30 November 2011

Westover Nissan in Bournemouth and Salisbury are inviting customers to check out the new supercharged addition to the Micra family at a special test drive event taking place this weekend at the dealerships.

Come along on Saturday and Sunday (3 and 4 December), take the Micra DIG-S out for a test drive and see the nifty city car in action for yourself – it delivers sparkling performance, frugal economy and exceptionally low emissions, all with no compromise to drivability. That’s all thanks to a new petrol engine which produces just 95g/km of CO2, making it one of the lowest in the world today. The engine is a direct injection unit with a supercharger − hence the car's name: Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger.

Paul Hughes, Westover Nissan Sales Manager said: “The Micra DIG-S was designed to meet and exceed the everyday driving demands of the modern world and we think it does this in spades. But don’t take our word for it – make the most of this opportunity to try it out for yourself.

“Come along to our showrooms and you can take a closer look at this new model in a relaxing environment. Our sales team will be on hand to give you a warm welcome and answer any queries. If you want to avoid delays on arrival, call to book an appointment - the DIG’s proving to be very popular, as the Micra has been since its launch back in the early 80s.”

Prices for the Micra DIG-S start from just £11,150 – only £1,000 more than the non-supercharged version. Owners will benefit from reduced costs at the pump as a result of the car’s excellent fuel economy. They will also be able to enjoy tax concessions based on its low emissions, lower servicing bills thanks to the smaller engine and competitive insurance rates.

The Micra DIG-S engine achieves such improvements in power and economy through a series of measures to improve efficiency, including direct injection, valve timing control, improved exhaust gas recirculation, specially shaped pistons and a higher compression ratio. Together these factors ensure the most power is extracted from every drop of fuel.

Even more energy is saved by using an intelligent alternator, which recharges the battery when the engine power is not being used – when braking, for example. Stop-start technology also helps to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by automatically turning off the engine whilst the car is stationary and restarting it when you are ready to move off. The CO2 saving is displayed on the dashboard.

To book your test drive or for more information about the new Nissan Micra DIG-S, please call Westover Nissan on 0800 999 2325 (Bournemouth) or 0800 999 2322 (Salisbury). 

ENDS

3 October 2011 

Westover Renault has enhanced its specialist Motability service, adding another member to its specially trained team.

Michael Evans, based at Westover Renault on Wallisdown Road in Poole, has recently qualified as the dealership’s Motability expert, having completed a training course in Southampton and passed a rigorous on-line assessment. He joins Westover Renault’s other in-house experts: George Howlett in New Milton who has clocked up 30 years of Motability experience; and Gary Little in Salisbury, who’s been enjoying his Motability role for the last five years.

Each of Westover’s three Renault dealerships has Motability accreditation, permitting them to supply new cars to customers who are eligible under the Motability scheme. Michael, George and Gary can advise about the features and benefits of different vehicles, as well as possible adaptations to assist with particular needs. They can also visit customers in their own homes, if preferred. The showrooms offer Motability customers a VIP service, including a ‘collect and return’ servicing option, complimentary car washes and a free valet.

The Motability Scheme was set up to help people who receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance to gain access to safe and affordable transport. It permits the allowance to be exchanged for a new or used vehicle - and you don’t even need to be a driver yourself as you can nominate two other people as your drivers. An application for a car can also be made on behalf of a child aged three or older, if he or she is entitled to the mobility allowance.

Michael Evans comments: “Motability is a brilliant scheme with all the extras, such as insurance, servicing, warranty, MOT and breakdown cover, included. All the customer has to pay for is the fuel. I’ve seen the organisation in operation from both sides of the fence and have been really impressed. My mother has been able to get a vehicle thanks to Motability and it’s fair to say that it’s totally transformed her life.”

He finishes: “We offer our Motability customers the service they deserve and this is proving to be a really rewarding job because the appreciation we receive is enormous. As I’ve discovered, people come back to us repeatedly because of the care and attention we put in to making sure they get the right vehicle to meet their individual needs.”

For no advance payment, Motability customers can drive away in a wide range of Renault models, including the Twingo, Clio, Megane, Kangoo and Grand Modus. That means Motability customers can simply exchange their higher rate mobility allowance (currently £51.40 a week) for the car, with no additional payments at all towards the cost of owning or maintaining the vehicle (other than fuel). At the end of the three year Motability period they can simply hand the car back to the dealership and choose a new one (providing they are still eligible). Motability drivers requiring a larger car can have a Renault Megane Sport Tourer for a one-off advance payment of just £195 or a Renault Scenic for £395.

To find out more about Westover Renault and its Motability vehicles, please call 0800 999 2321 (Poole), 0800999 2298 (New Milton) or 0800 999 2320 (Salisbury). For information about dealership locations please go to www.westovergroup.co.uk and click on the Renault button.

30 November 2009

Remember to give your car a winter health check before you take to the roads this Christmas, advises Westover.  For just £19.95 – a small percentage of the average family’s seasonal spend – drivers can head to the highway safe in the knowledge that their car won’t let them down, thanks to Westover Nissan and Toyota’s ten point check.

Any vehicle booked in for a Westover Nissan or Westover Toyota winter check in Bournemouth or Salisbury will also receive a free fuel treatment – itself worth £14.95.

“Revellers clock up a lot of extra miles over the Christmas and New Year period – often driving long distances in difficult conditions to visit friends and family – but few think to have their vehicle checked over first,” says Lee Tuxford, General After Sales Manager at Westover Toyota. “You need to know you can depend on your car’s reliability during the winter months, even if you can’t depend on the weather.

“Winter driving conditions – including ice, snow, heavy rain and strong winds - are unforgiving when it comes to under-maintained cars,” continues Pete Short, Lee’s counterpart at Westover Nissan.  “Tyre tread depths, for example, are even more important in the winter than at other times of the year – a decent tread grips the road better in wet or icy conditions and will give more control, as well as greater braking ability.”

Westover’s technicians will check the health of your car’s battery, electrics, antifreeze, lights, windscreen wipers and washers, brakes, tyre treads and tyre pressures, fluid levels and provide a complimentary vehicle safety report.

Christmas has come early to the dealerships’ winter check customers, with a free fuel treatment worth £14.95 up for grabs. Designed to help optimise emissions, increase fuel economy and decrease the build-up of unwanted carbon deposits, it can also help towards the reduction of the overall running costs.

“With winter conditions well and truly taking hold and odds on a white Christmas as much as 5:1, anyone who wants to be sure of out-witting the weather should think about a 4x4,” finishes Mike Boyd, Westover director. “Some people need – or just prefer – a four wheel drive vehicle and there’s no doubt that they’re better equipped to cope with challenging weather conditions, like ice and flooding. When the chips are down and the weather’s rough, but work or school still beckon, a 4x4 is the best - and often the safest - way to travel. We’ve got some chillingly good deals that’ll blow the competition away this winter, so it’s worth slipping into one of our showrooms to check out what’s on offer.”

25 November 2009

Selected customers and members of the local Jaguar Drivers’ Club were invited to Westover Jaguar last week to be amongst the first in the UK to see the new Jaguar XJ ‘in the flesh’.

The vehicle, which was on display at the West Quay Road showroom for one day only, is one of just three models currently touring the country. Westover has already taken confirmed orders for the long-awaited, technologically advanced Jaguar XJ, which comes complete with ‘gorgeous looks and a fabulous driving experience’, according to Auto Express.

Jaguar’s flagship vehicle will be available in restricted numbers from 1 March 2010, but enquiry and order levels are already very healthy for next year and far exceeding expectations. A demonstrator will be ready to take to Dorset’s roads from mid February onwards for anyone wishing to take a test drive.

“Reports about the Jaguar XJ have been universally good and it doesn’t disappoint,” says Paul Collins, Westover director. “This model will have a halo effect for Jaguar Cars and it makes a powerful statement with regards to quality – it’s luxurious in its looks and comes up trumps performance-wise too. The future of Jaguar is looking good and this will see it recognised as a real threat to the very best vehicles in its class. The XJ’s specification and intuitive technology are bang up-to-date and it’s going to be hard to beat. People have been waiting for something different from Jaguar and this car certainly delivers the wow factor.

“We’re pleased to report that the most dedicated and traditional members of the Jaguar Drivers’ Club were impressed with what they saw. The XJ represents quite a break from Jaguar’s past and the fact that die-hard fans are giving it their seal of approval is a real mark of this model’s success.

“We were thrilled to have such an early opportunity to show this vehicle off to our customers and the feedback we received was terrific. It’s a bespoke car, produced to order and in limited numbers – we don’t expect to have surplus stock once people have driven the car!”

Constructed from aluminium and magnesium (using techniques borrowed from the aviation industry), and available in four models (Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio and Supersport), the new XJ features interior mood lighting and virtual instruments. Upgrade to the Supersport and you’ll find a media hub, leather seats with a massage function, four zone climate control and a television tuner on board. There are also four engine choices – three powerful supercharged V8 options and a 3.0 litre V6 diesel, which delivers clout without compromising capability. On the road prices start at £52,500.

23 October 2009

With the Government’s successful vehicle scrappage scheme extended until February 2010, the Westover Group is advising car buyers to shop around before taking the plunge and consigning an old vehicle to the scrap heap. Buyers eager to track down the best bargains should look at all the offers up for grabs – not just at scrappage deals – says Westover, the region’s largest independent motoring company.

“We’re currently offering discounts of more than £3,000 on some of our best-selling models – which beats the scrappage scheme’s average saving of £2,000 hands down,” says Paul Dillon, Westover Group operations director.

“Don’t forget there are also other benefits of seeking out a competitive non-scrappage deal. Most significantly, you may have a car to part exchange, which can make a hefty difference to the financial equation. New (non-scrappage) vehicles often come with additional extras, like free servicing or stronger finance deals, which will bring significant savings in the longer term.

“We’re not knocking the scrappage scheme – which has been an undoubted success – but we are advising people to explore all available options. We simply want our customers to drive away from our dealerships knowing they’ve got the most suitable car for them - and at the best possible price.”

The top savings (all of which exceed the average scrappage contribution) currently available at Westover showrooms across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire include:

1. The Fiat Multipla people carrier has seen its price slashed, with savings now available of up to £2,875. The Bravo Grande Punto is also up for grabs for a maximum saving of £1,725.

2. Over at Westover Peugeot, there’s up to £3,250 off the price of the ever-popular 308 and up to £2,100 off the 207 1.4 Verve – giving on-the-road prices from just £12,495 and £10,245 respectively.

3. The Renault Clio Extreme dCi, complete with metallic paint and air conditioning, clocks in at just £9,545 - thanks to a £3,170 saving.

4. Kia has bumped up the attraction factor on its Cee’d and Sportage models, with discounts of up to £2,500 and £1,250 respectively. Both vehicles also come with a comprehensive seven year warranty.

5. Known for its customer-friendly initiatives, Skoda has scrapped VAT on its cars and is also offering 0% APR finance deals. The tax saving on its Octavia 1.4S 16v is nearly £1,500.

19 October 2009

Motorists out and about on the region’s roads should take extra care after the clocks have changed this weekend, says the Westover Group, the region’s largest independent motoring company. Road accident rates peak in November because of darker evenings and motorists keen to stay safe should prepare themselves - and their vehicles - for winter.

“Darker evenings, combined with conditions like fog, heavy rain, ice and early morning frosts all make driving much more challenging during the winter months,” says Paul Dillon, Westover Group Operations Director. “Preparation is key to safety, so we’ve compiled a list of the top ten things drivers need to consider before the winter really takes hold.”

1. Take extra care on your first few journeys after the clock change, especially if you’re not used to driving in the dark.

2. Check your windscreen and clean it regularly – good visibility is vital to safe winter driving. Keep the car’s washer fluid topped up.

3. Make sure lights and indicators are clean so that other drivers (as well as pedestrians and cyclists) can see you coming and know where you plan to go.

4. Check your car’s tyres - the less tread they have, the more likely it is that your car will skid on ice, leaves or surface water. Don’t forget to check their pressure too – if they’re over-inflated you’ll have less grip on the road. Pop into any Westover dealership for advice.

5. Get your car ‘health checked’ at a reputable dealership, where qualified technicians will make sure it is fit to take on the bleakest of winter weather. They’ll inspect the car’s anti-freeze, battery, bulbs and windscreen wiper blades, as well as carrying out a whole host of other checks.

6. Leave a greater-than-normal distance between you and other cars to give yourself plenty of time to react to unexpected changes in speed or direction – it can take up to 10 times longer to stop when the roads are slippery. Sudden braking and acceleration which will both increase your risk of skidding.

7. Think before you leave home – if you haven’t already done so, take the sun hats and sun cream out of the boot and swap them for a coat and gloves, a torch, tow rope and jump leads. Be prepared.

8. Listen to the radio in the event of extreme weather conditions and if the advice is not to drive, then stay off the road!

9. Be aware that between three and six o’clock there are lots of children on the roads and pavements making their way home from school – they’re much more vulnerable after the clocks have changed.

10. Don’t forget ‘spring forward, fall back’ – the clocks go forward an hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall or autumn, so the good news is you’ll get an extra hour in bed on Sunday morning!

Westover’s 23 dealerships across the region can all conduct winter health checks on every make and model of vehicle. The Group’s Nissan and Toyota showrooms are offering a great value, all-encompassing 50 point check for just £19.95, which includes a free anti-freeze top up and a can of de-icer, as well as a complementary wash and vac.

 September 2009

Westover Land Rover and Ottons Land Rover customers recently congregated at the dealerships to celebrate the imminent debut of three exciting new vehicles – the next generation’ Discovery 4, as well as the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. The weekend proved to be an enormous success, with fifteen customers so impressed by what they saw that they placed orders before leaving the showroom and heading for home. The Range Rover Sport proved to be the most popular model of the weekend.

“The launches were a tremendous success and generated a genuine buzz,” says Suzy Otton, Westover Group marketing manager. “We were delighted to welcome regular customers, as well as those who were experiencing the Land Rover and Westover brands for the first time. It was an excellent opportunity for guests to check out the latest Land Rover models in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. The event also generated a large number of enquiries and we’re looking forward to doing business with old and new contacts in the coming weeks.”

Each of Land Rover’s latest models combine new styling with the latest in design and engineering techniques and greater power with improved fuel economy. The 3.0 litre TDV6 Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport both bring a 29 per cent increase in power, coupled with a 10 per cent increase in fuel efficiency. If pure power’s top of the agenda, the new 5.0 supercharged V8 Range Rover Sport, capable of reaching 60mph in just 5.9 seconds, is worth checking out.

The Westover Group, the region’s largest independent motoring company, sells an impressive and unrivalled range of Land Rover vehicles - from the very latest models hot off the factory floor, to top quality approved used vehicles - at its showrooms in Christchurch and Old Sarum, Salisbury. Both sites offer full servicing and after-sales facilities in their workshops, which are staffed by highly qualified, Land Rover trained technicians. A range of special offers and finance options are also available. 

If you would like further information about the vehicles and services available at Westover Land Rover or Ottons Land Rover, please visit the showrooms on Barrack Road, Christchurch or at Old Sarum in Salisbury. Alternatively, call 01202 462222 (Christchurch) or 01722 414400 (Salisbury) or continue to browse the web site.

ENDS 

The Westover Group has a strong overview of trading conditions and buying trends in the region, thanks to the size and strength of its operation across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire – which now incorporates 21 operations and 13 vehicle manufacturers.

We are able to provide comment on a wide range of topics including, for example:

• Market conditions in the region;

• Sales trends;

• Success of the scrappage scheme;

• Impact of January’s VAT increase;

• Vehicle excise duty refunds;

• New vehicle registrations;

• Emissions/’green’ motoring/hybrid technology;

• Apprentice/training schemes and opportunities;

• Seasonal buying, servicing and workshop trends; 

• Seasonal vehicle considerations (eg winter/European driving checks); and

• New vehicle launches (where the franchise is within the Group).

We can also source a wide variety of statistics – giving an overview of the number of parts sold, the most requested parts in the Group’s workshops, the most popular type of vehicles purchased and their specifications etc – as well as arrange road tests in any of the vehicles available in our franchises.

If you are interested in seeking a comment or quote on any of the above topics or another
motoring-related subject, please contact the Westover Press Office on 0800 811 9700.

INTRODUCTION

The Group now represents 13 different marques, including Abarth, Fiat, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Nissan, Nissan GT-R, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda and Toyota.

It has 21 operations across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, each offering full sales, service and parts facilities.

Westover has two dedicated body care and accident management centres.

SALES

To the end of October 2009, the Westover Group sold more than 8,000 vehicles, with 55 per cent being new car sales. A surprising 25 per cent of all vehicle purchases were made by people outside the region*. 

Of all vehicle sales made, 33 per cent of buyers chose Westover to provide their finance solution.

Just over 5,300 vehicles were taken in by the Group in part exchange (up until 31 October 2009).

MOTs

Westover workshops carried out more than 15,200 MOTs in the first 10 months of 2009, on all makes and models of vehicle (not just on cars manufactured by companies for whom the Group operates franchises).

SERVICING

A staggering 127,214 hours of servicing work were conducted in Westover’s workshops between January and October 2009 – that means an average 25 cars were serviced every day (six days a week) in each of the Group’s workshops.

Note * Sales to people who have not reported a BH (Bournemouth) or SP (Salisbury) prefixed postcode.