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WEBSITE LINKS
& CAR SITES!
Here's some friendly link sites, and list of UK car manufacturer sites.
You can trust me -
I am Ling!
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CAR MANUFACTURER WEBSITES - CLICK HERE
A comprehensive list of links and analysis of car manufacturer websites
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RECIPROCAL LINKS
These links are from useful sites who in turn link to LINGsCARS.com
Add yourself to this page HERE!
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Cheap SSL Certificates UK SSL Certificate Supplier
Details: Cheap SSL Certificates. Full range of UK SSL certs from Domain Validated to "Green Bar" EV SSL. Authorised Partner for leading certificate suppliers - Comodo, GlobalSign, Trustwave VeriSign. | | 
Futonic.co.uk - SEO Wiltshire
Details: Futonic.co.uk are an internet marketing and SEO company based in the UK, offering higher google listings, SEO, Adwords management, and much more! | | 
Western Horizon Yachts
Details: Western Horizon Yachts is a UK yacht brokers offering free virtual tours and photography of used yachts for sale in Scotland, Wales and the North West of England. | | 
CarLoan4u.co.uk - a great deal made simple
Details: Car loans and car deals. |
UK Motoring Directory
Details: - The home of British motoring. | | 
The Debt Clinic
Details: With our Free Help and Advice you could write off all the debts you can't afford. | | 
Commercial and Architectural Photography
Details: Adam Coupe provide commercial and architectural photography practice with a distinct focus on the built environment including architecture, interiors, construction, corporate, people, lifestyle and product. | | 
Rays Stores - Buy Alcohol Online 24x7
Details: Rays Stores Online Alcohol store. 24 hour Online ordering. Buy the finest names in alcohol, spirits, wine, and champagne online with online delivery service. |
Website Design in Maidenhead
Details: A professional website design and SEO company operating throughout Maidenhead and Berkshire. We specialise in website design for small and medium sized businesses looking to attract new business. | | 
LemonFree.com - Automobile Search Engine
Details: Over 1.8 Million used cars for sale. Automobile search engine. Buy used cars today. Add your free listings. | | 
Minivan Hire
Details: Book Online With 1st For Minibus hire. We offer affordable Worldwide minibus and minivan rental at UK, European and Worldwide airports towns and cities. | | 
Cheap Limousine Hire
Details: We are providers of stretch limousine hire to all areas of the UK and can supply a wide range of limousines from the popular Hummers and Chrysler Baby Bentleys to Porsche Cayennes and even Fire Engines. Call us on 0871 789 9911 for a quote. |
Guroo.co.uk
Details: www.guroo.co.uk the leading independent resource for Functional Skills, Diplomas in the 14-19 UK Education curriculum. | | 
Car Paint Protection Film
Details: Visit us to find a company offering a flexible Clear Protective Film or Clear Bra that preserves your car paint and prevents damage from acid, bird droppings, swirl marks, UV rays, stone chips and many more. Located in Trinidad, Texas. | | 
Fulton Car Leasing - Van Leasing
Details: Offers car leasing, van and car contract hire for business and personal use on all vehicle makes and models. | | 
Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
Details: SmartCare are a Cosmetic Car Repair Centre based in the Midlands who specialise in all areas of bodywork repairs and alloy wheel refurbishment services. |
IT Recruitment Agency in London
Details: A professional IT recruitment company, offering a 'boutique' IT Recruitment service to companies in the UK. Offices in London and Manchester. |
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Minibus Driver Training
Details: Hi Ling, we provide the best training out there for drivers of minibuses. Our clients are happy (mostly- except when they fail a test). |
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mp4 and mp3 online download hypnosis
Details: Stop Smoking! Lose Weight! Be Confident! Get rid of those FEARS! mp4hypnosis.com, number one multi-media hypnotherapy! |
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Hummer Limo hire!
Details: The Hummer experience company providing limousine hire experiences and self drive promotional vehicles in London, Surrey, Middlesex, Berkshire UK. |
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Car hire Menorca
Details: Book Car Rentals Online With 1st For Car Hire Menorca. We offer affordable Menorca car hire/rental services with a range of vehicle types. |
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E-Maps Engine tuning and remapping
Details: Engine tuning and remapping for more power and better fuel economy !! |
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Cheap car rentals
Details: 1st For Car Rental offers car hire at worldwide airports, towns and cities. |
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Bagel of the North
Details: Newcastle's most original independent lunchtime experience. The only place for bagels, on Grey Street. Sign up on our site for exclusive weekly offers and save £££s. |
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Russell Stutely - Europe's No.1 Pressure Point Expert
Details: How To Learn the Pressure Point Fighting System that ALL Martial Artists, LEO's Self Defense Enthusiasts Want To Know. | | 
Free Online Gaming and Bingo
Details: Enjoy bingo, play bingo online, win jackpot prizes with JackpotFrenzy UK!! | | 
Kevin McDonnell - WATCHMAN - Horse Racing tips!
Details: No Win, No Fee Pay As You Win Service, Daily SMS text message, Become a member of his exclusive Private Service, Daily Premium Rate telephone line | | 
Car Lease in Ireland!
Details: Leasing, AutoLeasing, Car Lease and Auto leases in Ireland. If you are in Eire, use this car contract hire site! Prices in Euros, free Guinness with every car! |
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UK fans of Annie Lennox
Details: Although it is not a commercial site, I run a site in the UK for fans of Annie Lennox, I am always just behind a chap in Germany and would be interested to get ahead of him. | | 
IT Infrastructure Consultants
Details: For improved resilience and performance while reducing costs, invite a Milstar consultant to review your IT Infrastructure or assist with the delivery of your Infrastructure projects. | | 
Save MPG with Torquing BHP
Details: 10-25% BETTER MPG and LOWER CO2 emissions! Torquing BHP can tune your vehicle so you will have improved performance and better MPG. By remapping you vehicle with us fleet operators can save thousands of pounds and the recoup the cost within months. | | 
Sourcing in China
Details: Want to source prouducts or manufacture component parts in China? Lowcross can help you find the right supplier to the final inspection. We are a UK Company based in China since 1996. |
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Card Or Loan Debt Cleared Without Further Borrowing
Details: Not debt mamnagement, not more borrowing, but a way to see those card and loan balances wiped out legally and ethically on a no win no fee basis. | | 
New & Ex Demo Copiers/Printers & Scanners
Details: If you enjoyed Ling's no nonsense and honest approach try us. All enquiries dealt with by a technician, so no salesman speal or commision to worry about. See our website for more info! | | 
Russell Stutely - Europe's No.1 Pressure Point Expert
Details: Kill people for fun and make it enjoyable! - visit RS.com now. Resuscitation techniques extra. Avoid shaving and gain power. Evil stares a speciality. Feel my fists. | | 
Replacement Taxi Hire
Details: Suppliers of Accident Replacement Taxi Plated Vehicles Nationwide. |
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Spanish holidays with a difference
Details: Active holidays in spain near Granada either fly direct or one hour from Malaga - choose from skiing, biking, horse riding, rambeling, or simply relax on the beach. | | 
Work At Home Income Jobs
Details: Work at home job directory. Search here for proven homeworking jobs, home business opportunities and ideas. | | 
PROPERTY LETTINGS
Details: PROPERTY LETTINGS AND MANAGEMENT MANCHESTER, AND SOON TO OPEN IN WARRINGTON. | | 
Mortgage Sourcing From Whole Of Market
Details: Totally independent mortgage broker in business now for ten years. Best deals and the best service. |
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Personal Website of Rhys Adams
Details: Personal Website of Rhys Adams, Entrepreneur in Derby. Website receives in excess of 1000 hits per quarter. | | 
SOFAST software assistance for Sage and ACT!
Details: SOFAST are your experts in Sage ACT! database software and are here to get you to get the most out of your software investment... do you want more out of your ACT! customer database? Do you want to generate an email campaign but don't know where to start? | | 
Construction Student
Details: A website dedicated to anyone studying for a higher level qualification in the construction industry. | | 
Plastic & Dermatological Surgery
Details: A leading cosmetic service providing a wide range of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures. |
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Professional Solutions Group Ltd
Details: How to access top quality indpendent advice on your investments | | 
Eastwood Flooring
Details: Supply and professional installation of wood and laminate flooring. We are a small customer focused company and have never had a dissatisfied cutomer! If there is a problem I fix it. | | 
HOLIDAY in RENAISSANCE ITALY
Details: Exceptional farmhouse on Tuscan/Umbria border. Sleeps 10. 'Salt water' swimming pool. Brilliant views. Therapeutic atmosphere. Art studio. | | 
J N Todd & Associates
Details: Full Accounting and Payroll Bureau to help businesses reduce admin costs and obtain the benefits of complete Financial Management. Outsourcing helps to reduce costs. |
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emailcloud
Details: emailcloud works by stopping spam and viruses getting into your inbox. We do this by filtering your email before you download it. There is nothing for you to install and noting for you to manage! | | 
Tuning Your Diesel
Details: Plug in one of our low cost modules for improved performance and economy. | | 
Miles Robinson & Co
Details: MYOB Certified Consultants and Professional Accountants with hands-on Business Angel investment experience providing USEFUL advice to small companies in the South East. | | 
Building Plastics and ancillary products
Details: Nu*Stock Ltd is a leading supplier of buliding plastics, silicones, specialist cleaners, screws, fixings, guttering and all related ancillary products. |
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Home Accessories, Towel Rails, Coat Racks, More!
Details: Idealmoments provide a variety of retro, chic or reclaimed accessories for your home! From doorstops to bathroom shelving were sure you will find what you want with us! | | 
JD Cleaning Solutions
Details: For all your Cleaning, hygiene and janitorial supplies and equipment. From floor to ceiling, window to wall, if you need a solution we have them all @ JD Cleaning Solutions. | | 
Crimewatch Systems
Details: Security Systems & Services CCTV, Intruder Alarms, Access Control, Fire, Remote Monitoring! Vicious dogs: alsatians, rottweilers, pitbulls, and undercover giant poodles. Big teeth! | | 
Tattoo Aftercare and Piercing Care Products
Details: Tattoo Aftercare, Tattoo Care, Piercing Aftercare Products. Show your Tattoo in days not weeks! Fast Shipping 24/7 Retail and Wholesale. |
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Bedford Football Club
Details: A local friendly football club located in Bedford which offers football to children from the age of 5 to 18 and also at senior level. | | 
Penhale Embroidery & Design
Details: We offer the full embroidery solution. From basic lettering to a T-Shirt, to many thousands of items for large corporations. Caps, Bags, Shirts, Aprons. Anything. | | 
Get a Great 2nd User Laptop
Details: 2nd User Laptops, Ex-Corporate, High Spec Laptops expertly refurbished for sale. Why pay £500+ for a new laptop? | | 
RMS PR
Details: RMS has been working with Ling to get media exposure since she first started. Check the Press section! We could be working with you, too. |
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Sanger Online
Details: Can assist you in obtaining Car Finance if you have an Adverse Credit History. Deposits are sometimes required. | | 
Just Click 4 Cars
Details: Great discounts and cheap deals - a large number of our new cars and vans are offered at discount prices. | | 
Just Click 4 Vans
Details: Just Click 4 Vans are able to provide any make or model of new van available in the UK marketplace. | | 
Leden Group
Details: The Leden Group is a fantastic, privately owned contract hire and leasing company. I recommend them. |
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Car Tax Guide
Details: This website brings you the latest tax facts, figures and information cars in the UK. | | 
Auto Insider
Details: The UK motoring portal. News, blogs, what's on, motorsport and cars. | | 
Kingston Wildcats
Details: Steve Burnett, a customer of mine, is president of the Kingston Wildcats | | 
DropShip Wholesaler
Details: Worldwide Wholesale art, ipod shuffle, car alarm, dvd players, ink cartridge, dropship wholesaler from China in small quantity |
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Green Car Guide
Details: Invaluable information about the green-ness of UK cars. | | 
Martin Callanan MEP
Details: My local MEP who has supported me in fight to Green my site. | | 
JUNKK.com
Details: Rubbish needn't be a dirty word. Fantastic environmental site | | 
CAMERA-ANGLES.co.uk
Details: Have a photo taken, see it on screen, have it printed - all in 2 minutes! Weddings, sport, social events |
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Budget Car Leasing
Details: Excellent car leasing company, very customer focussed. | | 
Myworkwear.co.uk
Details: The UK's favourite online workwear and corporate wear supplier. | | 
UKCS SHOP Car Audio and Eletronics
Details: The best in UK audio and electronics, DVD and in-car PC. | | 
North East Business Directory Newcastle Sunderland Hartlepool Darlington
Details: Top directory. |
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Inautomotive.com
Details: The specialist Automotive Jobs website, All kinds of Jobs in the Automotive Industry. | | 
Granada Car Hire
Details: Offering car hire services for Granada Spain. All inclusive holiday packages including,
car hire, hotel bookings and golf tee times. | | 
Car Hire Brisbane
Details: Brisbane Car Hire at affordable rates. Our car hire vehicles caters for all budgets and needs. | | 
Anzed Car Hire
Details: Car Rental Christchurch, Rental Car in New Zealand : Anzed Rentals Limited. |
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Bad credit used car loans
Details: resources for people with bad credit history, bad credit used car loans. | | 
Buy VW Parts Online
Details: get the high quality parts you need for your Volkswagen at the prices you want. | | 
Car Insurance Portal
Details: Get the latest quotes on your car insurance online. | | 
Car Insurance Portal
Details: Get peace of mind with Warrantywise - Used Car Warranty. |
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Car Rental South Africa
Details: South Africa Car Hire Company offers the cheapest car hire/rental rates in South Africa. | | 
UK Web Directory
Details: Business directory for UK sites - Search by location, keyword and category, including event consultants, venues and accommodation. | | 
Bagga Menswear
Details: Diesel Jeans, G Star Jeans, Armani Jeans, Michiko Koshino, Evisu Jeans, Lacoste and more | | 
Car Hire South Africa
Details: South Africa Car Hire Company offers the cheapest car hire/rental rates in South Africa.
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GlobeRider Adventure
Details: Motorbike Tours Adventure Motorcycle Touring holidays & expeditions
UK to Eastern Europe, plus the ultimate motorcycle world touring adventure overland to China | | 
Bicycle and Walking tours
Details: Van Gogh Tours offers Bicycle & Walking Tours in Vermont, Holland, France, Italy and Austria with enthusiastic guides, distinctive lodgings, superior service, small groups and great prices. | | 
uSEXYthings.com
Details: uSEXYthings.com your first choice for all things sexy! Designer lingerie. Our massive lingerie section has been developed to offer absolutely every high quality style and product. | | 
The Art Directory
Details: A comprehensive web art directory. |
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Absolute Adventure : Adventure Challenge Waitomo
Details: Absolute Adventure is based at Waitomo Caves New Zealand (NZ) and provides real caving and wilderness camping adventures with New Zealand's top cavers as well as corporate team building activities and outdoor education for schools. | | 
Equipment Leasing
Details: Equipment leasing at best market rates! Apply now and get an instant lease quote. Equipment and commercial financing and SBA programs for your growing business of any size. Apply today for low monthly payments! | | 
ManMadeMag Blog
Details:Manmade Magazine is a merger from over 600 entertainment websites. | |
Car Insurance Portal
Details:Get peace of mind with Warrantywise - Used Car Warranty. |
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Pick Up Bits
Details: Accessories and parts for pick-ups in the UK. Online store. | | 
Cell Phone Chargers
Details: Find cell phone chargers for all makes and models. | | 
Seattle DUI Lawyer
Details: We are a dedicated team of legal professionals that assists people who are experiencing Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Drunk Driving in Washington state. | | 
Classic Cars For Sale
Details: We have strongest passion for top quality Classic Cars for Sale to turn into a growing business, appraise and ship them around world. |
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Alaskan Fishing Lodge
Details: Kenai Riverfront Alaska fishing lodge provides salmon, halibut and trout fishing vacation packages with 1st class accommodations and Alaskan hospitality. | | 
Carmel IN Real Estate
Details: The O'Neil Team is the leading real estate team in Carmel's premier boutique real estate firm, Sycamore Group Associates. Check out our Featured Homes! | | 
Alaska Halibut Fishing
Details: Hook & Fight trophy sized king salmon, huge halibut, and acrobatic silver salmon at the premier Kenai Peninsula Alaska Lodge on Cook Inlet. | | 
Auction My Car Off
Details: Buy or sell your car, FREE online showrooms, wanted ads, discussion forum. |
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Nokia Repairs
Details: Click here to have your Nokia or Samsung mobile phone repaired for free. We can also upgrade the software of your phone to the latest version for free. Nokia and Samsung National Repair Centres. | | 
Tazz Forum
Details: Well, I saw loads of web-visitors from this Tazz place, talking about my "ugly" website, so I thought I would give them a link - they need it! | | 
AskInsight
Details: Jeff Smith is the author of The KPI Book and is regarded by many as one of the world's leading business improvement strategists. He is one of the Motor Industry's top trainers and consultants. | | 
The KPI Book
Details: Often referred to as "The Industry Bible", this book is like a dictionary of terms for the Key Performance Indicators within the Motor Industry including Sales, Service Parts, Bodyshop and even General Management. |
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Motor Trade Insider
Details: Car buying guides, tips, advice and powerful "insider info". | | 
Property Intevstment Deals
Details: My Independent guide to the Best Property Deals on offer! Plus, I had a Mercedes from Ling, so you can see I'm real! - Alan Forsyth. | | 
Mad Science
Details: Mad Science of Greater London offers a large selection of after-school, pre-school, summer and holiday programmes, workshops, special events and birthday parties. I had a car from Ling! | | 
HUGE party band
Details: Imagine a 9-piece band that could play all styles of music from disco to reggae, rock to soul and jazz to ska and also be hilarious. It would be excellent... and it is! |
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Diesel Power Tuning
Details: If you drive a diesel, you need one!. Unlock the true potential of your diesel engine with the Diesel Power Tuning module. | | 
Randstad Ltd
Details: Randstad Ltd are one of the UK Automotive Aftermarket's leading distributors. Autobulbs, Wiperblades, Consumables and Accessories. | | 
Footmuffs & Bibs
Details: A family run business selling baby's clothing items and other accessories. | |
Western Horizon Yachts
Details: Western Horizon Yachts is a UK yacht brokers offering free virtual tours and photography of used yachts for sale in Scotland, Wales and the North West of England. |
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CAR MANUFACTURER UK WEBSITES
For Chinese car manufacturer websites (interest only - I cannot supply Chinese cars) - click HERE
I try to treat you like adult, not idiot. To help you check specifications and car equipment details and colours, I give you easy links to car manufacturer websites, below. When I linked, I looked and tested the websites. I write reviews. You might wander away, but I hope you come back! Some manufacturer's sites GOOD, some OK, most POOR in my opinion. When will manufacturers learn you want easy life, quick info and fun?
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Read my ANALYSIS of the manufacturer websites HERE
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WEBSITES by MANUFACTURER A-Z
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Alfa Romeo
Review: Wasted effort. Cars have emotion (if nothing else), website just has nothing. | | 
Aston Martin
Review: Cool almost frigid site, some (unintentionally) funny videos. | | 
Audi
Review: Comprehensive detail, but just like a glossy brochure. A bit boring. | | 
Bentley
Review: Takes over your PC, but lots of money spent here. A full screen blast. | |
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BMW
Review: Sluggish site, millions of specs and figures everywhere, no emotion. | | 
Cadillac
Review: Hehehe, it says "Winner of Golden Peacock Award", "inspired by American leadership". Nuts and irrelevant. | | 
Chevrolet
Review: Bog-standard site actually delivers straightforward info, but boring brand. | | 
Chrysler
Review: What a missed opportunity to showcase this product. Movies POOR! | |
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Citroen
Review: Fully comprehensive site, but once again NO EMOTION! | | 
Daihatsu
Review: I revisit this site, now much better. They (North Koreans?) make a bit more fun. | | 
Dodge
Review: Nice noise! Big truck pic, sports car pic, not much else. | | 
Ferrari
Review: Extremely dissapointing rubbish site, F1 link not bad. | |
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Fiat
Review: Panda microsite kooky, rust (ooops, REST) is dead boring, typical Fiat these days. | | 
Ford
Review: Not exciting, but comprehensive info and content. A lot of effort in here. | | 
Honda
Review: Real class, time and effort here, some super entertainment, vids, TOCA game. | | 
Hyundai
Review: I'm surprised! Hyundai site fast, works well, intelligent build. Congratulations. | |
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Isuzu
Review: Nasty website, unavailable images, just amatureish nonsense. Do they sell ANY cars? | | 
Jaguar
Review: Snobby site, posh, no emotion, boring. No wonder Jag not engaging buyers! | | 
Jeep
Review: Kind of endearing, 80's wallpaper, an underlying friendliness. Movies. | | 
Kia
Review: Cartoony, reasonable site, like the cars, average time and effort here. | |
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Land Rover
Review: Human perspective, GOOD site, does a fine job, makes you LIKE Land Rover! Good extra content. | | 
Lexus
Review: Ho-hum, just as expected, cold, professional but uninvolving and depressing. | | 
Lotus
Review: Simple but missed opportunity. Enter chassis no. - get list of recalls! Fantastic! At last; an idea! | | 
Maserati
Review: Written in hyperbole, but never knew they had so many cars. Incl. online job application form! | |
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Mazda
Review: Curate's egg! MX5 micro site cool, some good vids, rest competent yet boring. | | 
Mercedes-Benz
Review: A massive company with no idea how to communicate on a personal level. Calls its cars "products". Cold, big. German. | | 
Mini
Review: Just the BEST car site. You can do everything. Others should simply copy. Written by Mini lovers! I bow. | | 
Mitsubishi
Review: It's all there, just a bit messy. Interesting links to Dakar race site. | |
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Morgan
Review: Like a personal home site, it is very charmingly simple. Nice. | | 
Nissan
Review: Yet another corporate site. Terrible menus, no soul, momma! | | 
Peugeot
Review: Infuriating slow to load (deliberately!) flash pages which drive me demented. | | 
Porsche
Review: Simple yet comprehensive. Nice content, like the cars the site is just good. | |
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Proton
Review: A desperate attempt to make something from nothing. No substance, why visit? | | 
Renault
Review: Everything's there, it's just an old-fashioned presentation and too many sliding graphics. | | 
Rolls Royce
Review: Classy site, until unfocussed text makes TFT look like wrong-res. Could be so much better! | | 
SAAB
Review: Impressive! It quickly and simply delivers the info. Clear and no nonsense. | |
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SEAT
Review: Lesson in working hard, getting nowhere. Treacle-y. Guys, see SAAB's site; I hate yours. | | 
Skoda
Review: Same owners as SEAT, but a much easier site to use. Works fine, little heart, very standard. Professional. | | 
Smart
Review: Lots of content, ideas, fun. They lost their URL - fools! Pages slow, too Flash-y. However, you know they intend well. | | 
Subaru
Review: Most content there, but unloved site and looks like built by a 16-year old. "The Subaru Range" a-z's under "t"? Madness! | |
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Suzuki
Review: Site throws an error on loading, BAD gif-text graphics, just all out of focus. Technically shite. | | 
Toyota
Review: When I looked, every page seemed to have a delay. Works, but tries too hard. Should be simpler. | | 
TVR
Review: All grey and white, cars all too similar on website. Great raw material but over-processed output. | | 
Vauxhall
Review: Typical - website so AVERAGE! With GM budget, could be so much better. Why have Italian ref? | |
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Volkswagen
Review: VW site very competent, like cars. Everything certainly works. Link to What Car road tests good. | | 
Volvo
Review: No real problems - but - I just have no interest with this site, it just bored me. | | | | | |
LING'S ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURER WEBSITES
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Mini site: GOOD! | | Good sites? Well, Dodge site has nice growly engine noises (but that's all). Honda site shows some real enthusiasm and effort (and real big budget), please to check it. Not many sites are much fun, but Mini stands out and Smart tries to stand out! Good to visit, play. Remarkably Hyundai site works well, it's just that the cars boring I think but that's not website's fault. Land Rover is very good in my opinion, gives you nearly everything you would want and more besides like holiday adventure ideas. Porsche works like well oiled gun, perfect execution, and SAAB is very clear and easy to use, to find info. Daihatsu site is now much improved.
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Bad sites? Oh! - most of others really... they seem programmed by outside agencies who generally have no interest in cars, except Morgan which looks like it is programmed at home (and is no worse for it)! Most are paranoid not to offend, and in doing this they just don't endear themselves to anyone. They write in pure bollock-speak, read guff on the Maserati site! It is such a shame that Lotus, TVR, Ferrari type websites don't excite at all. There is generally a lack of interesting content. Smart have lost their URL, in that www.smart.co.uk is NOT them! Fools. Several others, like Volvo, Rolls, Mitsubishi have similar problem due to in-group issues. Suzuki quality sucks.
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Suzuki site: BAD! |
Ling's Summary All these car manufacturers with their big budgets and "fantastic" brand awareness should do so much more than they already are, on the web. Here are some top-of-my-head suggestions, and why should I have to brainstorm these? Surely, with their massive marketing departments, the car manufacturers should do better (or maybe their size is the problem)?
For instance; what about properly showcasing promo films (instead of the random scattering in various download formats and bad quality), maybe a story or two, or what about a sponsored radio play featuring their own cars? How about some interactive video fast driving lessons in the sporty cars and videos of customer fun days and track days with calendars and invitations to future events? Why not more quizzes and games (see Mini and Smart)? I think there should be more Top Gear-like films, commentary, opinion, adventures and excitement.
Why not webcams in factories showing stages of build, live? Why not show where cars are built (that might inform customers truth! Like Suzuki=Hungary or Fiat=Poland)? Why is all this hidden from us? Why not integrate their stock systems so customers could see physical availability of models, trims and colours? What about bio's of car firm management, plus films and texts of motivational speeches and industry papers or even books they have written?
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Manufacturers: CHICKEN? | |
Why not have online stores allowing us to buy mail-order car parts and brand merchandise from their websites instead of having to visit a dealer? They could still channel this through dealers! Why not publish service slot availability at all the dealers, and allow us to book our car in for a service across the dealer network, with clear costs, online? Lotus have a good little tool to interrogate chassis number and identify warranty recall issues. Well done Lotus, more of that stuff, PLEASE! Why not have a car fault FAQ, so you can enter problems and have fixes suggested online?
Perhaps we could even do something as basic as order Dinky cars from their websites, for kids, to keep them quiet while we are browsing? Why not give; free branded gifts for visitors, sponsored mp3s (download songs featuring their cars), allow us to download Top Gear/TV roadtests and features.
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I don't think any of them have integrated customer forums (only a few even have links to owner's clubs) - are they FRIGHTENED of customer comments? Where are independent ratings; JD Power, or Which? Where are the letters of recommendation and critisism (or are they perfect)? What about ebay-style feedback points for their dealers? And, for goodness sake, they need better communication! Not one car manufacturer allows you to chat online with them, in the same manner you can chat to me online! Finding a good email address or phone number is usually difficult, too, and you know it will be just IMPOSSIBLE to speak to anyone worthwhile. You just know there will be long delays if you try to phone a dealer! These websites are mostly just static shop-windows, not interactive sites and offer little more (in most cases) than an online glossy car brochure.
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Online: LING'S CHAT! |
Remember, this is an industry that sells 2,500,000 new cars in the UK each year! They should do much better! It's a massive missed opportunity, and a shame - Ling
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from Dragons' Den. I lease cheap new cars!
