Following a recent evaluation of the MOT test standards and practices in the UK, the government has decided to implement a number of enhancements for 2012 in addition to the existing regulations:

• Retain the existing rules on MOT test frequency since the evidence shows that vehicle defects are being missed and roadworthiness mis-assessed.
• Shine a light on the performance of MOT testing stations by releasing hitherto unpublished VOSA survey data on whether the sector is complying with test standards.
• Work with motoring organisations to find out what problems motorists experience and enable them to share examples of good customer service – in particular to find ways to make it easier for customers to give feedback on their experiences of garages in a way that others can see – potentially in the manner of existing online hotel and restaurant review websites.
• Encourage the take up of industry codes of practice – and expand them to include MOT testing – so that customers can find garages signed up to schemes delivering the highest standards and take action if they have not received the service they expect.
• Help motorists to spot ‘clocked’ second hand vehicles, by changing MOT certificates so that they carry the last three years’ mileage information as well as the mileage on the day of the test, and encourage car buyers to check full MOT histories using the online MOT database.
• Arrange ‘mystery shopper’ tests to help improve performance in addition to those already carried out by VOSA.

There are 35 million MOT tests conducted at 21,000 authorised premises across Great Britain every year. The cost to motorists of the test alone is around £1.5bn.  The recent evaluation of existing MOT test standards took account of evidence offered by a wide range of organisations, including VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency).  VOSA showed that more than a quarter of the vehicles tested in 2010 – 2011 had one or more defects that were either missed by MOT test centres or incorrectly assessed.

The VOSA data also showed that the roadworthiness of one-in-eight cars was being incorrectly assessed by MOT test centres.  As a result, the Government will work with industry, motoring organisations and consumer groups to focus on the reliability and standards of garages.

Jeremy Chapman, Aftersales Director for Roy Chapman Ltd said, “We welcome the changes and scrutiny by the DFT and VOSA.  Drivers are often enticed by ‘cheap’ offers without perhaps understanding the repercussions or reading the small print.  Garages prepared to sign up to the Industry Codes of Practice, as we are already, will hopefully put an end to these illegal practices”.

Source: Department for Transport 1 February 2012

For further information please contact: Jeremy Chapman, Aftersales Director, on tel: 01442 871234 or send an email to: jeremy@roychapman.com.

Yes unfortunately there are still some ‘Arthur Daley’ rogues out there, so here are a few tips for buying a used car from a dealer.

If you’re buying a car from a franchised dealer, such as Roy Chapman Ltd, then almost every manufacturer offers an approved used car scheme.  Our approved used car scheme with Ford is called Ford Direct, which means you can buy with confidence:

• Your car complies with its original Ford specification, including jack and tools, spare keys and service pack
• Any replacement items are all Ford approved and fully comply with the vehicle’s original specification
• Your car has a full service history, as recommended in the Ford Service Plan
• Your car has been inspected and approved by the RAC
• Plus… all Ford Direct Cars come with a 2 year comprehensive unlimited mileage warranty included within the advertised price
• And… to make sure that the mileage shown on your Ford Direct vehicle can be 100% trusted and has not been tampered with in any way, all Ford Direct vehicles are checked via the National Mileage Register before we offer them “for sale”.

In addition to the above, buying from a dealer gives you the all-important legal protection under the Sale of Goods and Trades Description Acts.

If you’re buying from a non-franchised dealer (an independent) then check first if it’s a member of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (www.rmif.co.uk) which demands certain industry standards.  The more professional company will also offer cars that have passed an RAC or an AA pre-sale check.  If not, you may pay less but may not drive away with the same level of reassurance!

Our tips for buying a used car are as follows:

• Do consider your needs and how much you can afford to spend before you start looking, both on the car itself and how much it will cost to run, ie, fuel, insurance, maintenance etc.
• Do look at the car in daylight and take an ‘expert’ friend for both security and confidence.
• Make sure all of the controls, switches, displays and lights work as they should.
• Check the carpets and seats are dry and therefore free from leaks.
• Check the bodywork is free from dents, scratches and rust, ill-matching colours or buckling in the metal.
• Pull back the rubber seals from around the windows to check for any signs of overspray or repair.
• Check the depth of tread on the tyres with a 20p coin (the outer band should not be visible if they are within the legal limit).
• Test drive the car and check it drives in a straight line when you loosen your grip on the steering wheel and listen out for any strange noises or juddering.
• Do negotiate on the price but do your research beforehand.
• And finally, don’t succumb to emotional blackmail of the ‘other’ interested buyer…

What if something goes wrong?

For further information on what to do if something goes wrong with your used car after you have bought it, contact www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you negotiate if something is wrong with your vehicle.

~~~

For those who wish to know (or remember!) “Ullo John! Gotta New Motor?” is a song written by the comedian Alexei Sayle, originally released as a single in the UK in 1982. The single eventually achieved UK Top Twenty success in 1984, following a re-issue.  The song and its title have subsequently been adapted and reused in a number of different cultural contexts.  Source:  Wikipedia.

Ford’s first global performance car will take centre stage this year with a starring role in new film blockbuster The Sweeney.

Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) and George Carter (Ben Drew aka Plan B) will lead a cast of crime-busting officers as they give chase to London’s criminals in black Ford Focus ST hot hatchbacks. Thanks to the Ford Focus ST’s 2.0-litre 250PS four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and explosive acceleration, the criminals will always struggle to make a clean getaway!

Director and co-writer Nick Love, whose prior films include The Football Factory and The Firm, said: “It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong – they’re the perfect partner. I like the Ford Focus ST so much, I want one!”

Ford’s strong link with the 1970s Sweeney TV series saw Regan, Carter and their Flying Squad colleagues using a string of Ford Granadas, Consuls and Cortinas to make the streets of London a safer place.

Set in modern day England, The Sweeney movie also features Hayley Atwell (from Captain America), Damien Lewis (The Escapist), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans) and Paul Anderson (The Firm).

The all new Focus ST will go sale in the UK in the summer, followed by the film premiere in September.

For further information on the Focus ST and other models in the Ford range, please contact: Justine Chapman, Sales Director, on tel: 01442 871234 or send an email to: justine@roychapman.com.

According to online insurance provider swiftcover.com, the Ford Focus, is one of the cars least likely to be vandalised in the UK. The Ford Focus is positioned well outside of the top ten, published by the Swiftcover.com VV Index* (Vehicle Vandalism Index), with an index rating of just 1.88** compared to the Lexus IS, reported as the most vandalised car in Britain, with a rating of 5.56. The analysis found that high-end brands were consistently targeted more than any other and that ‘everyday’ cars such as Ford and Citroen were vandalised less often.

The insurance company analysed thousands of vandalism claims during 2010 for its 2011 Vehicle Vandalism Index (VV Index). The VV Index revealed that the top three ‘suspects’ are comprised of the Lexus IS (as above), followed by the BMW Z4 (4.75 rating) and Mini ONE (4.62 rating). In comparison, the Ford Fiesta has an index rating of 2.3 and the Ford Ka a rating of 1.5.

The Ford Focus, positioned significantly lower on the list, incorporates a number of both active and passive safety and security features designed to offer the owner driver greater confidence and reassurance. The Ford Focus also carries a 5 Star rating from the Euro-NCAP car safety performance assessment programme.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

Ford have incorporated many security features into the new Ford Focus range, including the Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm system and remote central double locking. All the locks are high-security, anti-burst and are shielded with strengthened mountings. For extra peace of mind, Ford’s patented Passive Anti-Theft System immobiliser disables the engine if your key isn’t in the ignition or if the sensors haven’t recognised it’s unique security code (if you are carrying it in your pocket or bag).

FordKeyFree-System

This is a convenient device that stops you having to search around for your keys. Even if your key is in your pocket or bag, the system will detect its presence and unlock the vehicle at a pull of the handle and de-activate the alarm. You can, of course, use the remote control buttons to open or lock the car if you prefer. Additionally, you can have the FordKeyFree-System programmed to unlock all of the vehicle doors at once, or just one.

Jeremy Chapman, Director for Roy Chapman Ltd, said “we’re delighted with these results and we hope the index will give some insight for customers when considering their next car.” Jeremy also gave these practical tips for helping to prevent vandalism and to protect one’s car, “if possible, park your car in the garage not on the street. If you can’t, use a motion-sensitive security light outside your house and don’t leave desirable objects such as sat-navs, keys, money, CD’s and items of clothing visible inside the car.”

For further information and advice please contact: Jeremy Chapman, Director, on tel: 01442 871234 or send an email to: jeremy@roychapman.com.

Berkhamsted’s Festival of Light will soon be upon us. We can expect lots of festive fun including Christmas Carols, children’s fairground rides, mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and of course the big switch on of the Christmas lights.

Here at Roy Chapman Ltd, we are offering you the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful event without worrying where to park, or sore tired feet, not to mention tired children. Just take advantage of our special Park & Ride service.

Our Park & Ride includes a Winter Safety Check with multi-point visual safety inspection and top-up of all vital fluids (up to ½ litre) and tyre pressure check. Your car will also receive a FREE wash and you will receive a FREE Winter Care Pack too.  All this for just £19.95. Normally £24.95 just for the check!

We will drive you into Berkhamsted and pick you up when you are ready, all you need to do is pre-book this special offer by calling us on 01442 871234 or email us at info@roychapman.com.

Not only will you receive all of the above, you will also be entered into our Free Prize Draw to win a crate of Champagne, up to the value of £100! Just in time for Christmas too.

Jeremy Chapman, Director of Roy Chapman Ltd, the Ford dealership based in Berkhamsted, Herts, has joined the growing number of supporters for Movember.

Movember takes place during the month of November, where men and women across the world join together to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer. This year the Movember Foundations says it’s all about “real men growing real moustaches. And talking about real issues. Face grown, hand brushed, crafted with pride.” The Prostate Cancer Charity reported that in 2010, over 111,825 UK Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising £11.7 million.

There’s lots of ways to get involved whether motivating your friends and family to donate and support your efforts, encouraging men to make an annual appointment for a health check-up or, indeed, arranging a Mo party to celebrate your Mo growing achievements!

The Movember movement began in Melbourne Australia but has rapidly grown right across the globe, with formal campaigns now taking place in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland. With further support for the Movember Foundation from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between!

Day 7 of Movember and Jeremy Chapman is quite pleased with the way his Mo is coming along, “I’m really amazed with the growth so far, although quite scared what it will look like by the end of the month! Some growth with the donations would be nice now too…” Jeremy’s goal is to beat the total amount raised last time of £600, so any donations will be gratefully received. “I’m really pleased that a lot more people are aware of what Movember is this year, it’s meant I don’t have to keep explaining why I look like a Mexican bandit and there have been more compliments than funny looks this time round! It’s also great how many fellow Mo Bros are taking part, so this means that along with raising funds for a great cause, we’re also raising awareness of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.” Join or donate to Jeremy’s team ‘Bushy Lips’ by registering your support here: http://uk.movember.com/mospace/39319.

We want to help local motorists keep moving this winter, whatever the weather has in store for us!

Unfamiliar to most of us, due to the traditionally mild weather in the UK, tyre technology has advanced significantly over the years due to demand from other parts of the world that suffer extremes of temperature.

The last Met Office report (Average Winter Weather 1971-2000) stated that most of the UK has an average temperature of less than 7°C for the period December to February and a minimum temperature of below 3°C.  The next update is due 2012.

However, our last two winters have seen many people struggling to get out of their drives and roads.  Winter tyres look like normal tyres but perform differently.  Below 7°C winter tyres give significant safety advantages in wet and icy conditions, with enhanced grip and braking up to 8m shorter than a standard tyre at 30mph (35m versus 43m in length).  Source: Continental Tyres from a test of their winter tyres compared to their summer tyres.

Jeremy Chapman, Director, said “We have already received a number of enquiries from people wanting to order their winter tyres and some will have to wait until mid-November for certain sizes.  Popular sizes are already becoming in short supply.”

Don’t be left out in the cold this winter!  Call us for details on tel: 01442 871234 or email info@roychapman.com.

On Friday evening 14 October 2011, sisters Stephanie and Hannah Brookfield of Chesham, Bucks, walked away with both a free MOT for life and free Valet courtesy of Roy Chapman Ltd, the Ford dealership located in Berkhamsted, Herts.

Jeremy Chapman, Director for Roy Chapman Ltd, donated the two prizes in support of a pamper evening in aid of The Little Princess Trust and LUCY air ambulance.  The pamper treatments included manicures and threading through to a wash and blow dry and full hair styling with all donations going to the two charities.

The event was organised by Principal Hair Dressers in Chesham and Kelly Perryman and Meredith Theodorou of LUCY Air Ambulance.  Over £400 was raised by Kelly Perryman before the day, who had her hair cut off to make a wig for a child in need and, on the night, over £750 was raised from further donations.

Of the evening Jeremy said, “The event was really well supported and we were delighted to have an opportunity to promote the immensely important work provided by these two charities”.

The latest Ford Fiesta range includes a new special edition 134PS hot hatch in the Metal model now on sale at Roy Chapman Ford based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

Priced from £15,695 on the road, and limited to just 1000 examples, the Ford Fiesta Metal boasts 134PS at 6,700rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,250rpm from its 1.6-litre, Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, and can reach 62mph in just 8.7 seconds.

Justine Chapman, Director for Roy Chapman Ltd, said: “This Ford Fiesta special edition gives the customer great exterior styling with an enhanced performance engine. Customers love that Ford create Fiestas with special features that prove to be real head-turners.”

Based on the popular three-door 120PS Ford Fiesta Zetec-S, the Fiesta Metal boasts: chrome twin exhaust pipes, silver-painted front grille surround, front aerofoil and front fog light bezels, Piano Black painted centre stack bezel, air vent rings and door pulls, Ebony Black leather sports seats with silver contrast stitching, unique floor mats with silver piping, stainless steel door scuff plates with Fiesta logo, 17″ Black alloy wheels and sports tuning with lowered ride height.

The new Ford Fiesta Metal’s standard specification includes: Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Home Safe headlights, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), Intelligent Protection System (IPS), front, side and knee airbags and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). It is available in Panther Black, Midnight Sky and Frozen White.

For further information please contact: Nicholas Garrad, Sales Advisor, on tel: 01442 871234 or send an email to: nicholas@roychapman.com.

With a deposit of £1900 you could be driving away a Brand New Shape Focus for less than £200 a month.

Call our Sales Department today on 01442 871234 for full details.