This compares to an average 145.14g/km for the UK new car market as a whole.

Already well below the mandatory 130g/km target set by the European Union for 2012, the level achieved by Toyota reflects the impact of both its Hybrid Synergy Drive full hybrid technology, featured in Prius and Auris hybrid, and the application of Toyota Optimal Drive across its petrol and diesel powered models.

Toyota Optimal Drive covers a wide range of improvements to engine and transmission design and engineering that have cut fuel consumption and emissions and reduced mechanical losses with no compromise in performance. The introduction of Dual VVT-i advanced variable valve timing, engine stop-start technology and components that weigh less and are more compact has had a direct impact on CO2 output. Prius adds an extra dimension to the results, its full hybrid powertrain delivering a segment-best 89g/km.

Clean Green Cars’ data are weighted against new vehicle registrations, and thus give a more accurate picture of the environmental impact of each manufacturer’s entire model range. Toyota is confident of even further improvements in its CO2 performance thanks to the launch of its new British-built Auris hybrid, the first full-hybrid family hatchback, with emissions from just 89g/km.

The full Clean Green Cars’ data tables can be seen at   http://www.cleangreencars.co.uk/co2

Hundreds of people flocked to the college grounds in Eastbourne this weekend to see the latest offerings from the areas car dealerships – but I do wonder what the whole point of the event is…

Obviously, the displaying manufacturers are selling cars, but do they really want to do that? I have been to the Eastbourne Motorshow pretty much every year, and it’s certainly a great place if you are in the market for a car and not sure where to start.

This year, I was with a potential car buyer, who was looking to spend around £10,000 of her hard earned money. So, we visited the stands which offered cars at this level and narrowed it down two favourites from Citroen and Toyota.

She was lucky in that I know a lot about cars and managed to give advise on each model – it is a good job really because throughout the two hours we were there, we were not approached by one salesman!! Obviously, at a motorshow, they cannot approach every person that arrives on the stand and its important to seperate serious buyers from the children who just want to sit behind the wheel.

So what part of fifteen minutes of looking around one car did they not understand? On one of the above stands, two salesman stood next us, arms folded, looking cool in their shades. We asked them how the rear seats folded down, so one come over, pushed some buttons, they folded, then he walked away!

For some this is great, because not everyone wants to be hassled when looking around a car, but at a time when sales are low and local dealerships have to be very careful where they spend their money – I would have thought they would be fighting for business.

The show has done very well to sustain its regular exhibitors and they must see a return on their investments to exhibit every year at the show. I have run a trade motorshow in the past and I know exactly how difficult it can be.

This is the way I see it… These shows attract families who want to enjoy a day out – even if they are not buying a new car. Most of these arrive with children who love collecting freebies and looking at extraordinary and novelty cars – these are customers of the future!

Come on dealerships, let’s have some razzamatazz on the stands, some entertainment, branded freebies, concept cars, simulators and most of all, some enthusiasm. After all, people have paid good money to get into the event and they want to be entertained. Give them a good day out and they will return next year!

It is not up to the organisers to make it entertaining – the exhibitors buy the space and it’s up to them to keep customers on their stands. We wanted to be there all afternoon and we weren’t. The arena events are okay, the same every year, but they do the job. Personally, I’m not sure if good money should be spent on a ‘celebrity’ presenter, as I certainly didn’t spot visitors going there to get a look at him!

This year, it was hosted by Jason Dawe. Now, his job on TV is to help one lucky viewer to find their perfect car, let them test drive it and help them decide on their favourite. What a good live event this would have been!

I understand exhibitors do not want their cars shunned, but then if they are going to take offence, then perhaps they should’nt enter cars into the arena.

This year we had the typical non appearance from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and MINI, so guess who will miss out on the hundreds of people there with good money to spend – but I wonder if they actually care.

Let us continue to support the show which is the only regional motorshow in the country and hope that next year a manufacturer will think on its feet and actually compete for some of these important customers, and most importantly give them something to talk about when they leave!

So organisers, now you know how to get hold of me, book me for next year and let me start pushing these exhibitors into putting on a real show and let’s make it a show the visitors cannot miss!

Paul Gibson

Operation Triangle has been launched and will run throughout the Summer. Insp Steve Grace, head of road policing in East Sussex says that it will: “Enforce, engage and educate.”

“We are committed to reducing KSIs in East Sussex and especially across the Wealden District, which has a disproportionately high number compared to other areas in Sussex. For the next three months, we will be using marked and unmarked vehicles to target those who think they are above the law and anyone using the roads illegally can expect to be caught and dealt with.”

He continued: “We are aiming this message not only at road users, but also their relatives and friends. Drive sensibly and legally and we won’t bother you, but drive drunk, at speed, without insurance, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or just anti-socially generally and you’ll be seeing our blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror.”

Police are working closely with the East Sussex Casualty Steering Group and the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and the operation is being supported by East Sussex County Council.

Its arrival makes the Auris range a unique proposition in its class, with customers offered a choice of petrol, diesel or full hybrid powertrains.

Auris Hybrid has been designed specifically for the European market and is built exclusively by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at its Burnaston factory. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine that forms part of the powertrain is sourced from TMUK’s plant at Deeside in North Wales.

The benefits of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain used in the new model go beyond exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions: it is user-friendly and delivers a quiet, comfortable and stress-free drive unlike anything else in the segment.

The system’s 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate a maximum 134bhp, giving nought to 62mph acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, performance that matches any conventional 2.0-litre petrol or diesel hatchback.

When fitted with 15-inch wheels, combined cycle fuel economy is 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions are 89 g/km; with the 17-inch wheel option the figures remain exceptional at 70.6 mpg and 93 g/km, levels unmatched by any other car in its segment. In addition, NOX emissions are significantly lower than those of diesel cars of comparable performance.  Across the range, the emissions performance exempts Auris Hybrid from UK road tax (VED).

When taking advantage of the full hybrid system’s switchable EV (electric vehicle) mode, CO2 and NOx emissions are cut to zero over distances of up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 30 mph, according to the level of battery charge and driving conditions.

Grades and equipment specifications
Auris Hybrid is offered in the UK in two specification grades, T4 and T Spirit. T4 models can be specified with 15 or optional 17-inch wheels, with the larger rims standard on the T Spirit version. The choice of wheel size has a slight effect on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Key features of the standard T4 include: -

* Climate control air conditioning
* Six-speaker audio with CD, radio, MP3 file player
* USB and Aux-in connection
* Front and rear electric windows
* Electric, heated door mirrors
* Front fog lights
* LED running lights
* Colour-matched door handles and mirrors
* Push-button start
* Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag
* Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC)
* Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

T Spirit grade adds the following items: -

* Leather and Alcantara upholstery
* Cruise control
* Bluetooth
* Dusk-sensing headlamps
* Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
* Smart Entry and Start
* Auto-dimming electrochromatic rear view mirror
* Rear view camera display in rear view mirror

A Navigation Pack is available, providing satellite navigation, rear camera and rear parking sensors. Bluetooth, with steering wheel controls, is also offered as an option for the T4.

Prices

The new Auris Hybrid T4 model costs £18,950 on-the-road and the T Spirit model costs £20,700.

An optional Navigation Pack, providing satellite navigation, rear camera and rear parking sensors, costs £1,200, and Bluetooth can be specified for the T4 version for £285.

AVAILABLE AT:

Yeomans Toyota. http://www.yeomans.co.uk/

Simpsons Uckfield. http://simpsons.toyota.co.uk

According to a study released by the Kelsey Group in Q1 2008, 33% of car dealers surveyed currently take advantage of online video on their own websites. In the same study, 59% of dealers surveyed indicated that they they plan to use video on their own websites within the next 12 months.

Of the dealers surveyed, 46% of dealers indicated that they would likely decrease spending on traditional media in the next 12 months while only 8% indicated the same for online media. In general, auto dealers are shifting more of their media mix online, with 62% of dealers planning to increase their online media spend compared with only 17% for traditional media.

Now, Sussex Press Agency has introduced a unique service to the county’s dealerships which allows them to take advantage of the online buyer with very little investment. Producers from the agency can now be on hand to film stock from the dealerships along with professional voice overs and personalised titles.

This is the first time car dealerships have been offered a low-cost solution to online video which is priced from only £100.00 per vehicle. See our dedicated page for more details and video examples.

Three different graphic sets are available, each with its own unique and distinctive personality and coordinated set of floor mats, which also are unique to each theme.

The ‘Pop’ Tag brings out the Spark’s inner Sparkle, with a shimmering star pattern along the car’s doors and rear quarters. It’s the most discreet of the three themes on offer, and is bound to appeal to motorists who want their Spark to subtly stand out from the crowd.

At the other end of the scale, the ‘Sports’ Tag is certainly not for shrinking violets. With twin racing stripes over the bonnet, roof and tailgate, plus matching side graphics, the look sets off the Spark’s dynamic profile and gives it a much more purposeful appearance than many of its city car rivals.

The ‘Urban’ Tag isn’t quite so dramatic, but will still get you noticed. It includes a smart styling stripe on the car’s rear quarter that emphasises its curvaceous lines, plus a distinctive urban street tag graphic on each front door.

Tags are available on all Spark variants and colours, and cost £199 fitted.

The Spark arrives in Chevrolet showrooms on March 12th, and is available to order now.

Frosts4Cars: http://www.frosts4cars.co.uk/chevrolet

Caffyns Chevrolet: http://www.caffynschevrolet.co.uk/

Steeles of Worthing: http://www.steeles.co.uk/

There have been a number of incidents, particularly around the Uckfield area, including one near the White Hart in Buxted on Tuesday evening (January 26). Three vehicles were involved in a collision that is believed to have caused primarily by ice on the road. The incident happened in Station Road just before 7.30pm and involved a Mitsubishi Shogun, Vauxhall Astra and a Vauxhall Corsa.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 63-year-old man from Fletching, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with minor injuries; the 42-year-old female driver of the Astra from Hadlow Down and her 22-year-old male passenger from Seaford were treated for minor injuries at the Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells; the 20-year-old driver of the the Corsa from Crowborough was uninjured.

Watch Manager Simon Neill, from Uckfield fire station, who attended the scene, said that conditions were treacherous. “It was already minus two when we arrived and my crew were finding it difficult to keep their feet on the ice. We have noticed these conditions in a number of places over the last 24 hours. Water that has been draining from surrounding land has been causing localised patches of ice and they can catch even the most cautious driver unawares.”

Sgt David Morgan from the East Sussex Road Policing Unit based at Polegate said that there had been a number of incidents in the Wealden district. “Do not assume that because one part of the road looks dry and clear, this will be the case around the next bend. Similarly, black ice can look just like a wet road, so be sure to remain constantly alert to potential hazards and what’s going on around you,” he said.

“In particular, drivers travelling home in the early evening should be aware that ice may already be forming and in shady areas may not melt away at all on a chilly day.

“Plan your route and leave more time for your journey. Drive slowly and carefully to take account of icy conditions, always leave a good distance between your car and any vehicles in front of you. Low morning sun coupled with a windscreen that you cannot see through properly is potentially extremely dangerous. Ensure that you thoroughly demist the windscreen and do not move off until all of your windows and mirrors are fully clear.”

Released on Wednesday 20 January, Embrace Life has swept around the internet, pulling hits to www.embracethis.co.uk in from across 55 countries around the world.  Facebook in particular is driving traffic to the SSRP’s seat belt campaign and a group has been created by one impressed viewer to have it screened on national TV.

Neil Hopkins, Communications Manager for the SSRP, commented; “I am delighted by the way that Embrace Life has been welcomed by the public.  We developed the concept to provide a talking point around the issue of individuals not wearing their seat belts.

“It appears that we’ve touched a nerve with the campaign, and I’ve received many positive comments concentrating on the way that Embrace Life delivers an emotional impact, but without the use of blood or gore.”

The advert is also being picked up by motoring blogs and public discussion forums, driving further traffic to www.embracethis.co.uk – and many viewers are calling for the advert to be shown more widely on TV.

“We are keen to open the dialogue with the team at the Department for Transport (DfT) responsible for putting out the national road safety TV campaigns,” Neil continues.

“We’ve had individuals from all walks of life – including the creative sector – praising the film and urging us to promote it via TV.  As a local partnership, we haven’t got the financial capability to create a national TV campaign, which is why we’re looking to work with the DfT who already use the medium to get their messages out.”

Anyone wishing to lend their support to the campaign can join the dedicated Facebook group – either search for ‘Embrace Life TV’ in Facebook, or type http://tinyurl.com/EmbraceTV into your browser.

The campaign is also gaining attention through some of its more unorthodox promotional techniques.  Working with a prominent graffiti artist has seen sites in Brighton previously littered with unsightly tags turning into large scale public place artworks to support the campaign.

Furthermore, the SSRP team contacted members of the media and creative industries throughout Sussex prior to the launch with thermoreactive postcards, bearing a cryptic message directing the recipients to www.embracethis.co.uk.

These unusual tactics helped the site to smash through 1,100 page views the day after the advert went live, and the total is still climbing – currently sitting at over 4,500 visitors who have viewed www.embracethis.co.uk a total of over 6,000 times.

For all of the positive comments and promotion of Embrace Life, it is important not to overlook the reason that it was created.

“Not wearing a seat belt can make what should be a minor accident into a major one,” concludes Neil Hopkins.

“On the morning of the launch, we heard from a Clinical Fellow in A&E who had been treating a driver thrown through his windscreen because he was not wearing his seat belt.

“It’s likely that he’ll never walk again, nor be able to provide for his family and all because he didn’t spend a moment clipping his seat belt in.  We hope that Embrace Life reminds everyone how important it is to be properly belted in, whether you’re the driver or a passenger.”

Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson commented; “With limited orders as we near the close of scrappage there is a risk of disappointment for car buyers. I would urge people who are still keen on taking part to put their orders in as soon as possible as time is running out”.

In exchange for scrapping your old vehicle and buying a new one the Government and Manufactures will contribute a total of £2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle.  The scheme started on May 18th 2009 and on September 28th 2009 the scheme was extended to include an extra 100,000 vehicles.

The scheme is open to cars or commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and to be eligible, the vehicle you scrap must have been first registered on or prior to 29 February 2000 or before, while for vans it will change to 28 February 2002 or before.

To claim the Scrappage Scheme, the owner must be the registered keeper of old vehicle for at least 1 year and the vehicle must have an up to date MOT. It will be available to the first 400,000 eligible claimants or until 31 March 2010, whichever is sooner.

Now, Caffyns Dealers will take care of everything for you, including claiming the incentive on your behalf and arranging scrapping of the vehicle In order to benefit from the cash incentive.

See http://www.caffynscitroen.co.uk for more details.

Restyled exterior
Rather than simple styling tweaks, Toyota has gone back to the sheet metal to give its new Auris 2010 more road presence and driver appeal. The front end has been comprehensively reworked with a new deep bumper with integrated fog lamps (TR and SR models), new swept-back headlamps, a revised bonnet profile with stronger crease lines and a grille that adopts the Toyota family identity established by the latest generation Avensis and Verso.

The New Toyota Auris

New 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels have been designed for the TR and SR models and all versions feature turn indicator lights integrated into the door mirrors. At the rear there is a smart flash of chrome across the top of the number plate, revised lamp clusters and a new rear bumper with extended corner sections that create a “catamaran” look. Owners can choose from seven exterior colours, including three new metallic shades.

High quality cabin
A soft-touch material has been introduced across the top of the instrument binnacle and around the glovebox, and the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design for smarter appearance and improved clarity. Auris’s distinctive bridged centre console has a new silver finish that matches the doorhandles and the shape of the handbrake has been changed for easier operation and improved tactile quality.

White illumination has been introduced for the Optitron instrument dials, with sportier amber lighting for the analogue instruments featured in the new Auris SR. To complete the fresh look, new cloth upholstery designs have been introduced.

Retuned suspension and steering
Toyota’s engineers have taken UK customer feedback into account in fine-tuning Auris’s suspension to better suit European roads and driver preferences (T2, TR models). The revisions have undergone extensive local testing and the result is stable high-speed driving performance with secure handling and greater ride comfort.

The speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) has also been revised and refined to deliver better feedback and improved vehicle agility.

Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains
Auris retains its current range of petrol and diesel engines and six-speed manual and MultiMode transmissions, all of which benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies for reduced weight, higher efficiency and reduced emissions. Performance data is unchanged, but they continue to offer a strong balance of performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The range comprises a 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine, with manual transmission, with Toyota Stop & Start technology; 1.6 Valvematic petrol with manual; or MultiMode transmission; and 1.4 D-4D diesel, again with manual gearbox; or Multimode:

Revised grades and improved equipment specifications
The new Auris 2010 moves to a new three-grade line-up, with a new sporty SR grade joining the established T2 and TR models. The TR will remain at the heart of the range and is expected to account for around 80 per cent of the UK sales mix.

Key changes include the provision of a USB port and Aux-in socket to connect portable music players to the car’s audio system, and a leather-trimmed flat bottom steering wheel on all models. Heated door mirrors are introduced on T2 grade, with an additional retracting function on TR and SR versions.

Sportier Auris SR
The new Auris SR, powered exclusively by the 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine with six-speed manual transmission, incorporates sporty styling inside and out, with new-design five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp, darkened headlamp glasses, Tatami sport seat trim and amber-lit analogue dashboard instrumentation. Despite all this additional specification, the SR model costs only £500 more than the TR.

Options
New Kasaba black leather upholstery, with white stitching detail, will be available as an option for TR and SR versions of the new Auris 2010. A Protection Pack is also available, offering rear parking sensors (with a cancellation switch) and a boot liner. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for hands-free use of compatible mobile phones, with voice recognition and a music streaming function.

Toyota in Sussex:
Yeomans, Toyota Chichester, Toll House Group, Simpsons Uckfield: