All you would like to know about Sandown Mercedes Benz

News News from Sandown Mercedes-Benz

Rewarding you

Enjoy Sandown Card benefits

Cold comforts

Seasonal servicing offers

WINTER 2017/18

Introduction A warm welcome to this edition of Sandown News, which brings you up-to-date with the latest developments at Sandown Mercedes-Benz and smart.

Another highly successful year for Sandown and the brands that we represent is drawing to a close but the interest and take-up of our products and services shows no sign of abating.

Bucking the trend of the motor industry in general, global Mercedes-Benz new vehicle sales are about to break through the two million barrier after 56 successive record months. Up until the end of October, worldwide sales were up more than 11 per cent on the same time last year – this 10-month period also seeing record sales in the UK, which is now firmly established as the brand’s second-largest European market.

Whilst all Mercedes-Benz products retain the hallmark qualities of luxury and style, it seems car buyers continue to be attracted by the brand’s class-leading performance models and technological innovations. The strong demand for our AMG models and our customers’ active engagement with Mercedes me are great examples of this!

Despite the speculation surrounding diesel

motoring, Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated its confidence in this area by investing around €3 billion in the development and production of a completely new diesel engine family.

Indeed its latest EU6 engines are its most efficient ever and were the first on the market that met the stricter RDE (Real Driving Emissions) limits that came into force this autumn.

Together with the continued innovation of its petrol engines and the introduction of a wider choice of hybrid models, Mercedes-Benz is very much at the forefront of alternative mobility platforms. This issue features some possible cars of the future and the fantastic smart electric drive now available at our smart Retailers.

There are some very exciting times ahead with Mercedes-Benz and smart and we look forward to sharing them with you. In the meantime, my colleagues and I thank you for your continued support of Sandown and look forward to seeing you soon.

Gavin

Gavin McAllister Managing Director

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke

Edison Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6YH

Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

Millers Close, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1SS

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1RU

Social scene Sandown Mercedes-Benz/ Sandown smart

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

@SandownMercedes/ @sandownsmart

Mercedes-Benz of Poole

Sandown-Group

Seven Thorns Lane, Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DF Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2BD

Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

Southampton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2JS

( Sales: 0330 0175 297 Service: 0330 0175 299 www.sandown-group.co.uk 2 Sandown News

Sandown Group

Sandownmercedes

Aftersales

Finding the right time for you Whether you prefer a quick getaway or an early start, we’ve got a convenient servicing option to suit you – allowing you to enjoy the extensive benefits of bringing your car into an official Mercedes-Benz workshop without disruption to your day.

With Express Servicing, two of our expert technicians will work on your car to halve the

usual service time and ensure you can be on your way in between one to two hours.

EXPRESS For those customers who cannot afford to be without their car during normal business hours, Breakfast Servicing is available at some of our Retailers. From 7am, we’ll service your car and serve up breakfast.

Awards double Servicing made simple

There were double celebrations for Sandown Mercedes-Benz with the receipt of two awards at the prestigious Motor Trader Awards, including one for demonstration of ‘Aftersales Excellence’.

With a Mercedes-Benz Service Care plan, you know exactly how much your servicing costs will be and that could be as little as £27 per month*. Talk to the service team at your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer to find out more. *Based on A 200 d, 15,500 miles per annum.

Three services over three years. Models less than 12-months-old.

Sandown News 3

News

Combatting car crime Car thefts are on the rise and with the criminals finding new ways to steal vehicles, it could be an opportune time to protect yours with one of the most sophisticated systems on the market that can be installed at Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailers.

The RAC recently reported that there has been a 30 per cent increase in vehicle thefts in the past three years with almost 86,000 cars snatched in 2016 alone.

The latest Mercedes-Benz are already equipped with a raft of

security features but owners can enjoy the additional peace-of-mind of Tracker, a system that operates via a small tracking device fitted to your car by our trained technicians and has been responsible for the return of more than ÂŁ495 million-worth of stolen vehicles.

Tracker uses proven Very High Frequency (VHF)

Enjoy some me time Take your Mercedes-Benz ownership experience to another level via the innovative Mercedes me app.

Downloaded to your smart phone and completely personalised to you, it allows you to control and connect with your car at all times and offers access at your fingertips to an extensive package of services, benefits and offers.

If Mercedes me is not already set up for you and your car or you would like to find out more, please speak to your Sales Executive or a member of the sales team at your Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer.

4 Sandown News

technology to send out an alert if the vehicle is moved without the ignition being turned on and, if its theft has been confirmed, then emits a silent signal that enables the police to track it even if it is in a container or underground car park. It is the only system available with GPS/GSM anti-jamming measures so can thwart devices that some thieves may employ to block tracking signals.

Contact your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer for details about Tracker installation.

Accessories Amazing accessories

25

%

off

*

You’ll be amazed what you can find amongst the extensive and impressive range of genuine Mercedes-Benz accessories.

Customised to suit your lifestyle and your particular model, there is a vast selection of items to choose from – including those shown – all of which can be ordered from the parts department at your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer or through our online shop www.sandownpartsshop.co.uk

Shining star

Sloping off

A set of two front-door LED logo projectors which stylishly illuminate the floor with the famous three-pointed star when the doors open.

A2138200703 From £90*

Lockable rack that can accommodate up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards.

£102.60

Heaven scent

Boot boon

This 75ml eau de parfum spray is distinctive and delightful and part of a collection that also features men’s fragrances.

Protect and organise your boot space with this impact-resistant, non-slip shallow boot tub.

£56

£87.60

B66958226

A0008900493

A2058140300 (C-Class)/ A2138140100 (E-Class)

*Price shown is with 25 per cent discount applied. Prices may vary according to model and exclude installation cost.

Sandown News 5

Winter motoring

Come in from the cold Avoid those motoring winter woes by taking advantage of these Sandown Mercedes-Benz seasonal offers.

Winter tyres and wheels

Winter Health Check

Make tracks to your local Sandown Retailer to purchase from our selection of Mercedes-Benz winter tyres and wheels but you will need to be quick to secure a set.

Now is the perfect time to grab the tyres and wheels that you need before the colder weather arrives and demand increases.

Winter wheels offer improved safety and performance when the temperature drops below 7°C and are designed to stand up better to wintry road conditions. When fitted with Mercedes-Benz winter tyres, cars will benefit from enhanced grip and reduced stopping distances by as much as 18 per cent on icy or snowy surfaces.

Here’s an offer that really will provide you with a warming glow this winter.

Book a Winter Health Check now for just £29.99* and receive not only peace-of-mind that your car is ready for any cold, ice and snow ahead but also a free Mercedes-Benz thermos mug† worth £36.50.

The seasonal check also includes free car wash and vacuum plus screen washer top-up if required. Contact the service team at your local Sandown Retailer to make an appointment.

6 Sandown News

*Offer excludes vehicles with Service/MOT due in the next three months, vehicles acquired from a Retailer in the last three months, vehicles with an Aftersales visit in the last month. †Offer valid whilst stocks last. Valid until 28/02/18. No cash alternative. At participating Mercedes-Benz Retailers only.

Accident support The difference is clear Paint is paint…right? Well not on your Mercedes-Benz it isn’t.

The factory paint film on your Mercedes-Benz is a unique, multi-layered, high technology coating that consists of a zinc coating, primer, surfacer, basecoat and clearcoat and each has a role to perform. The zinc and primer coats inhibit corrosion, the surfacer helps absorb stone chips, the basecoat delivers the colour and the clearcoat provides the shiny, protective layer.

This final layer features

built-in UV filters that repel the sun’s rays and boasts special scratch resistant properties to reduce the effects of light scratches by 80%.

Non-approved Mercedes-Benz repairers use a cheaper version that doesn’t offer such outstanding protection.

With the same factory clearcoat used by our accident repair centres as applied to your car when it was built, the benefits of using the official expertise available to you at Sandown Mercedes-Benz are perfectly clear.

Tap for app If you’re involved in an accident, it is reassuring to know that help is now just a tap away.

Part of the complimentary accident support service available to all Sandown customers, the app provides an invaluable aid by enabling you to record all the essential details required to progress your claim quickly, easily and without fuss at the scene of the incident. Just a quick tap of your iPhone or Android phone and you can access the following: • Collect multiple third party details • Obtain multiple witness information • Confirm Police details and reference numbers • Call Emergency Services • Photograph the scene and damage to vehicles • Capture scene location using the latest GPS technology • Submit accident details directly to us so we can provide free advice, regardless of blame To download the app, simply search for Sandown Mercedes on the App Store or Google Play.

Sandown News 7

Sandown Card

Your loyalty rewarded One good turn deserves another, according to the proverb, and the same applies here at Sandown Mercedes-Benz.

The Sandown Card entitles you to impressive savings on servicing and accessories plus a host of other benefits and is one of the ways that we like to thank our loyal customers for placing their business with us.

In addition, the Card provides discounts on servicing, parts and MOTs to owners of vehicles aged three years and over according to the age of their car. Replacing Sandown’s previous Platinum

Programme, it means customers can save money whilst continuing to enjoy the peace-of-mind that comes from having their car maintained by an official Mercedes-Benz workshop.

What’s more, as a Sandown Cardholder, you can share the benefits of our loyalty scheme with people you know. That’s because if you ‘refer a friend’ to us to buy a car, they will receive up to £500 off their purchase price whilst you will receive a luxury food hamper worth £110.

If you’ve not received your Sandown Card, please email marketing@sandown-mercedes.co.uk

Sandown Card benefits • 10% discount on accessories • Refer a friend rewards • Free wash and vac • Free oil and screenwash top-up • Free health check • Exclusive opportunities to win tickets to events such as Formula 1, ATP Tennis and London Fashion Week

Sandown Giving you mor

e

Servicing discounts Tier 1

Tier 2

• 3, 4 and 5-year-old cars • 10% stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing • 20% labour discount

• 6,7 and 8-year-old cars • 10% stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing • 40% labour discount • £30 MOT

8 Sandown News

Tier 3 • 9+-year-old cars • 15% stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing • 40% labour discount • £20 MOT

Sales A driver’s dream

Comfort and connectivity are taken to new heights by the new S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, which have been designed to be a driver’s dream.

Utilising the same extensive innovations as their S-Class Saloon sibling, the new models feature a raft of driving assistance systems as well as cutting-edge infotainment.

Highlights include the all-digital Widescreen Cockpit that displays virtual instruments in the driver’s direct field of vision, LINGUATRONIC voice

control that has been extended to include vehicle functions for the first time, the latestgeneration COMAND Online with 3D features and smartphone wireless charging.

Ensuring the driver’s well-being at all times is the ingenious and optional ENERGIZING comfort control. It links the vehicle’s various comfort systems together and offers up to six programmes that run for 10 minutes and

tailor the climate control, seating, lighting and music according to the driver’s mood.

Favourite tunes can even be added to the system, which are assigned to one of the Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort or Training programmes according to their beats per minute (bpm) rating and owners can opt to enhance the cabin atmosphere further by incorporating the 64-colour ambient lighting package too.

Don’t miss out on your bonus Time is running out for you to claim your Diesel Changeover Bonus and save up to £8,000* off a new Mercedes-Benz.

Until 31st December 2017, bonuses are available to customers trading in any make and model of EU1-EU4 diesel car for any Mercedes-Benz or smart petrol model. Bonus amounts vary according to model, with £8,000 available on SLC and GLE models, £7,000 on C-Class Saloon and Estate and £3,000 on A-Class and smart forfour.

To check if your car is eligible, please visit www.carfueldata.direct.gov.uk *£8,000 bonus applies to SLC or GLE models. Changeover Bonus varies by model and is valid against the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and smart petrol models subject to availability. Valid order dates: 9/9/17 – 31/12/17. Valid registration dates: 9/9/17 – 31/3/18. It is the responsibility of retailers to confirm the emissions standard (EU1/2/3/4) of any trade-in diesel car, which can be checked at http://carfueldata.direct. gov.uk/search-new-or-used-cars.aspx; a copy of this should be kept. Any vehicles registered between July 1992 and December 2000 are presumed to be EU1 to EU3 cars. This bonus is offered irrespective of the brand of car the customer currently drives, but it must have been registered in the UK in the customer’s name for at least six months prior to the order date.

Sandown News 9

V-Class Marco Polo

Impressive explorer Enjoy epic journeys and adventures of your own and in style aboard the magnificent V-Class Marco Polo now available from Sandown Mercedes-Benz.

Based on the long-wheelbase V-Class, the luxurious camper van can seat or sleep four people and is a real home-from-home thanks to a specification that definitely won’t leave you wanting when it comes to comfort.

Features include a built-in kitchenette with a fridge and hob, plus a two-seater sofa that easily transforms into a bed. The Marco Polo is also equipped with a roof bed that is accessed via an electrically-raising roof, a wardrobe and a generous luggage compartment.

There are two model lines to choose from, with

10 Sandown News

the Sport boasting the likes of yacht wood flooring, swivelling driver and passenger seats, Garmin navigation system, leather upholstery and Active Parking Assist with rear-view camera. AMG bodystyling, sports suspension and a carbon-look dash are amongst the items to be savoured on AMG Line versions.

A turbocharged 2.1-litre power unit offers two engine choices – both of which return an impressively frugal 44.8mpg (combined). The 220 d produces 163hp and a maximum torque of 380Nm, whilst the 250 d generates 190hp and 440Nm of torque.

The V-Class Marco Polo starts from £53,180 on-the-road.

Future Mercedes-Benz

Mobility of the future Mercedes-Benz chose this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show to reveal several concept vehicles that demonstrate how the inventor of the automobile is now shaping the mobility of the future.

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE This two-seater super sports show car delivers Formula 1 hybrid technology from the racetrack to the road.

Developed by the motorsport experts of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, its high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system features the 1.6-litre V6 hybrid turbocharged petrol engine of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1

racing car with a total of four electric motors. With a system output of over 1,000hp and a top speed beyond 215mph, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE also draws on other motor racing influences such as its lightweight, high-strength carbon-fibre monocoque body and F1-style steering wheel.

GLC F-CELL

Concept EQA With Mercedes-Benz planning to have more than 10 all-electric vehicles on the market by 2022, the Concept EQA showcases brand possibilities for the compact segment.

Its permanent all-wheel drive with two electric motors – one located at the front axle and the other at the rear - delivers outstanding performance and a system output that can be increased to more than 200kW thanks to scalable battery components that could enable the car to achieve a range of almost 250 miles.

The GLC F-CELL establishes another world first for Mercedes-Benz – an electric vehicle that combines innovative fuel-cell and battery technology.

The plug-in hybrid model, which is now being prepared for series production, can run off hydrogen to produce enough energy for a range of more than 270 miles, whilst a large lithium-ion battery enables the family-friendly SUV to cover approximately 30 miles if the all-electric mode is preferred.

Sandown News 11

Golf MercedesTrophy: The hole story A trio of Sandown Mercedes-Benz customers clubbed together to win through to the UK final of the MercedesTrophy at the home of golf, St Andrews.

Bill James, Jeremy Heath and Ronnie Luke beat an 80-strong entry to win their respective handicap categories at the Sandown golf day at Sandford Springs in June and then, playing as a team, qualified for the trip to Scotland after finishing in second place in a MercedesTrophy regional final at St George’s Hill in Surrey.

North of the border, the trio were treated to a three-night stay at the famous Old Course Hotel and full Mercedes-Benz hospitality that included a gala dinner at Glamis Castle on the final evening. They also played two rounds of competition on

Enjoying the hospitality of Mercedes-Benz at St Andrews are (left to right): Jeremy Heath, Ronnie Luke and Bill James the famous Kingsbarns links course, where the Sandown team came in fourth place.

“When the three of us met at Southampton Airport for our flight up to Scotland, we had no preconception about winning other than thoroughly enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime trip,”

explained Mr James, “For me, it was undoubtedly one of the best golf experiences that I’ve ever had. Playing with a caddy and being treated to such fantastic hospitality meant that it was probably the closest I will ever come to feeling like a professional golfer.”

Golfing links We have links with several local golf clubs, so here’s a round-up of these partnerships.

Hindhead

Sandford Springs

High Post

The venue for the annual Captain’s charity golf day was Sandown Mercedes-Benz golf day supported by Mercedes-Benz of and MercedesTrophy qualifier.

Salisbury.

12 Sandown News

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead sponsored a Pro-Am tournament held as part of the captain’s year, which has raised more than £11,000 to purchase an all-terrain powered wheelchair for The Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming.

Motability

First impressions count Denise Cox is absolutely delighted with her new car and her Motability purchasing experience at Mercedes-Benz of Poole but she’s not the only member of her family who is.

The white CLA 180 Sport Coupé is the first Mercedes-Benz that Mrs Cox has acquired through the scheme but it may not be her last.

“There are some dealers who just aren’t interested when you tell them that you’re a Motability driver,” she explained. “However the treatment I received at Mercedes-Benz of Poole was amazing and respectful throughout.

“My husband Ray and I visited three times before placing our order and nothing was too much trouble for our Sales Executive Mat Oraf

who really went out of his way. Star Expert Oli Crisp went through all of the controls at our handover and was extremely helpful but the whole team made us feel so welcome.”

As for the car, Mrs Cox is equally impressed – not only the style but crucially, the comfort too.

“The seats are really comfortable and, with the different driving modes, the ride is so smooth compared to my previous car,” said Mrs Cox, who suffers from a degenerative spine condition. “Mat showed us the CLA with our chosen specification on his lap-top but it looks even more stylish in the metal – I love everything about it and so do my two grandchildren, Paige and Georgie, who seem to like their nan and grandad’s car just as much.”

The Motability scheme entitles you to: • A new Mercedes-Benz every three years • Insurance, servicing and maintenance • Full breakdown assistance • Tyre and windscreen replacement • 60,000 mileage allowance over three years • Many adaptations at no extra cost • Annual Road Fund Licence • Up to two nominated drivers

Please contact the dedicated Motability specialists at your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer for assistance and details on our current offers.

Sandown News 13

Events Grand gesture Eddie Wilkinson and his five-year-old son were in pole position to watch the Mercedes-AMG Petronas one-two at this year’s British Grand Prix, thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury.

The Retailer provided them with complimentary tickets to Silverstone, where they witnessed the final practice and the race itself as Lewis Hamilton powered to a 14-second victory over his team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

During their stay at the circuit, they had time to visit the Formula 1 Village and take a closer look at the cars on the Mercedes-Benz stand – the youngster grabbing the chance to be photographed with the Beast of the Green Hell, the

Mercedes-AMG GT-R. “We were grateful for the opportunity and it was the perfect chance for me to take my son to his first F1 race meeting, especially as he has recently developed a bit of a passion for sports cars,” said Mr Wilkinson.

“Mercedes-Benz had

reserved the whole of the Stowe Corner stands for race day and we took up our seats at the end of Hangar Straight where we were able to see the circuit all the way through Vale to the Club section of the track.

Thanks to Sandown Mercedes-Benz, it was an amazing day out.”

Web of intrigue

Pic: Ambassadeur Art Gallery

A superhero and some super cars combined to create plenty of interest amongst visitors to Bournemouth seafront this summer.

Mercedes-Benz of Poole set up a pop-up shop on Pier Approach where a selection of vehicles, including a Mercedes-AMG GT C and the new V-Class Marco Polo, were showcased to holidaymakers over the course of three days.

The display coincided with the nearby unveiling of the town’s biggest-ever public street art project – a huge mural of Spiderman holding an ice cream created as part of a collaboration between Ambassadeur Art Gallery and Bournemouth Tourism.

14 Sandown News

Dream date Customers from all six Sandown Retailers were invited to experience the Mercedes-Benz of their dreams during two days of test driving at Champneys Forest Mere. The AMG GT, S-Class Cabriolet, SLC and GLC CoupĂŠ were amongst the cars showcased at the Dream Car event.

Sand tunes A fleet of Mercedes-Benz put headline DJ acts in a spin after they travelled in the cars to this summer’s Sandfest event. Around 5,000 people attended the festival on Sandbanks beach, which was supported

by Mercedes-Benz of Poole.

Tour de force

Pic: Christian Lawson

The sensational AMG GT-R proved to be a huge draw when it breezed between Sandown Retailers as part of a test drive tour.

Many customers took advantage of the opportunity to sample the jaw-dropping performance of the 4.0-litre, 585hp, V8 supercar as it made its way around the Group.

Cheers There might not have been any vintage Mercedes-Benz models at the first-ever Dorset Wine Festival but the latest models on show raised plenty of interest, a sale and perhaps a toast or two. Indeed the red Mercedes-AMG GT C on display was bought by a visitor to the event at 10 Castle Street in Cranborne.

Sandown News 15

smart electric drive

5

Thrills without the fills Now that she’s behind the wheel of her fantastic, new green machine, smart at Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke’s first smart electric drive customer admits that she will never have to be an ‘amber gambler’ again.

Melanie Owens collected the keys to an all-electric smart forfour recently as a replacement for her 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class – a purchase that means visits to petrol stations are now a thing of the past.

“I hate filling up with fuel, queuing up at the pumps and getting diesel on my hands so much so that I was always driving round with the fuel warning light on, which resulted in my family calling me the ‘amber gambler,” smiled Mrs Owens, who lives in Newbury. “So far I haven’t

Melanie Owens reveals her new smart forfour electric drive even charged at home as I’ve just been using the electric vehicle charging points in town or at my gym so have been able to simply plug my car in whilst I’ve been going about my day.”

Mrs Owens’ husband, David, who works for O2 Telefonica and was involved in the company winning the contract for the national rollout of smart utility meters, researched the smart electric drive when they decided to replace the A-Class.

“My new smart is absolutely perfect for my short commute, dropping off at school or popping

into town and it drives superbly – it’s so quiet but surprisingly nippy, lacking none of the acceleration that I had before,” said the motherof-two. “The panoramic roof lets the light in and makes it feel spacious inside, whilst the Winter package with its heated front seats, wing mirrors and steering wheel is already proving its worth.”

She added: “Electric motoring looks increasingly the way to go so it’s good to be doing my bit for the environment whilst saving money on fuel and avoiding those dreaded petrol station visits.”

The perfect hosts smart at Mercedes-Benz of Guildford provided a rendezvous and refreshments for a group of local smart enthusiasts, who met at the Retailer before embarking on a convoy around the south coast.

News

4

London calling smart’s collaboration with Disturbing London, the 360 entertainment company founded by Dumi Oburota and Tinie Tempah, is now being driven in a new direction.

In the latest tie-up, two limited edition models have been produced based on the BRABUS sport model line and available as fortwo coupé or forfour options.

The special smart Disturbing London editions

feature black paint with rose gold exterior and interior detailing and are powered by a 90hp turbocharged petrol engine that is mated to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Specification includes rear parking sensors and the Premium equipment line offering the smart media package, height-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat and electricallyadjustable exterior mirrors.

Very app-ealing The smart cross connect app will help to keep you entertained and en-route.

Available for iOS and Android platforms, the app offers a wide range of features including 3D navigation, audio streaming, telephone connectivity, parking space locator and vehicle data display.

Using the size adjustable cradle that can be mounted on the radio, you can connect and control your smartphone with the AudioSystem via Bluetooth and enjoy the free app to the full.

5 Peaks Challenge

3

Going to the Extremes for a worthy cause Admiration for the Sandown Group and its smart cars reached new heights following the Company’s support of a gruelling motoring adventure in aid of Driven to Extremes, an organisation that helps ex-soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through rehabilitating vehicle expeditions.

The Group was supported by smart UK, which provided two smart fortwo coupés for the 5 Peaks Challenge. It involved not only the 1,000-mile road trip and the ascent of the five highest mountains in the UK and Ireland in just 48 hours but fitting all of the camping equipment and supplies required by the eight-strong team in the cars. A Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo was also kindly donated

and used only as a support vehicle for the photographer.

The party, which included a current serving Marine and a Marine veteran who both suffer with PTSD, departed smart at Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke for the 18,000feet ascents of Carrauntoohill, Slieve Donard, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis and successfully completed their challenge with just 11 minutes to spare – raising £1,500 in sponsorship.

“The cars performed faultlessly and carried all of the equipment with ease,” said Mac Mackenney, Expedition Leader. “They cruised effortlessly at speed on the motorways and handled the twisty mountain rounds in their stride, whilst putting a big smile on your face when driving and soothing our aching limbs with their heated seats.”

“A big thank-you to Sandown for their magnificent support, attention to detail and enthusiasm for this project.”

Mac Mackenney, Expedition Leader

Community

2

Putting smart on the map A round-up of community involvement from our smart Retailers.

For the fallen

A car for Karpov

Demonstrators at each of our smart Retailers were specially liveried to raise awareness for this year’s Poppy Appeal, with Poole’s car loaned to Ian Jarvis, the Royal British Legion’s Community Fundraiser in Dorset, to use for events and poppy drops in the run-up to Remembrance Day.

smart at Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke’s successful partnership with the Basingstoke Bison ice hockey team certainly hasn’t cooled as the Retailer has supplied a fortwo for its Czech Republic player, Tomas Karpov, to use as part of this season’s sponsorship.

Driving lesson

smart move

Students at Basingstoke College of Technology are learning all about the suitability and affordability of smart as a first car thanks to their local smart Retailer, which has a vehicle on display on campus and is hosting a test drive event on-site too.

The team from local information hub The Guide2Surrey is spreading the word about news, activities, events and special offers in the county aboard a liveried fortwo coupé supplied by smart at Mercedes-Benz of Guildford.

Winter 2017/18

smartnews

Latest news from Sandown smart

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