An eco trip to the hereafter

SEAT set a new sales record in May. The brand’s global deliveries went up by 15.5% last month for a total volume of 49,200 cars (2017: 42,600). This figure surpasses the prior record established in 2000 (48,400 units).

In the first five months of 2018, SEAT achieved a record volume as well and exceeded the highest sales figure in its history, also dating back to 2000 (229,600 vehicles). In this period, the carmaker delivered 238,500 vehicles worldwide, which is 18.5% more than from January to May of 2017 (201,300).

Meanwhile the meteroric rise in SEAT’s sales in Ireland continues with the performance of the brands’ impressive SUV range contributing towards this success. Sales of the allnew SEAT Arona and award winning SEAT Ateca account for a phenomenal 55% of SEAT’s overall sales year to date.

Even more satisfactory for SEAT Ireland is the performance of high end trim lines in the Ateca range. The SEAT Ateca FR and Xcellence models have generated 44% of total Ateca sales year to date improving the brands profitability even further.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland said the latest figures represent another significant milestone for the brand. as for the second year in a row the brand is outperforming and growing its presence in the market. A SMOOTH, quiet and environmentally friendly final drive is being offered with the launch of Ireland’s first hybrid hearse.

The Deacon V Hybrid, Ireland’s first hybrid electric hearse has just gone on the market, giving funeral directors the opportunity to join the green revolution.

Based on the new Ford Mondeo HEV which arrived in Ireland earlier this year, the new Deacon V hybrid electric hearse has been built by Byrne Coach Builders of Dundalk.

Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Sales for Ford Ireland, said:

‘The new Mondeo HEV is the ideal vehicle to serve as a hearse. With the sleek looks of the latest version of the much-loved Mondeo, it is an attractive vehicle and with its dual electric and petrol engine, it can be depended upon to provide a quiet and smooth ride in the sensitive context of a funeral’.

Peadar Byrne, MD of Byrne Coach Builders, said:

‘We are delighted to offer the Deacon V Hybrid hearse to the funeral directors of Ireland. It really helps to bring the traditional funeral hearse into the 21st century as electric and hybrid vehicles become more and more popular. The hybrid engine is ideally suited for use as a funeral vehicle as it is always quiet and efficient’.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles are the most popular of the ‘electric’ models available as they neatly bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engines and electric motors without the ‘range anxiety’ that some motorists feel in relation to ‘full electric’ vehicles.

The Deacon V Hybrid hearse is based on the estate version of the latest Mondeo HEV model which features a 2.0 litre 187PS petrol engine tied to an electric motor. In effect, two electric motors are used in the hybrid system – one to support the petrol engine in driving the wheels and another to enable regenerative charging for the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Regenerative charging means that the Deacon V Hybrid, unlike ‘full electric’ vehicles, never has to be plugged in.

The Deacon V Hybrid drives in electric mode at slow speeds or immediately upon start up and then the petrol engine kicks in once the speed increases. And the combination of a specially developed 2.0 litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and electric drivetrain gives the Deacon V Hybrid excellent fuel efficiency with a fuel consumption rate of 4.2 L/100km.

Peadar Byrne said the Deacon V Hybrid is a great new option for the undertakers of Ireland.

‘More and more people are looking for vehicles that have less of an impact on the environment and for the last journey of a loved one, isn’t it great to be able to now offer a vehicle like the Deacon V Hybrid.’

Funeral directors interested in buying a new Deacon V Hybrid should contact Byrne Coach Builders on (042) 93 34631 or email on info@ byrnecoachbuilders.ie. To view a video of the Deacon V Hybrid visit http:// www.byrnecoachbuilders.ie.