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and control concept offer the driver a completely digital experience, conventional switches in the interior have been replaced by gesture and voice control, touchscreens and touch sensitive surfaces.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.

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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.

Pulman ŠKODA support the Durham Big Ride 10th Anniversary.

(Photo left to right: Paul Clough (Rider), Ian Jarvis (Pulman SKODA), Hector Stewart (Rider) and Colin Wilkes (main organiser of Durham Big Ride) Location: Durham Cathedral.

For 10 years Durham has hosted the fantastic Durham Big Ride and The Beast, a cycling event for all  ages and abilities. There is a little ride (3 miles) for young children to get involved in, with en-route entertainment, a middle ride (10 miles), a big ride (25 miles) and the most challenging, “The Beast” (52 miles).

The 2016 start and finish will be at the historic Durham Cathedral, supported once again by Pulman ŠKODA, who will be helping out with some of their top cars to lead the riders on their way.

Colin Wilkes, main organiser of the Durham Big Ride comments: “We always look forward to see the local businesses getting involved with our event and with the new Pulman ŠKODA showroom opening soon in May in Durham City, it is great to cement the partnership we have with Pulman. From an event point, ŠKODA is one of the main names in the world of cycling and so having them with us brings a lot of prestige to both the Durham Big Ride and Beast events.”

The cycling event takes place over two weekends, Durham Little, Middle and Big ride will take place on Sunday 4^th September and the Beast on Sunday 18^th September. Hundreds of people take part in the events, which aim to get cyclists of all ages and abilities out on their bikes, with routes suitable for little ones on their first bikes to club members looking for a challenge.

Ian Jarvis, Sales Manager at Pulman ŠKODA comments: “This is the third year in a row that we have supported this event. It is truly a fantastic day for everyone. The events are well organised and most of all lots of fun. We are once again proud to support the Durham Big Ride and provide the lead car for all riders, especially on the 10^th anniversary of the event. With ŠKODAs cycling roots and Pulman opening their brand new flagship ŠKODA showroom in May, it is the perfect partnership for us.”

Pulman ŠKODA will open their brand new 9 car ŠKODA showroom to the public in May 2016 at Belmont Business Park. With an on-site showroom, Café, providing freshly made breakfast and lunches, fresh coffee and homemade cakes it will also have on-site bike shelters, maintenance and repair services plus courtesy bikes, it will be a popular destination for all cycling and car enthusiasts

Colin Wilkes continues: “It is really great to see all parts of the Durham community using the event to raise money and get out into the great countryside around the City into the bargain. We are looking to make this year special as it is out tenth running of the Durham Big Ride – the best one yet!”

For more information or to book your place on the Durham Big Ride visit www.durhambigride.co.uk

Introducing the SEAT Ateca SUV

Prices and specification now available for the SEAT Ateca range

After making its world debut at the Geneva Motor show in March, full UK pricing and specification for the Ateca has now been confirmed.  You can order the first ever SUV for SEAT from 3^rd May 2016.

The Ateca will be available in three different trim levels; the S, SE and XCELLENCE.

S

The entry level trim S has all the essential kit and more you would expect from SEAT. The classy interior includes; air conditioning, five-inch touch media system with USB and SD connectivity, leather steering wheel and gear knob plus split-folding rear seats with reclining function. On the outside, Ateca’s stylish lines are complemented by 16-inch ‘Design’ alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. An array of safety aids and systems come as standard on every Ateca, including Front Assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian protection, plus tiredness recognition.

SE

Moving on to SE, this trim brings you with an array of comfort, convenience and styling features. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors and rear park sensors as standard. The technology on board will not disappoint, included is Full Link technology, an upgraded infotainment system in the form of Media System Plus with an eight-inch colour touchscreen, voice control and Bluetooth/hands-free system. Finally, not forgetting the USB-AUX port and SD card slot come as standard of the SE trim. Externally the SE includes 17-inch ‘Dynamic’ alloy wheels, LED taillights and black roof rails.

XCELLENCE

Rounding of the trim levels is the ‘XCELLENCE’, the flagship trim includes an array of premium features including four new innovations for SEAT. First being a connectivity hub that allows you to charge your phone wirelessly and boots in-car phone signal. A multi-colour interior ambient lighting with LED interior illumination with a choice of eight colours. Never seen before feature for SEAT, comes an ‘ATECA’ welcome light which is projected onto the ground form the bottom of the door mirrors. Finally, SEAT driver profile with driving experience selector. This latest evolution from SEAT allows the driver to adjust Ateca’s set up (steering, throttle response and gear change speeds) according to road and weather conditions or personal preferences which include off-road and snow models on four-wheel drive versions.

Technology just continues to grow on the XCELLENCE trim with the Convenience Pack.  Auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and automatic coming home and leaving home lights function. Keyless Entry and go and navigation system (3D map display, high resolution display, two SD card slots and DAB digital radio). To make this trim even more impressive, black leather upholstery, rear view camera and winter pack (incorporating heated front seats and headlight washer system).

Moving to the exterior, the XCELLENCE trim boasts 18-inch Performance alloy wheels, chrome roof rails and window surrounds, as well as chrome double exhaust pipes and aluminium roof rails. Full LED headlights and dark tinted rear windows complete the premium look for the new Ateca.

Comfort, convenience, style and technology options

Every Ateca comes with an enviable list of standard equipment, for those seeking even more comforts there’s plenty of options. Some of the most noteworthy are its technology highlights, several of them making a debut on SEAT’s latest model.

The innovative electric tailgate with virtual pedal, for both opening and closing. Another convenience feature includes a top view camera offering a 360-degree view to assist with parking and manoeuvring. Lane assist is available as part of a driving assistance pack with high beam assist, while blind spot detection, complete with the new rear cross traffic alert.

Several convenience features likely to catch the eye include a double boot floor, park assist and again the first for SEAT – a heated windscreen.  For added style choose the optional panoramic sunroom and 19-inch ‘Exclusive’ machined alloy wheels.

Safety

An array of safety aids and systems come as standard on every Ateca, including Front Assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian protection, plus tiredness recognition. Safety features across the range include ASR traction control, ESC, electronic differential lock (XDS), seven air bags, hill hold control and finally tyre pressure monitor system.

Pricing

The Ateca has gave the SUV market a shake up with it’s very responsible start price of £17,990 under cutting several SUV manufactures, including the Nissan Qashqai by over £500 and the Ford Kuga by an impressive £2,000.

Engines

The new SEAT Ateca is available with a wide range of engines, including a frugal 1.6TDI capable of 65.7mpg, as well as several engines which achieve over 150PS. A total of five engines feature in total, comprised of two petrol and three diesels, with power ranging from 115PS to 190PS which include six-speed manual or seven speed- DSG auto transmissions.

A three-cylinder 1.0TSI 115PS is available on the S and SE, which the 1.6TDI 115PS features on the S and SE models. Upping the power to 150PS brings both the 1.4 Eco-TSI with active cylinder shutdown, as well as the highly regarded 2.0DI both of which feature across the SE and XCELLENCE trims. The 2.0TDI 190, is exclusively available on the XCELLENCE and comes with DSG and 4Drive (SEATS four-wheel drive system). 4Drive is also available as an option with the 2.0TDI 150.

Success in Europe

In several key European markets which include, France and Germany, where ordering for the Ateca has already opened is proving a huge hit even before customers have got behind the wheel. In the UK alone, media pundits have already begun heaping the praise. Auto express magazine hailed Ateca as an ‘impressive piece of kit’, while the Daily Telegraph hyped it up further with “in September, SEAT dealers will be very busy indeed.”

Source: SEAT UK