The car maker (part of the General Motors group) has announced it will give away a boot-full of Christmas decorations to anyone who purchases one of Chevrolet Lacetti models.

Research by The Carmaker revealed 27 per cent of people in the UK are planning on cutting expenditure on making their homes festive this year. Of those questioned, 32 per cent said they would buy a smaller tree than usual and eight per cent admitted they were not planning on decorating their homes at all for Christmas. The study found families were intending to spend an average of £56.88 on giving their houses a festive flavour this year, compared with the £77.45 people spent in 2007.

Chevrolet spokesman Les Turton said the manufacturer was determined to help people get into the Christmas spirit by “giving away a free tree and boot-full of decorations to anyone buying a Lacetti in the run up to Christmas”.

Earlier this year, the company announced it was helping motorists cut costs with the introduction of a fixed-price three-year motoring package.

You can see a great range of new and used Chevrolets at Perrys Rotherham

Also the price on the windscreen in some outlets is just there to get your attention - step up to the sales desk, and all too often you find a growing list of extra charges. The buying power of larger dealerships can work in favour of the customer, too - bulk purchases from manufacturers can be reflected in low prices.

Safety and Reliability

Most of us are not trained mechanics, so when we purchase a new or used car we are putting our trust in the seller. If it’s a new car we need to be confident that the car has been prepared for us to the manufacturer’s specifications, including a full safety check. This safety check is even more important if the car is used - and we want to be sure the mileage reading is a true one. Not always the case in an outfit run by a modern-day “Arthur Daley” character! (Funny in a TV series - not so funny if you are the victim in real life)

Also there are just too many instances of a customer purchasing a second-hand car only to find that it has a history of serious damage, or outstanding finance. Will you get that kind of reassurance everywhere? Sadly no.

And what if something does go wrong? You need to be able to get after-sales problems sorted under a decent warranty, and you also need to know that if things need fixing, well trained engineers who know your particular vehicle back to front and inside out are available to deal with the problem. Dealerships have the facilities and the qualified staff to deal with these problems and get the regular servicing done properly - other outlets often don’t.

That’s why Perrys Dealerships up and down the country offer customers the “Perrys Promise” to cover these worries, and to provide some nice to have bonuses as well, like 7 days comprehensive insurance, Platinum Discount Card and full pre-delivery valet.

All Perrys Dealerships accept Part Exchange and can offer a range of Finance Packages too.

The “Boys Toys” giveaway has been organised to celebrate the launch of the new Alfa 159.

Alfa Romeo’s latest offering comes equipped with more than £3,000 worth of features and gadgets including black leather upholstery, Carbonio black metallic paint, red Brembo brake callipers, sports dials with red background, lowered suspension and darkened 19-inch spoke alloy wheels.

Alfa Romeo’s press info describes the Alfa 159 Limited Edition as “A new secret weapon for dealers across the country.” A maximum of 250 examples of the model will be produced and they are priced at £22,168.

In other news, Alfa Romeo’s MiTo has been awarded the best possible safety rating.

Perrys Alfa Romeo have a fantastic range of new and used Alfas available at very keen prices.

43.9% of the votes cast by road safety professionals and driving instructors who read adiNews were for the versatile Vauxhall Corsa; the vehicle was particularly praised for its handling, ease of use and comfort - factors which will appeal to non-learners too!

According to Vauxhall the Corsa also proved popular because it qualifies for cheap car insurance and road tax, helping driving schools to keep down costs.

Vauxhall’s marketing director Andy Gilson, expressing his delight at coming out on top for the fourth year on the trot, said “This award is further proof of the Corsa’s ease of use for novice drivers, as well as being a cost-effective business car for driving instructors.”

In other news, Vauxhall announced earlier this month that it had clinched the number one spot in the light commercial vehicle market for the first time since records began.

Perrys has some great “new-shape”Vauxhall Corsa deals at the moment; why not take a look?

The competition is open to anyone who visits the Perrys Vauxhall Bury dealership from now until Christmas.

Darren Knight, General Manager at Perrys, said: “Not only is this a great opportunity to refresh people’s knowledge of the Highway Code, it will also be a fantastic way to add a little fun for our staff and customers in the run up to Christmas.”

To take part in the competition, simply head down to the Vauxhall dealership on Crostons Road and test your knowledge. Whether you have a driving licence or not, this is a fantastic way to refresh your memory and be in with a chance to win a great prize.

While you are there, why not book a test drive in any of the vehicles the dealership has on offer?

The dealership on Blackpool Road, Ribbleton, is urging anyone who owns a vintage car, of any make, to enter its Vintage Car competition. The winner could have their car on display in the Preston showroom and pocket a £100 cash prize.

Perrys old showroom at Whetstone

Perrys opened a hundred years ago, and since that date has grown from strength to strength. Starting with one Ford site in London in 1908, it now has 16 major franchises across 39 UK outlets, stocking both prestigious and value motor brands.

Peter Lambert, General Manager at Perrys Vauxhall, said: “To help us continue our Centenary celebrations, we’d like as many people as possible to come forward for this competition. All the staff at Perrys Vauxhall are really looking forward to seeing the different entries and hearing some interesting stories.”

To enter, customers simply need to write in with their story, including a photocopy of any supporting documentation or pictures, to:

“I Own A Vintage Car,”
C/O 1 Park View,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire,
HG1 5LY.

Sports Styling Kit
The car comes with a sports styling kit, including an S badge on the fender, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and aluminium-style foot pedals and handbrake cover. Those who want to personalise their vehicle even further can select one of two optional styling packs - the sport package or the world rally championship add-ons.

Great Value
Ford describes the model as “Great Value for Money”, as it costs only £750 more than the original edition, while the extra features included are worth over £1,600. Perrys have a wide range of new and used Fords in stock, and there are some real bargains to be had at the moment.

Motability specialist, Chris Stead, from Perrys Peugeot, Farlington, has been available at Morrisons Supermarket in Hordean during October to show how easily vehicles can be adapted for the needs of disabled people, and to advise on the various adaptations available.

Perrys’ Chris Stead has 18 years experience as a Motability Specialist and works closely with customers to ensure that each vehicle is tailor made to fit their exact requirements and needs. From the specific types of adaptations available to payment plans, Chris is always on hand to guide customers through it all. He is also able to offer advice and answer questions people have relating to the Motability Scheme and how it can benefit them, or someone they know.

“Customers can be safe in the knowledge that Perrys’ Motability Scheme covers aftersales and service” says Chris. “Our dealership’s highly skilled service technicians offer individual support throughout the cycle of ownership, meaning that, from the minute you are handed the keys to the time you hand them back, you can enjoy hassle-free motoring.”

It doesn’t matter how old you are, or even if you cannot drive, if you receive the Higher Rate Motability Component of the Disability Living Allowance, then you or someone else in the family can be nominated as drivers.

The dealership, on Bilton Road in Bletchley, has seen trade remain the same as last year, despite the credit crunch, as prices have fallen in the used car market. This, coupled with Perrys buying power, enables the dealership to pass on the savings to its customers.

Companies with fleet vehicles have been buying from Perrys, as the dealership sees firms switching to nearly new, six-month-old cars with lower mileages and no VAT content.

“The fact of the matter is that customers are still buying but they are just buying differently due to the country’s current financial situation,” said Stephen Thompson, used car manager at Perrys Milton Keynes.

“At Perrys we aim to accommodate the needs of our customers and give them options that they find financially viable. Often people find that the car they are currently driving is worth less than they originally hoped when they get it valued. However, what they have to remember is that the car they are buying is actually selling for a lot less than usual. Its all these factors that Perrys has taken into account that have helped maintain sales across the Group.”

Other noticeable buying patterns include customers trading in larger vehicles for more economical ones due to the cost of petrol and the potential impact of the suspected rise in the road fund license. However, Perrys is still selling larger cars to the customers who can now afford them.

Peugeot 307 (convertible)

Because of all these factors, Perrys Milton Keynes has managed to maintain its volume sales of used cars at a healthy level, selling an average of 200 each month.

Vauxhall Zafira - a best seller

“We are lucky to have a loyal customer base at Perrys Peugeot in Milton Keynes and I hope that other people will also start to think of us as the best place to come to for a car that is financially viable and perfect for their needs”.