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Sunday, May 8, 2022

The all-new, 4th Generation Ford Focus

The all-new, 4th Generation, Ford Focus proves that Ford is again to doing what it does best. It combines all the essential family automotive ingredients – comfort, area, safety, technology and infotainment, however the reality that it is now the best driver’s automobile in its class is the real icing on the cake. The three earlier generations of the Focus had been hugely profitable for Ford by method of sales volumes, and the all-new mannequin is destined for even greater glory. The interior of the all new Ford Focus ST-Line does look like of a really excessive commonplace. It has been designed to be minimalistic, functional and engaging at the identical time. The gentle contact materials feel very tactile and the brand new touch screen is straightforward to make use of. Stay connected to the world round you with new Ford SYNC together with high definition 13.2” touchscreen, cloud-connected navigation, plus advanced voice controls with natural language recognition. This website is using a safety service to protect itself from online assaults. There are several actions that might trigger this block including submitting a sure word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed knowledge. The All-New Ford Focus was launched to the Irish market this yr and is already the 5th largest promoting car within the country. We predict it will continue to be one of many extra in style automobiles for years to return, though the dearth of engine choices for the ST-Line may mean patrons will go for the Titanium or Vignale models instead. The St-Line feels sportier than the others however would not actually supply all that much of a performance enhance. When it comes all the means down to the nitty gritty, when you're looking for a family automotive opt for the higher specced models. Connected Navigation and Ford Secure keep you seamlessly related and allow you to entry high-tech security features. Enter an electrified world of efficiency and management with the brand new EcoBoost Hybrid PowerShift Automatic transmission. To enhance flexibility, a model new moist zone within the Focus Estate lets you maintain your moist and dry gear safely separated. A 1.5 litre turbo diesel with a selection of both 8 pace automated or 6 velocity handbook, or the the one litre turbo petrol which comes chained to the 6 pace guide transmission. The cabin of the model new Focus is a very nice place to be, with Ford’s bright and intuitive, dash-mounted, touchscreen offering easy management of the overwhelming majority of the car’s functions. There are, nevertheless, nonetheless buttons and dials beneath the display for the audio and local weather controls. Seat consolation is terrific, construct high quality is top-notch and a number of changes can be found for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. The gearbox is assured and comes in both 8-speed automated or a 6-speed handbook. Ford have also brought the new Focus into the new technological age with the addition of “Fordpass”. Your car is actually became a wi-fi hotspot and when the app is downloaded, you can remotely hook up with your new automotive. You can remotely lock or unlock your automotive from the app, turn on the engine, and yow will discover your automobile remotely which if you have ever parked your car on the airport, shall be an enormous benefit. The new Ford Focus will be on sale in Ireland with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125hp petrol engine (from €24,900) and a new 1.5-litre EcoBlue 120hp diesel engine (from €26,800). Available as an possibility on other models, the Heads-Up Display tasks key data in your field of regard, so you'll find a way to maintain your eyes on the road forward. The clear, shiny picture can show your selection of content material, together with car velocity, navigation, cruise control notifications and Traffic Sign Recognition knowledge. This extremely helpful function is the only considered one of its sort to be appropriate with polarised sun shades. My test car was a new Focus ST-Line 1.0-litre EcoBoost 5-door finished in gorgeous Desert Island Blue metallic paintwork for max influence. With 125PS of power and 170Nm of torque , this excellent engine was able to propel the automobile from 0-100km/h in just 10-seconds, on the way to a top speed of 200km/h . Fuel consumption as low as four.8l/100km is possible on a mixed driving cycle, while low emissions result in annual street tax of just €190. Thankfully, the brand new Focus is so good in each space that Ford is asking it the best automobile in the company’s lengthy and illustrious history. Offering elegant styling, premium materials, generous inside house. The Sophisticated 48-volt delicate hybrid expertise allows the new Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid to ship one hundred fifty five PS of power alongside a 17 per cent gas efficiency enchancment. Advertised gasoline consumption is between 46 to forty nine mpg for the petrol engine and around sixty four mpg combined for the diesel. CO2 emissions will differ depending on engine and transmission selection but they should are obtainable in somewhere between the €200 and €280 tax brackets regardless. The engine lineup kicks off, as before, with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol turbo engine with 125hp, which has CO2 emissions of 121g/km.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Tips When Buying a New Car in 2022

With the cost of used cars at an all-time high in 2022, some of us are considering making the splash and buying a new car. The scarcity of supply in the used car market means people are increasingly willing to ignore the traditional financial advice of buying a 3 year-old car instead of a new car. This advice proclaims new cars depreciate in value by over 15% after the first year. Many will now accept the loss of new cars value rather than paying more for a used car in todays climate. If you’re looking at buying a new car in 2022, we’ve collated all the necessary information you should consider during the buying process below. 1. Know your budget & if a used car offers better value One of the most important considerations when buying a new car is determining your budget. Your budget may mean some models/brands will be out of reach or you may have to sacrifice on additional specs. If you do not have the savings to cover the full price, then Car Finance is another consideration (more on this in tip 12). It might also be worth considering if you can afford the car you really want or if you’d be better off buying a used car. You can view one of our blogs investigating the questions you should ask when buying a used car. 2. Choosing between Diesel, Petrol, Hybrid or Electric (BEV) The debate is raging amongst new buyers on if now is the time to make the switch to electric vehicles. Such a move would avoid rising fuel costs and future proof their next car purchase. Over 20% of new car sales in January 2022 were electric vehicles. One can read about the advantages and disadvantages of Electric Cars on our recent blog. For those reticent about making the switch to fully electric (BEV’s), then hybrid vehicles are the popular alternative. For the traditionalists, the great electric vehicle switch will take time before reaching mainstream. This is especially true with the government’s goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. In that instance, petrol and diesel vehicles are not going anywhere in the next few years and may offer a more familiar and less risky purchase for some. 3. Select a dealer/brand that will be easy visit/contact post purchase When at a dealership, don’t rush into a deal. Consider if the dealership is responsive to your concerns and have a great customer service. Both will be important if you run into any issues with the car. The majority of new car manufacturers offer a car warranty. It may be important that there is a recognized brand dealership near you in the event of vehicle issues. This does not mean you need to buy locally. But if you buy a Toyota in Dublin while living in Galway, you should consider if there is a brand dealer in Galway that could provide the regular servicing of the vehicle. 4. Examine running costs & fuel efficiency/range As fuel increases continue, fuel economy will be important in the choice of your next vehicle . Hybrid vehicles can save up to 30% on fuel costs. Battery vehicles can save 70% on car running costs but can vary in driving range depending on the model. Many new petrol and diesel vehicles also offer improved fuel efficiency. It may be worth noting that larger engines may be increasingly targeted in Government measures aimed at minimizing Carbon emissions. 5. Know the no. of years warranty Most car manufacturers offer a warranty on new car sales. This means they will repair any major faults/defects to the vehicle. E.g. Kia offer one of the best in class warranties of 7 years or 150,000km whichever is sooner. New cars rarely have major issues during the first 5-7 years off the production line. Yet, if you want peace of mind, keep an eye on the warranty offered by the manufacturer and after care services. 6. Research the price of car insurance Before buying a new car, you should check what the insurance is likely to be. Larger engine sizes will have higher insurance premiums. Checking before purchase will allow you to avoid any nasty surprises. 7. Investigate if the car specs meet your requirements Does the car have all the specs you need? Or do some technical specs come at an extra cost such as Cruise control, alloy wheels, sunroof etc. Find out what comes as standard and what specs can't do without. Also bear in mind other aspects of the car such as interior space or boot room if you have a growing family. 8. Test drive more than one car Its important to try out a range of different car models to explore car suitability. Its often only when we get in a car that we find out if this car is for us. If you like a car, try to test drive its main competitor as well so you don’t develop “oneitis”. Don't be clouded by your first new car experience and miss out on a better deal. 9. Negotiate on price Not everyone realises when buying their first new car that the stated dealer price for new vehicles excludes “delivery and related charges”. This can often add on an extra €1500 to the price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price with the Salesperson. They will often move on the mentioned pricetoo get a deal done. 10. Trade in your old vehicle to decrease the price Having a car to trade in against the value of the new car will help in dealer negotiations. Used car sales are booming and dealers know they can shift cars. They may give you a better deal if you trade in your existing car. 11. Factor in the deposit and delivery date in your buying decision Car dealers may ask for a deposit of greater than €500 to reserve your new vehicle. You often may have to wait to receive your new car as it may not be in the showroom. You will need to factor this into your purchase timeline. If you need the car very soon, new car deliveries usually take over 8 weeks. 12. Identify all of your car finance options (and know the small print) When buying a new car, most dealers will offer car finance/PCP. While PCP (Personal Contract Plan) can be convenient, it comes with many caveats. One of these is that you won’t fully own the car until the final payment. Essentially, PCP finance is a lease scheme. You may also be constrained by car servicing agreements and caps on mileage. PCP contrasts with a credit union car loan which is available to people both purchasing a new and used vehicle. With credit union car loans you own the car from the start. You can drive it as much as you want with no mileage caps. Read more about the difference between the two loan types on our blog comparing credit union car loans vs PCP. Find your nearest credit union using our credit union locator tool and find out more about credit union car loans. Source: https://www.creditunion.ie/blog/12-tips-when-buying-a-new-car-in-2022/

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Cubic Telecom and Qualcomm join efforts to deliver innovative connectivity solutions for enhanced services and infotainment systems connected-cars-smart-data-car-data-

March 11, 2022 Cubic’s connected software solutions will enable global connectivity and related analytics and insights for Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® Car-to-Cloud Services, further enhancing the Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ cloud-connected vehicle platforms.
Dublin, Ireland. March 11, 2022. Award-winning connected software solutions provider, Cubic Telecom, is set to strengthen its strategic relationship with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a leading systems solutions provider for automotive. Cubic’s connected software solutions will enable global connectivity and related analytics and insights for its Snapdragon® Car-to-Cloud Services, further enhancing the Snapdragon Digital Chassis cloud-connected vehicle platforms. Cubic’s Plxor, Insights and Pace products’ integration with Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Services can allow Qualcomm Technologies to extend cloud-based services on its Snapdragon® chipset modules to global automakers. Cubic’s software solution is engineered to enable any vehicle shipped anywhere in the world to have built-in compliance across local markets. Cubic Telecom CEO Barry Napier welcomed this latest milestone in a relationship dating back to 2012: “As a trusted technology enabler, Cubic Telecom is proud to be part of Qualcomm Technologies’ strategic plans as it shifts into cloud-enabled services and device management.” “Using three of Cubic’s core software products – Plxor for differentiated billing, Insights for real-time device analytics and Pace for seamless connectivity, localised services and compliance – Qualcomm Technologies will be able to power global and regional cloud-based apps, services and content,” added Napier. “We’re excited that Qualcomm Technologies has chosen the Cubic Team to help deliver its next-generation vehicle solutions.” Cubic’s global connected software solutions power more than 8 million vehicles across 100 countries for leading automotive brands, including Volkswagen Group, CNH Industrial, Arrival and e.GO Mobile, as well key technology players such as Microsoft and Kymeta. In January 2021, Cubic won the “IoT Analytics Innovation Award” at the IoT Breakthrough Awards, in recognition of the company’s expanded product portfolio and expertise in analysing connected vehicle data as manufacturers strive to optimize driver experience. About Cubic Telecom Cubic Telecom delivers innovative connected software solutions to automotive, agriculture, and transport manufacturers. Its scalable solution enables a multitude of revenue-generating services, combining real-time analytics supported by global connectivity and regional regulatory compliance in 190 countries. Cubic’s global connected software is used by recognised global leaders in the automotive and technology space, including Arrival, Audi, Bentley, CNH Industrial, e.GO Mobile, Kymeta, Lamborghini, Microsoft, Panasonic Automotive, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen. Headed by CEO Barry Napier, the company is privately held, with over €110 million in funding by Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, Qualcomm Technologies, Valid, the European Investment Bank, Enterprise Ireland, and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, among others. ### Snapdragon and Digital Chassis are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon, Snapdragon Digital Chassis and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Services are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ABOUT CUBIC TELECOM Cubic Telecom delivers innovative IoT connected software solutions to Automotive, Agriculture, and Transport manufacturers. Its ecosystem of revenue-generating services combines real-time analytics with global connectivity in 190 countries, always aligned to regional regulatory requirements. Its global connected software platform PACE is used by leading companies around the world including Audi, Microsoft, Kymeta, Panasonic Automotive, Volkswagen, CNH Industrial, Skoda, e.GO Mobile and Arrival. Headed by CEO Barry Napier, the company is privately held with over €110 million in funding by Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, Qualcomm, Valid, the European Investment Bank, Enterprise Ireland, and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, among others. MEDIA CONTACTS Press Office | Cubic Telecom | marketing@cubictelecom.com | +353 (1) 486 0600 Fionnuala Kavanagh | Cubic Telecom | FionnualaK@cubictelecom.com Filed Under: Automotive Technology, car-to-cloud, connected car software, digital cockpit Source:> https://www.cubictelecom.com/media/press/cubic-telecom-and-qualcomm-join-efforts-to-deliver-innovative-connectivity-solutions-for-enhanced-services-and-infotainment-systems/

Helpful Advice For Anyone Looking To Buy A New Vehicle

May 04, 2022
Purchasing a car is an incredibly intimidating affair, especially for the uninformed. If you are struggling with getting the right car, this article can help you to reduce the price. By paying a fair amount, you will feel happier and more relaxed about your purchase. Good luck with your car purchase! Never, ever skip the test drive when you are car shopping. You have to get behind the wheel of that car and see how it feels before committing to a buying it. Make sure you try a variety of driving conditions, including surface streets and interstate driving. Do not forget to try pulling it into a parking space in a shopping center. Before you set foot into a dealership, do some research online. Check nearby dealership's websites and record their listed price on the vehicle you want, as well as any special deals they might be offering. Having Cars For Sale Ireland at your disposal will be a valuable asset when it comes time to negotiate with a salesman. Take time to look over the dealer prior to making buying offers. You will have more negotiating power if you know how they operate and what finance options they offer. Reading customer reviews can also give you a good picture of what you may be getting into. Bring along a friend. They can be an extra set of ears, along with being more reasonable about leaving when hearing a deal that doesn't benefit you. This company could be your life partner, a best friend or a trusted family member. When you are looking for a car to purchase, make sure that any vehicle you consider is equipped with the latest safety features. You should always get a car with anti-lock brakes. Air bags are also essential. Safety is important, since you will be traveling in this vehicle alot. Check the BBB rating of your local car dealers before you visit them. As you likely already know, car dealers can be less than honest. Save yourself from a lot of stress and expense by investigating how others feel about the car dealer. The time it takes is nothing compared to the time you can waste at a sheisty dealer. Find out whether there are any upcoming car shows nearby. This is an excellent opportunity to explore your options. This is a great opportunity to look over many different cars in one place. You can talk to the experts on hand as well. After visiting an auto show, you are likely to have a narrowed list of vehicles that interest you. Demand a safety report and vehicle history report from the dealer. Any good car dealer will have these items available for any vehicle on the lot. This is information that will tell you how safe the vehicle is as well as any major accidents or work that has been needed on the car. Do not get all the extras offered during the negotiation. These things include extended warranties, clear coat and fabric care options. You can generally purchase these features after you have bought the car for a fraction of the price. Also, do yo really want to be paying for these few features over the length of the loan. Always be leery of any used car dealers on the side of the road. These dealers almost always have a less than reputable reputation. The cars they sell could have flood damage, need major repairs, and are sold without warranty. Once you drive that car off the lot, any problems the car has are now your problem. When looking to buy a new or used vehicle, make sure that you never elude to the fact of how much money you have on your person. You only want to talk about what you think you should put down in regards to the terms and price of the vehicle being discussed. If you don't have friends or family in your area to ask for advice from, check the Better Business Bureau's website to find out how the dealers in your area are dealing with customers. This will allow you to at least remove those with many complaints from your list of options. Now that you are informed, you won't need luck to get the right car. Remember these tips, keep calm, and find the car that you have always dreamed about. Your friends will not believe the price you paid. You will love the car you are driving. Everyone comes out ahead!

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