Bowater Toyota Salesman Toby Bowden chats to another interested EcoFest goer about the benefits of the Toyota Prius V and hybrid technology in general.

This weekend’s Ecofest Expo was another hit with locals keen on soaking up knowledge and ideas on better living, and glancing into the exciting future of motoring.

Approximately 4000 people hit the Trafalgar Centre over Saturday and Sunday to get practical, do-it-yourself advice on how to save money, stretch their dollar further and live better for less – all the while being kind to our planet, and our future generations.

Over 100 stallholders were at Ecofest, including Bowater Toyota, in the long running event sponsored by Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.
Stands, seminars and workshops included how to heat your home efficiently and cost-effectively, advice on building eco-homes and passive solar design; designing productive gardens; saving money on car running costs; and healthy school lunches.

The interest in the Toyota Prius was as always high, with a lot more people seemingly up to speed with hybrid technology and the benefits driving a hybrid can have, both on your wallet and on the environment as well. There seems to have been a tippng point change in the conversation about the Toyota Prius range over the last year in Nelson, perhaps in part due to the 2 new models in the line up, the very affordable Prius C (from $31,280) and the larger, 7 seater Prius V (from $51,280).

The engine is now in, and it is almost time to get the motor running, and head out on the highway. Maybe Bob and his team can also look out for adventure, whatever comes their way?

The little BMG Mini is now moving along at a pretty fast pace at the moment, with all of the big jobs tackled as the refurbishment process nears its end. Last week the group behind this exciting community based project received it back after having a wonderful job done by Mortimer’s Upholstery, who completely refurbished the entire interior.

The BMG Mini is an exciting collaboration of a team of committed local retirees headed by ex mechanic Bob Croy, enthusiastic local businesses and the Bowater Motor Group, who have supplied all of the new parts needed for the project through the Parts Department of Bowater Toyota.

Bob and his team have recently spent time refitting the doors and getting all of the new rubbers and fittings around the car boot and doors. The windows are all fitted and look great. Smith and Smith Glass have fitted the front and rear screens and very generously have supplied the project with a brand new front windscreen.

The team behind the BMG Mini, affectionately self titled as the Wakefield Caffeine Crew, got the engine going last week and are very pleased to be able to say that it goes and sounds very well.