A round-up of today’s other stories in brief
TomTom launches Go Live service
Satellite navigation firm TomTom has launched its Go Live 1000 in Ireland. The new device will be the first to offer Live services, which is connected technology that offers users dynamic navigation and route guidance, adapting to weather, mobile speed cameras and traffic situations and road conditions. The Go Live 1000 costs €279 and TomTom Live is free for the first 12 months and then €49.95 for the second year of subscription.
Hyundai announces five-year warranty for Ireland
Hyundai is to offer a five-year ‘Triple Care’ warranty across its entire range. The five-year Triple Care programme consists of a five years unlimited mileage warranty, five years roadside assistance and five years vehicle health check.
Car of the year shortlist
The shortlist for the Car of the Year in Europe has been compiled from the 41 new models this year that qualified. The seven to go forward to the final round of voting are: Alfa Romeo Giulietta; Citroën’s C3/DS3; Dacia Duster; Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max; Nissan Leaf; Opel Meriva ; Volvo S60/V60 . The winner will be announced on Monday, November 29th.
Joe Duffy Motors named as new Porsche service outlet
Joe Duffy Motors Dublin has been appointed as the official service outlet for Porsche cars in Ireland. It is believed that the dealership will be appointed as the official retailer for Porsche (pictured) in the New Year.
It will take over as the dealer following the closure of Belgard Motors just under a year ago.
Just five new Porsche cars have been sold this year, while 11 were sold in 2009. This compares to a high in 2007 when 137 were sold.
But there remains a large pool of service customers, believed to be around 1,200, who have been without an official Porsche service agent in the Republic since Belgard Porsche closed last November.
Scrappage prices guaranteed
Renault Ireland is guaranteeing scrappage prices to those who place orders this month for new cars to be delivered in January. Irrespective of whether the Government extends the scrappage scheme in the budget, the French brand says it will honour orders for January delivery at the scrappage prices. A spokesman would not say whether Renault would continue such deals throughout 2011.
New Renault models and editions
Renault will have special Irish editions in its model line-up for 2011. The models, which include versions of the Megane, Fluence and Laguna, will include 17” alloys, sports chassis and lowered suspension. The Megane Coupé Irish edition will cost €24,200, but with scrappage and other discounts the price will drop to €19,200 for the 90hp dCi diesel. Renault will also introduce its Wind roadster model in Ireland. It will come with a 100bhp petrol engine and will cost €24,990.