» FPV sets new benchmark in FPV executive styling        ^Top

With the release of the all-new F6 E concept, Ford has differentiated its styling from the F6 sibling through the use of a softer colour palette and more luxurious finishes and trim. This is part of the process to ensure that the F6 E satisfies calls from the market for more performance based executive vehicles.

The interior of the F6 E is charcoal with a dark walnut wood grain finish on the dashboard as well as the doors.

Powered by the high performance 4.0 litre turbo-charged DOHC 24 valve in-line six, the F6 E produces maximum power of 310kW at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 565Nm across the range from 1950 to 5200 rpm.

Working on a premium driving experience, other internal fit outs include a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control and audio mounted switches, dual zone temperature control air conditioning, front and rear power windows, and memory adjustable pedals with alloy pedal controls.

As you'd expect, a full complement of the latest safety features is included, together with remote alarm and FPV's ID Datadot identification.

» Future Ford Ranger                                                          ^Top

Here's a possible clue to the next generation Ford Ranger, which was designed by an Aussie, Paul Gibson, who is Ford's Asia-Pacific design chief. (Gibson was also behind the Focus concept sedan back in 2004).

The concept first appeared at Thailand's Motor Expo. Thailand is the second largest market for pickups, after the USA.

Still only a concept, it certainly provides clues as to how our Ranger will look next year.

» Ford shows the way with Fuel efficiency                       ^Top

At the recent Melbourne International Motor Show, Ford gave Australian motorists a glimpse of the near future when it revealed a new, highly fuel efficient and environmentally advanced vehicle that will show the way in delivering ultra-low CO2 emissions technology to consumers.

The Fiesta ECOnetic, a production model from Ford's ECOnetic range in Europe, will become a reality in late 2009 when the Fiesta ECOnetic joins the local Ford line-up, enabling customers to drive a mainstream, fuel efficient and low CO2 emitting vehicle that is also stylish and affordable.

Combining the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain with a carefully selected list of features engineered to reduce fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a fuel consumption rating of 3.7 L/100km and a corresponding CO2 output of just 98 g/km.

It looks and functions just like a conventional Fiesta, using conventional diesel powertrain technology, and its efficiency is not at the expense of driving quality or performance, as the ECOnetic TDCi engine produces 66 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. Bayford's Ford branches are located at Coburg and Epping.

» Business Centre Facility Popular with Botanist Sam     ^Top

For people who require business facilities, Bayford's Ford Service Centres have dedicated desks which enable service customers to continue on with their work while their car is being serviced. Customer Sam, a research botanist, came well prepared to use these facilities.

Armed with her laptop and even a microscope and apple tree leaves, Sam continued with her work looking for mites in the leaves - all whilst her car was being expertly serviced.

» Falcon Australia's Best Car                                              ^Top

The Falcon XT won the hotly contested 2008 Best Large Car category for traditional family cars, ahead of established challengers and the latest large car models, which is a resounding endorsement of the entire FG Falcon range.

The judges praised Ford for its sustained approach to product development and for building a world-class car with its FG Falcon range, saying "Ford has made a major step forward with the FG model" and "Ford has brought Falcon back to class supremacy with its new FG range".

They also recognised its advancements in engine and suspension performance, "it is clearly the best handling car of the bunch and its turbo six engine is an absolute ripper", along with Falcon's ability to deliver genuine real world fuel efficiency.

Two other Ford models were finalists in the 2008 Australia's Best Car awards, with the sports luxury G6E Turbo finishing second in the Prestige Car category, and the Mondeo TDCi finishing third in the Mid-size Car over $28,000 class.

Australia's Best Cars are presented by the Australian Automobile Association on behalf of Australia's Motoring Clubs, which include NRMA Motoring & Services, RACV, RACQ, RAASA and RACT.

Regarded as Australia's most consumer-focused motoring awards, they are based on a unique objective scoring system that takes into account a wide range of criteria across three main areas – value for money, design and function, and on the road performance. Test drives are available from Bayford's Coburg and Epping Branches.

» New Look Territory                                                           ^Top

Another Motor Show release due to go on sale in the second quarter, was the New Look SY Territory MkII which features key exterior design changes, fresh interior environments, a revised model line-up and a host of additional equipment now fitted as standard. With over 86,000 customers to date and a multitude of consumer and industry awards since its launch in 2004, the Territory has been an outstanding success.

Generally this is attributed to its car-like handling, spacious and flexible interior, stylish design and high levels of occupant safety, and the new look SY Territory MkII builds on all these attributes.

A revised model line-up for the SY Territory MkII range consists of the TX, TS and Ghia models, in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, along with the Ghia Turbo AWD.

Alloy wheels are now standard on Territory TX models, while new design alloy wheels will feature across the rest of the Territory range. Fog lamps have also been added as standard equipment on TS models with the new look SY Territory MkII.

The interior of the new Territory has also received a significant freshening, with new seat materials, colour finishes and trim highlights on all models, along with the choice of two new interior environments on TS and Ghia.

The list of new items extends to the seat materials, Interior Command Centre (ICC) finishes, instrument panel spear colours and a new Shadow interior environment colour on all models.

Territory TX now comes standard with side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors. Territory TS is also fitted with the full body colour package, along with a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and a third row seat as standard.

Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with an Alpine rear DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions and a new alloy wheel design (18-inch wheels are already standard fitment on the top-of-the-line Territory model).

» Bayford - Ford Dealer of the Year Runner Up                 ^Top

In another year of high achievements, Bayford's Ford franchise was the runner up in the 2008 Ford Dealer of the Year Awards. Dealer Principal Stuart McKenzie said he was humbled by the achievement which shows the dedication of all our staff and their hard work towards total customer satisfaction.

This brings the group's Ford Dealer of the Year award tally to 8 which include; Runner up Dealer of the Year 02 & 08, Dealer of the Year '03,'04,'06 & '07 and National Dealer of the Year '06 & '07.

» Imagine the Peugeot of the future World Megalopolis    ^Top

That was the theme of the 5th Peugeot Design Competition and was met with resounding success, with over 2,500 projects submitted by participants from 95 different nationalities.

There were some excellent entries with first prize awarded to Carlos Tovar from Colombia, aged 25, for his ‘RD’ concept car, pictured.

Excerpts of the RD project as described by Carlos Arturo Torres are; ...functions mainly through an ingenious articulation process, has impeccable road-holding

properties, as well as the ability to thread its way easily through urban traffic. Fitted with an environmentally-friendly electric engine, this single-seater concept car has a driving position that gives a new feeling of freedom with its panoramic view, vocal driving assistance and a head-up display system that gives all the information needed for safe journeys.

This concept combines the sensations of a 3-wheel scooter with the driving pleasure of a saloon, while retaining the functionalities vital to the combination of these two transport modes… with the addition of silence.

Accessible, tough, and extremely simple, the Peugeot RD concept is perfectly adapted to the environment of the future megalopolis with complex mobility constraints.

Peugeot's design competition has been a great success where designers work towards solutions to guarantee a balanced union between man and machine.

» RC Hybrid4 Environmental efficiency & motoring passion ^Top

The RC HYbrid4 is a concept car born from the passion and expertise of Peugeot’s stylists and engineers. This “GT” coupe is the missing link between the "RC pique" and "RC carreau" concept cars revealed in 2002 and the 908 RC, one of the stars of the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

It is a real laboratory of future ideas, bringing together numerous stylistic, engineering and technological ideas in a single vehicle.

The RC HYbrid4 is an accessible and versatile car, with four doors, four seats and four wheel drive, coupled with a highly innovative electric/petrol hybrid architecture (HYmotion4 technology).

Its aim: a very high level of efficiency both in terms of performance (with its potential 230 kW/313 bhp) and minimal impact on the environment (CO2 emissions of 109g/km in the combined cycle or Zero in electric mode).
It is an exciting, eco-efficient vehicle which has all the characteristics that create a real passion for driving.

A synthesis of ideas that demonstrates that respect for the environment and driving pleasure can be compatible.
It will be interesting to see what develops from this concept... as it may well be the styling cue for new models to come.

» Peugeot Stock Clearance Sale                                              ^Top

There's not much time left, but the bargains are still available in our Peugeot Bolt from the Blue Stock Clearance which is being held at both City Peugeot and Bayford of South Yarra. Some of the fantastic offers include FREE REGISTRATION, FREE CTP, FREE STAMP DUTY & FACTORY BONUS on 207 XR 1.6 5 Door Auto - that’s a saving of $5,300.00.

Another amazing offer is on the 407 STI. You get a FREE UPGRADE TO DIESEL plus FREE LEATHER. That's a saving of $10,600 on normal RRP.

There are also other great offers across other models in the range. In addition, you’ll also get AT NO EXTRA COST, 12 months unlimited kms warranty over and above the full Peugeot factory warranty. So if you're up for a new car update, there's never been at better time for a Peugeot. Call into either City Peugeot or Bayford of South Yarra soon.

» Just Released New Golf has Highest Safety as Standard  ^Top

Once again the latest Golf has received five stars in the EuroNCAP evaluation. The Golf received the highest overall rating of any vehicle. In the latest rating of the EuroNCAP all safety and assistant systems of the individual vehicles are now being assessed. Up until now, safety systems such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which is fitted in the Golf as standard, were not taken into account in the evaluation.

In a new updated assessment procedure, electronic safety and assistant systems which help to prevent accidents and avoid serious injury are also included in the evaluation.

In addition, a rear crash test which will provide information on the load on the cervical spine is part of the new evaluation scheme. Volkswagen has responded to this kind of injury to the spine in the new Golf with "Whiplash-optimised head restraints" (WOKS). In comparison, the protective potential of WOKS was clearly better in the corresponding tests than the bio-mechanical figures of numerous active systems.

The Golf received an impressive rating of 97% in the Adult Occupant Protection category and is now in the showroom at Camberwell Volkswagen.

» Golf V Runout Deals                                                               ^Top

With the arrival of the new Golf 6 taking place, Camberwell Volkswagen has some massive bargains to be had on its Golf V runout program. In fact there's close to a million dollars worth of stock to be moved according to Dealer Principal Wayne Taynton.

When we spoke to Wayne he said, "We bought up big on Golf V because of the excellent value it represented, but as you would expect, we now have to move them out to make more room in our showroom. Anyone who has a keen sense for a great deal will quickly recognise that we're serious about our runout program so don't delay coming in otherwise you may miss out".

» Driveaway Specials on Volkswagen Van Range                 ^Top

Our Preston Volkswagen Commercial Centre is running some great deals on commercials at the moment, with unbelievable driveaway deals across Caddy, Transporter and Crafter models.

With typical German logic, these three models are exactly measured up to fit their particular market segment so no matter what area of business you're in, you'll find a Volkswagen business van to suit. The specials on offer right now include New Caddy Van from $21,990, New Transporter from $31,990 Driveaway and New Crafter from $44,200 Driveaway.

» Škoda Design Studies                                                            ^Top

The Škoda design studies materialise ideas of new forms and functions of a compact car for Škoda’s future customers, and outline the future development of familiar design elements from Škoda Auto. The latest concept car, Joyster, is a three-door car with compact exterior dimensions, yet surprisingly generous interior space. It is also a new combination of compact body design and a wide range of communication technologies and comfort equipment.

The Joyster concept, as well as the other ones, demonstrate the big creative potential of Škoda's young designers.

» Škoda Octavia Runout Sale                                                   ^Top

Well there's nothing new about model runouts, but this year the potential savings are really quite remarkable. Skoda's formidable Octavia 1.9 TDI diesel 2008 model runout is available in liftback version from only $25,990 plus $3355 dealer delivery, stamp duty & reg and ctp = $29,345 driveaway.

That represents seriously good value by anyone's standards. Powered by Volkswagen Group technology and designed with safety and comfort in mind, you get features such as 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD & ASR, cruise control, 3 year unlimited kms warranty, 3 year Skoda Assist roadside

» Meet our people                                                                       ^Top

A man with a passion for Ford Mustangs, Mick Hogan, has been in the automotive parts industry for 35 years and with our group for almost 20 years. He is the General Manager of our group's spare parts operation.

Mick has a love of Mustangs, and previously completed a 7 years concours restoration of a 1966 Mustang, reaching Silver level at 2006 National Concours.  He now has a 1967 candy apple red Mustang fast back. Mick has also restored a 1976 Harley Davidson Shovelhead and collects vintage guitars.

A guy who knows his nuts and bolts, Mick has won the Australian Automotive Dealer Association's Victorian retail motor industry award for parts - Large Dealer Category for 5 years out of 6 - quite an impressive result.

Mick can usually be found at the Group's Parts Superstore and Warehouse/Call Centre located at Campbellfield, where we distribute parts, automotive paint and tools to both the trade and retail customers.

It's not a widely know fact that the Bayford Parts operation is one of Melbourne's largest trade parts suppliers with 13 vehicles delivering parts to dealers all around greater Melbourne - all under the watchful eye of Mick.