» Ford Fiesta Drives Away with the 2009 Best Car Awards  ^Top

Ford Fiesta's popularity was reinforced when it scooped the pool at this year’s car of the year awards. The LX Fiesta took home the title of Australia’s Best Small Car 2009 in Australia’s Best Car Awards. Presented by the Australian Automobile Association on behalf of Australia's Motoring Clubs, the judges praised the Fiesta LX for its value for money, safety, security and space.

Of course that was not surprising as in November, the Fiesta CL grabbed the honours in this year’s Drive Car of the Year Awards 2009 for Best Small Car Under $20,000 – the first win ever for the Ford Fiesta in this category.

And just released onto the market, the latest addition to the Fiesta family, the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic topped the most efficient cars on the road by winning Cars Guide Green Car of the Year.

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, which reset the fuel economy benchmark this year at 3.7L/100km and produces only 98 grams of carbon for each kilometre it travels, took the title from other Green COTY finalists including the Toyota Prius hybrid and Mini Cooper D. Australia’s most fuel efficient car, the ECOnetic, was also praised for its affordability, being nearly $10,000 cheaper than its closest competitor the Mini Cooper D.

Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela said, "The latest awards recognise Ford Fiesta's position as the leading small car in Australia whilst the Cars Guide Green Car of the Year - the only green car award in Australia – strengthens the ECOnetic’s reputation for ‘best in class’ fuel efficiency and value for money.”

The new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic has just gone on sale priced at $24,990 driveaway.

» More Grunt in 2010 LPG Falcon                                       ^Top

New technology enhancements will breathe more power and better fuel efficiency into next year's LPG Falcons.

It is claimed that enhancements made to the European Vialle liquid-injection system equal or even better Falcons equivalent petrol fueled engine performance.

That means that motorists can look forward to identical performance of petrol cars, but at close to half the running cost.

The biggest issue in getting people to change to LPG has been due to performance.

» Ford Presents 4 New Vehicles to the CFA                      ^Top

Ford Australia President and CEO Marin Burela has presented the CFA with four new vehicles, one of which replaces a car lost in bush fires earlier this year.

He is pictured here handing over the keys of 4 donated Ford Ranger 4WD diesel utes to CFA Chairman Kerry Murphy at Kilmore recently. Valued in excess of $155,000, they will go to brigades at Craigieburn, Tallangatta, the Yarra Area and at Westernport.

Mr Murphy said Ford had generously supported the CFA during the bush fires by providing 20 loan vehicles for response and recovery projects, and was thrilled the

company had donated the Rangers.

“I am proud to be chairman of CFA, and part of my pride comes from the knowledge that the ethos of our organisation is based on mateship – friends helping friends, communities helping communities and private and public sector helping each other,” he said. “Ford’s assistance during the fires is very much appreciated.”

Mr Burela said the company wanted to find practical ways to support the emergency services who risked their lives to help communities on Black Saturday.

"As we're in the car business, one of the most useful ways to assist CFA was to replace the vehicles lost in the devastating bush fires with new Ford Rangers,” he said. "The donation of these vehicles supports a broader range of bush fire assistance programs including an employee donation scheme, vehicle loan program and paid emergency service leave for CFA and SES volunteers."

» Bayford Apprentices Win 1st & 2nd Year Awards          ^Top

Two of Bayford's Ford Service division apprentices have taken out Ford's Apprentice of the Year awards.

Chris Sands from Coburg won their first year award, which also included $500 worth of racing gear. Dale Bullos from Epping branch won the second year award, also with racing gear plus a trip to Bathurst as part of Ford's racing team.

Pictured L to R are group Managing Director, Hugh Bayford, Dale Bullos, Neville Watson (Ford's Trainer), Chris Sands and Stuart McKenzie, Bayford's Ford Dealer Principal.

» Customer Rewards Are There for the Taking                 ^Top

Something that may be easily overlooked, yet can provide you with enormous value is the Bayford Group's Members Only myRewards program.

Every customer who buys a car from any of our dealerships gets their own personal Customer Rewards pack, and that means that you can take advantage of literally thousands of discounts, coupons and savings at a multitude of businesses in many parts of Australia, not just Victoria.

There are offers for Travel, Leisure, Box Office, Shopping, Dining and even Insurance just to name a few. It's our own little way of saying "thank you" for your patronage.

To log into your myRewards members area, just click to http://ezine.bayford.com.au/rewards/bayfordgroup_rewards.htm and then go to the "Members Login" section.

» Golf Wins Best Mid Sized Car Of The Year + More         ^Top

Volkswagen’s acclaimed Golf 118TSI has added another significant title to its list of achievements by claiming the award as ‘Best Mid size car over $30,000’ in Australia’s Best Car Awards 2009.

The Golf has recently come up trumps in a range of automotive awards. Both Carsguide and DRIVE announced the Volkswagen Golf 118TSI as the overall winner in their independent Car of the Year Awards for 2009.

Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, commented on this significant achievement:

“2009 has been a big year for the Volkswagen Golf. Since the Australian market introduction of the new Golf early this year, the motoring media have taking a real liking to this model. It is fantastic to finish a successful year with a range of major awards. This is recognition for the fantastic engineering that has made the Volkswagen Golf such a great contender in its segment.”

‘Australia’s Best Car Awards’ are in their tenth year as a co-operation between the seven State and Territory based car clubs of Australia. This is the nation’s most comprehensive and independent consumer focused vehicle testing and award program. For more on Golf, why not call into Camberwell Volkswagen in Hawthorn.

» European Car Of The Year 2010 - Volkswagen Polo      ^Top

On 30 November the Car of the Year jury chose the Volkswagen as number 1; this is the crowning achievement of an extraordinary year for the new Polo in one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in Europe.

"The fifth generation Polo was designed to address customer expectations with even greater uncompromising alignment. That is why we are naturally very pleased to see our efforts validated in the form of this award,” says Professor Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group.

59 jurors from 23 European countries cast their votes. The new Polo won with 347 points, outpacing the Toyota IQ.

Polo’s comprehensive safety equipment and its advanced range of engines impressed judges the most, and the Polo BlueMotion Volkswagen was also acknowledged as a very fuel-efficient yet affordable car.

The Polo’s selection as Car of the Year 2010 is the crowning achievement of an extraordinary year for the new Polo after already being named Best Car 2009 by “auto motor sport” magazine and winning the Grüne (“Green”) and the Goldene Lenkrad (“Golden Steering Wheel”) awards by publisher Springer Verlag - as well as the Auto Trophy by “Autozeitung” just a few days ago. For more information contact Camberwell Volkswagen on 98 111 888.

» New Volkswagen Jetta Range                                          ^Top

The 2010 Jetta model range has been extended and now offers five attractive engine options catering for all needs. Two petrol engines and three diesel variants make up the new line up of Jetta models, providing a great value, well equipped mid size sedan.

The popular 1.6 77TDI engine - recently introduced to the New Golf range - is now also available on the Jetta, ensuring low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering great performance at the same time. The second new diesel engine is the 2.0 125TDI, which brings high performance and sportiness to the range.

The new 7-speed DSG gearbox is now available with the 1.4 118TSI and the 1.6 77TDI Jetta. Several new features have been introduced to the range to make it even more appealing. Parking distance sensors in the front and rear combined with the Optical Parking System (OPS) come fitted on every vehicle. A new choice of trims give the range an attractive update and are combined with a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, so why not inspect the new Jetta now at Camberwell Volkswagen.

» The New Multitasking Peugeot 4007 Now Available          ^Top

In response to strong growth in the market of all-terrain & SUV vehicles, Peugeot has launched its first ever four-wheel drive Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in Australia with the introduction of the diesel-powered 4007.

The new 4007 features an innovative electronically controlled four-wheel drive system, a powerful, latest-generation 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine, combined with high levels of ride comfort both on and off road.

The 2.2-litre HDi diesel engine develops maximum power of 115 kW and maximum torque of 380Nm.

Its fuel efficiency and environmental credentials are of the highest order, with 7.0 litres/ 100km and 191 grams/ km (CO2) for the manual.

The torque output from the diesel engine sees the 4007 capable of a braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg and environmental performance is enhanced by the particle emissions filter, a technology pioneered by Peugeot’s suspension expertise which contributes significantly to the superior road holding of 4007. The spacious interior layout allows for a 5-seat or 7-seat configuration with clever functionality.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia general manager/ director Ken Thomas believes 4007 more than meets the expectations of today’s SUV customers. “4007 is an SUV with very strong credentials having sold in excess of 25,000 worldwide since launch. Gaining access to the brand new Getrag 6-speed DSC automatic gearbox is a very exciting development for 4007 and a further example of new technology available today.” he said.

You can arrange to take the 4007 for a test drive now by contacting either City Peugeot on 9341 4444 or Bayford of South Yarra on 8290 2888.

»Peugeot BB1 2.5m Electric Concept Vehicle                    ^Top

Peugeot has always been at the forefront of motor vehicle innovation and always surprises with new and trend setting designs.

With its BB1 concept car, Peugeot has fearlessly pushed back the conventions and boundaries of automobile manufacturing to bring a totally original response to the current and future needs of urban mobility.
Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5 metres long, the BB1 concept car is a full electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in every way: architecture, style, interior design, drive, connectivity – while all the time

respecting the environment. At the forefront are the values of liberty, optimism - even “altruism”. The BB1 concept car is the promise of a new driving experience.

» FPV's All New GS Sedan & Ute                                        ^Top

Aimed at broadening its appeal to our automotive enthusiasts, FPV recently launched the all new GS sedan and ute series.

Named in tribute to a fondly-remembered Ford from the late '60s, the new GS sedan and GS Ute are unique limited-edition models offering buyers entry to the FPV family at a very competitive price point.

Production is limited to 250 sedans and 75 utes.

The vehicles are individually-speced to provide a combination of GT-based 302kW V8 engine performance, FPV chassis enhancements, bespoke GS graphics and FPV driver comfort features.

"GS is another iconic badge in Ford's family history in this country," FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said. "Our aim was to develop a model that provides the performance, prestige and individuality that is a signature of the FPV brand, with its own identifiable model personality, and all at a great price. We've achieved all of that and expect the new GS Series models will find their own place in Australian performance motoring folklore."

Developed specifically for the GS Series, the recalibrated FPV 5.4 litre V8 GT engine from the FG-model now produces 302kW of power and 551Nm of torque, driving through a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Every FPV GS Series also comes standard with unique GS striping graphics, charcoal cloth interior, FPV GT instrumentation, gear knob, starter button and badging, premium sound system with iPod® and Bluetooth® integration, and dual zone climate control. There's also '302' graphics on the GS sedan's rear spoiler.

The GS sedan also features 19in Graphite rims and a choice of six exterior colour/stripe combinations, while the GS Ute features 19in Alpine Silver rims, FPV soft tonneau and a choice of three exterior colour/stripe combinations.

Like its namesake from three decades ago, the new FPV GS Series offers a long list of options that include a FPV-spec 4-pot Brembo brake upgrade, a six-speed auto transmission recalibrated specifically for the GS' 302kW engine, leather seats and sat-nav, and, on the Ute only, a hard tonneau with spoiler. Contact Bayford at Coburg or Epping for more.

» Will You Miss Out on the Govt 50% Tax Rebate?            ^Top

Small businesses can claim a 50% tax break on new motor vehicle purchases made before December 31st 2009, which means there's very little time left to take advantage of the government's 50% tax rebate.

Naturally, you should obtain advice and discuss your options with your tax advisor, however, if you have been planning to update your vehicle, the tax break provides you with a perfect opportunity to optimise on tax.

For assistance on your choice of vehicle, simply contact any one of our dealerships.

» Online Used Vehicle Inventory Search                             ^Top

Some of our readers are unaware that you can search all of our Group's used and demonstrator inventory from our easy to use online search facility.

Simply point your browser to bayford.com.au and then click the "Demo / Used" menu text on the top right hand side which will take you to the search facility.

You can search by brand, vehicle type, price range, transmission, body style, keyword and also make online enquiries there too.

With well over 300 vehicles in stock we're sure you'll find the perfect car that you've been looking for.

» Škoda Takes out Two Wheels Gold Star Car Awards     ^Top

Wheels Magazine has awarded its 2009 'Gold Star Cars' and Škoda has taken out the award in two categories with the Octavia and Superb.

The Octavia 1.8 TSI convinced the judges in the medium car segment between $31 – 46K, while the Superb 2.0 TDI Elegance lead in the large car segment between $46 – 61K ahead of two locally manufactured players.

In addition to these two category wins, the Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition came second in the large car segment from $36 – 46K, while the Roomster 1.9 TDI came third in the small/medium car segment between $26 – 31K.

Matthew Wiesner, head of Škoda, commented, “This year's results in Wheels Magazine's 'Gold Star Cars' Awards represents a convincing achievement for the Škoda brand. The broad representation of Škoda models showcases the quality of our range. For a relatively new brand within this market, two first places, a second and a third, show that Škoda is on the way to becoming a serious contender in the Australian market.”

Wheels Magazine's 'Gold Star Cars' took 145 vehicles in 18 different categories into consideration. The complete results are available in last month's issue of Wheels Magazine.

It's not widely known in Australia, however, Škoda vehicles received no fewer than 13 wins in European Car awards during the 2009 year. For more on Škoda, visit Bayford Škoda in Preston.

» Amarok - the Volkswagen Ute Arrives                             ^Top

Reported as a concept in this Enews some issues ago, the now much anticipated Amarok, Volkswagen's 1-tonne Ute, is heading down under.

Not only is it the 4th model series for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, but it is the first 1-tonne class ute to be developed in Germany.

The new model unifies the robustness demanded of a ute with innovative technology, high safety standards and top values in fuel efficiency, comfort and ergonomics.

The Amarok will first launch in South America early in the new year, and Australia will see its nation-wide launch in the second half of the year.

A fully fledged 5-seater, the Amarok boasts large space all round, including the largest cargo area dimensions in its class. With production of the Amarok, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is targeting Toyota's HiLux domain head on in what will be a very active marketing challenge.

Typical of Volkswagen's engineering excellence, the Amarok will offer some of the highest levels of safety and comfort ever seen in a ute-class vehicle. Features such as four airbags, ESP, ASR, ABS and assistance systems are standard across the range, and with fuel-efficient and clean high-tech turbo-diesel powertrains and three equipment levels, it is certain to become a very "in-demand" vehicle once it lands on our shores. More info is available from Bayford Volkswagen Commercial Centre in Preston.

» Reasons to Buy from The Bayford Group                       ^Top

Often we forget that there are many reasons besides just price that determine why you'll buy a vehicle from a particular dealer group.

Of course it is imperative that you get the best value for money - that's a given. However, there are also other significant "value-added" benefits that our Group offers which we feel sets us apart from the others.

We endeavour to provide customers and our local communities with real tangible value. Here are just a few of the reasons why we feel we make a difference:-

Great Deals and Fantastic Trade-ins
Free Travel and Shopping Discounts
7.5% VIP Discounts on Service and on the
     purchase of Parts and Accessories.
Great Finance and Insurance Options
Sponsor and Support Many Local Schools,
     Charities and Clubs

Family Owned Business for Over 90 Years
Multi-awarded dealerships
12 Extra Months Unlimited Kms Warranty on
      All Used Vehicles (conditions apply)
WALKAWAY 12 months Complimentary vehicle
     return policy (conditions apply)
Employing over 380 Local Staff

As the year end is approaching fast, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their support over the year. It has been a tough year and therefore your patronage has been especially appreciated. We'd also like to thank our staff and suppliers for their dedication which has enabled us to weather the past storm.

To all of you, please take care on the roads, have a safe festive season and a happy and successful new year.