Simon Bailes' Media Centre

Simon Bailes Peugeot strikes gold again

31 January 2012

Leading North East car dealership, Simon Bailes Peugeot, has received a prestigious industry award in recognition of its performance throughout 2011.

Peugeot HQ has awarded the company its Guild of Gold Lion accolade for the eighteenth time for providing the very highest standards in sales, service and customer satisfaction and for being one of the best Peugeot dealerships in the UK. This recent award makes Simon Bailes Peugeot the company’s most accredited dealership in the country.

Peugeot nationally praised the business, which has three dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton-on-Tees and Guisborough, for achieving excellent levels of sales and service performance during difficult economic times, the highest customer satisfaction feedback, brand presentation through the latest showroom specification and product availability.

The Guild of Gold Lion Dealers is only awarded to the top 35 dealerships in the UK through a number of stringent criteria that include measures that rate customer satisfaction, parts supply, levels of sales and service and the profitability of the network to determine success. Winners were presented with their award by the new MD of Peugeot UK, Tim Zimmerman.

Tim Zimmerman, managing director at Peugeot Motor Company PLC, commented: “The Guild of Gold Lion Award gives Peugeot the opportunity to recognise dealers who perform at the highest level and who go that extra mile for our customers.

“This really is an outstanding achievement for Simon Bailes Peugeot who has notched up 18 awards – more than any other dealership. Simon and his whole team should be really proud to be one of the best performing dealerships in the UK.”

Simon Bailes added: “Receiving this type of recognition for the eighteenth time is a huge honour for the whole team which constantly strives to provide the best customer experience.

“Our strict Company Values of customers, people, honesty, standards and profit are at the heart of the business and the reason we’re one of the best dealerships in the UK.”

http://www.simonbailes.co.uk/
ENDS

Editor’s Notes: -
Simon Bailes Peugeot is one of the region’s longest-established Peugeot dealerships with a reputation spanning 30 years.Simon Bailes set up the company in 1979 and now employs 120 people at branches in Northallerton, Stockton-on-Tees and Guisborough.

UK first for North East car dealership- Simon Bailes takes the lead in eco-driving

17 January 2012

Simon Bailes Peugeot has become one of the first dealerships in Europe- and the first in the UK- to sell the world’s first production diesel hybrid.

And later this month the dealership is giving people the chance to preview it for free for the first time alongside a Peugeot pro-driver.

As part of its ongoing support of moves to make the region more environmentally-aware, Simon Bailes Peugeot was appointed as one of the first Peugeot dealership’s in the UK to take orders for the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4.

And now Simon Bailes Peugeot has also become one of the first in Europe to make a sale of the multi-award winning car- months before it arrives on the forecourt in spring.

On Saturday January 28th anyone interested can take advantage of a unique opportunity to book an appointment to preview the Hybrid4 and test drive it with a Peugeot pro-driver. *

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is a new type of environmentally-friendly car which introduces a combination of diesel and electric power. The HYbrid4 technology results in low CO2 emissions whilst, at the same time, offering improved fuel economy and lower overall motoring costs.

At low speeds the hybrid car uses its electric power alone while at higher speeds, or when a burst of acceleration is needed, the diesel engine cuts in with both power sources working together seamlessly.

In addition, there are reductions in ownership costs through improved fuel economy and reduced Vehicle Excise Duty taxation. The car is also exempt from the London Congestion Charge and the 3% company car tax penalty with drivers benefitting from the 10% threshold for personal Benefit In Kind (BIK) taxation.

For company car owners, Peugeot’s HYbrid4 provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to actively reduce their impact on the environment without the compromises normally associated with a low emission vehicle.

The Hybrid4 offers low fuel costs, low emissions, low BIK and, for the company, lower Employer National Insurance contributions alongside an allowance for the company to offset 100% of the list price, in the first year, against its taxable profits.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 has already won the support of motoring journalists and scooped two industry awards. Following on from the coveted Diesel Car Magazine ‘Best Eco Car of the Year 2011’ award, it was recently presented with the ‘Green SUV’ award at the What Car? Green Awards 2011.

Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief at What Car? said: “The world’s first production diesel hybrid is the best hybrid the What Car? team has driven. The joint power sources work together seamlessly and emit only 99g/km of CO2. This means the car is exempt from both road tax and the London Congestion Charge. The SUV sector continues to be popular, and we can see a waiting list for the Peugeot growing very fast.”

Simon Bailes said: “I continually strive to ensure that we become the leading retailers of electric and hybrid vehicles in the North East and we’re encouraged by the immediate response to both the Hybrid4 and the iOn electric car. We are one of the first retailers of the new hybrid and a variety of customers have already booked test drives and we’ve even sold one- and won’t physically arrive on the forecourts until spring.

“Eco-driving is popular with lots of people from organisations with large fleets to private individuals who are starting to realise the important benefits of switching to greener motoring- not least the cost savings. It’s so encouraging to see the North East embracing eco-driving and interest in the iOn and now our hybrid vehicle proves that there is a market for such vehicles.”

Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Stockton, Northallerton and Guisborough, is at the forefront of the North East’s Plugged-in Places campaign, which is committed to the development of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As the North East’s leading Peugeot dealership, the company is a leading partner in the pilot scheme.

* Anyone wishing to preview the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 can contact Mark Shevels, sales manager at Stockton, on 01642 612621 to check availability and book an appointment. Places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.

ENDS
Editor’s Notes: -
The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is available to pre-order. The range offers two versions: - a 99g/km CO2 at £26,995 and 104g/km CO2 at £28,495.

For all media enquiries please contact Anna Addison on 01642 710707

Drive safe + stay safe this winter

08 December 2011

Don't leave home or the office without this top advice...

As winter and the prospect of bad weather approach, people across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire are being advised to make sure they take extra care and adequately prepare for journeys when travelling on the region’s roads or further afield.

The combination of the cold weather and dark evenings and mornings often causes hazardous driving conditions but a leading Teesside car dealership is arming people with the necessary information to stay safe.

Staff at Simon Bailes Peugeot are urging people to prepare for winter trips by having their vehicle checked to make sure their cars and vans are ready for winter driving.

Mike England, service manager at Simon Bailes Peugeot in Stockton (pictured), said: “Winter driving is vastly different to driving at other times of the year but many people forget even the most simple of checks could make all the difference. We always advise people to check aspects such as the condition of wiper blades and the condition and tread of the tyres. But also it is a good idea- especially if you are planning a long journey- to book your car into your local garage for a winter health check.

“Winter driving is obviously more risky and poses many hazards, not least because of the bad weather. But also the volume of traffic drastically increases as people go Christmas shopping and then as the holidays approach and drivers prepare for longer trips to visit family and friends. But by carrying out a few simple checks, your journey can be safe and hassle-free.”

Mike has these tips for staying safe whilst driving in wintry conditions.

Windscreens- it’s a legal requirement that your windscreen washing system works efficiently and that your screen is clear before you set off so make sure your wipers are not worn or split and you defrost and demist the car before a journey. Make sure that the windscreen wash is full and contains a good anti-freeze for icy weather. You’ll need your windscreen washers far more in the winter months as the roads are much dirtier and it is generally wetter

Tyres- make sure they are legal and in good condition. Worn tyres are not only illegal but also make your car more dangerous and difficult to handle especially in wet or icy conditions.

Lights- again, you’ll use your lights a lot more in the winter so make sure all exterior lights, including your fog light, are working and are kept clean.

Long journeys- be prepared. Make sure you’ve checked your oil- although this is something you should be doing regularly throughout the year- and check that your radiator has plenty of water and anti-freeze.

Vehicle essentials- whether you make long journeys or just drive locally there are some winter driving essentials everybody should carry with them: - de-icer and a scraper, a torch, blanket, warning triangle and luminous jacket and make sure you know where your toolkit is and how it works- such as your jack and wheelbrace. It’s handy to know where your jacking points are as well and any tools needed if you have wheel locking nuts.

To get your car is ready for winter book it in to one of Simon Bailes’ branches and get a Winter Check for only £19.99 which includes checks on tyres, lights, wipers, brakes, exhaust, fluids, steering/suspension and battery so your car is ready to face the challenges of wintry roads.

The check includes a FREE winter aftercare kit with wash/wax, de-icer, screen wash and scraper so you are prepared.
For more details or to book, visit http://www.simonbailes.co.uk/aftersales

Young North Yorkshire golfers on par for success thanks to new sponsorship deal

31 October 2011

A team of young golfers from Northallerton is excelling in its sport with the help of Simon Bailes Peugeot.

Romanby Golf Club Juniors is one of the most successful teams in its league thanks to the expert tuition the players receive from top PGA professionals provided by an important sponsorship deal which has just been renewed to help them continue and develop on their successes to date

Northallerton-based Simon Bailes Peugeot has been Romanby Golf Club Juniors main sponsor for the last nine years and provides funding to help the golf stars of the future reach regional and national competitions. The sponsorship also provides young people with the opportunity to try a new sport, improve their existing skills and meet new people.

Around 30 to 40 eight to 18 year olds play at Romanby Golf Club and many go on to play for the team which competes in the Harrogate Union of Golf Clubs Junior League. As one of the best leagues in the North of England, Romanby competes against many larger squads from South and West Yorkshire.

The sponsorship deal with Simon Bailes Peugeot allows Romanby Juniors to receive individual lessons from the club’s top PGA professionals which helps them to compete in a wider range of fixtures.

The juniors have enjoyed a successful year so far with a hole-in-one for Sam Kirby, the vice-captain, and the team came second place in the Harrogate Union Gross Championship thanks to good scores by Callum Brown, the junior captain, David Lloyd and Glen Ient.

Other highlights include 14-year-olds Sean Naylor and Lily Downs whose handicaps have reduced from 26 to 16 and from 18 to 12 respectively. In July, Lily was invited by professional golfer Ian Poulter to take part in his annual event at Woburn Golf Club, near Milton Keynes, to encourage promising young golfers.

Simon Bailes, managing director of Simon Bailes Peugeot, said: “It is always a huge pleasure to see young people excelling in sport and having a real passion for what they do. All of the players at Romanby practise incredibly hard and it is such a pleasure to see a club in our local community doing so well. I feel very proud to have been able to support the team for nearly a decade.”

Dorothy Edwards, junior chairman at Romanby Golf Club, added: “Golf isn’t always seen as a sport for young people but it’s so important that we spread the message that we have the golf stars on the future here on our doorstep in North Yorkshire and are always looking for new young people to sign up. Our team is so enthusiastic and all of the players have developed to make it one of the best in the region thanks to people like Simon Bailes who has been a valued supporter of the team for many years.”

Any young person wanting to try out golf or join Romanby Golf Club, please contact Simon Gaskell (junior coordinator) or Richard Boucher (marketing manager) on 01609 778855.

North Yorkshire young apprentice honoured in the presence of royalty

25 July 2011

A young apprentice at Simon Bailes Peugeot in Northallerton has been recognised as one of the best in his field at a national ceremony.

Twenty year-old Daniel Rudd, from Northallerton, was honoured by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)* at their annual Outstanding Achievers Awards at the end of June.

Daniel has worked in the bodyshop at Simon Bailes Peugeot for three years as an apprentice paint sprayer and was singled out for his efforts whilst completing his NVQ qualifications and as an outstanding technical student, excelling in the area of vehicle refinishing.

Prince Michael of Kent, an avid motorsport enthusiast, presented the awards at the IMI headquarters in Hertfordshire.

Simon Bailes Peugeot is a passionate supporter of apprenticeships and supporting young people in their chosen fields. The company has in the region of four apprentices working across its dealerships in Stockton, Northallerton and Guisborough.

Managing director, Simon Bailes, said: “I have always been keen to encourage and support young people as they enter the world of work, which is a tougher place to be these days as there is such a lot of competition for fewer jobs. Seeing apprentices, like Daniel, flourish is extremely inspiring and we are all incredibly proud of what he has achieved in such a short space of time.”

Speaking about his award, Daniel Rudd added: “I’ve always had a huge interest in the motor industry thanks to my Dad who also works in the sector. I was thrilled to be asked to go to the awards as I didn’t realise quite how much competition there is out there. Thanks to the support and encouragement of my family and the great team at Simon Bailes, I have been able to do well in my studies and I hope this continues as I progress in my career.”

Simon Bailes Peugeot has had a series of apprentice success stories including Simon Noble, a panel technician from Billingham who worked in the Northallerton dealership’s accident repair centre. Simon represented the UK at the 2007 World Skills International Olympics in Japan and was also awarded the title of Young Panel Technician of the Year in the Bodyshop Magazine Industry Awards for an unprecedented two years running (in 2006 and 2007).

http://www.simonbailes.co.uk/

* The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry.

Car dealership and Cleveland Police team up to help people drive safe

07 July 2011

Teesside’s leading Peugeot dealership has teamed up with Cleveland Police to advise people about the hazards that they may be less familiar with on the region’s roads.

Simon Bailes Peugeot is offering drivers the chance to gain vital insights from top police drivers as part of the biggest biking and road safety event in the region.

The company is again one of the main sponsors of Ridewell, which takes place this Sunday July 10^th at Preston Hall in Eaglescliffe.

As part of its commitment to the event, Simon Bailes Peugeot is providing two Peugeot 3008’s – the ‘What Car? Car of the Year 2010’ - for police driving instructors to offer observed drives to motorists in an effort to make them more aware of motorcyclists and other road users.

However, in advance of the event Sergeant Paul Dee has these five tips for hazard perception: -

Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This increases the amount of reaction time you will have should something unexpected happen.
You should always be able to stop in the distance and time that you can see to be clear ahead of you.
In adverse weather conditions- such as heavy summer rain or storms- you must double the distance you would normally allow between yourself and the preceding vehicle.
Make good use of your mirrors and ensure that your view behind is not obstructed by objects in your vehicle.
Concentrate on your driving at all times and look as far down the road ahead of you as you can, that way you will be able to anticipate what is happening ahead and be in a position to react as circumstances change.

Ridewell has grown to be one of the North East’s largest bike and road safety shows and is aimed at reducing road casualties. In 1999 when the event was first launched, there were eight motorcyclist fatalities. In 2010 that number had been reduced to just one. Now in its 11^th year, Ridewell is expected to attract crowds of over 15,000.

Exhibitors from motorcycle and pedal cycle companies from all over the UK are taking part in the event.

Marketing manager at Simon Bailes Peugeot, Bridget Charlton, commented: “Each year Ridewell has become bigger and even more successful, helping to reduce casualties on the region’s roads. We are a passionate supporter of the event as raising awareness about road safety is one of the key aspects of what we do, as a business, and to have community partners who strive to do the same is so important to us.”

Chernobyl Children get on their feet thanks to Northallerton motor group

04 July 2011

A group of children affected by the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster has been treated to new shoes thanks to a local business.

The group of ten children from Belarus, an area of Eastern Europe which still suffers from the after-effects of the disaster in 1986, have been enjoying their first visit to North Yorkshire as part of a three year holiday programme organised by a local branch of the charity Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC).

This new group of children, aged seven and eight, will visit North Yorkshire each June for the next three years as the visits are shown to boost their immune systems and significantly lower their risk of developing serious diseases later in life.

Simon Bailes Peugeot has a longstanding community partnership with Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, which provides four-week breaks to the region, and has worked with them for the last six years supplying transport to help the group visit local attractions.

This year however, as requested by the charity, Simon Bailes Peugeot has helped to provide all of the young children from disadvantaged families with a new pair of shoes each.

All of the children stay with host families in the Northallerton area and visit a variety of local attractions, experience life in schools in the region and undergo medical check-ups at local healthcare centres. This year’s trip included visits to Middlesbrough Football Club, Lightwater Valley and York Railway Museum.

Shirley Place, from Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, commented: “The visits, which have been organised for the last ten years, are so beneficial to these children- even just a short stay helps to build up the children’s immune systems enough to prolong their lives and prevent diseases such as cancer. Simon Bailes Peugeot has been a real boost to our charity, especially during tough economical times, and this year is no exception. This new group of youngsters are thrilled with their shoes and it was a real treat for them as all are from underprivileged families in Belarus.”

Simon Bailes, managing director of Simon Bailes Peugeot, said: “I am always honoured to be asked to be part of Friends of Chernobyl’s Children because everyone involved, the organisers and the children themselves, are so inspiring. It’s such a pleasure to see them all enjoying themselves and, more importantly, boosting their health and enjoying activities they may not otherwise get the opportunity to do.”

Simon Bailes Peugeot’s golden achievement

10 June 2011

Simon Bailes Peugeot has received another prestigious award in recognition of its performance in the last year.

Peugeot has awarded the company its Gold Lion accolade for the seventeenth time for providing the very highest standards in sales, service and customer satisfaction and for being one of the best Peugeot dealerships in the UK. This recent award makes Simon Bailes Peugeot the company’s most accredited dealership in the country.

Peugeot nationally praised the business, which has three dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton-on-Tees and Guisborough, for achieving excellent levels of sales and service performance, the highest customer satisfaction feedback, brand presentation through the latest showroom specification and product availability during a year that brought a series of successful key products including the 3008 Crossover, the 5008 Compact MPV and the RCZ Sports Coupé.

The Guild of Gold Lion Dealers recognises the top 35 dealerships in the UK through a number of stringent criteria that include measures that rate customer satisfaction, parts supply, levels of sales and service and the profitability of the network to determine success. Winners were presented with their award by Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK.

This award comes as Simon Bailes Peugeot earlier this year became one of the only companies in the region to receive silver Investors in People status (IIP) in recognition for its customer service standards and its efforts to invest in its staff.

Jon Goodman, managing director at Peugeot Motor Company PLC, commented: “The Guild of Gold Lion Award gives Peugeot the opportunity to recognise dealers who perform at the highest level and who go that extra mile for our customers.”

Simon Bailes added: “It is a great honour for us to be recognised as a Gold Lion dealership again. The whole team plays such an important role in our success and I know that this reflects well on the customer experience and the delight they take from the services we provide.

“We have in place a stringent set of Company Values which drive everything we do- customers, people, honesty, standards and profit are at the heart of the business and ensure we remain one of the most successful Peugeot dealerships in the UK.

http://www.simonbailes.co.uk/

North East car dealership offers prize that is out of this world… literally

27 May 2011

Simon Bailes Peugeot has launched one of the most unusual competitions ever seen as part of a major, nationwide campaign.

The company, with branches in Teesside and North Yorkshire, is offering customers the chance to win a trip into space, courtesy of Peugeot, the first time a UK manufacturer has offered space travel as a prize.

The winner will be given training, a tour of the spaceport and be awarded a badge that only astronauts receive and, for those not so keen on travelling to the edge of the earth, there's also an alternative prize of £30,000.

The competition is part of a huge campaign to promote the new Peugeot 3008 Crossover vehicle which is one of the most technologically advanced vehicles commercially available. In 2010, it won the What Car? Car of the Year and this year it won in the same awards in the Crossover category.*

To be in with a chance of winning, people can either visit Simon Bailes Peugeot to test drive the 3008 Crossover or visit http://www.spot3008.peugeot.co.uk/ and find one of 20 Peugeot 3008s hidden within a 360-degree panoramic photo of London.

The cars will appear on top of some of London's best known buildings via the largest spherical panorama found online, captured from the top of Centre Point. The system allows viewers to zoom in with enough definition to spot the vehicles and clues to the locations will be 'leaked' online using various social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

The more cars that a person finds, the more entries they get into the competition. And, to boost chances of winning, anyone booking a test drive of the 3008 Crossover will automatically be given 100 entries.

Simon Bailes said: “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity- and another example of how Peugeot is a global leader in providing the most advanced technology available. We’ve had lots of enquiries already because many people can’t believe that this is actually for real- but it is!

“The new 3008 Crossover really captured the imagination of the motoring world- even before it officially hit the forecourts. This competition seems like a fitting way to introduce it to potential customers and I’d be over the moon, so to speak, if someone in our local area won.”

For more details or to book a test drive at one of Simon Bailes Peugeot’s dealerships visit http://www.simonbailes.co.uk/

* The Peugeot 3008 is a new crossover vehicle combining the looks and high-driving position of a 4x4 with features of a family hatchback and MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). As well as its high-tech, ergonomic design, the car also offers a range of environmentally friendly features including an efficient range of engine options that produce emissions starting at 130g of CO2 per kilometer, as well as a hybrid model which will be available in 2011.
The car is spacious and compact with a range of driving features such as grip control, dynamic roll control, a heads-up display, distance alert and Hill Assist automatic electric parking break.

British Rally Champion celebrates electric vehicle success on Teesside

26 April 2011

Darlington-born double British Rally Champion driver and current Peugeot UK IRC* driver, Guy Wilks, has been test-driving Peugeot’s electric vehicle, the iOn, at Simon Bailes Peugeot’s Stockton branch as the company celebrates the arrival of the ultra-low emission vehicles on site.

The iOn’s went on sale in the UK at the start of the year and Simon Bailes has already taken orders for six vehicles from organisations across North Yorkshire and the North East, with more enquiries coming in daily, proving there is demand for ultra-low carbon vehicles.

In addition, the business has also taken an order for a Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, available later in the year, which will be the world’s first diesel hybrid car. The hybrid car is powered by a combination of an electric and diesel engine and also benefits from an all-electric mode.

Demand for the iOns so far has largely come from public sector organisations, although many private businesses have expressed an interest in the new technology as have private individuals who have taken test drives.

Guy Wilkes, the British Peugeot UK IRC* Rally Driver, visited Simon Bailes Peugeot in Stockton to test drive the iOn for himself.

Guy said: “This was the first opportunity I have had to drive the iOn and I was very impressed. It was roomier than I imagined, handled very well and will make great addition to the Peugeot range.”

Simon Bailes Peugeot is a founding partner of the North-east’s Plugged-in Places scheme which, it’s hoped, will help boost the North East’s economy by making it a centre for electric vehicle use. The company is also part of Switch EV, the project that will see 49 electric vehicles on trial across the North East. It is one of only eight projects across the UK to have won funding through the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Program. Simon is providing 20 iOns which will be leased to organisations, councils, car clubs and individuals.

In March, Peugeot selected Stockton as the location for the launch of the iOn thanks to Teesside’s and Simon’s commitment to Plugged-in Places and pioneering electric vehicle technology.

The Peugeot iOn, a four-seat electric car with low running costs and no emissions when driving, designed to a high specification with outstanding safety standards.

Simon Bailes said: “We have been a huge supporter of eco-motoring for several years now as it really has to be the future of motoring if we want to protect the environment and avoid high fuel charges. There has been a lot of interest in the iOn as people can easily see the benefits of an emission-free, eco-friendly car that is incredibly economical to run.

“Customers seem to really like the car and understand the benefits that this new technology can bring and we have seen a raft of enquiries which has been very encouraging at this early stage. We are not surprised that Guy also loves the car and delighted that he was willing to come along to mark our success.”

Demonstrator models are now available at both Northallerton and Stockton dealerships so customers can try out the new technology for themselves. Both dealerships have charging posts – Northallerton being the first one in North Yorkshire.