RRG Group blog

Visitors to this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be in for a unique treat when the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B takes to the hill, filling the West Sussex venue with one of motorsport’s most evocative and distinctive soundtracks.

In 1991 Mazda confounded its critics and rewrote motorsport history when its rotary-powered 787B won the 24-Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most arduous and taxing endurance race. Mazda became the first - and to date the only - Japanese car manufacturer to win the race, and the only marque ever to do so with a rotary-engined car. The 700PS carbonfibre-bodied racer, which has a 210mph top speed, completed 362 laps at an average speed of 127.62mph.

Under the seasoned eye of six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx, the factory-backed team entered three cars into the 1991 race. The winning 787B, number 55, wore the iconic green and orange livery, and was driven by the crack team of Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot. It ran faultlessly - its only mishap being a blown headlight bulb - and 24 hours and 3065 miles later, Herbert took the chequered flag. The two other 787Bs also finished in the top ten, underlining the strength and dependability of their rotary powerplants.

Ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans veteran Mike Wilds and current Mazda works driver Mark Ticehurst will be driving the 787B up the hallowed Goodwood hill throughout the festival weekend. The Mazda 787B arrives at Goodwood after a painstaking restoration and test programme to bring it back to driving condition for the first time since it took to the track in 1991. Last month saw the 787B participate in an evocative demonstration drive by Johnny Herbert in front of a huge audience before the start of the Le Mans race.

The 787B will be joined by Mazda UK’s latest motorsport sensation, the MX-5 GT. Taking on top racing brands like Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus and BMW in this year’s Britcar Dunlop Production GTN Championship, the MX-5 GT racecar epitomises the MX-5’s giant-slaying attributes of lightweight athleticism, wrist-flick agility and bullet-proof reliability, all at an affordable cost.

The MX-5 GT is powered by a tuned 275bhp 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine and features a six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox, carbonfibre doors and polycarbonate windows. With a kerb weight of just 850kg – the result of a painstaking 400-hour build by motorsport engineering specialist Jota Sport – the MX-5 GT accelerates from 0-to-60mph in just three seconds and has a top speed of 160mph.

With Mark Ticehurst and talented Auto Express journalist Owen Mildenhall behind the wheel, the MX-5 GT has already racked up two podium results and currently lies fifth in the championship.

As if one red-hot MX-5 wasn’t enough, Banzai Magazine will also be displaying its jaw-dropping MX-5 conversion. Created by the UK’s best-selling Japanese tuning magazine as an homage to the Mazda Furai concept car, the matte black and glossy red 2.0i Roadster Coupe is fitted with a raft of dynamic and visual upgrades. The stunning 1967 Cosmo Sport, also on Mazda’s show stand, will be the perfect foil for the Banzai MX-5.

And coming right back to the 21st Century, Mazda will also have full details on its revolutionary SKYACTIV technology. This technology will ensure driving remains fun while also addressing environmental concerns with fuel economy and CO2 emissions on a par with hybrids.  Every new model from 2012 will embody SKYACTIV technology, this radical new efficiency and lightweight system saw Mazda’s engineers go back to the drawing board for a radical rethink of how the car’s chassis, body, engine and transmission could be redesigned to be inherently lighter and more efficient while still delivering Mazda’s hallmark on-road dynamism.

“Exactly half a century ago, Mazda started development of the rotary engine. The line that can be drawn from that bold new initiative, through to our 1991 victory at Le Mans, and on to our exciting SKYACTIV technology development programme, is founded on our desire to never stop challenging and to defy convention,” said Mazda PR director Graeme Fudge.

trade2U.com, the website set up by The RRG Group to cut out the middleman and sell quality used cars direct to retail customers that would otherwise be sold on through traders has undergone a makeover.

As well as updating the look and feel of the site, new functionality has been added allowing users to search by both cash price and monthly budget and another new feature of the site is the finance calculator tool that helps users to work out the best way to finance their car purchase.

All trade2U.com cars come with a 12 month MOT, a 3 month trade2U.com warranty and a multi-point pre delivery check – so you know that you are getting a quality, roadworthy vehicle, whatever its age or mileage.

Customers can test drive as many trade2U.com cars as they like in order to make sure they get the car that is right for them and trade2U.com can provide 7 days free comprehensive insurance cover to customers, so that they can drive away in their new car the same day as they buy it.

As part of the RRG Group, trade2U.com ensure you will always receive a first class professional service from a dealership group that has been successfully trading, and satisfying customers, for over 40 years!

We have launched an iPhone and iPad app which aims to make buying an approved used car easier for motorists.

Our new UsedCarApp is a search tool that allows potential buyers to search through all the available used cars on sale across our 19 sites.

Users can also use the app to book test drives.

Joint managing director Arran Bangham said: “We are continually investing in making our customers' experience the best it can be.

“With UsedCarApp, we bring our dealerships directly to our customers and create a platform where they can browse at their leisure.”

We have also revamped our iClaimIt app, which was launched last November and aims to help users calculate their driving and business expenses, to incorporate users' feedback.

The new updated version allows drivers to use the iPhone's GPS tracking feature to trace the user's movements via satellite and record their mileage automatically without the need for calculating and manually inputting the length of each journey.

It also allows users to attach photographs of fuel, parking and other expense receipts to claims, which can then be emailed back to their office.

Do you drive a Prius or an Auris Hybrid? Perhaps you’re eyeing-up a new Yaris Hybrid or the seven-seat Prius+ MPV when they launch in the UK next year? Here are our top tips for ensuring you get the best fuel economy possible from whichever Toyota hybrid you’ve set your heart on.

Let’s start with the basics - these will help any car’s fuel efficiency, hybrids included!

1. Remove all unnecessary weight from the car
2. Ensure all tyres are correctly inflated
3. Plan ahead to avoid jams or simply getting lost
4. Close windows and sun roof at higher speeds (above 45mph)
5. Remove unused roof racks, boxes and bike racks
6. Maintain steady speeds and do not exceed speed limits
7. Anticipate road conditions to avoid sudden braking and acceleration

Hybrid driving techniques that will maximise MPG - sorry other car drivers, these are for hybrids only!

8. Familiarise yourself with the car’s hybrid information display so you can monitor how much energy is being used
9. Be gentle with the accelerator pedal; press it lightly but consistently, to help keep the car in EV mode
10. Use ECO mode for improved efficiency - this will reduce response to aggressive use of the accelerator and optimise Climate Control settings
11. Gentle, early braking boosts regenerative braking, resulting in EV mode being able to operate for longer periods
12. Monitor the dials and gauges to fully understand the state of the hybrid system and manage high voltage battery levels
13. When stationary, do not select ‘N’ neutral, as electricity will not be generated and the hybrid battery will discharge
14. Consider the use of Cruise Control to maintain steady speeds
15. If using Climate Control, re-circulate mode reduces energy usage
16. Maximise your use of EV mode wherever it is appropriate to do so
And finally, once you’ve mastered these tips, your hybrid’s trip computer will show that there is little or no reduction in the vehicle’s overall average speed when driving economically.

If you’re ready to put your eco-driving skills to the test, why not take part in the Toyota Hybrid Challenge taking place at Centres across the UK throughout April and May? Click here to find your local Toyota Centre.

Please note, these hybrid driving tips are published as general guidance on how to get the best fuel economy from your Toyota hybrid. Toyota encourages and supports safe driving at all times - please adhere to the rules of the road.

Unsure about the benefits of hybrid cars? Convinced they’re too complex or just not for you? Carpool’s Robert Llewellyn explains the truth about Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive in our hybrid mythbusters video special - click here to find out more.

Mazda Motor Corporation announce that its all-new compact crossover SUV, which is scheduled to launch in the UK in 2012, will be called the Mazda CX-5.

All-new, the Mazda CX-5 is the production model derived from the Mazda MINAGI concept car, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, and will also be shown at the New York International Auto Show which opens this week (20 April).

The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme that premiered on the Mazda SHINARI concept car last year. When it appears in Mazda showrooms around the world next year, the compact SUV will feature a full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including new-generation engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering.

The “CX” in CX-5 is Mazda’s official designation for its global line-up of crossover SUV vehicles, which also includes the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 – depending on individual markets.  The CX-5 will be the compact model in the series.

In production form, the Mazda CX-5 will make its international debut at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show to be held in Germany in September – before going on sale in 2012.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan on the 11th March has had a catastrophic impact on life and infrastructure in some parts of the country. The initial priorities of the Japanese government after the earthquake and tsunami were to prevent any further loss of life and to get food to the most stricken areas. The rebuilding process, including bringing the nuclear crisis under control, will take many months.

Our thoughts go out to the many families who have been affected by the disaster.

The RRG Group has a number of Japanese franchise partnerships including Toyota, Lexus, Mazda and Suzuki. We are working with those manufacturers to minimise the impact on our customers.

Many of the manufacturers have already re-started production albeit at reduced levels. Production facilities outside of Japan have also been affected due to the shortages of Japan sourced parts. Recent Press reports have commented on the far-reaching effects of the disruption caused by Japan sourced parts supply shortages. Delays are likely to be experienced at most automotive manufacturers due to reliance on a number of components exclusively sourced from Japan.

These production issues and parts reliance may impact vehicle production and therefore delivery times, however it is a priority of the RRG Group to ensure that all customers are kept informed at all stages and that as soon as any information on production and/or delivery is available, it will be passed on immediately.

RRG acknowledge our social responsibility and as a Group, RRG have donated £6,000 to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Tsunami appeal and in May this year 55 of our employees will take part in the 10K Manchester Run in aid of this cause.
RRG would also like to offer our loyal customers the opportunity to show their support with donations via sponsorship of the RRG Group team. Any contributions to the cause will be greatly appreciated - donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/rrggroup.

Finally, The RRG Group would like to offer reassurances that whilst production issues may affect some models across the RRG Group’s franchises; the Group remains incredibly proactive in ensuring that delays are kept to a minimum. RRG does currently have new car stock available for sale and delivery. If you would like any further details or information on specific new car stock, please feel free to contact your local RRG dealership.

Your patience is appreciated and The Group wish all the best at these difficult times to all our partners and colleagues in Japan and to the families of those affected.

RRG Group's Fleet Department are holding their 2011 Annual Fleet Event at ...

The Point – Lancashire Cricket Club on the 14th April between 10.00am and 5.00pm.

This year’s event promises to be the best yet, with the exciting launch of some fantastic new models by our franchise partners.

The brand new Lexus CT 200h, the new Peugeot 508 and the new Kia Sportage will be on display as well as many more superb models – all of which will be available to test drive on the day.

Previous events have proved very popular and particularly this year with the stunning new and long awaited product line up – we anticipate that places will be highly sought after.

Please confirm your attendance as soon as possible.

As well as being able to enjoy the stunning products on display, we will also be able to offer you the opportunity to practice your golf swing, shooting skills and driving prowess!

We’re delighted that we will have the ex European Open winner Andrew Murray, Golf Professional - with us on the day, offering tips and advice on your technique.

Once you’ve perfected your swing, you can try your hand at the new state of the art Clay Pigeon Shooting simulator and put pedal to the metal with the twin seat indoor racing car simulator.

The real aim of the day is clearly to offer you the opportunity to see the fantastic new models that are available from RRG Group Fleet as well as test drive the whole RRG Fleet product range together in one venue.

For more information or to confirm your attendance, please call RRG Group Fleet on 0161 635 0221 or e-mail event@rrg.fleet.com

Commenting on the appointments, Group Chairman, Osamu Ito said "It gives me great pleasure to announce the promotion of Arran and Tony.  We have the best Motor Retail operation in the whole of the Marubeni organisation and I know Tony and Arran have the passion and desire to continue to grow this business and continue to be the best not only in our Group but also in the UK."

In a move to make the management structure more streamlined, Arran and Tony will now have joint responsibility for all business operations.

The key success factors of the Group will not change.  The desire to be the best in business whether it is in terms of sales volume, customer satisfaction, aftersales performance, staff and customer retention has never been greater.

Tony commented, “I am very proud to be leading the business into a period where we will face many challenges. Passion and commitment from everyone will help grow the Group and ensure we have many more years of success.”

Arran added “Tony and I will continue to push the key drivers in our business but we will also ensure that we will adapt to the ever changing market conditions that we operate in. We have the ability together with our management team to be the best in the industry.”

Arran joined the Group in 1995 as Financial Accountant and quickly progressed to the position of Financial Director by 1998. During his time with the Group Arran has worked on the sale of the business to Marubeni in 2000, acquired the South Manchester sites from European Motor Holdings in 2006 and worked on the acquisition of Norton Way Motor Holdings in 2008 for Marubeni.

Tony joined the business in 1986 as a petrol pump attendant moving into the Toyota Bury sales department in 1987 eventually achieving Sales Manager in 1993.  Tony then went on to become General Manager of Toyota Bolton in 2000 making it very quickly the Group's most profitable dealership with record profits in 2003. Tony was promoted to Group Operations Director in 2006 overseeing the Toyota side of the business and in 2008 Tony took on responsibility for Peugeot and Mazda.

Kia's newly-launched Sportage crossover and Sorento SUV have both walked away with wins in Total Off Road magazine's 2011 4x4 of the Year awards.  Kia itself also scooped the ‘4x4 Manufacturer of the Year' award completing the hat-trick for the Korean firm.

The Sportage won the category of ‘Junior SUV' fending off competition from 18 mainstream and premium models including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo XC60 and the Ford Kuga.  The Sorento came away with top prize in the SUV category, ahead of 12 rivals, and overcame strong opposition from luxury brands such as Range Rover and Lexus.

Alan Kidd, Editor, Total Off Road magazine commented: "Kia's won a string of value for money awards from us in the past, but the new Sportage and Sorento are about much more than just that.  If money were no object, they'd still be really strong contenders - even the Sorento, in a category where it's up against some absurdly expensive rivals. Fact is, it's way more practical inside than many SUVs costing twice as much.  And in the style-conscious junior SUV market, the Sportage's looks blow most of its premium opposition out of the water."

Explaining their decision to award Kia a third trophy Kidd added:"The fact that Kia has managed to introduce two such outstanding vehicles in the last 12 months, and do so at incredibly keen prices, makes it our Manufacturer of the Year, too: no contest."

Michael Cole, Managing Director, Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: "We've always been confident about the abilities of Sportage and Sorento and are delighted that these have been recognised by one of the UK's leading off-road magazines.  Being chosen as Total Off Road's manufacturer of the year is the icing on the cake."

The full Sportage line-up, including 2WD versions, went on sale in November priced from £16,645 and comes with a choice of two petrol and two turbo-diesel engines.  Equipment levels are generous with even the entry-level version coming with features more usually associated with more expensive vehicles such as cruise control, Bluetooth & iPod connectivity and automatic rain-sensing wipers. 

Sorento is also available in 2WD and AWD versions and with either five or seven seat layouts.  The powerful 2.2 CRDi turbo-diesel engine was recently joined by an efficient 2.0 CRDi engine and a new range-topping ‘3 Sat-Nav' version -  with integrated touch-screen satellite navigation and a premium audio system - was also added to the line-up.  The Sorento range is priced from £22,495.

Mazda has launched its first online microsite specifically aimed at mums, suitably named ‘Mazda Mums’. To mark the introduction of the New Mazda5, launched in October this year, the Mazda Mum’s site provides busy parents quick advice on a variety of topics and enables visitors to post their own tips. 

Offering useful guidance on children’s safety while driving, entertainment for long journeys, meal suggestions and other helpful advice, Mazda Mums is already proving to be a popular site – see http://uk.specials.lifestyle.yahoo.com/mazda-mums/. 

Mazda Mums is currently hosting an exclusive competition, giving visitors to the site the opportunity to win six nights accommodation for their family in one of seven European countries. To ensure they fully enjoy their stay, the winning family will also receive the use of a Mazda5 for the duration.

The Mazda5, now available at RRG Mazda, is a family favourite. Its versatile interior can accommodate up to seven occupants over three rows of seats. Alternatively, with the rear seats folded flat the Mazda5 offers an exceptionally large cargo space, ideal for bulky pushchairs and shopping.

“We have received outstanding interest in the newly designed Mazda5.  It is a great car for families of all sizes, providing plenty of space for parents, and children of all ages. Its new sleek design has proven even more popular than the previous model and the enhanced equipment levels are first rate,” commented Kevin Shepley, Dealer Principal at RRG Mazda Stockport.

Priced from £17,695 on the road, the three equipment levels available on the Mazda5 – TS, TS² and Sport – each provide exceptional value for money. Mazda’s punchy yet economical petrol and diesel engines present outstanding performance, making the Mazda5 a fun family car demonstrating Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit. For improved economy the Mazda5 is available with stop/start i-stop technology, which improves fuel economy and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Practical rear sliding doors ensure that transferring children to and from the rear seats of the Mazda5 is a simple and easy task.   The top-of-the range Sport model features automatic powered sliding doors with a safety sensor to ensure hands are not caught.