Toyota SA recognized in Customer Service Excellence Awards

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Customer Service Award for the annual Customer Service Excellence Awards (CSEA) by Toyota Motor Corporation. TSAM and its staff were commended for their dedicated efforts and determination towards excellent customer service.

The award is based on an annual evaluation of operations and activities in Toyota Customer Service Departments around the world.

The 2014 result is an improvement on the previous year’;s result and the second consecutive year TSAM attained the Gold award.

Toyota South Africa Motors Vice President of Customer Service John Oliver comments on the team’;s performance: “In our continuous quest towards ‘Always better Cars’; and ‘Always better service’; to ultimately create customer smiles, this award really means a lot to the organisation as it shows our efforts are being recognised at a global level. It’;s also a marked improvement on previous years, which is immensely pleasing.”

The main objective of the CSEA programme is to enhance the integrity of Customer Service activities and bring about quality enhancement in all deliverables. The programme covers 6 key evaluation metrics.

Furthermore, the CSEA supports the philosophy of the Toyota Customer Service Philosophy: “Accuracy + Caring = Trust”, to ensure customer expectations are exceeded through the sincere and efficient handling of their concerns.

“The Customer Service department is confidently striving to improve quality, customer service and the overall customer experience. Together with our dealerships, there are various plans in place to support our goals for 2015 and beyond. We are all committed to the strategies and will continue to work towards those customer smiles,” adds Oliver.

Also view:

Vehicle Maintenance, Repair and Road Safety

;

Toyota SA recognized in Customer Service Excellence Awards

The U.S. Postal Service Is Going New-Truck Buying

If you are old sufficient to remember the 1980s, you will recall that mail utilized to be delivered in Jeeps. They may have looked cooler than the boxy mail vans on the road nowadays, but they have been dinosaurs. Now, the current delivery vehicle—the Grumman Long Life Vehicle, or LLV—has grow to be a dinosaur itself. Constructed on the chassis of the Chevy S10, the aging and obsolete LLVs have puttered past the anticipated finish of their run.

Built among 1987 and 1994, the LLVs are in rough shape. A report released more than the summer by the USPS Workplace of the Inspector Common estimated that in 2013, the upkeep expense for its 142,000-car LLV fleet was close to $ 452 million—or more than $ 3000 per truck. Fuel efficiency was also listed as a concern. LLVs were developed to typical 17 mpg (not poor), but the actual quantity has been about 10 mpg (terrible).

So the U.S. Postal Service is buying for a new truck, and it has issued a request for details from producers interested in supplying the new mail-delivery automobile. The replacement process is still in the extremely early stages, but the contract promises to be a profitable 1 for the winning bidder. The USPS said it plans to obtain 180,000 cars at $ 25,000 to $ 35,000 every single, a prospective $ 6.3 billion worth of new mail vans.

The USPS stated that it wants the new car, like the LLV, to have correct-hand drive, an enclosed van-style body, a heavy-duty automatic transmission, and a sliding driver door. It also wants to be low-cost and effortless to preserve and be in a position to withstand 20 years of extreme use, other LLV attributes. But the similarities end there. The new vans will have safety attributes now normal on passenger automobiles and light trucks, including a front airbag, tire-stress monitors, a backup camera, daytime operating lights, and ABS. The postal service has also known as for more fuel-effective, significantly less-polluting powertrains and is thinking about alternative-fuel autos for a big portion of its fleet.

So what does all this imply to the typical letter carrier? We asked a carrier who has been delivering mail for 35 years. Speaking anonymously to steer clear of ruffling feathers at the prime of the postal pyramid, he stated that when it was introduced, the LLV was a vast improvement over the old Jeeps, which he described as “pieces of crap” with no power steering and a wide turning radius. But the LLVs, he mentioned, are past their prime.

“Right now, they’re rattle traps,” he said. “The heat does not operate half the time they break down a lot when it rains, water comes in about the windshield and the doors. Occasionally the packages get all wet.”

He also ticked off a laundry list of issues with the LLV, which he believed could have been avoided if letter carriers had been involved in the design and style method. For starters, he stated, the exhaust pipe exits on the proper side of the vehicle.

“They require a carrier to help style the truck, not a bunch of pencil necks that do not know what it’s like to carry mail,” he stated. “The Einstein that invented it place the exhaust pipe on the very same side as the driver, so we’re always sucking exhaust.”

LLVs also are not equipped with air conditioning, which this particular letter carrier stated causes drivers a considerable quantity of discomfort on hot summer days. The USPS mentioned in its report that it wanted to include air conditioning in the new trucks. It also claims to have completed a nationwide survey of letter carriers in coming up with new design and style priorities.

What did our intrepid courier consider about the proposed changes?

“I’m glad somebody’s lastly starting to feel about our comfort, as well, since if you are comfy, you are a lot more productive,” he stated.

---

---

Sadly, letter carriers must not anticipate speedy delivery of their new rides. The 1st LLV replacements aren’t scheduled to hit the road until 2018.

The U.S. Postal Service Is Going New-Truck Buying

The Windshield-Wiper “Service Position” Explained

February 10, 2015 at 1:57 pm by Vince DOnofrio | Photography by Michael Simari

Lately, as buckets and front-loaders complete of snow had been dumped onto the greater Detroit region, our long-term Volkswagen Golf test car wouldn’t allow one editor to lift its windshield wipers up after parking it outdoors. To Californians and hermits unfamiliar with the notion of “weather,” we typically lift wipers on vehicles parked outside to avoid them from gathering ice or sticking to the windshield for the duration of snowstorms. Except that when you try to move the VW’s wipers into the “up” position, they’re stopped partway by the trailing edge of the hood.

This is not an uncommon thing—especially among luxury automobiles of the German persuasion—as it makes it possible for the wipers to nest under the edge of the hood and lessen wind noise. (Of course, the VW Golf isn’t a luxury auto, but it does do a convincing impression of one.)

---

---

To lift the wipers on the Golf, you must first park the vehicle, kill the ignition, then hold the wiper stalk on the steering column down for a few moments. This moves the wipers into “service position”—essentially to the prime of their stroke against the windshield—at which point you can then hinge them away from the glass. Easy, particularly if you note that there are directions in the owner’s manual. Our extended-term BMW 328d wagon has equivalent functionality, as did an Audi A5 test automobile we had on hand this past week. The far more you—and one of our younger editors—know, right?

---

The Windshield-Wiper “Service Position” Explained

Service station – you ask, we answer

Have you got a query about vehicles? Are you distressed over your no claims discount? Or troubled by car tax?

If so, you’ve come to the correct place – each week Service Station will be answering a selection of inquiries asked via the comments section of the motoring weblog and the MoneySuperMarket forum.

My auto was in an accident in December and is nonetheless at the garage undergoing repair (the other driver was at fault) – can I claim back the auto tax for the period my vehicle was off the road if I can prove that it was off road being repaired?

Need to I have declared SORN the moment it was taken away?

Lee Smeaton, January 8, 2015

Hi Lee,

I got this back from DVLA – it looks like, as you thought, you have to declare SORN straight away…

“It may be valuable if we commence by explaining that any entitlement to a refund of unexpired automobile excise licences does not hinge on regardless of whether a vehicle was really employed or not more than a specified period of time. Proof of non-use, no matter how dependable, can’;t, as a result, be accepted by the Agency.

“A refund can only be paid for each complete calendar month unexpired at the date when the licence was surrendered. There is no facility to claim a refund in retrospect on the basis that a vehicle was not utilised.

“Without this safeguard the program for claiming refunds would be open to significant abuse. It is only by administering the scheme strictly that we are capable to preserve fraudulent claims to a minimum. The procedures we use have been in spot for a lot of years and have been extensively accepted, primarily due to the fact they are unambiguous and have been equally and, for that reason, relatively applied to everyone. While I completely sympathise with your circumstances, the law is in truth quite particular on the payment of refunds and there is no discretion offered to the Agency on such matters.”

I was involved in accident over a year ago and wasn’t at fault. I have now changed my insurance organization and wanted to cover my 5 year no claims discount (NCD) but had to prove accident wasn’t my fault.

I have sent a letter to the new insurer more than e-mail but was hit once again from behind ahead of they got the letter – will they nonetheless protect my NCD or have I lost it now?

I really do not know how it all operates. =(

Claire, January 8, 2015

Hi Claire,

As extended as you had been not at fault for either of the accidents and in no way claimed on your insurance coverage your no claims discount (NCD) entitlement shouldn’t be impacted.

However, you will have to declare each accidents when obtaining insurance quotes in future and even though this will not influence your NCD entitlement, it could impact the price tag of your policy, so be certain to shop around for cover at renewal.

I have just bought a new auto and went online to get a quote for it and was quoted a cost, but the insurance organization is now saying the no claims discount (NCD) I have is not acceptable as it was constructed up on an additional auto (which is now sold) and that no claims discount  is only constructed up on the car being insured so i have to begin from scratch!

Is this right? It seems unfair to me.

Nick, January 7, 2015

Hi Nick,

That is not right at all – you develop up your No Claims Discount (NCD) entitlement with each year of claim-free of charge driving and this can then be employed to get a discount on your premium with whatever insurer you pick to go with and what ever car you pick to insure.

The quantity of discount you get can differ based upon the insurer, but what they are telling you is completely wrong.

You you must send a letter of complaint (as per the insurer’s complaints process) and if you are not satisfied with the outcome you ought to take it to the Monetary Ombudsman Service.

Hi,

I’m selecting up an ex-demonstrator auto on the 29th of this month, and as you have told other people I have to tax it myself just before I drive it away. The big query is: will I lose 4 week’s tax or can the garage do something to assist with this? Or am I ideal to wait a couple of days prior to collection, for instance, until the 31^st or the 1^st to pick the vehicle up, can you advise?

Adele, January 9, 2015

Hi Adele,

When you tax a automobile part-way by way of the month, you nonetheless spend for that month in complete – this was the case just before the new tax disc guidelines came into impact but wasn’t broadly recognised as tax was frequently transferred with the sale of the vehicle.

Here’s the official DVLA line on the matter:

“It has been a extended standing feature that vehicle tax is issued from the very first of every month and refunds are issued for only the comprehensive calendar months remaining. This did not modify following the abolition of the tax disc.

Anybody acquiring a car will usually need to tax it. This provides clarity to motorists on what their duty is and protects them from inadvertently driving an untaxed car. It is a requirement under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (as amended) for vehicle tax to commence from the beginning of the month in which it 1st has impact.

As a result, in answer to your question, if you buy the vehicle on 29th January the car will need to be taxed immediately just before it can be utilised on the road. The automobile tax will begin from 1st January.”

Also, as quickly as you are registered as the new owner by way of the V5 certificate, you take duty for taxing the vehicle. So even if you leave the car at the garage, once the ownership has been transferred to you, you have to tax it.

The only way around this is to comprehensive a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and then tax the automobile when you are ready to drive it. It is worth remembering also that if you don’t declare the automobile off-road, you nevertheless have to have it insured, even if you are not employing it. You can read much more on continuous insurance coverage enforcement (CIE) here.

Got a query? Leave a comment or get in touch via the motoring forum.

Service station – you ask, we answer

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

From overpriced food to strict limits on parking occasions, there are numerous motives motorway solutions get on our nerves.

Are Britain’s service stations a supply of national shame?

That seems to be the conclusion drawn by a new survey of motorists.

A study carried out by the RAC has discovered that virtually 9 in 10 motorway customers consider our service stations provide poor value for money even though a majority describe going to solutions as “not a pleasurable experience”.

‘As tiny time and cash as possible’;

This follows the RAC’s recent findings that drivers are calling for curbs on the costs charged by motorway solutions for petrol and diesel.

The organisation’s new investigation discovered that the typical expenditure at services was between £5 and £10 per person, with 71% of respondents saying they tried to invest as tiny time and income there as feasible.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams says: “Millions of motorists rely on motorway service locations for a properly-earned rest.

“It is important for their security and that of other road customers that they take typical breaks so they are not tired when behind the wheel.

Strict parking limits

“But motorists really feel they are being seriously let down by what they see as overpriced merchandise and a lack of great service to match these premium rates.”

Williams adds: “For a family of 4 to consume a rapid, relatively fundamental meal together, the bill can simply pass the £40 mark, and even then, motorists inform us that the meals on supply in some cases just does not meet the mark.”

The RAC found that respondents were especially unhappy with the truth that a lot of service stations imposed strict time limits on parking.

Much more than 8 in 10 stated solutions ought to allow free of charge lengthy-stay or overnight parking so that drivers could rest adequately.

Unhappy clients

A quantity of Confused.com readers were also critical of Britain’s service stations following our recent report on higher motorway fuel rates.

One particular commenter, Michael, says: “Personally I think the entire standard of service stations in the UK is appalling.

“I travel every day from Manchester to the West Midlands and they are all dirty, overpriced and past their sell-by date.”

An additional commenter, Mark, adds: “Everything about motorway solutions is created for the extraction of the maximum quantity of cash from the customers, not for their convenience and safety.

A greater way

“If they have been concerned about the safety of the driver, they would not have a parking time limit of 2 hours.

“On the Continent, they anticipate you to cease and sleep if you start off to feel tired. Right here, they expect you to quit, devote your income and then bugger off.”

Williams at the RAC says that a excellent example has been set by the independent firm Westmorland Household, which has run the Tebay solutions on the M6 in Cumbria for a number of decades.

He adds: “They have taken a extremely different method, sourcing excellent top quality ingredients from the nearby region, producing home-cooked food which numerous take into account to provide much better value for cash, as well as becoming a far better good quality and possibly healthier option.”

‘Food is the key’;

Sarah Dunning, Westmorland Family’s CEO, says “correct food” is the company’s USP.

Westmorland has this year opened a second service station on the M5 close to Gloucester

“We have a great deal of repeat custom — and visitors to each Gloucester and Tebay are effusive in their praise, and that really helps to galvanise and inspire our staff to deliver each high quality and service,” Dunning says.

But she adds that the process of taking over a service station can be fraught with red tape.

“It was a quite long journey to open Gloucester Solutions, resulting in a judicial overview.”

Maybe this obstacle to competitors is a cause why other operators can get away with failing to meet customers’ expectations.

Evaluate vehicle insurance – you could uncover a great deal in minutes Get a vehicle insurance coverage quote

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

From overpriced meals to strict limits on parking instances, there are several causes motorway services get on our nerves.

Are Britain’s service stations a source of national shame?

That seems to be the conclusion drawn by a new survey of motorists.

A study carried out by the RAC has discovered that virtually 9 in 10 motorway users feel our service stations offer you poor value for funds while a majority describe visiting services as “not a pleasurable knowledge”.

‘As little time and funds as possible’;

This follows the RAC’s current findings that drivers are calling for curbs on the costs charged by motorway solutions for petrol and diesel.

The organisation’s new study located that the typical expenditure at solutions was between £5 and £10 per particular person, with 71% of respondents saying they tried to commit as small time and funds there as attainable.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams says: “Millions of motorists depend on motorway service locations for a properly-earned rest.

“It is crucial for their safety and that of other road customers that they take regular breaks so they are not tired when behind the wheel.

Strict parking limits

“But motorists really feel they are becoming seriously let down by what they see as overpriced products and a lack of good service to match these premium costs.”

Williams adds: “For a family members of 4 to consume a fast, fairly fundamental meal with each other, the bill can effortlessly pass the £40 mark, and even then, motorists tell us that the food on provide in some cases just doesn’t meet the mark.”

The RAC discovered that respondents have been specifically unhappy with the reality that a lot of service stations imposed strict time limits on parking.

Far more than 8 in 10 said solutions need to permit cost-free extended-stay or overnight parking so that drivers could rest adequately.

Unhappy clients

A quantity of Confused.com readers have been also vital of Britain’s service stations following our current report on high motorway fuel prices.

One commenter, Michael, says: “Personally I believe the entire standard of service stations in the UK is appalling.

“I travel every day from Manchester to the West Midlands and they are all dirty, overpriced and past their sell-by date.”

Yet another commenter, Mark, adds: “Every thing about motorway services is made for the extraction of the maximum amount of funds from the users, not for their comfort and safety.

A far better way

“If they had been concerned about the security of the driver, they would not have a parking time limit of 2 hours.

“On the Continent, they count on you to stop and sleep if you begin to feel tired. Right here, they anticipate you to cease, commit your income and then bugger off.”

Williams at the RAC says that a great example has been set by the independent firm Westmorland Household, which has run the Tebay solutions on the M6 in Cumbria for several decades.

He adds: “They have taken a quite diverse approach, sourcing excellent top quality components from the local region, generating home-cooked meals which a lot of think about to give much better value for cash, as well as becoming a much better top quality and possibly healthier alternative.”

‘Food is the key’;

Sarah Dunning, Westmorland Family’s CEO, says “proper food” is the company’s USP.

Westmorland has this year opened a second service station on the M5 near Gloucester

“We have a excellent deal of repeat custom — and visitors to each Gloucester and Tebay are effusive in their praise, and that really assists to galvanise and inspire our staff to deliver both quality and service,” Dunning says.

But she adds that the method of taking more than a service station can be fraught with red tape.

“It was a very long journey to open Gloucester Services, resulting in a judicial evaluation.”

Probably this obstacle to competition is a cause why other operators can get away with failing to meet customers’ expectations.

Examine auto insurance coverage – you could uncover a excellent deal in minutes Get a car insurance coverage quote

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Tomorrow and Sunday (November 15 and 16), Highways Agency traffic officers will be on hand at motorway service stations across England to advise on winter driving, planning journeys over Christmas and checking your car before driving long distances in adverse weather.

Snap, crackle, pop

We might have had a wet and soggy winter so far, but it only takes one cold snap for roads to freeze over and conditions to become hazardous for drivers.

It’s bad enough your car breaking down when it’s hot and sunny, but freezing your proverbials off at the roadside when it happens in winter makes things a whole lot more painful.

It’s showtime…

The Highways Agency initiative is part of scheme called ‘Operation Showtime’. There’s no need for jazz hands though – this operation is all about making sure we, and our cars, are prepared for winter weather.

I’d have gone for ‘snowtime’, but never mind. And there’s no circumstance I can think of that isn’t enhanced with a bit of jazz-handing.

Kit cars

Brian Hensby, the Highways Agency operations manager in charge of ‘Operation Showtime’ said: “We’d suggest drivers put together a winter emergency kit for their car – with crucial items like warm clothing, a torch, de-icer, ice scrapers, shovel and boots.

“We also recommend checking your vehicle – is the tread depth on your tyres safe? Do your brakes work properly? Is your heating okay?

“If you are considering a winter service for your vehicle, be sure to get it done at least a week before any long journeys – sadly, there are countless examples of vehicles establishing problems during the very first journey after a check-up.”

Be prepared

As well as making sure your car has been serviced, there are lots of basic checks you can perform to make sure your car is set for winter.

As Hensby points out, checking your tyres is crucial – if they are worn, you’re much more likely to skid. The tread legally needs to be at least 1.6mm, but if you’re driving in winter it should ideally be more than 2mm.

The 20 pence piece test is a doddle. Insert the coin into the tread and, if you can see the rim above the tread depth, your next journey should be to a tyre provider.

And you might want to think about investing in winter tyres if you live in a rural area where roads aren’t regularly gritted.

Assault on your battery

You should also check your oil level, hazard lights and anti-freeze, and think about when you last changed your battery, which takes a hammering in the winter because of the extra load from lights and heating. If it is over 5 years old, you might want to think about replacing it.

Think about the type of oil you’re using as well – the thicker it is, the less effectively it will lubricate, so you’ll need to change it regularly and make sure the level is between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.

Don’t be shy about getting a garage to give your car a pre-winter health-check. It’ll cost you, but peace of mind rarely comes without a price tag.

Afore ye go…

Make sure you’re prepared for any winter weather that might hit while you’re on the road. If you’ve got a long journey scheduled, look at the weather forecast before leaving home and check the latest traffic information for delays.

Use common sense and don’t travel in conditions that are hazardous. If you have to, delay your plans – it’s better to be inconvenienced than to put yourself and other passengers in any sort of danger.

Timing is everything

Hensby said: “It may be a case of leaving earlier, or leaving a little later, or simply planning the best places for rest stops along the way.

“You can’t have too much information before you set off: and the more you know, the more likely you are to enjoy a smoother journey this winter.”

You can contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or visit its website for information about road incidents and conditions.

Big up for breakdown cover…

It’s a good idea to have comprehensive breakdown cover in place so that you have someone to call on to get you to safety – and so you can avoid hefty garage call-out costs.

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Tomorrow and Sunday (November 15 and 16), Highways Agency traffic officers will be on hand at motorway service stations across England to advise on winter driving, planning journeys over Christmas and checking your car before driving long distances in adverse weather.

Snap, crackle, pop

We might have had a wet and soggy winter so far, but it only takes one cold snap for roads to freeze over and conditions to become hazardous for drivers.

It’s bad enough your car breaking down when it’s hot and sunny, but freezing your proverbials off at the roadside when it happens in winter makes things a whole lot more painful.

It’s showtime…

The Highways Agency initiative is part of scheme called ‘Operation Showtime’. There’s no need for jazz hands though – this operation is all about making sure we, and our cars, are prepared for winter weather.

I’d have gone for ‘snowtime’, but never mind. And there’s no circumstance I can think of that isn’t enhanced with a bit of jazz-handing.

Kit cars

Brian Hensby, the Highways Agency operations manager in charge of ‘Operation Showtime’ said: “We’d suggest drivers put together a winter emergency kit for their car – with crucial items like warm clothing, a torch, de-icer, ice scrapers, shovel and boots.

“We also recommend checking your vehicle – is the tread depth on your tyres safe? Do your brakes work properly? Is your heating okay?

“If you are considering a winter service for your vehicle, be sure to get it done at least a week before any long journeys – sadly, there are countless examples of vehicles establishing problems during the very first journey after a check-up.”

Be prepared

As well as making sure your car has been serviced, there are lots of basic checks you can perform to make sure your car is set for winter.

As Hensby points out, checking your tyres is crucial – if they are worn, you’re much more likely to skid. The tread legally needs to be at least 1.6mm, but if you’re driving in winter it should ideally be more than 2mm.

The 20 pence piece test is a doddle. Insert the coin into the tread and, if you can see the rim above the tread depth, your next journey should be to a tyre provider.

And you might want to think about investing in winter tyres if you live in a rural area where roads aren’t regularly gritted.

Assault on your battery

You should also check your oil level, hazard lights and anti-freeze, and think about when you last changed your battery, which takes a hammering in the winter because of the extra load from lights and heating. If it is over 5 years old, you might want to think about replacing it.

Think about the type of oil you’re using as well – the thicker it is, the less effectively it will lubricate, so you’ll need to change it regularly and make sure the level is between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.

Don’t be shy about getting a garage to give your car a pre-winter health-check. It’ll cost you, but peace of mind rarely comes without a price tag.

Afore ye go…

Make sure you’re prepared for any winter weather that might hit while you’re on the road. If you’ve got a long journey scheduled, look at the weather forecast before leaving home and check the latest traffic information for delays.

Use common sense and don’t travel in conditions that are hazardous. If you have to, delay your plans – it’s better to be inconvenienced than to put yourself and other passengers in any sort of danger.

Timing is everything

Hensby said: “It may be a case of leaving earlier, or leaving a little later, or simply planning the best places for rest stops along the way.

“You can’t have too much information before you set off: and the more you know, the more likely you are to enjoy a smoother journey this winter.”

You can contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or visit its website for information about road incidents and conditions.

Big up for breakdown cover…

It’s a good idea to have comprehensive breakdown cover in place so that you have someone to call on to get you to safety – and so you can avoid hefty garage call-out costs.

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Tomorrow and Sunday (November 15 and 16), Highways Agency targeted traffic officers will be on hand at motorway service stations across England to advise on winter driving, organizing journeys over Christmas and checking your auto just before driving extended distances in adverse weather.

Snap, crackle, pop

We may have had a wet and soggy winter so far, but it only takes one cold snap for roads to freeze over and conditions to turn out to be hazardous for drivers.

It’s poor sufficient your car breaking down when it is hot and sunny, but freezing your proverbials off at the roadside when it happens in winter makes things a complete lot a lot more painful.

It’s showtime…

The Highways Agency initiative is component of scheme named ‘Operation Showtime’. There’s no need for jazz hands although – this operation is all about producing positive we, and our cars, are prepared for winter climate.

I’d have gone for ‘snowtime’, but in no way mind. And there’s no circumstance I can think of that is not enhanced with a bit of jazz-handing.

Kit automobiles

Brian Hensby, the Highways Agency operations manager in charge of ‘Operation Showtime’ mentioned: “We’d suggest drivers put collectively a winter emergency kit for their auto – with crucial products like warm clothes, a torch, de-icer, ice scrapers, shovel and boots.

“We also advise checking your vehicle – is the tread depth on your tyres protected? Do your brakes function appropriately? Is your heating okay?

“If you are thinking about a winter service for your car, be certain to get it done at least a week ahead of any lengthy journeys – sadly, there are countless examples of autos establishing difficulties for the duration of the really first journey right after a check-up.”

Be prepared

As effectively as generating positive your car has been serviced, there are lots of standard checks you can carry out to make confident your vehicle is set for winter.

As Hensby points out, checking your tyres is crucial – if they are worn, you’re considerably a lot more likely to skid. The tread legally demands to be at least 1.6mm, but if you are driving in winter it ought to ideally be far more than 2mm.

The 20 pence piece test is a doddle. Insert the coin into the tread and, if you can see the rim above the tread depth, your subsequent journey need to be to a tyre provider.

And you may well want to feel about investing in winter tyres if you live in a rural location where roads aren’t frequently gritted.

Assault on your battery

You must also verify your oil level, hazard lights and anti-freeze, and think about when you last changed your battery, which requires a hammering in the winter simply because of the additional load from lights and heating. If it is more than 5 years old, you may possibly want to consider about replacing it.

Consider about the sort of oil you are employing as effectively – the thicker it is, the much less effectively it will lubricate, so you’ll require to alter it regularly and make positive the level is between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.

Do not be shy about getting a garage to give your vehicle a pre-winter wellness-verify. It’ll expense you, but peace of mind seldom comes without a price tag.

Afore ye go…

Make positive you are prepared for any winter climate that might hit even though you’re on the road. If you’ve got a long journey scheduled, appear at the weather forecast prior to leaving home and check the newest traffic details for delays.

Use frequent sense and do not travel in situations that are hazardous. If you have to, delay your plans – it’s greater to be inconvenienced than to place your self and other passengers in any sort of danger.

Timing is almost everything

Hensby said: “It may be a case of leaving earlier, or leaving a tiny later, or merely organizing the best locations for rest stops along the way.

“You can’t have as well a lot info ahead of you set off: and the much more you know, the much more likely you are to get pleasure from a smoother journey this winter.”

You can get in touch with the Highways Agency Data Line on 0300 123 5000 or pay a visit to its site for information about road incidents and circumstances.

Large up for breakdown cover…

It’s a great notion to have complete breakdown cover in location so that you have a person to contact on to get you to safety – and so you can steer clear of hefty garage call-out costs.

Highway stars shine at M-way service stations this weekend

Four suspects arrested for hijacking a courier service vehicle

Police in Kwa-Thema arrested 4 suspects for hijacking a courier service vehicle and recovered the stolen goods yesterday. A firearm, 9mm pistol, was also seized during the arrest. The suspects are due to appear at the Kwa-Thema Magistrate Court within 48 hours.

It is alleged that 4 suspects approached the RTT courier service vehicle at a stop sign and pointed a firearm at the driver and his passenger. The victims were forced out of the vehicle and the suspects drove away with the vehicle. The suspects took a firearm from the passenger who was a security guard. Police followed up information and arrested the suspects whilst they were off-loading goods at a nearby BP garage in KwaThema.

Police are still investigating a possibility that the suspects may be linked to other hijacking cases.

Also view:

Hijack Prevention Guidelines

Four suspects arrested for hijacking a courier service vehicle

Maryland E-mail Service Notifies Drivers about Vehicle Insurance coverage Lapses

Drivers in Maryland can sign up for a new e mail service that will notify them if they appear uninsured in the state’s vehicle insurance verification database.

Uninsured drivers in Maryland face a number of fines and penalties, like registration suspension and a $ 150 penalty for any lapse in coverage of up to 30 days. Right after that period, the penalty increases by $ 7 day-to-day.

Milt Chaffee, administrator for the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), mentioned in a June statement that the courtesy service will aid drivers quickly get uninsured notifications .

Drivers interested in receiving MVA notifications should provide their email address by visiting MVA’s online services section and picking “email management” link, situated below “other solutions” in the left-hand bar.

Automobile insurers in Maryland share information about canceled policies day-to-day with the MVA, which utilizes its own information to match automobile registrations with auto policies. If a policy is canceled and there’s no replacement, the MVA will send out a notification letter and, if the email address is accessible, an e mail.

Drivers who obtain the email need to get in touch with their new insurance coverage provider to notify the MVA of the new policy.

E mail alerts are also sent to motorists whose driving privileges are suspended.

Maryland E-mail Service Notifies Drivers about Vehicle Insurance coverage Lapses

“Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales” – Combined Motor Holdings

Customer service the primary driver of vehicle sales
CMH now able to share best practices through CMH Connect
Company celebrating 18 months of continued growth

Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales, says Steve Atkinson, Franchise Director of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH).

Atkinson is actively involved in training staff across the many CMH Group dealerships, with the aim of further improving customer service.

“One would think that price is the most important consideration when buying a new car, especially in today’;s difficult economic climate,” says Atkinson, pointing at the wide array of advertisements promoting cash back discounts and better repayment rates.

“Our experience is different. Price is an important consideration and ensures that a customer makes the first contact, but after that sales support and service become the key purchase drivers.”

Atkinson speaks from more than 2 decades of experience, having being part of the CMH team that re-established Volvo in South Africa in 1994. Today he manages a wide range of vehicle brands for the CMH Group and has a bird’;s eye view of the best practices amongst various dealers.

“The old adage holds true, people buy from people,” says Atkinson. “The relationship and level of service received from a sales consultant or specific dealer are much better indicators of sales success and return business than the sales price.”

Having identified the key drivers of vehicle sales, Atkinson champions the training initiatives in the CMH Group and is entrusted with sharing best practices across the 59 dealerships that CMH operates across brands as diverse as BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, MG and Volvo through the company’;s unique CMH Connect platform.

Steve Atkinson

“We have the powerful advantage of being able to study sales support and customer reaction across all types of brands. At the same time our technical staff has many years of institutional memory on servicing and maintaining passenger and commercial vehicles. We are now creating a platform on which they can share this to ultimately serve our customers better,” says Atkinson.

CMH is a South African listed company that specialises in the automotive industry. Apart from its franchise operations it has divisions in a wide range of other sectors, including finance, insurance, lifestyle, marine and vehicle rental through First Car Rental.

“Thanks to this culture of sharing best practices and improving skills we have shown 18 months of continued growth, says Jebb McIntosh, CEO of the CMH Group. “This, alongside several dealer awards from brands such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo is proof enough of the value of good customer service.”

Also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

;

“Service and customer support are far more important than price in driving vehicles sales” – Combined Motor Holdings

20,000 Mile Service - 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Long-Term Road Test

2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI: 20,000 Mile Service

Could 16, 2014

Our time with the 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI is nearly over, but we had one particular more service item to take care of ahead of the car leaves. We powered through the 20,000-mile aim we set for all extended-term test cars thanks to Dan Edmunds’; biodiesel experiment. The Passat requires maintenance at 10,000-mile intervals, so the timing was perfect to get the automobile all freshened up before we return it to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen supplies complimentary scheduled upkeep for the first 3 years/36,000 miles. The 20,000-mile service involves regular products like an oil alter, tire rotation and numerous inspections. For our TDI, that also signifies topping it off with AdBlue and replacing the fuel filter.

We visited Santa Monica Volkswagen as we did with the Passat’;s very first service. I was greeted practically right away and referred to a service advisor. He went more than the things covered beneath the service, and informed me of an outstanding bulletin relating to a fuse box washer.

I was in no immediate rush to get the auto back but I preferred possessing it ahead of 2:00 p.m. the same day. I got a contact at 1:30 informing me that the automobile was prepared to be picked up. I did not spend far more than 10 minutes at the service center all day. Quick and basic, no hassles. Just the way I like it.

Cameron Rogers, Car Testing Assistant @ 20,736 miles

20,000 Mile Service - 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Long-Term Road Test

First Service, TSB - 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 S Extended-Term Road Test

This is the estimated average annual insurance premium being charged in your state. The premium has been determined primarily based on annual premium information for defined coverages (liability, extensive and collision) from a major insurer.

While this details is distinct to automobile make, model, model year and physique kind, your individual information is not taken into consideration and could tremendously alter the actual premium quoted by an insurer. Variables that will influence your price include your age, marital status, credit history, driving record, and the garaging address of your car.

The Edmunds TCO® estimated month-to-month insurance payment for a 2014 Mazda Mazda3 in NJ is:

$ 266 per month*

* Explanation

First Service, TSB - 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 S Extended-Term Road Test

Initial Service, TSB - 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 S Long-Term Road Test

This is the estimated typical annual insurance coverage premium becoming charged in your state. The premium has been determined primarily based on annual premium information for defined coverages (liability, comprehensive and collision) from a main insurer.

Even though this info is particular to vehicle make, model, model year and physique type, your individual data is not taken into consideration and could drastically alter the actual premium quoted by an insurer. Variables that will impact your rate contain your age, marital status, credit history, driving record, and the garaging address of your automobile.

The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2014 Mazda Mazda3 in NJ is:

$ 266 per month*

* Explanation

Initial Service, TSB - 2014 Mazda MAZDA3 S Long-Term Road Test