News

The Jinja Breads @ BandAid 4 UgandAid

For details, pictures and video from this fantastic evening, visit www.thejinjabreads.co.uk. Lots more details will be available in the near future.

Mitchell Mazda MX-5 ride-out day on YouTube

Now the world can see why our MX-5 ride-out days are so well recieved !

Sing your heart out for the Lad

Thursday 6 December marked Mitchell Group's first Christmas Carol event at Chester Cathedral. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came and to everyone who has sent in thank you letters and emails already. It is so encouraging for the team when we hear how much people where moved and enjoyed the event.

I'm sure everyone will join me in thanking Love and Joy Gospel Choir, Bishop Keith and Chris Duffett (The Light Project) for their input on the night, as well as the staff that help in front and behind the scenes.

Amazingly, we raised over £2300 for Ugandaid and The Light Project from the takings at the exits.  Thank you to everyone who contributed and please be assured that your money will find it's way safely to the charities.

Please feel free to leave comments below.  What would you like to see next year?!

Many thanks again

Chris Webb - Group Marketing Manager

Bandaid for Ugandaid

Following yet another sucessful expedition to Uganda, this time to visit our workshop project at the NVI in Jinja, Mick Mills, Group Service Manager took a team of three for a life changing experience to see why help is so badly needed.

 

Click here to reserve your tickets

Darren Whitfield, Mike Oakley and Adam Butler returned from the trip passionate about making a difference to the students life at the NVI.  As a result, Mick and Darren are pioneering a number of initiatives to increase momentum for fundraising. 

The two projects being undertaken are firstly to provide Technicians Training Books so that 60 students no longer have to share one book.  Secondly during the trip it became apparent whilst attending a church service at the centre with 600 students that many were unable to hear due to a PA system consisting of one small speaker.  Darren who was a professional musician has set about raising funds to replace and improve the equipment by organising a concert with a number of Mitchell Group staff with musical talents.  The band consists of the following:

• Darren Whitfield, keyboard and bass
• Brian Blanchard, lead guitar and bass
• Chris Webb, drums
• Dave Alexander, drums
• Steve Price, keyboard and bass
• Tom Skelton, guitar

Singers and dancers tbc !

We have decided to name the band "The Jinja Breads" !

Tickets are now on sale for 1 March 2007 and full information and ticket reservations can be found by clicking here

Mark passing your test in style…

Mark Knapman, aged 17, is the youngest ever Mitchell Skoda customer and having just passed his driving test is delighted to have just purchased a limited edition Skoda Fabia 1.4 Silverline.

Rob Norton, Skoda Sales Specialist, says “we are delighted to welcome Mark to the Mitchell culture and look forward to seeing him at the weekly wash and go held on a Saturday for our customers.  It has been a pleasure to see how much Mark is looking forward to driving his car out of the Mitchell Skoda showroom”.

Up and coming models - Mazda2 & CX-7

The September registration change is always a busy time at the Mitchell Group showroom as Cheshire motorists clamour for the latest number plate.  This September is set to be even busier as it sees the launch of two all-new Mazda models - the Mazda CX-7 and Mazda2.  Both models are bursting with Mazda's characteristic Zoom-Zoom excitement, desirable styling and spirited driving dynamics.

In the Cheshire Oaks dealership now, and on sale from 1 September the £23,960 all-new Mazda CX-7 is set to bring Mazda’s reputation as Britain's favourite sports car brand to a completely new niche.  With its 2.3-litre turbocharged engine and maximum power of 260ps, this Sports Crossover vehicle offers sports car handling and performance, with the comfort and convenience of an SUV.

Another addition to the Mazda range is the new Mazda2 supermini.  Priced from just £8,499 on-the-road, the new five-door Mazda2 is a highly specified, stylish and desirable alternative to the typical small hatchback.  The lightweight five-door Mazda is available with a 1.3- or 1.5–litre petrol engine boasting lively performance, low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy.  The Cheshire Mazda dealer is offering the new Mazda2 with 6.9% APR on Mazda Credit Hire Purchase or Mazda Credit MultiOption from launch.

“The new Mazda2 is such an important car for us at Mitchell Group and for Mazda globally,” commented Brian Blanchard, Sales Manager.  “The car is due to go on sale in early September and I’m certain that it will revolutionise the small car market and significantly boost our sales over the outgoing model.  I’ve heard lots of positive feedback from customers who are keen to drive the car after seeing pictures of it and reading the excellent media reviews.”

The new model line-up comes at a time when the Japanese brand is riding high on success.  Officially recognised as Britain's favourite sports car brand, selling over a quarter of all sports cars in the UK this year, Mazda is well known for its Zoom-Zoom character.  Additionally, earlier this year the manufacturer was named as the world’s most reliable brand in one of the world’s largest ever studies into car reliability, carried out by leading personal warranty specialists - Warranty Direct.

During September, Mitchell Group is offering Cheshire motorists a selection of special editions across the Mazda range in addition to several tempting finance deals.  Standard models of the iconic Mazda MX-5 soft-top are offered with 0% hire purchase (up to 3 years with 50% deposit) or 4.9% MultiOption (up to 3 years).  These great finance deals are also available on Mazda5, which seats up to seven, and on the standard versions of the Mazda3 and the Mazda6.

The Mazda3 and Mazda6 ranges have been bolstered by the addition of a special ‘Tamura’ special edition.  Based on popular versions of five-door hatchback TS models, these specials are extremely price competitive, starting from just £13,795 on-the-road and offering exceptional customer value.  Both gain stylish exterior enhancements, with a selection of special equipment and stylish alloy wheels.

The popular Mazda6 range features another special edition, the Mazda6 Kumano.  Priced from £17,550 on the-road the highly specified five-door hatchback TS2 based-model, features extras both inside and out, from special blue/black seat trim to powerful Xenon headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and free metallic or mica paint.

To find out more information about the exciting new arrivals at Mitchell Group - the all-new Mazda CX-7 and new Mazda2, and for details about the Mazda range, including finance offers and special editions, call the Mazda team on 0151 346 5555, or visit the Cheshire Oaks showroom.

Your opinion counts

At Mitchell Group we don't just sell cars we sell a service, our passion beyond those four wheeled motors is our culture.  We aim to provide the best experience possible and exceed all expectations.  This means identifying your needs and wants and providing solutions.  We can't do this without your help.  This post is an open platform for you to tell us what we do right and what we can do to improve.

Please feel free to use the comments section below.  We will respond to every post.  Our strap line "it's our people who make the difference" is not just referring to our staff but also our very important customers.

Lexus IS 220 diesel special offer

Lexus Chester
Lexus IS 220 diesel for £279 / month +VAT
Call now on 0845 130 9256 to arrange a test drive

This engine harnesses all the efficiencies and the torque of diesel with the endlessly well-mannered smoothness you would come to expect from a Lexus. A host of innovative features in both the IS 220d and the IS 250 also ensures remarkable all-round strengths.

Model shown IS 220d with optional metallic paint at £23,642. The IS series comprises petrol and diesel powertrains and prices start from £23,132 to £39,047 OTR. Prices correct at time of going to press and include VAT, delivery, number plates, full tank of fuel, one year’s road fund license and £50 first registration fee. *Advertised finance offer available for business users only on

Lexus IS 220d manual, when ordered, registered and financed through Lexus Financial Services on Lexus Contract Hire before 30 September 2007 at participating Lexus Centres. Advertised rental based on a 2 year non-maintained contract, based on 10,000 miles per annum. Initial rental of £837+VAT followed by 23 rentals of £279+VAT. Acceptance fee of £70 + VAT payable in initial rental. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Terms and conditions apply. Licensed credit broker. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18’s only. Lexus Financial Services, Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Subject to availability.

"Gone with the Ringo" - by Dave and Ross

Skoda Sales decided to partake in a team building exercise.  Below is a detailed account of the evening written by Ross Thompson, Assistant Sales Manager, and Dave Alexander, Sales Specialist.  I think a knock to the head may be to blame ....

18:00 Left work, destination Menai Straights, Anglesey.

19:45 All aboard !  Admiral of the fleet Macklin set sail on our perilous voyage amidst Conga Eels and giant Killer Jellyfish !

20:15 After a reconnaissance sortie of local terrain, admiral of the fleet Macklin ordered inflatables to be deployed.  Midship-woman Chadwick was first into the breach and hung on remarkably well considering she swallowed half the water on the west coast of Wales !

20:25 Commodore Alexander represented the second wave of the mission and joined midship-woman Chadwick in the violent wash of the vessel.  The intrepid pair retired from active duty following an encounter with a duck and a high speed corner.

20:45 Lieutenant Norton drafted into action on a highly dangerous solo mission.  Lieutenant Norton was dishonourably discharged from the Navy for attempting to join the Air Force by executing a low flying manoeuvre !  Admiral of the fleet Macklin cleared all charges.

21:00 After a few swigs of grog from the galley, Vice Admiral Thompson and Captain Webb joined the fray.  Captain Webb was subjected to a battering on both solo and team runs.  Admiral of the fleet Macklin then ordered Commodore Alexander and Vice Admiral Thompson on one last high speed turn bringing them ever closer to the jaws of death.

Before: After:

22:00 Bad lighting conditions and fear for safety resulted in the mission being aborted.  There were no reported casualties during the mission, although three crew members were sent to the Brigg for insubordination.

Mitchell Girls "Race For Life" by Emma Pringle

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning the Mitchell girls psyched themselves up for the 5 kilometre run / walk.

After a quick warm up amongst 2500 women we headed for the start line.  The start buzzer sounded and a stampede of women running and walking headed off into Birkenhead Park.  We battled through the humidity, water bottles in hand and a crowd cheering us on to the finish line.

Jo Hayes, Sue Owens, Sue Bowkett, Jaqui Rimmer, Cheryl Bromley, Hillary Millington, Bev Mason, Michelle and Cindy Ferguson (mother and daughter team), Anne Morris, Zdenka Sefton and myself reached the finish line and recieved our Race for Life medal.

Although exhausted we were proud of ourselves and the £839 that we raised for such a worthy cause.

Quentin Willson at Cheshire Oaks

Mitchell Group was delighted to support Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village in their first ever Motor Festival on the 16th and 17th of June.  Various car dealerships from the area participated by displaying their product ranges and answering questions to crowds of budding motor enthusiasts.

Television Presenter, Quentin Willson, was the star opening the show and commentating on cars being driven on two wheels, doughnuts and some spectacular parallel parking.  The man behind the wheel, professional stunt driver Russ Swift, performed tricks in a Mini and Mitsubishi Evo that defied physics and had crowds mesmerised.

Congratulations to the organisers at Cheshire Oaks for a fantastic event.

Mazda3 MPS: Ring Master

The Mazda flies down The Foxhole. Bang up against the rev limiter in fifth, then flat change into sixth and up to 150mph. Turbo blowing hard, the Mazda3 MPS hotshoe voraciously sucks up the track ahead, rusty Armco, candy-stick rumble strips and towering oak trees filling the windscreen.

Drawing a dead straight line through the left-right-left-right of one of the Nürburgring’s most infamous corners, Mark Ticehurst throws the Mazda down to the bottom of the hill, the car’s suspension compressing hard before he hurtles up the other side and peels hard left and up into Adenaur Forest. He’s gone as quickly as he arrives, the wailing engine note briefly ricocheting off the hillside before leaving a loud silence in its wake.

The Mazda3 MPS is on a hot one. Nine miles away nervous eyes are glancing at stopwatches and ears are straining to catch the sound of the 3MPS's wailing exhaust note.

The idea behind this trip is simple. Get a box-fresh Mazda3 MPS, take it to the Nürburgring and see how it shapes up against what is arguably the most demanding, exhilarating and treacherous track in the world. Put its hot hatch credentials to the test, in other words. On paper it is the UK’s most powerful front-wheel drive hot hatch on the market. But just how well will it fare on the track, on its standard road tyres, suspension and brakes?

There’s also talk of trying to better the lap record a time of 8 minutes and 35.02 seconds but rather than taking aim at some nebulous goalposts, Ticehurst decides to just push the 3MPS as hard as he can and see how it behaves. Around the 13-mile long Nürburgring it should get plenty of room to stretch its legs.

The Mazda certainly has legs to stretch. Under its humped bonnet sits the same 2.3-litre turbo-charged engine that also sees service in the Mazda6 MPS. The all alloy inline four features high-pressure Direct Injection Spark Ignition technology to deliver a blood-spitting 260ps at 5,500rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. Enough bicep to launch the Mazda to 62mph in 6.1seconds and onto an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

Ticehurst’s car is fitted with the newly introduced Sports Aero Kit, with a larger tail mounted spoiler and spoked wing mirrors; the kit gives the MPS a much needed dose of visual aggression.

More importantly though, it also adds a tweaked suspension set-up the strut front and multi-link rear suspension is fitted with uprated Eibach springs and dampers that lower the car by 25mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. As well as further tying down unwanted body movement, the lowered ride height also promises sharper turn in - which ought to be useful on a circuit with 73 corners. Factor in the huge brakes 320mm ventilated front disc brakes and 280mm rear discs and recalibrated TCS (Traction Control System), and the Mazda3 MPS is even better equipped to deal with the torturous 13-mile long circuit.

Getting Mark Ticehurst behind the wheel for the challenge was a simple decision. He’s a regular within Mazda’s motorsport line-up and was a key member of the company’s successful Britcar campaign. Which sounds like a bit of an unfair advantage when it comes to pushing the Mazda3 MPS to the limit.

But then Ticehurst is a Ring virgin. He’s lapped the circuit a few dozen times on his Playstation, but until today, he’s never set foot on the world’s most infamous track. He says he’s not nervous but he gets hopelessly lost in Calais on the five-hour drive from Dover to Nürburgring. Let’s hope he can make his away around the circuit without stopping for directions

He comes back after a few exploratory laps and just cannot believe what he has seen.  Madness! It’s just sheer madness out there!  I was jousting with everything from Le Mans-spec Porsches to Fiat Multiplas stuffed to the gills with screaming kids. And the bikers! It’s like driving in a swarm of hornets they are everywhere!  It’s a real baptism of fire, but Ticehurst keeps heading out to familiarise himself with the track at every opportunity. Knowledge around the Ring is everything.

He’s impressed with the car too.  It’s all that torque that makes a huge difference. Because it’s such a hilly track, you really need plenty of torque to haul you out of the slower corners and up the steep hills like Bergwerk.

It’s a confidence-inspiring car to drive hard too it feels tight and compliant requiring only small driving inputs to adjust its direction and attitude. Even after each 12.7mile lap of arduous torture the car was still fresh and ready for more.  Quite a feat, given his Mazda3 MPS is running standard road tyres, brake discs and pads.

Ticehurst and his team wait until the end of the day, after the track has closed, to get the circuit to themselves for a couple of full flying laps. He heads out on a warm up lap, getting his mind together and building up a head of speed. Bulleting along the long straight between Galgenkopf and Antoniusbuche the Mazda3 MPS head butts its 155mph speed limiter. He passes the timing point at full chat in sixth, rev counter deep into the red.

With a clear track ahead of him, it’s an ideal opportunity to push the Mazda as hard as he can. And he pushes hard. With its constantly changing surface, off camber corners and momentous pace, this is a terrifyingly complex track. You have to get every single one of the circuit's curves, bends and corners one hundred per cent correct, every single time. Why? Because the exit point of one corner is the entry point for the next. Go to www.youtube.com and you will see what Ticehurst was up against.  Alternatively click on one of the links below:

Mazda 3 MPS on Nurburgring 8min39secs (taster)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuyaojwoa7M

Mazda 3 MPS on Nurburgring (public day)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sqdA9K43M

Mazda 3 MPS on Nurburgring (closed circuit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5giCFSFW9tU

In addition these movies can be downloaded at www.mazdamovies.com

A small error on corner one will magnify itself into a massive Armco-enhanced mistake come corner five. And if you get it wrong you have a pretty good chance of what’s left of you being scraped up with a spatula before being dispatched home in a jam jar.

Ticehurst drives like a man possessed, hurtling the Mazda around the track. His concentration is complete. And it pays off – he puts in a blindingly fast lap. He comes rocketing past the timing point and stops the clocks with a lap time of 8 minutes and 39.66 seconds. That’s just 4.64 seconds off the lap record.

Ticehurst is absolutely elated with his time.  That was just off the scale. I drove it as hard as I could I wasn’t thinking about the lap time! I think it says a great deal about the Mazda, that I could just get in it and drive it around a circuit that I hardly know and get within striking distance of the lap record. It’s one of the best things I have ever done in a car. Ever.

The best thing, that is, until the summer when he heads back to the Ring to have a real crack at the lap record.

Open Road @ Thornton Manor

Thornton Manor in Thornton Hough, Wirral, was the venue for this years Open Road event with Lexus and true to form the day proved to be a big success.  With over 230 guests and more than 500 test drives in one day, it was a fantastic opportunity to experience the entire Lexus range.

The format for the day was to arrive and register attendance, a lanyard was then provided with the guests name and a bar code printed on to it.  A test drive desk was set up with a key board detailing which cars were available.  Sales specialists were on hand to help establish which cars would best suit and make appropriate recommendations.  After zapping each guest with a bar code reader, the sales specialists would direct to the car of their choice, ensure familiarisation of the controls and route and leave them to explore and drive the car unattended.

On return a customer would either take out their next choice of vehicle or alternatively explore the luxurious venue whilst enjoying the hospitality of Lexus Chester's appointed caterers who were serving Canapes and refreshments throughout the day.

A big thank you to all who helped make the day such a big success.

MX-5 ride-out day. Another one bites the dust !

Fifty MX-5's racing through some of the most gorgeous countryside in North Wales was the scene available to many rural locals on Friday 8 June.  Customers and a navigator were given the opportunity to explore the true potential of their cars on a tried and tested route.

First stop was The Leyland Arms in Llanelidan, a quaint village near Ruthin.  Kelly and Dave from the Leyland Arms provided their usual high quality service and gave us a real insight into their way of life.

We then pushed on to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel to take advantage of their brand new suite overlooking the lake.  Lunch was provided and was the perfect way to end a very memorable day.

Two limited edition 18:1 scale model MX-5 Roadsters were up for grabs at various stages through the day with some tricky general knowledge questions such as the depth of Lake Vrynwy at it's deepest point.  Some colourful answers were submitted before a tie break question being needed to determine the winner.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us.  Our relationships with our customers are very important to us and provides us with many new friends via recommendations.

Please feel free to leave comments below if you joined us and let us know what you thought.  Until next time, happy Zoom Zooming !

That Skoda Fabia advert! Watch it here...

The New Skoda Fabia.  Full of lovely stuff.

Just in case you want to see it again!  What a great advert! Enjoy.

You can also view the "Baking of" documentary at www.newfabia.co.uk

There are some amazing stats about the ingredients, such as 180 fresh eggs and 42kg of chocolate fudge (yes, they really did make it!)

Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Mitchell Group send team to Uganda!

Mitchell Group has a child sponsorship programme in partnership with World Vision. All of the team are encouraged to participate on an individual basis and the company felt it important to show how their monthly donations were being utilised.

It was decided to send four of the team from Cheshire Oaks to Kimu, Uganda, for what turned out to be a life changing experience. Over the course of four days they visited two World Vision projects to see the work in progress amongst some of the world’s poorest areas.

The team discovered that as World Vision is centrally supported by the government, it allows them to assign 87% of all donations directly to the people who need it most. Additionally, the time scale involved in any one project is typically 15 to 20 years as there is an extensive re-education of the local communities as well as structural development.

The pictures within this Blog illustrate some of the experiences the team listed below had the privilege to be a part of, please feel free to click each image to make them bigger:

• Angela Houston, Centre Host
• Dave Alexander, Skoda Sales Specialist
• Julie Le Maitre, PA to the Managing Director
• Kenny Jones, Skoda Parts Specialist

The feedback from the team has been extremely positive, heart felt and a resounding testament to the way World Vision conduct their world wide operations.

Further details about World Visions work and opportunities to be involved can be found at www.worldvision.org.uk Thank you to all the team and customers who contributed.

Skoda Fabia Launch - How it went...

WOW!!!

17 May 2007 marked the launch of the all new Skoda Fabia and true to form Mitchell Skoda pulled out all the stops to ensure their launch party was the biggest and best-attended in the UK.

Firstly a big thank you to all the customers who supported us at Peckforton Castle. We have been amazed at the number of families who decided to join us.  Another thank you is also due to all who have written in via email or post and confirmed we were not the only ones who enjoyed the evening!

Those of you who couldn't make it, please keep checking our website for all the latest updates on what we plan to do next.

Peckforton Castle is set on a hillside above the rolling Cheshire Plain, Britain's only intact medieval style castle.  Mitchell Skoda successfully packed the grounds with over a thousand guests, all customers who have benefited from the Mitchell experience. 

In the middle of a week of forecasted rain and cloud the sun broke through and provided a warm and sunny May evening.  Jesters, jugglers, fire eaters and jazz bands entertained the crowds while a hog roast was prepared to make sure no-one left hungry.  Ten new Skoda Fabias were on display along with various other models and 40 of the Cheshire Oaks and West Kirby team were on hand to ensure the night was as enjoyable as possible.

For hotel and restaurant bookings at Peckforton castle please call 01829 260 930 or visit their website at www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk.

We have over 200 pictures taken on the night and would like to take this opportunity to thank Maurice Grisenthwaite, Ian Southerin and Craig Strong for all the hard work done and the fantastic pictures you see on this page.

Many thanks

Chris Webb - Group Marketing Manager

Mitchell Group into the 21st century !

Hello and welcome to Mitchell Group's new and hopefully improved website.

The aim of this website is not to sell, but to maintain and build relationships with our customers.  Our website is therefore an extention of our showrooms.  We have built in the ability to order services and parts, browse our used car stock, read about and subscribe to up and coming events and leave comments within our "Blog" section.

Please take some time to explore the website and any updates or suggestions you may have are more than welcome.

Happy browsing !

RX-8 ride-out day, April 2007

Mitchell Mazda are pleased to announce another successful and enjoyable day on our annual RX-8 ride-out day. Close to 25 owners and a navigator of their choice joined us to explore some breathtaking scenery in North Wales.

Starting from our Cheshire Oaks showrooms, we proceeded straight to The Leyland Arms in Ruthin for a coffee and pastry break whilst being entertained by David and Kelly, Landlords, of the the rural pub.  We then undertook some 40 miles of beautiful countryside over the hills of North Wales before dropping down to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel for lunch.

I have attached some pictures and would encourage anyone who joined us and took pictures to forward them to me at c.webb@mitchellgroup.co.uk.