Droomers Weekly! (edition 147)

Droomers - "The People who care"

EDITION 147(2012/07/16)

“THE PEOPLE WHO CARE…”

WELCOME

Welcome to the weekly edition of Droomers Weekly your leading news and information source on Nissan, Droomers Nissan and the motor industry in general. Our objectives are to be informational, educational and relevant. We will also appreciate comments, complaints and suggestions and you can e-mail us at info@droomersnissan.co.za.

NISSAN AMERICA TO TAP SOCIAL MEDIA FOR IDEAS

Nissan brand managers in the United States are to begin asking followers on Facebook, Pinterest and other media for help in planning future products.

Erich Marx, Nissan’s director of interactive and social media marketing, believes the online world might be a kind of immediate focus group, giving feedback to specific questions that managers and planners are contemplating.

“We want to take our social media engagement to the next level,“ Marx says. “We have all these people following us who are obviously interested in what we’re doing and where we’re going. The next level in that relationship will be to get their input on where we should go.”

In the first trial, he says, Nissan will ask what range of vehicle and technology choices followers will expect from automakers in the coming 10 years. If that goes well, more specific product questions could be posted.

Involving the online world in product planning is a break from the norm. Market research usually is done under controlled conditions, often through focus groups selected for specific reasons. A traditional consumer focus group can take weeks to orchestrate and interpret.

And product planning is normally conducted under wraps for competitive reasons.

Social media is anything but controlled or confidential. Facebook communications go viral in a heartbeat, and online communication has grown popular because it spreads information rather than concealing it.

Marx says the Internet is not the place to discuss confidential future design ideas. But he believes there is an untapped value in talking to consumers who have declared themselves fans of the brand. Two years ago, Nissan had about 190 000 Facebook Fans. Today, nearly 1 million people say they like Nissan on Facebook. Almost 1 million consumers follow the brand via Google+ and Twitter.

“We’ve grown our social audience very quickly,” he says. “We think there’s a way to harness that as we move forward. If a year from now, all we’re doing is posting cool product videos for them to look at, I think we will have missed an opportunity.”

CATCH UP WITH CHARLEY AND THE NISSAN NAVARA BACK-UP TEAM ON THE EXTREME RONTIERS ADVENTURE

“Hi guys,

What a week it has been! Since we last spoke I’ve been involved in even more adventures in South Africa. First of all, we tackled the Sani Pass- an incredibly dangerous journey which led to an awesome sight to behold, then, the next day we climbed the beautiful and mountainous Tugela Waterfall. We took in some history when we explored Spioen Kop and Rorke’s Drift, and most recently we visited a working (and explosive) gold mine in Barberton, and rode horses on the trails- and then spent three amazing days in the Kruger National Park with rangers. I feel tired just writing about it all.”

To find out what crazy adventure Charley and Russ will get up to next, visit the Tough City Facebook page by clicking on the following link, https://www.facebook.com/NissanNavaraSA.

NISSAN NATIONAL HALF MARATHON, WELLINGTON

This popular race will again be co-sponsored by Nissan SA and Droomers Nissan will showcase vehicles and man a watering point. Our friendly sales staff will be available to answer all your Nissan questions. Details of the event are as follows:

Date: 25/26 August 2012
Venue: Diemersfontein wine & country estate, Wellington, WP S 33 39 33.7 | E 19 00 15.8
Terrain: Fynbos | Rocky | Vineyard's
Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 2900m (ultra) 1850m (75km)
Participants: 1800+
Features: Single tracks | Dams | Old Cape-Epic Routes
Registration: Fri 24/08 14:00-21:00 & Sat 25/08 06h30 - 16h00 & Sun 26/08 06h30 - 08h30

This event takes place on farm roads and jeep tracks heading away from Diemersfontein, through the vineyards and farms of Wellington, crossing the Bainskloof Pass road and heading towards Groenberg Mountain. The well-balanced, fast route is jam-packed with beautiful views, fynbos, historic farmsteads, stream crossings and vineyard settings, passing many of the local award-winning cellars. Expect fast flowing single track, technically within reach of everyone.

The Wellington Tourism & Wine Route of the Western Cape in South Africa is today a major tourist attraction. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the historic town of Wellington lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa Mountains standing guard on its eastern border. Wellington, in the heart of the Boland and rich in cultural, religious and educational history, is an unsurpassed area to enjoy the winelands and scenery of the Western Cape in South Africa

The beauty of the area is best viewed either by foot, horse, bicycle or by car to take in the scenery of nature, fynbos, wine, olives and the historical buildings to name but a few. The pass up to Bain's Kloof winds through pine tree plantations, to the summit where on a clear day you can see a vast area, consisting of the Swartland to the left, home of the extensive wheat fields, the Cape Flats and Cape Town to the right, and the sun glimmering on the sea.

Diemersfontein is known for its beauty, informal elegance, and grace - an idyllic country destination only 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and is situated near the Cape's famous Wine Routes. We warmly invite you to share with us the tranquil spirit of Diemersfontein - whether you are conferencing here, marrying here, staying for a few days of leisure (or even permanently) - or taking some of it home in a bottle!

We will also have a 5km kiddies ride in the venue so bring along your kids to the event, they will have a ball!

For more information, please visit www.advendurance.co.za

NISSAN ACCIDENT SUPPORT BOOKLET

NSA is pleased to announce that from August 1 they will have an Accident Support Booklet available to support Nissan customers in the unfortunate event of an accident. The booklet, which will be included in all vehicle packs, consists of useful information to help Nissan customers who are involved in an accident. This includes a section to record details of the accident, what to do in the event of an accident and a ‘know your rights’ section.

PARTS PRICING

Retail price alignments on a selected range of clutch kits fitted to Navara models have been available since July 16. The average recommended retail prices of these part numbers have been reduced by 36%.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Auto industry lobbyists have criticised proposals published last week for tougher CO2 limits on new cars and vans sold in Europe. The European Commission said it will seek binding targets to cut average CO2 emissions from new cars to 95 grams per kilometre in 2020. Emissions from vans will be reduced to 147g/km. Lobbyists claimed the targets were the toughest in the world and would increase manufacturing costs in Europe, creating a competitive disadvantage for the region. The 95 g/km for cars is equivalent to petrol use of 3,9 litres/100 km and diesel use of 3,4 litres/ 100 km. Automakers are on track to reach a mandatory target of 130 g/km for cars in 2015. Companies that fail to meet their individual goals face stiff fines.
China’s passenger vehicle sales rose in June, exceeding analysts’ estimates for a fourth consecutive month after car makers increased shipments ahead of scheduled shutdowns for the summer. Wholesales deliveries, including multi-purpose and sport utility vehicles, gained 16% to 1.28 million units last month. Motor manufactures may have delivered more vehicles to dealerships to meet sales targets for the half-year period.

BAN ON BEACH DRIVING TO STAY

In 2002 the government implemented a ban on driving on South Africa’s beaches and that infuriated off-road enthusiasts. The ban created the impression that 4x4 owners were scoundrels.
The ban has remained in effect since then, even though many 4x4 clubs around SA have appealed the ban.

According to Edna Molewa, the water and environmental affairs minister, the ban will not be reconsidered. She had the following to say: “Neither the prohibition nor the restriction of the recreational use of vehicles is being reconsidered due to the positive impact it is having on the ecology of the South African coastal zone.”

Exceptions to the vehicle ban include fishing competitions, tourism events and scientific research.

10 TIPS FOR PREGNANT DRIVERS

Modern life requires pregnant women to drive and by doing so they must accept a greater danger of injury in a crash. But there are ways to minimise the risk... Interactive Driving Systems in Britain has been researching global pharmaceutical companies' vehicle sales fleets - many of whose vehicles are driven by women. That means a higher-than-normal percentage of pregnant women behind the wheel.

ALWAYS WEAR A THREE-POINT

"This led us," the organisation said, "to explore some of the gender issues in work-related road safety such as the risks of driving while pregnant." Discussions with Professor Hank Weiss of the Dunedin School of Medicine in New Zealand, researchers said, suggested that a pregnant woman should always wear a lap/shoulder belt (three-point belt) with the lap section placed firmly beneath her belly and across her hips. Weiss particularly acknowledged research by Beck et al (2005) focusing on seat-belt use among reproductive-aged women and pre-natal counselling on seat-belt use.

"We also discussed the risks of driving while pregnant with Roche Australia fleet manager Jann White," he added, "as the company has had fleet policy guidance which says (in Australia) that a pregnant woman is required by law to wear a seat belt. "Correctly worn, this will help to protect both mother and unborn child."

SASH? BETWEEN BREASTS

The lap part of the belt should be positioned over the upper thighs and as comfortably as possible across the hips. The sash part of the belt should be placed between the breasts and the lap part securely fitted over the upper thighs. Do not, the researchers say, place the horizontal section of the seat belt across the waist. "This is a significant risk that should be taken seriously to protect mother and baby."

Further research revealed 10 good practice tips for safe travel when pregnant:

Minimise the need to drive, especially as your pregnancy progresses and belly gets closer and closer to the steering wheel. If you must travel, plan the route to allow for safe breaks (toilet and leg-stretching) and let others know your travel plans. You should also think about your safety and comfort when entering and loading things into your vehicle.
Drive carefully. Collisions can be reduced significantly by pregnant women following general driving tips, such as refraining from tailgating by following the three-second rule, avoiding cellphone use, reducing speed and considering using public transport.
Wear your seat belt at all times. The belt will have no adverse effect on your pregnancy, though it may protect you and your child. When pregnant, allow the waist strap to rest below the bump, low and snug on your hipbones. The shoulder strap should slide effortlessly across the chest. Never wear the belt across or above your belly. Always use the shoulder belt, which should fit snugly between your breasts.
Position yourself correctly. Move your seat as far back as is comfortable and tilt it slightly away from the steering wheel. Try to position yourself at least 25cm from the steering wheel. Also, make sure the steering wheel is tilted toward your breastbone rather than toward your abdomen. Avoid leaning forward.
Sit back against the seat with as little slack in your belt as possible. This will keep your bump from hitting the bottom of the wheel, minimise your forward movement in a crash and let the air bag operate correctly. Air bags are sometimes blamed for causing bodily harm to the driver - while there's always a chance, you're far less likely to be injured if you've taken the proper air bag precautions.
If you're in a collision. Even if it's a minor one and you feel OK, have the baby's heartbeat checked to make sure no damage has been done. Even if you don't feel you've been hurt, research suggests that pregnant women in crashes without documented injuries are at greater risk of premature labour caused by a placental abruption.
Take regular breaks. It's important to keep healthy circulation, particularly in your legs. Take regular breaks, even if just for a couple of minutes, so you can stretch your legs.
Minimise driving at night. Night driving is exponentially more dangerous and not just for pregnant women. Night driving reduces visibility, increases the chance of encountering a drunk driver and increases fatigue.
Fill up before hitting the road. It is not just the car that needs to be kept topped up during a pregnancy. This is also essential for the mother-to-be behind the wheel. If you're pregnant, it's imperative to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, and that you avoid eating unhealthy food. By eating before you leave the house, and packing some healthy snacks for the road, you can keep your blood sugar in check and eat healthily.
Drinking plenty of water is important and bottled water and fruit should be carried when travelling.
Prepare for health emergencies. Your health is at greater risk during pregnancy, which multiplies when you get behind the wheel. Packing a travel pillow, toiletries, fully-charged mobile phone and additional clothes is recommended. If you are far along in your pregnancy you could find these items particularly handy if birth comes earlier than expected.
Stop driving at the best time. As you get closer to your due date, it ' a good idea to reduce driving. Freedom, independence and your sales bonus are tough to give up but you should only drive when absolutely necessary. As you enter your third trimester, take a back seat to the safety of you and your child. Although there is no hard-and-fast rule, most women tend to stop driving around 30 weeks. You should also consider when to start driving again after giving birth.(SOURCE: NEWS24)