Have I got news for you contributor and London mayor Boris Johnson has made a clear set of plans to make some serious changes in congestion charges.
It was recently announced that the charge would rise to as much as £10, but Boris has followed this up with a radical plan to cut congestion charges completely for cars that meet Euro V emission standards. This will mean that any car that falls under this bracket will be exempt from paying any charges and this will be confirmed around early August time. I drive a Ford KA which is unfortunately not on the list of cars exempt. Not a happy bunny.
If you drive a Ford Fiesta, Skoda Fabia, Vauxhall Corsa or Audi A3 for instance, you are good to go!! Meh!
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Monday, 24 May 2010
Fashion Pack are spotted at 2010 Car Event...
It is safe to say I am pretty keen on cars and all that the motoring industry has to offer but I also love my fashion. I have been called Fashion mad, Bonkers, Carrie Bradshaw is your middle name etc , you get my drift. So when I heard about this year’s fashion and motoring event Salon Privé, you could imagine my excitement, uncontainable. Hailed as the most luxurious and fashionable event for motoring it promises to be a day filled with cocktail dresses, feather adorned hats and dare I say it high heels? Although, muddy grass + high heels = a very ruined pair of Manolo’s. Hmm...
Last year saw models Jodie Kidd and Sophie Anderton modelling the latest fashions and designs all with the winning prize in mind, because of course with a large amount of amount of women and fashionable outfits there has to be one crowned fashionista and that prize is a £6000 diamond-pendant necklace.
It is obviously about the motoring though, and this is not forgotten with a wide range of spectacular cars on show such as the GranTurismo and Mercedes range. The guys that run the show have just realised that beautiful cars means beautiful women that add the sparkle and let’s be honest girls don’t we just?!
Now where was I?... Oh yes! New outfit....
Last year saw models Jodie Kidd and Sophie Anderton modelling the latest fashions and designs all with the winning prize in mind, because of course with a large amount of amount of women and fashionable outfits there has to be one crowned fashionista and that prize is a £6000 diamond-pendant necklace.
It is obviously about the motoring though, and this is not forgotten with a wide range of spectacular cars on show such as the GranTurismo and Mercedes range. The guys that run the show have just realised that beautiful cars means beautiful women that add the sparkle and let’s be honest girls don’t we just?!
Now where was I?... Oh yes! New outfit....
Friday, 21 May 2010
Sexy Cars you wish your boyfriend drove....
The sleek and shiny BMW 1 Series
Mercedes E Class He could pick me up in this one...
Agile and exceptionally stylish...Lotus Europa
Fine tuned to perfection....SLK-Class
Ford Focus RS Simple, yet playful and fun. The boyfriend personified??
Mercedes E Class He could pick me up in this one...
Agile and exceptionally stylish...Lotus Europa
Fine tuned to perfection....SLK-Class
Ford Focus RS Simple, yet playful and fun. The boyfriend personified??
Top Driving Tunes...
I have been researching the top ten driving songs and while there are many lists available, the song choices are personal and dependant on who is picking them. Most of the lists I found I hardly knew many of the songs let alone enjoyed them, so I decided to put together my own list of songs that I love to listen to when driving my little Ford KA.
Kasabian- Shoot the Runner
Aerosmith- Dude (Looks like a lady)
M.I.A- paper Planes
All Saints- Pure Shores
Blondie- heart of Glass
The Kooks- She moves in her own way
Rhianna- Shut up and drive
The Smiths- This Charming Man
T-Rex- Get it On
The Buzzcocks- Ever fallen in love
Feel free to comment and even leave me your own list!
Kasabian- Shoot the Runner
Aerosmith- Dude (Looks like a lady)
M.I.A- paper Planes
All Saints- Pure Shores
Blondie- heart of Glass
The Kooks- She moves in her own way
Rhianna- Shut up and drive
The Smiths- This Charming Man
T-Rex- Get it On
The Buzzcocks- Ever fallen in love
Feel free to comment and even leave me your own list!
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
I am OFFICIALLY converted
The sun is here (at last) and I am so excited for the prospect of a summer. We have been deprived of such a splendour for the past couple of years and spoilt with plentiful winter winds, so in celebration of this glorious heat I am more and more observant of the wonders on the road that are convertibles.
Available in every colour under the sun (pardon the awful pun), all sorts of shapes and sizes and new and old styles, there is such a vast option of varieties available I thought I would take a look. I was driving to work yesterday with my little windows (all be it electric) down taking in the rays when a beautiful Audi A3 spun past with its top down. To say I was blown away is an understatement... I was pretty much bottle green with envy! Car envy! The driver looked so cool in the front seat, confident yet not arrogant, wind in their hair enjoying the ride.
When I finished work I raced home and looked up the best convertibles I could find and my overall favourite was a ‘Love Bug’ convertible by VW in pink!! Now, I am not usually a pink person, I consider myself a bit of a tomboy, but it looked ace. I have put a little picture of it up, what do you think? ...
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Is renting the new buying?
In my quest for a new car, I have stumbled across the Fiat Bravo hatchback and have been pretty impressed with what I have seen so far. My main concern is the finance aspect of buying and owning a brand new car and with so many expensive brands on the market I was starting to doubt whether it would be financially possible, until... I found out about car leasing.
My main worry is that I am saving for a new house which will take up a massive chunk of my wages each month as nowadays money for the house is not enough, you also need extra cash for everything else that goes with it. What I don’t want is to then have the extra strain of finance on a new car as well as the tax, insurance and petrol that goes on top. When I read up on car leasing I was surprised at the benefits it can offer me and my finances. It can provide me with a flexible contract that can be tailored to meet my requirements and how much I can afford to pay.
The benefit for me with leasing a car is that I can tailor my contract so that should it not work out I can return the car and not have the worry of a long term tie in; after all you don’t always know what is around the corner.
The Fiat Bravo is stylish and cheap to run which for me is a wicked combination. I would absolutely love a flashy little two seater but for me right now it is just not practical... The Bravo also comes fully equipped with a high tech CD player, front electric windows and remote central locking, an advance on my car at present. What a winner!
My main worry is that I am saving for a new house which will take up a massive chunk of my wages each month as nowadays money for the house is not enough, you also need extra cash for everything else that goes with it. What I don’t want is to then have the extra strain of finance on a new car as well as the tax, insurance and petrol that goes on top. When I read up on car leasing I was surprised at the benefits it can offer me and my finances. It can provide me with a flexible contract that can be tailored to meet my requirements and how much I can afford to pay.
The benefit for me with leasing a car is that I can tailor my contract so that should it not work out I can return the car and not have the worry of a long term tie in; after all you don’t always know what is around the corner.
The Fiat Bravo is stylish and cheap to run which for me is a wicked combination. I would absolutely love a flashy little two seater but for me right now it is just not practical... The Bravo also comes fully equipped with a high tech CD player, front electric windows and remote central locking, an advance on my car at present. What a winner!
Monday, 17 May 2010
Keeping it in the family
As I have said before, I am keen to get a new car and am also happy to stay with Ford as the make.
One car that has caught my eye is the all new Ford Fiesta just released. The car is so sexy and sleek- I love it!
Uh-Oh. You know what this means don’t you?! Usually when I want something I don’t hold back and certainly do not wait.....
From looking at pictures of the all new Ford, the interior looks as good as the exterior, complete with wireless connection to my phone as well as MP3 compatibility! Music and my phone-What more could I want. I saw one car dealer with a scrappage offer included, which could help me out no end!
I may have to go book a test drive NOW!!
Just a thought...
With the scrappage scheme now closed by the government, I am in less of a position to start looking to buy another car, which is really unfortunate as I was rather looking forward to getting a helping hand in the buying process....
I am keen to stay with a Ford car as my used Ford KA has proved invaluable in getting me from A to B. I heard that a few car dealers were offering their own scrappage scheme which could offer me assistance with my purchase of a new car. Some are offering additional help with your payments which could be absolutely ideal for me. Lots to look into, so I better get cracking.
I am keen to stay with a Ford car as my used Ford KA has proved invaluable in getting me from A to B. I heard that a few car dealers were offering their own scrappage scheme which could offer me assistance with my purchase of a new car. Some are offering additional help with your payments which could be absolutely ideal for me. Lots to look into, so I better get cracking.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Electric car Vs Mobile Phone
Further to my previous articles regarding going green with your car choices, I came across another article regarding electric cars and the impact they are expected to have on the US car market.
The creation of this type of car has been compared to such 20th century inventions such as the washing machine, which was slow in its impact on the market taking 45 years for the percentage of homes that own a washing machine to increase to 70%. A recent study by Deloitte Consulting revealed that electric cars will make up less than 5% of the market by 2020, ten years time!
According to this same study, 17% of the market would feel most comfortable buying an electric car from a brand such as Toyota, Ford or Honda. I think the other competitors in the Automotive Industry will need to educate their customers in the ways of the electric car before they will feel 100% about purchasing one. After all, such a change would require you to be fully clued up prior to purchasing.
I am all for the environment and doing my bit to lower my carbon footprint, but an electric car…not so sure I would be as happy? The mobile phone took off very quickly with the market warming to the concept in under a decade, Mobile Phone Vs Electric Car? It’s taken long enough to create a hands free kit!!
The creation of this type of car has been compared to such 20th century inventions such as the washing machine, which was slow in its impact on the market taking 45 years for the percentage of homes that own a washing machine to increase to 70%. A recent study by Deloitte Consulting revealed that electric cars will make up less than 5% of the market by 2020, ten years time!
According to this same study, 17% of the market would feel most comfortable buying an electric car from a brand such as Toyota, Ford or Honda. I think the other competitors in the Automotive Industry will need to educate their customers in the ways of the electric car before they will feel 100% about purchasing one. After all, such a change would require you to be fully clued up prior to purchasing.
I am all for the environment and doing my bit to lower my carbon footprint, but an electric car…not so sure I would be as happy? The mobile phone took off very quickly with the market warming to the concept in under a decade, Mobile Phone Vs Electric Car? It’s taken long enough to create a hands free kit!!
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Got a spare charger?
The new coalition government has decided that it is to introduce charging points across the country for electric and hybrid motors!! The whole idea of charging up a car slightly bemuses me...Charging up a phone is one thing but plugging in your car is quite another.
The joining of forces between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats will bring about a number of changes to the country and the parties have said they agree that these changes will fulfil our need to be eco-friendly, further to the Conservatives’ pledge; the Liberal Democrats are bringing home their want to be a 'zero-carbon Britain.'
It will bring a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘recharging your batteries.’
Talking of car accessories, there are so many different types you can buy for your car these days. Whether it be in-car accessories to bits and bobs for the outside of the vehicle, you would be amazed at what is available. I recently needed a part for my Ford KA which I was able to buy at an online parts store and I was so amazed at all of the variety on offer I actually ended up buying a lot more than what I needed but as I say, how many accessories is too many accessories?
Shopping List Left to buy for the Brum:
Velour Floor Mats
Aluminium Gear Lever Knob
Ford Ka Luggage Compartment Mat
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Hunting down a classic
Gene Hunt is the star in BBC 1 drama Ashes to Ashes in which he plays the role of a copper in London fighting crime in the 80’s.The real star to emerge from the program is in fact the car- a pillar box red Audi Quattro with a turbocharged 200bhp engine! The car has been a real experience for actor Philip Glenister to drive and although seemingly harder to drive than its predecessor he is said to have fit a hydraulic handbrake so he “could rag it round those corners!”
The car has proved so popular since its introduction in 2008 that parts for the car have been increasingly hard to locate and with the production ceased on the cars years ago and only 11,452 made in its production period the cars are extremely thin on the ground. Many are cashing in on this by putting up the prices on the parts available with even show enthusiasts buying the spare parts as memorabilia! This has proved increasingly difficult for the show as the car required a stunt double during the filming and when they went to purchase the car they found the price of the car had doubled since the start of the show.
This reiterates my previous article on Product Placement where I mentioned about how using a product through a popular medium (such as popular culture) really can rockets its popularity. In this case with Ashes to Ashes you could say it became a doubled edged sword- Ultimately increasing sales yet becoming a hindrance to the show when trying to locate extra parts. Can you win?
The last car used on the show was a Cortina that was then was auctioned off for Comic Relief at the end of the series which funnily enough Philip who plays Gene Hunt in the show purchased back from EBay!!
The influence of such a popular show is apparent not just in the sales of the Quattro but also In this year’s election in which the Labour Party used an image of Gene Hunt on the Quattro with David Cameron's face as part of its campaign with the words “Don’t let him take Britain back to the 1980s.” The Conservatives hit back using the image but with the words "Fire up the Quattro. It's time for Change. Vote for Change. Vote Conservative.” Funny how powerful a catchphrase can be...
The Real Deal
There is nothing worse than buying something on the net and realising you have forked out a fortune for a fake. When buying car parts online with Beadles you can be sure you are getting the real deal, as they only sell genuine Land Rover parts. Find everything from cables and clutch Asseys, to compressors and convertors on their online parts and accessories store Shop4Landrover.
Manufactured to the stringent specifications of the original component you can be guaranteed maximum performance and economy. In line with Beadles mission to continually exceed customer’s expectations they will source parts (if still available) for any Land Rover of any age.
Not sure what you are looking for? The experienced parts team can provide advice and recommendation on any Land Rover parts & accessories. Not only do they aim to respond to enquiries within 4 hours but guarantee they will be able to identify and supply what you are looking for.
The approved Land Rover dealer also sells accessories such as body graphics and alloys to personalise your Land Rover and everything from body coloured door handles, mirror caps, to tailgate handles, mud flaps, tow bars and dog guards.
You’ll also find experienced parts staff and an on-site parts warehouse at their dealership in Sidcup, Kent, where staff will be happy to fit accessories at any time – not just when the vehicle is new.
Manufactured to the stringent specifications of the original component you can be guaranteed maximum performance and economy. In line with Beadles mission to continually exceed customer’s expectations they will source parts (if still available) for any Land Rover of any age.
Not sure what you are looking for? The experienced parts team can provide advice and recommendation on any Land Rover parts & accessories. Not only do they aim to respond to enquiries within 4 hours but guarantee they will be able to identify and supply what you are looking for.
The approved Land Rover dealer also sells accessories such as body graphics and alloys to personalise your Land Rover and everything from body coloured door handles, mirror caps, to tailgate handles, mud flaps, tow bars and dog guards.
You’ll also find experienced parts staff and an on-site parts warehouse at their dealership in Sidcup, Kent, where staff will be happy to fit accessories at any time – not just when the vehicle is new.
How to keep the bird chirpy...
Social media is all around us in various forms of networking such as Twitter and Blogging and it is constantly evolving.
Twitter on the go is now available hands free in your car thanks to the car company Ford. When driving, the twitter message is read out through the hands free set to the driver and future advances will mean the ability to update your Twitter status through just talking to the device.
This system is already in place in most Fords in the US and it is expected across the pond in the UK in 2011. The system will apparently also have the ability to read out text message received to a smart phone to the driver meaning they never need to take their eyes off the road.
As with most new projects other car dealers are honing in on this idea with Kia and Fiat also working on a similar project for their cars of the tomorrow as well as VW who are working with a more hands on approach even inviting people to develop the apps available within their system.
Currently available are various devices such as the Parrot that allow you to call people hands free but this would be a step in a whole new direction.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Passion in Parts
At Shop4Volkswagen their passion is parts! They can supply these parts nationwide within72 hours with the Volkswagen assured quality stamp and the high customer service standard that Beadles deliver.
With a vast range of stock to choose ranging from Volkswagen Mini moneyboxes to Interior Lights and an easy to use ‘look up’ system, locating and buying VW parts could not be easier! There is even a dedicated Customer Service Team on standby should you require assistance or information on any particular part prior to you purchasing.
The Look Up guide is useful should you have the product number you require for your car, but should you not have this to hand you can also locate the part via the vehicle type which is then split into categories such as; In Car Entertainment and Number Plates so it really is that easy locating the part you need for your vehicle.
With a tab condensing all products for your desired vehicle into one it is a quick reference spot if you are in a hurry and with straight forward methods of payment available such as Pay Point you can buy with the added security of knowing where your money is going.
A full and honest refund and cancellation procedure is available on the site so you are clear of your rights when ordering and buying the product so there really is no better way of buying the parts you need for your beloved VW.
With a vast range of stock to choose ranging from Volkswagen Mini moneyboxes to Interior Lights and an easy to use ‘look up’ system, locating and buying VW parts could not be easier! There is even a dedicated Customer Service Team on standby should you require assistance or information on any particular part prior to you purchasing.
The Look Up guide is useful should you have the product number you require for your car, but should you not have this to hand you can also locate the part via the vehicle type which is then split into categories such as; In Car Entertainment and Number Plates so it really is that easy locating the part you need for your vehicle.
With a tab condensing all products for your desired vehicle into one it is a quick reference spot if you are in a hurry and with straight forward methods of payment available such as Pay Point you can buy with the added security of knowing where your money is going.
A full and honest refund and cancellation procedure is available on the site so you are clear of your rights when ordering and buying the product so there really is no better way of buying the parts you need for your beloved VW.
Product Placement
A music video is incredibly important to any artist in the music industry today and what better way to gain publicity than to endorse or feature a popular brand within the video such as a famous car and brand?
The Sugababes have done just that by featuring a '67 Pontiac Firebird in one of their latest videos.
The car is an Icon with American Muscle Cars across the pond in the States with its feature in such films as Smokey and the Bandit and Knight Rider. The car is as much of an Icon as the band if not bigger which will attract appeal with a new demographic as well as the current groupies.
Recent blockbuster Iron Man was also renound for its use of placement in the film regularly featuring Dr Pepper, Oracle and the Audi R8 Quattro.
A particular favourite of mine was the music video for the song Ghost Town by The Specials which was huge in the late 70’s and saw the band driving around in a classic Vauxhall PA Cresta while reciting the lyrics to their trippy song.
The band reached number one with this song making the video a hit and creating a lot of attention for the brand and car.
The band have recently been touring around the country which sees the group teaming up with various other artists such as Lily Allen - Long Live Ska!
The Sugababes have done just that by featuring a '67 Pontiac Firebird in one of their latest videos.
The car is an Icon with American Muscle Cars across the pond in the States with its feature in such films as Smokey and the Bandit and Knight Rider. The car is as much of an Icon as the band if not bigger which will attract appeal with a new demographic as well as the current groupies.
Recent blockbuster Iron Man was also renound for its use of placement in the film regularly featuring Dr Pepper, Oracle and the Audi R8 Quattro.
A particular favourite of mine was the music video for the song Ghost Town by The Specials which was huge in the late 70’s and saw the band driving around in a classic Vauxhall PA Cresta while reciting the lyrics to their trippy song.
The band reached number one with this song making the video a hit and creating a lot of attention for the brand and car.
The band have recently been touring around the country which sees the group teaming up with various other artists such as Lily Allen - Long Live Ska!
Pin Up Prang
Danny Dyer, the London born actor from various roles such as The Business and The Football factory has opened up recently about the crash of his 1.1 litre Ford Fiesta, his first ever car.
He passed his test first time and immediately went out to buy the nippy motor so that he could drive round with his mates nonstop. This ultimately led to him getting a little giddy and crashing it into a tree. Needless to say the car was in a bit of a state y the time it was given up!
Danny Dyer has gained success through many Brit films and this has enabled him to purchase a more up market model than a Ford Fiesta; now owning a Porsche Cayenne 4x4 and a Mercedes A-Class. I am sure he has many memories of his first car as we all do but having upgraded mustn’t have been too hard of a decision! I have heard that his dream car would be an Aston Martin DB7... Small change surely?
He passed his test first time and immediately went out to buy the nippy motor so that he could drive round with his mates nonstop. This ultimately led to him getting a little giddy and crashing it into a tree. Needless to say the car was in a bit of a state y the time it was given up!
Danny Dyer has gained success through many Brit films and this has enabled him to purchase a more up market model than a Ford Fiesta; now owning a Porsche Cayenne 4x4 and a Mercedes A-Class. I am sure he has many memories of his first car as we all do but having upgraded mustn’t have been too hard of a decision! I have heard that his dream car would be an Aston Martin DB7... Small change surely?
Women in Advertising...
From the dawn of advertising, women and men have been portrayed in different lights. I thought I would have a look at a few adverts to see how they have changed over time looking at women and Cars and the social stereotypes presented.
The first advert I saw was for the Mini Automatic back in the 1970s. This is a perfect example of a sexist advert against women denoting the woman driving the car is pretty simple and even she would be able to drive it! Back in the 70s, political correctness was not as much of an issue as it is today; Women should have been cleaning the home and men should have been polishing their cars & this was very much reflected in advertising of all types.
Nowadays women are proving that they are actually more than happy to spend more on such luxury items as cars than men would, with one study showing women making up two thirds of the ownerships in the US of expensive cars.
Looking at advertisements today, women are used as more of a sexual object, a selling tactic for the car sales. You will rarely find an advert that will push sexism the other way and poke fun at the male species, but..... BMW did recently feature two sets of adverts featuring a man and a woman that were printed in different magazines, probably a woman’s magazine for the first and a men’s magazine for the second. The very sexulaised advert shows an image of a woman and a man being intimate and the woman is objectifying and dominating the man with the man’s face covered by an image of a car. The advert actually proves that it is less about who is in charge and more about the product you are trying to sell. The car image does not change from advert to advert therefore the goal remains the same- to sell the car, just to different target audiences.
Maybe this is how it has always been subconsciously, we just haven’t wanted to see it? The woman in the Mini could actually be seen as quite empowering to other women at this stage in time. After all, how many women (if they are supposed to be sitting pretty at home) could even contemplate owning a car like this? The Mini and the BMW are both lovely cars to own and are a lot of the time a car many will aspire to own- I would certainly feel very proud sitting behind the wheel of a BMW Sport!
Going Green, A-List Style!
It’s all over the news of late, going green, being environmentally friendly and reducing your carbon footprint. So...What are we doing about it?
It seems many Hollywood Stars are cashing in on this and purchasing a Hybrid Car, so much so the vehicle has almost become the fashion accessory to be seen with, especially for those stars who are already involved with environmental charities and foundations.
The celebrities currently ‘going green’ include; Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and Cameron Diaz to name few. The list is ever growing as is the ‘hybrid car’ brand.
It is great to see celebrities in a position to influence embracing the idea of environmentally friendly cars, but it is also slightly ironic when the types that are driving down pollution by using these cars are also using private jets that burn an incredible amount of jet fuel! Then again, with 5 or 6 cars on some stars’ drives, can we say the cars are even driven enough to cause an impact?
Many car dealers have embraced this idea introducing a number of Hybrid cars to their forecourt that aim to bring down the air pollution and lighten your environmental footprint as well as looking the part. I must admit there really is no excuse why more of us are not going green and owning a Hybrid, after all if it is good enough for Brad then it is good enough for me!!
It seems many Hollywood Stars are cashing in on this and purchasing a Hybrid Car, so much so the vehicle has almost become the fashion accessory to be seen with, especially for those stars who are already involved with environmental charities and foundations.
The celebrities currently ‘going green’ include; Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and Cameron Diaz to name few. The list is ever growing as is the ‘hybrid car’ brand.
It is great to see celebrities in a position to influence embracing the idea of environmentally friendly cars, but it is also slightly ironic when the types that are driving down pollution by using these cars are also using private jets that burn an incredible amount of jet fuel! Then again, with 5 or 6 cars on some stars’ drives, can we say the cars are even driven enough to cause an impact?
Many car dealers have embraced this idea introducing a number of Hybrid cars to their forecourt that aim to bring down the air pollution and lighten your environmental footprint as well as looking the part. I must admit there really is no excuse why more of us are not going green and owning a Hybrid, after all if it is good enough for Brad then it is good enough for me!!
Britain’s Next Top Model?
Last year Vauxhall joined forces with UK television program Britain’s Next Top Model to promote the Tigra model. The program has a massive appeal to the young female demographic who love their fashion which Vauxhall tuned into to market the small car ultimately bringing the car to the forefront of the fashion scene.
The show was hosted by Top model Lisa Snowdon who is a regular feature on the fashion and gossip magazine of today thus bringing more attention to Vauxhall’s marketing campaign which proved particularly successful.
Audi have also put together a winning collaboration with Justin Timberlake, the Iconic pop star to be the new ambassador of the new Audi A1. The car was recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor show alongside the world famous Pop Star who Audi personally selected as their spokesperson. Justin has said to be “very excited to be a part of the next evolution” and the singer will be playing the lead role in the cars promotional campaign in spring 2010.
Audi’s campaign will be Internet led for the markets introduction to the new A1 and Justin will be at the forefront of this as much as Audi has always “been at the forefront of engineering and technology” he was quoted as saying. This March in New York City the first model of the new luxury race car was shown to the public fitting perfectly with Justin’s image. He appeals to a young demographic that Audi are excited about attracting as the impact could be huge. The car is a city car and unveiling this in New York was ideal.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, a member of the Board of Management for AUDI AG for Marketing released a statement saying “Justin Timberlake is an extraordinary artist. He manages to keep advancing his personal development while proving his abilities in different branches of the arts” and this very much ties in with Audi as a company. They are constantly seeking various routes of improvement within their existing models as well as coming up with new and fresh ideas. Audi strives to be number 1 and with Justin Timberlake on board they will tap into a whole new fresh market.
The show was hosted by Top model Lisa Snowdon who is a regular feature on the fashion and gossip magazine of today thus bringing more attention to Vauxhall’s marketing campaign which proved particularly successful.
Audi have also put together a winning collaboration with Justin Timberlake, the Iconic pop star to be the new ambassador of the new Audi A1. The car was recently unveiled at the Geneva Motor show alongside the world famous Pop Star who Audi personally selected as their spokesperson. Justin has said to be “very excited to be a part of the next evolution” and the singer will be playing the lead role in the cars promotional campaign in spring 2010.
Audi’s campaign will be Internet led for the markets introduction to the new A1 and Justin will be at the forefront of this as much as Audi has always “been at the forefront of engineering and technology” he was quoted as saying. This March in New York City the first model of the new luxury race car was shown to the public fitting perfectly with Justin’s image. He appeals to a young demographic that Audi are excited about attracting as the impact could be huge. The car is a city car and unveiling this in New York was ideal.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, a member of the Board of Management for AUDI AG for Marketing released a statement saying “Justin Timberlake is an extraordinary artist. He manages to keep advancing his personal development while proving his abilities in different branches of the arts” and this very much ties in with Audi as a company. They are constantly seeking various routes of improvement within their existing models as well as coming up with new and fresh ideas. Audi strives to be number 1 and with Justin Timberlake on board they will tap into a whole new fresh market.
Driving with the Stars...
Celebrity inspired Tom Toms- whatever next!! The latest celebrity to lend their talents to the navigation devices is Darth Vader, the Dark lord.
You may laugh but it is proving surprisingly popular, even against The Vader’s annoyingly low tones! I can just imagine it, lost in an unfamiliar place, losing the faith you will ever get there when suddenly you hear "The direction is with you, young Skywalker...” Faith restored!!
Still... there is something quite amusing about Homer Simpson or Anne Robinson directing you to the shops! Check out the promo ad for Darth, hilarious!
You may laugh but it is proving surprisingly popular, even against The Vader’s annoyingly low tones! I can just imagine it, lost in an unfamiliar place, losing the faith you will ever get there when suddenly you hear "The direction is with you, young Skywalker...” Faith restored!!
Still... there is something quite amusing about Homer Simpson or Anne Robinson directing you to the shops! Check out the promo ad for Darth, hilarious!
Friday, 7 May 2010
What does your car say about you?
I once read that the car you drive says a lot about you. I drive a Ford KA, so what does this make me? Reliable? A sheep? Cute? Dinky? The list could go on & on. I decided to have a look at different people and the cars they drive to see if there is any truth in this or whether it is just plain nonsense!
Looking at cars in the media, one car always springs to mind as a comedy classic and that is the 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham which features in the heart warming (and hilarious) film Uncle Buck. I love Uncle Buck’s car because it looks as though it would literally survive a nuclear Holocaust and come out better off! The car is run down, a little worse for wear and rough around the edges but it is ultimately a reliable, sturdy family car that looks a lot scarier than it actually is. You could apply this to the character John Candy plays quite easily… He looks a bit of a mess & is seen as quite a handful but when you scratch beneath the exterior he is a lovely, caring and reliable uncle who takes care of all three children teaching them valuable life lessons.
Another car from the big screen is the 1948 Ford Deluxe that Danny Zuko drives in a heated race in the film Grease. This undeniably sexy hot rod made the somewhat annoying numbers worth sitting through. The character of Danny in Grease is that of a ‘cool dude’ who always got the girls and was a pretty sexy guy. This is definitely reflected in his choice of car. After all, I don’t think he would have looked quite right in a clapped out old banger racing to the finish line to win his ‘chick!’
I guess what they say is true with regards to your car reflecting your personality/ traits. My dream car being a vintage number OR a BMW Z4 maybe that says I have a split personality, which I am pretty sure my boyfriend would agree with some mornings!!
Looking at cars in the media, one car always springs to mind as a comedy classic and that is the 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham which features in the heart warming (and hilarious) film Uncle Buck. I love Uncle Buck’s car because it looks as though it would literally survive a nuclear Holocaust and come out better off! The car is run down, a little worse for wear and rough around the edges but it is ultimately a reliable, sturdy family car that looks a lot scarier than it actually is. You could apply this to the character John Candy plays quite easily… He looks a bit of a mess & is seen as quite a handful but when you scratch beneath the exterior he is a lovely, caring and reliable uncle who takes care of all three children teaching them valuable life lessons.
Another car from the big screen is the 1948 Ford Deluxe that Danny Zuko drives in a heated race in the film Grease. This undeniably sexy hot rod made the somewhat annoying numbers worth sitting through. The character of Danny in Grease is that of a ‘cool dude’ who always got the girls and was a pretty sexy guy. This is definitely reflected in his choice of car. After all, I don’t think he would have looked quite right in a clapped out old banger racing to the finish line to win his ‘chick!’
I guess what they say is true with regards to your car reflecting your personality/ traits. My dream car being a vintage number OR a BMW Z4 maybe that says I have a split personality, which I am pretty sure my boyfriend would agree with some mornings!!
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Rolls Royce App for your I-phone!
There are thousands of applications you can download for your I-Phone. Now there is an app that allows you to create your own version of the Rolls Royce Ghost car.
This application will potentially allow you to spec out your own Ghostly number, picking your colour scheme, wheel style, interior and even exhaust type. Once created, you can store the vehicle in your very own virtual garage, to prevent any nasty bumps or scratches in the virtual world.
Should you have the spare £195,000 lying around this application will also allow you to locate a dealer to buy from. If only the world of virtual and reality could combine.....
Buying your brum at auction
Buying a car is a tricky business. There are so many different ways to buy; it is hard to know where to start.
There are various factors involved in buying a car, saving money being paramount. You ideally want to buy the car at the best price possible to get the best value for money.
As well as used car websites, buying at auction is a great way of doing this- It is an effective way to save money and get a great deal. The majority of the cars on offer are in good condition but still requiring a little work, but there are a few classics that are ready to be driven off there and then. I do not know many people that shop for cars at auction; therefore you are not up against as much competition as buying through a private seller.
A guide to buying at auction would be to have with you some sort of Value guide. This will act as your right hand man should you struggle with knowing what is what in the used car world. At the auction, it is a good idea to check out the history of the car you are viewing. You can request that you run a check over it to ensure that it is in good working condition. You have a right to this, as it could detail any damage the car has endured and be a good indication if you think it could be ‘off the back of a lorry’ (Pardon the pun). You could also reference a valued car magazine to gain a more in-depth knowledge.
It is a good idea to get to the auction bright and early. This gives you the opportunity to look over the vehicles there thoroughly, possibly even before they go onto the auction block and their 360 degree view could be restricted.
Should you see something that you like, it is wise to check if there are any other charges that will be added on, E.g. any auction fee. Once you have done your investigating, you can feel ready to place your bid. Make sure that you are 100% comfortable with the bid that you offer as you can easily forget your budget under pressure. There is a chance you can feel bullied by the auctioneer to keep on bidding, even when the amount has surpassed your limits. This puts you in an awkward position as you can end up paying out more than what is car is actually worth.
Remember, at any time if you feel you are being conned into doing something you are not entirely sure about, don’t do it. Happy bidding.
There are various factors involved in buying a car, saving money being paramount. You ideally want to buy the car at the best price possible to get the best value for money.
As well as used car websites, buying at auction is a great way of doing this- It is an effective way to save money and get a great deal. The majority of the cars on offer are in good condition but still requiring a little work, but there are a few classics that are ready to be driven off there and then. I do not know many people that shop for cars at auction; therefore you are not up against as much competition as buying through a private seller.
A guide to buying at auction would be to have with you some sort of Value guide. This will act as your right hand man should you struggle with knowing what is what in the used car world. At the auction, it is a good idea to check out the history of the car you are viewing. You can request that you run a check over it to ensure that it is in good working condition. You have a right to this, as it could detail any damage the car has endured and be a good indication if you think it could be ‘off the back of a lorry’ (Pardon the pun). You could also reference a valued car magazine to gain a more in-depth knowledge.
It is a good idea to get to the auction bright and early. This gives you the opportunity to look over the vehicles there thoroughly, possibly even before they go onto the auction block and their 360 degree view could be restricted.
Should you see something that you like, it is wise to check if there are any other charges that will be added on, E.g. any auction fee. Once you have done your investigating, you can feel ready to place your bid. Make sure that you are 100% comfortable with the bid that you offer as you can easily forget your budget under pressure. There is a chance you can feel bullied by the auctioneer to keep on bidding, even when the amount has surpassed your limits. This puts you in an awkward position as you can end up paying out more than what is car is actually worth.
Remember, at any time if you feel you are being conned into doing something you are not entirely sure about, don’t do it. Happy bidding.
It’s vintage dahrling.....
It’s hard to find something these days that does not include Vintage in its title. Vintage clothes, vintage bags and even vintage cars. I am a massive fan of this idea, I love the uniqueness that comes with a retro model and the classic designs that you will find going back in time, but......there are pros and cons to buying vintage.
I have been known to visit many a clothes market in London, such as Spitalfields or Petticoat Lane and spend a small fortune on a number of vintage items and as great as it is that I have bought something individual and quirky, it is a lot of £££! Mainstream shops such as Topshop on the other hand provide a service to the masses, which often means you will have a doppelganger, but at least it is not breaking the bank every time you spend!
Kate Moss, a fan of the vintage trend has a beautiful sky blue MG Midget. I love this car but could not comprehend what she must have paid to own such a beauty. I on the other hand have a nine year old Ford KA- Not as much vintage, more just old fashioned!
The vintage car Vs Modern car theory could be compared to that of a woman- Bear with me... The vintage car is high maintenance (It requires a lot of hard work and care to upkeep...takes a long time in front of the mirror, you get my drift) whereas a modern car is not so much effort in its upkeep (She is your classic happy in jeans and a jumper kinda gal). Both have their advantages & disadvantages. With a modern car you do not have the struggle of locating parts that could be custom made. You can visit an online parts company and locate the accessories you need in a flash. Simples! A lot of the fuss about the vintage car is because of the look. The look of the car can symbolise ancestral pride, social history, but a lot of people forget that you can also get this look and feel from a modern car, such as the new VW Beetle and the Mini. These models have the retro look combined with the ease of its modern functionalities- You have the best of both worlds with this option.
It is a tough decision to make... Do you go for modern classic or a priceless vintage piece? There are pros and cons to each that you need to weigh up as a whole but just remember, in twenty years your modern classic will be a vintage stunner. How can you win?
How to haggle for a used car & save money = More handbags!!
So you have checked out the vehicle, taken it for a test drive, checked out the log book and everything looks hunky dory. You want the car and are ready to buy, but you are unsure about the price. What do you do next?
You have your top price in mind (the most you are prepared to pay), you have a fair standard price you could offer and then you have a price that you want to offer but know you would be very lucky to get away with. You need to aim for cheeky, but not too cheeky- Always push for a little more but do not go wild! You need to be cautious with your approach to the seller as you want to appear confident but not arrogant and confrontational. You want the seller to be your friend, not an enemy as ultimately you want something that is theirs. Maintaining a relaxed and controlled manner is key.
By losing your cool or getting emotional, you run the risk of being turned away at the first hurdle. No seller wants to give someone a fair deal if you start to lose your head. A good way to start the haggle is to turn the tables and ask how much the seller expects to get from the sale. This gives the seller the opportunity to lay their cards on the table and you can retort... Any problems you may feel you have with the vehicle it would be a good time to raise these now, as it could bring down the price.
At the end of the day, this will have one of two outcomes- the seller will either accept this price or not. Try to stand your ground but think rationally- you both stand to win something. The drawback with buying from a Private seller means you do not get the added extras. These are usually the warranty, free servicing and general after sale service that many used car supermarkets will offer with the sale of a car.
A deal is usually (traditionally) secured with a handshake. As soon as you think you are on for a price with the seller offer your perfectly polished hand. You will discover that this will be hard to refuse.
This being a business deal it is wise to take it seriously but do not forget to enjoy the experience, as that is what it is- an experience!
Don’t forget that putting all of this into practise will mean that you will ultimately be able to afford that coveted Marc Jacobs bag that your boyfriend may never need know about!!
You have your top price in mind (the most you are prepared to pay), you have a fair standard price you could offer and then you have a price that you want to offer but know you would be very lucky to get away with. You need to aim for cheeky, but not too cheeky- Always push for a little more but do not go wild! You need to be cautious with your approach to the seller as you want to appear confident but not arrogant and confrontational. You want the seller to be your friend, not an enemy as ultimately you want something that is theirs. Maintaining a relaxed and controlled manner is key.
By losing your cool or getting emotional, you run the risk of being turned away at the first hurdle. No seller wants to give someone a fair deal if you start to lose your head. A good way to start the haggle is to turn the tables and ask how much the seller expects to get from the sale. This gives the seller the opportunity to lay their cards on the table and you can retort... Any problems you may feel you have with the vehicle it would be a good time to raise these now, as it could bring down the price.
At the end of the day, this will have one of two outcomes- the seller will either accept this price or not. Try to stand your ground but think rationally- you both stand to win something. The drawback with buying from a Private seller means you do not get the added extras. These are usually the warranty, free servicing and general after sale service that many used car supermarkets will offer with the sale of a car.
A deal is usually (traditionally) secured with a handshake. As soon as you think you are on for a price with the seller offer your perfectly polished hand. You will discover that this will be hard to refuse.
This being a business deal it is wise to take it seriously but do not forget to enjoy the experience, as that is what it is- an experience!
Don’t forget that putting all of this into practise will mean that you will ultimately be able to afford that coveted Marc Jacobs bag that your boyfriend may never need know about!!
How to value your own car?
As you probably know by now, I am not the most knowledgeable girl in the world when it comes to cars, but I try my best! I am sure that everyone (car lover or not) has a dream car they aspire to own but their piggy bank requires a few more coins before they can quite afford it. Having a dream car is great, it gives you something to work towards, direction if you will, but it can also be dangerous should you not know enough...
It’s exciting buying a car, new or used and you can easily get swept up in the process, but don’t forget about your trusty motor left on the driveway. Most people see selling their old car as a burden, a hassle, but it does not need to be this way. A trade in is often the route most take to prevent any extra hard work and many a website offer you advice and help on how to go about this. Whatever the decision you make, it is most important that you know the true value of your car and you settle for the best deal you can possibly get.
Deciding on the cars true value is a difficult decision to make. The aim is to be as impartial as you can and take yourself (and your purse) out of the equation. The value of the car determines how much you will ultimately get for your car, but it is unfortunately not as straight forward as you think. Pricing either too high or low can be detrimental in its selling, especially if you are on a motoring budget. What you are aiming for is the perfect private party price.
When you go to sell your car, ultimately it will have depreciated in price since when you bought it. This is frustrating as you will replace your car with less of a budget than when you first started. With buying and selling cars this is unfortunately the name of the game. Using a guide on used car prices can be very helpful when valuing your used car. Be aware though that using a guide can only give you a rough idea as it is based on an average as opposed to being specific to your car. Car reviews are available online to aid you with your pricing which would be more beneficial.
Another way of valuing your car would be to consult various advertising, such as online car magazines, used car supermarkets or even cards in newsagents. This will give you an idea of what other people are pricing up for their cars and it can help you with your own cars value.
I should take heed and practise what I preach as my little brum is sadly on its last legs, wonder if they will part exchange my ten year old KA with a BMW Z4? Hmn........
It’s exciting buying a car, new or used and you can easily get swept up in the process, but don’t forget about your trusty motor left on the driveway. Most people see selling their old car as a burden, a hassle, but it does not need to be this way. A trade in is often the route most take to prevent any extra hard work and many a website offer you advice and help on how to go about this. Whatever the decision you make, it is most important that you know the true value of your car and you settle for the best deal you can possibly get.
Deciding on the cars true value is a difficult decision to make. The aim is to be as impartial as you can and take yourself (and your purse) out of the equation. The value of the car determines how much you will ultimately get for your car, but it is unfortunately not as straight forward as you think. Pricing either too high or low can be detrimental in its selling, especially if you are on a motoring budget. What you are aiming for is the perfect private party price.
When you go to sell your car, ultimately it will have depreciated in price since when you bought it. This is frustrating as you will replace your car with less of a budget than when you first started. With buying and selling cars this is unfortunately the name of the game. Using a guide on used car prices can be very helpful when valuing your used car. Be aware though that using a guide can only give you a rough idea as it is based on an average as opposed to being specific to your car. Car reviews are available online to aid you with your pricing which would be more beneficial.
Another way of valuing your car would be to consult various advertising, such as online car magazines, used car supermarkets or even cards in newsagents. This will give you an idea of what other people are pricing up for their cars and it can help you with your own cars value.
I should take heed and practise what I preach as my little brum is sadly on its last legs, wonder if they will part exchange my ten year old KA with a BMW Z4? Hmn........
My Dream KArs
I have compiled a list of my Top most desirable motors (old and new) if money was no object and I had the time to take long drives out in the countryside. I will be honest; a lot of these cars (Ok.....most) were picked down to my lack of knowledge on the mechanics and more on my focus on the look of each car as let’s face it, first impressions and all that!!
- BMW Z4 Sports Car
The Queen Bee of automobiles for me! This sexy rear wheel drive sports car even won the 2009 model of the year award. I aspire to own this in the next 5 years- A girl can dream! - Lotus Elise
This 2 seater sports car is stunning. Its design is not only beautiful but purposeful. - Mazda MX5
With its ever so stylish pop-up headlights, this model oozes style. - Mercedes SLS AMG
A luxury automobile, designed to impress the younger generation, the car is featured as the cover car of the racing game Gran Turismo 5. - Ford KA
The Ford Ka has been the bestselling car in its class in the United Kingdom for a number of years and I have attributed to this figure purchasing the model on my 17th Birthday as my first car. The KA is a very girly car, with a small and cute feel to it. - Mini
The original icon of the 1960’s, this modish car is amazing. The Mini car has had popularity the world over in various films and has been publicised by music stars.
How to buy a car online?
If you are anything like me, you will need some serious help when it comes to buying a car online. I unfortunately know very little on the technical side of things and more on the aesthetics. I will judge on whether something looks nice rather than if it functions correctly and that is where I need the helping hand...
First things first, look at the sites themselves. Research is key when locating safe, secure sites that are not going to scam you. I think being comfortable with a site is a priority when you are potentially spending a substantial amount of money on it. I found a great used car supermarket that has loads of tools to help you find your Dream Kar. You can chat live to a sales person and even calculate your fuel emissions and expected running costs- What more could you want!!
Secondly, make sure you know the type of car you want. Researching the vehicle will make you more equipped at spotting the bargains and make you generally more assertive. If you are unsure of the spec of the model or what the ‘best’ price is, there are many online sites that can help you with your research. A number of sites that I found on the web featured used car reviews.
Finally, there will be some negotiation that will be involved. To most people, they feel more comfortable with this as they do not have the pressure of speaking directly, face to face. This allows a lot of people to be more free with their monetary choices and go for a price they feel most comfortable with.
With a mixture of all three ingredients, I feel that you should be most equipped at buying a new/used car online.
When I bought my used Ford KA on my 17th Birthday, I sought advice from the web which helped me find my perfect match. Preparation is essential in such a decision, after all who wants a ‘pretty’ car that conks out after ten miles!
First things first, look at the sites themselves. Research is key when locating safe, secure sites that are not going to scam you. I think being comfortable with a site is a priority when you are potentially spending a substantial amount of money on it. I found a great used car supermarket that has loads of tools to help you find your Dream Kar. You can chat live to a sales person and even calculate your fuel emissions and expected running costs- What more could you want!!
Secondly, make sure you know the type of car you want. Researching the vehicle will make you more equipped at spotting the bargains and make you generally more assertive. If you are unsure of the spec of the model or what the ‘best’ price is, there are many online sites that can help you with your research. A number of sites that I found on the web featured used car reviews.
Finally, there will be some negotiation that will be involved. To most people, they feel more comfortable with this as they do not have the pressure of speaking directly, face to face. This allows a lot of people to be more free with their monetary choices and go for a price they feel most comfortable with.
With a mixture of all three ingredients, I feel that you should be most equipped at buying a new/used car online.
When I bought my used Ford KA on my 17th Birthday, I sought advice from the web which helped me find my perfect match. Preparation is essential in such a decision, after all who wants a ‘pretty’ car that conks out after ten miles!
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