Company News
Gates News
The latest news and information from Gates:
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The new Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost, in our showrooms today! |
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The new Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost has arrived in Gates showroom’s and is ready to test drive today!
The new three cylinder Focus 1.0 Ecoboost is the first Ford vehicle to utilise the new Ecoboost Technology, giving the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with the cost benefits of a 1.0 litre engine, using a combination of a turbo charger and direct fuel injection.
The new Ecoboost engine reduces fuel consumption, therefore lowering CO2 emissions. This means you pay £0 in road tax in the first year then £20 or £30 per year thereafter, depending on which model you choose. This equates to a saving of at least £200 over two years. Available in two models: a 123bhp version which returns fuel economy of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km, and a 99bhp unit returning 58.9mpg and emissions of 109g/km – a ‘best-in-class’ for petrol models.
The performance claim is warranted by the level of torque output the new Focus 1.0 Ecoboost generates, 170Nm (200Nm with overboost), the same as the current model Ford Focus 1.6 litre engine.
With prices starting at £16,245, all the benefits of the 1.6 litre Ford Focus coupled with lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption, the new Ford Focus delivers on every level. Contact your local Gates dealership in Essex or Hertfordshire today to find out more information and book a test drive. |
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Gates Sales Executive, Sam Kilbey wins iPad 2 in Sales competition sponsored by Ford Credit |
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Gates of Stevenage Sales Executive, Sam Kilbey, was able to cross an iPad 2 off his Christmas list to Santa after winning a recent competition sponsored by Ford Credit, held by the areas leading Ford dealer, Gates. Sales Executives from all 8 locations in the Group were invited to demonstrate their product knowledge and customer presentation skills of Ford's new technology to their Sales Managers, with the winner from each site then being assessed by a Regional Director, and finally by Managing Director Heath Greenall in the grand finale.
Group Sales Manager Darren Cooper said that the standard was exceptional and that fellow finalists Alex Pollitt from Gates of Dunmow, and Ryan Haswell of Gates of Hertford were very close to lifting the prize in a very hard fought competition.
Sam, 24, lives locally and has been with Gates of Stevenage for approaching 6 months. Having had no previous motor trade experience, his outstanding performance is a true testament to the quality and level of training that has been provided by Gates in that time. Ford Credit's Jean-Paul Esposito praised Sam's determination, and is sure that the future be will very bright for such a deserving winner.
Pictured (Left - Right): Group Sales Manager - Darren Cooper, Jean-Paul Esposito (Ford Credit), Sales Executive - Sam Kilbey. |
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'Movember' at Gates |
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This November, some of our staff across the group are sprouting facial hair in aid of Movember.
Movember takes place each year during the month of November with the aim of raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.
Participants must begin on the 1st November clean shaven and cultivate their moustache for the remainder of the month.
To find out more about Movember and support the ‘Gates Gringos’ by making a donation, please click here.
Pictured (Left - Right): Assistant Service Manager - Nathan Rook, Gates Technicians - David Lewis, Mark Cory, Kristian Lawrence and Service Manager - Peter Jones. |
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Annual Investment Allowance changing in April 2012 |
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From April 2012 the Annual Investment Allowance is changing.
The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is a tax allowance which businesses can use to claim 100% writing down allowances on plant and equipment purchases. This includes purchased Commercial Vehicles.
From April 2012 the Annual Investment Allowance will be reduced from £100,000 to £25,000.
All plant and equipment (including commercial vehicles) up to the AIA limit bought in the financial year can be included in the AIA. Businesses buying a Commercial Vehicle can claim 100% writing down allowances against the AIA. The total amount of the utilised AIA is then offset against any taxable profit.
For further information please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk
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Charity "Waxathon" raises funds and awareness for "Blood Runners" at Gates of Stevenage |
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Staff at our Stevenage branch are feeling smooth after a recent charity "waxathon" raised funds for the charity "SERV - Blood Runners (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers)".
Nathan Rook, Assistant Service Manager, managed to persuade two work colleagues and two of his cousins to join him for the painful hair removal procedure to raise money and awareness for the charity.
The non-profit organisation transport blood, platelets, plasma, samples, vaccines & any other urgently required medical items to hospitals 365 days a year. This service is provided completely free of charge, allowing the NHS to divert funds elsewhere. The organisation ensured Nathan's cousin's son, five year old Harrison, received necessary supplies during his battle against Leukaemia. Harrison was first diagnosed with Leukaemia three years ago and has needed 50 blood transfusions.
"I organised the event with my amazing cousin Laura Clifton for her unbelievable little boy who relied on the service of the Blood Runners during his fight against cancer," explained Nathan. "They do a fantastic job that essentially saves lives and yet don’t get much publicity or funding for it, so we really wanted to help give something back."
The event held at our Stevenage dealership involved head shaving, chest, back and leg waxing.
Nathan, who had his legs waxed continues "It hurt but what we have done is nothing compared to the bravery Harrison has shown and it was completely worth it to support this great cause".
To find out more about the "Blood Runners", visit http://www.serv.org.uk/.
To make a donation to the "Waxathon" group visit www.justgiving.com/waxingforbloodrunners .
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New Ford Fiesta "Centura" celebrates 100 years of Ford in Britain |
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Britain's best-selling small car, the Ford Fiesta, continues to expand its appeal with the launch of an exciting new special edition, the "Centura", which builds on the most popular model and engine choice in the UK.
The Centura celebrates the 100th anniversary of Ford in Britain and, available exclusively in black, it pays tribute to the first Ford vehicles to be manufactured in the UK, the Model T in 1911.
Based on the Ford Fiesta Zetec, the Centura boasts a comprehensive list of additional standard equipment valued at £600, including metallic Panther Black paint, chrome mirror and door caps, LED daylight running lights, 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, reverse parking sensors and a parking camera mounted in the rear view mirror.
Just 1,000 Ford Fiesta Centura special editions will be available, priced at £13,395 for the three-door version and £13,995 for the five-door. The Ford Fiesta remains the UK's best-selling car with 52,327 sold in the first half of this year.
Anthony Ireson, marketing director, Ford of Britain, said: "Fiesta has been a UK favourite its entire lifetime and it was a natural choice to use this great icon to help mark our centenary. With a unique specification and affordable price, the Centura will appeal to thousands of customers, and we anticipate strong demand – who knows it might even become a collector's car one day!"
The Ford Fiesta Centura 1.25-litre 82PS petrol engine is exempt from vehicle excise duty in the first year.
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On 1st September 2011, our Managing Director, Heath Greenall and five friends will be taking up the challenge of cycling from London to Paris |
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Team "Poppy Bellies" will be cycling over 440km in four days, whilst hoping to raise over £10,000 for the Royal British Legion.
The British Legion does wonderful work helping ex-soldiers, and their dependants, who risked their lives in the World Wars and more recently the Gulf war and currently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like all charities they need every penny.
Heath would really appreciate your sponsorship, however big or small, as this will make a huge difference to people’s lives.
It's easy to donate online with a credit or debit card - just go to his Just Giving page:
http://www.justgiving.com/Heath-Greenall
Just Giving sends your donation straight to the Royal British Legion and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you're a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. I hope you'll join him in supporting the Royal British Legion.
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Gates Apprentice is a finalist at the IMI Awards 2011 |
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Gates are pleased to announce that one of our apprentice technicians, Helen Radley, who works at our Bishops Stortford dealership, has been selected as a finalist for the ‘Outstanding Technical Student for Light Vehicles’ award at the Institute of the Motor Industry Outstanding Achievement Awards 2011.
Helen attended the IMI awards ceremony at Fanshaws in Brickendon on Thursday 23rd June along with her mother, Gates of Bishops Stortford Service Manager Richard Ormsby and Kelvin Cottrell from Skillnet.
Richard Ormsby said “We are extremely proud of Helen’s achievements at the IMI Awards and look forward to helping her progress her career further with Gates”.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Alan Mackrill, Managing Director of the IMI Awards, and Awards were presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
Pictured left: Kelvin Cottrell, Helen Radley & Richard Ormsby
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What Van? 2011 awards – Hat-trick for the Ford Commercial Vehicle range |
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Ford's range of Commercial Vehicles have been recognised and crowned as winners at the leading van magazine What Van? 2011 awards.
Winners:
Small Van - Ford Fiesta Van Minibus - Ford Transit 4x4 Van - Ford Transit AWD
Ford's One-Stop-Shop scheme has also been highly commended for the second year running due to the introduction of the Phase-Five version of its Transit Tipper.
Transit Brand Manager, Ford of Britain, Dave Petts, said "The breadth and diversity of the Ford Commercial Vehicle range is a key factor in it's success. In these tough business times, it is great to see such strong endorsement from one of the industry's key magazines".
For more details on the What Van? 2011 awards visit;
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All-new Grand C-Max on the Motability scheme |
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Ongar couple Edward and Tanya Gouldthorp, along with three year old daughter Kacie, were delighted to take delivery of their new vehicle recently at Gates of Harlow. Assisted by Motability Specialist Mel Shaw, who has been with Gates for over 20 years, this is the first vehicle that Mr & Mrs Gouldthorp have had under the Motability scheme and Mel was pleased to be able to guide them through the necessary paperwork and formalities. Their vehicle of choice was the new Ford Grand C-Max.
When asked about their choice of vehicle Mr & Mrs Gouldthorp said that, as well as the stylish and modern look of the vehicle, the sliding rear doors, spacious interior and equipment levels offered them the versatility and practicality that both they and Kacie need to meet their day to day requirements. Both were full of praise for the Motability scheme and were happy that they could now take advantage of it as Kacie had passed her third birthday.
The Motability scheme enables disabled people to exchange either their Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or their War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You do not even need to drive yourself- you can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards.
By choosing to lease a vehicle through Motability’s contract hire agreement, you could take advantage of the following benefits promising you worry-free motoring:
For more information regarding the motability scheme or to find out if you could be eligible, please contact your local Gates dealership. |
| Ford Econocheck targets lower fuel bills | |
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Ford's new Econo Check service will help its customers reduce fuel bills by up to 25 per cent. Ford Econo Check offers both a vehicle inspection, an extended analysis of driving style and advice on how to improve fuel economy.
Aimed at most vehicles up to 12 years old, the Econo Check starts with a check of all components which influence fuel use. A Ford technician will carry out checks including tyre pressure and condition, oil and air filter cleanliness during the 15-minute inspection.
The technician will also fit a small detachable data logger to the vehicle, which remains discretely and securely in the cabin for seven days. Once removed, either by the dealer or by the customer, and returned by post, the logger will reveal enough data on driving speed, anticipation, braking and gear change to issue a personalised report.
The emailed Econo Check report will recommend the driving style adjustments that could lead to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The Ford Econo Check package can save up to 25 per cent on fuel – or £470 annually for the 12,000 miles a year motorist. ¹
Andy Barratt, Ford customer service director, said: "Ford is first in offering an Econo Check to so many owners, almost regardless of their vehicles' age. The Blue Oval brand already includes a range of product choices for customers prioritising the environment, such as ECOnetic diesel models and EcoBoost petrol-engined vehicles. Now our dealers' service departments are helping to cut rising fuel and other running costs on Ford models by smarter driving.
The Ford Econocheck is now available at Gates for only £11.99.
¹ Based on: 12,000 miles per year, £1.20 per litre, 35 mpg |
