Fair to say that with the centenary celebrations and all the surrounding rigmarole, 2011 was a pretty big year for Ford.

Well, not slowing down for one moment, they’ve chosen to kick off 2012 with a big announcement and a massive pledge.

They’ve committed to making immense cuts in the waste they send to landfill alongside the water they use across their European production facilities.

In increasing the proportion of waste recycled, they plan on cutting landfill waste by a staggering 70%. This means a reduction in the average landfill waste generated per vehicle to 1.5kg by 2016. Compare this to 2011′s figure of 5kg and whistle with admiration.

At the same time, based on an annual production of 1.2 million vehicles, Ford plan on reducing water use by 30%. This will save €2.3 million over the same period and approximately 1.3 billion litres per year, equating to an average saving of 1,100 litres for each car or van produced.

“This plan represents our pledge to minimise Ford’s impact on the environment both before and after our customers get behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “This goes hand in hand with our commitment to develop the most fuel efficient vehicles. Sustainability makes just as much sense for Ford as a business as it does for the environment.”

Yes!

VERY best of luck with this one, friends.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce some fantastic stock deals available on the popular Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec and 1.6Tdci Titanium.

Famed for its stylish design, impressive handling and well-equipped interior, the Ford Focus has always been a popular choice in the hatchback market, blowing most of its rivals out of the water when it comes to practicability and price.

The latest generation Ford Focus was also revamped in 2011, boasting a dynamic new style, excellent performance figures and a wealth of cutting-edge technologies.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has managed to get hold of some highly sought after stock for the Ford Focus Zetec and Titanium with a limited number of cars in stock for quick delivery.

First up is a great deal on the Ford Focus 5 Door 1.6Tdci Zetec, in stock to lease from just £189.95 + VAT a month. Standard features on this superb model include:

• DAB Radio/CD Player

• Bluetooth Connection with USB Port

• Front Fog Lights

• Air Conditioning

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

For those after a higher spec, the Ford Focus 5 Door 1.6Tdci Titanium is also in stock to lease from just £209.95 + VAT a month – fantastic value for a car of this specification. Standard features on this model include:

• Cruise Control + Speed Limiter

• Bluetooth Connection with USB Port

• Sony DAB Radio/CD Player

• Automatic Air Conditioning

• Sports Style Front Seats

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of one of these fantastic stock deals, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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The popular Ford Fiesta 3 Door 1.6 TDCi Zetec ECOnetic is back in stock to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts with prices starting from £149.95 + VAT a month and FREE Metallic Paint in Vision Blue.

Stylish, cheap to run and packed full of character, the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is one of the most fuel-efficient superminis in the UK, helping you save money at the pumps without compromising on style or comfort.

Under the bonnet, the Fiesta’s ECOnetic engine management system has been recalibrated for optimum efficiency, with the 1.6 –litre turbodiesel emitting just 98g/km of carbon dioxide so you don’t have to pay anything in road tax.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has managed to get hold of some highly sought after stock of the Ford Fiesta 3 Door 1.6 TDCi Zetec Econetic. Prices now start from just £149.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £495.

Standard features on the 1.6 TDCi Zetec Econetic include:

• Front Fog Lights

• Air Conditioning

• Leather Steering Wheel

• Quickclear Heated Windscreen

• 14″ 6 Spoke Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this fab Ford car leasing deal, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

When the entire furore over the new registrations last year died down, just before the second wave hits this year, and the “look-at-me-I’ve-got-a-new-reg” -ers have had their moment in the spotlight, reality sets in for the UK car industry.

In 2011, new car sales in the UK fell to 1.94m (4.4% down on 2010), the lowest total since 1994′s 1.91m.

But these figures don’t truly reflect the manufacturing state of the industry. 80% of cars built in the UK are exported, and these figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) are therefore more of a reflection of the British buying economy.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “This [fall]  is what you would expect to see. Consumer demand is weaker, but at the same time we are seeing a strong performance in some key segments of the manufacturing economy.”

By that, I guess he means exports and fleet sales, boosted by hire cars and company cars. Consumer sales, in fact, actually fell by a whopping 14% fuelled by a lack of confidence in the economy, the VAT increase to 20%, the scrapping of the scrappage scheme and petrol prices.

Strong demand from China, the USA and India helped keep sales of Nissan, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover afloat. and this is expected to continue throughout 2012. In fact, the SMMT expects the UK Industry to manufacture around 1.5m cars this year (up 5%) and 1.6m in 2013.

But Deloitte, the consultancy firm, expects a further decline in actual car sales in the UK to an actual figure around 1.84m as the economic crisis continues to bite around Europe.

So who do you believe? My money’s on the latter, but then my glass has always been half empty.

There were winners last year. No real surprise that the Ford Fiesta. a perennial favourite, was the best seller, but the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagon Golf and Vauxhall Astra also sold well.

And worldwide, VW sold a record 5.1m, with Europe and China contributing 3.4m  of that. In fact, China’s overall ‘car consumption’ grew by 13.8%, especially in the luxury car market, with Daimler having a great year in the Far East market. Just think what the figures would have been without that! And surprisingly, considering the state of the US economy, VW sales there grew by over 26% (a possible head in the sand syndrome?) as well as more than expected in India.

So not all good news, and not all bad news. But there is no escaping from the fact that 2012 is going to be a tough year for the car industry as a whole.

Fasten those seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

While most individual’s associate expensive cars with the European market, American car manufacturers have long since experimented with this successful idea. Indeed, the ‘custom’ car market is filled with incredibly fast as well as great looking cars. Some costing as much as any European sports car, a rather unique Ford Mustang has recently gone on sale at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, turning a few heads at its cost and looks.

An exceptional vehicle, the 2012 Ford Mustang GT recently sold for $160,000 (£100,000). Auctioned by the SPX Corporation, the company plans on donating the funds to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SPX commissioned Galpin Auto Sports to create the unique vehicle. Making its debut in Las Vegas in September 2011, the car has made its way across the United States and had been featured on a number of channels.

What makes this car so unique is that it tries to recreate the iconic look of the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang in a modern shell. Indeed, as Marketwatch noted, the specially designed Mustang is outfitted with racing performance springs, Custom Forgiato wheels that have been equipped with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Not to be outdone, the car also comes with custom suede and leather trimming upholstery that would make the most conservative car enthusiast envious. Furthermore, the vehicle also comes with a SPX Sunpro gauge Pod Kit as well as a special Tachometer and shift light.

The outside is truly reminiscent of the 1969 Boss 429. The 2012 Mustang comes with a gorgeous PPG Candy Apple Red Pearl Paint job and a fabricated spoiler.  On the back the car also had a rather impressive 2012 Boss Laguna Seca Rear spoiler. The hood as well as scoop features look very much like the 60’s model, coming with valve covers as well as a Canton polished intercooler and radiator. Looking very much like the car of the future but straight out of the past, it is a fantastic example of what custom shop specialists can do.

PR Newswire noted that this is the third time the company has donated the car to the hospital, helping to raise a total of $450,000 (£280,000). The Chairman, President and Chief Executive officer Christopher Kearney noted that this close relationship has produced real results in curing catastrophic childhood diseases. Providing as much support as possible, the company believes that its collaboration with Barrett-Jackson as well as Galpin Auto Sports is not only worthwhile but truly amazing.

Love him or hate him, Justin Bieber’s presence on the world stage is certainly significant. With legions of pre-teen followers, the sweet singing Canadian shot into stardom several years ago and still maintains a strong presence. Because of his fame news and rumours surround him wherever he goes, painting a picture of a well-liked and indeed kind individual. Based on recent events it looks like there is no better example this view than in a gift he gave to friend.

As it turns out the teen superstar was so kind to Ryan Butler that he purchased him a brand new Ford Mustang for Christmas. The gift was such a surprise that Butler was unable to stop himself from sharing the news. Indeed, he immediately went on twitter and wrote “Justice got me a present. #swang!!!” Without a doubt the gift will give the 17 year old quite a lot of swag when he heads back to school this month. He also included a picture of the ivory two-door convertible along the text.

The two grew up together in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. They were so close that Bieber asked his friend to be part of his 2009 hit “One Time” music video. With such a long history it is not surprising that the teen star would spare some of his millions to purchase such a great gift.

Wanting to experience a true Canadian winter, Bieber came back home to visit his family albeit without his girlfriend Selna Gomez. He was able to post a few pictures on his twitter account, showing a rather enthused Bieber with his two siblings Jaxon and Jazmyn.  Sending everyone his holiday wishes, it certainly looks like he had a wonderful time.

Indeed, many of us would be content knowing such an a-list celebrity let alone get gifts from him. Living up to his reputation, it seems that Bieber’s kindness knows no bounds. So just remember to be kind growing up, you never know who might end up famous.

Here’s a date for your diary. And, if you’re of a certain disposition (to which I can fully, fully relate)  – it might be the first “big deal” of 2012.

January 17th 2012 will see the opening of an exciting new exhibition of no less than 50 James Bond vehicles at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

It will be the largest exhibition of its kind staged anywhere in the world and will celebrate the 50th year of existence for James Bond films – and the 40th anniversary of Beaulieu’s world-famous National Motor Museum!

Among the vehicles now arriving for the exhibition are a number that have never before been seen in public. These include the Ford Mustang Mach 1 from Diamonds Are Forever, villain Zukovsky’s Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II from The World Is Not Enough and the vintage 1962 Rolls Royce, pushed into a lake by May Day and Zorin with Bond still inside in A View to a Kill.

Other exhibits on public view for the first time include the ‘Burial-At-Sea Bed’ from You Only Live Twice, the Union Jack Parachute which villain Gustav Graves used when he landed on The Mall and the Surfboard with concealed weapons and ammunition from Die Another Day.

Also on display will be the Casino Royale Skyfleet S570 model, based on a Boeing 747, and original ‘Pig’ from The Living Daylights, used to smuggle Koskov across the border through the Siberian Pipe Line.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

“Unmissable” is, I think, the word here.

How’s this for an understatement:

“As anyone who has spent a long journey endlessly flicking through radio stations will testify, sometimes only your own music collection will do.”

Only sometimes?

Between the bland inanity of the music, the horrible compressed sound, the asinine evil-incarnate adverts and the arrogant idiocy of the DJs; the radio has become all but unlistenable – even as an absolute last resort.

Luckily, in recent years cars have become fitted with USB ports as standard. These allow for you to hook up yer own devices in order to cruise along to the best music in the world – your music – without having to cart round a thousand CDs which will, in the space of an hour, all end up scratched and in the wrong cases.

Good, good – but what if you bought a vehicle without a factory-fitted USB port? What then? As Ford so eloquently put it: “connecting your MP3 player can often result in a maze of wires, inferior sound quality, and no remote control function”. Ouch!

But Ford have a solution! It’s an aftermarket accessory called the USB Music Box.

Offered through Ford dealers across the UK, the USB Music Box enables drivers and their passengers to plug their MP3 player (or any USB mass storage device) into the car and listen to their choice of music in “razor sharp quality”.

Axel Wilke, director, Vehicle Personalisation, Ford Customer Service Division Europe, says: “Many of our newer vehicles are fitted with a USB port as standard, but drivers of older vehicles don’t have to miss out anymore. The USB Music Box lets you connect any USB mass storage device, it produces a great sound quality very similar to that of the radio – and it also gives you the ability to flick between songs and albums via the controls on their steering wheel. And it can charge the device too.”

The USB Music Box consists of a USB socket, which can be placed out of sight in the glove compartment, centre console or armrest. Any USB mass storage device, such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or USB stick, can be connected. Stored music can then be played through the AUX channel on the car’s stereo. Songs, albums and folders can be selected through the steering wheel-mounted controls, while devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and cameras will automatically recharge whenever they are connected.

Simple Plug and Play wiring means the device can be fitted and ready to play yer favourite tunes in less than an hour.

It is, though, solely the preserve of Ford vehicles – and only certain Ford vehicles at that. It doesn’t seem to work with any model from before 2003, for instance. However, it’s such a good idea that it’s probably only a matter of time before other manufacturers follow suite with similar devices designed to match their vehicles.

Or, you know, a particularly forward-thinking manufacturer of electronic goods might before long make a universally compatible model.

Hey?