COLIN APPLEYARD MOTORCYCLES LEADS THE WAY WITH NINE NEW HONDA RACE BIKES

The Colin Appleyard Racing Team has always been serious about developing young British racing talent. For next season, however, it has really shown intent by importing nine brand new Honda RS125 race bikes direct from Japan. All nine bikes have already been snapped up by aspiring young riders who will feature in the 2007 MotoStar 125cc Championship and the Colin Appleyard sponsored Academy Cup.

Robin, the former 125cc British Champion and GP rider, commented: "The fact we've sold all nine bikes so quickly demonstrates how the 125 class continues to grow and attract budding young stars. It also shows how keen young lads are to get involved in the sport. They are clearly, in the future, looking to emulate the success of stars such as Leon Haslam, Jonathan Rea, Tom Sykes or even a chap called Vallentino Rossi - who all started in the 125 class!"

Every year in early Spring Robin takes his Team Colin Appleyard Racing team riders to Spain for pre-season testing. This coming March all nine of the young riders will accompany the team where they will not only gain valuable track time but also benefit from Appleyard's expert coaching.

Robin added: "I think it is important we offer these young lads and their parents as much support and advice as we can. I get great satisfaction seeing young talent develop through the 125 class which in the longer term will also benefit British racing."

Colin Appleyard is one of the UK's leading independent multi-franchise motorcycle dealerships and the country's top Honda Racing Corporation RS specialist.

ADAM IS RUNNER-UP IN APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Young Colin Appleyard Parts Apprentice Adam Evans put up a spirited performance to finish runner-up in the final of this year's Suzuki Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Adam, who was accompanied to the finals day by Director Robin Luscombe and Parts Manager Tom Kitching, was up against tough competition from other Suzuki dealers all over the country. Tom Kitching commented: "Adam put up an excellent performance in all the tests but was just pipped into second place. It was a great experience for him and hopefully it will encourage our other apprentices to enter future events."

The competition took place at the purpose-built Motor Trade Training Centre in Nottingham. Most of the major motor manufacturers have facilities at the centre with Suzuki having a complete training workshop and conference rooms on the first floor.

The whole operation certainly impressed Robin Luscombe. "It's the first time I had seen the new facilities and they are very impressive. Suzuki are on the first floor and they even have a lift to take vehicles up to their workshop.".

COLIN APPLEYARD CARS HOST VISIT FROM SUZUKI DIRECTORS

Suzuki top brass visited Colin Appleyard Cars last week as part of a UK fact-finding mission.

Mr Seiichi Maruyama, from Suzuki Motor Corporation, flew in specially from Japan to discuss Suzuki's plans for the forthcoming year with the Japanese manufacturer's top dealers. He was accompanied by Suzuki GB's Managing Director Mr Takanori Suzuki. Colin Appleyard Cars Director Robin Luscombe said: "They were basically using us as a sounding board. We discussed everything from the state of the UK car market to their future plans for the Suzuki range. From the sounds of things there are some exciting developments in the pipeline!"

Colin Appleyard Cars was Suzuki's first official UK dealership, appointed in 1979 and because of this Colin Appleyard is affectionately known by the Japanese directors as the 'Father of the Franchise'.

COLIN APPLEYARD TECHNICIAN SCOOPS TOP PRIZE

Tony Stott, senior car technician at Colin Appleyard Cars, is now the proud owner of a brand new Suzuki Swift worth almost £10,000 having just won the highly prized Suzuki Technician of the Year.

This year the competition attracted 400 technicians and 246 receptionists from the company's 150 car dealerships and 140 motorcycle dealerships, an all time record.

All 646 entrants were required to sit a number of online exam papers, with the results determining a shortlist of 26 finalists who then underwent a series of practical tests at the company's Milton Keynes HQ training centre.

Tony was presented with the keys to his new car at a gala dinner, held in Milton Keynes last Tuesday, which was attended by all the Suzukis top management and Suzuki dealers from around the Country. He came out top after a gruelling day of tests followed by an examination.

A delighted Tony said "It was a stressful day and I had to fight off strong competition from all the other finalists but it's all been worth it. What a fantastic prize!"

Tony, who is now one of only a handful of Suzuki 'Master' technicians in the UK, is making quite a habit of winning the technicians competition having now won it three times, although this is his first win whilst working for Colin Appleyard.

"Our programme of comprehensive training to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of all departments within the dealership is a matter of great importance to us", says Barry Everett, Suzuki GB's Director of Technical Services.

"It is one of the reasons why a number of key surveys over the past five years have consistently confirmed that Suzuki dealers provide the very highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry. It proves that our personnel development strategies within the dealer networks really are working."

The Yorkshire based dealership was well represented at the awards ceremony as Evelyn Nield finished runner up in the After Sales Advisor of the Year competition for the second year running.

Colin Appleyard Director Robin Luscombe commented "Congratulations to both finalists and particularly Tony on his great win. It is quiet an achievement to have two finalists and next week we have a chance of further glory as Adam Evans is up for Suzuki Apprentice of the Year."

PETER PAINTS A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR NEW COLIN APPLEYARD SERVICE

Colin Appleyard Cars has recently launched a new used car sales initiative under the banner of 'Premier Collection'.

To ensure all Premier Collection cars are presented in pristine condition the Halifax Road Suzuki dealership has created a new position for Peter Holmes who will be responsible for what are known in the motor trade as Smart Repairs - small cosmetic paintwork and interior jobs that make all the difference to the appearance of a car.

The Smart Repair system has been developed in the UK by Skipton based Ayce Systems who, as well as supplying all the equipment and materials to carry out the repairs, also offer full operative training and back-up support.

Peter, who has worked for Colin Appleyard for over 15 years, has always been involved in vehicle presentation and having attended the Ayce Systems intensive training course is now enjoying the new challenge.

He said: "The Smart Repair Kit supplied by Ayce Systems coupled with their training programme equips you to tackle all aspects of cosmetic repairs from stone chips and scratch mark paint jobs to leather, vinyl, plastic, glass and velour repairs. I can now even repair cigarette burns in upholstery! We have a van equipped with the full kit and I am now responsible for fixing all our used cars across our three garages."

Director Robin Luscombe added: "Up until now we have always put this kind of work out. This however can be expensive and also lead to long delays in a car reaching the forecourt. The launch of 'Premier Collection' was an ideal opportunity to purchase the Smart Repair system and bring it all in house." He went on to say: "Peter has always been a wizard at totally refurbishing cars but there's no doubt Smart Repair has further enhanced his skills."

According to Robin, buying a Colin Appleyard 'Premium Collection' used car provides the customer with complete peace of mind motoring.

Colin Appleyard Cars has been a member of the Trading Standards West Yorkshire Motor Trade Partnership for over five years and has on a number of occasions been commended for going 12 months without receiving a single complaint.

COLIN APPLEYARD SUPPLIES THE BIKES FOR 'BUMPY' RIDE INITIATIVE

When extra funding became available for the West Yorkshire Police, Neighbourhood Policing Teams 'Off the Streets' initiative they turned to Colin Appleyard Motorcycles to purchase four new Yamaha TTR 125cc off road bikes. The Roseville Road Company supplied the bikes at a significantly reduced cost in recognition of the significant role 'Off the Streets' is playing in reducing anti-social behaviour amongst young people.

'Off the Streets' is a joint project between local Police Officers and Leeds City Council's Neighbourhood and Housing Department and has been developed to encourage young people involved in the illegal use of motorbikes to change their ways.

A number of local organisations are involved including Housing Providers, Kids United, Youth Point and local off road motorbike centre 'BUMPY'.

'BUMPY' provides lessons to everyone involved in the scheme to teach safe riding skills and bike maintenance to an accredited standard. At present about 30 young boys have signed up for the project.

Kevin Feeny, General Manager of Colin Appleyard Leeds said: "As a company Colin Appleyard has been championing responsible off road riding for many years and in particular the use of designated tracks. We are wholeheartedly behind any scheme designed to keep kids off the streets and were therefore delighted to supply the bikes and will help in any way we can".