Inside the industry with Andrew Hamilton.
FREE MONDELLO COURSE: Every buyer of a MG Z saloon before the end of August will be entitled to a free Mondello Park performance driving course. The course includes a demonstration with an instructor followed by a session in a Rover 25GTi, and then solo laps at the wheel of a Formula Rover racing car. Car buyers for the MG ZR 105, ZR 160, ZS 120 and ZS 180 will also receive a free Kenwood single slot CD player. John Donegan, marketing and commercial director of MG Rover Ireland says the Mondello offer is very much in keeping with the motor racing "feel" of the current MG range.
MATCHING DEALERS: Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG) is rethinking its dealer network in Ireland and, it seems, plans are to match dealerships with Volvo and Land Rover marques, where possible, under the same dealerships. It's part of a number of changes in the PAG dealer network that has seen Top Car in Cork and Bradley Motors in Galway both getting Jaguar franchises.
At present Land Rover has 17 dealers in the Republic to Volvo's 12. However, the pairing will not be across the network as a potential problem may arise with some current Land Rover dealers who also carry MG Rover. They may feel it incompatible to carry Volvo alongside the MG Rover marque. At present only two dealerships, Chapmans in Kildare and Auto Boland in Waterford, sell both Volvo and Land Rover marques.
NEW MAZDA DEBUT: A new Mazda, the 6, is making its debut on the Irish market. It's the successor to the 626. Now speculation is centred on future Mazda model titles. It's expected that single digits will be used and the 323's successor is likely to become simply the 3. Nobody, though, is quite sure if MX-5 will be retained for future versions of the highly successful sports car.
HONOURING ENZO: The new 600 bhp supercar from Ferrari will be called Enzo, honouring the founder of this exclusive manufacturer, one Enzo Ferrari.
ONE OF A KIND: It's an extremely limited edition Mercedes M-Class. In fact, there's only one and it has been adapted for official duties in Vatican City. It has a bulletproof glass rear section and a ramp to allow the frail 82-year-old Pontiff to be wheeled inside. He can speak with his driver by microphone. The vehicle is powered by a 3.2 litre engine from the ML 320. Mercedes says the automatic gearbox and softened suspension will ensure "supreme comfort" for the Very Important Passenger.
CHANGING TIMES: A motorist in Leicester is giving up his GAY 1 number plate. He is fed up with the teasing. "When I got this number plate 30 years ago the gay word had an entirely different meaning."