Tuesday 1 December 2015

New SKODA showroom set to launch Jaunuary 2016




Derek Slack Motors’ new dealership development is on target for completion for the new-year. The new state-of-the-art – 13 vehicle showroom incorporating the very latest digital technology, will become one of the first new SKODA flagship models in the north east, with new office admin and after sales reception.
“The multi-million investment will allow the company to expand in line with SKODA’s own global expansion programme”, said Tony Slack- Managing Director at the Middlesbrough dealership. “Due to national demand for the new growing range of SKODA models, we need to keep pace with change and this new development will mean we can also continue to offer the highest levels of customer service.”
With nearly 25 years SKODA history the family run dealership have grown from a humble workshop facility to be voted by the London Stock Exchange, as one of the top 1000 companies to inspire Britain in 2015.
I’d like to thank all our customers for their loyalty throughout this busy period of development and to our loyal staff who have dodged the diggers and scaffolding to continue to provide the very highest levels of customer service.”
The new dealership is expected to hold an official open weekend in January 2016, so watch this space for developments.

Thursday 12 November 2015

SKODA Black Friday Sale


Derek Slack Motors- Black Friday Sale gets underway this weekend with some exciting offers. For example, drive-away an Approved Used SKODA this weekend with £1,000 Finance Deposit paid by Derek Slack Motors, plus 2 years’ free Warranty and Servicing not to mention Free Roadside Assistance & MOT cover. Monthly payments start from as little £79. 
Shh!, sales ends Sunday 15th November.

Thursday 5 November 2015

Looking to the future as new showroom is set to debut


At Derek Slack Motors, we are proud of our long history serving Middlesbrough and the North East. As a family business with 43 years behind us, we know the value of staying true to our roots and committing to serving the local community.

We also know the importance of looking to the future, being open to change and evolving as a business. Derek Slack did not start out selling vehicles, but as a mechanic working from a small rented workshop. From this point, Derek Slack gained experience and a reputation for working with many different makes and began dealing auto parts and eventually, vehicles.
More than 20 years ago, we became agents for Skoda in Teesside. This allowed us to grow, with demand for Skoda, making us the dealers we are today – providing the North with new and used SKODA vehicles longer than anywhere else.
We are currently in the midst of a 5 year expansion plan following a period of record sales. Our rapid growth and strong performance even led to recognition from the London Stock Exchange as one of ‘1000 Businesses to Inspire Britain’ earlier this year.
If you’ve visited recently, you’ll notice the builders and diggers are in working on our new showroom. It is a complete revamp that will leave it looking like a whole new building. To make space, for the builders we’ve put together some very tempting offers on all our pre-owned stock which has kept our sales team busier than ever. So if you’re still in the market for a new SKODA or an approved used vehicle you know where to come.
We are making progress every day – the glass is already in – and it is almost ready to debut.
We can’t wait for you to see it!


Thursday 10 September 2015

Tour of Britain

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ŠKODA UK is sponsoring the Tour of Britain for the fourth year in a row, providing a fleet of support vehicles, including the new Superb, set to be launched in Middlesbrough at Derek Slack Motors on 17th and 18th September.



The race began at Beaumaris, Anglesey, on Sunday 6 September and finishes in London on Sunday 13 September. Throughout that time, a fleet of 50 ŠKODAs are supporting the world-class riders – including Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish – and their teams.

ŠKODA UK is also the exclusive sponsor of the King of the Mountain stages at Pen-y-Pass, Nick o‘Pendle and Barking Tye. At these locations, a ŠKODA team will provide free coffee and cake to spectators embracing the last of the British summer.

Tony Slack, Managing Director, said: “ Derek Slack Motors have several cycling enthusiasts who are all following the race. Warranty Administrator-John Cook took the following picture in Silloth which raised a few smiles.” 


Tony continued, “We’re really looking forward to showing off the new Superb during our two day launch. What ever the outcome of the race, you can be sure the new Superb will be a winner.”

Tuesday 8 September 2015

120 Years History in Motion



Derek Slack Motors have delivered SKODA, for nearly 25 years making us the oldest SKODA dealer in the north east. SKODA’s own story began not on four wheels, but two: a bicycle called the ‘Slavia’. Founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, built it in 1895. Besides their first names and a love for cycling, they had another thing in common: a strong inventive spirit.

From humble beginnings, the two friends went on to build some of the world’s formative motorcycles, which were soon winning races and breaking speed records. Encouraged by this success, they graduated to four wheels, and with the ‘Voiturette A’ started an automotive lineage that makes SKODA one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world.

In 1925, Laurin & Klement merges with Skoda Works of Pilsen and went on to achieve breakthrough success with the ŠKODA Popular. Through the entire 20th century, encompassing two World Wars and a socialist-era planned economy, the commitment from SKODA to building high-quality cars didn’t waver. A smooth transition to become part of the Volkswagen group in 1991 only reinforced another commitment: to sustain the inventive spirit that began 120 years ago.

Derek Slack Motors are proud to be a part of the history as we continue with work to expand our Middlesbrough dealership into one of the UK’s flagship sites.

Thursday 3 September 2015

From Monte Carlo to Middlesbrough

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 SKODA Fabia Monte Carlo comes to Middlesbrough



The Monte Carlo models pay homage to all those heroes who devoted their lives and hearts to bringing the SKODA brand to winner‘s podium. Since the start of production in Mladá Boleslav in 1895, the company introduced to the world many racing legends, memorable victories and unforgettable machines. This long tradition of motor racing was transformed to ŠKODA‘s passenger cars in a form of the Monte Carlo family. 



Recent models share a lot of with their ancestors – like the emphasis put on dynamics, agile handling, and reliability and of course, great value. New to the range is the new shape Fabia with striking black elements, such as large panoramic sunroof, grille, alloy wheels or wing mirrors.

SKODA Fabia What Car? Car of the Year 2015



Listen to what Jim Holder - Editor of What Car? one of the UK's largest and most trusted car buyer guides has to say about the new SKODA Fabia. Over the years the publication has become best known for its reviews, advice, news and its prestigious 'Car of the Year' awards. This year SKODA walked away with four fantastic awards including What Car? Car of the Year 2015 Overall Winner for Fabia - here at Derek Slack Motors we are ecstatic. Plus, soon to arrive comes the Fabia Monte Carlo, so watch this space.

Tuesday 1 September 2015

SKODA Octavia vRS 230 comes to Teesside





Derek Slack Motors can reveal SKODA have finally unleashed their new beast! Introducing the new Octavia vRS 230: popular as an unmarked police car, the 230 can reach 155mph (a decent speed for a car voted the most practical family vehicle). In the same time it takes to say,‘What Car? Car of the Year 2015, Best Family Car’ the 230 has already reached 0- 60mph, that’s roughly 6.7 seconds.

Power now reaches the front wheels via an electronically controlled differential. Although our marketing manager confesses not to having the faintest idea what any of that means, essentially the front half of the four-wheel-drive system, dishes out power across the axle as it sees fit, so less of it escapes in the form of smoke and squeals, which will help put down the car’s power as you accelerate out of tight corners instead of spinning a wheel uselessly.

We’ll keep you posted on news of SKODA’s ‘speed-machine’. If you can’t wait that long call Derek Slack Motors on: 01642 256 100.






ŠKODA named as the UK’s most dependable car brand by JD Power- but we all knew that anyway!


The 1st September and one of the busiest days of the years at Derek Slack Motors. Just enough time to announce ŠKODA has been named as the UK’s most dependable brand in a new JD Power study. The inaugural 2015 UK Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) asked owners to report problems with their new cars – from serious breakdowns to troublesome in-car entertainment issues. Once analysed, the results gave ŠKODA a clear victory, with the brand comprehensively outscoring luxury brands


Every ŠKODA in the survey performed better than the industry average, with the Fabia ranked as the third most dependable car in the Small Car category.

Tony Slack, Managing Director and Retail Principal said: “This shows ŠKODA’s commitment for delivering quality and dependability. ŠKODA’s build quality is the envy of the industry, and it’s great news this has been recognised.
Following the JD Power report findings, UK Consumer organisation Which? has also named ŠKODA as a firm favourite with owners. The organisation’s 2015–2016 Car Guide named the Superb and the Yeti as the most satisfying cars to own in the estate and SUV classes, achieving owner satisfaction ratings of 96 per cent and 93 per cent respectively.

ŠKODA has won numerous industry and media awards for customer satisfaction and has been in the JD Power top ten for more than 20 years in a row. The brand has also been named Best Manufacturer in the Auto Express Driver satisfaction survey three times in the past four years; with the ŠKODA Yeti recording the survey’s highest ever score for customer satisfaction.

Tuesday 11 August 2015

ISUZU D-Max Fury 4x4 Double Cab


Derek Slack Motors, ISUZU Fleet Specialists for Teesside and North Yorkshire reveal some of the first images of the new ISUZU D-Max Fury 4x4 Double Cab. 




Inspired by the British Cross Country Championship rally truck, the ISUZU D-Max Fury is powered by a 2.5 litre, 163 PS twin-turbo engine, meaning it won’t be left lagging on any road.  Available in both manual and automatic transmission the 4x4 Double Cab delivers uncompromising pick-up performance with head turning stylish Magma Red paintwork and a custom-designed interior.

Truly unique the Isuzu Fury comes with black cloth seat trim, leather steering wheel with red stitching, double DIN CD/Radio/iPod/Bluetooth connectivity, rear view camera, fury branded carpet mats with leather gear stick gaiter, red stitching and chrome heater switches.



Yet for all its pulse-racing heritage, the ISUZU D-Max Fury is no show-pony. On or off road, every day, there is no compromise. The outstanding 4x4 shift-on-the-fly adapts to any terrain at the touch of a button and the 3.5 tonne towing capacity is now legendary.



Comfort and luxury are built-in; and with fuel economy of 38.7MPG (combined), the Isuzu D-Max Fury delivers the complete package of economy, practicality and performance you’d expect from Isuzu. With a best-in-class, 5 year warranty, complete peace of mind comes as standard from the Pick-up Professionals.

For more information call Derek Slack Motors on 01642 256100

Thursday 30 July 2015

ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo in Middlesbrough





The award winning ŠKODA Fabia is now available to order from Derek Slack Motors in the shape of the stylish Monte Carlo. Adding even more sporty design flair the Monte Carlo model is highlighted with black elements, including the 16” Italia black alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, sunset glass, front grille and door mirrors. It also offers a stylish interior, including a red central console as standard, and plenty of room for passengers and their luggage. We’re really excited about the new Fabia Monte Carlo as it also comes with a new-generation petrol and diesel engines, making it more responsive and smoother to drive, whilst boasting some incredible fuel consumption figures.​​

Tuesday 28 July 2015

In an emergency, you can always rely on a SKODA

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ŠKODA Emergency Service vehicles

Police vehicle, dog carrier, paramedic rapid response or fire support unit, ŠKODA’s versatility, reliability and performance now makes it the ideal choice when responding to 999 situations. ŠKODA vehicles are widely used in a range of operational Police roles with the ŠKODA Octavia vRS now adopted as an intermediate performance vehicle for response situations. The ŠKODA Superb has proven a hit with Armed Response divisions, providing ample room within the cabin for its crew to be transported at speed and arrive ready for action. The ŠKODA Octavia, Yeti, Rapid Spaceback and Fabia models all offer a tried and tested, reliable and affordable solution for general activity purposes too.

Thursday 23 July 2015

Skoda Octavia on top against Honda Type R Civic in Teesside.



AutoExpress recently put the new Honda Type R Civic, head to head with the class-leading ŠKODA Octavia (awarded WhatCar? Best Family Car for the second year running). AutoExpress choose the the advanced Honda 1.6 i-DTEC diesel model against the SKODA 1.6-litre diesel.

Both cars feature fuel-efficient driving modes with the SKODA being able to shift between Eco, Comfort and Sport modes.

Following the head-to-head, AuotExpress described the Octavia as,  “Still one of the best compact family hatchbacks on the market. It has a breadth of talent that’s hard to beat, thanks to its spacious cabin, vast boot, engaging driving dynamics and low running costs.”

So who came out on top? While the Civic was described as, "A decent compact hatch", there are too many compromises to be made for it to secure victory. "Back-seat space isn’t great, while the driving experience is a bit of a letdown when compared to the sharp and agile SKODA’s.”

Tuesday 21 July 2015

The oldest SKODA dealer in the North East

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Did you know we have sold and serviced SKODA for nearly 25 years on Teesside, and are the longest established SKODA dealer in the North East and still a family run business. Who else would you trust with your new SKODA. Plus, while the builders are still in, you'll find some very special offers on new and pre-owned SKODA. There's never been a better time to buy this summer from Derek Slack Motors.

SKODA dog seat-belt

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SKODA has become one of the first manufacturers to produce a dog-specific seat belt as an accessory option on their vehicles. Described by SKODA as a serious ‘safety feature’, and with the majority of dogs often left unrestrained on the back seat becoming a distraction, the new K9 seat belt is long over due. The force of a 10lb dog in a car traveling at 30 miles per hour can exert a phenomenal 300lbs of force. So for dog lovers the new SKODA seat belt makes perfect sense. Available in four sizes with a protector to keep your upholstery free of hair, it can also be used in combination with a lead for dog training or walking.

Tuesday 14 July 2015

NEW Isuzu D-Max Blade TV Advert

See the new television advert for the Isuzu D-Max Blade.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEW ISUZU D-MAX BLADE TV ADVERT

See our television advert for the Isuzu D-Max Blade. The 30-second advert, which is being aired on BT Sport, Sky, ITV4, Ch5, Ch4, Eurosport and Motors TV for 12 weeks, is on-air in time for this weekend’s Rugby League’s Magic Weekend.
Viewers of live coverage of this weekend’s games will see Isuzu pitch side boards during the matches and then our TV ad in the ad breaks.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://isuzu.co.uk/the-range/blade/blade-tv-ad/#sthash.caE37JuD.dpuf

TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEW ISUZU D-MAX BLADE TV ADVERT

See our television advert for the Isuzu D-Max
Blade. The 30-second advert, which is being aired on BT Sport, Sky,
ITV4, Ch5, Ch4, Eurosport and Motors TV for 12 weeks, is on-air in time
for this weekend’s Rugby League’s Magic Weekend.
Viewers of live coverage of this weekend’s games will see Isuzu pitch
side boards during the matches and then our TV ad in the ad breaks.


Enjoy!

- See more at: http://isuzu.co.uk/the-range/blade/blade-tv-ad/#sthash.caE37JuD.dpuf

ŠKODA grows 4.2% in first half of 2015 along with expansion in Middlesbrough.




As Derek Slack Motors move into the second phase of their expansion and redevelopment, ŠKODA also announce record growth throughout the first half of the year. Between January and June, deliveries to customers around the world increased 4.2% to 544,300 vehicles. Tony Slack, Managing Director at the ŠKODA dealership in Middlesbrough said, “This is yet another new sales record for ŠKODA in the first half of the year. The latest generation ŠKODA Fabia has also got off to an excellent start, in the first six months of 2015, with sales of the Fabia increasing by 24.3% .”

Derek Slack Motors (a family run business) have delivered SKODA for nearly 25 years and are the longest established SKODA dealer in the North East. The new state-of-the-art facility will be a flagship site for SKODA in the UK. 

Tony continued, “ Sales haven’t been affected by the building work, in fact we’ve enjoyed an excellent first half to the year, due to some money-saving, SKODA promotions on both new and used vehicles. Plus, you can now drive-away a brand new SKODA from across the range with interest free credit.”

With the builders in, space is at a premium and the main SKODA dealer for Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Teesside have reduced their prices on many new and nearly new SKODA vehicles making this summer an ideal time to buy your next SKODA.

Investing in the Environment: ŠKODA Builds New Emissions Centre


Opening in July 2016. ŠKODA extends Engine Centre opened in 2014. Aim: consistently reduce consumption and emissions of new ŠKODA models. 31 ŠKODA models already less than 100g CO2/km, 103 models less than 120g. ŠKODA AUTO is building a new Emissions Centre in Mladá Boleslav. In partnership with the Volkswagen Group, SKODA will be investing more than €11 million into expanding the Engine Centre. Expected to open in July 2016.  The new Emissions Centre will play a key role in reducing the emissions of new ŠKODA models in years to come.

Stephen Orton –Sales Manager at Derek Slack Motors commented, “Environmental protection are key elements in ŠKODA’s strategy. For example the new ŠKODA Superb’s  new engine is much lighter, and with optimised aerodynamics, the new model now uses up to 30% less fuel and emits 30% less CO2 than its predecessor.”

Thursday 9 July 2015

New flat rate road tax system from 2017


Road taxes on luxury cars and eco-friendly hybrids will be hiked under radical new reforms to help fund road-building schemes, George Osborne has announced.


Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has revamped the road tax system. From 2017 nearly all new car buyers will pay £140 a year, while owners of £40,000 vehicles will pay an additional £310 per year. The only exception from the new rules are electric cars that emit zero emissions - they pay zero VED. 
Currently a quarter of all cars are exempt from vehicle excise duty because of their low CO2 emissions. Osborne said this meant middle class motorists with expensive cars were avoiding road tax while poor families stuck with polluting old models were paying hundreds of pounds a year. The Chancellor’s new system will come into force in 2017, which will see 95 per cent of new cars paying £140 a year - less than the average £166 paid today. The only exception from the new rules are electric cars that emit zero emissions - they pay zero VED. 

The good news for anyone who currently owns a low emissions SKODA is that the charges only apply to new cars from 2017. There will be no change to VED for existing cars so no one will have to pay more tax than they currently do if they keep the same car.

So what does this mean for the ordinary motorist? Well there is some slight consolation in that VED will now be put toward the use it was originally intended for - paying for roads. So once again we can legitimately refer to it as 'road tax'.



Tuesday 7 July 2015

New SKODA Fabia fits the Bill.




Next time you see a flashing blue light racing up behind you, take a closer as it could well be the Award winning new ŠKODA Fabia. Voted 'Best Small Car' at the 2015 Fleet News Awards. With a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, six airbags and an autonomous braking system as standard from SE, the Fabia provides proper protection and now chosen by those who serve and protect us.

Emergency Services Technical Sales Manager, Steven Cowell, said: “The 2015 What Car? Car of the Year ŠKODA Fabia is a reliable, robust and affordable vehicle loaded with technology, therefore ideal for use in the emergency services. Simply put, it's the perfect combination of form and function. The size and versatility of the Fabia also lends itself well to inner city duty."

Tuesday 30 June 2015

The Whitby Connection

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Friends reunited at
Derek Slack Motors

Two old friends, Andy McCarthy and Mark Calvert are back together as new faces working at Derek Slack Motors having both spent time at Harrisons MG Rover on Upgang Lane in Whitby. The pair bring a wealth of motor-trade experience to the expanding SKODA and ISUZU dealership on Cargo Fleet Middlesbrough.
 
Andy from Whitby began by saying; ‘This is an exciting opportunity to be working once again with a family run dealership with SKODA roots spanning almost 25 years. Meeting up with Mark brings a real Whitby connection to the dealership and it’s a perfect time to be reunited during a period of SKODA expansion making the dealership one of the largest operations in the UK.
Andy continued, ‘We both enjoyed our time with Harrisons MG Rover, but lost touch when I began working for DeVries Honda in Northallerton, Stockton and Scarborough and for those of you with even longer memories at Arundale Nissan on Whitby’s Stakesby Road.
Before joining the Derek Slack Motors team, Mark Calvert served his apprenticeship with Universal Garage, in the company of Singer cars and Fordson tractor. Mark also spent time working as a mechanic with Cleveland Police, before leaving our shores to work in Africa and Singapore.
‘I came back to the north east In 1993 working with Cowie Redcar and Dawwoo cars in Hartlepool. Andy and I go way back. Before Harrisons became a Ford Service Point, we enjoyed working together with MG-Rover in our home town of Whitby. Being back together after all these years to work in a family run dealership once again, and with such an exciting future is a remarkable story.

Tuesday 16 June 2015

25 years with SKODA

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It’s business as usual at Derek Slack Motors, behind the building work we’re still busy selling new SKODA and approved used vehicles, servicing, valeting, and delivering genuine parts and accessories from our new state-of-the-art parts department. In fact, exactly what we've being doing for nearly the last 25 years, as the north east's oldest SKODA dealership. Why not call in and take advantage of some of the huge savings currently available as we make space for the diggers.