While much of the motoring world's attention will soon switch to Paris for the biennial Mondial de l'Automobile much of Ireland's attention will instead turn to Heathpark in New Ross, County Wexford for the National Ploughing Championships.
The two-day event has grown from strength to strength in recent years and now forms an important part of the automotive as well as agricultural calendar. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will again act as the official motoring sponsor of the event with 15 Amarok double-cab pick-ups on hand to ferry organisers and personnel over the 700-acre site the Championships take place on.
"We are delighted to once again receive Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles support at this year's event," said Anna May McHugh, Managing director of the National Ploughing Association. "The Amarok proved last year that it is a perfect fit for our event and will once again be a huge benefit to the exhibition team during the site build and throughout the event."
In addition to its official duties the Amarok will also be on display on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand alongside the Transporter, Caddy, Caddy Life, Crafter and California Camper Van.
While Volkswagen may be the official sponsor it is not the only manufacturer that will be in attendance. No fewer than four new Fiat Group vehicles are scheduled to make their public debuts at the Championships: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Commercial; the Jeep Compass Commercial; the Fiat Fiorino Adventure; and the Fiat Doblò Cargo Combi.
The new entries will form part of an eleven strong vehicle offensive and the debuts at the show prove just how important the National Ploughing Championships is to the Irish automotive industry. The Fiat Group expects the commercial versions of the Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee models to garner significant interest based on feedback from last year's show and the success of previous Jeep commercials within the agricultural sector.
A new name will also make its debut in New Ross when Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall, unveils the Steed double-cab pick-up truck. Available from €21,995 (excluding VAT) the Steed will feature leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, Alpine CD/USB/RDS radio, 16-inch alloys, Thatcham-approved alarm, and selectable high and low ratio four-wheel drive.
The Ploughing Championships run from 25 - 27 September. The official website is www.npa.ie.
Who needs Paris eh?