Happy 15th Birthday to Pulman Volkswagen Durham

Pulman Volkswagen are celebrating their 15^th anniversary this November. Mike Pulman launched the first Pulman dealership in 1998, moving to its prime location in Durham, the fantastic purpose built building behind the Arnison shopping centre.

There were 17 employees in total that launched Pulman. Fifteen years later Pulman has grown to over 100 employees. In 2008 Pulman expanded by opening a Pulman Volkswagen retailer in Sunderland. A year later Pulman became and authorised repairer for Skoda at the Durham site.

In 2010, Pulman expanded its retail sales operation into the fantastic SEAT brand, by opening the first Pulman SEAT in Sunderland for which they have since been names dealer of the year on two occasions. Finally this year (2013) Pulman became an authorised repair for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at the Durham location.

Photo: Pulman Volkswagen Durham employees. Jan Dodds and Carol Fearn holding the balloons.

Jan Dodds and Carol Fearn have been with Pulman from the start, Jan comments “I joined Mike Pulman when he launched Pulman Volkswagen in 1998 and fifteen years on it’s still an absolute joy to work with Mike.”

Carol Fearn comments, “In the fifteen years that I have been here, there has never been a dull moment! I am very proud to say that I have been here from the start and still enjoying every minute.”

Pulman Volkswagen has become a landmark in Durham and has a built a strong name for customer service, with their company goal to deliver a fantastic customer experience.

Mike Pulman comments “Fifteen years is absolutely fantastic! I want to thank everyone, amazing staff and our loyal customers for making this possible. They have made Pulman what it is today.”

Pulman Volkswagen is located behind the Arnison shopping centre in County Durham, for more information visit www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk

The Pulman Volkswagen - Sunderland Motability Event is now on!

There are some fantastic Volkswagen Motability rates available across the range. We also have a specialist from Motability on-site to answer any questions you may have.

If you claim the higher rate Motability allowance or the war pensioners’ Motability supplement you can lease a car through Motability. You simply exchange your allowance for a brand new car and enjoy:

• Insurance, servicing and maintenance
• Full RAC Breakdown assistance
• Tyre and windscreen replacement
• Two named drivers
• 60,000 mileage allowance over 3 years

Paul Jobling - Pulman Motability Specialist

Volkswagen Key Motability offers (available until 31st December 2013):

• High up! – from £0 initial rental
• Polo Match Edition – from £0 initial rental
• Golf SE – from £299 initial rental
• Tiguan S – from £799 initial rental
• Touran SE – from £899 initial rental
• Sharan SE – from £1,999 initial rental

Event: Tuesday 12th November

Location: Pulman Volkswagen, Newcastle Road, Sunderland SR5 1QE

Opening Times: 8.30am to 7.00pm

If you would like to make an appointment or if you have any questions about the Motability scheme please contact us direct on 0191 548 0235 or visit www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk.

For more information on the Motability scheme and who qualifies please visit www.motability.co.uk.

Welcome the newest graduates to the Pulman family

Pulman Group are pleased to announce that they have employed four new graduates this year on their fantastic graduate scheme.



(Left to right) Emma Brydon, Tommy Dixon, Bethany Knill, Chris Slater and Louise Richardson.

Chris Slater, SEAT Site Manager, comments: “The Pulman graduate scheme has ran for over 10 years, giving enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals a fantastic platform to develop and learn the entire Pulman process from bottom up.

The difference about the Pulman graduate scheme is that the right candidate will experience every department, switchboard, aftersales, sales, marketing, accounts, IT support, sales administration, HR and fleet. Learning the business from the ground up. I myself started as a graduate and after 7 years became a Senior Manager. 10 years on I’m still enjoying every minute.”

Emma Brydon commented, “I’ve been with Pulman for over 3 years now, learning reception, contact centre where we book in service customers, front of house where we serve service customers, workshop control and marketing. Learning the internal processes in every department and how they inter-link. I enjoyed the project side of the scheme and have consequently become Project Assistant. I’m also responsible for the new graduates and gaining managerial experience, which is fantastic. The Pulman scheme has definitely given me a fantastic foundation.”

This year Pulman have employed even more graduates as the business is growing, Bethany Knill, Louise Richardson, Tommy Dixon and Matthew Newman. Chris Slater continues, “we are very pleased to welcome Bethany, Louise, Tommy and Matthew to Pulman. For the first time at Pulman we have been able to take on multiple graduates who I’m sure will have a fantastic enjoyable experience at Pulman.”

Visit www.pulmangroup.co.uk/careers for all our opportunities. If you would like to submit your cv for future opportunities please email careers@pulmangroup.co.uk.

Twins win holiday to Spain after buying matching SEAT Ibizas

Twins Lesley and Louise Windham are overjoyed, for soon after buying their dream SEAT Ibizas they won a holiday to Granada in a prize draw run by the Spanish carmaker and exclusive members travel club Secret Escapes.

 

Left to Right: Lesley Windham, Kevin McSkimmings, Louise Windham

The 26-year-olds both bought new Ibiza SC FR 1.2 TSI models on the same day in May from Sunderland-based Pulman SEAT while the two-week promotion was running. They entered the competition by leaving their details on a postcard and were later shocked to learn they had won a weekend break to the historic city of Granada, where they will stay in the luxurious four-star Hotel Palacio De Santa Paula.

The duo are now very familiar with the enormous pulling power of the SEAT brand, as each has previously owned TWO Ibizas...

And like many twins, many areas of Lesley and Louise’s lives are almost a mirror image of each other. The pair, who live with parents Alan and Shirley in the family home in Cramlington, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, both work as office administrators for a local manufacturing company, and both are fanatical about equestrian sports, with each owning two horses.

When it comes to preference in colour, though, there is a slight departure from this trend – Lesley’s Ibiza is finished in Speed Blue, while Louise opted for Lima Green!

Louise said: “When we heard about the competition we took the view ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it,’ then days later our dad picked up a voicemail message and blurted out to us: “Hold your breath...you’ve won a holiday!”

“We can’t wait for the holiday. We are flying out on October 11, the day after our birthday. The hotel looks fantastic and for both of us it will be our first ever holiday in Spain. The furthest we’ve been away from the North-East is Cork in Ireland.

“As for the Ibizas, as soon as we saw them in the showroom we thought ‘Wow! What beautiful cars!’ They are fun cars to drive with eye-catching styling and fabulous technology.”

The Windham sisters were among 14 prize draw winners who all ordered a new SEAT between May 11 and May 24 to qualify for entry into the ‘win a weekend break’ competition. A different destination was on offer each day over the fortnight giveaway, so depending on which day they bought their car, other winners could find themselves partying in Ibiza, indulging in the food of Andalucia, relaxing by a pool in Gran Canaria or soaking up the sun in the Costa del Sol, among other dream locations.

Lesley Windham added: “We were already feeling on top of the world after buying our new Ibizas. Then to hear we had won a holiday to Spain was the icing on the cake. I suppose it would have been ironic if we had won a break in Ibiza but we are really looking forward to taking in the sights of Granada.”

The twins are also looking forward to driving their cars on holiday breaks to the Lake District and a major horse show in Warwickshire.

The twins reserved special praise for Pulman SEAT Client Advisor Kevin McSkimmings who sold the Ibizas to them. “Kevin and all the staff at Pulman SEAT were spot on,” added Lesley.

Kevin said: “Lesley and Louise really know their cars well and I am so happy they could drive away from the showroom in the SEAT Ibizas of their dreams.”

www.pulmanseat.co.uk

Students revving up for careers in the motor industry with help from donated SEAT

Youngsters at Gateshead College looking to get on track for a career in the automotive industry have received a huge boost to their learning experience by the donation of a SEAT Leon by a local car retailer.

Pole position: Students with the Leon donated by Pulman SEAT.

Around 100 students are now in pole position to follow their dreams after honing their skills in diagnostics and electrical work on the Leon TDI handed over by Sunderland-based Pulman SEAT.

The SEAT Leon donated in 2010 has already helped hundreds of students during their studies. Now students at the Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics at Team Valley are ready to embark on a ‘labour of love’ which will result in the two-year-old car being transformed into a working replica of the race car that powered SEAT to back-to-back World Touring Car Championship Manufacturer titles in 2008 and 2009 and won the drivers’ title for both Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Muller.

The students also have their sights set on entering the modified version – complete with the WTCC Leon’s eye-catching yellow and green livery - into competitive touring car races with the help of partners from Tornado Motorsport.

Gavin Batie, Curriculum Operations Manager for Automotive at Gateshead College, said: “We want students to work on something that is true to life so to receive this car from Pulman SEAT provides them with an excellent opportunity. It’s been a very valuable learning tool.”

The students will work on the car at the College's £5.5 million purpose built training facility, complete with professional spray booths, rolling road, workshops and driving simulators.

Dean Thorne, 16, and Nathan Hewitt, 17, who both want to pursue careers as race mechanics, are two of the students who will help transform the Leon.

Dean said: “I am looking forward to working on the car and race preparing it. It’s a great learning opportunity.”

And Nathan added: “We have a fantastic chance to work with a great car.”

Natalie Wilson, Marketing Manager at Pulman SEAT, said: “There is a huge pool of talent at the college and we thought if we donated the car it would help them fulfil their potential. The car came from a supply of fully-functional cars which couldn’t be registered for the roads for a variety of reasons.

“We have enjoyed forging strong links with Gateshead College and are looking at ways of building on this in the future.”

April showers for SEAT as sales go beyond expectations

SEAT UK is well on course for a record breaking year after a fantastic April in New Car sales. Seeing an overall 33% increase from the same month last year, a staggering 3,983 sales were made in April alone.

With the launch of the New SEAT Leon 5 door in March, the model made up over a quatre of April’s sales. Being the first family hatchback to offer full LED, maintenance free lights (and only one to date) it gives the SEAT Leon a technological edge in both safety and comfort features. Pulman welcomed the newest model with a fantastic launch event at The Bridges Sunderland giving customers the chance to win a New SEAT Leon as well as a number of spot prizes on the day.

With exclusive Pulman offers on the New SEAT Mii Toca and Ibiza Toca, the New Leon is not the only model that has proven a popular choice in April. The Ibiza, Toledo, Altea, Exeo and Alhambra all exceeded expectations doubling both corporate and retail order take in April. A clear sign the current SEAT showroom is more looking more attractive than ever.

Director of SEAT UK Neil Williamson says: “We believe that no brand offers the combination of quality, style and affordability that SEAT does, which is why we’re confident that 2013 will be a record-breaking year for us.”

Not only do Pulman SEAT have a fantastic range of SEAT cars, but they are for 2 years in the row SEAT dealer of the year. Chris Slater Brand Manager for Pulman SEAT comments, “SEAT is one of the motor industries best kept secrets, they are truely fantastic cars, pushing the boundaries for design and technology. At Pulman, we deliver a fantastic customer experience every time, which is why our customers keep coming back and why we have be named SEAT dealer of the year, a very prestigious title that is down to each and every one of Pulman staff and customers.”

But it’s not over yet... the all New SEAT Leon Sports Coupe is hitting the streets early July. The very first 3 door Leon! Watch this space for more information on the fantastic new edition to the SEAT range.

New Golf wins World Car of the Year Award

The New Golf has proved its global appeal by winning the World Car of the Year award.
This is the second year in a row that Volkswagen has won the World Car of the Year title and the fourth time since the awards were launched nine years ago. The up! won in 2012, Polo in 2010, and the Golf Mk VI in 2009.

The new triumph news comes less than a month after the Golf claimed the prestigious European Car of the Year award.

The hatchback was awarded the honour at the New York International Auto Show, beating rivals the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, Mercedes A-Class and Toyota GT86 and Subaru BR-Z sports car.

The World Car Awards jurors, made up of 66 journalists from around the world, commented: “Honed over seven generations since its launch in 1974, the Golf is as close to the perfect hatchback design as any car company has come yet.

“Right-sized but spacious, practical and comfortable inside, the latest Golf has been brought up to date with a fresh if evolutionary design, a range of new engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety features. What’s more, it’s fun to drive. If ever there was a car for everyman, the Golf is it.’

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: ‘We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world.

“This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100 per cent electric car.”

Earlier in March the New Golf also won the best lower-medium car category in Fleet News car of the year awards.

New Golf GTI and GTD

The latest Hot Hatch Pair are open for ordering from Tuesday 26th March. From this date, you will be able to configure your new GTI and GTD at www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Golf GTI

The new GTI’s engine packs a 220 PS punch that delivers incredible performance and makes the most of the New Golf’s gains in efficiency and dynamics. 

For the first time Volkswagen are offering the Performance Pack option for the GTI. The pack upgrades the car’s power to 230 PS, and adds larger diameter brake discs and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

There's also sports suspension, twin exhaust pipes, red brake calipers, 18in alloy wheels, special side sills, a rear diffuser and smoked LED lights to finish the transformation.

Golf GTD

The new GTD has a 184 PS common-rail diesel engine, making it the most powerful GTD to date, and returns a frugal 67.3 mpg. As a result, the new GTD accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph.

The GTD gets a new look with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and two chromed tailpipes that sit on the side of the new rear bumper.

Inside is the classic tartan pattern seats, a sports steering wheel, GTD trim strips and instrument cluster, automatic climate control and ‘ParkPilot'.

Both the Golf GTI and GTD are open for ordering on Tuesday 26th March.

SEAT Leon SC

At 380 litres, even the luggage compartment is as generously proportioned as that of the five-door variant.

The new Leon SC is packed with technology, including state-of-the-art infotainment, intelligent driver assistance systems, systematic weight reduction measures, the latest generation of engines, and a chassis tuned to strike the perfect balance between comfortable day-to-day use and engaging driving.

All engines combine power with cost effectiveness, with the cleanest 1.6-litre TDI emitting less than 100 g/km CO2.

Just like the five-door Leon, the Leon SC is offered in S, SE and FR.

The design: a powerful look

Although it is only 35 millimetres shorter than the five-door model, the visual effect is very powerful.

With its perfectly balanced proportions, the new Leon SC cuts a fine figure from the very first glance. The relationship between its length, height and width, plus its short overhangs, convey its dynamics even at a standstill. Inspired by the design language developed through the IBE, IBL and IBX concept vehicles, the three-door compact car is the dynamic interpretation of the SEAT design language.

The expansive rear windscreen, with its coupé-like sweep, is 19 degrees more inclined compared with the five-door marking a further characteristic feature of the new Leon SC.

The drive: efficient and powerful

The new Leon SC is launched with a series of powerful and efficient TDI and TSI engines, all of which feature direct injection and turbocharging and are set up for rapid warm-up and low internal friction.

At the most economical end of the spectrum, the 1.6 TDI is equipped with Start/Stop System and Energy Recovery has an average fuel consumption of just 74.3 mpg, equating to a CO2 figure of just 99 g/km. The 2.0 TDI, which drives the Leon SC with a powerful 150 PS and 320 Nm, can travel an impressive 68.9 miles on a gallon of fuel* and emits just 106 g/km.  

The Leon SC will be officially unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

*Official EU combined mpg rating

Meet the New Golf R Cabriolet

The first ever open-top R model will open for ordering this Spring priced at £38,770 RRP OTR.

The new range-topping cabriolet is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine, which propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. This makes the New Golf R Cabriolet the fastest open top Golf in history.

Exterior

The New Golf R Cabriolet offers a bespoke front bumper with a gloss-black grille and 'R' logo. The sports chassis means the Golf sits 25mm lower than the standard Golf Cabriolet sitting on 19" Alloy wheels.

On closer inspection you will see the new painted black brake calipers sporting the Golf R logo to go with the new black door mirror casings.

The look is finished with side sill extensions, a gloss black rear diffuser framed by chrome-tipped exhausts either side and smoked LED tail lights. 

The fully electric insulated hood, operated by a switch in the centre console, can be lowered in 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 18 mph (and raised in 11.0 seconds).

Interior

The cabriolet has four individual sports seats in ‘Vienna Cool Leather’, with ‘R’ logos in the head restraints. 
The multi-function steering wheel is leather wrapped with handbrake grip and gear lever sporting a contrasting grey stitching. 

Pedals feature brushed aluminium caps, and the doors and dashboard have ‘Silver Lane’ aluminium decorative inlays.

Spec includes DAB radio with MDI (multi-device interface) and Bluetooth telephone connectivity. 

The New Golf R Cabriolet opens for ordering on 5th March with deliveries expected in May.

The new SEAT Leon has arrived

Check out each stage of the fantastic New SEAT Leon arriving into our Sunderland showroom. 

Sunderland SEAT retailer named UK’s best for second year running

Sunderland car retailer Pulman SEAT is celebrating after being named as the dynamic Spanish brand’s Dealer of the Year – for the second year running.

The stunning achievement is a major coup for the dealership, especially as it has only been trading for two-and-a-half years.

Pulman SEAT’s Site Manager, Chris Slater, was on hand to receive the award at a showpiece  gala evening hosted by musician and TV celebrity, Myleene Klass.

Delighted staff popped open the champagne at their showroom in Burntland Avenue, Southwick, after hearing they had triumphed again.

Ecstatic Chris Slater said: “I would like to say a massive thanks to all our fantastic staff and customers. We will be continuing to work hard to deliver the best possible customer experience in 2013. Our staff understand what delivering a fantastic customer experience is – everything from ordering a part to making a cup of coffee.

“The Dealer of the Year award is particularly pleasing to win because we are judged not only on our results as a business but also for our performance in meeting the high expectations of our customers. It is important to us that we make the experience of buying a used car every bit as enjoyable as buying a new car.”

Awards judges analysed all areas of operation for all SEAT UK’s 132-strong dealership network before choosing Pulman SEAT, which has 27 staff, as their winner. Scoring centred on the retailer’s performance against sales targets as well as its customer service results.

Chris added: “We want to establish a lifetime engagement with our customers. We want to sell them their first car right through to their last car. It is difficult to differentiate yourself on price these days, as everyone has offers. However, we believe our fantastic customer service is giving us an edge in the marketplace.”

The awards ceremony took place at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool.

Pulman Volkswagen showcases the new Golf and its six predecessors.

Pulman Volkswagen Durham

Friday 11th January saw the dawn of a new era at Pulman Volkswagen, introducing the New Volkswagen Golf. The 7th edition was presented to 150 exclusive Pulman customers, giving them a sneak peek before the big Test Drive Weekend. Guests enjoyed food, drink and live music while having the chance to check out the new Golf and to reflect on the predecessors with all six joining in the showroom.

Golf MK1 to the new Golf MK7 at Pulman Durham

The Golf was initially launched in 1974 and is now Volkswagen’s most popular model. Surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle in 2002, the Golf is now a public favourite, overcoming many in both design and technological features. 

To welcome the New Golf to the Volkswagen range, Pulman decided to bring back all the old favourites. Surrounding the Golf, were the six predecessors painted a perfect picture as to the journey the legendary hatchback has made. Along with a fantastic competition to win a brand new Golf.

Mr Larkin (MK1 owner) & Keith Ramshaw
(Pulman Durham Sales Manager)

Mr Larkin along with Mr Reed, Mr Young and Mr Smith kindly leant Pulman their Golf’s MK1 through to MK5 for their showroom launch. Mr Larkin said “It is a fantastic site to see all the Golf Models under one roof and alongside each other. This is the perfect way to celebrate the New Model”. Being the proud owner of not only a MK1 but also the MK4 he said “I am pleased to see the MK7 hasn’t deferred from the same quality and performance. Visually the MK7 and MK6 look similar, but it’s what’s underneath that makes the new MK7 a much more advanced car over and above its predecessor.” 

The new Golf at Pulman Volkswagen Durham

The fantastic Brian Moore from Metro Radio was also broadcasting live at the Pulman Volkswagen Durham showroom on Friday 11th in which Brian tweeted: “Having a brilliant time in Durham doing my show on Metro Radio. @pulmanvw we had a great time thanks.”

Delivering a fantastic customer experience, Pulman wanted their customers to have an exclusive taster of the new Golf before the general public. Mr Rolland Thompson, a Pulman Customer who was interviewed by Brian Moore said “Pulman is the name for quality service. When you buy a car from Pulman it is like being accepted into the Pulman family”. 

When asked why guests came to see the New Golf at Pulman Mrs Turner said “We have been coming here for years, we’ve bought all our Volkswagens here and wouldn’t go anywhere else, everyone is so helpful and nothing is too much.”

Live music from The Longsands

When guests were asked what they thought of the New Volkswagen Golf, the verdict was unanimous. Mrs Doran said “The one thing that stands out to me is the new design, not only is the Golf a reliable car but looks good on the road. My favourite experience with Pulman was buying my Golf.”

However every customer had their favourite feature as Mr Ducan said “I always relate to the Golf as Luxury Driving and high quality, the new Golf has kept that reputation”.
The event created a fantastic start to the National test drive weekend for Pulman customers. The New Volkswagen Golf is now available to order from Pulman Volkswagen. 

New year cash boost suits charity to a tee!

The NSPCC in the North East has kicked off the New Year with a cash boost thanks to a charity golf fundraiser organised by car retailer Pulman.

Natalie Wilson (Pulman) & Wendy Bates (NSPCC)

The charity which aims to keep children safe from harm took delivery of a cheque for £15,000 following an annual golf event in Chester-le-Street organised by the leading Volkswagen and SEAT retailer in September 2012.

Pulman, which has showrooms in County Durham and Sunderland, has organised the golf event for the past seven years, raising over £100,000 since 2006. The money raised has been split in half, with 50% going to the Freeman Hospital and 50% going towards the NSPCC centre in Newcastle which offers services to help some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.

September’s event saw over 88 enthusiastic amateur golfers brave torrential rain to do battle on the golf course, followed by a charity auction where guests were encouraged to bid for items including a box for 10 people with hospitality for the infamous Newcastle United v Sunderland AFC derby, hospitality boxes for shows at Metro Radio Arena and luxurious Golfing weekends at Close House.

The event was created by Mike Pulman, Managing Director and keen golfer. He said: “We are so proud to have raised £15,000 for the NSPCC. It’s a fantastic charity and we are so very pleased to be part of it. Every year we hold our Pulman charity golf day and even though it rained all day, everyone was in true charity spirit, defied the weather and played golf.”

Wendy Bates, head of community fundraising for the NSPCC in the North East said: “I’d like to thank Mike and his team at Pulman for putting in such a tremendous amount of effort to once again organise a fantastic golf day. It’s thanks to supporters like Pulman that we are able to fund our services for children in the region. Everyone involved in the day, whether paying to enter, bidding in the auction or helping with the planning, has made a real difference to the lives of children in the North East.”

It costs £2,800 to recruit, train and support one of the NSPCC’s volunteers for its pioneering ChildLine Schools Service, an ambitious new service that will visit every primary school in the North East by 2016, to help local children to understand abuse and how they can stay safe.  The £15,000 cash boost could help the NSPCC recruit, train and support five volunteers in the north east during their first year with the Schools Service.