B-Max sets new benchmark for mart, compact, city-friendly cars designed with families in mind.
Ford will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it takes a starring role at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will be in Geneva to unveil the new B-MAX, which promises to set new standards with its unique design and best-in-class technological features. Its return to Geneva, in full production form, comes just a year after the concept was unveiled at the Geneva show.
“The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”
Bringing the B-MAX to production demanded a new approach to door construction, which has resulted in wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage; with the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves. The B-MAX also will deliver superior craftsmanship and high quality materials rarely found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible-seating and class-leading load-space.
Ford’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with its advanced combination of power and efficiency, will be available on the B-MAX, as will Duratorq TDCi diesels. The Ford B-MAX goes on sale in Europe later this year.
Economy Car Hire’s Wheely Helpful Guide to Driving Abroad
Going on holiday should be the least-stressful part of your year, but for many people, getting behind the wheel in unfamiliar territory is sometimes a very frightening prospect. Different rules of the road and unknown terrain coupled with the pressure to please the family, can lead to frayed tempers aplenty. Luckily, help is at hand from Dereham-based company Economy Car Hire. Their Founder and Managing Director, Rory Sexton, has compiled some top tips to ensure you and your family have a trouble-free holiday...
Stay hydrated: “If you’re driving in a hot climate, my top tip would be to carry plenty of water and snacks, such as fruit, especially if you’re going on a day trip,” says Rory. “Small children suffer in the heat, so if you want to avoid crotchety kids, make sure they’ve always got something to drink.”
Keep in the cool: “A quality windscreen sun shade is always a great idea, as cars in hot countries heat up like ovens,” Rory explains. “For anyone sitting in the back of the car, it’s a good idea to invest in some window shades, or remember to pack them in your case.”
Do your homework: The rules of the road vary from country to country, and often, the changes aren’t just which side of the road you’re driving on. “Driving in Italy is very different to driving in Gran Canaria,” Rory adds. “Before you set off, it’s best to research your destination’s lesser-known road rules. Our Guides to Driving Abroad can be very helpful.”
Know your car: “If you’re driving a car that’s very different to the one you have at home, take it easy,” says Rory. “Drive at a speed that you feel comfortable with, and get used to the feel of the car. Don’t feel self-conscious about wanting to acclimatise; your safety comes first. It’s also best to spend 5 minutes getting used to the controls before you set off, so you can find out things like where the lights are, and how to control the air con.”
Take the pressure off: Rory is keen to point out that even though you may be on holiday, it’s best to keep a level head when taking to the road. “A lot of people might drive a bit faster as they feel much freer, which is understandable,” he says. “However, it’s best to remember you’re driving in an environment you don’t know very well. Also, don’t feel pressured by kids or partners to drive faster or get somewhere on time if you’re running behind - you’re just as susceptible to speeding fines abroad as you are in the UK.”
Map it out: “If you don’t know where you’re going, plan your route carefully, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination,” Rory adds. “Don’t be worried about asking people if you get lost, either – an attempt to speak the language will normally go down quite well. If you’re really dire at map reading, perhaps you could take your sat nav away with you, or you could hire one from the car hire supplier. Also, don’t forget to ask your travel rep or locals about certain areas that tourists should avoid, whether just at night or totally. It also goes without saying that you should never, ever leave anything valuable in your car.”
Green cars – a practical option? Watch the following video to find out how companies are helping you reach lower CO2 emissions
Do you consider yourself to be an environmentally conscious driver? How about when it comes to buying your next car? Well if you feel your green credentials slipping with the second question then you are not alone. New research has shown that although 85% of motorists would like to do their bit for the environment when buying a new car, just 6% cite that the cars’ green credentials is the key decision maker when it comes to the crunch. But with the deadline looming for the UK to meet challenging carbon dioxide (CO2)reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol, and 35 million vehicles on Britain’s roads accounting for a fifth of the country’s total CO2 emissions, now is the time to take action. The EU has set a target for the UK to have cars emitting below 130 grammes of CO2 per kilometre by 2015, and car manufacturers are really starting to play their part.
So what is the car industry doing to help you go green and what can you do as a driver to make sure we meet the protocol? In the following video Nikki Rooke from the SMMT, Peter Fouquet, President of Bosch UK and John Kingston from Honda discuss how the companies are investing to help us reach our 2015 target along with what additional benefits you will reap from greener cars.
Learning to drive is a life changing experience that opens up new opportunities and a brighter future. You will never look back! A more mobile and confident you!
If you are looking to learn to drive this year and you live in the East Midlands, UK then you need look no further. COVERING UK POST CODE AREAS: NG6, NG8, NG9, NG10, NG16, And DE7
MARSHALLS DRIVER TRAINING Chris Marshall, Driving Instructor
Modern Duel Controlled Car Patient Friendly Instructor Nervous Drivers Welcome Established 2004
PASS PLUS REGISTERED
PHONE: 0115 8495591 OR Mobile: 07725 470329
Please mention the NewMother.co.uk Site when booking!
News: Make sure you know the law on car seat safety!
It is important that all parents are aware of the new laws governing the safety of children traveling in a vehicle in the UK and the changes in child car seat safety laws. Do you know about the new regulations? Do you always fasten your child in a safety seat for every journey no matter how short? Do you know which is the correct seat for your childs age, weight and height?
If you are expecting a baby and are considering which seat to buy for your newborn you might be better off choosing one of the complete travel systems:
A complete travel system is a pushchair that comes with a compatible car seat, which fits onto the pushchair or buggy frame. They can be three wheelers or four wheelers. The complete travel system allows you to move your sleeping baby to and from the car and pushchair with minimal disruption. Go to the Pushchair Guide to find out more...
Article from the Pushchair Guide:Expert helps parents take on the new child seat law.
Itmay be easy enough to fasten your newborn in a child safety seat but when it comes to a 12 year old with opinions of their own it may be more hard work to talk them into using a car booster seat.... Go to the pushchair Guide for more help on the subject.......
If you need a quality child or baby car seat please visit our Nursery Area where you will find plenty of options available from Babies R Us and Kiddiecare Plus more in our Ebay shop.
Car insurance for women – how to make the right choice
During the global economic crisis, saving money wherever possible has become paramount. Unfortunately for motorists however, there has been little respite.
Though petrol prices have plummeted from their highs in the summer of 2008, car insurance premiums have continued to rise due to an increase in personal injury claims and growth in legal expenses for insurers. According to the AA British Insurance Premium Index, the average comprehensive car insurance premium stood at £741.66 in January 2009 compared to £720.83 in October 2008.
As such it has become more important than ever to shop around and ensure you`re getting the right deal and that you`re not paying over the odds.
What car insurance options are available for women?
Female drivers are fortunate in the sense that there are a number of specialist insurers on the market that offer policy features that are designed especially for them. Insurers specifically appeal to the female market because women have a superior driving record to men – official Home Office statistics show that men are involved in 97 per cent of dangerous driving convictions.
As a result a number of specialist insurers have emerged, including Diva Car Insurance, Diamond Car Insurance, Ladybird Car Insurance and Sheila`s Wheels Car Insurance which specifically target females. There are also a number of more conventional insurers that offer unique features available to women only, including More Than women drivers` car insurance.
Among the common features available from these providers are:
Handbag cover Replaces the contents of your handbag up to a policy limit in case of theft.
Child seat replacement Gives you a brand new replacement child seat if you are involved in an accident.
Female friendly repairers Recommended repairers that pride themselves on understanding female customers` needs and will work around your schedule.
Priority roadside assistance Female calls are prioritised in case of a breakdown.
Mobile phone locater If you are in an accident but don`t know where you are, the car insurance company can locate you if you call from your mobile phone.
Shopping cover Protection for any grocery items kept in the vehicle in the event of an accident.
How do you choose the best policy?
When shopping around for car insurance it`s important to think about what you want from a policy and the features you need. However, price is another important factor too, particularly when finances are tight – and you shouldn`t pay over the odds for cover.
Despite claiming to be `specialists` for females, the specialist providers are not always the cheapest. Research from a comparison website in 2009 found that a 30-year-old female teacher driving a Ford Focus would pay £454.01 a year with Sheila`s Wheels; £632.21 with More Than Women Drivers` Car Insurance; and £780.61 with Diamond. However, the same driver could pick up a policy for as little as £367.14 with Swiftcover.
That does not mean that Swiftcover will necessarily be the cheapest for you – nor does it mean that its level of cover will match that of the specialist providers. However, what it does show is that female drivers must carefully weigh up if these additional options truly offer good value and if they are worth the extra money.
The easiest way to compare womens` car insurance quotes is to enter your details into a comparison website. These websites can compare policies from dozens of providers free of charge, giving you a thorough overview of the market so you know exactly what you`re getting for your money and whether the additional cost of specialist insurance is truly worth paying.
