Zap-Map App launched in Ireland
Zap-Map, the UK's No. 1 electric car charging point app, is launching the app in the Republic of Ireland. The app helps electric car drivers to locate and navigate to charge points, but crucially also incorporates live network data from the ESB so that users can see whether a public charge point is available or in use.
The Zap-Map app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and shows live data shows for over 900 charge points across the Republic of Ireland - and over 1200 across the entire island of Ireland.
This new partnership between Zap-Map and the ESB allows the status of charge points to be updated dynamically and these live updates are supplemented by Zap-Chat, which enables electric vehicle (EV) drivers to update status, post comments and last mile information.
Speaking on the release of Zap-Map 3.0 incorporating the ESB network data, Melanie Shufflebotham, Director at Zap-Map said: “We are delighted to extend the coverage of Zap-Map to the Republic of Ireland with live network updates from ESB, and hope that this will help accelerate the uptake of EVs across the country."
“Our aim is to give the best possible information to EV drivers on the move and the latest app features were developed with this in mind. The new app also includes the integration of the Zap-Chat platform for live user updates, and enables the roll-out of new features for launch later this year.”
Gareth Davis, Head of ecars at ESB commented: ‘We are delighted that information on our extensive network of charge points in the Republic of Ireland will be available on Zap-Map and will allow EV drivers to easily access information on charge point locations and availability. This information is essential for EV drivers wishing to plan their journey and ensure they have charging facilities en route."
Zap-Map was launched in 2014. In the UK, Zap-Map attracts over 45,000 users per month from an EV fleet of around 110,000 vehicles and is rising rapidly.
To view Zap-Map on desktop and mobile web, visit: https://www.zap-map.com/live/.
For more information about the Zap-Map app, visit: https://www.zap-map.com/app/.
For more on ESB ecars, visit www.esb.ie/ecars.
Caroline Kidd
ChangingLanes.ie is 3 Years Old!
It's been three years since I hit the publish button for the first time on Changing Lanes.
The concept for Changing Lanes was dreamed up in a very short time, though the idea of an independent motoring blog had been in my mind since two years previous.
But a sudden change of circumstances in May 2014 was the impetus I needed to start something new. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Changing Lanes Version 1.0 was basic, and for the first few months, nothing amazing really happened.
But gradually we've gained 'traction' and Changing Lanes has grown and matured into something very special!
To celebrate, I've picked out some of my favourite blog posts from the last three years. I hope you like them as much as I do!
- Why The Millenials Are Wrong About SUVs (13th September 2015)
- When Good Videos Go Bad Part 2 (23rd December 2016)
- The 6 Worst Passengers To Drive With (25th May 2016)
- A Garage Full Of Renaults (20th September 2016)
- 10 Things I'd Tell My 17 Year Old Self About Driving (18th October 2015)
- ChangingLanes.ie On Tour: Part 1 Frankfurt Motor Show (18th September 2015)
- Marcin and Kasia Tell Me About Their Opel Manta A (8th September 2015)
- 7 Confessions Of A Car Blogger (26th August 2015)
- Road Trip To Cavan In The Ford Focus (22nd April 2015)
- Audi Q7 First Drive Review (14th August 2015)
- Land Rover Discovery Sport Video Review (20th March 2016)
- SEAT Ibiza Cupra Video Review (11th May 2016)
- Mazda2 Review (6th May 2016)
- Peugeot 308GTi Review (3rd August 2016)
- Toyota Prius Review (10th July 2016)
- Jaguar F-Pace Video Review (26th September 2016)
- Audi TT Video Review (1st February 2017)
- Alfa Romeo Mito Video Review (1st December 2016)
- Fiat 124 Spider Video Review (9th April 2017)
Caroline Kidd
Women@SIMI 2017
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has hosted its 4th annual Women@SIMI event in Dublin. This event is a special gathering of women working in the motor industry in Ireland.
Over 140 professional women from around Ireland attended the 2017 Women@SIMI event, representing different sectors within the motor industry in Ireland.
Women@SIMI is about recognising the dynamic role played by women within the motor industry. The theme of this year's event was the importance of entrepreneurship and seizing opportunities in business and career.
This year's speakers included Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTÉ, Anna May McHugh, Managing Director National Ploughing Association (NPA) and Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting.
Speaking at the event, Gavin Hydes, President of SIMI, said, “In my view, a critical objective for the industry is to communicate the exciting and dynamic career opportunities that are available in so many diverse sectors SIMI represents. It is important that we are able to attract the very top talent our businesses require going forward. It is a cutting-edge, fast-paced and ever-changing industry that has lots to offer those seeking a rewarding career”.
Karen Kennedy, Marketing Manager of Bank of Ireland Finance, Sponsor of Women@SIMI, said, “Since its inauguration, we are delighted to support Women@SIMI. It is important to recognise both the female role models and mentors within the motor industry and we are proud to play a part in this event”.
Volkswagen Ireland Launches Snapshot Instagram Competition
Volkswagen Ireland has launched a new competition for Instagram users. Volkswagen Snapshot is an Instagram-based competition that invites users to submit photographs in 4 categories: 'Abstract', 'Roadtrip', 'Technology' and 'Volkswagen' using the hashtag #VWSnapshot with the relevant category hashtag.
The competition has been launched in collaboration with The Snapys, an innovative series of competitions, events and awards for the global community of Instagrammers.
Prizes include cameras and smart watches, and for the overall winner, a weekend trip to Berlin. Twelve entrants will also be selected as the ‘Volkswagen Favourites’ and their images will be collated to produce the 2018 Volkswagen Snapshot Calendar, with all proceeds from the sale of the calendar going to a Volkswagen Ireland 2018 charity partner. The twelve winners will also receive a trip to Wolfsburg in Germany, the home of Volkswagen.
Commenting on the launch of the Snapshot competition, Volkswagen Ireland Digital Marketing Manager Mark McGrath said, “Volkswagen Snapshot is first and foremost about photography. We’ve partnered with The Snapys, Ireland’s premier Instagram competition, to engage with Ireland’s photography and Volkswagen communities. We’re especially looking forward to creating our 2018 Snapshot calendar using imagery produced by the Irish Volkswagen community.”
Conor Lynch, CEO of Connector who created The Snapys said "We're thrilled to be partnering with Volkswagen and announcing this fantastic opportunity for the community of emerging Irish photographers to win great prizes and showcase their talent worldwide! Happy snapping!"
The Volkswagen Snapshot competition is now open and the closing date for entries is June 30th 2017. To enter and find out more, visit www.vwsnapshot.ie.
Caroline Kidd
New Car Sales In Ireland In January 2017
According to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), new car registrations in Ireland were down 1.7% in January 2017 compared to the same time last year. The month ended 39,019 new 171 cars registered versus 39,722 in January 2016.
Light commercials registrations were down 2.4% (6,394) compared to January last year (6,555), while HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations were down 6.3% (456) for January in comparison to the same time last year (487).
Commenting on the figures, economist Jim Power said, "Looking ahead to 2017, while the outlook for car sales is a bit more difficult to predict than last year, the projected growth in personal disposable incomes and the availability of credit provide solid support for car sales. However, the impact of Brexit and the increased volume in imported used cars are other issues that may impact on new car sales this year., Overall, though, numbers should be fairly close to last year with perhaps a slight decline of around 3% in new car sales in 2017, which would imply new car sales of around 142,000.”
Last year the Industry continued to generate strong returns for the Exchequer with a total VRT and VAT take of €1.5 billion (26.8% ahead of 2015) from new and used car sales alone.
Alan Greene SIMI President commented, “The Motor Industry continues to be a strong contributor to employment with 40,800 people employed throughout Ireland. Last year our Industry contributed €1.5 Billion to the Exchequer in car sales alone. 2017 was always going to be a more cautious year for businesses, right across the economy, but we have seen a steady start in January and hopefully we are on track for another good year and continuation of a stable market during the rest of the year”.
The top five selling car makes for January were Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, and Nissan.
The top five selling models for January were the Hyundai Tucson followed by the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Qashqai, and Volkswagen Golf.
Caroline Kidd
Irish Car of the Year 2017 Winners!
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been awarded the title of Irish Car of the Year 2017.
The Irish Car of the Year Awards in association with Continental Tyres took place last night, October 27th, at the Powerscourt Hotel, Enniskerry and were attended by Ireland’s leading car brands, distributors and other motoring dignitaries.
Stephen Byrne, Chief Executive, Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, said: “We are honoured to win the Irish Car of the Year 2017 award. This accolade bestowed by Irish motoring journalists is a recognition of the advanced technology and features to be found in the new generation E-Class.”
This year’s jury was made up of 30 jurors from across online, broadcast and print media, including this writer. Over 40 new cars launched in Ireland over the last year were eligible for the Awards.
John Galvin, Irish Car of the Year Committee member and Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers' Association (IMWA), said, “We’ve had 40 years of Irish Car of the Year and the E-Class is an exceptional winner.”
Tom Dennigan from Irish Car of the Year sponsor Continental Tyres, said,“Continental is delighted to be associated with Irish Car of the Year, an event that continues to be the highlight of the motoring year.”
The category winners were as follows:
Irish Small Car of the Year 2017 - Suzuki Baleno
Irish Medium Car of the Year 2017 - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé
Irish Large Car of the Year 2017 - Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Irish Small SUV of the Year 2017 - Peugeot 2008
Irish Medium SUV of the Year 2017 - Hyundai Tucson
Irish Large SUV of the Year 2017 - Ford Edge
Irish Performance/Sports Car of the Year 2017 - Ford Mustang
Caroline Kidd
Motor Industry Gears Up For Irish Car Of The Year 2017
The Irish Car of the Year Awards 2017, in association with Continental Tyres, will take place on Thursday October 27th.
This year's jury is made up of 33 jurors from across online and print media who will vote for an overall Irish Car of the Year 2017, along with a number of category winners. Over 40 new cars launched in Ireland over the last year are eligible for the Awards.
Speaking at the launch of Irish Car of the Year 2017, Tom Dennigan from Continental Tyres Ireland said, “Continental Tyres is delighted to be sponsor of the Irish Car and Van of the Year awards, which are adjudicated upon by the majority of motoring journalists in Ireland.”
“For those Irish motorists who are in the lucky position to be considering a new car for the new year, the choices of the learned jurors of the Irish Car and Van of the Year awards are a great help in making sense of the bewildering array of cars and technologies that are available from the smallest car segments right up to the most exotic models on sale in the Irish market."
The categories for this year's Awards are as follows:
Small Car
Medium Car
Large Car
Small SUV
Medium SUV
Large SUV
Performance/Sports Car
An Irish Van of the Year 2017 will also be awarded.
Follow me on Twitter @caroline_kidd for Irish Car of the Year category winners as they are announced.
Caroline Kidd
New Car Sales August 2016: What's Ireland Buying?
New data from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) shows that 7,313 new cars were registered in August 2016, and this figure is up 14% on August 2015 when 6,400 new cars were registered.
Meanwhile, total new car registrations for 2016 are still following the upward trend, up 19% (138,538) compared to the same period last year (116,195), and well on the way to breaking the 150,000 barrier predicted by year end.
Registrations of new Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) are up 11% (1,815) on the same month last year (1,642) and up 22% (24,545) year to date.
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) registrations are also up 49% for the month of August 2016 (251) when compared to August last year (169), with registrations up 41% overall.
The data shows that Hyundai is still Ireland’s bestselling car brand, followed by Toyota and Volkswagen. The Hyundai Tucson was the top selling car in August but is also the bestselling car in Ireland to date in 2016, followed by the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
Commenting on the figures, Alan Nolan, SIMI Director General, said, "The Motor Industry has been working hard to deliver the continuing level of growth in what has been a noticeably more difficult market since June. As we move toward the end of the 3rd quarter of the year, the Industry remains focused on business still to be done, with strong offers still available for consumers. In contrast with the era before the two-period registration system was introduced, when sales were all but finished in the first quarter, the interest in new vehicle sales now tends to carry to the end of the third quarter, but obviously at a lower rate.
He also emphasises the importance of the Industry to the Exchequer and warns against any moves by the Government in the next Budget that could negatively impact the sector.
“We believe the Industry is still on course to deliver close to 150,000 new car sales by the end of the year, indeed new car sales have already generated €1.2 Billion for the Exchequer in VRT and VAT receipts. Our Industry currently employs over 42,000 people nationwide and it is crucial that the provisions in the forthcoming Budget for 2017 support rather than undermine the State’s tax revenues and employment across the sector. It is important that Budget 2017 contains measures that improve the position of both consumers and businesses. The potential for post-Brexit Sterling exchange rates to drain business away from the Irish domestic economy was highlighted by the increase of 76% in the number of imported used cars in July, so clearly the last thing we need at this stage is any further damaging tax increase in the forthcoming Budget. Suggestions of piece-meal increases on diesel fuel or indeed on motor tax being considered, at a time when soaring insurance costs are already impacting, would be damaging and extremely ill-conceived given that a new EU emissions regime is being rolled-out from next year which will require a major review of our current environmental taxation.
Our Industry, like the rest of the domestic economy, needs stability and as much certainty as is possible to support consumer and business confidence, especially given concerns regarding Brexit, in order to support a continuation of the recovery and progress of the past few years."
Caroline Kidd
ChangingLanes.ie Shortlisted In 2 Categories At Blog Awards Ireland 2016!
I've got some news...ChangingLanes.ie has been shortlisted in not one, but TWO categories, in this year's Blog Awards!
I'm up for Best Lifestyle Blog and 'The 6 Worst Passengers To Drive With' is up for Best Blog Post.
I would really appreciate your votes to help me get to the Finalist stage. Voting is open now and closes at midnight on Tuesday 23rd August.
Please use these links to vote:
Best Lifestyle Blog - www.bit.ly/2by7k2g
Best Blog Post - www.bit.ly/2bla9BZ
Thank you!
Caroline Kidd
Ford Launches Search For Ireland’s Oldest Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is 40 years old this year and as part of the car’s 40 year celebrations, Ford in Ireland is hoping to uncover Ireland’s oldest Fiesta.
First introduced in 1976, the Fiesta is Ireland and Europe’s favourite small car, and has sold more than 17 million units around the world since launch.
In Ireland, some 180,000 Fiestas have been sold giving it a rightful claim to the country’s longest-standing and favourite small car.
“The Fiesta has had such a unique and exceptional heritage in Ireland,” commented Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford in Ireland. “It has been part of the family for countless households down through the years and is the car that most of us actually learned to drive in – experiences like that build a unique and strong affinity.”
“Fiesta succeeded in staying popular by changing with the times and always staying right up to date. The latest version is a testament to that – stylish, great driving dynamics, excellent fuel economy, but as technologically advanced as models selling for a multiple of the price of the Fiesta. That is why the latest version of Fiesta has been the top-selling small car in Europe for the last four years and I am sure the next 40 years will be just as successful for Fiesta.”
Back in 1976, the Fiesta went on sale for the price of £2,365 and came with options including a screw-off aerial. Today’s Fiesta is geared towards the ‘connected’ generation, with connectivity to smartphones, apps and the latest voice control technologies.
In its search for Ireland’s oldest Fiesta, Ford is hoping that owners of early Fiestas will come forward and contact their local Ford Dealer. The owner of Ireland’s oldest Fiesta and their car will be guests of honour at a special celebratory event for 40 years of Fiesta that will take place in late September.
For details of your nearest Ford Dealer go to ford.ie and also keep an eye on the Ford Ireland Facebook page for regular updates on Fiesta 40 activity.
Caroline Kidd