More awards for ŠKODA at the Tow Car Awards 2016

The multi-award-winning Superb has been named Overall Winner at the Tow Car Awards 2016 by a panel of experts from The Camping and Caravanning Club, Practical Caravan, and What Car?.

The SKODA Superb Hatch 2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business was declared best in class in the 1400-1549kg weight division, posting sufficiently high scores to bag the coveted Overall Winner award. All 41 shortlisted cars were put through a gruelling test regime including emergency lane changes, low speed slalom runs, incline tests and emergency brake tests.

All cars were tested solo to judge ride quality, handling and refinement, and were also assessed for running costs, value, standard safety equipment and resale value.

Commenting on the Superb’s performance, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine, said: “The SKODA Superb is spacious, great value, and brilliant to tow with. We'd happily pull a tourer or trailer from one end of the country to the other with the Superb, such is its stability, performance and comfort. A worthy overall winner for 2016.”

ŠKODA is no stranger to the Tow Car Awards. The current Octavia was named Overall Winner in 2013, and won its class (up to 1,400kg) in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The Superb range has a braked towing capacity of up to 2,200kg and is available with a wide range of towing options and accessories. These include an integrated tow bar that can be released via a lever in the boot and folded away after use. The Superb also has one of the biggest and most practical boots in the sector; the Hatch delivers 625 litres of space with the rear seats in position and the Estate 660 litres. 

For more information on the ŠKODA Superb, visit www.pulmanskoda.co.uk

Source: SKODA UK 

Pulman SEAT Sales Executive scoops double award from SEAT UK.

Sales Executive Kevin McSkimmings of Pulman SEAT located in Sunderland, has received recognition from Spanish car manufacture SEAT and the Institute of Motor Industries.

Kevin, a popular member of the team both with staff and customers, has been awarded full accreditation from SEAT UK as a qualified Sales Executive and a 5-year employee service award.  To become qualified from the Brand and to be recognised within the industry is a fantastic achievement.

The route to become a qualified SEAT Sales Executive is a long process that consists of several assessments, which include multiple examinations at the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre at Milton Keynes.

The assessment framework includes: Focus on commercial opportunities, SEAT alignment, personal impact, personal organisation and product and technical knowledge. This puts customers at the forefront of the sales process to ensure customers’ expectations are exceeded whilst demonstrating SEAT Brand behaviours.

Kevin commented: “To receive the awards from SEAT is an honour, to work with such a brilliant product on a daily basis makes my job enjoyable and to have the support of the team at Pulman behind me, ensures I can deliver a fantastic experience to our customers.”

Already qualified as a Motability Sales Executive, Kevin has added to his array of awards. Chris Slater, Site Manager at Pulman SEAT comments: “The team at Pulman SEAT would like to congratulate Kevin on his fantastic achievements and his commitment to delivering a fantastic customer experience. To gain the qualification and to be recognised by the Brand itself is an achievement we’re all proud of.”

To reward Kevin for his dedication, commitment and hard work, Kevin received a SEAT rewards pack which includes vouchers, apple TV and various other rewards.

Laura Makepeace, HR and Training Officer at Pulman Group commented: “Kevin’s achievements are fantastic and a fine example of what you can achieve and the opportunities available to anyone thinking of joining Pulman and the motor industry.”

To apply for vacancies at Pulman, visit www.pulmangroup.co.uk/careers

Pulman are proud to Sponsor rising motorsport star, Joseph Taylor.

North East businesses are lining up on the grid to support the region’s young British Formula Stars karting champion.

In poll position is Pulman Fleet part of the expanding regional motors group Pulman – the latest organisation to sponsor and support rising Tyneside motorsport star Joseph Taylor.

Local businesses are recognising the emerging talent of 11-year-old Newcastle-born Joseph who recently met his racing hero Lewis Hamilton to be officially recognised for winning the 2015 Formula Kart Stars – Cadet series and also have a tour of the Mercedes team factory.

Joseph, 11, from Ryton, hopes to emulate Lewis Hamilton’s success - although recognises he has much still to learn and achieve. This year he aims to build on last season’s success – when he also finished 4^th in the Little Green Man racing series and 6^th in the Super One British Championship.

Lewis Hamilton won the same karting championship as Joseph back in 1995, and at the same age, 10. Lewis went on, breaking many milestones, to become one of the youngest F1 champions at the age of 23.

Just as in F1, sponsors are an important part of building and maintaining success for all young racers, helping motorsport talent develop by supporting the running costs to compete in championships that run across the UK. All eyes in the UK motorsport community are on Joseph this year as he again competes in the Little Green Man and Super One championships, staying with internationally recognised Fusion Motorsport, running their Synergy kart for his last year in the Cadet class.

His mother Lianne Taylor said: “We’re delighted Pulman Fleet have seen the talent in Joseph and have been prepared to provide valuable support. On the racing track the results are down to Joseph but he recognises there’s a big support team behind him. That team, which includes the sponsors, makes racing possible and allows young drivers to develop.”

Paul Adams, group fleet manager of Pulman Fleet, said: “We’re proud to sponsor a rising motorsport champion like Joseph. As a Volkswagen, SEAT and SKODA dealer, we’re keen to support a talented local racer, pitting himself against others in a high performance, sporting sector we understand.”

Pulman Fleet supplies more than 2000 Volkswagen, SEAT and SKODA vehicles to blue chip corporate and small businesses throughout the UK. Its parent company, the privately owned Pulman Group, recently opened a £2m bespoke SKODA showroom at Belmont Business Park, Durham.

Other business organisations that are supporting Joseph include: Newcastle-based restaurant group, 21 Hospitality Group; insurance broker, BSIS; video production company, In-House Films; embroidery and sewing threads specialist Madeira; and business PR consultancy, MHW PR.

For more information visit www.pulmangroup.co.uk 

Volkswagen Reveal the T-Prime Concept GTE

Volkswagen have revealed a new concept car, the T-Prime GTE, a cutting edge premium class SUV expected to surpass the size of the Touareg.

The concept car signals a new era in motoring, the T-Prime is a plug-in hybrid featuring all-wheel drive as well as zero emissions on any terrain. The T-Prime combines the best of different automotive features: the comfort of a saloon; the space of an estate; superior traction to all other types of car; state-of-the-art chassis technology; sports car agility; and, thanks to innovative drive technologies, the efficiency of a compact car. 

In the T-Prime hybrid mode, the electric E-Mode makes the car a zero emission SUV giving the driver a range up to 31 miles. In GTE mode the power output is 381 PS, offering a dynamic drive. The technical layout is complemented by a charismatic and sporty design. The display and control concept offer the driver a completely digital experience, conventional switches in the interior have been replaced by gesture and voice control, touchscreens and touch sensitive surfaces.  The T-Prime is the world’s first car to feature a curved interaction area.

The T-Prime Concept GTE is part of an SUV product offensive launched this spring by the European debut of the new Tiguan. In the future this successful model will, for the first time, also be available with an extended wheelbase. In the classes above, this will be followed by a new mid-size SUV for China and the USA as well as the successful Touareg or a vehicle based on the T-Prime Concept GTE.

Volkswagen plans to launch seven new electric and plug-in hybrid models in the Chinese market in the next three to four years. These vehicles will also be made in China.

For more information on the range of Volkswagen vehicles available at Pulman, please visit our website www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk

Source: Volkswagen UK 

Start a fantastic career with Pulman - Join our Apprenticeship Scheme starting September 2016

We have apprenticeship opportunities available for Service Technicians, Service Advisors and Parts Advisors starting September 2016 with opportunities in Durham & Sunderland.

We are looking for enthusiastic and driven individuals who are passionate about a career in the motor industry. With over 18 years and 170 staff members, Pulman can provide a young apprentice the perfect platform to excel and develop. You will receive training at the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes, whilst gaining invaluable on-the-job experience with Pulman. On completion of the training programme you will obtain a recognised Volkswagen Group qualification status along side securing full-time employment at a top 10 Volkswagen retailer.

Whilst gaining on the job experience and training, Pulman will pay for fees, training and accommodation to attend training and learning seminars at the Volkswagen Group National Learning centre in Milton Keynes.

As an Apprentice Service Technician you will undertake a 3-year programme gaining a qualification up to NVQ level 3 and Service Technician status on the Volkswagen Qualification Programme.  After successfully completing the three-year programme you will enjoy an exciting and rewarding career in the motor industry.

We also have opportunities available to train as a fully qualified Service Advisor or Parts Advisor. You will complete a two-year programme whilst being gaining full time employment experience at a Pulman retailer. Training, accommodation and fees are paid in full to support and develop your skills at the Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre based in Milton Keynes.

Click below to watch the Pulman video 

Watch our company video and discover the Pulman Way #thatspulman

Apply now at www.pulmangroup.co.uk/careers/apprenticeship-scheme

Applications will be processed in June 2016 and placements will commence September 2016.  

Site update on the new £2million ŠKODA Bespoke showroom due to open this Spring Belmont Durham

It’s a very exciting time for Pulman and we want to share the progress on our fantastic new ŠKODA site due to open in Belmont, Durham.

Construction has been moving at a swift pace since we brought you the last update, we are pleased to share the fantastic news that the site is now in the very final stages of completion.  

The finishing touches are now being added to the building and just in the last few days we are delighted to share the photos of the Pulman ŠKODA signs being installed, giving the £2million bespoke building the Pulman SKODA personality.

The new site will have a 9-car facility showroom, a new in-house Café Dafte with fresh food prepared daily and will be open to the public. The new ŠKODA site will be located just of the A690 at Dragonville Industrial Estate, Belmont Durham.

Committed to delivering a Fantastic Customer experience, Pulman ŠKODA will be launching the first ever Yoga and Palates Studio delivering professional classes provided by My Body Studio. More information coming soon. 

Having been named New Car retailer of the Year 2015 based at our pop up showroom, things are certainly on the up for Pulman ŠKODA.  To keep up with the latest Pulman news, visit www.pulmanskoda.co.uk 

Pulman Volkswagen support Hodgson Sayers with their £300,000 environmental commitment.

(Photo left to right: Simon Cullen, business development manager, Pulman Volkswagen, James Clinghan, relationship director, Lombard, North East England & Humberside, Richard Manterfield, area fleet manager, Volkswagen UK and Mike Wade, finance manager, Hodgson Sayers.)

Pulman Volkswagen’s fleet business have supplied 11 Golf GTE’s to County Durham based Hodgson Sayers – the current British Chambers of Commerce UK Business of the Year - who have overhauled their company car fleet with environmentally friendly hybrids.

Hodgson Sayers who are based in Stanley specialise in roofing, building works, metal fabrications and fencing. With over 40 years’ experience and various awards, they truly are pioneers for the construction industry with their commitment to the environment.

As well as adopting a hybrid fleet, Hodgson Sayers have also invested in 12 charging points at its headquarters and installing a 50-Kilowatt solar panel array on the roof of its main offices.

Mike Wade, Finance Manager, Hodgson Sayers, said: “Last year we achieved the ISO14001 environmental standard which has given us the momentum and drive to deliver truly ambitious plans for our relationship with the environment including our carbon footprint. 

The hybrids represent a significant commitment by the business but we felt it was the right thing to do. In addition to the environmental statement we also acknowledge the savings in terms of fuel consumption while the incentives package that includes government grant, capital allowances and taxation benefits makes this a very sound investment.”

With the support of Lombard Commercial & Private Banking, Pulman Volkswagen was chosen to deliver the new hybrid fleet. Simon Cullen, Business Development Manager for Pulman Volkswagen commented: “It’s a privilege to support and supply to a local business like Hodgson Sayers with their new hybrid fleet of Volkswagen Golf GTEs. They truly are showing a fantastic commitment to the environment. The Golf GTE is a powerful and sporty car with the benefits of a hybrid. You can drive up to 31 miles when fully charged in the all-electric mode, and up to 580 miles when petrol and electric are combined, packed with the latest technology plus all the classic comforts a Volkswagen Golf offers.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Golf GTE offers the best of both worlds, with a petrol flap on the side and a charging socket behind the Volkswagen roundel on the front grille making it incredibly convenient and easy to charge.”

Mike Wade continues: “Working with Pulman Volkswagen was very easy. They were flexible with what we wanted, supportive and communicated throughout the process, delivering 11 Golf GTEs. Delivering a fantastic customer experience. Needless to say we are all very excited by our new hybrid fleet.”

For more information on the Golf GTE and to request a long term demonstration for your business please contact Simon Cullen on 0191 383 7505 for more details.