Amongst all this ice and snow – which makes for truly harrowing driving – we need a hero. We need someone to swoop down from the heavens and proclaim – without even having to raise his voice – just how best to conduct ourselves and our vehicles whilst we try gingerly to navigate the glacial rivers of ice that were once our roads.

Not a moment too soon, then, here’s Simon Elstow of driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive.

I like your topical tips, Simon.

So clear the area, please. Here are Simon’s six tips on driving confidently in icy conditions:

1.Check if your vehicle has ABS or ESP. These systems require a different approach when driving in ice and snow. You can use your manual for further information.

2.Ensure you have de-icer and a scraper. Before setting off, make sure you clean any ice or condensation from all the windows so that your visibility is clear. Air conditioning is very good at demisting a vehicle.

3.When you set off on level ground or downhill consider using second gear, releasing the clutch and accelerating gently. Try to park and stop your vehicle where you don’t have to start uphill.

4.As you drive, stay in higher gears to minimise the possibility of wheel spin.

5.Stopping distances are increased by up to 10 times in icy conditions, so leave more distance than usual between your car and the car in front.

6.If your car loses grip, take your foot off the accelerator, disengage the clutch and steer smoothly.

Simon says: “We all need to respect the weather and make adjustments to deal with it. Being mentally prepared as well as having the right equipment is vital.”

Thanks Simon.

We as a nation can now look to the ice, and laugh.

In the wake of the cold snap, The British Red Cross have deployed their robust fleet of Land Rovers to assist vulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas.

In addition to loaning vehicles, Land Rover have also provided special winter drier training to volunteers from both the British Red Cross and the London Ambulance Services. The course has ensured that even those who find themselves utterly snowbound can rely upon assistance.

Over the last weekend, extensive snow coverage saw British Red Cross ambulance crews responding to 999 emergency calls in their Land Rover Defender ambulances. Working from bases in Redhill in Surrey and Winchester in Hampshire, vital support was given wherever it was needed. At the same time, supporting the East Midlands Ambulance Service were 4×4 ambulances on tireless duty in Derbyshire and Leicester.

Meanwhile, volunteers from the fire and emergency support service (FESS) in Surrey used a Land Rover support vehicle to tackle difficult snow conditions to reach a couple who had been forced to flee their home following a fire; whilst a team of Essex nurses were given a much-needed lift to work.

Finally, emergency teams in Kent and Surrey used their Land Rovers to take care workers to their clients and make house-calls to check on the welfare of vulnerable older people, making sure they received the personal care and hot meals on which their lives depend.

So, thank you, British Red Cross, and thank you, Land Rover.

If all of this fearlessly determined ice motoring has inspired you, you may be interested to learn that Land Rover are offering members of the public (that’s you!) the opportunity to receive the same winter driving training that Red Cross volunteers received in preparation for their work.

Land Rover Experience have launched a special winter driving course at its 10 centres across the UK, including Solihull in the West Midlands, Halewood on Merseyside and Gaydon in Warwickshire. The half-day course is delivered by trained instructors to prepare drivers for severe weather, advising on the best techniques to negotiate icy, snowy and wet conditions safely and effectively. There is also some timely advice on how to tackle deep water for when the thaw comes.

Topics covered include choosing the correct tyres, vehicle preparation, essential kit to carry and how to use the vehicle’s controls and make the most of Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response™ system in slippery conditions. Hands-on experience comes in one of the Experience Centre’s vehicles on suitable terrain.

For more details, click here.

If you want to know more about the excellent work undertaken by the British Red Cross at home and abroad, click here.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce a special business deal on the Lexus IS250 2.5 Advance Auto 18IN, in stock to lease from £389.95 + VAT a month.

Offering a smooth, responsive drive with a sporty disposition, the new Lexus IS Saloon sets a new standard for intelligent technology, classic executive style and comprehensive safety features.

The new IS Saloon also boasts improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, with the IS250 model capable of 33.6 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions at just 194g/km.

You can now save up to an extra £37 a month on the Lexus IS250 2.5 Advance Auto 18I, in stock to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

The IS250 2.5 Advance Auto comes well-equipped with all the features you’d expect from a luxury, executive saloon including:

• Bluetooth Telephone Connectivity

• Cruise Control

• Front/Rear Parking Distance Control

• Rear Parking Camera

• HDD Satellite Navigation

• Auxillary Socket for MP3 Player

• Radio/6 CD Autochanger

• LED Daytime Running Lights

• Climate Control

• Leather Upholstery

• 18″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this fantastic business deal on the Lexus IS Saloon before stock runs out, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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The popular Volkswagen Touareg has been reduced by up to £112 a month with leasing rates now starting from just £421.95 + VAT a month.

Lighter, more efficient and jam packed with the latest VW intelligent technology, the new Volkswagen Touareg is hard to beat with its smart style and powerful engine range.

The latest generation model also boasts a striking new style with clean, simple lines, making the Volkswagen Touareg one of the best-looking 4x4’s around and an ideal alternative to the Land Rover Discovery or Lexus RX450h.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce massive savings across the Volkswagen Touareg range.

Reductions of up to £112 a month can now be made across selected models with prices now starting from just £421.95 + VAT a month for the 3.0 TDI 245PS SE TPTRC ST/SP. Standard features on this model include:

• Bluetooth Telephone Preparation

• Touch Screen Navigation System

• Front & Rear Audible Parking Sensors

• DAB Digital Radio with USB/iPod Connection

• Cricket Leather Upholstery

• Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control

• 19″ Salamanca Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Volkswagen Touareg and to get an instant quotation on any model in the range, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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If the winter weather has stopped you working these past few days, you’ll be pleased to hear that Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic leasing rates on the popular and robust Land Rover Defender.

First up is a fantastic deal on the Land Rover Defender 90 Hardtop 2.2 available to lease from just £247.95 + VAT a month. Offering supreme functionality with a secure load carrying capability, the Land Rover Defender Hard Top is ideal working 4×4 for those that need easy access to their cargo without compromising on security.

For those that need more space, the Land Rover Defender 110 Double Cab 2.2 is now available to lease from £275.95 + VAT a month. The five-seater double cab pick up has the capacity to carry all your crew and cargo across treacherous terrain securely, whilst its extensive, separate cargo bed on the 110 wheelbase version means loads can be kept away from passengers, offering improved safety and security.

Finally the Land Rover 110 Station Wagon 2.2 is now available to lease from £283.95 + VAT a month. Boasting five seats and a folding rear row for extra loadspace, the Land Rover Defender is the ultimate station wagon for mixing work and family life, whilst still offering tons of space and a powerful drivetrain to tackle even the toughest of work conditions.

To get an instant quotation on any model in the Land Rover Defender range and to take advantage of these fantastic winter deals, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 (option 2) or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Companies hire PR firms in order to create the perfect stunt. Regardless of how outlandish or risky they may be, many ultimately pay out big. However, once in awhile one doesn’t fair too well, causing a considerable backlash for the company and its representation. Such an unfortunate incident occurred when BMW’s Mini Cooper brand asked Sassenbach Advertising to represent them, ultimately selecting a questionable method to gain popularity.

The public relations nightmare was rooted in Germany’s custom of letting people assign names to weather systems. Charging a relatively small fee, the PR firm paid a mere £190 to name the weather front “Cooper” and “Minnie.” Buisnessweek writer Carol Matlack wrote that the Meteorological Institute at the University of Berlin maintains the long list of names chosen for high and low pressure systems. Based on information the company referred to the high-pressure system that occurred on January 24^th as “The Cooper.”

Those that remember the events surrounding that cold snap know that the weather turned deadly. Indeed by early February nearly 100 people in countries such as Ukraine, Romania and notably Poland tied or were hospitalized due to cold temperatures reaching -33C.  As many as 950 people were treated for frostbite and hypothermia in the Ukraine alone. Indeed, as the weather continuing for the next little while, many weather stations are still referring to the storm as “The Cooper.”

The meteorological institute had implemented this “adopt a vortex” scheme a decade ago in order to raise money for the Berlin’s Free University weather monitoring system. However, it should be noted that this type of naming is certainly not out of the ordinary. Indeed, the United States Weather Service has been naming hurricanes since the 1950’s.

While the intentions were innocent enough, the PR firm was regretting their decision soon after. The carmaker immediately apologized for connotation that individuals believe the name might have had. Indeed, they stated that they could not influence which names occurred when. Tantamount to suggesting that they couldn’t control the weather, the damage was already done.

To add insult to injury the low-pressure system called “Minnie” is still registered and may affect us in the upcoming year. While it is unlikely to cause any deaths, one does not think that it can get any worse than this.

The world is at a crossroads. While the rising influence from China and India have strengthened the car industry, the amount of cars on the roads is becoming undeniable large. Indeed, individuals have long turned to renting and leasing in order to avoid the cumbersome burden of owning a vehicle. However, a new methodology is slowly growing from an unlikely source, giving us the power to alter the way we travel forever.

General Motors Vice President Steve Grisky has recently told Time magazine reporter Anita Hamilton that the company has begun a round of funding for a rather little known company called RelayRides. Providing them with nearly $3 million (£1.8 million), the company is spearheading a program of peer-to-peer car-sharing services across the United States.

Rather surprisingly, what emerges from this relationship is a daunting contradiction: Why exactly would GM offer funding to a company that directly competes with them? Indeed, the carmakers purpose is to ensure the sale of their vehicles. However, as the company has noted, what truly matters is that individuals are driving HM vehicles regardless of whether they own them or not.

However, it should be noted that this type of service is certainly not new. Car-sharing services like Zipcar have been utilising a fleet of nearly 9,500 vehicles to perform a similar task. What RelayRides as well as another company called JustShareIt are doing is allowing individuals like you and me to rent out their own leased or own vehicles to other individuals.

Not only a providing a financial boost, GM will be pairing their smartphone capabilities with the OnStar system. According to analysts, this function will ease the ability locate cars in the local community, ultimately strengthening this company considerably.

Unsurprisingly, it was a Harvard Business School graduate Shelby Clark who came up with this scheme in 2008. He initially came up with the idea when he had to bike nearly 3 miles in bad weather. He saw many cars parked on the roads and thought that they could be put to better use. Now a thriving company, it looks like the brilliant mind came up with quite an intriguing idea.

With a pool of over 250 million vehicles in the US, the UK may initially have a difficult time applying such a scheme. While it certainly isn’t inconceivable, it won’t be replacing leasing and car dealerships anytime soon. For many individuals, such a scheme ultimately involves an uncomfortable level of trust that can be broken rather easily. While its future remains clouded, the idea is nonetheless incredibly innovative.

If you’re in the market for a sporty supermini, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Fiat Punto Evo 1.4 8V GP is in stock to lease from just £154.95 + VAT a month with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Available in 3 or 5-door form, the Fiat Punto Evo is a great alternative to the Ford Fiesta or VW Polo and thanks to its fresh new look and hi-tech engine range, brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘hot hatch’.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to offer savings of up to £26 a month on the Fiat Punto Evo with cars in stock for quick delivery.

Our cheapest deal is on the Fiat Punto Evo 3 Door 1.4 8V GP, available to lease from just £154.95 + VAT a month. A limited number of 5-door models are also available for quick delivery.

Standard features on the the Fiat Punto Evo 1.4 8V GP include:

• Air Conditioning

• Blue & Me System

• Cloth Upholstery

• Automatic Start/Stop System

• Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Fiat Punto Evo and to take advantage of these super stock savings, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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With the new 12 plate just around the corner, there has never been a better time to bag a bargain on a pre-registered 61 plate.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to offer savings of up to £60 a month on the pre-registered 61 plate Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort, in stock to lease from just £134.95 + VAT a month.

Featuring a recently revamped style, improved safety features and more equipment than ever before, the Hyundai i30 is the ideal mid-sized car for families of all sizes.

The mid-spec Comfort trim also comes well-equipped boasting air conditioning, leather steering wheel, USB & aux connections, follow me home headlights and 16″ alloy wheels, all offered as standard.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer on the Hyundai i30, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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A limited number of Ford Scudo and Ford Ducato pre-registered 61 plate models are in stock to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

First up is a great deal on the pre-reg Fiat Ducato L1H1 30 SWB 2.3 Multijet 120PS. Designed to make long distance driving a pleasure, no matter what business you’re in, the new Fiat Ducato has been revamped for 2012 boasting a refreshed interior cabin with high-spec sound system, refrigerated compartment, folding passenger bench and redesigned instrument panel.

We’ve also got a fantastic offer on the pre-reg Fiat Scudo L1H1 10Q 1.6 Multijet Comfort. Combining the large load capacity of a true workhorse with the practicality and car-like comfort of a MPV, the Fiat Scudo is a medium sized van ideal for those who require something more compact than the larger Ducato. Its nippy 1.6 diesel engine is also capable of 39.2 mpg helping you save even more time and money at the fuel pumps!

To find out more about these fantastic pre-reg Ford van leasing deals and to get an instant quotation on any of the above models, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 (option 2).

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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