get outside · going paperless from 2019, torque will be going entirely paperless. but don’t...
TRANSCRIPT
October 2018The magazine for Vauxhall staff, Retailers and retirees
Olympian James Cracknell puts the Combo Life to the test
GET OUTSIDE
PUT TO THE TESTJournalists trial the
Corsa GSi-p14-
BRIGHT FUTUREWelcoming Vauxhall’s
GT X concept-p11-
BEST IN SHOWCombo is International
Van of the Year-p3-
02 TORQUE MAGAZINE
TORQUE OCTOBER 2018
EDITORTom Hagues01582 427190MANAGING EDITORKate Oyler01582 426603EDITORIAL PANELBen Thompson, Claire Dunne, Catherine Barrett, Cheryl Stibbs, Debbie Armstrong, Donna Black, Joseph Lines, Emer Meehan, Jeremy Townsend
Torque is written, designed and produced by beetroot, 2 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3DR (Tel: 020 7749 0180, Fax: 020 7749 0179), and printed by Newnorth, on behalf of Vauxhall Motors Limited, Luton.
Corrections, complaints, queries, suggestions? Email tom.hagues@ beetroot.co.uk
PHOTO CREDITSJoel Chant (p24)
CORRESPONDENTSEllesmere Port PlantMonica Raisbeck, Susan Chapelow, Lucy RobertsGriffin House Alicia FeredayRebekah HowarthLuton PlantCharlotte MacLaren WarehouseJames Green
GET IN TOUCH
Have an idea for a story? Please tell your on-site correspondent or email
[email protected]. Events, personal
and work-related achievements, efforts for charity, unusual or interesting hobbies or
sports – we want to know! This is your magazine, so tell us what you would like
to see in it.
– Page 21 – Vauxhall Heritage got competitive at
the Kop Hill Climb race event
– Page 11 – Meet the GT X, Vauxhall's latest
concept car
– Page 5 – The Grandland X keeps calm
and carries on
– Page 14 – The Corsa GSi was put
through its paces by industry big-wigs
IN THIS ISSUE
Managing Editor Kate Oyler picks some of her favourite stories from the October issue of Torque:
EDITOR’S PICKS
GOING PAPERLESS From 2019, Torque will be going entirely paperless. But don’t worry, our new and improved digital edition will be available
to keep you in the loop. Look out for more information on how you can keep up to
date with the latest goings on across the company in future editions.
To view this edition of Torque online, visit view.publitas.com/torque/october_
torque_2018/
IGNITION
03OCTOBER 2018
It’s been on the road for less than five minutes yet the Combo is already making its mark. The brand new van has been voted International Van of the Year at IAA Hannover – an event that celebrates the best commercial vehicles on the market.
Taking home 127 points from specialist journalists based in 25 countries, the Combo won first place comfortably. Runner up Mercedes Sprinter was awarded 92 points. Innovative assistance systems, economy and driver enjoyment were all noted in the judges’ decision.
The jury was impressed by the Combo’s all-round approachability. “The engineers and designers succeeded for the first time in the history of LCVs to create a multi-brand cooperation van, where all
COMBO LOADS UP ON AWARD
Vauxhall’s Grandland X SUV has received 10,000 orders across Europe.
With first deliveries arriving in the UK this month, Grandland X sales have been buoyed by the introduction of a new Euro 6.2-compliant 1.5-litre Turbo D (130PS) powertrain. In SE trim, it achieves CO2 emissions from 108g/km and combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg when paired with the six-speed manual transmission.
The powertrain is also available with a new eight-speed automatic transmission which features an optimised torque converter to improve gear shift smoothness and reduce idling vibrations. Quick shift technology offers one of the best shifting speeds on the market, while also featuring a manual shifting mode.
With winter fast approaching, the Grandland X is available with the fully-electronic IntelliGrip traction control system, ensuring the vehicle always remains stable on any surface.
There are five independent driving modes available and IntelliGrip enables traction and stability at all times by delivering optimal grip.
The driver can choose from the five modes via a centre dial, with the IntelliGrip system immediately adapting engine and transmission control, torque distribution and ESP settings to ensure optimal contact to the driving surface.
brands maintain their core values and brand personality without almost any compromise. These vans are redefining the entire segment of modern compact vans, with a fresh approach in design, fit and finish on par with compact cars and a unique feeling of comfort,” said a spokesperson from the jury.
Touching upon the tech that’s loaded onto the Combo, the jury added: “In use, they display a driving pleasure and generally very good levels of behaviour, without yielding anything to their utilitarian vocation. They offer professionals a wide choice of bodies and engines.”
Vauxhall and Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller accepted the award at IAA Hannover on 19 September.
THESE VANS ARE REDEFINING THE ENTIRE SEGMENT OF MODERNCOMPACT VANS
It’s in the bag: Michael Lohscheller accepts the award that recognises the Combo’s brilliance
Grandland X reaches milestone
IGNITION
When a new car is in development, launch day can seem a million years away. But that day has finally come for the Combo Life. The model went on sale in September, with on-the-road prices starting from £19,610.
It’s a practical and versatile vehicle, based on the van version, and is aimed at active families and empty nesters. Two sliding
doors give easy access to the back seats and it can be ordered as a five or seven-seater. It’s the ideal car for travellers with luggage or a small sports team and its equipment.
There’s plenty of tech on this model too, with advanced park assist and a panoramic rear-view camera making it easy to get into the tightest of spaces. A head-up display reduces the danger of distractions and the
forward collision alert has a pedestrian detection system to keep all road users safe and sound.
It’ll get you to where you want to be too, thanks to Vauxhall's innovative IntelliGrip system. This electronic front differential adapts the torque distribution to the front wheels and ensures traction and stable handling regardless of the road surface.
Life’s beginnings
04 TORQUE MAGAZINE
The team at Vauxhall Retailer Tony LeVoi in Thurrock are celebrating employee Clair Courtney’s 25-year anniversary at the dealership.
Clair joined the Tony LeVoi team on 23 August 1993. She started at the dealership on West Thurrock Way as a trainee administrator when she first left school and through years of hard work and dedication, Clair has risen through the ranks. She provides top-quality support to not only Essex motorists, but all the staff at the dealership too.
Tony LeVoi’s management recognises the expertise that Clair has developed over the years and rewarded her outstanding efforts with an extra week’s holiday allowance each year, along with celebration holiday vouchers to spend.
Over the past 25 years, Clair has seen many changes at the dealership and in the motor industry as a whole. She said: “The
SILVER SERVICE
development of the motor trade, Vauxhall vehicles and the warmth of the team here at Tony LeVoi has made it a fast-paced and rewarding place to work. I am over the moon to be celebrating a quarter of a century here. Anybody who is looking for a long and fruitful career with plenty of chances of progression should consider the motor industry.”
Clair celebrates with Tony LeVoi managing director Simon Dayes
The Grandland X ‘keeps calm and carries on’ according to Vauxhall’s latest campaign.
The campaign promotes the Grandland X in the SUV sector of the market and embodies the company’s confidently British attitude. Ads appeared in press, digitally and out-of-home. TV adverts will run until 31 October.
“The SUV segment continues to grow and we have a significant contender with the Grandland X,” said Patrick Fourniol, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director.
“The campaign looks at how Brits stay calm in the face of adversity. Grandland X embodies this attitude, keeping the driver in control, connected and comfortable.”
ON THE BOXThe television adverts began their run last month and show the Grandland X doing what it does best – keeping calm and carrying on.
An expectant couple are shown at home, when they go into labour. Rushing to their Grandland X, the pregnant woman is worried and wants to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, but her partner – confident in the Grandland X – is calm and collected and they arrive safely and in time.
The advert shows that Vauxhall is progressive and in touch with every day life in Britain today.
“The campaign is multi-media and it is edgy. People are witnessing a distinct change in how Vauxhall is communicating its Brand and vehicles," said Patrick. "We celebrate everyday heroes, the people who just keep going, no matter what, what make Britain Great. The Grandland X is the embodiment of the, ‘Keeps Calm. Carries On.’ attitude as it keeps you in control, connected and comfortable."
05OCTOBER 2018
GRANDLAND X KEEPS THE DRIVER IN CONTROL, CONNECTED AND COMFORTABLE
CAMPAIGN APPEALS TO BRITONS
Have you seen the advert on TV yet?
Appearing in print and on billboards: The campaign poster
06 TORQUE MAGAZINE
Vauxhall sold 33,897 cars and vans in the crucial plate-change month of September, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The Corsa supermini, Vauxhall’s top-selling model, achieved sales of 10,660, making it the UK’s second best-selling car. Fresh from its ‘Keeps calm. Carries
Customers flock to Vauxhall
IGNITION
on.’ ad campaign, Vauxhall’s all-new Grandland X registered record segment and overall market share. After a strong September, Insignia and Mokka X also lead their segments year-to-date.
Vauxhall’s passenger car and commercial vehicle market share was 8.6 per cent in September. This was up from 7.3 per cent, in 2017 making it Vauxhall’s
highest monthly market share in 18 months since March 2017.
In Scotland, Vauxhall topped sales charts across the board, with four entries in the top 10 best selling cars, including Corsa and Crossland X at the number one and two slots. Vauxhall was also the number one manufacturer overall, with 18,328 sales.
James Cracknell recently took part in a Vauxhall Combo campaign that showcases how the vehicle is perfect for young, active families.
The ‘Back to Basics’ idea had the Olympic rower out in a Combo getting his kids to interact with nature and the great outdoors.
They were filmed gathering sticks and making a fire, map reading and exploring the woods. The Combo was able to showcase its strengths as the ideal lifestyle vehicle, with plenty of room for the family and their camping equipment.
FIT FOR AN ATHLETE
James and his daughters explored the outdoors with a Combo Life
07OCTOBER 2018
You might have heard the word ‘monozukuri’ being used at Ellesmere Port, but what exactly does it mean?
It is a Japanese word that means ‘the art of making things well’ and looks at how we can remove costs from the business. These are costs that could be saved from suppliers’ manufacturing processes, logistics routes to plant or any in-plant processes.
Ellesmere Port recently announced its special monozukuri team – lead Dave Brewster, support Jemima Birch and facilitator Paul Coffey. Workshops will also be held at Ellesmere Port and suppliers’ premises to look for any possible cost reductions.
Points covered at these workshops include: the variations of parts, particularly all types of parts needed; the design of a product; the cost of sub-supplier parts; the packaging of parts; is the manufacturing process the most cost effective?; is the supplier in a good location for logistics?; are there any tweaks we can make to streamline the assembly process?
If you have an idea, please stop one of the monozukuri team members on their way round and let them know. One member of staff has already done this and it has resulted in a ¤50,000 saving after implementation across Europe.
EASTERN INFLUENCE
Getting kids kitted out in new school uniforms can be an unwelcome expense for some families. Thankfully charity Level Trust is on hand for struggling families and last month, Vauxhall helped with the collection of uniforms.
Employees across Vauxhall sites were encouraged to bring in uniform that their family members had outgrown. These were collected by the Vauxhall Employee Charity Fund. Some uniforms were bought and donated especially for the cause from employees who don’t even have children.
Back to school made easy A haul of blazers, trousers, skirts and shirts
were collected. There was still room in the Vivaro van that was used to pick it all up, so the collection team whizzed round with a bucket and generous employees dug deep to donate funds. These will be used to purchase additional uniforms.
“Vauxhall Luton prides itself in supporting local community charities and projects. We were asked by Level Trust, a local charity, to provide items of used school clothing that would be suitable for children of all ages, and we expanded on this concept by also offering new items of clothing and cash," said Paul Clark, Vauxhall’s Assistant Plant Manager. Many of us are already parents and realise the importance of giving children the best possible support through their educational years, including the chance to attend school in the correct type of uniform clothing. The Level Trust Charity project aims to ensure local families that are less fortunate than ourselves can do the same."
The Uniform Exchange has changed how families on low incomes in Luton can swap an outgrown school uniform for one that fits much better. You can find the Uniform Exchange on the first floor of the Luton Mall.
Central Bedfordshire or Luton residents can now take part in an award-winning half-day event for free to improve their driving skills. The course is open to anyone aged between 17 and 30 years old who hold a valid full driving licence.
Attendees can expect to have a go on a skid pan, learning how to
improve their driving in wet weather, as well as learning the basics of vehicle maintenance. There’s also special advice available on
what to look for when buying a car.
The course runs on 4 November – to sign up applicants must email [email protected].
SKILL UP YOUR DRIVING
MORE Drive
Limited spaces available. For more details and to sign up for the course email;
Fancy driving on a famous test track?
Are you aged between 17 and 30 years old?
Have you passed your driving test?
If you are a resident of Central Bedfordshire or Luton you can take part in an award winning half day event for FREE (£60 for non-residents)
Improve your driving skills on a skid pan
Learn basic vehicle maintenance
Find out what to look for when buying a car
Course dates
4th November 2018
VAUXHALL LUTON PRIDES ITSELF IN SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITY CHARITIES AND PROJECTS
A Vivaro made the collection rounds
IGNITION
Charity Stick ‘n’ Step has offered its thanks to Vauxhall after benefiting from the loan of an Astra as part of the company’s Grace and Favour scheme. The charity has been able to use the car for a whole year.
The loaned Astra has been taken to a number of fundraising events during its time with the charity, from golf days and endurance challenges to sponsored walks. It’s transported staff all around the north-west region and clocked up more than 10,000 miles. The charity has saved nearly £5,000 thanks to the car.
Stick ‘n’ Step provides support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families. It gives kids conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives, all free of charge. Conductive education is all about active learning and at these sessions, children
08 TORQUE MAGAZINE
and young people are motivated by working alongside their peers in a positive environment and are empowered to achieve realistic goals that are specific and relevant to them.
The charity has a wide reach, with up to 90 children from across the local area attending sessions weekly at the charity’s two centres in Wallasey and Runcorn.
DRIVING AWARENESS OF STICK ‘N’ STEP
Stephanie Howson has been appointed as Retail Sales Director for Vauxhall Motors. Stephanie joined Vauxhall in 1994 as an Aftersales Business Analyst and, from 2006, rapidly rose through the ranks of Sales District Manager, Regional Operations Manager, National Sales Manager, Marketing Programmes Manager and her current role as National Major Group Manager. Stephanie replaces Leon Caruso who has chosen to pursue an opportunity outside of Groupe PSA.
Stephanie said: “I am delighted to take up my new position as Retail Sales Director working with a great team and retailer partners to deliver our strategic PACE! plan. Our goal is to deliver the sales growth and brand reputation enhancement that our products serve.”
L-R: Evaline (5) from Ellesmere Port with Joshua (5) and Charlie (4), both from Liverpool, with the Grace and Favour Astra
Vauxhall’s approved used car scheme, Network Q, has become the largest to offer online motor finance, using technology from iVendi.
A process that will allow online customers to look at a range of Vauxhall Finance products, calculate figures that meet their needs, and
NEW SALES BOSS
Finance for approved used car scheme
“The car has been immeasurably useful to us. Not just in terms of saving us money and providing transport, but also, branded with our charity logo, for the way it has raised our profile and increased awareness of our work at events and locations across the North West. We are very grateful to have had the use of it,” said Operations Manager Sarah Smithson.
then apply online, is being added to the central Network Q site covering over 300 individual dealer sites.
Clare White, Marketing Manager at Network Q, said: “We are committed to delivering the best experience for buyers of used approved Vauxhalls both in the showroom and online, and providing motor finance on our websites is part of that undertaking.
“We expect that offering online motor finance will drive higher unit sales for dealers as well as increasing penetration of Vauxhall Finance products.
“Importantly, the iVendi technology that we are using allows customers to easily use the new online finance facilities on any device, from PC to smartphone, and will automatically transfer from online to dealer – if you walk into a Network Q showroom, they will be able to access details of any applications you have made.”
09OCTOBER 2018
GROUPE PSA NEWS
Fulfilling Poissy’s potential
Groupe PSA is considering manufacturing an additional
model at its Poissy plant in France. At a special meeting of the Works
Council in August, Pierre Long, Labour and Human Relations
Manager at the Poissy plant, said: "The study we are undertaking should confirm that our facility
meets the financial performance criteria to manufacture an
additional competitive vehicle for our customers. All our teams are ready to meet the challenge and demonstrate our commitment to
seizing the opportunity. We should be able to share an update by the
end of 2018."
Aftersales for allGroupe PSA’s aim in the
aftermarket segment is to fulfil all customers’ aftersales expectations
worldwide, regardless of their purchasing power and the make
and age of their vehicle. The Group is also rolling out the multi-brand distribution offering in other parts of the world such as Latin America, through joint ventures with SK in
Brazil and the Etman group in Argentina.
Towing techGroupe PSA and EasyMile recently
trialled an autonomous tow tractor in Sochaux, France. The collaboration between Groupe
PSA and EasyMile has been forged as part of a project to automate a portion of the Sochaux plant’s logistics platform. TractEasy is a driverless tow tractor with a
maximum towing capacity of 25 tonnes and the ability to drive
among other vehicles at speeds of up to 25 km per hour.
Sounds good Groupe PSA vehicles will be
equipped with a smart assistant starting in 2020, thanks to
SoundHound. The new generation voice assistant will enable
Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall customers to converse
with their vehicle. The digital personal assistant will be able to act on its own to perform a
variety of tasks, such as finding a restaurant that meets several
criteria (e.g. open on Sunday evening), activating vehicle
functions and launching connected services.
Top of the classAnne Fenninger was appointed
Head of Groupe PSA University on 1 September. She reports to Xavier Chéreau, Executive Vice President,
Human Resources, Digital and Real Estate of Groupe PSA. She succeeds Claudia Constant, who
is now in charge of PSA Retail human resources.
A look at some of the top stories from across
Groupe PSA
IGNITION
UK Claims Service available 24/7, 365 days a year
Complimentary courtesy vehicle†
*Subject to underwriting criteria. Excludes vans. **Vauxhall Insurance Services will offer you a fixed £45 incentive fee to help towards the costs of any cancellation fees your current insurance provider may apply. You must provide us with a copy of the cancellation letter from your current insurance provider which clearly states you have paid a cancellation fee. Following receipt of the documentation, we will aim to process the £45 cancellation incentive fee within 21 days. If completing a quote online, simply send the documents to [email protected]. ^Offer ends 31 December 2018 for {Vauxhall Staff, Retailers and Retirees} when quoting TORQ18. †Comprehensive cover only. Subject to availability, when repaired by a Vauxhall Authorised Repairer. Vauxhall Insurance Services is a trading name of Vauxhall Motors Limited. Registered office: Griffin House UK1-101-135, Osborne Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3YT. Registered in England and Wales 135767. Vauxhall Motors Limited is an appointed representative of Ageas Retail Limited. Registered office: Ageas House, Hampshire Corporate Park, Templars Way, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 3YA. Registered in England and Wales 1324965. Ageas Retail Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered number: 312468. Ageas Retail Limited is a sister company of Ageas Insurance Limited. Correct at time of print.
Contact us on 0344 463 2673 or visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/insurance
Only Genuine Vauxhall parts used with Vauxhall Authorised Repair methods
Only Vauxhall Trained Technicians working on your vehicle
BECAUSE WE LOOK AFTER OUR OWN.Vauxhall Insurance Services
Switch to a Vauxhall Insurance Services policy* and we’ll give you £45 towards any cancellation fees your current provider may charge.**
We’re also offering 10% off^ comprehensive annual motor insurance from Vauxhall Insurance Services when quoting this unique code: TORQ18.
UKS_11003664_Q3_18_10%off_VX_Insurance_Torque.indd 1 31/08/2018 10:36
A total of 69 new Vauxhall vans have been ordered by housing association Tai Tarian in South Wales.
The Vivaro, Combo and Movano models will help the firm manage its more than 9,000 properties. Tai Tarian is one of the largest social landlords in Wales. Having a fleet of versatile vans is paramount to its maintenance operations. The vans will be used across a number of trades.
Tai Tarian ordered its Vivaros with bespoke racking and were attracted to the flexibility of the space. This gives the drivers added convenience and means they can undertake their roles more efficiently. The Vivaro order included a mixture of panel van and double cab body styles.
“We were keen to source a fleet of reliable, aesthetically pleasing, fuel efficient vehicles that could help us continue to improve our carbon footprint,” said Mair Jones, Fleet Manager at Tai Tarian. “We believe that Vauxhall are the perfect fit for us taking these aims into consideration. The vehicles look great with their conversions and new livery design, they will serve to improve our visibility and reputation in the community in which we work.”
“We are proud to continue our work
A NEW HOME
with customers such as Tai Tarian Housing Association,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “We have enjoyed great success with our award-winning van range, which caters for the needs of businesses across the country.”
Alistair Murray, Fleet Sales Manager and Vauxhall with Mair Jones, Transport Manager at Tai Tarian
CONCEPT
FUTURE GAZINGVauxhall’s GT X brand concept has been launched, signalling a new direction for the design of future models
TORQUE MAGAZINETORQUE MAGAZINE12
CONCEPT
A five-door, all-electric SUV is the company’s new concept car, championing the brand values of ingenious, progressive and approachable. Design features on this car will
begin to appear over the coming years.The car is jam-packed with innovation and
bold design touches and recognises the speed at which the SUV market is growing in the UK. It's 4.06m in length, which is roughly the same size as a Corsa.
Pure and bold“The Vauxhall GT X Experimental embodies the spirit of our core brand values,” said Vice President Design Mark Adams. “It’s an approachable concept that people can identify with. It confidently combines a pure and bold design execution with progressive technology that makes life easier. Clearly, this vehicle signals a very exciting future for the brand.”
Bold proportions, flowing surfaces and hidden cut lines make for a stunning exterior that Vauxhall plans on adopting across its
models. Door handles are removed and wing mirrors are replaced with retractable rear-view cameras on the doors, making the car’s body completely smooth.
Its wheels appear to be 20 inches like previous Vauxhall concept cars. But this time it’s different – the wheels are 17 inches, giving a better ride. Styling is not compromised thanks to the rubber covers over the trim that make the tyres look bigger.
The Griffin, Vauxhall’s famous logo, is a prominent feature in this design. Showcasing
17-INCH RIMS THAT LOOK 20 INCHES
BOLD DESIGN: COMPASS AND VISOR
OCTOBER 2018 13
ingenuity at the heart of the brand, the emblems in the centre of the wheels are electronic and don’t move so they stay upright at all times.
Say hello to Compass and VisorFuture Vauxhall models will have a new theme on their front and rear fascias. The Vauxhall Compass is a method of organising design elements along two strong axes – vertical and horizontal – that intersect at the Griffin.
The way this works is simple. The centre crease line on the bonnet is the vertical axis, while the wing-shaped daytime running lights act as a horizontal one. The Griffin on the front of the car is where the two axes intersect.
Visor is a single module that frames all the high-tech elements. The LED matrix headlights, wing-shaped running lights and various cameras and sensors controlling autonomous driving are all housed under the tinted plexiglass Visor. This stretches across the front of the GT X Experimental and is
something that will be adopted on all Vauxhalls in the 2020s.
Leading the way“This is not a conventional SUV – it’s far sportier,” said Mark. “We wanted to introduce humour and personality into the design and this is what we have done with the GT X Experimental. While this car is not going to production, it could influence any type of vehicle in our range because its elements can be adapted to anything in our future portfolio.”
REAR HINGED DOORS
REAR VIEW CAMERAS POP OUT AND RETRACT
POWERED BY A 50KWH BATTERY
4.06M LENGTH
SPACE-AGE INTERIOR
TORQUE MAGAZINETORQUE MAGAZINE14
PUT TO THE TESTGetting behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa GSi and putting it through its paces is a great way to spend an afternoon. For one group of lucky journalists, that’s exactly what they got to do...
ON THE TRACK
The GSi media launch was held at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire last month. Forty media outlets attended the launch over two days.
The journalists had the chance to not only drive the cars on a demanding selection of A and B roads through the heart of rural England, but they also got to try their skills at autotesting, an against-the-clock precision driving test. This was presented
by seven-time National Autotest Champion (and the former Stig on BBC’s Top Gear) Paul Swift. Paul trained the journalists to get the best from the GSi around the course, before they put in a fast time themselves.
Vauxhall’s Corsa GSi reinforces the ‘performance through dynamics’ theme that has been adopted by the recently launched Insignia GSi.
Available to order now, the Corsa GSi takes the key chassis and design elements from the Corsa VXR model to create an agile
and purposeful driver’s car, but with all the space and efficiency of the regular model.
It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with double overhead camshafts and a 16-valve cylinder head, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds.
Arriving in showrooms in September, Vauxhall’s new Corsa GSi is available to order now priced from £18,995 on-the-road.
OCTOBER 2018 15
Journalists wait to have their go in a GSi
Paul Swift, aka The Stig, with British GT driver Dean Macdonald
Search Vivaro Offers
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vivaro Panel Van Range: Urban: 35.3 (8.0) – 40.9 (6.9), Extra-urban: 42.8 (6.6) – 51.4 (5.5), Combined: 40.9 (6.9) – 47.0 (6.0). CO2 emissions: 178 – 155g/km.#
Model shown Vivaro Sportive. #Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Vauxhall Motors Limited reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct at time of going to press.
FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE VAN MAN.
VIVAROReady to take on the biggest jobs, with Bluetooth and park assist to lend a hand. And the biggest help of all? Great offers designed to work for you.
17OCTOBER 2018
OVERDRIVE
A special concert was recently held by the Vauxhall Male Voice Choir (VMVC) to celebrate its impressive 75-year anniversary.
The choir got together with the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir and the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir for a mass concert held at the Methodist Church in Dunstable on the day of the VMVC’s inception in 1943.
More than 100 voices were present on the day and the celebratory atmosphere was enjoyed by all. The day kicked off with some afternoon rehearsals. Stage Manager Brian Circuit was tasked with the unenviable challenge of arranging the seating of more than 100 people on the stage.
Once the stage was set and everyone was good to go, the singers performed to an audience of more than 170. The opening song was the Edmund Walters arrangement of the National Anthem and set the tone for the performances that followed.
Each of the three choirs sang two songs each, while the rest of the repertoire was sung by everyone.
THE VAUXHALL MALE VOICE CHOIR IS RECRUITING! The Vauxhall Male Voice Choir is looking for men to join them. There’s no age limit and you don’t need to be able to read music. The choir is welcoming and family orientated with an active social life.
The choir began during World War Two when the men making tanks and armaments at the Vauxhall Motors Factory needed to boost their morale. The choir president is Jason Mackerness, Personnel Manager at Luton Plant and Warehouse Operation.
A friendly welcome awaits any men who would like to see the group in action. Interested singers can pop along to listen and see whether it appeals, or they can take the plunge and join in.
Choir practice sessions take place at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings at the High Town Methodist Church, 49 High Town Road, Luton LU2 0BW.
Anniversary for popular Vauxhall choral group
The event also recognised the 100-year anniversary since the end of World War One and gave moving renditions of It’s A Long Way to Tipperary, Keep the Home Fires Burning and Pack Up Your Troubles.
Once it was over, everyone enjoyed a celebratory drink and buffet with a special VMVC birthday cake. Here’s to many more years of the VMVC!
Loud and proud: the VMVC filled the stage
a cosy night in with either a film, tasty pizza or ready meal.
Last year’s winter Check and Treat campaign saw one-third of customers have incremental work carried out following completion of their Vehicle Health Check. The offer is also a great opportunity for welcoming back lapsed and lost customers.
The Winter Check and Treat campaign will run until 30 March 2019. For more information please visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/offers/check-and-treat
18 TORQUE MAGAZINE18 TORQUE MAGAZINE
OVERDRIVE
Vauxhall’s Check and Treat campaign is back for its winter edition.
The campaign kicked off on 1 October and customers visiting their local Retailer are able to select one of three gifts upon completion of a Check and Treat.
For only £25 customers will receive a 25-point visual health check, vital fluids top up and one of the following three treats: £20 Domino's eVoucher, £20 M&S Dine-in Gift Card and up to six movie rentals courtesy of Rakuten TV.
The perfect way to ensure that your car is ready for the roads and you’re ready for
Two Vauxhall employees have been presented with EXCITE awards for going above and beyond in their jobs at Luton Plant and Ellesmere Port.
Luton Plant Communications Manager Charlotte Maclaren put on a Women in Engineering and STEM event in the summer in order to encourage young people to get into engineering.
The week-long Women in Engineering event coincided with International Women’s Day and aimed to inspire girls from local schools, encouraging them to pursue a career in the industry. Charlotte organised a series of events showcasing the Luton Plant with the community that saw five different schools (50 girls from each school) spend a day on a series of activities designed to inspire them to consider engineering as a possible career path.
At Ellesmere Port, Mark Roddan received an Excite award from Mark Noble, Plant Director and Liam O’Sullivan, Quality Manager.
It was given to Mark for his invaluable expertise and input in supporting the launch of a product in a sister Groupe PSA plant.
A Groupe PSA supplier based in South Wales was performing badly and was risking the launch of a new vehicle. Mark spent five weeks at the supplier, developing and managing the recovery plan to ensure that the correct quality levels for the part were achieved and sufficient volume was produced to meet the build and launch requirements.
ALL-ROUND EXCITEMENT
Winter is coming...
Vauxhall managing director Stephen Norman presents Charlotte with her award
Mark Roddan (centre) gets his award
19OCTOBER 2018
Fitness firstThanks to long, dark evenings and colder weather it can be easy to slip out of your exercise routines in winter. The VXG gym at Ellesmere Port offers the perfect way to keep hibernation temptation at bay.
It’s located at the old engine plant on the exterior of EA block and has four rooms designed around different types of workouts. There is something for everyone, including rowing and running machines for a cardio workout and tyre flipping for strength training. You can also try a Viking press, which focuses on the shoulders and triceps. It’s done by grabbing a bar or handles attached to a lever system and is extending it down to the chest.
Former competitive strongman Rick Perkins is the driving force behind the onsite VXG gym. He is available to employees to help develop a programme to suit individual styles of workouts. “If you work in the plant, you can gym in the plant,” he said.
Memberships are available to all Vauxhall workers at Ellesmere Port and the gym is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Membership includes a personal key that allows access to the gym, secure changing rooms, lockers and showers.
Memberships are 12 months long and cost £50. Contact Rick Perkins on [email protected] for more information.
SUPPORT FOR MENVauxhall always does its best to support a good cause. This year the company is sponsoring the International Men’s Day celebration event being held in Luton.
The event aims to promote awareness of issues facing men and boys and how we can encourage change. Topics up for discussion include mental health, HIV and AIDS, suicide, prostate cancer, dementia and knife crime, among others. It is also a fundraising event to help the fight against prostate cancer.
The day will focus on a range of key-note speakers, a panel discussion, special exhibitions and service provider stalls. There will also be performances and a raffle to keep everyone entertained, with refreshments to keep everyone going throughout the day.
The sponsorship by Vauxhall was instigated by Dee Bailey, Assessment Administrator at My Academy, who organises the event outside of work. “Men face a lot of
Dee Bailey with charity volunteer Steve Gledhill
problems and this event is about encouraging men to talk about these problems and showing how we can support them,” said Dee. “This is a day of celebration packed full of inspirational journeys and information, guaranteed laughter and maybe a few tears. The event is open for all ages, men and women."
Cherie Denton, Vauxhall Community Coordinator, said: "Vauxhall is one of the largest companies in the area. It employees a large number of male employees. We have a duty of care to those employees and we feel that any information that can be shared is good. Men often do not consult a doctor or speak about a problem they have. Hopefully this seminar will draw in an audience that will benefit from the information."
It’s being held at Futures House, Marsh Farm, The Moakes, Luton, LU3 3QB on 17 November, from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Entry is free and for more information, please email:[email protected].
20 TORQUE MAGAZINE
HOBBY CORNER
produced from each revolution several times.” Alan is passionate about his hobby and his
favourite clock to restore or repair is, quite simply, one he hasn’t done before.
“The hardest part is piecing one back together after it’s been dismantled,” Alan explained. “It’s also difficult working out what is wrong in the first place. It’s a case of trial and error.”
Mechanical clocks operate on “pure physics” according to Alan and working on them is like fixing a car – the methodical dismantling, cleaning and putting it all back together is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle.
It all began for Alan when he inherited a clock from his grandfather and he began tinkering with it. Someone then showed him the basics of clock
Car boot sales and flea markets contain hundreds of treasures from all around the world and from throughout history. They also provide tech clerk Alan Elder with the essential items he
needs to indulge in his hobby.Alan restores and repairs mechanical clocks
and has done so for the past three years. He works on three types of clocks: wall clocks, mantle clocks and anniversary clocks.
“Anniversary clocks are the most efficient mechanical clocks you can get,” Alan said. “They only need winding once a year because the balls that spin at the bottom do most of the work. The weight means that the clock uses the energy
An unusual but rewarding hobby keeps Alan Elder busy in his spare time
A GOOD TIME
maintenance and the rest of Alan’s knowledge comes from books.
He has worked on around 30 clocks and has a dozen or so waiting for his attention. He works from home, either in his shed, in the garden or in the kitchen. Once he has cleaned or repaired a clock, he sells it on.
“The oldest clock I’ve worked on was made in 1862. I found it at a car boot sale for £2. The guy selling it didn’t know what he had!” said Alan. When he sells them, Alan can get anything from £30-£250.
Alan has enough to be getting on with, but he has no plans on stopping. If he sees a clock in need of a bit of attention at a car boot sale, it’s safe to say it’ll be going home with him.
Alan with some of his restored clocks
21OCTOBER 2018
A race track in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, recently had a classic Vauxhall tearing round it in order to hold onto its heritage as a hill-climb favourite.
Vauxhall Heritage attended the Kop Hill Climb last month with a Vauxhall 30-98 Velox. The heritage centre’s model is from 1926 and made two runs up the hill during the course of the day.
SEE YOU AT THE TOPThe 30-98 was the UK’s first 100mph
production car and was a popular choice for hill-climb drivers back in the day. Motor sport competitor Joseph Higginson, inventor of the Autovac fuel lifter, won the Shelsley Walsh hill-climb motoring competition in 1913 in his new Vauxhall, setting a hill record in the process.
Hill-climb races are one of the oldest forms of motorsports and see drivers compete
You would expect the world’s first sports car to have a grand name to match its legacy, and that’s just the case for Vauxhal’s famous Prince Henry.
Pictured here at the Classic and Sports Car Show at Bicester Heritage in Oxford, Vauxhall entered the car into the show’s ‘Cars from the Movies’ display. The Heritage Henry was on the big screen in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.
Prince Henry is often thought of as the first sports car as its high performance depends less on brute strength and more on overall excellence of design and sturdiness of construction. The car was a higher tuned version of a Vauxhall 20 hp, which raced in the Prince Henrich Tour in 1910. The tuned version then became known as the Prince Henry (in honour of Prince Henry of Prussia) and models were manufactured by Vauxhall from 1911-1914.
against the clock to complete an uphill course. The first official hill-climb was held at La Turbie near Nice in France. Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire is the world’s oldest continuously staged motorsport event on the original course – the first run was in 1905.
The Kop Hill Climb offered the chance to show off Vauxhall’s hill-climb pedigree.
Racing royalty
HERITAGE
COMPETITIONS
Across 1. Right now (11) 9. Appendix to a will (7)10. Endangered animal (5)11. Without lighting (5)12. Triumph (7)13. March (6)15. Wild horse in the USA (6)18. Italian region (7)20. Anxiety (5)22. Eight musicians (5)23. ‘Day _____’, a hit single for
The Beatles (7)24. Free transportation (8,3)
Down 2. Athletics award (5) 3. Thrilled (7) 4. Romantically involved (2,4) 5. Subject matter (5) 6. Assassinated US
President (7) 7. Purchase (11) 8. People born in the 1950s
(4,7)14. Italian dish (7)16. Truth (7)17. Purple-black berry (6)19. Thespian (5)21. First letter of Greek alphabet (5)
CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Solution to August:
WIN A
£25LOVE2SHOP
VOUCHER
WIN A£25LOVE2SHOPVOUCHER
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.
NAME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
NAME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
Congratulations to Susan Lilley of Marshall Leicester Vauxhall, who solved August's Sudoku and wins £25.
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
Entries should reach us by 16 November 2018.
Congratulations to Perry's Motor Sales's Jacqueline Rushton, who solved August's crossword and wins £25.Send completed entries to Torque Crossword, UK1-103-340, Vauxhall Motors, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton, LU1 3YT to reach us by 16 November 2018.Solutions for August issue:ACROSS: 6.Cheetah,7.Leech,9.Orbit,10.Cunning,12.Afghanistan,14.Communicate,18.Pioneer,19.Roman,21.March,22.BeheadsDOWN: 1.Shark,2.Belief,3.Mad,4.Tennis,5.Scandal,8.Furnace,11.Channel,13.Holiday,15.Munich,16.Trowel,17.Wands,20.Men
32 5 6
9
11
15
12
1 4
7 8
10
13 14 16
17
18 19 20 21
24
22 23
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.
5
215
29
9
1
5
3
74
2
7
5
9
9
7
54
7
6
36
93
83
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.
4 2 66
9 1367 8
1 7 5
9
2
534
3 93
7
73 5 2 92
4
3
1
6
95
7
38
2
4 56 4
3 7
1 82 9
4 8
6 4
8 5
6 1
4 58 1
7 81 9
5 69 1
6 7
8
5
2
9
8
73 1
2
4
2
22 TORQUE MAGAZINE
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Grandland X Range: Urban: 46.3 (6.1) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra-urban: 57.7 (4.9) – 74.3 (3.8), Combined: 53.3 (5.3) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions: 108 – 128g/km.#Model shown Grandland X Sport Nav 1.2 (130PS) Turbo, £25,360, with metallic paint (£570), Dark-tinted rear windows (£275), Keyless entry and engine start/stop (£710). #Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Correct at time of going to print.
KEEPS CALM.CARRIES ON.
Search Grandland X
The new Grandland X is ready to take on British roads and British life. With smart traction for those tough conditions on the way, and park assist technology for those tight spots when you arrive.
New Grandland X.
GMV_11021189_Grandland X_Torque_Magazine.indd 1 31/08/2018 17:18
MEE
T T
HE
TEA
M: A
FTER
SA
LES
Find
out
how
the
afte
rsal
es te
am n
urtu
re o
ur cu
stom
ers
– en
tice
new
one
sFU
LL S
ALE
AH
EAD
ALE
XA
ND
ER S
HIE
LDS
H
EAD
OF
OW
NER
SH
IP A
ND
P
ERS
ON
ALI
SATI
ON
PR
OG
RA
MM
ESI h
ave
the
grea
t hon
our o
f bei
ng p
art
of th
e te
am th
at lo
oks
afte
r all
the
deve
lopm
ent a
nd m
arke
ting
of R
etai
l, Fl
eet a
nd P
erso
nalis
atio
n pr
ogra
mm
es
that
are
tota
lly fo
cuse
d on
att
ract
ing
new
cus
tom
ers
and
reta
inin
g ex
isti
ng
cust
omer
s. W
e pr
omot
e Va
uxha
ll O
wne
rshi
p va
lues
and
pro
vide
par
ts,
prod
ucts
and
ser
vice
s to
our
cus
tom
ers
on th
eir t
erm
s. It
’s s
eam
less
ly d
eliv
ered
w
ithi
n th
e bo
unds
of h
ittin
g sa
les
and
profi
t tar
gets
, as
wel
l as
deliv
erin
g 36
0
degr
ee c
usto
mer
sat
isfa
ctio
n.
GU
Y CO
ERTZ
E EN
TER
PR
ISE
INTE
LLIG
ENCE
SYS
TEM
P
RO
GR
AM
ME
MA
NA
GER
I am
resp
onsi
ble
for m
anag
ing
and
mai
ntai
ning
the
Ente
rpri
se In
telli
genc
e Sy
stem
(EIS
) Pla
tfor
m fo
r the
UK
. EIS
co
llect
s R
etai
ler i
nvoi
ce d
ata
at li
ne-
leve
l, ev
ery
day.
Wit
h EI
S I
am a
ble
to
wri
te c
ampa
igns
, pro
gram
mes
and
ad
-hoc
ana
lysi
s to
sup
port
Aft
ersa
les’
pr
ogra
mm
es. L
ots
of p
rogr
amm
es
are
repo
rted
on
usin
g EI
S, i
nclu
ding
G
enui
ne P
art L
oyal
ty, S
ervi
ce R
eten
tion
, Tr
ade
Club
Sal
es, C
redi
ts a
nd S
ervi
ce
Club
. I e
nsur
e th
e sy
stem
dev
elop
men
ts
are
depl
oyed
sm
ooth
ly, a
nd th
e ne
twor
k re
mai
ns c
onfid
ent o
f the
resu
lts
deliv
ered
by
EIS
.
MA
RIE
RO
BER
TS
OW
NER
SH
IP C
OM
MU
NIC
ATIO
NS
AN
D
CRM
MA
NA
GER
I sup
port
the
Ow
ners
hip
Prog
ram
me
Man
ager
s. I
wor
k w
ith
a ra
nge
of
agen
cies
from
med
ia, c
reat
ive
and
CRM
spe
cial
ists
to e
nsur
e ef
fect
ive
com
mun
icat
ion
of o
ur p
rogr
amm
es
and
offe
rs. I
am
par
ticu
larl
y fo
cuse
d on
br
and
awar
enes
s, m
aint
aini
ng s
tron
g re
tent
ion
and
incr
easi
ng p
arts
sal
es.
MO
RG
AN
BR
OW
N
PER
SO
NA
LISA
TIO
N M
AN
AG
ER
My
role
is to
ens
ure
acce
ssor
ies
are
cons
ider
ed a
s pa
rt o
f the
Sal
es
and
Aft
ersa
les
proc
esse
s an
d to
pr
ovid
e to
ols
to a
ssis
t wit
h th
is. I
n m
y ro
le I
have
to m
onito
r pro
duct
and
pr
ice
com
peti
tive
ness
and
cre
ate
prom
otio
nal c
ampa
igns
to in
crea
se
sale
s. A
cces
sori
es c
reat
e an
opp
ortu
nity
fo
r cus
tom
ers
to re
ally
per
sona
lise
thei
r ve
hicl
es to
sui
t the
ir d
iffer
ent l
ifest
yles
, so
it s
houl
d us
ually
be
an e
asy
sell.
TAYL
A G
RA
HA
M
AFT
ERSA
LES
PR
OD
UCT
& P
RIC
ING
CO
-OR
DIN
ATO
RI j
oine
d Va
uxha
ll in
July
201
7 to
wor
k on
the
DFS
(Dir
ect F
rom
Sup
plie
r)
Prog
ram
mes
. My
day-
to-d
ay
resp
onsi
bilit
ies
incl
ude
co-o
rdin
atin
g re
taile
r ord
ers,
liai
sing
wit
h ou
r var
ious
su
pplie
rs a
nd re
spon
ding
to re
taile
r qu
erie
s. I
am th
orou
ghly
enj
oyin
g m
y ti
me
in a
fter
sale
s w
ith
such
a g
reat
te
am.
LEA
H G
ILES
P
ERS
ON
ALI
SATI
ON
ASS
ISTA
NT
I wor
k w
ithi
n th
e A
fter
sale
s m
arke
ting
te
am in
my
first
role
as
an a
ppre
ntic
e.
Dur
ing
the
past
yea
r I h
ave
been
liai
sing
w
ith
mar
keti
ng a
genc
ies
to c
reat
e po
int-
of-s
ale
crea
tive
s fo
r acc
esso
ries
th
at a
re d
ispl
ayed
in s
how
room
s. I
also
ru
n va
riou
s re
port
s to
trac
k an
d an
alys
e ac
cess
ory
sale
s. I
also
resp
ond
to
quer
ies
from
our
Ret
aile
rs.