. 9,582 new Electric & Hybrid cars rolled off the nation’s forecourts over the last six months. A 69% year-on-year increase. Electric and Hybrid car sales are now the exclusive growth area in new car sales nationwide. The data was released as part of DoneDeal’s H1 2019 Motor Industry Review, sponsored by Bluestone Motor Finance that was published today. A total of 318,749 used cars traded hands during the opening six months of 2019, compared to 330,784 for the same period in 2018, a 3.6% year-on-year decrease. Volkswagen was the most popular used car make of H1 2019, with a total of 42,952 Volkswagen’s changing hands in the used car market. Toyota (38,880) and Ford (35,243) were next best with Nissan (19,761) and Audi (18,006) rounding out the top five. DoneDeal has also revealed the top used makes and models that have retained their value the best from when they were new in 2016. The car that maintained its value the most since 2016 is the Skoda Octavia with an average value depreciation of 33% in that time frame. Next best, was the Volkswagen Golf (35%), followed by the Ford Focus (48%). Meanwhile, the best selling new Electric car of 2019 is the Hyundai Kona which sold 728 units between January and June and accounted for 37% of all new Electric car sales in Ireland. The Nissan Leaf was the second best seller with 651 unit sales while the E Golf came in, in third with 135 car sales. During May and June DoneDeal surveyed over 1,000 people looking to purchase a car and found more than half (52%) of those surveyed were interested in purchasing a Diesel engine, however future buying preference for Electric and Hybrid vehicles is now at an all-time high of 26% amongst future car buyers. Elsewhere, 56% of people said they would trade-in their car when buying their next with 44% opting to sell privately. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “Every month – one thousand six hundred new Electric & Hybrid cars are now rolling off the nation’s forecourts. In Dublin alone, over 4,000 have been sold in the opening six months of 2019. It’s a similar pattern across the major cities. In Cork 1,200 new Electric & Hybrid units were sold. Galway witnessed a 62% year-on-year surge with sales of 435 EVs to date. Meanwhile, Limerick (301) and Waterford (172) all witnessed substantial year-on-year increases.”

  • Free Taxi this Pride Weekend!

    DoneDeal and Lynk partner to raise money for LGBTQ+ charity, ShoutOut. The “DoneDeal #DrivingPride Taxi” has arrived on the streets of Dublin, offering people the chance to travel with Pride this weekend, with free trips in this stylish and colourfully designed Toyota. The concept was created by DoneDeal as an opportunity to give back to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate an important date in the Dublin calendar. To take advantage of free trips, book a taxi with Lynk from Thursday, June 27th until 11pm Sunday, June 30th. If you see the colourful “DoneDeal #DrivingPride Taxi” arrive your taxi will be free. DoneDeal will cover the cost of all fares in the “#DrivingPride Taxi” through these dates and make a donation for each trip to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut which delivers workshops and educational talks to schools and workplaces all over Ireland. (L-R) Stephen O’Reilly (DoneDeal), Sayo Bittencourt (DoneDeal), Aifric Ní Chríodáin (ShoutOut), Dolly Grip, William Tector (DoneDeal), Patrick McDonald (DoneDeal), Martin Clancy (DoneDeal), Dee Burke (DoneDeal) “DoneDeal is keen to support the Dublin LGBTQ+ community and to promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. Our ‘Driving Pride Taxi’ will give Dubliners a free trip during a busy and celebratory time in the capital.” said DoneDeal’s Martin Clancy. ShoutOut director, Aifric Ni Chriodain said: “We’re delighted to work with DoneDeal on the #DrivingPride Taxi this Pride weekend. As a volunteer-led charity working across the island of Ireland, the donations from each trip will have a huge impact on our work to create a safer environment for young LGBTQ+ people at school. This partnership will directly support our mission of LGBTQ+ inclusion through education, and offer a visible and cheerful presence on the streets of Dublin this Pride so Dubliners can travel safely and stylishly during the busy weekend.” DoneDeal’s “#DrivingPride Taxi” will be on the streets of Dublin from this morning until Sunday, June 30th. To book the taxi with Lynk. Call 01 8 72 72 72 or Download the Lynk app. Taxi trips limited to 10km in the Dublin area to allow as many users as possible to take advantage. T&C’s Pride Taxi available from 27th Thursday  – Sunday 30th June Max trip 10km (Dublin only) Taxi is subject to availability. Not all bookings will be free. Free taxi is awarded randomly to people booking with Lynk Booking available by phone or app only

  • Get A Free Taxi Trip this Pride Weekend

    There are two ways to take advantage of these free trips, you can either book a taxi with Lynk from this Thursday, June 27th until 11pm Sunday, June 30th or flag down our pride taxi on the road. If you’re lucky enough to see our rainbow #DrivingPride taxi your trip will be on us. For each cover this weekend, we will be making a donation to ShoutOut who work closely on educating the nation on LGBTQ+. Terms and Conditions Pride Taxi available from 27th Thursday  – Sunday 30th June Max trip 10km (Dublin only) Taxi is subject to availability. Not all bookings will be free. Free taxi is awarded randomly to people booking with Lynk Booking available by phone or app only

  • 10% of all car searches are now for Electric & Hybrid vehicles

    Nearly 10% of all car searches in Ireland are now for Electric & Hybrid vehicles. New data released by Ireland’s leading motor website DoneDeal has revealed that nearly 10% of all car searches nationwide are now for Electric and Hybrid vehicles. For this research, DoneDeal analysed over 200 million car searches on their website between January 2017 and May 2019. The data revealed that searches for Hybrid & Electric cars increased by 244% over the two and a half year period, accounting for just 2.5% of searches at the start of 2017 and growing to 8.6% by May of this year. The search data closely mirrors activity in the new car sales market for the opening five months of the year. Since January 7,453 Hybrid vehicles were sold in the state – accounting for 9.4% of the total new car sales market. Electric sales reached an all-time high of 1,901 for this time period and now represent 2.4% of all new cars on Irish roads. Interestingly, DoneDeal also revealed that Petrol searches grew from 19% to 23% between January 2017 and May of this year. Diesel which still accounts for the largest number of searches and car sales saw its share of the search market shrink to 68.2% from 78.4% in January of 2017. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “Search trends are a clear indicator of consumer preference and future purchasing behaviour. For instance, our search data highlighted the decline of Diesel as early as 2016. These user behaviours translated into the first noticeable drop in Diesel’s new car market share the following year. Presently, 6% of all searches are now for Hybrid vehicles with 3% of consumers solely focused on Electric car searches.” The figures come on the back of the Government’s announcement this week that it is aiming to have 100% of cars on the road to be electric by 2030.

  • SEAT Tarraco Car Review

    The all-new SEAT Tarraco has caught the eyes of many having just been released to the market this year. SEAT’s most premium car to date arrives at a starting price of €34,700 and is priced competitively against the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Interestingly, all three models sit under the Volkswagen Group’s banner. However, costs can exceed €50,000 if you are looking to upgrade from the standard model. View SEAT Tarraco’s for sale on DoneDeal now. It comfortably sits seven people, and when rear seats are folded forward, it has an impressive boot capacity of 700 litres. Other features in the boot include hooks for bags and a flat load lip, convenient for unloading items. Second-row passengers are treated to what feels like acres of head and legroom as well as adjustable seats. The row of seats is more like a long bench with a 60:40 configuration. The third row is easily accessible, but space may be limited depending on the size and number of people in the back. The driver is treated to lumbar support seating, which comes as standard with the Tarraco. This feature can be a make or break for many car buyers in today’s market. However, you will need to upgrade to a higher spec to take advantage of fully electric front row seating. Equipped with features such as USB points, armrests, Isofix points and a 12-volt socket the Tarraco has it all. The car comes with two fold out trays located on the back of both the front seat passengers. From the slick digital dashboard to the front and centre infotainment system screen, this car comes with all the gadgets one would hope for when buying a premium car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features with this model. The Tarraco supports wireless phone charging. Its parking assist is second to none due to the rear view camera installed to make parking that bit easier. The Tarraco, Kodiaq and Tiguan Allspace all share similar engine and gearbox options. Options for the Tarraco range from a 1.5-litre petrol engine to a 2-litre diesel engine. We recommend the 2.0 TDI with a 150 bhp; as it is the perfect balance between efficiency and comfort. The Tarraco has a significant presence on the road due to its height, providing a smooth yet gripping driving experience. To conclude, the Spanish manufacturer has done excellent work with this alternative seven-seater solution. The SUV is a suitable choice for those looking for a practical and spacious family SUV. Identical to its rivals, this decision will hinge on personal brand preference when deciding between the Tarraco and its competitors.

  • 1 in 3 Irish Millennials will buy their next car online.

    1 in 3 Irish Millennials will buy their next car online. That’s according to new data released by DoneDeal, who surveyed nearly 1,500 users on their car buying opinions and experiences. The results show a clear shift in consumer preference from retail to e-commerce with over 30% of all millennials surveyed indicating they would prefer to buy their next car online compared with just under 20% of all other respondents. Of particular interest was that 90% of Millennials said they only shop for cars on their phones. Just 8% would opt to view cars in person. When came to extra features, infotainment systems and integrated smartphone features ranked as the most crucial for Millennials. Among older age groups, Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Assist were the most desirable. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “What this research highlights is that convenience and connectivity are paramount in how Millennials approach shopping for and selecting cars. On DoneDeal, our goal is to make the car buying journey as convenient as possible for users and over the last number of months we have introduced new search filters such as price per month while also offering users the opportunity to seek Car Finance approval through our site. Indeed, amongst Millennials, we have seen a strong appetite for Car Finance on DoneDeal. Since the start of the year, we have processed over 2,000 car finance applications for a combined total of €24 million. 45% of those applicants are Millennials.” Key Findings from the Survey: One in five Irish people are considering a Hybrid/Electric vehicle as their next purchase Diesel remains the clear engine preference with 55% of us still in the market for a Diesel engine 75% of consumers would opt for a high-spec mid-range vehicle 20% would consider buying a self-driving vehicle within the next five years Features Irish car buyers will pay a premium for: Integrated Smartphone Options such as Apple CarPlay/AndroidAuto Adaptive Cruise Control Park Assist What’s most important to Irish people when buying a car? Getting a good deal Fuel Economy Safety

  • Volvo XC40 Car Review

    Having been crowned the Irish Car of the Year 2019, the XC40 is one of the most popular additions to the Volvo family. Stylish inside and out the XC40 is Volvo’s interpretation of the compact SUV. At a starting price of around €37,000, Volvo aims to compete competitively against premium brands such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar. We test drove the sportier R-Design, which starts from around €42,000. This spec has some slick upgrades which include larger alloy wheels, blacked out grill and dual tip exhausts. View Volvo XC40’s for sales on DoneDeal now. The boot can be opened manually or by the simple swipe of a foot which is a common feature associated with most premium cars these days. With a large boot capacity of 430 litres, What makes the XC40 extremely practical is the addition of features such as a 12-volt socket, dividers for bags, and hooks for hanging items. Overall the car is quite spacious at the back and can fit three passengers quite comfortably. However, the optional sunroof for the V60 does compromise headroom for the back seat passengers. A useful addition to the XC40 is the adjustable steering wheel that provides drivers with better reach and comfort when getting behind the wheel. All specs are fitted with a digital dashboard, adding to Volvo’s goal of creating a premium SUV. Volvo vehicles are known for their intuitive technology, and the XC40 follows suit. The sizeable vertical screen provides a great user experience as it makes navigating from app-to-app on the infotainment system that bit easier. Other features worth highlighting include the incredible 360° camera for parking assist, accident avoidance and lane assist. Unfortunately Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do not come as standard, unlike many of its competitors. Our R-Design was equipped with the T4 petrol engine, delivering 190bhp through an automatic eight-speed gearbox. However, a lag exists when transitioning between gears, which slightly hinders its performance on the road. Overall, this slick and fun addition to the Volvo range is worthy of consideration if you’re looking for an upscale SUV. Although equipped with some fantastic features, the only drawback would be that many of these aren’t available with the standard model and would require upgrading to some of the higher end models.

  • Hyundai Kona Car Review

    A global leader in the motor market, Hyundai have witnessed substantial growth over the last number of years and are now following the small crossover craze with their new Hyundai Kona. We got to test drive the Kona 1 litre petrol to find out how this compact SUV performs on the road. The Kona currently competes against the Kia Stonic, Renault Captur and SEAT Arona. Priced slightly more expensive than its competitors, Kona’s standard model starts around €21,500. For this review, we managed to obtain the executive model, which starts from around €23,500 and in our opinion, is the best option among the Kona range. View Hyundai Kona’s for sales on DoneDeal now. With a boot capacity of 361 litres, the Kona ranks above average compared to its rivals. If that’s not enough, the rear seats can fold forward, increasing the capacity to 1,300 litres. Several tethering points can be found in the boot along with storage space under the false floor for valuable belongings. The compact crossover’s rear doors open to a full range, improving access and making it effortless for families who will be using children’s car seats. However, the Isofix points are awkwardly placed in the seat, making them difficult at times to use. The Kona provides a generous amount of head and legroom for passengers. Several storage spots exist, some of which include cup holders in the door cards and two additional storage points are located on the rear of both driver and passenger seats. Front seat passengers are treated to a more open and spacious surrounding; however, that is to be expected. As the Kona is weighted towards practicality and affordability over style, the overall interior is quite basic and takes away from its unique exterior design. In some higher spec, Kona’s coloured stitching is available to improve the interior. The touch screen infotainment system comes in five, seven or nine inches depending on the spec and has all the features you’d expect like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sat nav. If buying the standard model, we would recommend upgrading to the seven inches as we believe it is a must-have. Other stand out features worthy of mentioning include its lane assist, which is nothing short of incredible. The 1 litre has an eager yet refined engine that makes it one of the more fun compact SUV’s to drive. The high mounted body gives excellent visibility of the road for drivers and has no problem driving over rough terrain. The petrol version is quite responsive, but its handle is not as advanced in comparison to the Arona. Overall we would recommend the Kona as it is a functional and safe car to drive. Equipped with some super features, it’s easy to understand why the Kona is a popular option for current car buyers.

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