Make your vehicle's safety a priority this winter by 'booking' in to Pulman's Hotel4Tyres

We all know winter is a time to put on sensible clothes and boots... but it’s just as important to tread carefully in our cars by putting on appropriate tyres.

Now, being geared up for all that snow, rain and ice is just a car ride away at Pulman’s aptly named Hotel4Tyres.

And there’s no need to stress about keeping your ordinary tyres in tip top condition in a damp garage – Hotel4Tyres will take care of them for you.

Indeed, as part of its first-class service Hotel4Tyres will:

• Supply, store, and fit winter tyresSupply you with winter tyres and store them until you are ready to have them fitted (free of charge).

• Store and re-fit summer tyresWhen the winter tyres are fitted, staff also fully check and store your summer tyres. After the winter period, they then re-fit your summer tyres.

• Store used winter tyresWhen the summer tyres are re-fitted, as part of the package, Hotel4Tyres will check and store your used winter tyres

And with weather preparing to do its worst, here are some of the reasons why this service is a must:

For a start, the temperature is crucial to the performance of your tyres. When the temperature drops below 7 degrees standard tyres give less grip, compromising the performance of your vehicle.

Unlike normal tyres, winter tyres are made with a higher natural rubber content that keeps tyres soft and flexible even in colder weather conditions.

They have a different tread pattern which maintains their highly effective contact with the road for greater traction.

Winter tyres significantly improve grip and reduce stopping distances in temperatures below 7 degrees - unlike standard tyres they don’t harden.

This enables them to maintain better traction in low temperatures as well as in the wet and snow, slush and ice, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving braking distance.

“It’s so important to choose winter tyres,” said Danny Martin, service manager at Pulman ŠKODA.

“It gives safer driving in winter conditions; more control in the rain, snow, and ice and improved grip to the road enabling safer braking distances.”

Indeed Pulman Group, a family-run retailer which represents Volkswagen, SEAT and ŠKODA, is justifiably proud of its across the board premium service.

“We are proud of our heritage, we have grown over the years and boast four locations across the North East and recently have just opened a purpose-built ŠKODA site in Belmont, Durham,” said Mr Martin.

“The Pulman promise is to deliver a fantastic customer experience every time.

“Whether you’re searching for a new or used car, servicing your car or inquiring about a car in any way, rest assured you will receive a fantastic customer experience.”

Pulman offers its customers:

• Free courtesy cars
• Free lifts and collection and delivery service
• Complementary refreshments at Café Dafte
• Free wash and vacuum after service/repairs
• On-site waiting appointments
• Free wifi connection
• Price match guarantee
• Free MoTs with a Pulman Service plan

• Pulman ŠKODA on the Belmont Industrial Estate in Durham City
• Pulman Volkswagen at Abbey Road, Durham, just behind the Arnison Centre
• Pulman SEAT Sunderland, Burntland Avenue, Southwick
• Pulman Volkswagen, Newcastle Road, Sunderland
• Book online at www.hotel4tyres.co.uk
• Call the service priority line on 0191 383 7500.
• For any enquiries email – enquiries@pulmanservicing.co.uk

The New SEAT Ateca light’s up Sunderland

The New SEAT Ateca light’s up Sunderland

Pulman SEAT has celebrated the arrival of the New SEAT Ateca in partnership with Sunderland AFC at the iconic Stadium of Light.  The award winning SUV took centre stage for the Premiership tie between Sunderland and Hull City on Saturday 19^th November 2016 featuring on the stadiums jumbo LED screens, crowd facing advertising boards and in the match day programme.

SEAT Ateca’s positioned outside the Hilton Garden Inn at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Working with the football club Pulman SEAT were the co-match sponsors. Two SEAT Ateca’s were proudly positioned at the stadium outside the fantastic new Hilton Garden Inn and the dealership management team hosted 20 SEAT Ateca customers as guests. 

Pulman SEAT’s retail ATECA customers pitch side at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Chris Slater, Brand Manager at Pulman SEAT said “It was fantastic to showcase the stunning New Ateca to thousands of Sunderland fans, it received glowing praise and we’ve got a number of leads from the event.  It was also fitting to thank our New Ateca customers for their business.” Guests were taken on a tour of the venue and pitch side with time to meet players pre and post-match. Chris continued “Everyone had a fantastic day which culminated in a 3-0 victory for the Black Cats.”

The product placement gained coverage across social media channels and the dealership is looking at further events during 2017 with the club.

SEAT Ateca’s positioned outside the Hilton Garden Inn at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Michael Buckle from Pulman SEAT with SAFC club mascot Samson and the SEAT Ateca’s

To find out more about Pulman SEAT and the New SEAT Ateca, please call 0191 549 2926, email enquiries@pulmanseat.co.uk or visit www.pulmanseat.co.uk

Café with a twist that's winning rave reviews and is a must-visit this Christmas

Shopping? Socialising? Looking for a great place to eat? It's time to head to Café Dafté in Durham

Enjoy Christmas Lunch at Cafe Dafte

Christmas is fast approaching – and that means shopping, socialising... and delicious food.

If you want to do just one of the above - or even to combine all three - then head to a concept cafe with a twist that’s been winning rave reviews from customers.

Treat the family or friends to a delicious turkey Christmas dinner at a price that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Or tuck in to a pigs in blanket breakfast bun or even a hot festive drink. Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 11am weekdays (8am Saturdays) so it’s perfect way to start a busy shopping or work day.

Café Dafté, within the Pulman ŠKODA showroom at Belmont Industrial Estate in Durham City (and, of course, Café Dafte in the Pulman Volkswagen showroom, Abbey Road, Durham) is justifiably proud of its food, and has now launched its Christmas menu which will run throughout December.

The menu is gluten free, the majority of ingredients are sourced locally and everything is freshly prepared on site by head chef Jonny and his team who are kept in check by the café manager, Samantha Gilholm.

Enjoy pigs and blankets breakfast bun 

There’s certainly plenty of choice. Tuck into such delights as a hearty full English breakfast - with two rashers of bacon, one sausage, black pudding, baked beans, half tomato, two slices of toast and two eggs (£4.95); a light English breakfast (£3.95); pigs in blankets breakfast bun (£2.20); potato pancake with smoked haddock (4.50); porridge (£1.50); toast (£1.50).

The lunchtime menu (noon until 2pm) is just as impressive. Choose from such delights as the baked cod served with creamy dill mash and mustard sauce (£4.95); the rolled roasted turkey served with seasonal vegetables and all the trimmings (£5.95); braised mutton pie with honey roasted vegetables and red wine jus (£5.95) or wild mushroom Wellington (£4.50).

Throughout the year there’s a wonderful selection of cakes, scones, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, wraps and paninis are available throughout the day.

Delicious... a sweet treat from Cafe Dafte

If you just want a coffee to set you on your way Café Dafté has a wide range of reasonably priced drinks too including latte (regular £1.95) espresso (single £1.60) and cappuccino (regular £1.85).

And if you need to catch up with some work, utilise the free wifi, or keep up with the news by flicking through a selection of newspapers or watching Café Dafté’s TV.

What makes this cafe even more remarkable is its location.

Pulman launched the Café Dafté concept several years ago at their Volkswagen showroom next to the Arnison Centre in Durham.

And when Pulman opened their £3million pound ŠKODA showroom on the opposite side of Durham City in Belmont, the Café Dafté concept was included in the showroom.

It certainly isn’t there purely for customers who are interested in buying a new ŠKODA or Volkswagen, or choosing from over one hundred quality used cars, or having their car serviced or MOT’d.

The concept was for it to be available for anyone who either lives or works in the area, or happens to be passing through Durham, who fancies either a snack, a cuppa or a restaurant quality meal.

Of course, there is the full range of ŠKODA cars on show at Belmont and Volkswagen at Abbey Road.

But with rave reviews on such sites as TripAdvisor, Café Dafté is making its mark as a must-visit restaurant in its own right.

As one customer wrote after a visit: “It’s a meal worthy of any of the top restaurants in the North-East, pleasant atmosphere, great staff , will be back.”

• Café Dafté @ Pulman ŠKODA on the Belmont Industrial Estate in Durham City
• Café Dafté @ Pulman Volkswagen at Abbey Road, Durham, just behind the Arnison Centre
• Open Monday to Friday with the following menu - http://cafedafte.co.uk/pdf/xmas-menu.pdf
• Open Saturday with the following menu - http://cafedafte.co.uk/pdf/xmas-menu-saturday.pdf
• Book online : http://cafedafte.co.uk/
• Call Café Dafté @ SKODA – 0191 312 0015 and @ Volkswagen – 0191 383 7508

A visit from Rafa Benitez

It was certainly a terrific Tuesday for everyone at Pulman Volkswagen as the Newcastle United Manager Rafa Benitez made a surprise visit to the showroom. 

Rafa Benitez and Paul Adams (Pulman Group Fleet Director) pictured with the brand new Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. 

Rafa Benitez visited numerous landmarks around the North East, making the most of a scheduled day off from training. With nine wins out of ten for Newcastle United in all competitions, Rafa was certainly spreading the positivity across the region.

On Tuesday morning at Pulman Volkswagen Durham Rafa made an appearance to the surprise of many in the showroom. Group Fleet Director Paul Adams comments, “We are delighted to have renewed our partnership once again with Newcastle United and we’re looking forward to exploring further unique opportunities that our relationship with the football club brings.”

For the 7^th consecutive year Pulman Volkswagen have been the official motor partner of Newcastle United. With locations across Durham and Sunderland, Pulman have been working closely with the Magpies, supplying cars from its extensive fleet of brand new Volkswagen’s.

  Rafa Benitez with the Pulman Volkswagen Team. 

The brand new Tiguan was the perfect choice for Rafa’s new car. With Four-wheel drive capability and class leading safety technology including Front Assist, City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, it assures anyone driving a Tiguan will be prepared for winter and those icy roads.

Rafa Benitez commented on driving the new Tiguan, “When I go home on the motorway it is a really comfortable ride, and when I drive in the city it reacts and responds really well on the road.”

Natalie Wilson, Marketing Manager for Pulman comments: “We are so thankful to Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United. The time Rafa spent with everyone in the showroom on the day was truly fantastic, taking the time to meet and take photos with everyone. It was great having a chat with Rafa in our Café Dafté as well, getting some inside knowledge on football formations.”

Rafa Benitez pictured with Natalie Wilson (Marketing Manager for Pulman) within the Pulman Café Dafté.

Pulman customer Michael Kitching was picking up his new Volkswagen Polo at the same time, as a huge Newcastle fan, he was overjoyed with meeting and getting his photo taken with Rafa! Pulman are very excited to be part of the Newcastle United journey and looking forward to what the future can bring for the club and the region.

To find out more about Pulman Volkswagen, the North Easts family run Volkswagen retailer, please call 0191 383 2444, email enquiries@pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk or visit www.pulmanvolkswagen.co.uk

First rate and second hand... the Pulman ŠKODA cars that are making their mark in the North East

Whether it's a brand new or a used ŠKODA, you can still drive away in the car of your dreams from Pulman ŠKODA. 

Let’s first of all get something straight. Most people decide to buy a used car because they assume that a new car is out of their financial reach. Okay, it all depends on your circumstances, but it really is worth having a chat with the sales guys at Pulman ŠKODA. You will be amazed at how many deals and different ways there are to buy a brand new car.

However, perhaps you’ve got your heart set on a bigger, faster or more luxurious model than what’s currently available for you in the new ŠKODA range, or you may be happy with your current marque and would simply like to renew it. If you are a person who ticks any of those boxes, you will still find what you’re looking for at Pulman ŠKODA.

You now have a few options

If you know what sort of car you want, go onto the Pulman used car website www.pulmanusedcars.co.uk …fill in the Used Car Search boxes and let the internet do the searching for you.

It will scan all of the Pulman dealerships to find out whether they have in stock the sort of car you’re looking for.

They have access to thousands of vehicles so there’s bound to be something that fits the bill.

Another idea is to get in touch with the sales team at Pulman ŠKODA and they will do the work for you. Just tell them the car you are looking for, or even just give them an idea of the sort of car you’d like, and then they’ll sort everything.

And here’s a really neat idea. If you spot something that seriously takes your fancy, the Pulman ŠKODA team will swing into action and create a short video of the exact car. This is a walk-around video with views both inside and outside of the car. You can closely study the car you fancy without leaving the comfort of your armchair. How cool is that?

In other words, if you want something that isn’t a brand new ŠKODA, you can still drive off in exactly the car that you’ve been looking for.

It might be second hand, but when it comes from Pulman ŠKODA, it’ll be first rate.

For more information about our brand new showroom, visit www.pulmanskoda.co.uk 

Source: The Chronicle 

Meet the ŠKODA Kodiaq – due to arrive early 2017 at Pulman ŠKODA

The wait is over for all SUV and ŠKODA fans after the world premiere of the Kodiaq. We can now confirm the specifications and pricing for the UK. More importantly the new Kodiaq will be able for ordering in November.

The first ever seven-seater SUV will be available in four trim levels, five engine options, two and four-wheel drive and a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes. The range comprises of three familiar trims; S, SE and SE L along with a new Edition grade that celebrates the arrival of ŠKODA’s first even seven-seater SUV.

S Trim

The Kodiaq starts with the S model, despite it being the entry level and a price tag of just £21,495 the S trim is brimming with standard equipment. Specification includes Front Assist, KEESY Go (Keyless Entry), Swing touchscreen infotainment system, DAB digital radio, SmartLink. Also included on the S trim is LED daytime running lights, 17-Inch Ratikon alloy wheels, leather multifunction steering wheel and air conditioning.

SE Trim

The SE trim gives drivers all the standard specification as well as 18-inch Elbrus alloy wheels, sunset glass cruise control and rear parking sensors. Drivers also benefit from a Bolero touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, dual zone climate control, rain and light sensors. Seven seats are available as £1,000 option on the SE trim.

SE L

The Kodiaq SE L trim features a generous specification list. Highlights include seven seats as standard, powered tailgate, 19-inch Sirius alloy wheels and Columbus navigation system with WiFi. Also included is Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and full LED headlights as standard.

Kodiaq Edition

New to the ŠKODA range is the Edition trim. The Edition showcases the Kodiaq’s exceptional range of equipment, Edition models start from £30,695 with standard equipment includes 19-inch Triglav alloy wheels, seven seats, leather upholstery, metallic paint and chrome roof rails. Technology features include Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, wireless charging, phone box and blind spot detection.

Pricing

The New Kodiaq starts at £21,495 for the S which includes a 1.4 TSI engine outputting 125ps in a 5 speed manual transmission. The SE 1.4 TSI comes in at £22,945 with the option of 7 seats for £23,945.  Diesel engines are also available in a 2.0TDI available in both DSG and manual transmissions with the option of a four-wheel drive.

Engines

The new ŠKODA Kodiaq is available in a wide range of engines which are capable of 190PS. A choice of two diesel engines and three petrol engines will be available at launch. Petrol engines include 1.4 TSI both manual and DSG with the option of 4x4 available on both with outputs up to 180PS. Diesel models include a 2.0 TDI available in both manual and DSG transmissions with outputs up to 190PS.

Interior Space

Inside the Kodiaq the boot capacity breaks through the 2,000 litre mark, with an overall boot size of 2,065 with the seats lowered. Standard boot size with seats fully in position is an impressive 720 litres.

Driver assistance systems

The Kodiaq gets plenty of driver assistance systems, including Tow Assist, which will take over the steering when reversing slowly. Surround view cameras give a top-down view of the car on screen during low speed manoeuvre’s. Adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist and city emergency braking are included on the Kodiaq feature list.

For more information and to keep up with the latest ŠKODA news and offers, visit www.pulmanskoda.co.uk or email enquiries@pulmanskoda.co.uk

Source: ŠKODA UK

Source: Auto Express 

CZECH OUT PULMAN ŠKODA

If you go back around ten years or so, the Czech car manufacturer, ŠKODA, was seen as the baby of the Volkswagen family. It was still very reliant upon its parent in Germany.

Today, ŠKODA stands tall amongst the rest of the Volkswagen brood (Audi, SEAT and of course Volkswagen itself) and it has class-leading products across the entire range.

No wonder therefore that Pulman in Durham has such confidence in the marque that it can open a brand new, £3million ŠKODA dealership on the Belmont Industrial Estate, creating 20 new jobs. It’s cutting-edge stuff too with state-of-the-art equipment throughout the building and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.

The entire dealership certainly has the wow factor. The first thing you’ll notice is the size of the building. It can easily house nine brand new cars on display; you’ll be stuck for choice. Turn left and you arrive at the funky CaféDafté where you can enjoy anything from a cup of illy coffee to a glorious lunch. Cakes, sandwiches and scones are available all day.  Taste the brand new menu which is gluten free and it’s all created on site from as much local produce as possible.

(Slow cooked Beef in ale on a warm peppered baguette served with hand cut chips only £5.95)

Anyway, back to the cars. Saunter around the showroom and you can inspect the Citigo, Yeti, Octavia, Fabia, Superb, Rapid and Rapid Spaceback. Oh, and if you’re thinking of buying a sporty, über stylish SUV, it’s worth holding onto your cash. Put a note in your diary for around a month’s time because that is when order books open for the stunning ŠKODA Kodiaq which kicks off at £21,495. Deliveries are due in the spring, but you can guarantee that Pulman ŠKODA will have one on display before then. Watch this space.

We’ve already mentioned the wonderful food at Café Dafté, but how about working off some pounds or de-stressing in their Yoga and Pilates classes. There are sessions, in partnership with MyBody Studios, throughout the day and evening in a special room within the dealership.

                                        

                                       (Enjoy yoga with MyBody Studios at Pulman ŠKODA)

Right….back to the cars. Of course, not everyone wants a new car. If you are one of those people then you really should contact Pulman because they have access to thousands of fully assured vehicles via their database. If you prefer to see your future pride and joy in person, then call into Pulman ŠKODA and inspect over 100 used cars on their spacious forecourt.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Granted, it’s tricky trying to keep up with current trends and what’s available. There’s probably an ideal car waiting for you that you’re not actually aware of. That’s where Sales Manager Ian Jarvis can help. He and his team will talk through what sort of car meets your needs, and then point you in the right direction. They’ll even sort out finance if you’d rather spread your payments.

                                                 (Inside the state of the art showroom)

If you want to give your current set of wheels a bit of tlc in the form of a service or MOT, get in touch with Danny Martin. He’s the Service Manager. Danny’s team can sort any make of car; it doesn’t have to be only ŠKODA models. He can also take care of small - medium commercial vehicles. There are courtesy cars available or, if you’re feeling energetic, borrow one of their bicycles.

As you can tell, Pulman ŠKODA does things differently. If you overhear a conversation where they’re talking about going to a car showroom where there was also a top class café, yoga classes, courtesy bicycles and some cracking cars, you’ll know where they’ve been.

Pulman ŠKODA….delivering a fantastically different customer experience. 

Visit www.pulmanskoda.co.uk or call us on 0191 300 6130