Pulman SEAT unveil new models at St James Park

A group of business customers have been treated to an exclusive preview of two stunning new models from Dynamic Spanish car manufacturer, SEAT, by local retailer Pulman SEAT.

First up was the high quality Toledo. This family hatchback priced from just £12,495 clearly caught the attention of the guests “It looks fantastic and for the price it promises to offer a very high level of specification and all the technology a driver could ever need.  The boot is simply enormous,” said, Allan McGinness of The Taxi Centre.

The other star of the show, the new Leon has already been awarded a five star rating by influential motoring magazine What Car? and really captured the imagination of Pulman’s guests.

“I always rated the last Leon but this new one is a major leap forward in terms of refinement, space and quality.  I really can’t wait to drive it and I’m sure it’s going to prove very popular amongst drivers,” commented Stephen Hailes of Homes and Communities Agency.

Any motorist looking for a high quality new car in time for Christmas should talk to Pulman about the SEAT Toledo which will be available during December. The new Leon is now also open for ordering with the first cars due to arrived in March 2013.

The special business customer preview was one of a series taking place across the country and was held at St James Park, home of Newcastle United on Thursday 15 November.

New Showroom for Pulman Volkswagen

Pulman Volkswagen Sunderland (Newcastle Road) are getting a make over! The showroom will be transformed to a brand new 10 Volkswagen car showroom, with a brand new hospitality area!

Date started: Monday 29th October 2012

Estimated completion Date: February 2013

We promise to continue to deliver a fantastic customer experience throughout this process. It will not affect your experience, whether looking for a new car or servicing your current car.

If you have any questions or what like more information please contact us on 0191 383 2444 or email enquiries@pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk.

To keep up-to-date with the latest showroom developments visit our landing page and blog at: http://www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk/sunderland-showroom/ 
New showroom images:

All New SEAT Toledo

The Toledo was the first SEAT to be developed as part of the Volkswagen Group and joined the range line-up in May 1991 as a saloon-style hatchback.

Its arrival coincided with the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, where the model received a huge amount of international attention as it made up a large part of the games’ official vehicles.

Now the all new fourth generation Toledo is available to order.

The all-new model marks the welcome return of a SEAT favourite and adds even more choice to our growing model range. Like its 1991 predecessor, the new Toledo mixes saloon looks with hatchback practicality, and combines great build quality and style with unbeatable value.

The New SEAT Toledo offers a mature, refined quality that doesn’t sacrifice the understated sporting character expected in every SEAT.

Slim, angular headlamps at the front and rear combine with sharp, precisely defined surfaces and edges. Every element of the Toledo’s design exudes class and elegance, but not to the detriment of agility or practicality.

The short rear deck suggests Toledo might be a saloon, but in fact the entire rear windscreen opens as part of the hatch, offering a massive boot volume that is incredibly easy to pack and unpack.

Honeycomb grilles – another key part of the latest SEAT design DNA – are standard on Toledo, along with a central bonnet crease that completes the arrow design theme.

Trim Levels

Our SEAT Toledo with be available in E,S, and SE trim levels. Entry level E will offer 15-inch steel wheels, MP3-compatible CD player with AUX-in port and four speakers, and front electric windows. 

The S trim has body-coloured handles and mirrors, electric and heated door mirrors, and a rear windscreen wiper (highlighting the Toledo’s true hatchback status).

Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, trip computer and height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Infotainment gets a big lift in the S with Bluetooth as standard, accompanied by steering-wheel mounted controls, a USB port and two additional speakers.

Topping the Toledo range is the dynamic and luxurious SE.

Standard equipment includes familiar items from elsewhere in the SEAT range, such as 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control, climate control and rear electric windows.

The feature-packed SEAT Media System 2.2 is available as an optional extra, delivering satellite navigation as well as a DAB radio and Bluetooth audio streaming capability.

Engine

Toledo’s power comes from a range of the latest TSI turbocharged petrol and TDI common-rail diesel engines, plus a multi-point injection 1.2 75 PS petrol unit to kick off the range.

SEAT’s outstanding DSG-auto double-clutch gearbox is available for those drivers who need an automatic – in the form of a 1.4 TSI 122 PS.

Pulman continue to drive Newcastle United forward.

Pulman Group have extended their partnership, continuing as Newcastle United’s official motor retailer partner. Pulman Group are a Volkswagen and SEAT car retailer across the North East and have supported Newcastle United as their official motor retailer partner for the last three years.

Mike Pulman, Managing Director of Pulman Group commented: “It’s exciting to extend our fantastic partnership with Newcastle United. We’ve enjoyed success with Newcastle United since their promotion from the Championship. We can’t wait to see what’s next in-store for Newcastle United.”

Papiss Cisse and Cheick Tiote for Newcastle United

Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse were at the Pulman – Newcastle United re-launch on Tuesday 23^rd October at St. James Park, alongside the new Volkswagen Beetle, Touareg and SEAT Leon FR .

Dale Aitchison, Head of Partnerships at Newcastle United, commented: “Our fans, supporters and local community are extremely important to Newcastle United, which is why we are happy to announce an extension of our existing Partnership with Pulman, a local car retailer. It’s been a fantastic three years for Newcastle United with the Partnership of Pulman, in which we have built an excellent relationship with. We look forward to continuing working with Pulman and continuing the successful relationship.”

Newcastle United fans and supporters will also benefit this season with fantastic offers ranging from discounts of car accessories and servicing to huge discounts off new and used cars.

Papiss Cisse (NUFC), Paul Adams (Pulman)
& Cheick Tiote (NUFC)

Cheick said “Papiss and myself were delighted to come and support Pulman. We recognise how important high profile partners are to the success of the football club and hope the partnership continues to flourish.”

Mike Pulman continued, “We have a fantastic relationship with Newcastle United which is why we are excited to continue working and being their official motor retailer partner. We look forward to giving something back to the Newcastle United fans and our own customers, so everyone can benefit from this renewed partnership and to deliver a fantastic customer experience.”

Hotel for Tyres – getting ready for Winter with Pulman.

EVERYONE hopes that the snow and ice which caused drivers so many problems in previous winters will not return this year, but the chances are that freezing conditions will again take hold.

In response, Pulman, a family business with Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda retailers across the North East, is offering a winter tyre and service programme for all makes and models, under the name Hotel 4 Tyres to help keep customers safe and fully prepared for winter.

Hotel 4 Tyres started last winter offering drivers the convenience of winter tyres at excellent rates and a fully comprehensive service, all included.

Last year Dainippon Screen (UK) Ltd booked their fleet, which included a range of Volkswagen and Audi cars, in for the Hotel 4 Tyres service. A year has passed and they are re-fitting their winter tyres again for this winter.

Mr Colin Hall, a Field Service Engineer for Dainippon Screen (UK) Ltd comments: “Hotel4Tyres is a great service. We must have winter tyres fitted as part of our company directive and our Fleet Manager has been looking for a winter tyre service for a long time. We are a local business based in Newton Aycliffe and when we found Hotel4Tyres from Pulman it was ideal. We don’t have to think about it, the tyres are swapped over and stored with no hassle. It’s the storing of both winter and summer tyres and the convenience that make it Pulman’s Hotel4Tyre service unique.

The Pulman service and facilities are always fantastic, with free drinks and wifi while you wait, at least I can still continue working. Winter tyres do make a big difference when driving, you definitely feel more confident. At Dainippon, we have a mixture of Volkswagen and Audi’s so it’s great to find a service that can equipped all makes and models. I would definitely recommend the Hotel4Tyres service from Pulman. It’s convenient and the service is great.”

Paul Collins, Parts Manager for Pulman, said: "We believe in delivering a fantastic customer experience and the Pulman Hotel for Tyres does just that. We are helping our customers to prepare for winter.

"Winter tyres are a fantastic solution to help people drive in snowy and icy conditions. Our Hotel 4 Tyres service ensures that our customers are ready for winter without the hassle of storing, fitting or re-fitting their tyres. We take care of that for them."

With skilled, factory trained Volkswagen and SEAT technicians operating in the company's superb service facility, Pulman is working hard to ensure that its innovative winter offer will help customers stay safe and hassle-free this winter.

Paul Collins, continued, “we’ve developed a user friendly website www.hotel4tyres.co.uk, which gives viewers useful tips and hints to stay safe during winter, along with clear prices for each type of tyre for all makes and models. The website also has a very easy to use online booking service as well making it even easier for customers to stay safe this winter.”

A number of facts highlight the advantages of fitting winter tyres. The UK traditionally has five months during which the average temperature falls below 7C, which is the point at which summer tyre performance starts to drop away. Waiting for snow or freezing conditions may be leaving it too late to switch to winter tyres.

The braking distance of a winter tyre in cold conditions is up to ten per cent shorter than a normal tyre. In addition, a winter tyre is made with a higher natural rubber content which keeps tyres soft and flexible, even in colder weather conditions.

Using the correct tyres for the weather conditions will prolong their life, making winter tyres a long-term, cost-effective and safe solution for winter driving.

From providing complimentary refreshments to all customers, through to free wireless internet access and a host of servicing offers catering for long and short-term customers, Pulman has consistently demonstrated over the years that delivering a fantastic customer experience are at the top of its list of priorities.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining – Golfers help raise Thousands for Charity

A leading North East car retailer defied the weather to raise more than £27,500 for local charities at its annual golf day on Monday 24^th September. With over a month’s worth of rainfall falling on Monday 24^th and Tuesday 25^th September, the Pulman annual charity golf day could have been a wash out before it even started. 

Organisers from Pulman, which runs SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen retailers in Durham and Sunderland, had feared the event would be a washout as gale force winds and torrential rain lashed Chester-le-Street Golf Club. 

 

But scores of hardy golfers from across the UK braved the course to make the event a huge success.

 

And they dug deep at an auction following the day’s play to raise thousands for the regional branch of the NSPCC and the Freeman Hospital. 

Jonathan Lupton - Pro Golfer

Pulman Group Marketing Manager, Natalie Wilson, said: “At the start of the day we seriously considered calling the event off as the weather was so bad and the greenkeepers felt the course was unplayable. But we were determined not to let the biggest event on our calendar be ruined by the weather so we pressed ahead and we couldn’t believe it when all the golfers we were expecting turned up and decided to play.

“After enduring such horrendous weather everyone was in great spirits when they got back to the clubhouse and that really showed when it came time for the auction. They were all so generous with their bidding and helped us raise more money for our chosen charities than ever before.”

 

The golf day itself was stopped early, with only 9 holes being played, the heroic golfers returned to the club house to enjoy hot food and drink and laughs from the local comedian.

Ben Margetts, Community Fundraiser for the NSPCC attended the Pulman charity golf day and commented, “I must admit, I was worried on Monday morning with the torrential rain which was forecasted for the rest of the day. But I was truly amazed by everyone, Pulman for their fantastic persistence and organising the day, the golfers who above all carried on in the heavy rain and to Chester-le-Street golf club who made sure that we could play at least a little golf.

Paul Collingwood

 Last year, Pulman raised a huge £22,000, which over the last year has helped us add another member to our North East ChildLine Schools Service team. This additional member of staff has helped to recruit and train volunteers in the area and enabled us to deliver the service to thousands of children in the region. The ChildLine Schools Service sensitively educates children on the different forms of abuse, how to protect themselves and where they can go for support. We hope that this service will help to protect children from abuse and identify children in need of support sooner. It’s for this reason that days like the one Pulman have organised are so vitally important and can make a life changing impact.” 

Natalie Wilson continued, “we just want to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors including Castrol and Newcastle United, thank you to Jonathan Lupton, the pro golfer from Close House, to Chester-le-Street golf club for baring with us and to all the golfers who made the day possible and helped raised a fantastic and a new record £27,500, in which 100% will go to the NSPCC and NHS Freeman hospital.”

 

To view photos from the day please go to: http://www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk/golfday2012/history-2012.php

 

Buying a used car from Pulman is like buying a new car

Buying a used car from Pulman is like buying a new car

Sunderland Echo reporter Stephanie Currie gets first hand
experience on the Pulman Used Cars Website.

BEING a woman can make finding and buying the perfect car a bit daunting. But Pulman Used Cars in Sunderland, who are celebrating the first anniversary of their website, have the answer.

The straightforward and user-friendly website is without doubt the easiest way for us girls to purchase the car of our dreams. It allowed me to understand how to search for a specific car by choosing the make, model and what budget I was aiming for. I was then guided to a page containing my chosen car and within my price range.

So what next? Well, Pulman’s website has four options alongside the image to ensure I made the right decision and knew what the next step was. A choice between enquiring now, printing information, booking a test drive or emailing to a friend made the task easier and I felt they were doing it all for me at the touch of a button.

Marketing Manager, Natalie Wilson said: “We want to help customers choose their perfect car by giving them as many options as possible”. So what would I do if they didn’t have the particular car I was searching for? The ‘Find a car’ link on the website, allowed me to enter my contact details and the specific vehicle I wanted.

I didn’t know what to expect when purchasing a car as I had never done it before, but when I found out that Pulman’s policy is to get in touch with the customer within one hour of them making an enquiry, I was stunned at the impeccable standard of customer service.

Revealing the extent of work they go to achieve customer satisfaction Natalie explained: “We also go the extra mile to make it more convenient for the customer. Let us do the hard work”.

The website also has an option of where you want to pick the car up from or view it, making it easier for the customer to get to.

The success of the website, which is updated daily, can be seen in the statistics, as they receive 2500 unique visitors a week. Not only have they created the perfect search website, they have made it more accessible to potential customers by creating a mobile version which can be accessed anywhere.

Stephanie Currie behind the scenes at Pulman, looking at
the diagnostic machine works

Buying a used car from Pulman is as close to buying a brand new car as you can get and I was shown the rigorous checks the cars go through. Firstly the car is checked via DVLA and finance companies to check the complete history of the car, to ensure it hasn't been in a severe accident and that there is no finance left to pay on the car.

Once the car is given the external okay, it then goes through numerous internal checks by Pulman including making a note of any cosmetic damages and the service history of the vehicle. Next the workshop process ensures that the car, which they are going to retail has been thoroughly checked and is as close to new as possible. The diagnostics machine allows the engine and vital parts to be assessed and if anything needs replacing, brand new parts are ordered and fitted the next day.

Natalie said: “We don’t want to just do enough, we want to give customers the confidence that they are buying a decent car, a car that has been fully checked. We on average spend £700 towards ensuring each car is up to our high standards before it is available to the customer”.

Once the car has been checked, it’s sent to the valeting bay.

Sales Manager, Gavin Dawbney said: “We try to make a used car experience as close to a new car experience as we can. We find out the customer needs and tailor to their requirements, whether it be fitting a Bluetooth kit or some nice new alloys. We are here for help and advice, not just through the sale of the vehicle, but throughout your ownership of the vehicle. Giving the customer one point of contact for all their vehicle requirements.”

Not exactly being in the know when it comes to cars, I was informed that there is a no quibble 30 day exchange with each used car, guaranteeing that you are buying a car you can trust, from a company that wants the best for you.

Entering the Pulman garage I felt as though I knew nothing about buying a car and would be unsure what I was purchasing. However, within minutes of talking to the staff I was convinced I could have complete peace of mind when I was buying a used car at Pulman.

(Part of an Advertisement feature with the Sunderland Echo who came to Pulman and did the survey. Stephanie Currie: Reporter, Dave Allen: Photographer)

Pulman Crossbar Challenge at Newcastle United

Ryan Kelsey and Phil Pearson took centre stage at the Newcastle United verse Liverpool football game for a chance to win the brand new Pulman Volkswagen up!

Phil Pearson and Ryan Kelsey

After an online video which generated over 30,000 views after only 3 weeks, starring Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Simpson, Mehdi Abeid and Ryan Taylor, Phil Pearson and Ryan Kelsey were the two lucky people chosen to take part in the Pulman crossbar challenge.

Ryan Kelsey commented: “It was a dream come true to walk onto the sacred pitch. Surprisingly I wasn’t as nervous as what I thought; it was a brilliant moment stepping out in front of 50,000 fans. Both my wife and myself had a fantastic day.”

Both Ryan and Phil won two tickets to watch the game live, an exclusive backstage tour before the game, to take part in the Pulman crossbar challenge at half time and a signed Newcastle United T-Shirt.

Phil Pearson commented: “It was great to have the opportunity to take part in the crossbar challenge; I was even more excited to go to the game and step onto the pitch. The day was great especially with the backstage tour beforehand.”

Both Ryan and Phil had three chances to hit the crossbar from the 18 yard line. If they hit the bar twice they would have won the brand new Volkswagen up! Ryan came very close hitting the bar once and was millimetres away from hitting it a second time. CLICK HERE and take a look at the attempts.

Natalie Wilson, Marketing Manager at Pulman commented, “the whole day was fantastic, I only wish that either Ryan or Phil would have won the car, unfortunately that was not meant to be this time. However we look forward to providing more win a car competitions’ in conjunction with Newcastle United in the future.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Ryan and Phil for taking part in the Pulman crossbar challenge, along with Newcastle United and Just Out Marketing who produced a fantastic video which started this whole fantastic journey.”

For more information on the new Volkswagen up! visit www.thevolkswagenup.co.uk 

SUNDERLAND SEAT RETAILER NAMED UK'S BEST

Sunderland car retailer Pulman SEAT has been named as the dynamic Spanish brand's Dealer of the Year after just one full year of trading.

Pulman SEAT named SEAT Dealer of the Year

The Southwick dealership won the accolade for its outstanding overall performance and was crowned by SEAT UK Director, Peter Wyhinny, at a major conference.

Ecstatic Pulman bosses then returned to the retailer's Burntland Avenue showroom where they popped open the champagne for an impromptu celebration.

They also toasted team member Alex Paget, who was named SEAT's Used Car Manager of the year at the same time.

A delighted Mike Pulman, Managing Director of the Pulman Group, said: 'This is an incredible achievement and was only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of each and every member of the team.  I'm really proud of what they've achieved and they should all be proud of themselves.

Mike Pulman and the team celebrate

'The Dealer of the Year award not only looks at how we're performing as a business it also, more importantly, takes a customer-eye view of how we're doing in the areas that matter the most.

‘The Pulman promise is to deliver a fantastic customer experience every time, and winning this award is testament to how hard each member of the Pulman team work on achieving our promise.

'To have won means we must be doing things right and we now need to work even harder to ensure our standards don't slip.'

Awards judges scrutinised all areas of operation for every dealer in SEAT's 125-strong UK network across a 12-month period before selecting Pulman SEAT as their winner. This included detailed analysis of the retailer's performance against sales targets as well as its customer service scores.

Alex Paget named the Used Car Manager of the Year

Meanwhile, Alex Paget scooped the used car award following an equally tough process, during which his turnover of stock was closely monitored and his customer service skills were put to the test by a series of mystery shoppers.

Alex said: 'This award is not just recognition for me but for the whole of the hardworking team here at Pulman.

‘It’s also validation of our approach which is to make the experience of buying a used car every bit as fantastic as buying a new car.’

Max shows Newcastle United’s quartet how it’s done.

Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Simpson, Mehdi Abeid and Ryan Taylor all took part in the Pulman Volkswagen crossbar challenge video, a competition made famous by Soccer AM. It’s a humours and fantastic short-video of the four Newcastle players attempting to hit the crossbar, then at the end young Max shows the quartet how it’s done.

The video was produced to help celebrate the new Volkswagen up! competition by Pulman Volkswagen. Pulman and Newcastle United joined forces to create a fantastic competition. The competition is a crossbar challenge at the Newcastle vs Liverpool game in which two lucky people will have the chance to win a brand new Volkswagen up!

Natalie Wilson, Marketing Manager at Pulman commented, “We have a fantastic partnership with Newcastle United, and when the new Volkswagen up! was launched, first thing we wanted to do was to offer this car in a competition.

After speaking with Newcastle United, we both jumped at the chance to create the halftime crossbar challenge to win the new up!. We can’t wait for the game on the 1^st April and will definitely be wishing the contestants luck to win the car.”

Julie Stout from Just Out Marketing commented: “Making the video was great fun, everyone at Newcastle, the players and of course young Max were fantastic! We were really honoured that we were asked to do the video.

Danny Simpson tweeted: “I personally think the acting was pretty good”. It’s a great video and a fantastic competition to win a brand new up!, which has just been launched by Volkswagen as their new city car. Already receiving rave reviews and winning the WhatCar small car of the year award.

Take a look at the video and let us know what you think at www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk/up