Gym Training, Championship Races and a Broken Thumb! Motocross Update.

As many regular readers of our blog/news section will know, we have sponsored local motocross rider- Mark Osborne- for a couple of years now. We were delighted to continue this sponsorship for the 2014 season and thought we'd give you a little update on his progress in the last few months. 

Mark has always been fantastic at keeping us in the loop with events on the track and this year has been no exception. We were, however, disappointed for Mark when we heard his latest news back in early April. 

Training was going very well for him but, while having a practice session in Cornwall, he had a crash on the last run resulting in a swift trip to A&E, scarring down his left side and fractured thumb.


Thankfully for Mark, three weeks and a great deal of strapping later and he's back on the bike. We hear he's put in 4 good 20minute sessions this first week, is planning a combination of rest, recuperation and gym training and is raring to go for the first Championship race on Sunday 11th May- feeling the fittest he has in many seasons.

Visitors for the Championship race are more than welcome and we're told the Littlehampton, Newton Abbott track is one of the best in the South West for viewing. Fingers crossed for a top 10 finish, we're right behind you Mark!








 

Outlander PHEV, The Game-Changer

Top motoring publication, Auto Express, summed up the latest addition to the Mitsubishi range in one short paragraph: "Once in a while a game-changer comes along- a car that proves a hit with buyers and makes rivals rush to copy the concept. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of those cars".

The Outlander PHEV is as unique as it is revolutionary- the first ever plug-in hybrid SUV on the market- promises to save owners thousands: it produces just 44g/km of CO2 so no road tax is payable, can achieve up to 32.5 miles on a single charge and, for company car users, attracts a benefit-in-kind tariff of just five per cent (even the cleanest diesel cars are charged at 13% and similar sized SUV's are closer to 25%).

The new model is powered by both a 2.0 litre petrol engine and two electric motors which- when required- can produce around 200bhp and you can keep tabs on everything from economy to which power source the vehicle is running on through the infotainment screen-original to the PHEV- while it flits imperceptibly between petrol and electric power. 

  
Official figures state that it can achieve 148mpg and, while it goes without saying that the potential range and economy will vary depending on the types of roads and driving style, it will be a money saver for most and- for those doing less than the 32-mile electric range- fuel station visits will become a rare occurrence.

Those familiar with the Mitsubishi Outlander will notice little difference from the outside- the only slight tweaks are a minor increase in weight, a reduction in boot space of just 14 litres and a marginally higher floor in the rear to accommodate the batteries. It is still a remarkable off-roader, still a marvel at towing (with a capacity of 1,500kg) and continues to offer a favourable driving position and a user-friendly interior.

Utilising a powerful twin-motor four wheel drive system, the Outlander PHEV is integrated with Mitsubishi's proven S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system for added traction, the same system found on the legendary Lancer Evolution X.

And it isn't only economical: Autocar rave about the PHEV's "impressively refined drive" and its secure and dependable feel in their latest review, while What Car? praise it for everything from stability to handling. Little wonder that European orders reached in excess of 12,000 in the latter part of 2013.


Smartphone users will love the additional functionality on offer through Mitsubishi's technologically advanced app: owners can view the charge level of their vehicle, control when the vehicle charges and even operate the climate control remotely: No more early mornings de-icing the windscreen.

With so many outstanding positives, many people will be waiting for the 'but', but there just isn't one: Mitsubishi have teamed up with British Gas to fit home charging kits at owners homes for free, the manufacturer have taken the unheard-of decision to charge exactly the same as a similarly equipped Diesel-powered version for the hybrid-starting from £28,249 (inc. £5,000 plug-in car grant) and, while it can reach 80% charge in a mere 30 minutes, a full 5 hour charge will cost under £2 on the average household electricity tariff.

For any further information on what is a completely unique introduction to the motoring industry, or to arrange a test drive please contact us on 01271 342600. Pop in to our showroom in Pottington, Barnstaple or email sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk.

Proud to Work with Local Businesses

We have long been proud of our working relationships with local businesses and have been delighted to assist thousands of businesses in everything from construction, forestry, farming and fishing to find the perfect vehicle for their needs over the years. We don't do 'one size fits all'.

One of our most recent success stories was our supply of three L200 pick-ups to a local veterinary business. Torch Farm and Equine Limited, which works in partnership with the Charter Veterinary Hospital Group and operates seven veterinary clinics across North Devon, approached us in 2013 and- after careful deliberation- decided to opt for three of the rough and rugged L200s for their business.

L to R: Bill Dixon, Chris Chapple (Senior Sales Executive) and Mike Blake, Director of Torch Farm and Equine Ltd.

Bill Dixon, Group Business Manager of the Charter/Torch Farm and Equine Group, was full of praise for the L200's they purchased. He said:

"These vehicles are ideal for our business needs in providing round-the-clock large animal veterinary care and herd management to a farm and equine client base across the wide expanses of North Devon.

The varied terrain and extreme weather conditions of the area require a versatile and robust vehicle which offers excellent off-road capabilities, comfortable and generous cabin space, an easy-to-use and reliable communications package, and the capacity to accommodate and protect a wide inventory of specialist equipment".

Mr Dixon added that the vehicles' five-year warranty had helped his company make their purchase decision and paid tribute to our team, saying:

"The team at Devonshire Motors have provided a highly personalised and cost-smart solution which meets our needs into the future. They couldn't have been more helpful."

We were absolutely delighted to have been able to supply the trio of L200's, we're only too familiar with the qualities of the L200, so to hear a valued customer praise them so highly makes us feel very proud indeed!

Contact a member of our Sales team on 01271 342600 or on sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk to arrange a no-obligation appointment to discuss your business requirements and see what cash-flow savings and other benefits may be available to you. 

Mitsubishi Sales Growth Booms in 2014

Mitsubishi had a fantastic year in 2013 and the steady increase in sales doesn't look to be abating just yet!

2014 has begun on a high with UK passenger vehicle sales up a huge 46% on the same time the previous year. And 2013 was the best year yet! Sales over the year sat 38% over 2012 and led the manufacturer to be crowned "UK's fastest growing mainstream car brand".

An achievement in any manufacturers book but especially resounding for Mitsubishi as a brand with a comparably small market share in the UK among the likes of Ford and Vauxhall.

Lance Bradley with Mitsubishi Ambassador & Olympic Equestrian Mary King

Mitsubishi Motors UK Managing Director, Lance Bradley said:

"For Mitsubishi 2014 will be another year of dramatic growth. New products and increased marketing spend mean we expect to grow again at a similar rate to 2013.

Our most significant new product will be Outlander PHEV, a 4X4 SUV which emits only 44g/km CO2 and can travel 32 miles using solely electricity". 

Based on the last few years we have no doubt that these estimates will ring true and the promise of the introduction of innovative and unique products to the range should ensure this expansion continues long after the end of the year. Congratulations Mitsubishi! Here's to another record breaking year.

Outlander PHEV Storms Europe

With a plan for Electric Vehicles (EV's) and EV-derived Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV's) to represent 20% of its global sales by 2020, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has set itself an ambitious, yet realistic target. Even more so in Europe, Mitsubishi Motors' largest market for these technologies. 

The Outlander PHEV- the worlds first production Plug-in Hybrid SUV and forerunner of the wider PHEV range- has been embraced in phenomenal numbers throughout Europe since its introduction in October 2013.

 
It was first launched in selected markets (The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland) and, in that time, has racked up an impressive 12,000 orders with 8,197 deliveries already having been made by the end of 2013. The Netherlands, in particular- have adopted the vehicle in huge numbers thanks- in part- to a tax scheme favourable to eco-friendly technologies.


With any luck similar tax schemes could be considered in the UK when the vehicle is introduced later this year but regardless, the incredible benefits available on the Outlander PHEV are clear. Buyers will enjoy a £5,000 plug-in grant, road tax exemption, 148mpg and- thanks to Co2 emissions of just 44g/km- early indications suggest company car drivers will pay just 5% benefit-in-kind (even more impressive when compared against the cleanest Nissan Qashqai at 14%).

With statistics like that it is unsurprising Mitsubishi Motors Corporation estimate global production volume of the PHEV to reach 30,000 units by the end of March 2014- with Europe its largest market. Here's hoping their success in the Netherlands can be repeated in the UK! We'll keep you posted.

Motocross in the South West 2014

Regular readers of our blog will be well aware of our sponsorship of local Motocross rider, Mark Osborne. The photo shoot in 2013 was one of our best read posts and the images really were fantastic (even if it did mean digging around next to the dual carriageway for loose grass!) and we're delighted to be supporting him again for the 2014 season. 

We know that Mark has been training hard and wish him all the very best for a safe and successful year. The Motocross events really do offer something for everyone and below is a list of events in the South West Off Road Motocross that Mark will be competing in this year:



6th April- (Non Champ), Littlehempston
13th April- (Non Champ), Whiteway
20th April- (Non Champ), Moreleigh 
11th May- (CH Rnd 1), Littlehempston
18th May- (CH Rnd 2), Moreleigh
8th June- (CH Rnd 3), Crediton
22nd June- (CH Rnd 4), Landrake
29th June- (CH Rnd 5), Garlands
6th July- (CH Rnd 6), Little Silver
20th July- (CH Rnd 7), Moreleigh
27th July- (CH Rnd 8), Littlehempston
10th August- (CH Rnd 9), Whiteway
24th/25th August- (Team Event), Moreleigh
7th September- (CH Rnd 10), Crediton
14th September- (CH Rnd 11), Fraddon
21st September- (CH Rnd 12), TBA

 
If you happen to visit please snap a pictures for us! We'll be sure to keep you posted on Marks progress throughout the season but would love a few action shots!

If you'd like any more information about the South West Motocross Championship do feel free to contact Elise at Devonshire Motors who will be pleased to point you in the right direction. elise.egner@devonshire-motors.co.uk/01271 342600.
         

Winner Takes Home Car for a Year!

A lucky winner has picked up the keys to a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage for a year from us!

An 'ecstatic' Jackie McKeown drove away in the fantastic new super-mini, after being entered into the prize draw for taking the car for a test drive. Mrs McKeown- who has been visiting the showroom for several years with her Mitsubishi Colt- took a liking to the Mirage and took it for a spin when she brought her current vehicle in for its annual service. 

She was not the only one! The competition proved very popular, especially considering the prize on offer was a red Mirage 3 (the highest available specification) with a vast specification- including everything from climate controlled air conditioning and keyless operation with start/stop button to front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and rain sensors. 

Wesley from our Sales Team was delighted to be able to call Mrs McKeown the good news just after Christmas and she was clearly delighted! She said:

"I am absolutely ecstatic. When Wesley rang me to tell me I had won, I felt sure there must be some kind of catch- but there isn't! I had to come and see the car to prove to myself that it would be mine for a year."

And we couldn't think of a better winner! We are assured the 4 door will be very handy for the family as Mrs McKeown has a five-month old grandson to transport on occasion and hearing that it is the "best car she's ever driven" makes it all the better.