125 years of innovation from Mercedes-Benz have been encapsulated in the new SLK. The new roadster will set hearts racing with its aggressive looks and thrilling performance. Highly responsive new-generation engines together with taut suspension and agile handling ensure that you always feel close to the road.

22nd June 2011, Forces Cars Direct sponsor former soldier Paul Waters

Despite having just two seats, the Coupe matches the standard hatch for length and width, but that ridiculous squashed toupee of a roof means it sits 29mm lower. Instead of rear seats, the Coupe gets a big 280-litre luggage bay – 20 litres bigger than the Clubman’s and 75% roomier than the standard three door’s.

Aesthetically, it’s certainly an acquired taste, looking its most dramatic when viewed in profile where you can see the sharper rake of the A-pillars and windscreen and the motorised rear spoiler embedded in the roof that rises at 50mph and drops down again at 37mph.

Engine-wise it’s the same as the rest of the Mini range with a choice of petrol and diesel motors, six-speed manual gears as standard and a six-speed auto optional on all but the range topping Works.

Forces Cars Direct are helping the British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron raise money for a fantastic cause, read more:

They are serving members of a British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) (bomb disposal) Squadron who provide intimate support to the civil police within Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well as providing personnel for 20 bomb disposal teams in Afghanistan and other theatres. The current threat from Improvised Explosive Devices (more commonly known as roadside bombs) within Afghanistan is still very high and these indiscriminate devices endanger the lives of the Afghan civilian population as well as coalition forces from all nations.

Members of our Squadron / Regiment selflessly put their lives on the line on a daily basis to help mitigate this threat.

The Challenge

British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron are planning an event in June for a team from 521 EOD Squadron, consisting of 8 pairs, to relay run the 272 mile length of the Pennine Way national trail beginning in Edale, Derbyshire and finishing in Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border. They have set thereselves an ambitious time limit of no more than 100 hours to complete this challenge. This is certainly no easy feat, given that an average hill walker will do the same route over a period between 2 and 3 weeks.

The Charities

The funds raised in sponsorship for this event will be split between two excellent and very worthy charities:

1. St Dunstan’s. St Dunstan’s gives invaluable physical and emotional support to blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

2. The British Limbless Ex-Serviceman’s Association (BLESMA). BLESMA is a national charity which supports wounded service personnel who lose limbs, the use of limbs or their eyesight in the service of their country, from World War veterans to current day service personnel.

Both these charities provide life-long support, proving that there certainly is life after a serious injury!

Why them?

As a close knit Squadron both these charities are more relevant than ever before. Three of their members have been seriously injured on Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan during the last 18 months. One of these sustained serious head / eye injuries which resulted in the loss of an eye and the other sustained a traumatic amputation of both legs, two fingers as well as an eye injury.

Without the continuing work of these fantastic charities, these and other injured servicemen and women will potentially lose the support they often require.

Since operations began in Afghanistan members of 11 EOD Regiment as a whole have sustained many serious injuries and tragically 6 close friends of us all have paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duties (WO2 Gary O'Donnell GM and Bar, Capt Dan Shepherd GM, SSgt Olaf 'Oz' Schmid GC, Capt Dan Read, SSgt Bret Linley GM and Capt Lisa Head).

Thank you for taking your time to read this. If you would be willing to make a donation to our worthy causes, please visit:

www.justgiving.com/pennine100pursuit

1st June 2011, New Citroen DS4

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, New Citroën DS4 blends coupe styling with five door versatility. A bold and distinctive exterior design is complemented by an elegant and high quality interior. The second model in our DS range, DS4 is our latest addition to the C-segment and offers dynamic handling, flair and individuality, DS4 is a model that stands out from the mainstream.

Prior to its launch in the UK, New Citroën DS4 has already attracted plenty of attention. Voted ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2010’ by 60,000 internet pollsters across 62 countries, the car was also awarded ‘Most Beautiful Interior 2010’. DS4 will be available to drive at the GreenFleet Arrive ‘N’ Drive event at Rockingham Motor Speedway on the 26th May, and at Company Car in Action at Millbrook on the 28 & 29 June.

June 2011 News

22nd June 2011, Forces Cars Direct sponsor former soldier Paul Waters