The magazine for Vauxhall staff and retailersDecember 2010

Wrap sTarGood things come in Corsa-sized packages

neW look for Corsapage 07

open for businesspage 24

on board WiTh bsm page 19

Day in the Life23

VIEW

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THE MAGAZINE FOR VAUXHALL STAFF AND RETAILERS

GM continues to go from strength to strength. Proof of the company’s resurgence came on 19 November when new GM common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Back on this side of the Atlantic, I’m delighted to see that the last few weeks have seen a flurry of awards for Vauxhall. New Meriva has won the Golden Steering Wheel award for the hotly contested compact class and has also been shortlisted for the European Car of the Year award. Furthermore, Ampera won the Public Choice award at the Royal Automobile Club’s inaugural Future Car Challenge which brought together 60 low-emission vehicles on a 60-mile journey from Brighton to London.

These awards, and the positive reaction by journalists to the British-built Astra Sports Tourer further strengthened the Vauxhall brand and are further proof that we continue our journey to becoming the Best Automotive Company in the UK.

I’ve had the great pleasure of talking with many Retail Operators at the District Dinners recently. It’s good to know that while the market has been tough, Vauxhall continues to perform well and is the biggest winner in the market in the ‘post scrappage period’.

Finally, I’m pleased to say that in the first eight months since we launched our partnership with Help for Heroes, we have raised a fantastic £100,000! Thank you all for your enthusiasm and commitment to this extremely worthwhile cause.

REGULARSFEATURES16 WORTH THEIR WEIGHT

IN PLATINUMWhat it takes to become a Vauxhall Platinum technician

18 TALkING SHOPfeedback from the executive visits to Retailers – from both sides of the forecourt

19 CORSA PASSES THE TESTBSM comes back to Vauxhall as instructors choose the Corsa

20 LET’S GET SOCIALhow Vauxhall is using social media to keep customers up-to-date

22 SMILESTONESDiary of the astra Sports tourer from production to showroom

12 RETAILER NEWSthe buzz from around the retail network

14 GM NEWSWhat’s going on around the GM world

23 A DAy IN THE LIFECustomer Care Manager Dave Doublett

24 PEOPLE POWERSponsored walks, cake sales and even a trip to Mongolia

30 LEISURE TIMEWin £25 in our Crossword and Sudoku competitions

IN THIS ISSUE

DUNCAN ALDREDMANAGING DIRECTOR VAUXHALL MOTORS

EDITORDebbie Pentelow01582 42719007952 669647MANAGING EDITORJos Sharp01582 427173

If you have an idea for a story to put forward, please tell the correspondent in your area. Any events, personal or work-related achievements, people doing unusual or interesting hobbies or sports – tell your correspondents.

SITE EDITORSEllesmere Port Hollie Gregory 0151 350 2233WarehouseJackie Jones 01582 426 6809GMM Luton Charlotte Maclaren 01582 409 219

Torque is written, designed and producedby beetroot, 68 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4QX (telephone 020 7749 0180), on behalf of General Motors UK Limited, Luton.

If you’d like to contact the magazine email debbie.pentelow@vauxhall.co.uk

02 TORQUE MAGAzINE

Katie iS BRanD aMBaSSaDoR09

PLatinuM teChniCianS16

EXCITE AWARDS

28

NEWS AWARDS GALORE FOR NEW MERIVA 04 FRESH NEW LOOK FOR CORSA 07 KATIE MELUA IS BRAND AMBASSADOR 09

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND VAUXHALL AND GM GLOBALNEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND VAUXHALL AND GM

03DECEMBER 2010

Rick Edwards and Mathew Horne

Did you see Rihanna on X Factor? The dress she wore for her performance was designed by none other than William Tempest, winner of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award in 2009.

Rihanna was wearing William Tempest’s Oyster Dress as she made her exclusive UK performance of new single Only Girl. Set on a banqueting table and accompanied by a team of dancers, the performance reached its climax with a full-on food fight!

William shared his excitement with Vogue.com, “You never really know if a garment will definitely be worn as there are so many determining factors and there is just so much choice for people like Rihanna. When designing the dress, though, I did feel that Rihanna would be an amazing person to wear it.”

FROCk’N’ ROLL

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NEWS

8,000VEHICLES NEEDED By POLICE SERVICES EACH yEAR

IT’S A FAIR COP CARVauxhall has once again been appointed as a preferred supplier to the UK’s 54 police forces and other emergency services.

Forces across the UK are able choose suppliers for the 8,000 vehicles that they collectively buy each year from the list of preferred suppliers. Vauxhall anticipates that it will supply up to a quarter of these vehicles, from traffic cars to local beat cars, vans and minibuses.

A key element in Vauxhall’s success is its ability to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ service to forces. Integrated into the models it offers is a wide choice of options designed and validated to meet the demands of the Police. At the Special Vehicle centre in Millbrook, Vauxhall can build on these options to produce complete finished vehicles ready to

enter service almost immediately following delivery.

AWARDS GALORE FOR NEW MERIVA

Nick Reilly holds the coveted Golden Steering Wheel award

It’s only just taken to the roads, but New Meriva is already a winner. The car won the Golden Steering Wheel award from Auto Bild magazine. The Meriva was flat-out favourite among the jurors and ranked significantly ahead of the competition in the final ratings.

Chief Executive Nick Reilly was delighted with the news. In a note to employees, he said: “It means our courage has paid off and Vauxhall/Opel is on the right track with our new product and brand initiatives. Above

all, it means that your prowess, hard work, commitment and resourcefulness continue to be the driving forces of our comeback.”

In addition, the Meriva has also beaten 34 of the latest models on sale in Europe this year to be short-listed for the 2011 European Car of the Year award.

The Meriva was one of just seven cars chosen by 59 top motoring journalists from 23 European countries to be put forward for one of the world’s most prestigious automotive awards.

fiat and opel/Vauxhall have agreed that fiat will supply derivatives of the Doblo model as a successor to the Combo.

Production of more than 250,000 units starts in December 2011, just as the Combo reaches the end of its lifecycle in the fourth quarter of 2011. the new vehicles, based on the same platform as the fiat Doblo models, will be produced at the tofas plant in Bursa, turkey where the Doblo is manufactured. they will be sold by Vauxhall and opel dealers in europe and other markets outside of north america starting in January, 2012.

opel and Vauxhall will retain the Combo name for this vehicle range which will include a number of derivatives, including cargo vans, passenger vehicles and chassis cabs. the opel/Vauxhall design team in Rüsselsheim, Germany is actively involved in the development of the new models and works in cooperation with the fiat Group automobiles’ engineering and Design Group in turin, italy.

FIAT AND OPEL COMBINE FOR COMBO SUCCESSOR

the ampera took on the first future Car Challenge in november and ended the non-stop Brighton to London route with nearly 300 miles range left and almost zero tailpipe emissions during the 60-mile journey.

the Royal automobile Club’s future Car Challenge brought together 60 low-emission vehicles on the journey from Brighton to London and ampera breezed through the challenge with energy to spare.

and to add to the ampera’s success, the car won the Public Choice award, proving it’s got a winning combination of performance and good looks.

BRIGHTON TO LONDON…

05

60THE DISTANCE IN MILES BETWEEN LONDON AND BRIGHTON

£100,000 FOR OUR HEROESVauxhall has raised over £100,000 for Help for Heroes in the first year of supporting the charity.

“When we agreed to make Help for Heroes our lead charity, we made a real commitment to their cause – never before has Vauxhall been so closely involved with a charity as it has in this relationship,” said Marketing Director Peter Hope.

“Throughout the year we have run numerous initiatives to raise funds, and the response we have had is more than we could ever have expected. Events such as the VXR Power Festival, Help for Heroes Concert, Drive for Heroes and Employee Open Days, to name but a few have been fully supported by you all, as well as those of you who organised your own departmental or personal fundraising activities.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported the Vauxhall Help for Heroes fundraising initiative. We should all be very proud of our

achievement.”

the day after the future Car Challenge, it was time for another of Vauxhall’s innovative cars to take to the road. the 1904 Vauxhall from the heritage Centre successfully completed its 55th entry into the world-famous London to Brighton trial.

the veteran masterpiece was driven by heritage Centre technicians andy Boddy and terry forder.

“it was an extraordinary weekend for Vauxhall,” said Director of Communications Denis Chick. “on each day we’ve showcased a car that has had, or will have, an impact on the motor industry in a major way. We started our mission as an innovator in 1903 and 107 years later we’re still pioneers with cars like the ampera.”

… AND BACk AGAIN

Above: The Ampera and 1904 Vauxhall show off Vauxhall innovation over 100 years

Right: Andy Boddy and Terry Forder with their London to Brighton medal

DECEMBER 2010

06 TORQUE MAGAzINE

NEWS

292 £9,995

September was a busy month in politics for Vauxhall. hR Director Phil Millward attended the Liberal Democrat Party conference in Liverpool to discuss Vauxhall’s contribution to the uK’s economic recovery.

the efficiency of the ellesmere Port plant and the Vauxhall apprentice scheme were both on the agenda. the apprentice scheme, in particular, was showcased as a model of encouraging young people into work, especially manufacturing.

Business Secretary Vince Cable combined the conference with a visit to ellesmere Port (see left). he spoke about his support of manufacturing and his confidence in Vauxhall’s ability to take a lead role for the automotive sector. During his visit to the plant, Vince Cable was delighted to see the new astra Sports tourer and, while he was impressed with its competitive pricing and quality, said that he was still happy with his old one!

VAUXHALL SHOWS CONFIDENCE AT CONFERENCE

TWO MPS VISIT ELLESMERE PORT

Production at Vauxhall’s Luton plant reached a significant milestone when the 750,000th Vivaro-type van rolled off the production line on 10 November.

The van was destined for Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental, the UK’s largest independent car, van and specialist vehicle rental, leasing and contract hire company, and Managing Director Richard Metcalf was on hand to receive the keys.

Mark Stein, Plant Director, said: “Over the last nine years, the success of the multi-award winning Vivaro has been down to the exceptional quality that our hard-working and dedicated workforce builds into every example. This milestone is a mark of the continued strength of Vivaro in markets across Europe. We are very proud to build it here in the UK.”

VIVA VIVARO

ellesmere Port got two high-profile political visitors in the space of a month recently. first came ed Miliband who was canvassing for his bid for the Labour leadership at the time. the invitation came from unite the union and gave ed the chance to see manufacturing in action.

Just three weeks later, the plant played host to Business Secretary Vince Cable, who dropped in ahead of his speech to the Liberal Democrat conference in Liverpool.

he was taken on a tour of General assembly and given a chance to

drive the new astra Sports tourer. Clearly impressed by the visit, Vince said: “this company has been through a very difficult time, they’ve been hit by the recession and shown enormous flexibility, imagination and good working relationships with the unions to keep it going and now it’s back on a much firmer footing. People often say we don’t make things in Britain any more. Well we do make things in here. it has very high technology, top-class management and it’s got a pretty good future.”

VANS ARE BUILT EVERy DAy AT THE ULTRA-EFFICIENT GMM LUTON

In the photo from left to right:Richard Lambert chairman of BIS, Juergen Maier from Siemens, Phil Millward GM and Vince Cable

Vince Cable tries out the Astra Sports Tourer at Ellesmere Port

07DECEMBER 2010

£9,995THE STARTING PRICE OF A NEW CORSA FROM FEBRUARy 2011

these are the first official unwrapped shots of Vauxhall’s Corsa, sporting its fresh new face, trims and colours, ready for delivery to the first uK customers in february next year.

first there’s the signature chrome bar, carrying the new Griffin badge, stretching across the front grille, while a re-styled front bumper with a more prominent, wider lower grille gives the Corsa a smiling appearance. then there are the ‘eagle-eye’ headlamps which first appeared on new Meriva.

Complementing the Corsa’s fresh look are five new exterior colours: Lime Green pearlescent, Chilli orange metallic, Guacamole, Sunny Melon and Pepperdust metallic.

With its fresh new look, the Corsa is now a very different car to the one on sale a year ago. Before these design changes, the Corsa had already benefited from a long list of upgrades to its chassis and powertrains. for example, certain ecofLeX engines now feature Vauxhall’s Start/Stop technology, reducing emissions on the 1.3 CDti (95PS) ecofLeX model to just 94g/km.

FRESH NEW LOOk FOR CORSA

CALLING ALL DRIVERSHead over to www.vauxhalldriverscentre.co.uk to see the all-new Drivers Centre website. The new site has all the offers and competitions you’d expect plus a whole lot more. You can now easily navigate around new content such as:• How-to videos, which can be shared with friends or sent to your phone. Watch

them for useful tips and advice such as how to change a tyre or jump start your car• Cool apps for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android• The online version of the V Magazine - a smaller version that highlights the

key articles.

COVER STORY

08 TORQUE MAGAzINE

NEWS

Everybody knows that Vauxhall and good design go together like strawberries and cream. That’s why Vauxhall set up the Vauxhall Collective – to champion style and design in the UK.

Three years on, the Vauxhall Collective is going strong and all 14 winners from 2008 to 2010 held a retrospective show to exhibit their work.

Each year, the winning designers – photographers, craftsmen, artists or film-makers – interpret a theme. So visitors to the gallery saw artwork representing The Great British Road Trip, Reinventing British Classics and The Great British Weekend.

Photographic dreamscapes hung alongside video installations and bespoke furniture rubbed shoulders with hand-crafted tiles and ceramics. There was even a luxury driving set of leather driving gloves, key fob and steering wheel – the ultimate accessories for a

glamorous road trip.

Lily allen knows where to go for cutting-edge design – Vauxhall fashion Scout.

Lily was spotted in the front row at the Bodyamr show during London fashion Week in September, proving that she – and Vauxhall – knows how to spot good design. Consumer PR Manager, Wendy towler, said: “Vauxhall Motors became involved with uK fashion because of its heritage as a British company and its forward-thinking approach, which recognises the importance of style and design to its customers in all aspects of their lives."

WHERE THERE’S A LIL THERE’S A WAy

ART ATTACk

Lily in the front row at BodyAmr

kLASSyMyleene Klass is still a big fan of the New Meriva. As a New Meriva driver herself, when she opened the Baby Show at London’s Earls Court in October she made a bee-line for the Meriva stand and raved about the car to everyone she met before posing for a pic with her favourite car.

09DECEMBER 2010

10m ALBUMS SOLD WORLDWIDE By kATIE MELUA SINCE HER DEBUT IN 2003

GURGLE WITH DELIGHTClaire Milner is the proud owner of a new Meriva, thanks to a prize draw on parenting website gurgle.com. Vauxhall teamed up with the website to promote the car to new parents and Claire was the lucky winner.

Claire, her partner and three daughters, Maddison, teoni and natasha, live in Devon and were thrilled to find out they had won a car. Richard Bishop from torbay Vauxhall handed over the keys to a delighted Claire and family.

“i couldn’t believe it when i got the phone call from gurgle.com telling me that i had won,” said Claire. “in fact, i kept thinking it was someone winding me up.

“We’ve had a tough year as a family and winning a car couldn’t have come at a better time. i love the fact that it’s a family car and that the doors open back to front so it’s easier to get the kids in and out. i can’t wait to show this car off to all my mummy friends! how exciting. things are on the up.”Claire Milner and family with their new Meriva

Singer/songwriter Katie Melua has become Vauxhall’s new brand ambassador in time for her 50-city European tour in 2011.

An advocate for environmental protection and charitable activities, Katie has firmly established herself among the ranks of international music stars with her unique and unmistakeable style. She has already won an impressive collection of awards during her relatively young career, including a

prestigious BRIT award and a GRAMMY. Peter Hope, Marketing Director, said:

“We are thrilled to be working with Katie. Vauxhall is all about being British, forward-thinking and energetic, and we think Katie embodies these values perfectly. In addition, we are passionate about consistent environmental awareness and social responsibility; as a subject very close to Katie’s heart, it only makes the partnership more fitting.”

NEW MERIVA ON THE ROADNew Meriva has been out and about on the road in the run- up to Christmas. The car has been on display at Mothercare

stores up and down the country proudly showing off those

FlexDoors to Mothercare customers. The tour is in association with parenting website gurgle.com. The partnership has already seen one lucky gurgle member win a New Meriva (see above). Now there’s another one up for grabs just in time for Christmas – the perfect present for one lucky family.

WHAT kATIE DID NEXT

10 TORQUE MAGAzINE

NEWS

“ THE NEW MOVANO SERVED THE BEST COFFEE IN THE BUILDING”ASHLEIGH MCQUEEN

the new Movano range has expanded to include Core Conversions with a variety of lengths and chassis configurations.

the Movano Core Conversion range got its uK premier at interbuild in october. the expanded range of variants includes dropsides, tippers and

box vans in addition to the existing chassis versions with both single and crew cabs in three lengths. front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions are also available so there’s a model available for every van drivers’ needs.

and of course, all new Movano Core Conversions come with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers both the vehicle chassis as well as the conversion.

NOW THERE’S A MOVANO FOR EVERy VAN MAN

SHOW TIME FOR MOVANO

Working at an industry show was something i was told i would be involved with from my first day at Vauxhall and something i was looking forward to. the primary aim of the show would be to get as many useful leads as possible. this sounded like a daunting task for someone who couldn’t tell you the payload of Corsavan without looking it up in a brochure, let alone anything about the many variants of new Movano.

i drove up to Birmingham for the first day of the show at 9am on a Sunday morning not quite sure what to expect. Walking into the

neC, i was struck by how impressive each stand seemed to be. Situated at the back of the hall the Vauxhall stand didn’t disappoint. We had a new Movano being used as a coffee van (with the best coffee in the building) and a competition to win two Premier League football tickets, as well as showcasing our new Movano Dropside for the first time.

as the show opened at 9:30am we were off to a slow start. the show was much smaller this year than it had been previously and attendance had dwindled to leave only the customers with a genuine interest in attending.

although this left us having to work hard for the leads we got, it meant that any leads we did get were much more useful.

on Day 2 i was ready for another day of talking vans. the array of questions was thankfully not as overwhelming as i had anticipated and customers were mostly just grateful if you were willing to help them.

By the end of my time at the neC, we had picked up some good leads which we’re now following up. i enjoyed every minute of interbuild and learnt a great deal, but i was definitely ready to put my feet up.

interbuild is one of the biggest events on the commercial vehicle calendar. this year, undergraduate Ashleigh McQueen joined the Vauxhall team at the exhibition at Birmingham’s neC

11DECEMBER 2010

INTRODUCING THE VIVARO E-CONCEPT The Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with an extended range of up to 250 miles, made its debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover in September.

The Vivaro’s 111 kWh lithium ion batteries supply 370 Nm of torque, enabling over 60 miles pure electric driving range, and on longer journeys a range extender enables the vehicle to be driven up to approximately 250 miles.

The lithium ion battery modules, which can be re-charged on a standard household 240V outlet, are mounted under the floor of the vehicle where they are protected from the elements.

Chris Lacey, Executive Director, International Operations Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are convinced that we will get a fantastic reaction from commercial vehicle specialists. Electric mobility will allow them to travel in city areas which are now off-limits and the range-extender technology makes it possible to use an electric van for normal routine business.”

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles is supporting the Department of Transport’s Van Best Practice programme, a scheme that helps van users save money by improving the operational, environmental and safety performance of their vehicles.

Van Best Practice offers free advice to businesses of all sizes on how they can change the way they run their vans to reduce fuel costs, running costs and CO2 emissions. By making small changes to

everyday practice, van users can drive down costs and improve business performance.

Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said: “We have always been keen to help businesses reduce costs and their impact on the environment. The numerous benefits of Van Best Practice to Vauxhall customers, from saving money to improving business performance and reducing CO2

emissions, are clear to see.”

BEST PRACTICE MAkES PERFECT

250 MILESTHE EXTENDED RANGE OF THE VIVARO E-CONCEPT

The Vauxhall Combo is the top choice for specialist maintenance supplier GVS Assist.

The 20 Combos ordered by GVS Assist come with air-conditioning for driver comfort and Ultra Sonic alarms for additional security. GVS Assist has also specified a near-side sliding door providing engineers with easy access to the load area, while inside the cabin a full height mesh bulkhead keeps payloads safe and secure. The vans have uprated suspension to carry a payload of 732kg and come equipped fully ply-lined to protect the interior of the vehicle.

Charlie Price, Marketing Executive at GVS Assist said, “We chose the Vauxhall Combo because of its proven reliability and quality, and for its environmental credentials. Our engineers need to carry heavy toolboxes and replacement parts to site so we need both payload and volume and the Combos deliver both. The van order was arranged through our local Vauxhall dealer Frosts of Shoreham. The dealership was very efficient in keeping us informed on how the order was progressing.”

A WINNING COMBO

RETAILER NEWS

12 TORQUE MAGAzINE

Vauxhall vehicles need never lose that showroom shine again with the arrival of Autoglym car care products in its Accessories range. From tyre dressing to interior shampoos, Hi-Tech Finishing Cloths to Surface Detailing Clay Kits, the Autoglym range has everything to keep vehicles factory-fresh or to lift those layers of grime.

Autoglym has been specialising in innovative car care products since 1965 and is highly respected by motoring associations and clubs worldwide. But, despite being used by professionals and car show aficionados, all products are competitively priced for everyday affordability. A litre of Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner costs just £8.99 while 500ml of Clean Wheels for alloys is £6.99.

For even greater value, kits, such as the Autoglym Concours Collection Kit with 14 products including brushes and cloths, retail at £69.99 RRP.

Do you remember last year’s snow? Well, now you can be prepared for whatever the winter brings with Snow Socks.

Light and easy to fit, Snow Socks are textile “socks” that slip over the wheels on cars or vans. They are reusable time and time again, take up minimal storage space and they can even be washed in the washing machine.

SOCk IT TO THEM THIS WINTER

Developed by scientists working with the Norwegian Ski team to reduce friction, the technology was then flipped to create the Auto Sock. The sock’s specially developed textile ‘wicks away’ any water that’s found between the ground and tyre, improving the dry friction grip.

They’re available from Vauxhall Retailers.

DEAR DEERLookers Star City Technician Jimmy Green got the shock of his life when he found a stray stag hiding among the used cars on the dealer’s forecourt.

The deer was a bit surprised, too. So much so that it shot from the car park across the dual carriageway and came to a shuddering halt among some trees in the central reservation where it startled passing motorists.

The Lookers staff had the presence of mind to ring the police, who closed the road until a marksman tranquilised the stag. It was later released in nearby Sutton Park where it has plenty of room to roam with other wild animals.

Receptionist Diane Constable said: “It was a big animal and it could have caused havoc if it had gone any further – we’re very close to the M6 and Aston Expressway. As it was, the road was closed for nearly six hours. Needless to say, we didn’t get many customers that day!”

SPARkLE WITH AUTOGLyM

13DECEMBER 2010

BEATING THE BULLIES

A car confidence evening organised by Northern Motors in Harrow has made local women more aware of how to protect themselves against the dangers they could face on the road.

More than 100 women (and quite a few men) turned out for the workshop. They learned the psychology behind dangerous and aggressive driving behaviour as well as how to defend themselves against a would-be mugger. Vauxhall technicians then showed the visitors how to change a wheel and gave practical advice including dealing with roadside emergencies, routine car maintenance and checking oil and fluid levels.

Financial Consultant Deepa

Bhabmagar welcomed the workshop. She said: “I’ve recently passed my driving test and came here not knowing what I should do if my car broke down by the roadside. But now I feel I could cope with most situations including changing a wheel.”

A CLUB EVERyONE CAN JOINCustomer loyalty is paramount to us and Vauxhall customers know a good deal when they see one.

The MasterFit Service Club was first launched July to Network Q customers and is now open to everyone with a Vauxhall that’s two or more years old.

It’s brilliant value and doesn’t cost a penny to join. Members get discounts on genuine Vauxhall parts and labour that increase up to 25 per cent off as the car ages. And it’s easy to join. Just log on to vauxhalldriverscentre.co.uk and follow the link to the Vauxhall MasterFit Service Club. More than 900 Service Club members have already made the most of the great discounts available.

5 November was a very special day for WP Lewis this year – the Retailer celebrated its 60th anniversary in style.

In those 60 years, the Retailer has grown from a two-pump petrol station and small workshop to becoming the hugely successful main Vauxhall dealership for South Pembrokeshire.

Past and present customers joined the celebrations throughout the day to share their memories of the business over the years. The showroom was full from the moment the doors opened in the morning and a steady stream of well-wishers delivered cards, cakes and flowers. Business Development Manager Tony Bridge said: “It was impressive to see the high regard in which Retail Operator Stuart Lewis and the team are held by the local community, which is borne out of delivering a first-rate service over many years.”

DIAMOND DAyS FOR WP LEWIS

yEAR ANNIVERSARy CELEBRATED By WP LEWIS ON 5 NOVEMBER

60

14 TORQUE magazinE

NEWS from arouNd Gm

US company,GE, is set to buy 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 and first on the shopping list are 12,000 GM vehicles, starting with the Chevrolet Volt in 2011 and adding other vehicles as other manufacturers expand their electric vehicle portfolio.

“Electric vehicle technology is real and ready for deployment and we are embracing the transformation with partners like GM and our fleet customers,” said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “By electrifying our own fleet, we will accelerate the adoption curve, drive scale, and move electric vehicles from anticipation to action.”

general motors CEO Dan akerson, flanked by company executives and board members along with United auto Workers officials, rang the bell – and revved the engine – to signal the start of trading of new gm common stock on 18 november, 16 months

Stock tacticS after the company exited bankruptcy reorganisation. The newly issued stock was sold into the market by the US and Canadian governments and the UaW Retiree medical Benefits Trust, and was expected to reduce the ownership stake of each.

millioN milEStoNE for chiNa General Motors has become the first global car manufacturer to sell two million vehicles in China in a single year.

“This is another important milestone for General Motors in China,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “It was only three years ago that GM became the first global automaker to reach the one million annual sales mark in China.”

He added: “Over the past decade, China’s vehicle market has experienced unprecedented growth. GM has grown with it, working with our joint ventures to expand our lineup of vehicles and brands, adding to our portfolio of services, and increasing our production capacity to meet the changing needs of consumers nationwide.”

GM has achieved a third consecutive quarter of profitability and positive cash flow with net income of $2.0 billion and earnings per share of $1.20.The company generated:• Revenue of $34.1 billion• Net income attributable to common stockholders of $2.0 billion• Earnings per share on a fully diluted basis and adjusted for 3-1 stock

split of $1.20• Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $2.3 billion• Net cash flow from operating activities of $2.6 billion• Free cash flow of $1.4 billion.

“As demonstrated by our third consecutive quarter of profitability and positive cash flow, these results continue our significant progress,” said Chris Liddell, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.

GM North America had EBIT in the third quarter 2010 of $2.1 billion, up from $1.6 billion in the second quarter. GM Europe had a loss before interest and taxes of $0.6 billion, down from a loss of $0.2 billion in the second quarter. GM International Operations posted EBIT of $0.6 billion, down from $0.7 billion in the second quarter.

third quartEr of profitability

GE chooSES Gm for ElEctric carS

“ovEr thE paSt dEcadE, chiNa’S vEhiclE markEt haS ExpEriENcEd uNprEcEdENtEd GroWth”kEviN WalE

15DECEmBER 2010

Chevrolet won its first ever Fia-sanctioned world championship in macau, adding to the high-profile motor sport titles already won by the all-conquering Cruze. The four-door saloon is best known in the UK as the car that carried Jason Plato to victory in the

British Touring Car Championship, but it has now gone on to victory

on the world stage in a weekend that saw both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles going to

Chevrolet. and in a further boost

World champioNShip for chEvrolEt in

DUS

TRY

WaT

CH

craSh tESt dummyThe first Chinese-built car to be tested by Euro nCaP has come a cropper. The Landwind CV9, an mPV built by Jiangling motors (JmC), performed poorly in the november crash tests, earning a dismal two stars. Fourteen other (non-Chinese) vehicles, however, earned the maximum five-star rating in the same tests – among them our very own Vauxhall meriva.

charGE it to my cardBikes aren’t enough for Boris, obviously. The mop-haired mayor plans to make London the ‘electric car capital of Europe’, by introducing a network of 1,300 charging points for electric vehicles across the city. That’s more than the number of petrol stations there! Drivers will get to recharge anywhere for an annual membership fee of under £100. The network, called Source London, is to launch in spring 2011 and will be in place by 2013.

doWN to thE WirEmeanwhile, start-up company HaloiPT (part-owned by global consultancy aRUP) has gone one step further and unveiled the world’s first market-ready wireless charging system. Yep, wi-fi electricity – plucked from the pages of sci-fi and coming to a road near you. HaloiPT’s induction Power Transfer technology works over air gaps of up to 40cm, charging a receiver fitted beneath your car from charging pads buried beneath the road surface!

all haNdS oN tEchThe Technology Strategy Board, a government body that pushes green automotive tech, survived the ‘bonfire of the quangos’ in October, and will keep helping fund innovative clean tech for the car industry. Since 2007 it has spent over £100 million on 72 low-carbon vehicle projects, a quarter of which has gone into the Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator project that evaluates 200 electric vehicles and hybrids for operational issues on UK roads.

Holden’s VE Series ii SS Ute has been named Best Ute in the 2010 Drive Car of the Year awards, for the fourth consecutive year.

Following a rigorous six-day testing regime, the reigning champion was deemed best in class for its car-like handling, competitive pricing and “well-behaved car manners”.

The Ute was judged by a panel of experts from Drive.com.au, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on a broad criteria including performance, price, quality, comfort, practicality and safety.

Drive Editor and Car of the Year judge Toby Hagon said the SS Ute stood out for its driveability, smooth acceleration and low-speed running.

for UK motorsport, the series winning car was built here by RmL in Wellingborough, northants, while Cambridge-based Rob Huff was joint second on points in the championship.

The championships were conquered with bravura, as Rob Huff and Yvan muller took a double win in Race 1, after a faultless flag-to-flag performance. in Race 2, the Chevrolet duo had to fight hard to pass Farfus, finishing third and fourth, which means that Chevrolet has been on the podium in 21 of the 22 races this year.

b-utE-iful!

16 TORQUE magazinE

if you know your Easytronic transmission from your Electro Hydraulic Power Steering system then the chances are you’re already on your way to becoming a Platinum technician.

and in that case, you’ll be joining an exclusive club. There are only 70 Vauxhall Platinum Technicians in the country – and there’s nothing they don’t know about Vauxhall engines.

andy merrick is a Platinum Technician at Dan Harford Vauxhall in Bristol. He passed his gold standard a few years ago so the Platinum course was a logical progression. “Our Service manager, Paul Strover, encourages us to sign up for training courses and it’s a great way of keeping up-to-date with the latest trends,” he said. “i always do a couple of courses each year and before i knew it, i was getting close to Platinum.

“They’re really not difficult and if you attend courses regularly then you’re building up your knowledge. They give a better insight into the different systems, transmissions and engine types that are out there. and they really help with the

tEchNiciaN traiNiNG

new electronics systems in insignia and astra. They have changed quite radically in the last few years and the courses have definitely helped my understanding. The courses also help me work through processes when we come across a difficult problem. i’m sure i would struggle without the training.”

andy believes there are other benefits to attending the training courses. “i find it’s really good to meet other technicians and mechanics and share our knowledge. Sometimes, six or seven of us will get chatting over lunch and we’ll discover that someone else has come up against the same problem. if we can work out a solution, that’s great, but it’s also good simply to find out it’s not just you!”

now he’s got his Platinum qualification, what’s next for andy? “ampera will be our next big challenge,” he said. “astra and insignia changed engine diagnostics a few years ago and ampera will be different again. it seemed a long way off when it was first announced but it’s actually only a couple of years away now.

We have to be ready for it and make sure we’re not left behind.”

now that he’s fully trained on engine diagnostics for astra and insignia, these are andy’s favourite cars to work on. “Doing diagnostics using a laptop was new to me when i learned a couple of years ago, but now i prefer electronic problems to straightforward servicing and changing oil and filters because

Worth their weight in platinum

dave inker (left) and andy merrick at work at dan harford vauxhall

Vauxhall Technicians are the best in the business. But what does it take to become a Platinum technician? And can anyone join the club?

17DECEmBER 2010

“ aStra aNd iNSiGNia chaNGEd ENGiNE diaGNoSticS a fEW yEarS aGo”aNdy mErrick

it’s more of a challenge. i don’t have a favourite car, though. i’ve been here 33 years and have worked on every model since my very first Chevette. The training has helped me keep up-to-date and i enjoy working on every model.”

andy isn’t the only Platinum Technician at Dan Harford. Dave inker passed his Platinum training at the same time, and there are two other gold Technicians

hard on their heels. Service manager, Paul Strover, believes that training is vital to keep the garage at the top of the game. He said: “if you haven’t got the knowledge, then you won’t be able to recognise or rectify faults. and when that happens, customers will vote with their feet. Having the best technicians in the business isn’t just about keeping customers – it also means that we

can gain new customers who can’t get satisfaction at other garages. There are eight technicians here so we have to plan carefully when one is out for a training course but it’s an investment because the guys come back with more skills that they can pass on to others.”

Platinum Technicians are taught mentoring skills as part of their training. Both andy and Dave found that one of the hardest aspects of the training. “it was a little bit out of my comfort zone but

it’s helped when we have students in for work experience,” said andy.

Dave believes the training is all about building up confidence. “Each course builds on the last one so that you’re gaining confidence all the time, he said. “When i look back to the first course i went on i’m amazed at the knowledge i’ve gained. But it’s really not difficult. Each one gives me more confidence to tackle a problem and the benefit for the dealership is that we’re faster as a result.”

With that speed comes the confidence to tackle a problem logically. The final stages of the training programme involve some very tricky problems. The trainers will introduce several faults into a car for the trainees to resolve. They must prove they can diagnose the fault and find the best way to diagnose it.

“i’ve really enjoyed the training,” said Dave. “it’s taught me a slightly different way of looking at things and that’s been really beneficial. The trainers are great and they really help the knowledge to stick. Here at Dan Harford we’ve always helped each other out and now there’s such a depth of knowledge here that we always get to the bottom of a problem. it doesn’t matter how complicated it is, we won’t be beaten. and a lot of that is down to the training. if you’re thinking of signing up for it, take my advice. go for it!”

“ if you’rE thiNkiNG of SiGNiNG up for it, takE my advicE. Go for it. ”

cuStomEr ExpEriENcE

18 TORQUE magazinE

“WarraNty iSSuES caN bE a fruStratioN for cuStomErS So that’S SomEthiNG WE Should look iNto”bErNiE toolaN

As Vauxhall continues its focus on the customer experience, executives have been out and about to visit Retailers. We asked what they learned

talking shop

“i visited Lookers Ellesmere Port. First impressions were very good: it was very well presented and Vauxhall had a good presence there.

“The Retailers told us that warranty issues can be a frustration for customers so that’s something we should look into.

“We focus strongly on quality at the plant and i found it really useful to get feedback on the quality issues that really matter to customers.”Bernie Toolan, Tech Manager, Ellesmere Port

“I found the visit useful because it gave the senior team the chance to look at the business as a customer. There were no major issues just some small details and as a result we’ve made some changes that will make life easier for our customers. We’re going to do this at all of our seven sites before the end of the year.”Andrew Robbins, Sales Director, Baylis Worcester

“My visit to Baylis of Worcester was really interesting. The site is back to front because the used vehicle forecourt is hidden behind the showroom and is not visible from the road to passing traffic. “The big frustration from a Retailer point of view is inaccurate delivery times. That’s definitely something we should try to improve.”Graham Abbott, Company Vehicle and Business Demonstrator Manager

“i visited Platinum, Chippenham and found it useful to look at the environment through a customer’s eyes. i was looking out for issues like point of sale material, signage, parking and even the temperature in the service centre waiting room.

“The most interesting part of the day was hearing feedback on the things we can take back to the company. For example, the sheer complexity of the sales and marketing incentives and bonus programmes makes the sales process quite onerous.

“We also seem to have a less than perfect track record on delivery dates and we really should improve that.

“On the plus side, the Retailer was delighted with the quality of our vehicles and they are seen as well-engineered and reliable – which is major focus area for the millbrook team.

“it was definitely a good experience all round.”Kevin Moxey, Head of Planning, Millbrook

“a real positive that came from the visit was a mutual understanding of the importance of clear and concise lead times for customer factory-order vehicles. We agreed to look at ways of minimising delays and developing a clear method of updating customers with an accurate delivery date for their new car.

“We also introduced our visitors to a customer who was collecting a new astra SRi – they said they felt

like royalty!”John Boulton, Operations Manager, Lookers Ellesmere Port

bSm

19DECEmBER 2010

BSm, Britain’s largest driving school, is coming back into the Vauxhall fold after an 18-month gap. The companies announced in October that they had inked a deal to once again make Corsas the mainstay of BSm’s 3,250-strong fleet.

Starting in spring 2011, over the next few years, special edition 1·2 and 1·4-litre 5-door Corsas will replace the Fiats currently in service with BSm. The contract includes Vauxhall servicing the cars.

BSm-liveried Corsas will hardly be a new sight on UK roads: the companies previously had an 18-year-long relationship, and over two million of its students have learned how to drive in a Vauxhall.

Economic considerations during the recent recession led to BSm populating its fleet with Fiat 500s, but the changed financial

landscape since – and overwhelming feedback from its driving instructors, 80 per cent of whom said that they prefer the Corsa – saw BSm exercise its exit clause with Fiat.

“The association between these two reputed British companies is a well-established and mutually beneficial one, and we are now looking forward to another long and fruitful relationship with Vauxhall,” said Kristian Welch, BSm’s marketing Director.

“a key benefit of working with Vauxhall is that they are willing to tailor their cars for our driving instructors,” he said, referring to the fact that the BSm Corsas will have a range of special features, including larger dials and second mirrors.

“another is their excellent service network coverage across the UK. it’s critical for us that cars are off the road as little as possible – because for every hour they are not on the road, they are not earning money for our instructors. Vauxhall has a genuine desire to service our needs, and the new agreement reflects that.”

Kristian says that the Corsa is a favourite among both instructors

and students: “it’s affordable and practical, and it has grown and

evolved over the years. The Corsa’s target demographic has also evolved alongside, and the new model really appeals to our students.

“it’s not only the best teaching vehicle but also a great weekend car for the family – something that was very important to our

driving instructors. They told us in clear terms that they preferred the Corsa as a second car, and we

strive to support them. They are excited about having it back.

“it’s a great testament to the quality, design and build of the Corsa that so many professional drivers

feel so strongly about it – what better endorsement can there be?”

“ a kEy bENEfit of WorkiNG With vauxhall iS that thEy arE WilliNG to tailor thEir carS for our driviNG iNStructorS”

corsa passes the testThe nation’s favourite starter car rejoins the UK’s most popular driving school

kriStiaN WElch, bSm

“So maNy profESSioNal drivErS fEEl So StroNGly about it – What bEttEr ENdorSEmENt caN thErE bE?”

duncan aldred with Nikolai kesting, managing partner of bSm

20 TORQUE magazinE

Hands up if you’re on Facebook. How about Twitter? And what about YouTube? Then you’re one of the millions of people using social media. It’s a huge – and growing – phenomenon, and Vauxhall is part of it.

Vauxhall first took the plunge into social networking in 2008 with a Facebook page for VXR fans. Word spread quickly and now the site has more than 2,250 fans.

Then, in April this year, Vauxhall

let’s get social

vauxhall fans love their cars and they’re happy to talk on facebook

thE NumbEr of pEoplE Who arE facEbook faNS of vauxhall

1,144Social mEdia

launched the Corsa Pop Art competition on Facebook. Ninety-six per cent of young people are members of a social networking site and they are the target audience for the Corsa.

“There’s a perfect fit between Corsa and Facebook so we thought this would be popular,” said Marketing Communications Manager, Helen Parker. When the site got 21,000 fans in the space of a few months, Helen and the team knew they were onto a winner. And

the site continues to grow, gaining 2,910 new Corsa fans since 29 September.

Meriva and Ampera quickly followed with Facebook sites. Now Ampera has 451 fans – not bad for a car that hasn’t even been built yet! “Meriva has a very different target audience to Corsa so we’re using different methods of keeping in touch with the new parents who love the New Meriva. We’ve partnered with gurgle.com, which is owned by Mothercare, and set up a prize draw

Wikis, blogs, podcasts... the list of social media keeps growing. Here’s how Vauxhall fits in

When myleene klass promoted New meriva at the baby show, vauxhall tweeted the photo

21DECEmBER 2010

WE caN pick up tWEEtS aNd mESSaGES aNd dEal With thEm StraiGht aWay”

“

let’s get social

When ampera went on its first road trip, the pictures were on facebook within hours

twitter keeps the vauxhall twitterati up-to-date with all the latest news

customers can reach vauxhall’s social media pages through vauxhall.co.uk

hElEN parkEr

where gurgle members have the chance to win a New Meriva.

“Facebook and Twitter are fantastic ways of keeping in touch with our customers,” said Helen. “Our fans are passionate about their cars and we can help them keep up-to-speed with the latest products, accessories and information from the brand. We start discussions about everything related to driving but we never forget that the car’s the star. So we started a discussion about

learning to drive just as BSM announced it was converting its fleet to Corsas – a great way of reminding people that Corsa is the best car to learn in. And we had so many responses to our request for music to drive to that we put them all together on a playlist on Spotify so people can listen in their car.”

Another advantage of keeping in touch through social media is that everything is instant. “We can pick up tweets and messages and deal with them straight

away,” said Helen. “So when Myleene Klass promoted the Meriva at the Baby Show at London’s Earls Court, we tweeted the message straight away – we want everyone to know when we’ve got a celebrity fan!”

If you adore your Corsa, love your Meriva or you’re just a fan of all things Vauxhall, join the community on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You’ll be the first with the news and you’ll get some fantastic driving music, too.

Wikis, blogs, podcasts... the list of social media keeps growing. Here’s how Vauxhall fits in

aStra SportS tourEr

22 TORQUE magazinE

uNitS arE producEd iN thE four WEEkS up to lauNch

7,600

Sean Buckley, Launch manager for the astra Sports Tourer, is a happy man. after more than 18 months in the pipeline, the automobile is on the road and getting rave reviews, it’s been a long and exciting journey:march 2009 The vehicle allocations for Ellesmere Port plant are fixed. a ten-member launch management team led by Sean begins to evaluate concepts and discuss facility modifications and headcounts in line with gm’s global Launch Process.NovEmbEr 2009Before actually seeing any physical hardware, the build plans are virtually assessed using CaD/Cam by a multidisciplinary team.JaNuary 2010The car moves straight from the computer to the integration Build Phase. Eight to ten workshop teams thrash out a number of iterations and assembly plans over a series of meetings.

The countdown begins! The calendar goes out the window, it’s now all about ‘Weeks’ to launch.

WEEk 3-16 The start of the Product Process Validation phase. Forty-three pilot vehicles are built. Three are used for crash tests and the other 40 for validating the powertrain, chassis and trim parts. WEEk 23-28Time for mVBnS! That’s the manufacturing Validation Build non-Saleable phase. This involves building 27 units to analyse processes, optimise job element descriptions, assess equipment and tools and make further quality improvements.

Some cars are used for validation; others head off to the test track, and then for external audits.WEEk 29-37The game is upped for the Saleable phase (mVBS), with 361 units built. The focus is on optimisation, checking special options such as the trailer hitch and one-touch fold seat. WEEk 39Start of Regular Production (SORP) begins on 27 September, when the full volume rate is achieved. a whopping 4,055 units are built over 16 days, and the BBC drops in to cover the start-up event.

The ramp-up from six jobs per hour to 27 jobs (units) per hour is achieved in seven days – a world-class performance. audits indicate all quality metrics have been achieved.WEEk 40The curtain is ready to rise. From the Ship To Commerce date of 8 October onwards,

cars are shipped out to UK dealers and to germany. in four weeks, up to

8 november, the plant produces 7,600 units. Sean and the team are thrilled with the launch.

SmilestonesThe Astra Sports Tourer is now flying off

the production lines and into showrooms, and what a journey it’s been. We recap the

key moments along the way

the Ellesmere port team celebrate the launch of the astra Sports tourer

PEOPLE WEaR iT PinK 26 LUTOn PLanT OPEn DaY 24 HELP FOR HEROES FUnDRaiSing 27

thE cuStomEr iS kiNGCustomer Care Manager Dave Doublett talks warranties, field operations, technical and customer comments

7.45ami’m in work early so that i can have a quick catch-up on the information coming in from Europe before my first meeting, but first things first – get a coffee!

9.00amConference call with the Executive Field action and Decision Committee. We talk about quality issues and i get a progress report on upcoming campaigns. i make a note of important and critical items that may require a ‘heads up’ to my director.

10.30amTime for the monthly warranty and policy meeting. as we head towards the end of each month it’s important to investigate any trends on warranty and policy spend. are there any issues we need to investigate to control warranty waste?

12.00pmi walk down to the technical centre to meet Dick Burgoine, Product Evaluation manager. Together we spend 15 minutes getting an update on customers’

vehicles that have been returned for rectification. now we are based in griffin House this is so much easier than the commute from Chalton House.

1.00pma quick dash to the restaurant to grab a sandwich before i catch up on paperwork. i make sure i look through customer letters. This is a real insight into our business as seen through the customers’ eyes. i make a few notes and track down the relevant engineer to check any issues that the customers have concerns with.

2.00pmTime for a meeting with Tracey Loveard from the Executive Support Team. She handles all letters and communications coming to the directors. We’ll discuss a few cases and agree on follow-up actions. it’s vital that we communicate quickly with customers who take the trouble to write to us.

2.45pmi put in a call to the gmE Product Evaluation

manager to discuss a couple of carline product issues. as the UK is the lead market, it’s important to keep the pressure on and obtain quick solutions.

3.30pmWeekly staff meeting with my team. it’s a chance for us all to talk through the week’s hot issues. Our field team spend their days out on the road helping retailers complete work for our customers so they don’t often come into the office but i’ll try to touch base with their managers every day.

4.30pmandy gilson and i meet up every week to discuss customer experience initiatives. The focus on the customer is really important and andy’s appointment has brought a new dimension to the issue.

5.30pmOne final check of emails and voicemails before i leave. Tomorrow’s diary doesn’t look quite so busy but you never know what the day will bring, Customer Care never stands still and is always an exciting challenge.

day iN thE lifE davE doublEtt

23DECEmBER 2010

PEOPLE

24 TORQUE magazinE

600 VISITORS CAME TO THE LUTON PLANT OPEN DAY ON 9 OCTOBER

Buggies and buses drove the visitors round the plant in style, and some got into the party spirit with some impressive face painting

Anyone who has ever wondered what happens at the Luton plant got a unique chance to find out for themselves on 9 and 16 October. The open day gave employees the chance to show their workplace to family and friends while production was running. And the event was such a success that nearly 600 visitors came along to each event to see what Dad and Mum do at work all day. They toured the body shop, press shop and General Assembly, staying safe in buggies and the Vivaro’s big brother, the Movano van.

RECIPE fOR SUCCESSgriffin House restaurant was the place for gourmets to be on 24 September – the tables were groaning under the weight of cakes, truffles and waffles. and they looked and tasted so good that they sold like, well, hot cakes.

The day, which was organised by Tracy Bousted, Dee Bailey and Faye Widdowson, raised a magnificent £880.

Tracey said: “We were overwhelmed by the response. macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that’s close to people’s hearts. On average 822 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and there are two million people living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

Tracy also has a very personal connection with the charity. She said: “i lost my mum seven years ago and my dad is fighting cancer now so i am passionate about raising funds to help people and

their families living with cancer.” Tracy is also a member of the Luton

fundraising committee. She said: “We raised £26,500 last year but we plan to do even better next year when macmillan will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.” So if you like cakes, make a date in your diary now!

OPEN fOR BUSINESS

25DECEmBER 2010

DID YOUKNOW?

MONgOLIA IS THE SIxTH LARgEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE AND THE 18TH LARgEST IN THE WORLD

When Paul Round from Qa in Ellesmere Port agreed to do the Three Peaks Challenge, little did he realise what he was letting himself in for.

if climbing Britain’s three highest peaks within 24 hours wasn’t enough, he also had to contend with roadworks, repairing a puncture in the dark, dodging runners on Ben nevis, injuries, severe weather and getting lost – twice.

The adventure began well when the team of four made it up and down Ben nevis with 45 minutes to spare. But the euphoria was short-lived. First came the puncture, and then one of the team, Darren, tore a muscle in his right knee.

Two peaks down, one to go. By now, it was Sunday morning and time to head off for Snowdon. Roadworks delayed the team by an hour and Darren’s knee couldn’t stand the strain. The remaining three made it up the final summit. Eventually, 28 hours after they set out, the team limped into their final destination, 36 hours without sleep !

“all trials and tribulations aside,

i’m humbled by the achievement of mick, the other team member who made it through the challenge despite surviving leukaemia 18 months ago and testicular cancer six years prior to that,” said Paul. now that’s a real achievement!

From mongolia to Europe, genghis Khan had a fine warhorse beneath him and a fearsome army behind him. ian Portbury on the other hand, going the other way, had a battered old Perodua nippa and no backup to speak of. Eek!

in July, ian – from Car Final, Ellesmere Port – and his friend mike Collins drove 10,000 miles from the UK to the mongolian capital Ulaan Baataar, as part of the 2010 mongol Rally in July. From forest fires in moscow to an overnight breakdown in mongolia’s altai mountains, ian and mike encountered all sorts of challenges – and stunning landscapes

Six Warehouse employees, dubbed the Vauxhall Vixens have managed to rack up £1,620 for Keech Hospice Care by joining the Keech Hospice Midnight Walk on 4 September.

“The Midnight Walk was a fantastic experience for us all,” said Kal Mandviwala. We are all from the Vauxhall Parts and Accessories Department at Toddington Road and we

MIDNIgHT MADNESS fOR KEECH

know how important Keech Hospice is to so many families. We decided to get some foxy ladies together and we called ourselves the Vauxhall Vixens to raise much-needed funds. Walking round the large warehouses here keeps us girls fit but ten miles after dark is a little bit different. We would like to thank our colleagues, families and friends for supporting us.”

Amy Burrows, Linda Mcfadden, Tina farrow, Coral McCaffrey, Janet Turner and Kal Mandviwala

Darren Walker, Mike Taylor, Paul fawcett and Paul Round

ROUND TRIP

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACKacross some of the Earth’s remotest regions – during the four-week drive.

The annual event, to be undertaken across no fixed route in a sub-1-litre-engined car older than 10 years, raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities.

ian and mike have raised over £750 so far in aid of Lupus UK, a national charity in aid of people with the incurable illness where the body’s immune system attacks itself.

if you’d like to contribute to the cause, visit http://www.justgiving.com/ ian-Portbury

PEOPLE

26 TORQUE magazinE

106 PROJECTS IN THE UK ARE SUPPORTED BY BREAST CANCER CAMPAIgN

IN THE PINKmany employees at the Luton plant supported Wear it Pink Day on 29 October, including Health and Safety manager martyn Quigley-Phipps.

With collection bucket in hand, martyn modelled a pink feather boa to help promote fundraising for breast cancer research. and the sight of martyn dressed in pink encouraged employees to dig deep – the total sum raised was £723.55: three times that of last year.

MOOR fUNDRAISINgLuton plant employee Jagdish Jethwa took part in the moonraker Challenge on 9 October to raise money for macmillan Cancer Support.

The sponsored night walk involved 16 teams walking the route through Flitwick moor with only torches to guide them back to the finish line.

Jagdish and his team came second in the event raising £1,350 for macmillan

Cancer Support.Jagdish said: “i would like to thank

everyone at the plant for their support and generous donations. The money raised will help support and improve the lives of

people affected by cancer.”

T-SHIRTS fOR PAKISTAN fLOODSTwenty-one boxes of unused T-shirts have been delivered to Luton’s Bury Park Community Centre for delivery to Pakistan. Rizvan Bashir, area Development manager and Omer malik, Community Development Officer at the Centre were extremely pleased to receive these items from Vauxhall.

“many families in Luton have relatives that have been affected by the floods and donations have been speedily flown out to the disaster area,” Rizvan explained. “These items will be going with a local doctor who is travelling out with much-needed medical supplies.”

Paul Squibb from Vauxhall with Rizvan Bashir, Area Development Manager and Omer Malik, Community Development Officer at Bury Park Community Centre

When Houghton Regis Town Council asked for a little help with its carnival, Andy Boddy and Terry Forder of the Heritage Centre were happy to oblige. They provided a 1923 Vauxhall 23/60 OD and chauffeured the Town Mayor and Mayoress in style at the street procession.

The vehicle was a big attraction on the day and the Carnival Working Group was so pleased with Andy

and Terry’s help that they presented them with the Olive Burgess Shield which is awarded each year to the organisation that has provided the most support for the carnival.

Andy and Terry with the Mayor and Mayoress of Houghton Regis and eight-year-old Jermaine Kumire, who was a lion cub in the carnival

PUTTINg THE CAR IN CARNIVAL

27DECEmBER 2010

£100,000 RAISED fOR HELP THE HEROES SO fAR THIS YEAR

The Vauxhall male Voice Choir appeared in concert at St mary’s Parish Church, Luton on 6 november to raise funds for Help for Heroes. introducing the night’s entertainment, Lawrence Davies, Director of Purchasing, announced that the concert took the sum raised for Help for Heroes to over £100,000.

CHEqUE THIS OUTVauxhall’s support for the approved Driving instructors national Joint Council has netted more than £400 for Help for Heroes.

Vauxhall agreed to sponsor the organisation’s newsletter for 2010 – its 30th anniversary year. One good turn deserves another so proceeds from a raffle at the annual conference went to Vauxhall’s chosen charity of the year, Help for Heroes.

HELP fOR HEROES – IN SONg

With armistice Day so near the choir wore poppies in remembrance and the programme had been sensitively chosen to reflect the reason for the concert. numbers including: Comrades In Arms, Bridge Over Troubled Water and the Soldier’s Farewell – a very evocative number for this occasion – are just a sample of the full programme

which provided a powerful and emotive night of music. Special guest artiste, soprano, Lynn Deacon, charmed the audience with a selection of popular songs, pleasing her listeners with her charismatic virtuosity – and top C’s!

it was a night of quality entertainment which, at the same time, raised funds for a very worthy cause.

The Vauxhall Male Voice Choir with representatives from Vauxhall and Help for Heroes

WELSH WIzARDSAllan Branscombe and Mark Braid from Car Final at Ellesmere Port took on the Welsh Challenge – and won.

The pair completed the gruelling mile swim across Bala Lake, followed by a 14-mile cycle

round the lake, all topped off by a two-hour hike up Mount Snowdon.

They raised £850 for Help for Heroes and would like to thank everyone who supported them along the way. Allan said: “The day was long but an excellent way to raise money for an excellent cause”.

28 TORQUE magazinE

THEY’VE ALL gOT THE x fACTOR

AWARDS ARE PRESENTED EACH MONTH TO VAUxHALL PEOPLE OR TEAMS WHO ARE NOMINATED BY THEIR COLLEAgUES

ExCITEPEOPLE

fAMILY CREDITOctober’s EXCITE award went to the Toddington Road Warehouse Family Day core

team of Jackie Jones, Siobhan Mears, Chris Jones, Mark Smith, Paul Hudson, Mick Stolber, Syliva Sheppard, Phil Hollis, Kal Manviwala, Linda Luong and many others.

The event, which allowed employees to view warehouse operations while sharing time with their family and friends, was a huge success. The amount of time and effort the whole team invested in ensuring the day passed without a hitch was greatly appreciated.

November’s EXCITE award went to New Company Car Administrator, Natalie Atkinson.

Having recently taken over the role, Natalie has managed all the requests for the Motability demonstration vehicles this year, taking into account the launch of New Meriva and all the interest this car has received from the Motability market.

In addition, Natalie undertook one of the most difficult projects facing the Motability team – providing adapted, driveable and

static display vehicles for two Motability roadshows at launch time, when cars were already in short supply.

Natalie undertook the project management role, liaising with adaptation companies to ensure that the vehicles arrived on time, fully operational and ready for presentation at the events.

The Chairman’s special EXCITE award was presented to Simon Monk, Assistant Manager Company Vehicle Operations. Simon won the award in recognition of his drive and determination to improve employee driver safety. He has also reduced Vauxhall’s insurance premiums by £2m over the last five years. Simon’s work was highlighted in this

year’s Brake awards. Vauxhall received an award

of excellence for Company Driver Safety and was also highly commended for the Company Driver Safety Award (Large Fleets).

Simon has also taken the lead on other safety initiatives:• Web-based driver awareness training• Collision management• Fleet audit every three years• Undergraduate workshops at the

beginning of their placement.

NAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT

THE DRIVE fOR SAfETY

VAUxHALL MERCHANDISE CHRISTMAS SALE

UP TO 50% Off SELECTED ITEMS!To celebrate the festive season we have some amazing offers with up to 50% off selected items!

If you’re looking for inspiration for a unique Christmas gift for yourself or someone else why not visit the Vauxhall Merchandise web shop and take a look at our exciting collections? From funky C’MON mobile phone socks, toys and bags to key rings and 1:43rd scale die cast model cars, there is something for everyone! Why not choose an ideal stocking filler whilst enjoying a substantial saving at the same time?

29DECEmBER 2010

50%Off SELECTED ITEMS fROM MERCHANDISE RANgE

COMPETITION

Don’t forget, all GMUK employees, contractors and pensioners can register online to qualify for attractive discounts off the published recommended retail prices of all Vauxhall Merchandise products. With prices starting at £1.50 why not visit the web shop now? Go to www.vauxhallmerchandise.co.uk and click on the ‘Account’ tab to set up your account and log on to see your discounted prices.Or telephone the Helpline on 01420 525514 to set up your online account or to place your order.

Vauxhall Retailers can also take advantage of this offer and should place their orders as usual via the ‘wholesale’ section of the www.vauxhallmerchandise.co.uk website. This offer runs until 31.12.10. Please note that postage and packing is at extra cost and minimum order value is £10.00.

Andrew Duerden has been delving into the Heritage Centre’s archives again and has found another fascinating photo conundrum. Can you tell us where this photo was taken?

Send your entries to Then and Now competition, Torque, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT by Friday 7 January 2011 or email torque.editor@gm.com.

THEN AND NOW

COMPACT UMBRELLA (RRP £15.95)

NORMAL EMPLOYEE PRICE: £11.69

EMPLOYEE SPECIAL OffER PRICE:

£6.46 (INCLUSIVE

OF VAT)

VAUxHALL WATCH (RRP £76.95)

NORMAL EMPLOYEE PRICE: £58.75

EMPLOYEE SPECIAL OffER PRICE: £31.72

(INCLUSIVE OF VAT)

SILVER gRIffIN PEN (RRP £5.90)

NORMAL EMPLOYEE PRICE: £5.29

EMPLOYEE SPECIAL OffER PRICE: £2.65

(INCLUSIVE OF VAT)

DOWN 2. Brief (5) 3. Volcanic ash country (7) 4. and 17 Down. ‘1984’ author (6,6) 5. Church officer (5) 6. Diplomatic (7) 7. These safeguard money (11) 8. Opponents (11) 14. appeal (7) 16. Saying (7) 17. See 4 Down 19. Fundamental (5) 21. Old French currency (5)

PEOPLE

CROSSWORD

CONgRATULATIONS TO DAVE VARLEY AND MIKE gIBBS WHO WON £25 EACH IN OUR LAST ISSUE

DECEMBER CLUESACROSS 1. Underwear (6,5) 9. missile (7) 10. Chopped (5) 11. musical (5) 12. Long-necked animal (7) 13. Sentries (6) 15. Drops (6) 18. month (7) 20. Bid (5) 22. Tests (5) 23. Raise (7) 24. Spiny-backed fish (11)

Congratulations to Dave Varley from griffin House, who wins the crossword competition in the October issue. Your £25 cheque will be in the post shortly.SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD:ACROSS: 1. PATCH 4.KETCHUP 8.YELLOWS 9.RULER 10.HANg 11.KEELHAUL 13.CORK 14.DEAD 16.REPTILES 17.zERO 20.SCARf 21.MONSTER 22.SINgLET 23.PSALM DOWN: 1.PSYCHIATRISTS 2.TALON 3.HOOK 4.KISSED 5.THRILLER 6.HOLLAND 7.PARALLELOgRAM 12.fRUITfUL 13.CAPTAIN 15.HELMET 18.ExTRA 19.SNAPSend completed entries to Torque crossword, UK1-103,340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT by Wednesday 12 January 2011.

32 5 6

9

11

15

12

1 4

7 8

10

13 14 16

17

18 19 20 21

24

22 23

SUDOKUSudoku

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row , each column,and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9.

3 9 88

2 7526 8

3 2 7

4

9

297

1 5

8

4

51 8 6 3

5

3

5

5

4

64

8

26

9

7 19 4

7 1

6 7

1 6

3 8

8 4

4 7

4 5

3 22 8

7 2

9 3

1 93 9

5 1

5

6

4

7

6

12 1

3

9

6

Fill in your details below and send the completed grid to Torque Sudoku, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton LU1 3YT by Wednesday 12 January 2011. The first correct answer out of the hat will win £25.

namE LOCaTiOn aDDRESS

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from one to nine.

namELOCaTiOnaDDRESS

SudokuFill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column,

and each 3x3 square contains all the digits from 1 to 9.

752

85 9

9 77

1

1

7

5 1

5

4

9

62

648

6 52

30 TORQUE magazinE

Congratulations to mike gibbs from griffin House, who wins last issue’s Sudoku. Solutions to the October issue (right).

This card is issued by Clydesdale Bank PLC pursuant to license by masterCard® international. This card is an electronic money product. The electronic money associated with this card is provided by PrePay Technologies Ltd, a company regulated by the Financial Services authority for the issuance of electronic money. PrePay Technologies Ltd is a registered Service Provider of Clydesdale Bank plc.

31OCTOBER 2010

STAff OffERS

TEAMCLUB SAVINgS CARD

Don’t forgetto log on to

www.gm-uk-marketplace.co.uk using username: gmand password: offers

for other fantastic discountsHOW WOULD

YOU LIKE TO SAVE

HUNDREDS Of £££’S ON YOUR

CHRISTMAS SHOPPINg?

If you shop in stores such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Comet and Argos to name but a few you can now earn from 4.5 per cent up to a massive 15 per cent bonus on ALL your shopping including sale items.

FOR exAMPLe if your weekly shop at Sainsbury’s is £100 you will save 5 per cent on all your purchases inCLUDing PETROL. That’s a saving of £260 per year from just one of the 34 leading high street retailers available through TeamClub.

TeamClub is nOT a Credit Card, but can be used wherever you see the masterCard® acceptance symbol. So whether it’s weekly groceries, clothes, restaurants, or travel, you can spend wherever, and on whatever you want – it really is Fantastic Plastic!

HOW TO ReGISTeR FOR YOUR exCLUSIVe TeAMCLUB CARDYou can apply for a card for yourself and also your partner. and, as TeamClub is a reloadable debit card there are nO credit checks and you can’t get into debt with the scheme.

Simply register online and pay one annual fee of £14.99 for the card. all you need to do is load a minimum of £5 to get you started. a personalised chip & Pin masterCard® is issued to your address.

To find out more, try the savings calculator or to apply visit www.gm-uk-marketplace.co.uknow, you really can shop till you drop, for less! Terms and Conditions apply

Models illustrated: MY10 New Astra 5-dr SRi with 19-inch alloy wheels, CD 500 satellite navigation and Black Sapphire two-coat pearlescent paint, optional at extra cost. MY10.5 Corsa 3-dr SXi with 17-inch alloy wheels and Star Silver two-coat metallic paint, optional at extra cost. Vauxhall Partners discount is on list price, delivery and factory-fi tted options. Offer is available on new vehicles ordered or registered between 01.10.10 and 03.01.11 inclusive, subject to availability, and are available to eligible Vauxhall Partners. All other sales categories are excluded. UK-supplied vehicles only. Contact Vauxhall Retailer for details. Vauxhall Partners includes all employees and pensioners of nominated companies and their nominated eligible relatives. Vauxhall Partners prices/savings include Vauxhall Partners discount savings and additional customer savings (incl. VAT) where applicable, number plates, delivery, Vehicle Excise Duty and a fi rst registration fee. Excludes fuel and insurance. Vehicle shown may feature factory-fi tted options and accessories such as metallic paint available at extra cost. We reserve the right to change or withdraw any aspect of the Vauxhall Partners Programme without prior notice. Offers are available on selected Retailer stocks at participating Retailers only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of fi rst registered keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply.

Offi cial Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption fi gures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range: Urban: 16.5 (17.1) – 61.4 (4.6), Extra-urban: 32.8 (8.6) – 88.3 (3.2), Combined: 24.2 (11.7) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions: 274 – 98g/km.

Visit your local Retailer now to claim your discount – plus any other exclusive offers available – or for more details call 0844 875 2448 or visit partnersprogramme.co.uk

Plus you can save 20% on your car insurance by calling 0844 84 85 853.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

on a brand new Vauxhallwinter savings

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON A BRAND NEW VAUXHALL, WHEN YOU CLAIM YOUR PARTNERS DISCOUNT.

New Astra SRi save at least

Corsa SXi save at least

£3750 £2415on New Astra 5-dr SRi 1.4i 16v VVT (100PS) on Corsa 3-dr SXi 1.2 16v VVT