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FEATURE The UK Police Fleet Manager's Conference S The European VAG family – Audi, SEAT, Skoda and VW had pride of place in the pavilion. tric iMiEV – co-developed with the French PSA group as the Peugeot iON. Mitsubishi's trump card is its one-stop shop in Cirencester, Gloucester County where bespoke vehicle solutions can be talked through for a multiplicity of applications for each vehicle in its car and off-road range. PEUGEOT Peugeot had a lot to live up to in 2011 with its car range featur- ing exciting green developments. Taking pride of place was its 3008Hybrid4, its first venture into the hybrid market with a diesel powered twist. It is unique in the marketplace and reflects Peugeot's innovative thinking for the 999 market. Another inter- esting range on show was its 308 GPPV general-purpose patrol vehicles with both the hatch and estate versions offered with a range of efficient and economical HDi engines. PROTON A very brief mention for Proton – even though they weren't there for the first time in their history. That's because behind the scenes there's a lot going on with new models, new engines, and a new look to the company's cars – the new Exora will be out soon, a family MPV, which would prove ideal for light policing duties as a capacious but well priced MPV. VAUXHALL A lifetime warranty for Vauxhall cars was the big talking point of the 2010 event. Big news this year was its range of electric cars like the new Ampera, the company's first extended range vehicle, which has been extensively trialed in the U.K., Europe and the U.S. On show alongside its good-looking car range were two new products – the Movano PSU and Combo with prisoner 'cell.' VOLKSWAGEN VAG – better known through its Audi, SEAT, and Skoda and VW brands – put on another 'show of force' this year. It's been a good year for each of the four brands; Audi's still setting the pace thanks to its two primary USPs – the legendary Quattro drivetrain and array of fast but frugal diesel engines, which are available in its A6 and Q7 ranges. SEAT showed off a revised Exeo and new Alhambra, while Skoda had an array of its 2012 range, which will soon be joined by the in- novative CitiGo model. Te firm has now established itself as one of the leading players in the 999 market with its Octavia, Superb and Yeti models especially popular in a multiplicity of roles on the 999 frontline. VW is going from strength to strength with its latest offerings and displayed a selection of Golf and Passat models. VOLVO Volvo is now under new Chinese ownership – not that you would notice. It's been in the 999 market now for over 40 years and its latest V70 – bigger, more comfortable and more dynamic while just as safe – is still proving popular in a number of police and paramedic applications. Roger Blaxall is a former police press officer with the Greater Manchester Police and the Lancashire Constabulary in North England. He now writes on the emergency services with particular reference to police vehicles for magazines in the U.S. and Europe. Post your comments on this story by visiting www.pfmmag.com 60 Police Fleet Manager Jul-Aug 2012