KA MOTORING FEATURE

44

Start your hybrid and electric journey at Bowlers Toyota The Toyota Corolla is Ireland’s best-selling car.

In fact it is the best-selling car in the world and since 1966 when the first version left Japan close on 50 million Corollas are on the road worldwide.

It really is a car for the ages and the latest model is certainly a car for the 21st century.

For starters, it is only available in hybrid

form. The is significant. As the world moves away from petrol and diesel, motorists need a transition vehicle and that is why Brian Bowler of Bowlers Toyota Killarney is telling everyone to “Start your electric journey at Bowlers”.

“The first point we need to get across is that hybrids do not need charging, they

are self-charging,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “That eliminates all the stress associated with range-anxiety."

Driving a new Hybrid Toyota really is the beginning of this new automotive journey that is gathering pace now.

To help customers Bowlers Toyota have Michael O’Keeffe as their financial expert. Better known in Fossa GAA circles, Michael is the business manager at the

local Toyota dealership.

“We can create tailor-made financial packages to suit everyone," added Brian.

Current showroom stock includes the all-new Yaris, available in manual-petrol or automatic-hybrid.

Looking ahead, the arrival of the 2021 Hilux is eagerly awaited and is expected in mid to late February.

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Spend Local, Borrow Local FOR ALL CAR FINANCE OPTIONS

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48

Randles Bros' Nissan prepare for 100th anniversary Next year is going to be a big year for Randle’s Bros on the Muckross Road.

The family firm will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021 and the local Nissan dealer is planning a host of special celebratory events.

The garage business was founded by brothers Con and Thomas Randles, the grandfather and grand-uncle of current dealer principal David Randles.

“It is going to be a very big year for us and all the team at Randles Bros are looking forward to it, we have loads of special offers throughout the whole year.”

The offers start right now.

The new Nissan Leaf offers unbeatable value for someone looking for an electric car.

The cost of running an electric car far outweighs the cost of a conventional petrol or diesel car.

“Maintenance costs, fuel costs, every-

thing drops dramatically with an electric car,” said David. “There is less to go wrong over a long period of time, starter motors, alternators, there is no need for these parts.

Nissan Ireland, through Randles is offering unprecedented finance deals to get motorists behind the wheel of an electric car.

A new Nissan Leaf costs in the region of €36,000. Subtract the Government’s €5,000 grant and a further €3,000 scrappage scheme offer and the cost of getting on the road proves even better value.

“The Nissan Leaf is so good to drive, they are so much better than any mid-size car,” added David. “If you don’t believe me, ask anyone who has one.”

ELECTRIC: David Randles of Randles Bros with a new Nissan Leaf which comes with a range of value-for-money purchase deals.

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50

Renault announces 211 offers across range at Donagh Hickey Motors As the best-selling EV manufacturer in Ireland, Renault has committed €60m in finance and €2m in grants to switch to electric vehicles and hybrids, and has announced its 211 offers on all new Renault models at Donagh Hickey Motors, available now until January 31.

Dacia’s real deals at Donagh Hickey Motors Dacia Ireland has announced real and transparent offers for 211 at Donagh Hickey Motors across the shockingly affordable range.

Customers can avail of a 0% deal that’s 100% real on the range-topping Duster Prestige family-sized SUV for 211.

From €23,995, the Duster Prestige gives customers the full Duster experience with wow-worthy tech and complete comfort, and comes equipped with multi-view parking camera with sensors, keyless entry, climate control, Bluetooth

YEAR MODEL ELECTRIC

connectivity, 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a range of stylish finishes.

This offer is available through Dacia Bank on Dacia Duster Prestige models ordered and registered by January 31 at Donagh Hickey Motors.

Other offers include 4.9% APR and Months’ Deferred Payments on the Dacia Sandero which was the best-selling car in its class last month.

These offers are available through Dacia Bank at Donagh Hickey Motors on orders up to December.

The brand-new hybrid range is now arriving in Donagh Hickey Motors, and includes the all-new Clio Hybrid, All-New Captur Plug-in Hybrid and New Mégane Sport Tourer Plug-in Hybrid.

To help customers make the switch to cleaner, lower emissions cars, and to support the VRT changes announced in the recent budget, customers can avail of a

competitive offer on 100% electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

€1,000 GREEN GRANT

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The €1,000 Green Grant and ultra-low 2.11% APR offer delivers real value and real savings to customers, who can choose to defer the first three months’ payments, making the switch to electric Tel 064 775 8030 - www.donag easier.

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51

ZER0% APR 3 MONTHS DEFERRED

PAYMENTS. 100% YES! There’s never been a better time to buy the Dacia Duster Prestige

Donagh Hickey Motors Shinnagh Cross, Rathmore, Co. Kerry Tel 064 775 80 30 www.donaghhickeymotors.com Model Shown: Duster Prestige Blue dCi 115 RRP €23,995 Finance example Duster Prestige Blue dCi 115. RRP €23,995. Deposit €9,775. Term 36 monthly payments of €395. APR 0.0%. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Terms and conditions apply. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

Fully charged, unplugged and ready for you.

Renault is offering: €1,000 Green Grant + 2.11% APR + 3 Months Deferred Payments

All-New CAPTUR Plug-in Hybrid

Model Shown: Captur S-Edition E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid 160 – RRP €29,695 (includes €5,000 SEAI grant for private buyers, price valid in January 2021). Finance example Captur S-Edition E-TECH PHEV 160. RRP €26,695. Deposit €11,230. Term 48 monthly payments of €399. APR 2.11%. Total cost of credit €762 inc fee of €75. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

DONAGH HICKEY MOTORS Shinnagh Cross, Rathmore, Co. Kerry Tel 064 775 80 30 www.donaghhickeymotors.com

52

ENERGY:

WHAT MOVES YOU. ELECTRIFIED.

ALL-NEW MAZDA MX-30. ALL ELECTRIC. FROM €294/MONTH AND 4.9% APR*

Book your test drive today, call us on (066) 714 3000 AHERNS MAZDA, CASTLEISLAND Aherns Mazda, Castleisland. www.ahernsmazda.ie

Purchase Agreement as defined by the Consumer Credit Act 1995) and available through ALPHERA Financial Services. All finance is subject to status and is available to over 18s in Ireland only. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES (IRELAND) LIMITED TRADING AS ALPHERA FINANCIAL SERVICES, SWIFT SQUARE, SANTRY, DUBLIN 9. BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES (IRELAND) LIMITED IS REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND. Warning: You will not own the goods until the final payment is made.

SEAT: Seamus Murphy is the SEAT man at Ahern's Castleisland. Photo: Sean Moriarty.

MAZDA: Barry Ryan is the Mazda expert at Ahern's Garage. Photo: Sean Moriarty

Four brands under one roof at Aherns Castleisland Ahern’s Garage Castleisland is a rarity in Kerry motoring as there is nowhere quite like it in Kerry.

Under one roof motorists can sample the full range of four different brands.

It’s like a shopping centre for cars, and while everything is accommodated in their vast Tralee Road complex, a visit there feels like you are stepping into four different garages.

Car buyers won’t be short on space here.

Ahern’s is one of Ireland’s longest serving Opel dealers and the full range is on view there.

A few short metres away sits their Mazda showroom, a highlight here is the brand new MX-30, Mazda’s first venture into electric cars.

The newest addition to Ahern’s expanding range is SEAT as the family firm were appointed the Kerry dealership last year.

Details of Ahern's BMW are on page 58.

OPEL: Pat Ahern with the all-new Opel Corsa E. Photo: Sean Moriarty

53

WHATEVER YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS, AT AHERNS, WE HAVE YOUR VAN. NOW WITH

0% APR* + 5 YEAR WARRANTY

TEST DRIVE THE 211-OPEL VAN RANGE NOW AT:

AHERNS GARAGE, CASTLEISLAND. TEL: 066-7143000. WEB: WWW.OPEL.AHERNS.IE. Finance Example: Opel Combo Cargo 1.5 75bhp: Retail Price† €17,490. Customer deposit / Trade In €6,210. Finance Amount €11,280. 48 monthly payments of €235. Total Cost of Credit €0. Fixed APR 0%* (Annual Percentage Rate) as at 01/06/2020. †Includes delivery & related charges. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. *Lending criteria and conditions apply (Over 18s only). To qualify for this Finance Offer a minimum deposit of 30% is required. Rate quoted is correct as at 01/06/2020 and is subject to change. Offer available on all new Opel Combo Cargo models registered from 01/07/2020 until 31/01/2021. This is a Business Hire Purchase agreement provided by Bank of Ireland t/a Bank of Ireland Finance. Ownership remains with Bank of Ireland until the final payment is made.

Warning: You may have to pay charges if you repay early, in full or in part, a fixed rate credit facility.

54

STARS N' CARS

The Killarney Advertiser spoke to several of the county’s sports stars who are Brand Ambassadors for Reen's Car Sales, Rathmore.

Name: Aislinn Desmond | Kerry Footballer Representing: Reen’s Car Sales, Rathmore Car: Peugeot 2008

Name: Seanie O’Shea | Kerry Footballer Representing: Reen’s Car Sales, Rathmore Car: Peugeot 3008

“It is a lovely car, it is very reliable and I never had a day’s bother from it. It is a six-speed, 1.2 and very economical on petrol. I use the car mainly for country driving and I find it very sturdy.”

“I was travelling in comfort from my base in Cork to training in Currans all through the autumn, it felt lovely and safe and being high-up made it nice. I do a lot of night driving and the car was just perfect.”

Name: Paul Murphy | Kerry Footballer Representing: Reen’s Car Sales, Rathmore Car: Peugeot 5008 “It is a lovely machine, you are high up and there is great comfort in it. It is great on Diesel too. There are two pull-up seats in the boot, so it is very easy to make it a seven-seater and while I only use that on the odd occasion it means there is also a very big boot in the car for carrying golf clubs and the likes.”

TIME TO CHANGE

NEW PEUGEOT 3008

NEW PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® PLUG-IN HYBRID, PETROL, DIESEL TEST DRIVE THE NEW 3008 AT REEN’S RATHMORE MOTORS THIS DECEMBER

WLTP (1) combined fuel consumption (l/100 km) : from 1.3 to 6.5. WLTP (1) combined CO2 emissions (g/km) : from 29 to 146.

REEN’S RATHMORE www.reenscarsales.ie Main Peugeot Dealers, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 7758150

55

DRIVE YOURSELF FURTHER NEW PEUGEOT 5008 7 SEATS

NEW NEW PEUGEOT PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® i-Cockpit® ADJUSTABLE 3RD ROW PLUG-IN HYBRID, PETROL, DIESEL TEST DECEMBER TEST DRIVE DRIVE THE THE NEW NEW 5008 3008 AT AT REEN’S REEN’S RATHMORE RATHMORE THIS MOTORS THIS DECEMBER

WLTP (1) combined fuel consumption (l/100 km) : from 5.1 to 6.7. WLTP (1) combined CO2 emissions (g/km) : from 133 to 152.

REEN’S RATHMORE www.reenscarsales.ie Main Peugeot Dealers, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 7758150

NEW PEUGEOT 208 & 2008 UNBORING THE FUTURE

PEUGEOT 3D I-COCKPIT®* ELECTRIC, PURETECH PETROL, BLUEHDI DIESEL TEST DRIVE THE NEW 3008 AT REEN’S RATHMORE MOTORS THIS DECEMBER

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for 208 and 2008 in l/100km ranges from 4.0 to 6.8.

WLTP combined CO2 emissions (g/km) range from 84-121. * Optional, standard or not available according to trim chosen.

REEN’S RATHMORE www.reenscarsales.ie Main Peugeot Dealers, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. Tel: 064 7758150

56 County Kerry has become a breeding ground for talented motorsport engineers if recent success is anything to go by.

From the pinnacle of Formula One Grand Prix racing to the FIA-approved World Rally Championship and, of course, the World Rally Championship, Kerry is influencing the world.

Last Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit was one of the most exciting and entertaining Grand Prixs in a long, long time.

Mexican driver Sergio Perez driving for the BWT Racing Point F1 Team driver won his first ever Grand Prix after recovering from a first lap incident that placed him 18th and last.

His team mate Lance Stroll finished third to record the first double podium for the team that morphed out of the Jordan F1 team of the early 1990s. In fact, the current team, and after several owner and name changes, still operates out of the factory founded by Eddie Jordan all those years ago.

There is a Kerry engineer on the squad.

Sósanna Ní Dhubháin is the Senior Composite Designer engineer with the Silverstone-based team and she can trace her roots to Smerwick Harbour in West Kerry.

She often spends her summer holidays back West, where he father Tomas fishes for lobster, and her brothers, accomplished musicians, are often found busking on the streets of Dingle.

Kerry’s contribution to global motorsport engineering

WEST KERRY: Sósanna Ní Dhubháin works as a designer with the BWT Racing Point F1 team.

“Wow what a race, never thought this day would come,” she said. “I can now say I'm a race-winning designer. What a car.

Great work from everyone on the team, all the hard work and effort paid off,” she said on Sunday night after the race.

There is no doubt that an entire parish of West Kerry will be watching Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2020 campaign.

Meanwhile in the world of Rallycross, Firies native Richard Browne is facing an uncertain future after his employers, Volkswagen, announced last week that it

WOLRD WINNER: Richard Browne is a three-time FIA World Rallycross champion with his driver Johan Kristoffersson.

was to cease all motorsport activity from the end of the year.

It was a bitter blow to the Hanover-based Browne who, only days earlier, celebrated winning the FIA World Rallycross title with his driver Johann Kristofferson.

It was the third time that the Swedish/ Irish combination had lifted the biggest prize in rallycross.

However, all is not lost, and the German manufacturer has said that all staff would be re-deployed into other areas of the group’s automotive interests.

Two possibilities remain for Browne, an electric road car programme in Wolfsburg or a chance to join Audi’s 24 Hours of Le Mans programme which was also announced last week.

“Yes, bit of a shock, but they secured everyone's jobs by absorbing them into the group, probably in Wolfsburg,” said Browne. “We have to figure out if we can swap directly to Audi or Porsche, but

we may have to first move into the main group.”

Whatever happens, the Firies man can hold his head high.

Aside for his success in Rallycross, Browne is also a double World Rally Championship round winner having engineered Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen’s three wins at world-level, Spain 2015 and Poland and Australia in 2016 while working for the Volkswagen Motorsport II team.

“We had a good run, and did some amazing things,” added Browne.

There were other reasons to celebrate local success in the World Rally Championship this season after Hyundai were declared the manufacturer world champions following last weekend's title decider in Monza, Italy. Craig Breen and Paul Nagle played a part in that success following their seventh place in Sweden in February and their historic second place on Rally Estonia in September.

57

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58

How BMW mechanics adapt to electric cars Petrol and diesel cars will be around for a long-time yet - but just like the car-buying public - mechanics need to get up to speed on the new technology too.

Spark plugs and clutch changes will eventually become a thing of the past, just like the electronic ignition replaced the old distributer and points system of the cars’ of the 1970s and 1980s.

Ahern’s BMW in Castleisland is already ahead of the game in this respect. They have sent their technicians to BMW’s UK’s headquarters in Farnborough where they have achieved Level 4 – the highest available in Europe.

For BMW mechanic Peter Coffey, he has noticed a change in his working life in the service bays of Ahern’s BMW. “For the customer the first change they will notice is the longer intervals between routine maintenance,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

ADVANCEMENTS

In-car technology is getting so advanced now, even the car will automatically remind drivers of the next time they need to visit the workshop – not just for emergency repairs but the routine maintenance jobs too.

“Drivers are able to go in to the onboard

computer on the dashboard and see how many kilometres are left on their brake pads,” explained Peter.

The car’s breaking system offers another glimpse of the future, and while mainly providing a stopping mechanism for the car it is also providing regenerative energy for the electric motor.

Acting like a exhaust brake, usually fitted to trucks, the breaking system in electric cars is more like a retarder system.

“When a driver comes into a junction and lifts off the accelerator, it feels like the car is being slowed by itself – like something is grabbing the wheels,” added Peter. “Brakes will only need to be used for emergency stopping and not to slow down the car.”

Good news for the customers as brake pads will have a longer life as a result of this system.

Planning ahead is all part of ethos at Ahern’s BMW, dealer principal Paul Ahern admits that petrol - and diesel-engine cars will be around for a long-time yet – especially in rural areas like Kerry.

“Electric cars will account for 20, maybe 30 percent of sales,” Paul told the Killarney Advertiser.

“We have our staff trained to the highest level in Europe, we must be ready for this change.”

ON A CHARGE: Mechanic Peter Coffey and Service Manager Tony Casey of Ahern’s BMW. Both are trained in electric vehicles to the highest standards in Europe.

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BMW’S FAMILY SPORTS CAR: The 2 Series Grand Coupe takes pride of place in Ahern’s BMW showroom in Castleisland, a four-door saloon with all the driving sensations of a Coupe thanks to its 140bhp 1.5 litre engine – it is also available in diesel while the range-topping m235I xDrive comes with all the legendary M-series characteristics.The Ahern’s BMW team includes sales manager Gordon Lunn and dealer principal Paul Ahern. Photo: Sean Moriarty

T&C Apply

60

The Killarney connection to Kerry’s best-selling car So far this year, up to the end of November, 111 versions of the Hyundai Tucson SUV have hit Kerry roads.

And now with a newer version of the Tucson recently arrived at Adam’s of Tralee, even further success is expected.

The dealership is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year but a large proportion of the garages success can be put down to Killarney men. Four of the staff hail from town. These include mechanic Jason O’Connor, service adviser Oisin Shannon and his brother Liam who is

KILLARNEY MEN: Marcus O'Shea and Liam Shannon of Adam's of Tralee.

one of the garage’s salesmen. General Manager Marcus O’Shea is from Aghadoe.

“Adam’s of Tralee is in the top five Hyundai dealers in the country,” Marcus told the Killarney Advertiser. “Our customer service is one of the main reasons behind that – if you become an Adam’s customer, you tend to stay.”

Examples of their customer support include traditional services like collecting and returning cars to customers when an annual check-up is due but it goes beyond that.

“If a customer was moving house we would give them a van,” he added.

Despite being 30kms away from Killarney, Adam’s of Tralee enjoys great support locally, helped of course by the four staff members who are based near Killarney but also because of the range of products and services on offer.

“Many of the hotels in Killarney have bought electric cars from us,” added the Aghadoe man. “It is important for them – these days when people are checking out a hotel they ask what is the pool like, where is the bar and is there an electric charge point on site? It helps the hotels to say they have an electric car on site."

FLYING THE FLAG: Paul Nagle and Craig Breen confirmed for Hyundai WRC 2021

Breen and Nagle confirmed for Hyundai 2021 WRC season Craig Breen and Paul Nagle have secured their seat with the Hyundai Motorsport World Rally Team for a third season.

They will share the team’s third car with Spanish driver Dani Sordo as it bids to defend its recently secured second manufacturers’ title crown.

The Germany-based team confirmed on Wednesday that they will field three cars next season, one each for regular drivers Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville.

Sordo and Breen will share the third car

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and while each driver’s full programme is yet to be confirmed it is understood that they will each drive six different rounds of the 12 round World Championship.

Sordo has this week tested the new Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC in the South of France ahead of January’s Monte Carlo Rally which will leave Breen and Nagle in pole-position for a run in Sweden in February.

The Irishmen impressed the team this year with a strong charge to second place in Estonia.

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Diesel

2008 TOYOTA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D STRATA. NCT 2021

2008 TOYOTA AURIS 1.4 LUNA NCT 2021

151 TOYOTA YARIS 1.0 LUNA NCT 2021

2007 TOYOTA AURIS 1.4 H/B NCT 2021

12 TOYOTA YARIS 1.0 LUNA NCT 2022

07 TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 PETROL NCT 2021

1.4 SALOON PETROL NCT 2022

2007 TOYOTA YARIS 1.0 NCT 2022

1.4 SAL TERRA NCT 2021

2006 TOYOTA YARIS 1.0 NCT 2022

61

62